Articles

With the start of the New Year, health and wellness is top of people’s minds; viazoi is starting the year with a partnership that will not only help individuals but the community at large.

It’s the combination of our genetics and our life choices that make up the biology of our body. Here at viazoi, we use our scientific and medical expertise to create personalized programs that are based on your biology. From DNA testing to molecular microbe analysis, we use your U-ology to tailor a wellness program that is just for you.

Further, when DNA or biological data is pooled and made anonymous with thousands of other datasets, it can help the medical and scientific communities move healthcare forward. This is why we chose to partner with EncrypGen, because they are enabling this aggregation of anonymous data and ensuring those individuals that choose to participate in the program to receive value from their choices. This said, viazoi supports your choice of how your data can be utilized whether it’s sharing and being compensated with the medical community or staying private– we have options available. Read full article

In the NBC nightly news story ‘FDA Approves The First Cancer Drug Targeting A Tumor Solely Based On Its DNA’ they show how powerful our DNA can be to cure aggressive diseases. In the news segment they talk about a new and now FDA approved drug, which was created after studying cancers with certain mutations. With the results they have created a drug that has drastically helped those cancer patients that carry this specific mutation and the drug is now working for up to 12 different types of cancers! The sharing and studying of DNA can open many doors in treating many diseases and be used foradvancements in health sciences.

Sharing DNA, although it has controversial conversations surrounding, could be monumental to disease treatment. At Viazoi, we believe in the power of DNA research. We also believe that the sharing of ones DNA should always be completely an individual’s choice and when individuals agree to allow their data to be used in a de-identified, aggregate way, they are benefiting the greater good.

While genetics definitely plays a significant role in your skin’s strength and elasticity, you are not locked into a future of sagging skin! Here are some steps to take now in order to maintain and even improve your skin’s elasticity.

• Watch what you eat

  • Foods rich with Vitamin C and E that help build collagen and maintain and improve skin elasticity.

  • Whey protein stimulates collagen production in your body, so add it to your vitamin filled fruit smoothie.

  • Alpha Lipoic Acid, a nutritional supplement or found in flaxseed oil, chia seeds, walnuts and broccoli, boosts your skin’s elasticity powers!

  • Water nourishes our cells and keeps skin from looking dry and dull.

• Maintain and improve skin elasticity with topical treatments and skincare products.

  • If the source of your sagging skin is collagen loss, look for over-the-counter products that contain Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Glycolic acid, Coenzyme Q10, Retinol .3% and Resveratrol. These are just some of the active ingredients that combat collagen loss and slow the skin aging process. If you are genetically predisposed to dry skin, you may need to set up a custom routine with a dermatologist to ensure these products are not over-drying while building collagen.

  • If you are predisposed to sun-sensitive skin, SPF is not optional. Watch your sun exposure and look for sunscreens that contain both UVA and UVB protection. The sun breaks down collagen and our skin’s cellular structure and causes irreversible damage. It is never too late to protect your skin from ongoing harm!

• Improve skin elasticity with professional treatments.

  • Radio Frequency/IR increases collagen production.

  • Collagen Induction Therapy stimulates collagen growth.

  • Skin Needling helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production.

• Get your exercise on!

  • At least thirty minutes of daily aerobic exercise improves circulation to the skin, which helps the skin remove waste more efficiently.

  • Avoid drastic weight loss! Dropping weight quickly can leave you with sagging skin.

• Determine the root cause of sagging skin.

Is it collagen loss or dehydration? There is no one-size-fits-all for skin care!

Eliminate guesswork with a genetic test. Your skin’s secrets are locked in your DNA.

Our Viazoi Skin Beauty genetic insights kit will tell you if the source of your sagging skin is dehydration or is caused by collagen loss. This is important to identify because the active ingredients that treat collagen loss may actually dehydrate skin or irritate sensitive skin causing skin damage. You’ll want to make skin care decisions empowered with information customized to your skin’s needs.

You get a salad, ditch the extra toppings, dressing, and cheese, but then you’re deprived of flavor, and you only end up feeling satisfied for a short period of time. Sound familiar? Check out these delicious and filling salad recipes so you can feel satisfied for hours, and also get the nutrition your body craves! Read full article

Exercise can protect you from disease, slim your waistline and extend your lifespan. But doing it regularly is easier said than done. Work, stress, relationships and a lack of time can all stand in the way, which is why the vast majority of Americans don’t exercise nearly enough. Read the full article

After nights spent sleeping on her side, Gigi Howard, a former public relations executive, would wake up with lines etched into her décolletage. By day she wore scarves to hide the wrinkles. At night, she searched for a solution. Read Full Article

As you get older, your skin changes. You may start to notice wrinkles around your eyes and mouth, dark spots or patches on your skin, uneven skin tone or even acne breakouts. Plenty of beauty products available at drugstores and department stores as well as through dermatologists promise to make these signs of aging less visible. Read the full article

(Family Features) If you love to entertain and want to support a good cause, now you can do both at the same time.

Currently, in its 16th year, Cook for the Cure is a program that gives those with a passion for cooking a way to support the fight against breast cancer. Through culinary-based fundraising, events, auctions and the sale of select products, the partnership between KitchenAid and Susan G. Komen for the Cure(r) has raised more than $10.7 million for the cause.

