Texas Troops Among Those Who May Suffer Psychological Disorders After Iraq

General David Patraeus, the U.S.'s top military commander in Iraq, stated he was "very concerned" about the trend of ethical behavior displayed by troops in the region. Perhaps this admittance was influenced by reports that as many as one-third of troops employed torture techniques, and that the majority of military surveyed would not turn in a colleague for doing so. This, amid heated controversy over an increasingly unpopular war, military returning home with psychological impairments, stories of U.S. soldiers torturing detainees at Abu Graib, and President Bush's plan to add more to the roughly 20, 000 additional troops he sent to Iraq earlier this year.

Antioxidants May Prevent Bone Loss: Texas Sees New Treatments For Osteoporosis

New research suggests that taking antioxidants may prevent bone loss in menopausal women, one of the primary health concerns associated with this condition. Every year, 500, 000 American women suffer at least one fracture of the vertebrae, and 300, 000 sustain hip fractures. Fractures related to osteoporosis, or the thinning and weakening of bones, amounts to $10 billion every year in national healthcare costs, and approximately $977 million in Texas alone. In fact, 1.9 million Texans suffer from osteoporosis or bone loss at any given moment -- and they're not all menopausal women. That means in every city and small town -- from Dallas, to Houston, to Austin, to the Eastern plains -- someone is significantly affected by weakening bones.

Popping Pills May Slow Down In Texas: Industries Report Most Vitamins Are Manufactured In China

The next time you reach for a vitamin C tablet, you may want to rethink it. According to recent industry reports, 90% of all vitamin C sold in the U.S. is manufactured in China. China also produces half of all aspirin, 70% of penicillin, 35% of acetaminophen (most commonly known as Tylenol), and the majority of vitamins A, C, E, and B-12. This isn't to say that all goods, or even all vitamins for that matter, made in China are inferior or unsafe, but in light of past toothpaste and food contamination scandals, and particularly considering the recent wheat gluten scare -- in which thousands of beloved pets were sickened or died due to contaminated wheat gluten imported from China -- an intensive investigation into the matter may be worthwhile.

Exposing and Evading Grocery Store Fat Traps in Texas

My wife recently pigged out on beef jerky. What was supposed to be light, healthy snacking turned into an all-out eating binge. Her ravenous consumption of the stuff made me think it must be an especially good brand. I was in a hurry when I bought it at my local health food store - and that"s where I messed up big time. Ignoring the label, I was caught by the number one grocery store fat trap - which was the cause of my wife"s abnormal appetite. A grocery store fat trap is nothing more than a scheme designed by food manufacturers to make you eat more of something that you think is healthy. These foods and food additives are fat fertilizer. They are great for a company"s bottom line, but really bad for your "bottom.

Does Stress Lead to Increased Diabetes Risk?

It is believed that improperly unmanaged stress is a major determinant in almost all illness conditions. Does stress also leads to diabetes? Let us investigate. There are two major types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is also known as juvenile diabetes because it starts in children and young adults. It is due to insufficient amount of insulin being produced (known as insulin deficiency). Since it does not start later in life, we can safely conclude that type 1 diabetes mellitus is unlikely to be caused by stress. Type 2 diabetes mellitus usually occurs later in life, after the age of forty. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the most common form of diabetes.

What s Wrong With What You Eat?

In recent years more people have come to realize the importance of selecting the foods that will most benefit their health. This interest in the life giving values of food is great as it marks a great advance in human welfare. Below you will find 8 important facts you should know about eating healthy. 1. Eat all your foods as close to their natural state as possible. Most people overcook their food, specially their vegetables. For example, most people peel their potatoes before they cook them. Potatoes in particular should never be peeled for the most valuable elements lie directly under or in the skin. 2. Get your vitamins and minerals naturally, not from "enriched" products.

Can you pass this health test?

1. If I cut a cantaloupe in two and eat one half and the other half I put it back in the refrigerator for 2 or 3 days, when I go back to eat it will it have the same amount of Vitamin C as the first half I ate? (a) Yes or (b) No. 2. Is cooking in aluminum pots healthy? (a) Yes or (b) No. 3. Should I avoid the sun at all costs? (a) Yes or (b) No. 4. Which of these types of milk is healthier? (a) raw milk, (b) hot milk, (c) pasteurized whole milk, (d) fat free milk 5. If I'm going to use sugar, which one of these should I use? (a) powdered sugar, (b) white sugar, (c) raw sugar, (d) refined brown sugar. Answers: 1. NO! ! ! The Vitamin C content of fruits and vegetables is lost at an extremely fast rate once the vegetable fibers have been cut or bruised.

Is Essential Hypertension A Danger to Your Health?

If your blood pressure reading is 140/90, you have high blood pressure (essential hypertension). Blood pressure measurements are read as two numbers. The higher number is called the systolic pressure. The lower number is called the diastolic pressure. Normal systolic pressure is 120 or less, and normal diastolic pressure is 80 or less. People with systolic pressures between 120 and 139, or diastolic pressures of 80 to 89 are considered "pre-hypertensive" and need medical monitoring and lifestyle changes. High blood pressure puts stress on the heart, lungs, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels. Over time, it can damage these organs and tissues. What Are The Causes?

Saving a Sick Tooth: The Root Canal Treatment for a Dental Infection

The emphasis on proactive healthcare has resulted in new attention to oral hygiene"s role in maintaining physical wellbeing. Dozens of new products are being marketed and the beauty of the human smile is now in the spotlight right next to firm skin, body nutrition and lustrous hair. Many of us regularly use products such as; antiseptic mouthwashes, toothpastes that whiten, remove plaque, prevent gingivitis, tongue scrapers and flavored dental floss to manage oral hygiene challenges such as sensitive teeth, halitosis or discolored enamel. These products are great, but no matter how advanced your toothbrush may be, having your teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist;

How to Choose Your Personal Dentist for Teeth Whitening, Extraction and Filling

How many people do you know that would buy a car and never take the car to a mechanic for maintenance? I would venture to say that cars can make you visit a mechanic whether you want to or not. There are people who have the same attitude toward oral hygiene; they do not visit a dentist until they are in pain. But just as with a car, regular proper maintenance can prevent conditions from becoming major problems. Would you consider not brushing your teeth for six months? I hope the answer to that question is no. But even the best oral hygiene home equipment cannot compete with the professional