Yoshiaki Omura, M.D., Sc.D., FACA, FICAE, DAAPM, DABFM, FAAIM, FRSM
BI-DIGITAL
O-RING
TEST (BDORT)
What is a telomere?
Genes carry the inherited blueprint
that makes us what
we are. Inside the center (nucleus) of a cell, the genes are located
chromosomes, which are twisted, double-stranded molecules of DNA.
At the ends of these chromosomes are stretches of DNA called telomeres,
which protect our genetic data, and make it possible for cells to divide
and hold some secrets as to how we age and get cancer.
Each time a cell divides, the telomeres get shorter. When they get too short, the cell no longer can divide and becomes inactive or dies. This process is associated with aging, cancer, and a higher risk of death.
Click here for an article, "Are Telomeres the Key to Aging and Cancer?"
An article in the March 22, 2005 USA Today reported 'Positive Outlook Buffers Damaging Effects of Stress'. Suggested techniques to conquer stress included: Regular exercise, prayer or mediation, ask for help when overwhelmed with demands, have a strong support network of friends and family, and use unavoidable stress as an opportunity for growth.
The article explained how when stress strikes, the body's adrenal glands produce hormones, such as adrenaline, which increases blood pressure; Chronic stress keeps these hormones at dangerously high levels. Studies suggest that severe cases of stress extend beyond the temporary increase in blood pressure and begin to injure cells of the body- this may accelerate the aging process, leaving people susceptible to various diseases.
Researchers analyzed the cells of mothers caring for critically sick children to see if this stress affected them on a cellular level. The goal was to discover if stress affected the telomeres of the body's DNA cells. An interesting find of the study was that the longer women cared for sick children, the shorter the telomere became.
Click here to view the abstract or purchase the entire article.
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