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Buying NOW makes sense! Here’s why…

November 1, 2011 By

submitted by Kathleen Layton, Prudential Fox & Roach, Realtors – Newtown Office

On the fence between waiting until the economy strengthens or buying a home now? The following facts may help you jump off and into your dream home:

  • You can buy more home today with the same payments.  A principal and interest payment of $1230 gets you a $250,000 mortgage at 4.25%. That same payment only gets you a $220,000 loan at 5.25% and a $200,000 loan at 6.25%;
  • Along that same vein, that $250,000 mortgage, which costs $1230 at 4.25%, costs $1381 or $1800 more per year at 5.25% and $1539 or $3708 more per year at 6.25%.

If you’re a move-up buyer, you may be thinking that it makes sense to wait until the economy recovers so your current home may be worth more.
WRONG! If your current home is worth $200,000 now and appreciates 2% in five years, it will be worth $220,731. If your move-up home is worth $350,000 now and appreciates at the same rate, it will be worth $386,427. Waiting five years could cost you $15,696 in additional costs, without factoring in the impact of what would surely be a higher interest rate.

Well, what if prices continue to fall, you say? No one can predict the future, and the only way you know when the market has bottomed out is when it’s on its way back. The big difference is that by then, everyone has figured out that the market – and interest rates – has begun to rebound.
Then the dynamics start to shift from a buyers market and the advantage is lost.  The bottom line? Get off the fence!

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Taking Coenzyme Q10? Make the switch to ubiquinol

November 1, 2011 By

submitted by Karen Lane, GNC Newtown

Today, millions of people around the world take CoQ10 for improved heart function, as well as better overall health.

However more and more health-savvy adults are switching to ubiquinol. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding this increasingly popular supplement:

What is Ubiquinol? Ubiquinol is the reduced, active antioxidant form of Coenzyme Q10. Your body produces conventional CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone, in every cell of the body and then converts it into ubiquinol.

What is the difference between ubiquinone and ubiquinol? Ubiqinone and ubiquinol are both forms of CoQ10, and both are necessary to produce cellular energy. Over the past three decades, CoQ10 has been recognized for its benefits to general health and wellness as well as cardiovascular and neurological health. However, in order to achieve these benefits, the body must convert ubiquinone into ubiquinol. Without this conversion, the body’s energy process cannot be completed and energy levels cannot be sustained.

What specific role does ubiquinol play in our overall health? Ubiquinol is the key component in 95% of the body’s cellular energy. It is also a powerful antioxidant that protects the heart and other organs from free radical damage, helping them to function at their best.

Why does supplementing with ubiquinol become more important as we age? As a healthy 20-year-old, you readily produce all of the CoQ10 you can use and efficiently convert into ubiquinol. However, age and other factors can hinder the body’s ability to produce and metabolize CoQ10. This decline becomes apparent as we reach our mid 30′s.

What are the benefits to statin users? Cholesterol-lowering medications known as statins deplete your body’s natural production of CoQ10. This can result in fatigue and chronic muscle aches and pains.

It is wise to ask your health practitioner which form would be the best one for you.

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The many health benefits of probiotics

October 4, 2011 By

submitted by Karen Lane, GNC Newtown

Probiotics are dietary supplements containing potentially beneficial bacteria. They are intended to assist the body’s naturally occurring flora in the intestinal tract, maintaining the proper balance “good” and “bad” bacteria. This delicate balance can be adversely affected by the use of antibiotics, resulting in an overabundance of yeast in the digestive tract. Other factors inhibiting the growth of good bacteria are the consumption of excess alcohol, stress, poor diet and exposure to toxic substances.

Studies of probiotic supplementation suggest a wide range of health benefits:

MANAGING LACTOSE INTOLERANCE: Since probiotics help convert lactose to lactic acid, their ingestion may help lactose intolerant individuals tolerate dairy products more easily. If you are lactose intolerant, be sure to purchase a lactose free product.

