How to Boost Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Naturally

HGH is an important hormone produced in the pituitary gland. Its a good predictor of overall health. Low HGH levels point to an increased risk of disease and unhealthy weight gain (1).

Optimal Growth Hormone levels are vital during recovery, training, and weight loss (2,3,4). This is because HGH regulates cell repair and other recovery-relevant metabolic functions (5,6,7).

Because this Growth Hormone is naturally synthesized in the body, its possible to influence its production. Lets look at a few strategies for boosting HGH naturally and the science behind why they work.

Growth hormone production isnt linear. HGH levels are highest when you sleep, and even then, they are greatly influenced by your sleep cycles. Production typically peaks before midnight, followed by a few weak pulses before the crack of dawn (8,9).

To get the best out of these cycles, you need to be sound asleep before midnight. Go to bed about two hours, no less than an hour, before midnight.

Research has shown that your growth hormone levels begin to increase after about an hour of sleep (10). This is, arguably, when youre most likely to be in deep slumber (11).

Human sleep cycles occur in two main phases: NREM and REM.

NREM precedes REM (12). The interesting bit is that NREM cycles shorten as the night progresses (13). This is why its so important to sleep a few hours before midnight. You want to have as many long NREM cycles as possible.

Lets look at the three stages therein:

So, how do you optimize your sleep for maximum growth hormone production?

Structure your sleeping habits to make the most of SWS. Research shows that poor sleeping habits negatively affect your Human Growth Hormone levels (14). Ensuring you get adequate sleep is a proven strategy for continued high HGH production (9).

Here are a few tips:

Insulin has been linked to low growth hormone levels (15). To maximize

HGH production, ensure that your insulin levels are lowest at night.

How do you do that?

Sugar and refined carbslike white bread, white rice, and pastaare documented to spike your insulin levels (16). Reduced intake of refined carbohydrates and sugar has shown great potential in optimizing HGH production (8,9).

A study compared HGH levels between healthy people, and four other groups with insulin problems (diabetes, impaired carbohydrate tolerance, impaired insulin function). Growth hormone production was 34 times higher in healthy people (17). Clearly showing the link between insulin and HGH.

Sugary beverages are especially harmful. Interestingly, the body doesnt respond to sweet drinks in the manner it responds to solid food (18). These beverages arent as satiating as solid foods (19).

You end up taking more liquids than in solids form because you dont feel as fullindependent of caloric intake (20). Avoid sweet drinks like sodas and sweetened yogurt before bedtime.

Insulin levels spike immediately after a meal and stabilize after 23 hours (21). Eat all your meals at least 2 hours before bedtime.

Some research suggests that a high-protein meal before bed could potentially inhibit HGH activity (22). Even though the research on that isnt conclusive, we know for sure that all late-night snacks will trigger insulin production (23).

Excessive fat is strongly linked to low HGH production (24). This is another reason why you should avoid sugary meals, especially before going to sleep. The consumption of high-sugar meals at night is closely associated with weight gain (25). Avoiding sweet treats at night regulates your insulin, and also keeps your weight in check.

One study found that losing fat around the abdominal area leads to a significant boost in growth hormone levels (26).

In another study, participants who had 3x the amount of body fat as the control group were found to have half their growth hormones (27). Its well-documented that obese people return to normal HGH levels after losing weight. (28).

Interestingly, the impact of body fat on HGH production is strongest in men. Both sexes experience an increase in growth hormone levels after shedding off some weight, though (27,29). This is probably because fat distribution in men favors the belly, where its most harmful (30,31).

Healthy eating is beneficial to your overall well-being. Every balanced diet optimizes HGH production by keeping your insulin and body fat levels in check. That said, some special foods are directly linked to enhanced Growth Hormone secretion.

Lets look at a few of the best documented H G H-boosting foods.

This hormone is released as you sleep. It regulates your sleep cycles and helps you get longer and deeper sleep associated with enhanced HGH production (9). A melatonin-rich breakfast increases melatonin secretion in the night. Melatonin-Rich Foods :

Another study found that a tryptophan-rich breakfast coupled with exposure to bright light in the day significantly boosted HGH levels (32). Tryptophan-dense foods include eggs, milk, grains, beans, and meat. Work these foods into your breakfast and take a short stroll in the bright of day for a good nights sleep.

Melatonin supplements happen to be very popular sleeping aids in the US. Its one of the most commonly used supplements (33).

Research shows that a little melatonin supplementation directly boosts the production of Human Growth Hormones (34,35,36).

Being a naturally-occurring hormone, its non-toxic. However, these supplements have been shown to affect brain chemistry, so you should only take them under medical supervision (37).

You should also contact a medical professional before taking these supplements if you are pregnant. One animal study found that melatonin lowers birth weight and increases baby mortality (38).

Arginine is one of the amino acids that boost the synthesis of the Human Growth Hormone (38,39). Arginine-rich foods include:

Many people take arginine supplements to complement their exercises. Thats a mistake. When taken alongside exercise, theres no significant increase in HGH production. You are better off taking the supplement alone (38,39,40).

Per recent research, higher doses, 1520 grams of Arginine per day boosts nighttime HGH production by up by about 60 percent. Thats the equivalent of taking 114 mg per pound of body weight. Lower doses, 610 grams per day, about 45 mg for every pound in body-weight, didnt show any significant impact on growth hormone production (41).

If you are looking for something to boost your HGH levels alongside exercise, take sport drinks. They are rich in beta-alanine, which boosts growth hormone levels, and its been documented to double your peak workout power (42).

Protein shakes are also an option if you want an HGH-friendly supplement to complement exercise. These shakes boost the secretion of Growth Hormones around workouts (43).