“It adds another layer of purpose to one of life’s great pleasures, cooking and enjoying food with family and friends,” said Beth Robinson, senior manager of brand experience for KitchenAid. “The program continues to fuel passionate cooks with simple, creative ways to support a meaningful cause.”

You can make a difference by hosting a party that lets you Cook for the Cure by raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research. Here are some ideas to get you started:

* Organize a fundraising bake sale. Get the neighbors involved in baking, promoting and selling – it’s a great way to bring people together. Your contribution could be these Lemon Berry Cheesecake Bars.
* Host a potluck brainstorming party. Invite people who share your passion for helping others to bring their favorite dish and think up creative ways to support the cause as a group. Vote on a project then let everyone pitch in to get started. Cooking good food, sharing time with friends and giving back to the community – that’s a recipe for a truly great party.
* Share on social media. Sharing baked goods with friends is a pleasure.

Lemon Berry Cheesecake Bars
Recipe courtesy of Lindsay Conchar of Life, Love & Sugar
Makes: 12-16 bars

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
5 tablespoons butter, melted
16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, divided
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
fresh berries

Line 9-inch square cake pan with parchment paper, bringing up over sides.

Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter, and stir until well combined. Press crumb mixture evenly into bottom of cake pan. Set aside.

In a bowl of stand mixer, beat cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, lemon juice and lemon zest until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip heavy whipping cream until it starts to thicken. Add remaining powdered sugar and continue to whip until stiff peaks form. Gently fold half the whipped cream into cheesecake mixture and place remainder in the refrigerator to use later. Spread cheesecake mixture evenly in cake pan.

Refrigerate cheesecake at least 4 hours, or until firm.

Use parchment paper on sides to lift bars out of pan then cut into squares. Use remaining whipped cream to top cheesecake bars then add fresh berries, as desired. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Photo courtesy of Chris Scheuer of The Cafe Sucre Farine (cupcake)

#13792
Source: KitchenAid

Simple ideas to make healthy eating easier

(Family Features) When your family is transitioning back into a regular routine in the new year, it’s the perfect time to recommit to healthy eating habits throughout the day. Getting the whole family on board may be easier than you think – just keep the focus on flavor and fun.

If you’re short on ideas to jumpstart better family eating, try these tips:

Keep it simple. Busy families often rely on the convenience of boxed meals, but you can get the same easy, delicious meal in a much healthier way. Everything cooks in one pot for easy clean-up, and this Cheeseburger Mac recipe swaps ground beef for leaner ground turkey. Not only is this an easy weeknight dinner, but leftovers can be packed in a thermos for lunch on chilly days.

Have fun. Try using creative shapes, textures, and colors to make mealtime and lunchboxes more fun. Use cookies cutters to easily create butterflies, flowers, dinosaurs and more. Allow your kids to get involved in packing their own lunchboxes or helping with a meal. If your kids have a love of space or are learning about it in school, this bento box is definitely out of this world. Grapes create the dark backdrop while Swiss cheese is the perfect place for a moon landing. Clementine crescent moons and mini sweet pepper planet rings round out the meal.

Make a family promise. To keep the momentum going, rely on a resource like the Power Your Lunchbox Promise website, which offers everything from healthy lunchbox ideas to after-school snacks and dinners. All meal ideas have been approved by a registered dietitian, meet USDA guidelines and are kid-friendly. What’s more, for every Power Your Lunchbox Promise made on the website, health-conscious companies supporting the initiative will make a $1 donation to Feeding America’s programs that support families and children. Learn more at poweryourlunchbox.com.

Cheeseburger Mac

Recipe courtesy of Produce for Kids

1          tablespoon olive oil

1          pound lean ground turkey

1          small onion, finely chopped

1          cup mini sweet peppers, chopped

1 1/2    teaspoons paprika

1          teaspoon sugar

1/2       teaspoon salt

1/2       teaspoon chili powder

1 1/2    cups water

1          cup milk

3          tablespoons tomato paste

1 1/2    cups whole-grain dry macaroni

1          cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add turkey, onion, and peppers. Cook 7-10 minutes, or until turkey is cooked through.

In a small bowl, mix paprika, sugar, salt and chili powder. Add to turkey and stir. Add water, milk, tomato paste, and pasta. Mix well. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, or until pasta is cooked and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and top with cheese.

Space Exploration Bento Box

Recipe courtesy of Produce for Kids

1/2       cup red seedless grapes

1          whole-wheat sandwich round

2          slices low-sodium deli-sliced turkey

1          slice Swiss cheese

1/2       slice low-fat cheddar cheese

1          clementine, peeled and segmented

3          mini sweet peppers, sliced into rings

1          package freeze-dried fruit

Add grapes to bottom of a large section of bento box to create space background. Place bottom of the sandwich round on top, add turkey and sandwich round top.

Lay Swiss cheese on cutting board. Using a small bowl or other round objects, cut into a circle. Place on top of the sandwich to create a moon.

Lay cheddar cheese on cutting board. Using small star cookie cutter, cut out stars. Add to space around moon.

Pair with clementine “crescent moons,” pepper “planet rings” and freeze-dried fruit.

The number of women living with advanced breast cancer is rising substantially in the United States, reflecting improved survival among all ages, according to a study published Thursday.

Read the full article written by Laurie McGinley from The Washington Post

READ ARTICLE