The Reason You Have An Apple-Shaped (Or Pear-Shaped) Body

If you’ve ever read a women’s magazine, you’re familiar with the concept of “apple” versus “pear” body shapes. They’re the two most common presentations of the human body — in the first case, fat gathers around the midsection, in the latter, fat accumulates around the hips, thighs, and rear.

Now, researchers from Duke University have pinpointed a gene, called Plexin D1, which determines the body type you’ll have with a great deal more certainty than any magazine quiz ever could.

Now, for those who think that your body shape is only a barometer of the style of jeans you choose, or if you should opt for the A-line vs. the empire waist wedding dress, take heed: Your body shape has everything to do with your health. 

An apple shaped body, which has greater fat accumulation in the belly, carries with it the risk of heart disease. Fat concentration in the midsection is also thought to induce inflammation and trigger metabolic diseases including high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes. 

A pear body shape, on the other hand, is considered to be pretty healthy. This shape accumulates fat in the hips and thighs, which is associated with increased fertility and a decreased risk of metabolic diseases like diabetes. 

Now let’s get back to that study.

All humans have the Plexin D1 gene. But to simplify their research, the Duke researchers chose to study the gene’s effects in zebrafish. Since the fish are transparent, you can actually see where the fat cells are accumulating to easily determine their body shape. John F. Rawls, PhD, and an associate professor of molecular genetics and microbiology at Duke, and James E. Minchin, PhD, a post-doctoral fellow in Rawls’ lab, engineered zebrafish without the Plexin D1 gene, and compared them with normal zebrafish who carried the gene. 

The fish without the Plexin D1 gene had less visceral fat tissue than their “apple-shaped” counterparts with the gene. Visceral fat is the type of fat that causes an apple-shaped body. It lies deep within the midsection, wedged between organs including the heart, liver, intestine, and lungs. From there, the tissue emits hormones and other chemicals that cause inflammation, triggering high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.

Instead, these “pear shaped” fish displayed more subcutaneous fat, which is the type of fat that sits beneath the skin of the hips, thighs, and rear of pear-shaped individuals. This type of fat tissue decreases insulin resistance in humans — which protects us from getting diabetes. 

So should we all try to get rid of our Plexin D1 gene? Not so fast. Michin tells Yahoo Health, that while “to have such an extreme effect is surprising,” it’s important to remember that their research also involved an extreme amount of genetic manipulation, wholly eliminating the Plexin D1 gene in the mutant zebrafish in a way that is unlikely to ever occur in real life. 

All humans carry the Plexin D1 gene, but we express the gene in different ways. “Body fat distribution is a complex trait that is governed by interactions between multiple genes, says Michin. “We expect that more subtle regulation of Plexin D1 in human populations is likely to occur.”

Despite the clear health implications of body fat distribution, little is known about the genetics of body shape. A large international study that appeared in Nature in February began to fill in this gap by looking for genes associated with waist-to-hip ratio. The researchers found some association with Plexin D1 in their study. read here

In the future, this information could lead to understanding how to genetically manipulate our body types — and, more importantly, improve our health in the process.  

CALLED TO DO THEIR PART

All of you together are Christ's body, and each of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

We also find in the book of Acts of the Apostles three vital ingredients in the way that God worked.

It was the Spirit of God working through the Word of God in the hearts of the people of God.

On the Day of Pentecost, there were only 120 believers gathered at the time the Holy Spirit was poured out. Their world was as bad as ours and, in some ways, maybe worse. They lived under the jurisdiction of the godless Roman Empire.

Immorality was rampant. In cities like Corinth, prostitutes openly walked the streets. The religious establishment was corrupt.

Idolatry and spiritism and demon worship were openly practiced. 

Everywhere the first-century Christians went, they were ridiculed, opposed, persecuted, and physically assaulted for their beliefs.

Yet within 30 years, the original 120 believers and their converts changed a good part of the world.

Also, they did this without a lot of the things that we lean on today. They didn't have magnificent mega church buildings or modern technology at their disposal.

The apostle John did not have a television show. Thomas did not have a Facebook page. Peter never Tweeted. Yet somehow, they were able to impact their world for the better. So what was their secret?

Every Christian believed they were called to do their part. And I think that is still the secret today. You have a part to play. I have a part to play.