Glutamine is a potent amino acid that has been shown to increase HGH production even at small doses, significantly. A 2 mg dose has been documented to boost GH secretion by up to 78 percent (44).

Glutamine-rich foods include:

Ornithine is one of the amino acids responsible for protein synthesis and muscle mass (45). Research has shown that people who take ornithine about half an hour after working out experience increased HGH synthesis (46).

Foods rich in ornithine include:

All forms of exercise will increase your levels of Human Growth Hormone, but high-intensity activity produces the most significant boosts (46,47). Theres no universal session duration, but workouts typically last about an hour. Weight training, sprinting, and interval training have shown a lot of promise increasing HGH levels (48,49,50).

The benefits of exercise extend beyond short-term spurts in Human Growth Hormone. In the long-term, it will help you cut down your body fat, increasing GH production (27,29).

HGH levels increase by about 300 percent when you fast for 3 days. After fasting for a week, HGH secretion is at 1,250 percent (51). These results have been replicated in other studies with researchers observing a doubling or tripling of HGH levels just 23 days into a fast (52,53,54).

The trick is to find the right balance between when to eat and when to fast.

Intermittent fasting impacts HGH secretion both in the short-term and in the long-term. In the short-term, fasting keeps your insulin low. Since this hormone is associated with low GH levels, keeping it low boosts HGH production (23,55).

In the long-term, it lowers your body fat, resulting in a long-term boost in growth hormone production(23,56).

HGH, a hormone produced in the pituitary gland, is vital for cell repair and other essential metabolic functions. Its production typically peaks when we are deep asleep (SWS).

Like other hormones, its greatly influenced by body fat. Mind your lifestyle and diet.

By following the outlined tips, you can increase GH production to optimal levels with very little effort. The endocrine systemthe system that regulates growth hormonesperforms at its peak when you eat and live healthily.

If you want to learn more about HGH, you can read our articles about the benefits of hgh and the best hgh supplements out there.

Originally posted here:

How to Boost Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Naturally

Over 40? How to Look Younger Forever, Say Experts Eat This Not That – Eat This, Not That

Age 40 isn't what it used to be. Today, people are looking and feeling younger at an age that used to be considered over the hill. But there is a biological reality that can't be ignored: After 40, certain health risks increase. And some of us compound the natural aging process with unwise everyday habits. The good news: You can make some easy lifestyle changes that will keep you feeling young for decades beyond your 40s. Read on to find out moreand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

When you work out, don't skip strength training. Not only does it boost metabolism by promoting lean muscle growth, it keeps bones strong. By age 40, our bone density drops by about 1 percent annually. Weight training causes muscles to pull on nearby bones, which increases their density. Studies show that even light weight lifting with higher reps can have that effect. Experts recommend two strength-training workouts per week.

After age 40, the chances of developing certain chronic diseases rise, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and dementia. Cutting back on sources of added sugar in your dietparticularly sugar-sweetened drinks, refined grains, processed foods and fast foodcan reduce your risk of every one of them. "Added sugar is the number one most significant health threat in America," says David Zinczenko, best-selling author of Zero Sugar Diet. "The more added sugar that sneaks its way into your diet, the less healthy food you'll eat the rest of the day. And the faster you will age."

RELATED: Virus Expert Just Predicted When Pandemic Will End

Can sex make you look five to seven years younger? That's the finding of a British psychologist who spent a decade interviewing people about their sex lives. Study participants between the ages of 40 and 50 who looked younger than their peers reported having sex 50 percent more often, reported Dr. David Weeks. The potential reason: Orgasm releases human growth hormone and stimulates other biological processes that keep you looking and feeling young.

Mental health issues like anxiety and depression can surface with age, even in people who never experienced it in their younger years. Signs can be subtleif you're experiencing increased irritability, fatigue, or impaired sleep, talk with your doctor.

RELATED: 15 Supplements Every Woman Should Take, Say Doctors

A study published last spring in the journal Aging found it was possible to reduce biological age by three years in eight weeks by making some simple diet and lifestyle changes. That's what researchers found in a test group who consumed a largely plant-based diet with a probiotic supplement, exercised for at least 30 minutes daily, did relaxation exercises, and slept at least seven hours a night. The scientists found that the study participants' DNA became 3.23 years younger, on average, after only two months. And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.

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Over 40? How to Look Younger Forever, Say Experts Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

USD 17.67 bn Growth in Injection Pen Market Size | AstraZeneca Plc and Becton Dickinson and Co. Among Key Vendors | Technavio – PRNewswire

The injection pen market witnessed maximum growth in the growth hormone product segment in 2020. Based on geography, North America occupied about 44% of the market share in 2020. The growth of the market in North America can be attributed to factors such as the increasing incidence of diabetes.

Injection Pen Market: Major Growth Drivers

The injection pen market report the following factors as major growth drivers during the forecast period:

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Injection Pen Market: Key Vendor Offerings

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Injection Pen Market Scope

Report Coverage

Details

Page number

120

Base year

2020

Forecast period

2021-2025

Growth momentum & CAGR

Decelerate at a CAGR of 7.40%

Market growth 2021-2025

USD 17.67 billion

Market structure

Fragmented

YoY growth (%)

10.33

Regional analysis

North America, Europe, Asia, and ROW

Performing market contribution

North America at 44%

Key consumer countries

US, China, Canada, Germany, and UK

Competitive landscape

Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope

Companies profiled

AstraZeneca Plc, Becton Dickinson and Co., Eli Lilly and Co., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Merck KGaA, Novartis AG, Novo Nordisk AS, Owen Mumford Ltd., Sanofi SA, and Ypsomed Holding AG

