Evidence about the total cost of health, absence, short-term disability, and productivity losses was synthesized for 10 health conditions. Cost estimates from a large medical/absence database were combined with findings from several published productivity surveys. Ranges of condition prevalence and associated absenteeism and presenteeism (on-the-job-productivity) losses were used to estimate condition-related costs. Based on average impairment and prevalence estimates, the overall economic burden of illness was highest for hypertension ($392 per eligible employee per year), heart disease ($368), depression and other mental illnesses ($348), and arthritis ($327). Presenteeism costs were higher than medical costs in most cases, and represented 18% to 60% of all costs for the 10 conditions.

Data for 374,799 employees from six large employers were analyzed. Absence and disability losses constituted 29% of the total health and productivity related expenditures for physical health conditions, and 47% for all of the mental health conditions examined. The top-10 most costly physical health conditions were: angina pectoris; essential hypertension; diabetes mellitus; mechanical low back pain; acute myocardial infarction; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; back disorders not specified as low back; trauma to spine and spinal cord; sinusitis; and diseases of the ear, nose and throat or mastoid process. The most costly mental health disorders were: bipolar disorder, chronic maintenance; depression; depressive episode in bipolar disease; neurotic, personality and non-psychotic disorders; alcoholism;, anxiety disorders; schizophrenia, acute phase; bipolar disorders, severe mania; nonspecific neurotic, personality and non-psychotic disorders; and psychoses. Implications for employers and health plans in examining the health and productivity consequences of common health conditions are discussed.

At the academy of wellness, we conduct stress assessment using the latest biofeedback devices to minimize stress and mental health issues in the workplace.

Dr. George Grant, CEO of www.academyofwellness.com completed his doctorate degree at the University of Toronto and worked as a senior consultant for Health Canada at their Occupational Health & Safety Division, Health Protection Branch, Ottawa, ON.

The prostate is a male reproductive gland that produces the fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation. It surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine passes out of the body.

An enlarged prostate means the gland has grown bigger. Prostate enlargement happens to almost all men as they get older. As the gland grows, it can press on the urethra and cause urination and bladder problems.

An enlarged prostate is often called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or benign prostatic hypertrophy. It is not cancer, and it does not raise your risk for prostate cancer.

Common Symptoms:

• Dribbling at the end of urinating
• Inability to urinate (urinary retention)
• Incomplete emptying of your bladder
• Incontinence
• Needing to urinate two or more times per night
• Pain with urination or bloody urine (these may indicate infection)
• Slowed or delayed start of the urinary stream
• Straining to urinate
• Strong and sudden urge to urinate
• Weak urine stream
  Integrative Treatments for BPH:

  1. ALPHA BLOCKERS

  The long acting alpha blocker, phenoxybenzamine, was shown to reduce BPH symptoms as early as 1976. Predictable side effects (dizziness and orthostatic hypotension) limited its popularity. Selective alpha-1 antagonists including prazosin, doxazosin, and terazosin have been shown to reduce symptoms better than placebo in short term studies. Recently, a major US trial demonstrated the superiority of terazosin (10 mg at h.s.) over both finasteride (5 mg at h.s.) and placebo in 1229 men followed for 1 year. Adding finasteride provided no additional benefit to terazosin alone. AUA score dropped within 4 weeks, the effect was maximum by 13 weeks and was maintained for 1 year. At 1 year the average difference in symptom score between terazosin and placebo was 3.5 units.

  Principal adverse effects of terazosin expressed as absolute risk increase (ARI)* above placebo were: dizziness (ARI = 19%), asthenia (ARI = 7%), and postural hypotension (ARI = 7%). Shorter term controlled trials have demonstrated similar efficacy for prazosin and doxazosin, but no direct comparison of the drugs exists. A 6-8pm dose of the shorter-acting and less expensive prazosin may be a logical choice for a therapeutic trial in patients whose symptoms are mainly nocturnal. The lowest dose of alpha-antagonist to achieve symptomatic relief should be determined by starting with the lowest dose and slowly titrating up.

