Posts

Showing posts from 2010

Life's Little Questions Offer Big Brain Benefits

What's your goal today? And does it fit into your life plan? If these questions leave you scratching your head, then your brain might be suffering in more ways than one. In a recent study, older adults who had a strong sense of purpose in their lives were significantly less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease or cognitive impairment over the long haul. The Purpose-Driven Life What does having a purpose in life got to do with the price of eggs? Well, for one, it means that your actions and choices are guided by specific goals and desires. For another, it makes you more wired to look for meaning in personal events and experiences. And the piece de resistance of all this meaning-making? Researchers think it may help positively alter immune-system functioning in a way that benefits your heart and blood vessels. And that's good for your noggin.    A Better Health Perspective Lots of things can add purpose and meaning to your life, whether it's settin

Grab This Cereal Topper for Better Blood Pressure

Hot or cold, cereal always tastes better with a little something on top. And for better blood pressure, the topper you should choose is blueberries. In a recent study of people with health conditions, those who had freeze-dried blueberries added to their diets every day experienced significant improvements in both their systolic and diastolic blood pressure after just 8 weeks. Blue-Blooded Benefits Researchers think that nutrients in blueberries may help soften blood pressure by increasing body levels of enzymes that relax blood vessels. These enzymes also support healthy endothelium -- those fragile cells that line blood vessel walls. And the blueberry lovin' may be particularly helpful for people with sub-par health. In the study, all of the men and women were obese (body mass index of 30 or more) and had metabolic syndrome -- a cluster of health risk factors that can lead to diabetes or heart disease. Get more antioxidants from your blueberries. Taking th

4 Steps for Kids: Child Passenger Safety

Rear-Facing Seats Infants - from birth to at least 1 year old and at least 20 pounds For the best possible protection keep infants in the back seat, in rear-facing child safety seats, as long as possible up to the height or weight limit of the particular seat. At a minimum, keep infants rear-facing until a minimum of age 1 and at least 20 pounds. Forward-Facing Seats Toddlers - Age 1 & 20 lbs to Age 4 & 40 lbs When children outgrow their rear-facing seats (at a minimum age 1 and at least 20 pounds) they should ride in forward-facing child safety seats, in the back seat, until they reach the upper weight or height limit of the particular seat (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds). Booster Seats Children - from about age 4 to at least age 8 Once children outgrow their forward-facing seats (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds), they should ride in booster seats, in the back seat, until the vehicle seat belts fit properly. Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays

Best Way to Stay Healthy? Call In Sick

Next time you get a sore throat and sniffles, here's what you need to do to avoid can't-get-out-of-bed misery later: stay home. Research shows that people who report to work sick are much more likely to get laid out flat by an even nastier bout of illness down the road. Sick at Work People who came to work sick at least six times within the previous year were 50 percent more likely to need extended sick leave later on -- as much as two or more weeks off within the next 18 months. Why is punching the clock when you're sick so bad? Researchers speculate that when people don't take time to rest and recuperate, the body gets more and more run down -- to the point where it can't keep a little illness from ballooning into big trouble.    Healthy Solution Okay, so sometimes you might feel like you really just don't have time to be sick. Or maybe you don't have the luxury of copious sick days. If you can swing it, stay home. But also try these

Weight Lifting May Be OK After Breast Cancer Surgery

Weight Lifting Not Associated With Increased Risk of Arm Swelling Contrary to what's been thought, a program of weight lifting may not increase the risk for arm swelling caused by lymphedema in breast cancer survivors.  Weight lifting may help breast cancer patients who already have lymphedema in their arms to gain strength. Lymphedema is buildup of fluid that causes swelling. It can be a lasting side effect of removing lymph nodes during breast cancer surgery. To avoid developing the condition or making it worse, the vast majority of the 2.4 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. are typically advised against lifting children, heavy bags, or anything else weighing more than 5 pounds. The findings "do not mean women can just go out, buy a set of weights and start their own rehabilitation program." What "breast cancer survivors should do is go to their physician and insist on getting a prescription for physical therapy. The physical therapist