Market Dynamics

Parent market analysis, market growth inducers and obstacles, fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and future consumer dynamics, market condition analysis for the forecast period

Customization purview

If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

About UsTechnavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

ContactTechnavio ResearchJesse MaidaMedia & Marketing ExecutiveUS: +1 844 364 1100UK: +44 203 893 3200Email: [emailprotected]Website: http://www.technavio.com/

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USD 17.67 bn Growth in Injection Pen Market Size | AstraZeneca Plc and Becton Dickinson and Co. Among Key Vendors | Technavio - PRNewswire

Sue Perkins health: ‘I’ve been through a very dark time’ – presenter on brain tumour – Daily Express

The comedy actress, broadcaster and writer who is appearing on ITV's Blankety Blank tonight [Saturday, November 27] was left destroyed when she found out that she had a brain tumour. After medical examinations, the star was told that doctors had found a tiny little rice-shaped tumour in her pituitary gland which was going to make a big difference on her life.

Considering the impact the diagnosis had on her, Sue remembers every detail about how, when and where she was told about her tumour.

She said that she was in a very clinical white sideroom whilst filming the Supersizers - a show that tracks the impact of eating unusual food.

She continued to say: In this small, very clinical white side room, this woman said your bloods are very awry and you have a brain tumour.

The Mayo Clinic explains that pituitary tumours are abnormal growths. There are two types of tumor - ones that produce hormones (secreting), and ones that do not (non-secreting).

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The pituitary gland is crucial in regulating important functions within the body, and abnormalities within hormones can cause multiple side effects.

Cancer.netexplains that some people do not experience any signs or symptoms of a tumour, but those who do often experience the following:

More seriously, individuals can experience either Cushings syndrome a combination of weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, and easy bruising that is caused by overproduction of the hormone ACTH or a condition known as acromegaly, which is the enlargement of the arms or legs, and thickening of the skull and jaw, caused by too much growth hormone.

For Sue, the worst thing that she has had to come to terms with is the possibility that she may never have children. With infertility being one of the symptoms, as well as hormone imbalance, the star soon discovered that giving birth may not be something she ever gets to experience.

Eye tests and blood tests are both ways in which tumours are detected. According to Cancer Research UK, around eight percent of brain tumours diagnosed between 2006 and 2010 were pituitary tumours.

Despite sounding severe, most pituitary tumors do not require treatment. Surgery is only carried out when the tumour is large in size, is growing rapidly, is pressing on the optic nerve, or is overproducing certain hormones.

Due to the tricky location of the tumour, the abnormal growth is either removed through the nose and sinuses, or through the upper part of the skull via an incision in the scalp.

After surgery, individuals may have to have a series of radiation therapy in order to stop the tumour from returning. Macmillan cancer support can be reached on 080 8808 0000 if you or someone you know needs support with a recent brain tumour diagnosis.

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Sue Perkins health: 'I've been through a very dark time' - presenter on brain tumour - Daily Express

Alex Rodriguez Appears On Hall Of Fame Ballot For First Time, And His Candidacy Is Certain To Spark Debate – Forbes

Alex Rodriguez (c.) outside of Major League Baseball's Park Avenue offices during his 2013 ... [+] arbitration hearing.

Alex Rodriguez appeared on ESPNs First Take program in January 2019, after three of his former baseball teammates Mike Mussina, Mariano Rivera and Edgar Martinez had just been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

During the interview, Rodriguez was grilled by host Max Kellerman about the performance-enhancing drug issue, which has, so far, kept players like Roger Clemens and home run king Barry Bonds from entry into Cooperstown, and which is an issue certain to cloud Rodriguezs own Hall of Fame chances, as he appears on the ballot for the first time this year.

Ive taken the approach that, I think, talking about it is best, Rodriguez said during the 2019 ESPN interview. I understand that I made my own bed. If I dont make it to the Hall of Fame, I can live with that. I would be bummed. It would suck. I cant believe that I put myself in this situation. But if that happens, I have no one to blame but myself.

Rodriguezs checkered baseball past will be at the forefront of the baseball writers minds when they consider A-Rods Hall of Fame candidacy. Rodriguez, 46, may have appeared contrite in that 2019 interview, but his past steroid mea culpas have been all over the spectrum, and his PED links make for a complicated layer to his baseball arc.

Unlike Clemens and Bonds, Rodriguez was suspended during his MLB-playing days, and his discipline came as a result of violating both the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program and the Basic Agreement. But even before he served that season-long ban in 2014, Rodriguez had already admitted to PED use during another stretch of his career.

Former Senator George Mitchells report on Major League Baseballs doping history had just been released publicly only days earlier when journalist Katie Couric interviewed Rodriguez for 60 Minutes in December 2007. Of the dozens of players named in the Mitchell Report with PED links including Clemens and Andy Pettitte Rodriguezs name was nowhere to be found.

For the record, have you ever used steroids, human growth hormone or any other performance-enhancing substance? Couric asked Rodriguez during the interview.

No, said Rodriguez, who was playing for the Yankees then.

Have you ever been tempted to use any of those things? Couric asked Rodriguez.

No... Ive never felt overmatched on the baseball field, said Rodriguez.

To say those remarks on camera did not age well would be an understatement. An explosive 2009 Sports Illustrated report detailed Rodriguezs positive drug test in 2003 baseballs survey testing year to determine if a drug-testing policy would be implemented for synthetic testosterone and the anabolic steroid Primobolan.

Rodriguez subsequently told ESPNs Peter Gammons, and then a media throng in Tampa during spring training that year, that he used a banned substance during the three seasons he played for the Texas Rangers, 2001-03, and that his cousin, Yuri Sucart, had personally injected him.

