Tag wellness

The alcohol relationship with cancer has grown more complex. New study has found a link between drinking and melanoma. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and somehow white wine shows the highest risk of getting it.

Previous studies have found differing results on alcohol’s links to cancer. When the body metabolizes ethanol, some is turned into acetaldehyde, a carcinogen that can impair cells’ efforts to repair DNA. It’s proved that heavy alcohol consumption leads to cancers of the liver, pancreas, colon and rectum. However several studies have found also a link between even light drinking and breast cancer.

The new study about white wine consumption was published in the American Association for Cancer Research’s journal Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.  Eunyoung Cho who is an author, is an associate professor of dermatology and epidemiology at Brown University.

Why white wine not a red one? The researchers theorized that because wine has higher levels of pre-existing acetaldehyde than beer or spirits, it poses a higher risk. And while red and white wine have similar levels, the antioxidants in red wine may counterbalance the risk. (Previous studies have found that the antioxidant resveratrol may reduce the risk of melanomas and protect the body from sunburns.)

Source: spadeepmagazine

Struggling to get a good night’s rest, particularly as you get older, is not uncommon. How can you sleep better so that you feel better in the mornings? Try out the following tips.

1. Set a schedule

You want your body to recognize when it is time to be asleep and when it is time to be awake. However, if you go to bed at different times each night, you are simply confusing yourself. Set a bedtime and stick to it. Get up at the same time each day as well, even on the weekends.

2. Use Natural Light to Your Advantage

In order to help your body understand daytime versus nighttime, it is important to expose yourself to natural light during the day and avoid bright lights at night. For example, go on a morning walk or ensure that your blinds are open at work. Also, avoid screens prior to bed, like the television or your smartphone.

3. Don’t Nap

Napping will mess up your nighttime routine. If you find yourself too exhausted to carry on, make sure that you do not nap for longer than 30 minutes. And, if you find yourself getting sleepy during the day, try getting up and taking a little walk.

4. Be Wary of Caffeine

After 12:00 in the afternoon, you should limit your caffeine intake. Remember that caffeine is found in foods other than coffee; for example, there is caffeine in chocolate as well. Examine your diet to see if you are consuming caffeine in the afternoons without even realizing it. Make small changes to what you eat so that you can avoid sleeplessness at night.

While sleep may elude you now, if you alter a few things about your daily routine, you could help yourself to get into a better rhythm. Try the tips above to see if they help.

The list of things we need to do everyday is endless. Work, family, school, social commitments. We end up being stressed; That is why we need to have a date with yourself and have “Me time”.

Below are some very easy ways to harvest positive routine and ritual – whether it’s 5 minutes, half an hour or even longer:

1. Find a time. What is a realistic time for your new ritual? Morning, mid-day or evening?

2. Ask yourself a question – What brings me joy? Do I want to learn something new? What have I been wanting to call in?

3. Start small – choose one thing about your day that you can consistently make happen. Maybe that can be 15 min walk during the lunch break, cutting coffee consumption? Meditation? Calling your friend?

4. Put it on the calendar – actually put it on your calendar and honor your commitment. Treat it as a “date” with yourself.

5. If it falls away – be gentle. Either restart or try something new.