It's hard to believe that the fourth leading cause of death in the United States is rarely talked about, but most Americans are unfamiliar with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. COPD is a condition that affects the lungs. It includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. COPD symptoms include breathlessness and symptoms can worsen over time. As the disease progresses, people find it more difficult to breathe. As a result, simple tasks, like dressing or bathing, can be hard to perform.

Our guests in today's first two segments are John Walsh, Director of the COPD Foundation, and Dr. Byron Thomashow, Clinical Professor of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York. They discuss chronic bronchitis (which occurs when airways become irritated and inflamed, causing thick mucus to impede airflow to and from the lungs) and emphysema (which occurs when tiny air sacs in the lungs stretch out, break down, and limit the exchange of old and new air). Mr. Walsh and Dr. Thomashow also discuss what causes this condition and how to seek treatment.

In our third segment, we speak with Dr. Rachel K. Johnson, PhD, MPH, RD, Associate Provost, Professor of Nutrition at The University of Vermont, about the hidden dangers of added sugars. A new American Heart Association scientific statement provides specific guidance on limiting the consumption of added sugars, and information about the relationship between excess sugar intake and metabolic abnormalities, adverse health conditions and shortfalls in essential nutrients. Over consumption of added sugars plays a role in the increased prevalence of obesity. Dr. Johnson discusses these and other study highlights:


Excessive intake of added sugars is associated with increased blood pressure, triglycerides and inflammatory markers -- all risk factors for heart disease.


An average person can consume 100 - 300 discretionary calories daily, depending on their overall calorie needs, which vary based on age, gender and physical activity level.


Use your added sugars allowance to enhance the flavor of otherwise nutritious foods such as a high fiber, whole grain breakfast cereal, flavored milk and flavored yogurt.


Soft drinks are the number one source of added sugars in American's diets. Between 1970 and 2000, per person daily consumption of soft drinks increased 70 percent, from 7.8b ounces to 13.2 ounces.

You don't have to give up your favorite foods (such as desserts) but controlling portion size is key.

You can go to this site and have a listen, its worth it, check it out:

http://www.womensradio.com/articles/COPD-and-Dangers-of-Added-Sugars/5684.html

Remember to stay cool and take very good care of your self this weekend, its going to be very hot.

Hugs and Love to all,

Holly

dont forget, have a listen,It is very worth it, tells a lot about genetics to sugar:

http://www.womensradio.com/articles/COPD-and-Dangers-of-Added-Sugars/5684.html