It was such a loosey-goosey era... To be quite honest, I dont know exactly what substance I was guilty of using, Rodriguez told Gammons.

But it would be crystal clear what banned substances Rodriguez was taking during another stretch of his career 2010 to 2012 when he was getting drugs from Anthony Bosch, the Biogenesis mastermind.

Although then baseball commissioner Bud Selig originally hit Rodriguez with an historic 211-game ban in August 2013, A-Rod famously fought the suspension through an arbitration hearing, and also filed a flurry of lawsuits in 2013 and early 2014. After he stormed out of his hearing on the second to last day in November 2013, Rodriguez went on WFAN radio personality Mike Francesas show and proclaimed he shouldnt serve one inning of a suspension.

Lets get that on the record. You say you did not do these PEDs that they are accusing you of doing? Francesa asked Rodriguez.

Youre correct, Mike, said Rodriguez, who also referred to Selig derisively as the man from Milwaukee during the interview.

Those PED denials proved hollow in January 2014, when Rodriguez filed a lawsuit in Manhattan federal court and named MLB, Selig and the Players Association (of which Rodriguez was a member) as defendants, as he continued his fight against the suspension.

Attached to that lawsuit, in an ironic twist, was independent arbitrator Fredric Horowitzs ruling on Rodriguez, where Horowitz reduced the 211-game ban to 162 games plus the 2014 postseason. More importantly, however, the arbitration ruling document contained all of the findings from the MLB investigation into Rodriguezs association with Bosch and the south Florida Biogenesis anti-aging clinic, as well as Rodriguezs specific doping violations and the extent of his PED use.

What was supposed to be a confidential document and information was now public for anyone to review. Rodriguez would eventually drop the lawsuit and accept his suspension, and in late January 2014, Rodriguez signed a partial immunity agreement with federal authorities who were investigating Biogenesis in a separate probe.

Based on the entire record from the arbitration, MLB has demonstrated with clear and convincing evidence there is just cause to suspend Rodriguez for the 2014 season and 2014 postseason for having violated the JDA (Joint Drug Agreement) by the use and/or possession of testosterone, IGF-1 (insulin growth factor) and hGH (human growth hormone) over the course of three years, and for the two attempts to obstruct MLBs investigation described above... reads the conclusion in the arbitration ruling. While this length of suspension may be unprecedented for a MLB player, so is the misconduct he committed.

Unprecedented misconduct is only one part of the Rodriguez baseball profile he has 696 career home runs and over 3,000 hits but it could be the part that writers find too important to push aside when they consider whether to check the box next to Rodriguezs name on the Hall of Fame ballot.

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Alex Rodriguez Appears On Hall Of Fame Ballot For First Time, And His Candidacy Is Certain To Spark Debate - Forbes

HER2-Negative Breast Cancer: Types, Treatments, Outlook – Healthline

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a protein thats found on the surface of breast cells. Its normal function is to promote cellular growth and division.

Some breast cancers have higher-than-normal levels of HER2. These are called HER2-positive breast cancers. However, only a low percentage of breast cancers are HER2-positive.

Most breast cancers are HER2-negative. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), an estimated 78 percent of breast cancers are HER2-negative and dont produce too much HER2.

Continue reading below as we explore what it means to have HER2-negative breast cancer. Well cover the different HER2-negative subtypes, as well as diagnosis, treatment, and outlook.

HER2-negative breast cancer has a couple of different subtypes. Lets take a look at these now.

In addition to having a HER2 status, breast cancer cells also have a hormone receptor (HR) status. Estrogen and progesterone hormone receptors can be found on breast cancer cells. Its worth noting that these receptors can also be found on healthy breast cells.

A breast cancer is HR-positive when it has receptors for estrogen, progesterone, or both. Estrogen receptor-positive cancers are more common and are estimated to occur in about 75 percent of all breast cancers.

In HR-positive cancers, estrogen or progesterone can bind to the hormone receptors on breast cancer cells, helping to promote their growth and spread. As such, treatments for HR-positive breast cancers often targets hormone receptors.

Overall, HER2-negative, HR-positive breast cancers are the most common subtype of breast cancer. The NCI estimates that between 2014 and 2018, 68 percent of breast cancers in the United States were this subtype.

Its also possible for a breast cancer to be negative for both HER2 and for hormone receptors. A breast cancer thats HER2-negative, HR-negative is called triple-negative breast cancer.

This subtype of breast cancer is less common. The NCI estimates that between the years of 2014 and 2018, only 10 percent of breast cancers were this subtype.

Because triple-negative breast cancer lacks both HER2 and hormone receptors, it doesnt respond to treatments that target these factors. Additionally, it tends to recur more often than other subtypes of breast cancer.

If youve been newly diagnosed with breast cancer, the HER2 status of your tumor will be determined. This is performed on a tissue sample collected from a biopsy or surgery.

HER2 status can be tested in two ways:

Generally speaking, testing HER2 status with FISH can take longer and be more expensive. Because of this, IHC is often used initially. The results of this test are reported as a number value from 0 to 3+:

If a FISH test is done, the results are reported as either positive or negative. A test that comes back FISH negative is considered to be HER2-negative.

The treatment of HER2-negative breast cancer can also depend on HR status. Lets examine some of the potential treatment options for each subtype of HER2-negative breast cancer.

HER2-negative breast cancer thats HR-positive can be treated with hormone therapy. This blocks the actions of hormones, stopping the cancer from growing.