So we need to ask ourselves, what is my place in the church? If we start thinking that way, it will make a huge difference.

Prayer: Lord, show me my place in the body of Christ and help me play my role in the church.

Scriptural Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:21-30

Relationship: 5 More Things Men Should Do to Protect Their Marriage

I want to challenge you with five more things every married man should do to protect their marriage.

And keep in mind with these five more things, that these are not meant to show disrespect to women that are not your wife, they are methods for you to use when you feel the situation is necessary for them. As a mature man actively growing in his walk with Christ, you will know when these moments arrive.

1. Imagine your wife is in the room with you. Take a moment to think about recent conversations or encounters with other women. When you were alone, were you more likely to give her that second look? Were you more likely to engage in conversation that one would say was more than professional or friendly? When you think back on those times, would your wife had approved of your actions? Would Jesus?

Early in my own marriage I struggled with this concept. I mean it wasn't too long ago that I was single and free to do and say as I pleased, but now I was married. As my wife and I were together much more often, I started to realize my wife's responses when I engaged in conversation with other women. She started to let me know when I was coming across "flirty" rather than "friendly." At first I didn't understand and was even offended, but I came to realize that if the way I acted towards other women made her feel uncomfortable, then I needed to change.

I have come to learn after almost 10 years of marriage that the way I act around other women when I am with my wife is the way I need to act around them all the time.

2. Strive not to meet alone. I am fully aware that this step may not always be possible in a professional type setting, but even in this type of setting certain precautions can be taken to protect the integrity of both you and your co-worker. For example, you could leave your door open. You could attempt to meet in a place that is quiet but is still open to the public. You could invite a trusted colleague to join the conversation. There are always options, so don't make excuses that there are none.

Have you ever had an experience where you and your friends were supposed to all meet up and hang out, and you find out quickly that only you and a female friend showed up? What did you do or would you do? I honestly can't think of any good reason to stay there and " hang out" with her. Even if she is a trusted friend who knows your wife, both she and you should respect each other enough to say your good byes and reschedule with the group. I don't call this type of situation dishonoring to the friend, I call this honoring her and my marriage.

And if this does happen, I would still let my wife know about the situation. 

3. Call your wife to ask/confirm details. Guys, I personally feel that this is one of the most important things to remember when encountering other women. I look at this point in two ways. One, you may be put in a situation where you don't have a choice in the matter. In terms of work, you may need to be in a particular meeting with another woman or you may be told to take a long ride or trip with another woman. In these cases, you need to be honest about the details and the activities and you need to man up in terms of staying professional and friendly only. And second, there may be those moments when you have a choice in the matter. A woman asks you for a ride, what do you do? Well, it's pretty simple, you either explain that you're uncomfortable with the situation and explain why and she is mature enough to understand or you call your wife and review her feelings on the situation. What would you do?

Here's a good question to keep in mind. "Is what I am about to do or where I am about to go something I feel comfortable sharing with my wife?"

4. Guard your online/texting activity. In all of the other points, we have really discussed actual, physical occurrences like what to do when you're with your wife, how to handle actual situations at work or with friends. But what we can't miss is the online or texting activity. As smart devices and social media get bigger, this will only become a larger area of concern in our marriages.

Here are a few ways I've chosen to handle online activity. One, I have chosen to not accept certain friend requests by women that I have known very well or use to be attracted to in the past. Even if they are married or single, I honestly don't need to know what there up to these days or hear about any issues they might be experiencing. Another option is to accept the requests, but to be very cautious in the way you approach the relationship. Earlier in my marriage, I had an old female friend hit me up online.

At first it was just about the past, but as things went on in the conversation, she started to tell me more personal and up to date issues in her life. STOP! Yes, this is where my wife stopped me. From then on, if I am approached via message or text, my wife gets alerted first. And if it does need a response, I include my wife's opinions and thoughts in my response.

Online activity and texting may make it easier to cheat, but it also makes it easier to get caught.

5. View the relationship similar to your mother, sister or daughter. Wow, every time I think about this point, God really makes me consider my actions towards other women. As I was the youngest child with two older sisters, I can really relate to this idea. And I don't think this point applies to the points mentioned above, but deals more with the heart of the situation. As I say we, as married men, should be careful and take certain precautions around recently separated or single women; I also know there is a heart aspect to it all.

