Monday, 21 December, 2009
Graphic Source: Purdue Horticulture Edu.
”Hibiscus sabdariffa, or sour tea, is used in many parts of the world to make both cold and hot drinks. We might know it in English by the name Hibiscus or red sorrel. In Arabic it is called karkade, and in Iran, it is mainly known as sour tea. Sour tea, or Hibiscus, contains many constituents including , L-ascorbic acid, anthocyanin, beta-carotene, citric acid, pectin, quercetin, stearic acid and wax. The medicinal parts of the plant include the flower, sepal, leaves, stems and seeds. The extracts of the sepal contain significant amounts of vitamin C, anthocyanins and polyphenols and the highest concentration of water-soluble antioxidants. Traditionally, it has been used in folk medicine for several health issues including high blood pressure, liver diseases, loss of appetite, circulation, and as a gentle laxative and diuretic.
Lin et al showed that drinking Hibiscus tea for 4 weeks reduced total cholesterol by 8.3% to 14.4% ( Nutrition Res 2007;27:140-145). Animal studies have shown that rats with diabetes had a positive effect with Hibiscus on glucose and lipids. (Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2007;21:601-609). I {Dr. Tori Hudson} reported on the effectiveness of Hibiscus tea in reducing systolic blood pressure in a recent column. (J Human Hypertension 2009;23:48-54.)”
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Wednesday, 21 October, 2009
Mary Jo Kreitzer at the University of Minnesota and the Center for Spirituality and Healing recently addressed a topic on her blog that I’ve blogged about (Nurse Practitioners’ Role In Healthcare Reform) and talked about for years to all who are within listening range. It is a must read for everyone as we, lay and professional, are all consumers of health care!
“Leaders in the Healthcare Trenches: Let’s Start Recognizing Nurses for Their Expertise”
“Why aren’t we hearing more about nurse practitioners and nurse mid-wives as part of the solution in the health reform debate? In studies, it has been found that nurse practitioners can effectively manage 80% of primary care. They are leaders with expertise in promoting health and wellness and in chronic disease management.
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Monday, 5 January, 2009
Today, with an increasing older population and inadequate health system, there is an accompanying interest in complementary and alternative therapies.
One of the goals of The Healthy People 2010 Report is to increase the quality of life and years of life of all individuals. I am assuming that “years of life” refers to “longevity” or life expectancy. The United States rank # 19 with a life expectancy of 78.9 years and Japan ranks #1 with a life expectancy of 82.9 years for women. Men in the U.S. rank #25/ 72.5 years and Japan rank #1/76.4 years.
The focus areas of the report include, among others, health communication, heart disease & stroke, and nutrition & overweight. All these focus areas are included as risk factor for the Metabolic Syndrome. A poor nutritional status and obesity are risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Health illiteracy is a risk factor for a sundry of medical conditions and chronic diseases. Where is the quality of life if there is increased longevity and a decrease in the numbers of health care providers, access to health care and the quality of service?
Simply stated, age is a factor for most chronic diseases. The number of people who use CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) is increasing among adults and older adults do not discuss their use of CAM with their providers. This is one reason why communication/dialogue is important between the primary care provider and the patient. This does not happen in a fifteen minute session. As a result, patients seek other therapies such as CAM.
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