Most of the drugs that are used in hormone therapy target estrogen. Some examples include:

Another way to block the action of estrogen is to reduce or shut down the ovaries activity. This is called ovarian suppression and can be accomplished by:

Some types of targeted therapy may also be used in HER2-negative, HR-positive breast cancer. Targeted therapy drugs bind to specific proteins on or in cancer cells. Some that may be used for this subtype of breast cancer are:

Other potential treatment options for HER2-negative, HR-positive breast cancers include:

Breast cancer thats triple-negative wont respond to some of the treatments used for HER2-negative, HR-positive breast cancer. This includes hormone therapy and many targeted therapies.

As with many breast cancers, the first potential treatment option for this subtype is surgery. This may or may not be followed by radiation therapy to help prevent the cancer from coming back.

If surgery isnt possible or doesnt remove all of the cancer, chemotherapy is the main systemic treatment option for triple-negative breast cancer. Chemotherapy may also be given along with the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda).

Targeted therapy with PARP inhibitors (olaparib, talazoparib) may be used in people with triple-negative breast cancer and BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. This is typically given when cancer hasnt responded to chemotherapy.

Another targeted therapy drug called sacituzumab govitecan (Trodelvy) may be used to treat triple-negative breast cancer that has metastasized, or spread, to other parts of the body.

In addition to HER2 and HR status, there are also several other factors that can impact breast cancer treatment. These include:

Your doctor will take all of these different factors into account when determining what type of treatment to recommend for your individual situation.

HER2-positive breast cancer cells have high levels of HER2 on their surface. This is in contrast to HER2-negative breast cancers, in which cells have low or normal levels of HER2.

The HER2 protein promotes cellular growth. Because of this, HER2-positive breast cancers tend to grow and spread more quickly than other types of breast cancers.

Breast cancers that are HER2-positive also have additional treatment options available. These are targeted therapies that specifically target the HER2 protein on cancer cells.

Its also important to note that some research has found that breast cancers may switch HER2 and HR status over time. This is why its important to reassess these markers if a cancer recurs.

You may be wondering if having HER2-negative breast cancer is better than having HER2-positive breast cancer. Theres no straightforward answer to this question, as both types of breast cancer have their own upsides and downsides.

For example, HER2-positive breast cancer is likely to grow and spread more rapidly. However, it also has many available treatment options, particularly if its also HR-positive.

Meanwhile, HER2-negative breast cancer grows and spreads more slowly than HER2-positive breast cancer. However, it also has less potential treatment options, especially if its HR-negative (triple-negative).

Further, other additional factors besides HER2 and HR status play into breast cancer outlook. Some of these include individual factors like your age and overall health. Other factors that are used in staging are also important, such as:

Cancer survival statistics are typically reported using a 5-year survival rate. This is the percentage of individuals that are still living 5 years after their diagnosis.

Survival rates can vary based off of the subtype of breast cancer that you have. A publication from the American Cancer Society reports 5-year survival rates for HER2-negative breast cancers as:

Keep in mind that HER2 and HR status arent the only factors that can influence outlook. Other important factors at diagnosis include:

The outlook for HER2-negative breast cancer can depend on its HR status. HER2-negative breast cancers that are HR-positive typically have a better outlook than those that are triple-negative.

The stage of the cancer also plays an important role. For example, HER2-negative cancers that are localized to the breast have a better outlook than those that have spread to the lymph nodes or to more distant tissues.

Remember that statistics on outlook or survival are determined based off of the outcomes of a large amount of people with breast cancer over many years. They dont take into account individual factors or very recent advances in treatment.

Your doctor will help you to better understand what your HER2-negative status means for you on an individual level. Dont hesitate to voice any questions or concerns that you may have regarding your diagnosis or treatment options.

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HER2-Negative Breast Cancer: Types, Treatments, Outlook - Healthline

‘Children of the Corn’ (1984) 4K Review: Arrow Improves On An Already-Strong Release – Dread Central

After IT (2017) steamrolled box office records on its way to becoming the highest-grossing horror film of all time (not adjusted for inflation; The Exorcist (1973) will never be topped in that regard), you had better believe studio heads were (and are) feverishly looking to greenlight every possible Stephen King property for modern audiences. To their advantage, Kings work has famously produced more cinematic duds than classics (like 2017s waste of talent, The Dark Tower), and there are a number of been-done features ripe for a remake. One that I would suggest tackling is Children of the Corn, a 1977 short story King wrote that first appeared in Penthouse (see, sometimes the articles are worth reading). It later found a permanent home in Night Shift, a collection of his shorter works.

In 1984, the story was commissioned for a feature film, with King himself writing the first draft of the script, though it was eventually discarded for a draft done by George Goldsmith. Although the film has a strong cult following and is responsible for spawning nine sequels/remakes/whatever they are, it strays so far from Kings disturbing, dark original story that the property is perfect for reworking. Before anyone says They did that with the 2009 version try watching it again and get back to me.

In the small Midwestern town of Gatlin, Nebraska, all of the local children have fallen under the spell of Isaac (John Franklin), a self-proclaimed prophet who orders the murder of every adult in town (specifically, anyone over the age of 19) as a sacrifice to He Who Walks Behind the Rows. Cut to three years later and Gatlin is a virtual ghost town. Its surrounded by fields of corn and bereft of adult supervision. Burt (Peter Horton) and Vicky (Linda Hamilton) are traveling cross country to Seattle, where newly-minted doctor Burt will begin his practice.

As the couple approaches Gatlin, Burt, distracted while driving, hits a young boy in the road. Closer inspection reveals the boys throat had been cut prior to the accident. Burt and Vicky head to the only service station near town and find an old man (R.G. Armstrong) who implores them to avoid Gatlin and head up the highway to the next town.