  2. 5-ALPHA REDUCTASE INHIBITORS

  Finasteride blocks the conversion of testosterone to active dihydrotestosterone within prostatic cells. A 1992 study of 895 BPH patients randomized to finasteride 5 mg daily or placebo for 1 year showed a mean 2.7 unit reduction in a 36 point symptom score in men treated with finasteride. The more recent comparison of finasteride with terazosin and placebo failed to show any benefit from finasteride, even compared with placebo. A Canadian trial of 472 men followed for 2 years demonstrated a statistically significant but clinically modest difference in symptom scores favouring finasteride (5 mg/d) over placebo. The group difference was 1.4 points on a 54 point scale. Adverse effects of finasteride were relatively common, notably impotence ( ARI = 10% ) and ejaculation disorder (ARI = 6%). Finasteride may be more likely to work in men with large prostates. Symptomatic improvement appears to be detectable by 2 months, and 1mg reduces prostate size as effectively as 5 mg, so a lower dose may be more cost-efficient.

  Recently, a meta-analysis of finasteride trials has provided the first evidence that a drug may prevent surgery or acute urinary retention. Among 4022 men randomized to finasteride or placebo for 2 years, finasteride slightly reduced both. However the absolute risk reduction was only 1.6% for retention (NNT/2 years = 63) and 2.3% for surgery (NNT/2 years = 43).

  Table: Drugs for BPH symptoms

  Generic Name	Trade Name	Dose Range	Daily Cost*
  Prazosin	Minipress®, generic	0.5-10 mg BID **	$0.16-$1.28
  Terazosin	Hytrin®	1-20 mg daily **	$0.58-$2.92
  Doxazosin	Cardura®	1-16 mg daily **	$0.58-$3.58
  Finasteride	Proscar®	5 mg daily	$1.69

  3. Natural Treatments for BPH:

  SAW PALMETTO EXTRACT (SERENOA REPENS)

  Phytotherapy (herbal therapy) remains popular in the treatment of BPH, especially in Germany. Extracts of saw palmetto berry (dwarf palm, S. repens) are the most widely used. A recent RCT provides the first reliable evidence of efficacy for beta-sitosterol, an extract of saw palmetto containing several phytosterols. Two hundred men were randomized to placebo or 20 mg beta-sitosterol daily as “Harzol” (Hoyer, Germany). At 6 months, placebo reduced IPSS score (equivalent to AUA score) by 2.3 points, whereas beta-sitosterol achieved a reduction of 7.4 points. The difference in favour of phytosterol was detectable by 3 months. Adverse effects were reported to be minimal and only 6 of 100 beta-sitosterol treated patients withdrew. The doses of other saw palmetto extracts equivalent to that used in this trial are unknown. No evidence is available for long term safety or effectiveness, as regulatory agencies do not require this information for plant products.

  in Europe is a combination of saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol. While not popular in the U.S., they are natural alternatives that reduce urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate. The researchers at Prostate Pill Report have reviewed some of the best supplements on the market for their saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol content so you can make an informed decision.

  Pharmaceuticals VS. Natural

  There is no question that the four leading prescription drugs for prostate problems (Avodart, Flomax, Proscar and Cardura) can and do help many men who are suffering from prostate problems. But they certainly do not work for all men and there is a growing concern and fear among men of the side effects reported with these drugs.

  The study from Dr. Abraham Morgantaler. He’s a Clinical Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School. And a practicing urologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. During his career he also founded Men’s Health Boston. Which focuses on male sexual health.

Dr. Morgentaler has just made his research public. He unveiled it to the American Urology Association (AUA) in San Francisco. His peers are now calling him a “visionary.”

New Theory Based on Simple Logic

Dr. Morgentaler is revolutionizing how we see prostate health. But he says his theory is simple logic.

He asks… how can raised testosterone cause prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is an older man’s problem. And younger men have much more testosterone than older men.