Try These Savory Seasonings for Your Heart

For years they've been the staples in holiday stuffing. Now it turns out they're pretty fantastic for your heart, too. The savories in question? In a study, a powerful flavonoid found in celery and thyme appeared to hinder the production of compounds that trigger inflammation. Good news for your heart, because high bodywide levels of inflammation can open the door to heart disease. Good Guy, Bad Guy Inflammation isn't all bad. It's a normal bodily process that you need to stay healthy. It allows helpful things to happen, like wound healing and infection fighting. But when inflammation runs amok -- for either genetic or lifestyle reasons -- the body suffers. It opens the door not only to heart disease but also to scourges like diabetes and cancer. (Get your fill of celery and thyme with this savory stuffing: Wild Rice Stuffing.) Health Hazards Enter luteolin, the antioxidant compound found in celery and thyme. In fact, food is an excellent way to he

A Better-for-You Meat Marinade

Marinate your meat or poultry in oils and spices? Heck no! Not when you can do these dishes a healthy and delicious turn with this twist: wine or fruit juice marinades. Oil-based marinades can make a high-fat meal even fattier. But a low-fat marinade that relies on fruit for flavor can add moist taste, help control calories, and even cut down on harmful by-products produced by high-heat cooking. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry The key is to choose a marinade that is light on oil and high in spices and relies on vinegar, wine, or diluted juice for the majority of the liquids. The next time you marinate beef or poultry, enjoy the rich flavor in this low-fat marinade: Rosemary-Red Wine Marinade . For pork and fish, try this fruity-spicy tropical marinade: Pineapple-Chipotle Marinade . More Smart Swaps The great cooking and baking ideas that help make holiday favorites better for your waistline. Just think how great it will feel to be ahead of the game when the New Year&#

Cell Phone Use in Pregnancy: Risks for Child?

Possible Link Between Prenatal Cell Phone Exposure and Childhood Behavior Problems Exposure to cell phones before birth and afterward may increase a child's risk for developing certain behavioral problems, including hyperactivity, inattention, and problems getting along with peers. The new research does have limitations; the study researchers point out that there aren't enough data to say how, or even if, cell phone exposure may cause any behavioral problems in children. "There are theories, but I do not know." "Exposure to the fetus is likely to be very low, so it's unclear how it can influence fetal development." But taking some simple precautions to reduce exposure during pregnancy and among children seems prudent. "Be aware of your exposure and while the science develops, use precaution."  "It is very easy to reduce exposure by keeping your phone away from body and using a hands-free device, so why not do it?&qu

The Perfect Snack for Weight Control

Want to stay faithful to your diet or lose more weight? Eat a handful of nuts when you get the munchies. Despite their high fat and calorie count, nuts are the perfect diet food. Research shows that people who eat nuts lose more weight and are more likely to stick to their weight loss plans than people who don't nibble on this ultrasatisfying munchy. Perfect Helper Food Nuts boost weight loss efforts in three ways. First, they satisfy hunger, helping people to eat less later. Second, research shows that eating nuts helps people burn more calories at rest. And finally -- because of how the body digests them -- nuts might actually deliver fewer calories than you think (in fact, fewer calories per serving than nutrition labels suggest). Yep, sounds like nuts just might be the superfood of all superfoods. Nuts About Nuts Of course, noshing on nuts isn't a shortcut to weight loss. To drop pounds, you still need to cut calories from your day -- either by eatin

Curb Two Health Risks with This One Protein

Reduce cancer risk and control cholesterol with one protein choice? Maybe so, if that protein is salmon. Salmon -- and other fatty fish like trout and herring -- may help boost blood levels of good cholesterol. But here's the kicker. That same heart-healthy act could slash the risk of several different types of cancer as well. So warm up the broiler and slice some lemon. HDL and Cancer A recent review of several studies revealed that the risk of certain cancers -- including lung, colon, prostate, and breast -- may be affected by HDL levels. In the studies, the risk of these cancers took a nosedive in people with bountiful levels of the good-for-you kind of cholesterol. Seems the inflammation dampening that results from high HDL may also help discourage the survival, growth, and spread of various tumor cells. HDL Boost from the Sea Having high HDL won't guarantee that you'll never get cancer -- and more research is needed to confirm the link. But th