Despite the old mans advice, all roads seem to lead to Gatlin. Burt finally relents and enters the city limits. There, he and Vicky meet Job (Robby Kiger) and Sarah (Anne Marie McEvoy), two of the only children in town who refuse to participate in Isaacs bloodshed. Job is adept at sneaking around. But Sarah has the true gift, able to see visions of future events through her dreams. Vicky remains behind with Sarah while Burt heads off into town in search of help. Yet he finds nothing but empty homes and savage youths. The children operate under the ruthless guidance of Malachai (Courtney Gains), Isaacs muscle who is even more sadistic than the diminutive deacon. With Burt off on his own, the children kidnap Vicky as an intended sacrifice to He Who Walks Behind the Rows. This sets up a showdown between Burt and a horde of brainwashed kids.

The original short story got under my skin when I read it twenty years ago or so. There are passages in that little tale that have stuck with me all these years later. King has a way of describing deaths so succinctly, yet also in such a way that your mind ruminates on the methods of dispatch long after you have finished his words. He provides just enough detail to chill, but not so much you feel like youre reading Saw: The Book. Now, dont get me wrong. I like me some 1984 Children of the Corn kids. But part of me has always been a little bummed the film didnt venture into unconventional filmmaking territory.

Linda Hamilton makes her feature debut here, a mere six months before the release of her watershed classic, The Terminator (1984). Of the two leading adults R.G. Armstrong doesnt exactly count, given his one-day-of-shooting role Hamilton emotes and out-acts her beau, Peter Horton, who just falls flat in the leading man category. Hamilton is mostly sidelined until she becomes the typical damsel in distress but she sells the role well enough. Horton has always been too lifeless for me.

The real meaty work in Children of the Corn is done by the kids, especially Franklin and Gains. The sermons given by Franklin are chock full of hellfire and brimstone. They portend unimaginable agony for those who would defy the word of He Who Walks Behind the Rows. Although only a boy of twelve, Franklin looks older (he was 23 at the time of filming, but a growth hormone disorder left him looking and sounding like an adult/child hybrid) and speaks like a seasoned preacher.

His scene chewing is only surpassed by Gains as Malachai, Isaacs right-hand man who is all-too-eager to shed blood. Heres a fun drinking game: take a shot every time Malachai howls Outlander!. Actually, dont because youll probably get alcohol poisoning. Gains, with his brooding looks and fiery red hair, brings a savagery and apathy to Malachai thats helped him endure as one of the films true highlights.

Let me throw some praise over to composer Jonathan Elias, too. His chanting child choir compositions are on par with such celebrated Satanic soundtracks as The Omen (1976) and Rosemarys Baby (1968). Elias is a classically trained musician who began his career in film music by composing for trailers, like Alien (1979). This film was actually the first feature he was tasked to score.

Blame it on nostalgia, but I still have a soft spot for director Fritz Kierschs interpretation of Kings short story all these years later despite its lack of bite and deviation from the superior source material. Maybe its the austere Midwestern setting or just the general notion of a cult of children murdering adults and worshiping some thing that dwells within the cornfield. Speaking of which, that was handled poorly. He Who Walks Behind the Rows turned out to be He Who Looks Like Someone Spilled a Highlighter. Didnt they finally show it in the third film? Fourth? Who can remember? I do have a weakness for 90s horror. Maybe its time to revisit this series forgotten sequels

Coming four years after their remastered in 4K Blu-ray edition, Arrow Video now releases this film on 4K Ultra HD proper. Though the 1.85:1 2160p image is perhaps a bit less impressive this time around because the increase in resolution only further exacerbates the already-heavy film grain. The prior Blu-ray presented Children of the Corn the best it has ever looked. While those improvements do remain here the image doesnt offer much additional eye candy. I noticed an incremental increase in some fine detail (during well-lit scenes) and some of the color saturation seems improved. But by and large, this is such a minor upgrade I would only recommend it for diehard fans or those who never owned the previous Arrow Blu-ray.

Audio options remain the same, with an English LPCM 2.0 stereo or DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround sound track. The film was originally mixed in Dolby. I found the best audible experience came from the stereo track, although the multi-channel isnt a slouch by any means. Effects get a bit more breathing room there but nothing about the expanded audio will impress on a sound system. Jonathan Elias score sounds utterly chilling in lossless, contributing, like, 85% of the films tension. Dialogue comes through clear and free of issues. Subtitles are available in English.

Summary

Owners of Arrows 2017 disc may find little reason to upgrade but for newcomers this disc is an easy recommendation, thanks to good-as-it-will-ever-get a/v quality and a long list of solid bonus features. Note: this release contains only a 4K disc and does not have an accompanying Blu-ray.

Categorized: Movie News Reviews

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'Children of the Corn' (1984) 4K Review: Arrow Improves On An Already-Strong Release - Dread Central

The Best Nap Length for Babies, According to a Certified Sleep Coach – PureWow

Babies are inscrutable creatures...or at least thats how it feels when it comes to figuring out their sleep needs. Theres the whole sleeping through the night thing, and even if you succeed at that, youve still got naps to contend with. Indeed theres a good chance you will be preoccupied with solving some part of the sleep puzzle for the first year of your childs life (at least), Dont despair, thoughwe spoke to Anna McMillan, a certified sleep coach and owner of Little Winks Sleep, for answers to all your questions about the best nap length for babies and more. Read on and youll have the whole naptime routine down to a science in no time.

Any sleep-deprived mom can confirm that not getting enough shuteye can have a serious impact on a persons overall functioning, and the same is true for babies. That said, adults are more resilient in the face of inadequate sleep than babiesnamely because the latter are developing at such a crazy rate. In fact, sleep is a particularly critical time for a baby, because while their body is at rest, their brain is getting busy. In fact, McMillan says that sleep is when the immune system kicks into gear, the imagination forms, memories are consolidated into short term and long term, and human growth hormone is excreted.