“Prostate cancer becomes prevalent exactly at the time of a man’s life when testosterone levels decline,” says Dr. Morgentaler.

If anything, he says, the reverse is true. Too little testosterone is the problem.

But the good news is… This is a problem that can be fixed. And Dr. Morgentaler has done that first hand. First with his own patients. And now in a published study. Just to prove his findings and get the word out there!

Theory in Practice

Dr. Morgentaler’s breakthrough began in 2004. He was working with male patients each day in his practice. He dealt with prostate cancer on a daily basis.

One day, an 84-year-old man came in with untreated prostate cancer. Doctor and patient began talking about the fact that most doctors believe elevated testosterone causes prostate cancer. And how it doesn’t make much sense.

By the end of the conversation, his patient was determined to test out that theory. He asked to be treated with testosterone. So together they began testing out the treatment.

They couldn’t believe the results. Dr. Morgentaler watched his “special” patient closely over two years. And during that time his PSA levels declined. More and more each month. The cancer stopped growing. In fact, it went into remission. And his patient gradually began to feel better. More like his old self.

Eager to get the word out there, Dr. Morgentaler wrote up his findings in the Harvard Medical Gazette.

Reference:

www.Pub Med Health.com

Beta Endorphins, the endogenous opiates, have been the subject of

many recent publications.

Beta Endorphin levels have positive effects, particularly on mood and

behaviour. Endorphins increased after aerobic exercise, massage, and sex.

Beta-endorphin is composed of the 31 amino acids and influence the sensation

of pain and well being. It has been shown also to Control the craving for

chocolate and and potentially addictive substances.

Endorphins also Control feelings of stress and frustration.

It Regulate the production of growth and sex hormones and

Reduce symptoms associated with eating disorders.

Endorphins (“endogenous morphine”) are endogenous opioid peptides that function as neurotransmitters.

They are produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in vertebrates during exercise, excitement, pain, consumption of spicy food, love and orgasm, and they resemble the opiates in their abilities to produce analgesia and a feeling of well-being.

The term endorphin implies a pharmacological activity (analogous to the activity of the corticosteroid category of biochemicals) as opposed to a specific chemical formulation. It consists of two parts: endo- and -orphin; these are short forms of the words endogenous and morphine,intended to mean “a morphine-like substance originating from within the body.

The term endorphin rush has been adopted in popular speech to refer to feelings of exhilaration brought on by pain, danger, or other forms of stress, supposedly due to the influence of endorphins. When a nerve impulse reaches the spinal cord, endorphins that prevent nerve cells from releasing more pain signals are released. Immediately after injury, endorphins allow animals to feel a sense of power and control over themselves that allows them to persist with activity for an extended time.

The human body produces at least 20 different endorphins with possible benefits and uses that researchers are investigating. Beta-endorphin appears to be the endorphin that seems to have the strongest affect on the brain and body during exercise; it is one kind of peptide hormone that is formed mainly by Tyrosine, an amino acid. The molecular structure is very similar to morphine but with different chemical properties.

While many people are vaguely aware that the blissful feelings one experiences after sex may be endorphin related, few are aware that endorphins are naturally produced by a wide range of activities like meditation, deep breathing, ribald laughter, eating spicy food, or receiving acupuncture treatments or chiropractic adjustments. Fewer still know that endorphins are actually good for health, and can play a role in helping drug and alcohol abusers overcome their addiction. Let’s explore some of the dynamics of endorphins and how they affect our daily lives.

Although more research needs to be done, endorphins are believed to produce four key effects on the bodymind: they enhance the immune system, they relieve pain, they reduce stress, and postpone the aging process. Scientists also have found that beta-endorphins can activate human NK (Natural Killer) cells and boost the immune system against diseases and kill cancer cells. In contrast to short-intensity workouts like sprinting or weightlifting, prolonged, continuous exercise like running, long-distance swimming, aerobics, cycling or cross-country skiing appears to contribute to an increased production and release of endorphins. This results in a sense of euphoria that has been popularly labeled the “runner’s high.”

