Honey Bees: The Latest Weapon in the Cancer War

Honey Bees: The Latest Weapon in the Cancer War

Take your vacation, or die?

By Dean Obeidallah, Special to CNN

July 15, 2012 -- Updated 1327 GMT (2127 HKT)

Are you feeling down or burnt out from work? Studies suggest that taking vacation is good for you. If your budget allows, the French Riveria offers a great escape.

HIDE CAPTION

Time to recharge

<<

<

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

>

>>

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Studies show not taking vacations is associated with health problems
• Dean Obeidallah: As a nation, we are obsessed with work
• He says working more does not necessarily mean a better bottom line
• Obeidallah: Don't apologize for taking your annual vacation

Editor's note: Dean Obeidallah, a former attorney, is a political comedian and frequent commentator on various TV networks including CNN. He is the editor of the politics blog "The Dean's Report" and co-director of the upcoming documentary, "The Muslims Are Coming!" Follow him on Twitter: @deanofcomedy

(CNN) -- "I guess you want to have a heart attack?"

That is the question you should ask yourself every time you put off taking a vacation.

Here's the deal. Studies have shown that not taking vacations is linked to health problems. And if people skip vacations, there's a chance that they may die younger than those who don't.

Dean Obeidallah

I think employers should be required to post warning labels in the workplace similar to those on cigarettes packs. I'd love to see a big sign in the break room that reads: "WARNING: Working too many weeks without a vacation is going to kill you. Seriously, you are going to die from it."

We are all well aware that stress is harmful to our health. It causes problems ranging from ulcers to body aches to insomnia. Vacations are one of the major antidotes to stress.

Travel: Relax, it's only a vacation

Vacationing is good for your health

One study found that men at high risk for coronary heart disease, and who failed to take annual vacations, were 32% more susceptible to dying from a heart attack.

Another study compared women who vacationed at least twice a year to those who took one every six years or less. Astoundingly, the women who did not vacation annually were almost eight times more likely to develop coronary heart disease or have a heart attack.

As a nation, we are obsessed with work. Some view taking a vacation as a sign of weakness. Others who haven't vacationed in years see it as a badge of honor. And still others apologize for taking a vacation, as they feel guilty for taking time off even though they have earned it.

The average American worker has 14 vacation days per year, but most only use 12 of those days. Worse than that, about 25% of Americans don't take any vacation at all. The U.S. is the only industrialized nation in the world that does not legally require workers to be provided a set number of paid vacation days.

This is in stark contrast to Europe where the European Union mandates that workers be provided with 20 paid vacation days every year. Anyone wants to guess which place has higher life expectancy: U.S. or Europe? European countries win, of course. In fact, the U.S. is 28th in the world in life expectancy.

If saving your life isn't enough of a reason to take a few vacations, here is another: People who take annual vacations are more productive.

A 2010 study found that 35% of Americans feel better about their job and are more productive after a vacation. Vacations have been found to help us recharge -- we sleep better during them and for a period of time afterwards. And our brain responses become quicker after vacations.

As difficult as it is for some to believe, working more hours does not necessarily translate to a better bottom line or higher productivity. For example, Greeks work the most in Europe -- averaging 2,017 hours per year. Yet, they are no better off as their economy is a wreck.

Now take a look at Germany -- Europe's economic powerhouse. I'm sure some would guess that the Germans work longer hours. Wrong. Germans work on average 1,408 hours per year, placing them second to last among the 25 European nations in hours worked annually. They also receive on average 30 paid vacation days a year -- the most in Europe.

A vacation doesn't have to be two weeks on the French Riviera. It can be a trip to the Jersey shore -- the real one, not the one with Snooki and Mike "the Situation." It could be a camping expedition or a few days in the mountains.  The point is -- it could be as adventurous or low key as you want it to be.

I have seen first hand the consequence of not taking regular vacations. My father -- the workaholic -- hated vacations. He refused to take them on annual basis. Sadly, he passed away some years ago after his third open heart surgery at a much younger age than his peers. There's no doubt that stress reduction -- such as yearly vacations -- could have extended his life.

Travel: Readers share vacation planning tactics

So if you're thinking of skipping your vacation, it's not too late to change your mind. The summer just started. You'll feel better rested, healthier and more productive.

Or, you can choose to keep working non-stop like a hamster running on a wheel that keeps going faster and faster. Until, finally, one day, you collapse, are carried off on a stretcher, and replaced by a similar looking creature.

What's it going to be?

Follow us on Twitter @CNNOpinion

Join us on Facebook/CNNOpinion

The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Dean Obeidallah.

Want to Look and Feel Younger? Take a Vacation!

By Sylvia Anderson, IH Editor

When is the last time you went on vacation?  If you are still trying to remember, you may not be as close to the Fountain of Youth as those who travel and go on vacation regularly.  Several studies have found that vacationing at least once a year brings many health benefits that can actually make you live longer!

Going on a vacation at least once a year may help add years to your life, according to a study conducted by the State University of New York.  The team of researchers surveyed 12,000 men between the ages of 35 to 57, and found that taking time off from work once a year, for at least a week, reduced their overall risk of dying by 20 percent.  On the other hand, men who didn’t take a vacation in five years had the highest rate of death, and experienced more heart disease than everyone else surveyed.
 
Aside from possibly increasing your life expectancy, there are several other benefits that come from taking time off:

Better Mental Health – There was a recent study published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal that found women who took vacations more frequently were less likely to become depressed, tired, or stressed.   The women who rarely took time off, though, had trouble sleeping at night and developed stress easier.  While this study focused on women, it’s hard to imagine that men won’t have similar results.

Increased Happiness – Do you know that feeling of anxiousness and excitement that follows after booking a vacation?  Dutch scientists have noted that this feeling of anticipation for future travel plans actually increases happiness levels as well, and lowers depression.

Stronger Heart – According to a report published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, men that had a high risk of heart disease yet took regular vacations were 30 percent less likely to die from a heart attack.  Another study by the Framingham Heart Study found that taking at least 2 vacations per year helped reduce your chances of developing coronary heart disease by at least 8 times, compared to individuals who only took time off every 6 years.

Unfortunately, apparently the United States workforce doesn’t like to take vacations.  A study conducted by Harris Interactive and commissioned by Expedia found that 33 percent of us are not using up all of our vacation time each year.  On average, American workers are losing around four days of potential time off each year.  There might be several reasons as to why this is; you are too busy, don’t want to stress over planning a trip, or would rather take the upfront payout for the vacation time.

If you find that you are having trouble saving up for that special trip, try this: take the dollar amount that you think the trip will cost (let’s say $1,200), and divide it by however many times you get paid that year.  If you get paid weekly, for example, divide by 52.  In this example, you would be able to reach your goal by saving only $23 a week!  The anticipation and thought of vacation will be sure to keep you motivated enough to save, and you will reward yourself with reduced stress, a healthier heart, and most importantly, the chance to add more than a few years to your life.


Cited Sources

Sahadi, Jeanne. "A Page from the Burnout Chronicles." CNN.com. CNN Money, n.d. Web. 20 Aug. 2012. .

Melamed, Julia, MD. "For Anti-Aging, Take a Vacation." Doctor4Diet.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Aug. 2012. .

Almondsmay Keep Diabetes

 Simple, Nutty Way to Keep Diabetes AND Heart Disease at Bay

By Catherine Lewis, IH Editor

If you’ve been diagnosed with type-2 diabetes and struggle with your weight, staying healthy can seem like a full-time job. Simply managing your diabetes every day can be exhausting. The cycle of self-testing blood sugar levels several times a day, knowing how to tell if it is too low or too high, knowing what food to eat and when to eat it, and keeping track of all your medications can be quite the juggling act.

The problem is, type-2 diabetes and obesity tend to go hand-in-hand. It’s becoming so common a new term has been coined - “diabesity” - to describe this double diagnosis. It’s dangerous enough on its own, but it also contributes to a whole host of other conditions like kidney disease and cardiovascular conditions.

How common is it? Well, more than 40% of baby boomers are obese. Many will go on to develop type-2 diabetes and put themselves at even more risk of contracting other chronic conditions if they don’t do something about it – and fast.

Almonds may keep diabetes at bay.

There are several pharmaceuticals used to treat diabetes, but as to be expected come with their own range of dangerous side effects and problems.  Just recently the drugs Actos and Avandia made the news because of negative side effects. That’s why managing diet and exercise is by far, in most cases, the best way to control - and more importantly prevent - the onset of type-2 diabetes.

When it comes to diet, new research has found eating almonds daily in addition to a calorie-controlled diet could help prevent diabetes and heart disease. Almonds work by improving insulin sensitivity and decreasing LDL cholesterol levels in people who have been diagnosed with prediabetes - a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than they should be, but not high enough to be classified as frank diabetes.

One recent study involved 65 adults with prediabetes (48 women and 17 men) in their middle 50s. Half of the group was put on a diet enriched with almonds. Their improvement in insulin sensitivity and LDL cholesterol was significant when compared to the nut-free group. Twenty percent of their daily energy needs came from almonds, which amounted to about 35 to 46 nuts for females, and about 46 to 69 almonds for males. Though a bit high in calories, almonds are a great source of antioxidants, vitamins E., magnesium, fiber, and healthy fat. And, when it comes to managing diet it is important to consider the quality of calories as well as the quantity.

And, sometimes the simpler, the better. Almonds are not only tasty, but they’re incredibly easy to add to your diet.

Prevent Breast Cancer

How to Prevent Breast Cancer the Natural Way

By Catherine Lewis, IH Editor

From the time you’re a young women, you are taught the dangers of breast cancer and ways to detect it. You are encouraged to perform monthly self breast exams, and mammograms are recommended as you age – or earlier if cancer is in your family history. And so, breast cancer becomes almost an unavoidable threat in your life. You may be prepared to recognize the early warning signs, but at the same time feel helpless to prevent what seems like the inevitable.
Have no fear. You can take measures to promote good breast health and ward off this deadly cancer.
The Statistics
Over the past five years, there has been increasing attention focused on breast cancer and breast cancer prevention. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women in the U.S, and over 211,000 new diagnoses are made every year. But there are several steps that you can take within your life to promote good breast health including personal lifestyle changes and dietary supplements.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Starting and maintaining a healthy exercise program is crucial to the prevention of cancer. We have all heard that exercise is important, yet so many of us fail to implement exercise programs into our daily schedules. Start small and build your length and intensity of workouts to improve the level of your overall health. Be sure to manage a healthy weight by including vegetables, fruits and calcium in your daily diet. If you are a smoker, quitting smoking can drastically reduce your risks for all cancers, particularly breast cancer. Ensure that you perform regular monthly breast exams to check for irregularities in between your annual clinical visits. When you are visiting with your physician, be sure to inquire about when you should begin receiving mammograms for the early detection of breast cancer.
Nutrition is Key
In addition to these important lifestyle habits, consider adding nutritional supplements that have proven to aid in the prevention of breast cancer and the promotion of your overall health.
One of the most promising vitamins promoting healthy breast tissue when added into the diet is Vitamin A. It has shown the ability to inhibit cancer cell growth when taken in both natural and synthetic forms. Foods that are rich in Vitamin A include sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, mangos, cantaloupe, milk, and mozzarella cheese.
Another new promising nutrient for the prevention of breast cancer is the flax seed. The flax seed is particularly rich in one phytoestrogen, lignon, which appears to reduce the levels of estrogen production within the body. Reduced estrogen levels have been successful in reducing the prevalence of breast cancer in patients.
Green teas have many nutritional benefits, including aiding in the prevention of breast cancer. Their unique composition includes polyphenols which are powerful cancer fighting antioxidants. Adding green tea is a simple dietary change with impressive health benefits.
Red Clover is known to be a great breast cancer prevention nutrient. Red Clover is a plant with leafy stems that grows up to 16 inches in height and is part of the pea family. The nutrient that makes this plant unique is the chemical called isoflavins, which is the characteristic that aids in cancer cell formation. Red Clover is available in teas, tinctures, tablets, capsules and extracts making it a simple supplement to add to your daily diet.
Turmeric has also been proven to have breast cancer prevention benefits. It is mostly harvested in India and is a common ingredient found in curries. The benefits of Turmeric have been known for centuries and the nutrient is commonly used throughout oriental medicines. The cancer fighting benefits are created from its powerful antioxidant nutrients. Turmeric can be added to your diet through powders and tinctures.
Breast cancer is a prevalent disease around the world and affects as many as 1 in 10 women in the U.S. But with proper lifestyle management and the addition of nutritional supplements, you can help your body to prevent the formation of breast cancer. Be prepared and conquer!

Zionis Bom Mesjid Di Gaza

25 masjid di Gaza dibom oleh pasukan Zionis Yahudi

Siraaj
Selasa, 20 November 2012 08:59:21

GAZA (Arrahmah.com) - Menteri agama di Gaza pada Senin (19/11/2012) mengatakan bahwa pasukan Zionis Yahudi merusak 25 masjid dalam enam hari pemboman di seluruh Jalur Gaza, Ma'an melaporkan.
"Penjajah dalam agresi mereka tidak hanya melakukan kejahatan terhadap warga sipil, seperti yang terjadi dengan keluarga Salah, Al-Dalou, dan Azzam (yang mana kehilangan banyak anggota keluarganya dalam serangan udara -red), tetapi menargetkan masjid-masjid, makam-makam, dan rumah-rumah ibadah (lainnya)," kata Ismail Radwan dalam sebuah konferensi pers di luar masjid Al-Abbas.
"Mereka juga menargetkan dan benar-benar menghancurkan Masjid Ribat di kota Gaza dan Masjid Al-Rahman di pusat Jalur Gaza," tambahnya
Radwan juga menyeru para ulama Islam dan para imam di Palestina dan di seluruh dunia untuk mendoakan para korban dan para Mujahidin Palestina.
Dia juga menyeru imam besar Al-Azhar, Syaikh Ahmad al-Tayib dan para imam lainnya untuk mengunjungi Jalur Gaza dan berdiri di samping rakyat Palestina.
Radwan juga mendesak masyarakat internasional dan organisasi-organisasi HAM untuk menyeret para pemimpin Israel ke pengadilan atas kejahatan perang mereka, dan menyeru Liga Arab dan Organisasi Kerja sama Islam (OKI) untuk memenuhi kewajiban mereka dan mendukung rakyat Palestina dalam mempertahankan tanah suci Islam ini. (siraaj/arrahmah.com)

Hazali Dan Tuan Yusof Maulut

Ini gambar  Hazali Hassan tahun 2012. Terkini. Bukan tahun 1979.Tahun itu dia muda belia.Tentulah ada kelainannya.Tapi yang bagusnya Wak Usop masih berseri. Masih ganteng! Puan Aminah tentu setuju!

Lupa pula hendak tanya Wak Usop di mana Hazali tinggal. Manalah tau kalau aku turun ke selatan boleh jumpa mereka ini.

Perjumpaan sebegini bagus juga.Wak Usop boleh buat kenduri kahwin. Kenduri kawin anak.Kenduri 'kawin' bapakpun boleh. Lagi bagus. Tapi risikonya sangat.....Ini kena tanya Puan tulah. Jangan periok belanga terbang melayang sudahlah.

Bukan nak mengatakan. Sekadar ' menggoda'. Kan Wak Usop ini sekarang  sedang berniaga. Orang berniaga banyak duit. Tanbahlah Wak!. Itupun kalau berani!


Gambar oleh Tuan Yusof  Maulut

Tulisan  Shaklir Taha.

Ramlan Aziz dan Isteri

Kenduri kahwin anak Misman dan Rukiah dapat mengumpulkan ramai ex-MPG. Ramlan Aziz yang sekarang ini bertugas di Puterajaya pun hadir dalam majlis ini. Dia nampak memikirkan sesuatu. Lauk pedas sangat tak Ramlan. Tapi orang disebelahnya nampak senyum girang sungguh. Shelly,orang Kuala Penyu(?) Sabah memang tak pernah renggang sejak di maktab lagi dengan Ramlan. Itu yang membuat Shelly senyum selalu.Dan memangpun Shelly  tidak pernah lokek dengan senyuman.Macam Wak Usop juga suka senyum sejak tidak merokok ini.

Dahulu WakUsop kalau senyumpun hanya senyum pada Puan Aminah sahaja.Itulah pasal Puan Aminah terpaut hati pada Wak Usop.Hasilnya cukup lumayan....

Nantilah aku ajak Bung Salim singgah di rumah Wak Usop.Wak Usop banyak cerita yang boleh diceritakan.Sampaikan pagi dia cerita. Macam-macam ada!


Oleh Shakir Taha

Gambar oleh Tuan Yusof  Maulut.

Hazali Hassan TerNOW

Ini dia gambar Hazali Hassan terkini.Maaflah Puan Siti Pengetua di Sabah,saya guna istilah TerNow. Tiada dalam kamus..

Inilah julong-julong kali saya melihat gambar Hazali setelah keluar dari MPG tahun 1981. Sampai sekarangpun saya tidak pernah bersua muka dengannya. Tapi dengan Puan Siti Pengetua dah berjumpa. Juga berjumpa dengan suaminya.


Aku jumpa Hazali masa itu dia masih muda terang tang-tang.Tiada misai. Tiada berkaca mata.Tapi Wak Usop sampai sekarang tak langsung pakai cermin mata. Tentunya dia ada pakai-pakai.Dan Wak Usop ini hebat orangnya.Dia ni suka merendah diri.Selalu dia kata,"Aaa, wak segenlah".


Oleh Shakir Taha

Gambar Tuan Yusof  Maulud.

Ini Khalid@John Travolta

Nama Khalid aku  cukup ingat tapi wajahnya aku agak kabur sedikit.Dan  binnya aku tak ingat. Yang pasti dia bukan Khalid Bin Salleh,pelakon drama terkenal itu. Khalid cukup peramah orangnya.Sekarang aku tak pasti kerana sudah lebih 25 tahun  aku tak berjumpa  dengannya. Apa yang aku pasti rambutnya sudah putih.Dahulu hitam lebat.Sekarang ini nampak gigipun semakin kurang.Tapi senyumannya tidak pernah kurang. Macam dahulu juga.Cuma kalau minta buat 'action' macam John Travolta mungkin dia tak mahu.

Tapi kalau Wak Yusof yang minta.insyaAllah boleh. Apapun terima kasihlah kepada Wak Yusof yang masih ganteng lagi!


 ( Adegan yang aku ingin dengar. Dialog Khalid dengan Yusof)

Lokasi: Di tepi jalan,tidak jauh dari rumah Misman)

Yusof: Macam kenal aje...
Khalid: Dah lupa, nantiiii fikir.
Yusof: Khalidkan!( dulu handsom,rambut hitam lebat,sekarang ada RP dan PJ.Hebat!)
Yusof: Kenal dengan isteri aku(aku tunjuk ibu jari kepada Minah)
Khalid: Eh! Minah!
Yusof : Bini aku kau kenal! Aku kau tak kenal??
Khalid: Siapa tak kenal bibi kau!
Yusof: Ini yang tak syok!

Oleh Shakir Taha
Gambar Tuan Yusof Maulut

Kenduri Kahwin Anak Misman

Sekali lagi Wak Misman buat kenduri kahwin anaknya. Sekali lagi Wak dan Siti Rukiah menerima menantu. Selepas itu bakal menimbang cucu.

Khabarnya ramai ex-MPG 78/79/80  yang hadir. Antara yang hadir Khalid dan isterinya(lupa namanyatapi ingat wajahnya) Hazali Hassan dan isteri.


Khalid dan Hazali sampai sekarangpun aku tak pernah jumpa.Selepas tahun 1980 langsung tak pernah jumpa dengan Khalid ataupun Hazali. Aku lihat rambut Khalidpun dah naik taraf. Dah masuk kumpulan RP.

Hazalipun langsung tak pernah jumpa. Kalau jumpapun mungkin tak kenal. Terima kasihlah Wak 'Johor' yang sudi hantar gambar ini.


Oleh Shakir  Taha
Gambar Tuan Yusof Maulut.

Anda Kenal Siapa Mereka Ini?

Aku kenal Yusof  Maulut dan isterinya Puan Aminah. Tapi yang berambut putih,gigi jarang-jarang aku tidak pasti siapa namanya. Berdasarkan latarbelakang gambar ini, mereka hadir di majlis perkahwinan.

Yusof dan Aminah@Minah(bukan Minah kilang) aku sering jumpa di Kuala Kumpur walaupun tidak kerap aku turun ke Kuala Lumpur.

Tetapi insan di kiri sekali dan kanan tak kenal. Kiri itu lelaki orangnya,siapa nama...Demikian juga yang kanan itu, aku masih kabur(aku pakai cermin mata tapi bukan macam Puan Aminah Baharudin yang suaminya  orang 'Johor' itu)


Gambar oleh Tuan Yusof Maulut.