CHOLESTEROL LOWERING: Animal studies have demonstrated probiotics’ ability to break down bile in the intestinal tract, inhibiting its re-absorption. This can help lower serum cholesterol levels.

PREVENTION OF COLON CANCER: In laboratory investigations, probiotics have demonstrated anti-carcinogenic effects by decreasing the activity of an enzyme that generates carcinogens in the digestive tract. Lower rates of colon cancer among those who consume higher levels of fermented dairy products have been observed in some population studies.

LOWERING BLOOD PRESSURE: Several clinical trials have shown that consumption of milk fermented with various strains of probiotics can result in modest reductions in blood pressure. It is believed that this is due to ACE inhibitor-like peptides produced during fermentation.

IMPROVING IMMUNE FUNCTION: Probiotics are thought to have a positive effect on immune function by protecting against harmful pathogens. There is also evidence that they might increase the number of natural killer cells.

Finally, preliminary evidence suggests that supplementation with probiotics can help prevent respiratory tract infections; decrease the severity and duration of rotavirus infections; prevent the re-occurrences of inflammatory bowel disease and aid in the absorption of trace minerals.

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Amazing Sea Buckthorn: Hair, skin and nails – plus much more!

August 30, 2011 By

submitted by Karen Lane, GNC Newtown

Sea Buckthorn, a nutritional supplement recently recommended by Dr. Oz, has been used medicinally in Asia and Europe for centuries.  It is especially known for its ability to make the hair shine, help the nails grow, and improve the quality of the skin.

When taken internally it is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, specifically reducing inflammation of the mucous membranes.  Conditions such as constipation, acid reflux and some other gastric disorders may be assisted by this herb, according to Dr. Oz.  Only one other food, macadamia nuts, contains the rare Omega 7 (palmitoleic acid) that is found in Sea Buckthorn.

My personal experience with this herb has been quite amazing.  At my annual GNC show I picked up some samples of the skin care products.  I began to use them and after a few days I noticed a distinct improvement in the texture and softness of my skin.  I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised and I will continue to be a dedicated user of the products.

I had not heard of this herb before Dr. Oz recommended it and explained the many benefits Sea Buckthorn.  I have found a company who makes an incredible line of products, beautifully packaged and reasonably priced.  I have sold the line to several customers and their experience is consistent with mine. These are great skin products!

This product line consists of a body lotion, hydrating serum (absorbs immediately into the skin), day and night cream, eye cream, facial cleanser (my favorite ever!) and a facial bar.  Also, they carry softgel capsules and a liquid that can be taken internally that tastes quite good.  The concentrated organic seed oil is also available and is useful for certain skin conditions like rosacea and eczema.

So if you are looking for a great skin care line that also benefits hair and nails, check these products out.

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Chronic inflammation: What you can do about it

August 2, 2011 By

submitted by GNC Newtown

Inflammation is the precursor for most, if not all, degenerative diseases such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease and even cancer. Recent clinical studies have shown several dietary supplements to be effective in treating chronic or systemic inflammation, and many of these are gaining popularity among health conscious consumers.

Here are some products you should consider given their potent anti-inflammatory properties:

TURMERIC – Recent research indicates that turmeric is an effective treatment for inflammation. It is as effective as some prescribed medications including hydrocortisone, without the usual side effects;

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS – These supplements are extremely anti-inflammatory and play an important role in the rebuilding and production of new cells. This makes omega-3′s a wise choice for a variety of conditions including arthritis, asthma, heart disease and cognitive impairment;

BROMELAIN – This is a popular enzyme found in pineapple. In a variety of studies, it has been shown to reduce inflammation throughout the body. When combined with vitamin C and a bioflavanoid known as quercitin, bromelain can exhibit a strong antihistamine-like effect helpful in treating many allergic responses;

RESVERATROL – This is a powerful antioxidant found in grapes, red wine, peanuts and some berries. Researchers have found that resveratrol reduces inflammation by suppressing prostaglandins – hormone-like substances which cause pain. Resveratrol also has been found to decrease the activity of the COX-2 enzyme, which is linked to pain and inflammation throughout the body.

ASTAXANTHIN – This deep red- colored phytonutrient synthesized by microalgea is one of the most powerful antioxidants in the world. It neutralizes the damaging effects of free radicals throughout the body resulting in a significant reduction in inflammation;

L-CARNITINE – This is an amino acid derivative normally present in meat and dairy products. Various clinical studies have shown l-carnitine to have a significant anti-inflammatory effect particularly with respect to the intestinal tract. It has been shown to help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with Crohn’s and other gastrointestinal diseases.

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Don’t believe everything you read, especially when it comes to the real estate market

July 13, 2011 By

submitted by Kathleen Layton, Prudential Fox & Roach, Realtors – Newtown Office

The national media has done it once again – used a wide brush to paint a picture of the current real estate market for the entire country. The latest Case Shiller Home Price Index seems to indicate a return of housing prices to pre-2000 levels.  What they fail to disclose is that the data used comes from the hardest hit areas – places like Detroit, Cleveland, Las Vegas and Atlanta, to name a few.

Here’s what you don’t hear, not even from our local news media – Philadelphia is NOT included in the Case Shiller composite index that is released to the press and prices in our area are NOT at the 2000 level.  Actually, prices in their report for the Philadelphia area – which includes Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties – are up 71% since 2000 and down 7.15% since the peak in 2007.

I guess that information isn’t nearly as interesting to talk about as what’s happening in Vegas.  Or Phoenix.  Or in the entire state of Florida.

Don’t they know that there’s no national market when it comes to real estate?  That, like the weather, each market has a local forecast?  That’s not to say that we’re not in the midst of an incredibly difficult market. We are.  But I think it’s important to note that in our neck of the woods, the sky is not yet falling and housing remains a sound investment. There’s no national real estate data – just like the weather, real estate is local.

I just wish the talking heads would put things in perspective when blathering away.

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Can stress cause infertility?

July 13, 2011 By

submitted by Annette Lee, MD, Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist, Pennsylvania Reproductive Specialists, Chalfont

Infertility causes stress.  This is very clear.  Women undergoing fertility treatments have stress levels similar to women being treated for cancer.  The loss of control, monthly disappointment and chronic stress may cause situational depression.

But vice versa?  Can stress cause infertility?

The short answer is “maybe.”

Obviously, stress cannot absolutely prevent pregnancy.  If this were so, given the conditions in which our ancestors lived, the human race would have gone extinct and rape would never result in pregnancy.  But what does the evidence say about a relative effect, perhaps lowering the odds of conception?

  • Techniques such as meditation, acupuncture and yoga can lower levels of “stress hormones” such as cortisol and epinephrine. There are receptors for such hormones in the female reproductive tract and in theory they could affect fallopian tube transport or blood flow to the uterus.
  • Some randomized studies show improved pregnancy rates after acupuncture. However, other, equally well-designed studies find no effect.
  • Some studies show decreased pregnancy rates among IVF patients with the highest scores on self-reported questionnaires looking at stress levels (however, some studies do not find any association).
  • Extreme stress, exercise or dieting over a prolonged period of time can suppress ovulation, perhaps as a Darwinian method of protecting women from the metabolic demands of pregnancy in what the body perceives as a time of famine or disaster. It is common, for example for elite gymnasts and ballet dancers to stop menstruating.
  • Research in monkeys has show decreased sperm volume and concentration under experimental chronic stress conditions, but obviously it is controversial whether this can be extrapolated to humans.
  • In many couples, stress can cause prevent or decrease sexual activity. For example, some men develop erectile dysfunction, but only when attempting intercourse “because it’s time.”

Having practiced reproductive endocrinology and infertility for over 15 years, I believe that stress does affect pregnancy success rates, but the effect may be significant in some individuals and undetectably small in others.

Nevertheless, since there is no risk of negative consequences, stress reduction techniques such as support groups, professional counseling, acupuncture, massage or yoga can be beneficial for just about all fertility patients.

It certainly can’t hurt.

 

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