Have you ever stopped to wonder just how it is that celebrities become associated with a certain cause? I sometimes ponder whether or not it is part of their contract: "must find a cause to endorse one a certain level of fame is achieved." Not every celebrity has a cause or a charity, but it seems there are more famous people with foundations than not.

If you have a charity or a foundation that is in need of a famous name, here is the link for you. This site offers a wide range of celebrity types to levels of fame. the categories vary from reality television personalities to hometown heroes. The fees range from $5,000 to $200,000.

It could be that many famous people are just too far out of the typical fundraiser budget, but the lists make for some interesting reading. It is also good to know that so many people are interested in lending their name to a cause.

According to the American Dietetic Association, vegetarians have a much lower chance of experiencing hypertension, heart disease, diabetes or cancer. The plant based diet of vegetarians is largely responsible for this. A proper vegetarian diet is bountiful with complex carbohydrates, protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Vegetarian foods also provide all the needed nutrients, minus the saturated fat, cholesterol, and contaminants found in meat and dairy products. As a result of the many benefits of a meat free diet, vegetarians have a 60 percent lower chance of getting cancer and are half as likely to experience heart disease.

Becoming a vegetarian involves knowledge and discipline. To properly begin and maintain such a change should involve proper consideration and a consultation with a nutrition expert or doctor.

A new report studying women who have had hysterectomies has found that using a hormone therapy of just estrogen does not increase heart disease risk in women aged 50 to 59. On the contrary, the  single hormone could actually protect the heart against disease. The new study, published in the most recent edition of The Archives of Internal Medicine, focuses on regimens using only estrogen. Previous studies, which have focused on hormone therapy using both estrogen and progesterone, have shown an increased risk for both heart disease and breast cancer. These new findings will not change current guidelines for hormone therapy in women. Hormones should only be prescribed to women who are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and night sweats. The hormones should definitely not be administered to prevent heart disease.

The new studies apply only to menopausal women who have had hysterectomies, these women are able to receive estrogen alone. Estrogen, unless prescribed with a form of progesterone, can increase the risk for uterine cancer. For more, please click here.

It looks like the low-carb frenzy just might be a thing of the past in some food circles. The newest food craze to grip the health conscience seekers of eternal youth and everlasting health is called super foods. The group of foods is  comprised of blueberries, avocado, spinach, dark chocolate, tomatoes and green tea. Blueberries present an abundant supply of antioxidants in a very small package; they offer a double wallop of power for fighting cancer and heart disease. Avocados contain the same heart healthy elements, mono unsaturated fats, as olive oil. Fresh spinach is a dream as a salad condiment or a colon cleanser. Not only is dark chocolate a divine substance, it also is chock full of antioxidants. Tomatoes contain cancer-fighting lycopene. And green tea contains large amounts of antioxidants.

While choosing super foods is a great way to augment a healthy diet, eating only those foods on the list would not be the best choice. The list, as the author of SuperFoods Rx, by Steven Pratt states, is meant as a guide. A balanced diet of high fiber, low fat, whole foods is the best way to maintain balance in the quest to remain healthy while staving off cancer or heart disease.

The American Cancer Society and The American Heart Association have both made comments pertaining to a recent study on the benefits of fish oil. It has been tried and tested for the past 30 years, with 700,000 patients. Today it was officially stated that fish oil, or more specifically omega-3 fatty acids, does not help in the prevention of cancer. It does have many other health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease, boosting brain function, and helping to keeps skin moist.  The 38 studies recently conducted are too heterogeneous, involving different groups, variety of fish oil consumption. More studies need to be considered to claim omega-3 is beneficial in the prevention of cancer.  The American Heart Association recommends at least two servings of fish per week to help prevent heart disease.  The American Cancer Society recommends fish as a protein source as it does not contain high amounts of saturated fats which scientists have mentioned could increase risks for prostate and colon cancer.  So basically keep eating fish, as it can't hurt.