Dr. George Grant participated in early research[1981] in isolating Beta Endorphins in neonates at the faculty pharmacy, University of Sask. and the neonatal unit at the faculty of Medicine, University of Sask. with Dr. Wayne Hindmarsh, assistant dean of Pharmacy at Univrsity of Sask. currently Dean of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto and Dr. Sankaran, Facutly of Medicine.

Dr. K. Wayne Hindmarsh, PhD; Dr. K.Sankaran,t MB FRCPC FAAP

CAN MED ASSOC J, VOL. 132, FEBRUARY 15, 1985

Learn how to live healthier, longer and avoid Toxicity. Plan to join us and invite friends.  Register  www.globalteleclass.com

Email drgrantwellness@gmail.com for details.

Hair loss in women is most common during menopause due to hormone fluctuation. You can check your hormone profile with your physician particularley your thyroid hormone. You can verify if you have low thyroid hormone by measuring under the arm temperature upon rising in the morning which suppose to be 97.8F to 98.2 F or 36.8 C to 37.2 C. Lower temperature below the lower limit indicates hypothyrodism or low thyroid. Higher temperature above the higher limits indicates hyperthyrodism. Both can be corrected by using Bioidential Hormone Treatment, using natural/herbal supplements.

If you must use prescription or over the counter medications, ask your doctor and your pharmacist for possible side effects. Follow their advice and see if there is any possible drug drug interaction or drug and supplement interaction.

Prime Internationa Journal of Antiaging, Dec. 2011

What’s up with your teeth? New research published in the British Dental Journal (via Rodale.com) which looks at the effect of sweeteners on teeth may offer some clues.

While there is an established link between sugar and tooth decay — sugar is easily broken down by bacteria in the mouth, creating a plaque-y environment that’s hard for saliva to wash away and which contributes to cavities — there hasn’t been a lot of research with regard to the use of sugar substitutes on oral health.

Two of the most commonly used sweeteners in sugar-free gums and candies are xylitol and sorbitol — next time you buy a pack of gum, check the ingredients and you’ll see that most sugar-free brands use either one or the other.

Interested to find out if there is a link between tooth decay and sugar substitutes, the authors of the British paper surveyed research on both ingredients. They discovered that while the sweeteners are low in calories and help prevent cavities — this is particularly true of xylitol — that they still had drawbacks.

The study authors found that xylitol and sorbitol, when ingested in combination with other acidic flavourings or preservatives — for example, in a fruit-flavoured sugar-free gum — can actually work together to erode tooth enamel.

So what gum should you choose next time you’re at the convenience store? Xylitol Sugarless Gum

We offer onsite wellness lectures and Biofeedback Scans as well as offsite wellness retreats to improve employee’s productivity, reduce stress and reduce absenteeism to improve the company profits. Please visit the Lunch & Learn section for details. 

A new study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine evaluated the effectiveness of a worksite wellness program at improving health behaviors and personal health. For this, they used small business employer Woodard & Curran, an integrated engineering, science and operations company.

The study authors noted that small and midsized businesses often face barriers to implementing effective wellness programs, including lack of dedicated wellness staff, cost, employees that are located across wide geographical areas, and lack of time and knowledge necessary to offer behavior change programming. The wellness program designed for Woodard & Curran employees was meant to help overcome some of those barriers.

Beginning in 2009, a wellness program to promote better physical fitness and diet was offered to Woodard & Curran’s 472 full-time employees (29 percent women and 71 percent men). Ages ranged from 22 to 68, with an average age of 43.

If they choose to do so, employees could complete a 26-question Personal Health Assessment (PHA) in 2009 and 2010 on nutrition, physical activity, health status, life satisfaction, sleep quality, smoking, demographics and seat belt use, and they were encouraged to participate in the wellness program.

To create their program, they brought in an outside company that specializes in employee wellness solutions called WellSteps. The program used was designed specifically for small to midsize companies that lack the resources to manage a wellness program. Employee representatives from Woodard & Curran voted on which initiatives they felt should be offered to all employees and selected the incentives that would be offered as part of the program.