Additionally, the expert tells us that during sleep, adenosinea chemical that naturally builds up during waking hoursis cleared out of the brain. And thats a big deal, because if the build-up [of adenosine] gets too great, then cortisol (the fight/flight/freeze hormone) is released, making it very difficult for the baby to function, says McMillan. Whats more, even a long stretch of nighttime sleep isnt enough to keep a babys adenosine levels in check. Babies have a lower capacity to handle adenosine in their brain. Think of a bathtub, their bathtub fills much quicker than yours or mine, explains McMillan. The takeaway? If you skimp on naps, theres a very high likelihood your baby will start getting all kinds of cranky and may even have difficulty performing basic developmentally-appropriate tasks.

So just how many naps does your baby need? Will a 20-minute cat nap cut it, or should you be aiming for a marathon snooze? According to McMillan, the number and length of naps depends on the age of the baby. From birth to six weeks of age, babies should be taking between four and six naps per day. That number drops to three or four naps pers day from six to twelve weeks of age. As for length, McMillan says that for babies less than 12 weeks old, pretty much anything goes, so you can expect both short and long naps, anywhere from 20 minutes to three hours. The one caveat: Dont let your baby nap for more than three hours, as this might result in day/night confusion.

The nap situation changes slightly once the newborn days are in the rearview and sleep starts to become more consolidated. For 3- to 6-month-olds, three naps will suffice; 6 to 9-month-olds can get by with two or three naps per day, and 9- to 12-month-olds can bid the third nap adieu and stick to two naps per day. As you can see, the number of daily naps required tapers down gradually as your baby develops. The same rule applies from three to 12 months of age when it comes to nap length, though: The goal is to have naps that are at least one hour and no more than two, says McMillan.

Now lets talk about timing. The task of scheduling up to six naps in a single day is enough to make anyones head spin and to make things even more complicated, a nap attempt that happens too soon or too long after the last snooze is likely to fail. To avoid this scenario, its important to have some knowledge of wake window (i.e., the ideal length of time (for their age) that baby is awake in between naps) your babys sleep schedule will fall into place far easier. The good news is that some poor soul did the work of figuring out ideal wake windows for you, so all you have to do is reference this handy chart and remember to watch the clock.

Forgot to check the time when your baby woke up from a nap (or checked the time and just forgot to remember it cause youre functioning on precious little sleep yourself)? No biggie. While the best and simplest method for scheduling naps is simply to go by the clock, there are also cues you can look for to determine when your baby is in need of a midday snooze. According to McMillan these cues vary from child to child, but some common ones include nuzzling, loss of interest in activity, pulling on ears and red eyebrows. (Weird, right?)

RELATED: The Best Baby Monitors for Your Nursery

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The Best Nap Length for Babies, According to a Certified Sleep Coach - PureWow

Nurse shortage the reason for temporary service reductions at HGH – The Review Newspaper

Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for Hawkesbury and District General Hospital (HGH) employees is not the reason for temporary reductions of certain services at the facility says a spokesperson for the hospital.

On November 1, the HGH announced that Perioperative Services (operating rooms) and the Family Birthing Centre would be operating at 50 per cent capacity. Other inpatient care and outpatient services will continue to operate at planned service levels.

According to HGH Community Relations CoordinatordithJean-Louis, as of November 8, 100 per cent of HGH physicians and 96 per cent of other hospital staff were vaccinated against COVID-19. The shortage of nurses at the hospital is an extension of a present worldwide situation.

Issues such as retirements, fatigue, burnout, and nurses leaving hospital staff to work on pandemic-related measures are the reasons for the shortage. Jean-Louis stated that 18 HGH nurses have left for those reasons.

HGH administration is monitoring the staffing situation so a decision may be made to resume activities at a full capacity as soon as possible.

HGH continues to actively recruit to fill the vacancies, Jean Louis said.

Surgeries and procedures being postponed and the decrease in the Family Birthing Centre activities are being selected on a set of clear criteria, including an ethical framework and consideration of the healthcare needs of the patients. The hospital is notifying patients directly affected by reductions in services. Anyone requiring urgent care is urged to go to the Emergency Department.

Jean-Louis said there are no plans to close theFamily Birthing Centre at HGH.

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Nurse shortage the reason for temporary service reductions at HGH - The Review Newspaper

Physiology, Growth Hormone – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

Introduction

Human growth hormone (HGH), also known as somatotropin, is a 191 amino acid single-chain polypeptide produced by somatotropic cells within the anterior pituitary gland. As its name implies, scientists originally found it to be responsible forgrowth regulation during childhood. However, research has determined that HGH is also responsible for the regulation of many of the bodys other basal metabolic functions and operates as an acute phase stress reactant.[1][2]

Human growth hormone is produced viathe anterior pituitary of the brain in the acidophilic, somatotrophic cells. Its production is tightly regulated through several complex feedback mechanisms in response to stress, exercise, nutrition, sleep, and growth hormone itself. The primary regulation factors are growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) produced in the hypothalamus, somatostatin, produced in various tissues throughout the body, and ghrelin, which is produced in the gastrointestinal tract. GHRH functions to promote HGH production and release. Somatostatin inhibits the release of GHRH as well as the HGH release response to GHRH stimulus and increases in hypoglycemia. Ghrelin is a hormone produced by the stomach as part of the hunger response. Functionally, the ghrelin response is protective against hypoglycemia. When elevated, ghrelin binds to somatotrophs to stimulate HGH secretion.Insulin-like growth factor-1 also acts to inhibit HGH by both directly inhibiting somatotrophic HGH release and indirectly through synergistically increasing the release of somatostatin. Additionally, HGH will negatively feedback into the hypothalamus, thus decreasing GHRH production. The net effect of this regulatory mechanism produces a pulsatile release of HGH into circulation that varies hourly. In general, HGH levels will be increased in childhood, spike to their highest levels during puberty, and subsequently decrease with increased age.[3][4][5]