Do This, Feel Happy for 12 Hours

Spend 20 easy minutes doing this and you could help guarantee a good mood for 12 hours: walk. That's what a recent study revealed. A short, moderately paced workout produced feel-good brain chemicals that lasted up to 12 hours afterward. Step Up to Happy In the study, college students either rested quietly for 20 minutes or cycled on a stationary bike for the same amount of time. And the cyclers weren't even really pushing it. They merely exercised at a mild to moderate pace (60 percent of maximum heart rate). Both groups reported lower levels of negative emotions -- like anger, depression, fatigue, and tension -- immediately after the experiment as well as 2 hours later. But only the cyclers continued to enjoy their happier mindset a full 12 hours after the workout session. Attitude Adjustment Yep, it all boils down to those mood-enhancing brain chemicals that exercise is so good at producing. Here's the catch, though: For an ongoing effect on your t

Healthy Lifestyle May Help Prevent Stroke

Stroke Deaths Declining, but Stroke Is Still Third Leading Cause of Death A healthy lifestyle -- which includes not smoking, eating a low-fat diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercising, and maintaining a healthy body weight -- may help prevent a first-time stroke. That's according to the American Heart Association, whose revised guidelines say such healthy behaviors reduce the risk for stroke by as much as 80%. In addition to a healthy lifestyle, authors of the guidelines say primary care visits and emergency room visits provide a major opportunity to intervene and reduce the risk of stroke. Emergency room physicians could identify people at risk, particularly patients with diabetes , asymptomatic high blood pressure , or atrial fibrillation, and make recommendations to help prevent a first-time stroke. "Stroke remains a major health care problem,"  "Its human and economic toll is staggering." The guidelines, last updated in 200

How Much Sleep Do You Really Need?

Sleep Requirements Vary From Person to Person   Did you need an alarm clock to wake up this morning? If you did, you probably didn't get enough sleep last night. A new paper published by the National Sleep Foundation suggests that although there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how much sleep adults need, there are ways to tell if you are not getting sufficient sleep, such as a reliance on an alarm clock. "We are all different,"  "You need enough sleep so you can awaken feeling refreshed without an alarm clock." Some people need more sleep than others. This need is based on genes, age, sex, and previous sleep amount, among other things. It also varies across the life cycle. Sleep Deprivation and Health Whether you need seven, eight, or even nine hours of sleep a night may be up for debate, but the importance of getting adequate sleep is not debatable. Sleep loss increases the risk of high blood pressure , inflammation, weight

Soften Your Skin with This Savory Treat

Yesterday I was watching an health show so they were discussing on soft skin and what measure we should take to soft your skin What do your skin and that last slice of leftover turkey in the fridge have in common? They both might be a little dry right about now. So do them both a favor. Make yourself a little portobello mushroom gravy -- and eat it. Why? Because mushrooms provide a host of nutrients that give skin a radiant, youthful glow, writes Allison Tannis in Feed Your Skin, Starve Your Wrinkles . And we already know what gravy does for turkey leftovers. Skin-Loving Fungi Actually, just about any type of mushroom -- portobello, crimini, white button, shiitake, oyster -- will help buoy a youthful complexion, writes Tannis. All because of the following vitamins and minerals: Selenium -- Selenium shields newly formed skin cells from damage brought on by chemicals, inflammation, or too much time in the sun. Exactly what you want, because newbie skin cells are what mak

Walking May Cut Alzheimer's Risk

Walking 6 Miles a Week May Protect Against Dementia Walking a little over three-fourths of a mile a day may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.           Among people who already have mild cognitive impairment (MCI), walking a similar amount may slow the brain degeneration and memory loss associated with the condition, "In cognitively normal adults, walking 6 miles a week instead of being sedentary was associated with a 50% reduction in Alzheimer's risk over 13 years. "In people with MCI, walking just 5 miles a week reduced brain atrophy and cognitive decline -- by more than 50%. Any type of exercise that's equivalent to walking 5 or 6 miles a week will probably offer the same brain protection. As Brain Cells Die, Brain Volume Decreases Between 2.4 million and 5.1 million American have Alzheimer's disease, according to the National Institute on Aging. Alzheimer's is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys m