Participants were given weekly tasks to complete during each of the following six behavior change campaigns, and each behavior change intervention lasted from three to eight weeks:

The Culprit and the Cure and the Fast Food Guide: Participants applied science-based healthy lifestyle principles from The Culprit and the Cure. Weekly tasks included reading and quizzes, watching brief videos, reviewing personal assessment results, setting behavior change goals, teaching friends or family key principles, and sharing the book with someone else at the end of the campaign. In addition, participants learned to use the Fast Food Guide to make healthy fast food choices. Weekly tasks included a reading and quiz, going out to eat with others and using the guide to make a healthy choice, practicing rating foods, and sharing the book with someone else at the end of the campaign.

Move It!: Participants competed with coworkers to engage in 30 minutes of physical activity at least three days a week for six weeks. Weekly tasks included watching a video on the benefits of exercise, logging steps or minutes of exercise, team meetings and team exercise.

Good Night: Participants made changes in their sleep habits, routine and environment to improve sleep quality. Weekly tasks included watching brief videos, assessing pre-sleep behaviors, setting sleep goals and schedules, modifying their sleep environment and keeping a sleep journal.

Maintain Don’t Gain: Participants applied strategies to manage caloric intake and to increase energy expenditure during the holidays. Weekly tasks included a weigh-in and applying behavioral strategy to manage weight.

Food Makeover: Participants modified their home environment by replacing unhealthy food with healthier options. Weekly tasks included watching brief videos, assessing and changing their food environment at home, applying healthy substitutions at the store, making and using a shopping list, and preparing healthy recipes.

Stress-Free: Participants learned to identify and manage stressors by applying simple strategies. Weekly tasks included watching brief videos, assessing common stressors, practicing a stress management technique, applying strategies to eliminate or reduce stressors, helping those in need and using humor.

Worksite Wellness Programs Can Work

Two hundred and seventy employees completed the Personal Health Assessment in 2009, and 175 of those (65 percent) also completed it in 2010. Of those who completed the PHA in 2009, 192 (71 percent) participated in the wellness program. Participants tended to be younger, and women were significantly more likely than men to complete the PHA and wellness program (67 percent versus 30 percent).

At the end of the program, each of the reported health behaviors had significantly improved:

• Time and number of days spent exercising per week
• Amount of whole grain, vegetables and fruit consumed
• Nights of restful sleep
• Seat belt use
• Life satisfaction
• Self-perceived health

The only health behavior that did not significantly improve was smoking, which started and remained very low. Additionally, BMI remained constant, but blood pressure significantly decreased among those who participated in the wellness program. In fact, those with borderline/high blood pressure decreased from 22 percent to 15 percent.

Interestingly, the one big negative was that job satisfaction decreased significantly during the course of the program. However, as the authors noted, 2009 was a tough year for the U.S. economy, and many companies had to lay off workers and/or reduce salaries.  This did not happen at Woodard & Curran, but the company was forced to reduce employee costs by slowing hiring, using more temporary workers and freezing salaries. And this may explain the decreased job satisfaction despite the fact that participants reported improved self-perceived health.

Join or Start a Worksite Wellness Program

If your employer already offers some type of wellness program, be sure to take full advantage of it. If they don’t, you could speak with your HR rep about getting one started or even recruit some fellow employees on your own.

You could use modified versions of the programs mentioned here or come up with your own plan. Just remember to have some fun with it to keep people interested in making healthy lifestyle choices, and don’t underestimate the power of incentives.

Here’s one example of a fun, incentive-based program you could try: Design a weight-loss competition based on the popular TV show, “The Biggest Loser.” Have everyone who is interested in playing donate a pre-determined amount to a joint fund. Set a specified time frame and do weigh-ins throughout the program. At the end of the competition, the person who has lost the biggest percentage of their body weight (as opposed to the most pounds to keep the playing field level) wins the money in the pot. It’s a great way to get your coworkers involved in a friendly competition that you can all benefit from.