My relationships with my mother and two sisters are not really of close friendship anymore (as I've moved away years ago), but instead is one of love and grace. No matter what happens or no matter how long it's been since I've seen them, I still strive to show them love and grace in the moments we are together. The only person I can relate to with that is Jesus Christ. It didn't matter whom he came into contact with, the blind, the crazy, the prostitutes, etc. He always chose to show love and give grace. We can do the same in these relationships.

All the women you encounter are daughters of God and should be treated as such. If thinking about them in terms of sister, mother or daughter helps; then pursue that option. As you pursue to honor God and your marriage first, and engage in the nine points listed, always do it under the umbrella of love and grace.

As I said before, I challenge every man to consider each point and take the necessary steps to strengthen his marriage!

source: charismamag.com

Prayer for new week

I decree and declare a new level of success, promotion, and prosperity over your work, your business, your finances, your relationship and family. Your heavens will be open and hindrances shall give way. You shall excel in all good things, at all times, with all people, and under every circumstance. 

In whatever you do, situations will bow down before you; systems, ordinances, institutions, policies and legislature will adjust for you to have your desired breakthroughs. Go forth and possess your possessions in Jesus mighty name.

Happy New Week from us ASB-World. 

IN HIS STRENGTH

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Ephesians 6:10

Just as police officers call for back-up when they sense that danger is imminent, the first thing we must realize about spiritual battle is that in our own strength, we are no match for the devil.

I think a healthy respect of our adversary is in order for believers today. We don't want to underestimate him, nor do we want to overestimate him. We want to accurately assess who he is and what his abilities are.

We need to recognize that he is powerful: we don't want to try and take him on in our own strength.

Sometime you hear some preachers calling the devil silly little names, laughing at him, or making jokes about him.

But we must remember what Jude 9 says: "Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, `The Lord rebuke you!'

Even the high-ranking Archangel Michael did not dare to condemn the devil with mockery. He simply said, "The Lord rebuke you!"
There was a respect of the enemy.

The reason we need to "be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" is that Satan wants to get us away from that. It is our power base.

He wants to separate us from God, because the moment he gets us away from Him, we become an easy prey. Thus, the devil wants to put a wedge between God and us.

The only power that can defeat Satan is the power of Jesus Christ. Be strong in the Lord. Stay close to Him. Never let anything come between you and the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, draw me closer to You so that I will be strong in You and in the power of your might.

Scriptural Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20

Peaceful Elections We Prayed

We declared peaceful elections in Nigeria today, pls Nigerian vote wisely


From us ASB-WORLD.

Pastor Benny Hinn: My heart is weak but there's no heart disease OR attack

On March 25, Steve Strang interviewed Benny Hinn and his daughter Jessica Hinn-Koulianos regarding his recovery after being rushed to the emergency room on March 20. Here is an edited transcript of that exclusive interview.

Strang: Tell me what happened to your heart.  

Hinn: My heart was in AFib for months. (That's what the doctor said.) When a heart is doing 200 beats a minute or close to it, it stops giving oxygen. You're not getting your blood going where it should go. So, slowly, over five days my organs were filling up with fluid. I was basically losing function in my organs. And my heart, my lungs were filling up with fluid. So when I came back from Brazil, not realizing it, I was basically drowning in my own fluid.

Eating became a very scary challenge because even eating, my strength was not there. I was fatigued. It was really frightening. But, you know, finally my daughter came and said, "You're going to the doctor now." That was on Friday. We found the top specialist here in Orange County and he looked at me, not even five minutes and he put me in the ambulance. He didn't even talk. He just said, "You're going now."

So they rushed me in on Friday. I was so full of fluid that I was actually dying without realizing it. And I could (have), there was a lot of activity around me. One nurse, for example, was trying to talk to another and she screamed back at her, "I'm trying to save his life." And I thought they were talking about someone else. I didn't realize this was all about me.

So then, they put me immediately in ICU and began a work and began to drain me out of all these fluids, kidneys, liver, the lungs. And they had to bring my heart under control because it was in AFib, Atrial Fib. And they tried tests, you name it, to me. I've been exhausted with tests. You think about it, they did it.

So today is the first day that the sun is shining again somewhat. It will shine more I'm sure later, but ... And then they told me that I have an enlarged heart because of the, well they weren't sure at first if it was the AFib or something other was causing it. So when I asked how enlarged was it, he said, "Significantly." So it was scary. That was day before yesterday.