HGH has two mechanisms of effect: direct action and indirect action. The direct effects of HGH on the body are through its action on binding to target cells to stimulate a response. The indirect effects occur primarily by the action of insulin-like growth factor-1, which hepatocytes primarily secrete in response to elevated HGH binding to surface receptors. Once activated, the Janusactivating tyrosine kinases (JAKs) 1 and 2 will bind to the latent cytoplasmic transcriptions factors STAT1, STAT3, and STAT5, and be transported into the nucleusinducingincreased gene transcription and metabolism to produce insulin-like growth factor-1 for release into the circulation. Insulin-like growth factor-1 then has an impact on the growth and metabolism of peripheral tissues. One can think of the effects of HGH as a combined effect of both HGH and insulin-like growth factor-1.

Growth

HGH induces growth in nearly every tissue and organ in the body. However, it is most notorious forits growth-promoting effect on cartilage and bone, especially in the adolescent years. Chondrocytes and osteoblasts receive signals to increase replication and thus allow for growth in size via HGHs activation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases designated ERKs (extracellular signal-regulated kinases) 1 and 2 cellular signaling pathways. Activation of this phosphorylation intracellular signaling cascade results in a cascade of protein activation, which leads to increased gene transcription of the affected cells and ultimately causes increased gene replication and cellular growth.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 binds to its receptor, IGF-1R, on the cellular surface and activates a tyrosine kinase-mediated intracellular signaling pathway that phosphorylates various proteins intracellularly leading to increased metabolism, anabolism, and cellular replication and division. Furthermore, it acts to inhibit apoptosis of the cell, thus prolonging the lifespan of existing cells. The net result is to encourage the growth of tissue and to create a hyperglycemic environment in the body.

Metabolic Effects

HGH impacts metabolism primarily by up-regulating the production of insulin-like growth factor-1 and its subsequent effect on peripheral cells. The intracellular signaling activation that occurs, as stated above, also has a significant impact on the basal metabolic functions of organ tissues. In general, cells enter an anabolic protein state with increased amino acid uptake, protein synthesis, and decreased catabolism of proteins. Fats are processed and consumed by stimulating triglyceride breakdown and oxidation in adipocytes. Additionally, HGH suppresses the ability of insulin to stimulate the uptake of glucose in peripheral tissues and causes an increased rate of gluconeogenesis in the liver, leading to an overall hyperglycemic state.[6][7][8]

Due to the pulsatile nature of HGH levelsfound in the blood, conventional measurements of serum HGH arealmost useless because the valuesmay vary from undetectable to extremely high depending on environmental stressors and conditions. If a clinician suspects HGH deficiency, it is best to evaluate insulin-like growth factor I and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 levels and to perform HGH stimulation tests.

In an HGH stimulation test, the patient fasts overnight, and a pharmacological challenge is added in the morning with either L-dopa, clonidine,propranolol,glucagon,arginine, or insulin-induced hypoglycemia. HGH serum levels are then evaluated hourly for a response to increased hormone levels. Failure of this test to increase HGH levels, therefore, indicates HGH deficiency.[9][10]

HGH is extremely importantfor modulating growth during adolescence. Therefore, the major aberrations in the regulation of HGH may result in growth defects. HGH hypersecretion results in gigantism or acromegaly, whereas HGH deficiencywill result in a growth deficit in children and the GH deficiency syndrome in adults.

Acromegaly

Acromegaly typically results from an HGH secreting pituitary adenoma with an onset after the closure of the epiphyseal growth plates, typically in adulthood. Therefore, bone growth primarily affects flat bones such as the skull, mandible, sternum, hands, and feet. Often the presenting complaint isof hats or gloves not fitting anymore due to swelling of the hands and head. Because the illness is due to a pituitary mass, hypopituitarism may also develop with secondary reproductive disorders and visual symptoms. In addition to bony growth, there is the growth of myocardium resulting in biventricular concentric hypertrophy and subsequent heart failure in later disease. Because HGH counteracts the effects of insulin on glucose and lipid metabolism, diabetes mellitus type 2 and hyperlipidemia are strongly associated with this disease. Treatment consists of surgery and radiation therapy targeting the underlying adenoma as well as symptomatic relief of the secondary effects of HGH as above.

Gigantism

This illness is very similar to acromegaly in all aspects, except the underlying pituitary adenoma develops before the closure of long bone epiphysis. Therefore, bone growth occurs in long bones such as the tibia, fibula, femur, humerus, radius, and ulna. Since epiphyseal closure occurs before adulthood, this is typically an illness with an onset seen in children. The organ and metabolic impacts are similar to acromegaly.

HGH Deficiency

In children, idiopathic HGH deficiency is the most common. In adult-onset, HGH deficiency typically presents as a constellation of hypopituitary deficiencies. The triggering incident is typically a pituitary adenoma, most likely a prolactinoma. However, other treatments, such as radiation therapy or surgery, might be the cause. Childhood-onset is associated with decreased growth of all skeletal structures, leading to dwarfism.Adult-onset HGH deficiency is less easily diagnosed as it has no single identifying feature that is pathognomonic. Typically adults have decreased skeletal muscleand increased fat mass in visceral tissue as well as decreased bone density and remodeling, which leads to osteoporosis. Dyslipidemia and insulin resistance are prevalent, which lead to secondary cardiovascular dysfunction, depressed mood, increased anxiety, and a lack of energy.[11][12][13]

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Physiology, Growth Hormone - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf