Typhoons and calamities increase stroke and heart attacks

TYPHOONS AND CALAMITIES INCREASE STROKE AND HEART ATTACKS: Top Filipino cardiologist Dr. Adolfo Bellosillo, the founder and president of the Foundation for Lay Education of Heart Disease in the Philippines, is correct: typhoons and natural calamities that our countrymen are experiencing may increase strokes and heart attacks among them due to mental stress that could cause surges in blood pressure and faster heartbeats.

And he is also correct in saying that exercises, proper nutrition and avoidance of alcohol and cigarettes could help Filipinos fight and cope up with these dreaded diseases.

But the best antidote to stress, even without exercises, nutrition or avoidance of vices, is putting everything in our lives in God’s hands, trusting in Him more fully, and reading the Bible and following His commands, laws and decrees.

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THE BIBLE PRESCRIBES BEST ANTIDOTES AGAINST STRESS: The Bible itself, in its many parts, prescribes how we can have a healthier life, even with the daily turmoils and stresses of daily living.

In Isaiah 40:31, the admonition goes like this: “…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint…”

In Proverbs 3:1-2, the assurance of a long and healthy life is given this way: “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.”

If we go further down Proverbs 3, especially in its verses 7 to 8, health of our body and nourishment of our bones is prescribed in this manner: “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones…”

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EATING OUR WAY TO A HEALTHY LIFE: An article in Yahoo! Health which I came across as I was writing this column interested me so much as it involves eating our way to a healthy life. Here is a part of the article, written by SELF editor Lucy Danziger:

“Want to lose weight as you chow down? Your wish is granted! (I promise, this is no fairy tale)…Read on to discover the eight foods that deserve a permanent spot in your fridge—and in your diet!

“Almonds. These yummy nuts are high in alpha-linolenic acid, which can accelerate your metabolism of fats. In fact, dieters who ate 3 ounces of almonds daily slashed their weight and body-mass index by 18 percent, while those who skipped the nuts reduced both numbers less— just 11 percent—a study in the International Journal of Obesity revealed….

“Berries…Strawberries, raspberries and other vitamin C–spiked fruit can supercharge your workout, helping you burn up to 30 percent more fat, research from Arizona State University at Mesa has found….

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HEALTHY FOODS GALORE: “Cinnamon. Adding 1/4 teaspoon to your plate may prevent an insulin spike—an uptick that tells your body to store fat.

“Mustard. It's heaven on a soft pretzel, but mustard may also be a weight loss wonder. Turmeric, the spice that gives mustard its color, may slow the growth of fat tissues, a study in the journal Endocrinology finds…

“Oranges. This citrus fruit, which contains fat-blasting compounds known as flavones, deserves to be your main squeeze. Women who ate the most flavones had a much lower increase in body fat over a 14-year period…

“Soybeans…Soybeans are rich in choline, a compound that blocks the absorption of fat and breaks down fatty deposits….

“Sweet potatoes. The colorful spuds' high-fiber content means they keep your insulin steadier than their white sisters, which means less fat packed on your hips, research finds….

“Swiss cheese. Calcium-rich foods reduce fat-producing enzymes and increase fat breakdown, and Swiss has more calcium than many of its cheesy peers. Choose the reduced-fat variety, such as Sargento….

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BATAS RADIO: Please listen to BATAS INTERNET RADIO, an Internet radio station under www.batasmauricio.com and www.eradioportal.com. Log on to either of these two sites, click BATAS RADIO and you can stay tuned for 20 hours a day, from 4 in the morning to 12 midnight, Mondays to Fridays, enjoying the latest news, credible commentaries, free legal and problem counseling from the point of view of the Bible.

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