So they, of course, began to treat the heart immediately, brought the AFib under control and when the AFib came under control, the medication and naturally they used other meds to flush me out. It took about four days before the liquids were almost (normal), only yesterday, I think, they told me. They said yesterday my liquids were normal, or I don't have any liquids in my lungs, I have no liquids in any other organs. And so now, what they have to do, and this morning they shocked me. They did it (a couple of days ago) but it didn't work and the doctor said (it was) because my heart was too weak.

Strang: So is this like shocking your heart after someone has a heart attack?

Hinn: No. They were not shocking because I was dying. They were trying to shock my heart back into rhythm. What they do is they can shock the heart back, or they try to shock it back into rhythm. If that doesn't work then they put you on medication for a period and then you can choose to do what is called ablation. Ablation. Basically, they go in and they burn the cells in my heart that are causing the rapid heart rate. So today, they came in at 8:00 and they shocked me again and, thank God, it helped. It took. So I have been in normal rhythm now for two and a half hours.

Strang: Explain about a heart attack, because The Christian Post online reported that you had a heart attack.

Hinn: No. I had no heart attack. Absolutely. That's false. I asked the doctor myself. Yesterday they took me in. They put that thing inside my body, you know, angiogram and they took pictures. And they put me in a big tube and all that, day before that and said they didn't see any sign of a heart attack or such things—no blockage. But they wanted to absolutely make sure, so yesterday they took me down and they put this thing from my leg up and they took, whatever. I don't know how they do it. But afterward, they told me, in no uncertain terms, that I have had no heart attack. My arteries are absolutely clean. There's no heart disease whatsoever. And I am, my heart itself is extremely healthy. My heart is weak but there's no heart disease. I'm 63 years old and I hardly have any plaque in my heart, so it's a healthy heart, thank God.

Strang: So if that's the case, why was it so bad that the nurse was saying they were trying to save your life?

Hinn: OK because, see, when I came in, my heart had been in irregular rhythm for so long that I was basically drowning because of the fluid. My heart was not able to get blood into certain parts of the body properly and get oxygen where I needed properly. I would love for you to talk to one of the doctors. Here's one of them coming in right now.

Strang: It's official. No heart attack.

Hinn: No, never. But you know, the news media will say what they want to say to create some kind of drama, but absolutely no heart attack, thank God. My heart is beating now regularly. They did not put me on medication and they want to keep it that way and God knows what the future holds, but the good thing is I have a healthy heart and we just want to make sure the AF is under control and doesn't come back. That's all.

Note:  Then I talked to Jessica Hinn-Koulianos and said that the doctor confirmed that it was not a heart attack.  

Jessica:  It really wasn't. I'm telling you, I don't lie. It was not a heart attack and they confirmed it with many tests to make sure. You can have silent heart attacks, so that's not a lie, but that's why they confirmed it and they said no, that was not the case. The arteries look good. Everything, even the enlarged heart. They're ruling out everything, so yesterday they did that test to make sure the arteries aren't clogged, and they said that's not the reason.  

All the doctors have reasoned that it was the enlarged heart—that the heart was weak. The reason for the fluid is all related to the AF. He's been in AF probably for a month or two, so his heart was running a marathon and he had no idea. He thought he was tired and he was exhausted from Brazil, and when you do that your body starts to shut down, so getting him here and controlling that rhythm, that changed everything. Now his organs are all normal. The fluid is gone. The heart will go back to normal size within time and it will get stronger every day and the fact that what they did today.

It does sound scary, but it's nothing less than when they bring you back to life. It's very miniscule amounts of shock. It didn't work the other day, which showed that his heart was weak and we got a little more concerned, but it worked today. The doctor said that's a sign that his heart is getting stronger.  

Everything's getting better and it's a very good sign that it did work. So today's a good day. We turned a corner and even the doctor said we're out of the critical stage now. We're turning a corner. They're going to send him home to rest. Today was a good day. It's my birthday and it's all I wanted for my birthday, and I told him God answered all our prayers and he wanted me to tell you because the prayers of people are working. Every day he's getting stronger and today's the best day yet. Great day yesterday with no clogged arteries, that was a great report and then today with the heart, it took and we didn't even know if it would—and it might not have, but it did. 

source: charismanews.com