The 9 a.m. Habit That Protects Your Brain

If your day doesn't start until you've brewed a fresh pot of coffee or tea, then your brain is one lucky mass of gray matter. A recent study revealed that folks who drink at least half a cup or more of either beverage each day may be far less likely to develop a glioma  an aggressive, hard-to-treat, and dangerous type of brain tumor. So put the pot on! Brain-Protective Brews In fact, regularly drinking either brew could cut the risk of a glioma by up to 34 percent. Researchers suspect that antioxidant compounds in the two drinks probably get the credit for the benefit. These compounds stimulate activity of a protein that can repair cancer-causing damage to brain-cell DNA. Pretty powerful stuff! Caffeine Counts But there may be more at work. Researchers also think that the caffeine in coffee and tea might have something to do with the brews' power to deflect cancer . In fact, petri dish research has shown that caffeine delays the growth of glioma tu

Report Warns of Toys With Health Risks

Consumer Group Says Dangerous Toys Can Still Be Found on Store Shelves Though progress has been made in recent years in making playthings for children safer, far too many toys remain on store shelves that pose serious risks to America's kids, a consumer watchdog group says in a new report. Some toys contain toxic chemicals and many are choking hazards, according to the report by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG). "We've made a lot of progress, but dangerous toys can still be found among our children's playthings," says Liz Hitchcock, U.S. PIRG public health advocate and lead author of the organization's 25th annual Trouble in Toyland report. "U.S. PIRG's report and the resources we offer will help consumers identify and avoid the worst threats and keep their children safe this year." Toxic Substances in Toys The report says many toys contain lead or other toxic substances, pointing to six toys as examples as po

Acid-Reducing Drugs May Not Be Risky in Pregnancy

Proton-Pump Inhibitors Do Not Cause Birth Defects When Used in First Trimester The popular over-the-counter and prescription acid-blocking drugs proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) do not appear to increase risk of birth defects when taken during the first trimester of pregnancy, a study shows. In the study, 2.6% of more than 840,000 live births occurring in Denmark from January 1996 through September 2008 involved major birth defects. The study showed that 3.4% of 5,082 infants whose mothers took PPIs during the four weeks before conception through first trimester were diagnosed with a major birth defect. By contrast, 2.6% of 835,886 infants whose moms did not take these acid-reducing drugs during the same time period were diagnosed with a major birth defect. The study is published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The researchers did an analysis of the study data on PPI use limited to the time period during the first trimester of pregnancy. Statistically speaking,

Acid-Reducing Drugs May Not Be Risky in Pregnancy

Proton-Pump Inhibitors Do Not Cause Birth Defects When Used in First Trimester The popular over-the-counter and prescription acid-blocking drugs proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) do not appear to increase risk of birth defects when taken during the first trimester of pregnancy, a study shows. In the study, 2.6% of more than 840,000 live births occurring in Denmark from January 1996 through September 2008 involved major birth defects. The study showed that 3.4% of 5,082 infants whose mothers took PPIs during the four weeks before conception through first trimester were diagnosed with a major birth defect. By contrast, 2.6% of 835,886 infants whose moms did not take these acid-reducing drugs during the same time period were diagnosed with a major birth defect. The study is published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The researchers did an analysis of the study data on PPI use limited to the time period during the first trimester of pregnancy. Statistically speaking,

Boost Your Junk-Food Resistance with This Simple Plan

You'll be fitting into those skinny jeans in no time if you adopt this simple habit: pay with cash. Yep, when you hit the grocery store, just leave your credit card  and debit card  at home. A recent study revealed that paying with cash instead of plastic seriously quells the temptation to load up the shopping cart with belly-padding junk food. Pain Points The reason people buy less junk food with cash? More pain. Seems they feel it in their wallets a little more sharply when handing over Benjamins versus bank cards. In fact, shoppers who used cash to fill their grocery carts in a recent study purchased far less unhealthful, fattening foods than the credit- and debit-card users did.    More Slimming Strategies Now, check out this surprising figure: Only 14 percent of people use cash to grocery shop. And researchers suspect this could be one of the many factors behind the current obesity epidemic. Somehow, paying with plastic is less emotionally charged than th

Brain Foods : Food That Help You Concentrate

Image
Ginseng, Fish, Berries, or Caffeine? Listen to the buzz about foods and dietary supplements and you'll believe they can do everything from sharpen focus and concentration, to enhance memory, attention span, and brain function. But do they really work? There's no denying that as we age chronologically, our body ages right along with us. The good news? You can increase your chances of maintaining a healthy brain -- if you add "smart" foods and beverages to your diet. Caffeine Can Make You More Alert There's no magic bullet to boost IQ or make you smarter -- but certain substances, like caffeine, can energize and help you focus and concentrate. Found in coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, and some medications, caffeine gives you that unmistakable wake-up buzz -- though the effects are short term. And more is often less: Overdo it on caffeine and it can make you jittery and uncomfortable. Sugar Can Enhance Alertness Sugar is your brain's preferr

Last-Minute Thanksgiving Tips and Tricks (TRAVELLERS)

Image
Whip up a fabulous holiday feast in a hurry I don't know how this happens every year, but before I know it, it's the Tuesday before Thanksgiving! Suddenly, I'm stressing about how many side dishes to make, the appetizers that no one really needs, thawing the turkey, making pumpkin pie for the traditionalists plus "something else" for the dessert rebels ... But remember, the important part of this holiday is enjoying the company of loved ones and taking time to reflect and be thankful. It's not about spending hours making countless Thanksgiving dishes. You know the saying, "choose your battles"? It works for Thanksgiving dinner, too. When your time is limited, choose which dishes you want to make yourself and which you can pull together using convenient products from the supermarket. Dressing Up Store-Bought Products Here are some tips and tricks for dressing up store-bought products so that they'll taste and look special to your

Live Longer with Pets

Image
More than 60 percent of U.S. households include pets, and while almost every pet owner will tell you that their animal companion enriches their life in countless ways, it turns out that pets actually help prolong their lives, too. Countless studies have shown that having pets helps to lower our stress levels, decrease blood pressure, benefit our cholesterol, improve our mood, and boost our immunity -- in other words, lengthen our life span! While the majority of the studies below focus on dogs and cats, it is true that any animal companion can offer some form of emotional wellbeing. The heart-healthy benefits of animals Our animal friends often warm our hearts, but apparently they also protect them. A study reported in the Medical Journal of Australia found that pet owners, in general, have lower blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels than people who do not own pets. And having a cat companion could cut your heart attack risk by nearly one third! Accordin

Go Ahead, Go Back for Seconds

Debating whether to take a second helping of together time with friends or family today? Go ahead, go back for more. Research shows that being socially connected is about as good for your body as quitting smoking would be if you smoked. That's some pretty powerful bonding! Keep Your Friends Close Yep, researchers reviewed more than 148 different studies and found that the more socially connected people had double the survival odds of less social folks. Their analysis compiled data from more than 300,000 older adults and the results helped prove that supportive relationships are like good medicine for heart, body, and soul.    Friends with Benefits Having good friends and close family in your corner helps you live longer by making it easier to blow off stress and weather tough times (assuming those relationships are solid and not toxic). What's more, feeling more invested in relationships often motivates people to take better care of themselves.

Choose This Sauce for a Healthier Mouth and Stomach

Take an extra helping of this sauce as it heads around the dinner table today: cranberry relish. Your mouth and stomach will thank you. Yep, not all holiday fare has to be an unhealthy affair. Cranberry relish is made of one of the most antioxidant-rich fruits on earth, and studies show these bright red beauties may reduce both stomach ulcers and tooth decay. Holiday Healer Cranberries have a long list of antioxidant superstars to their credit -- more than 150 different health-promoting phytochemicals in fact. And these compounds are probably responsible for the multitude of amazing health benefits cranberries confer, including: Fewer tummy troubles. Cranberry nutrients make it harder for Helicobacter pylori -- a bacterial culprit in stomach ulcers -- to adhere to cells lining the stomach. (Here's an oil that also helps fend off H. pylori .) Healthier teeth and gums. Nutrients in cranberries help reduce plaque by fighting the buildup of bacteria-harboring bi

Cheer Up with This Vitamin Choice

Keeping your spirits up through the winter may be as simple as popping a multivitamin. Just be sure yours contains B6 and B12. Research has shown that these two nutrients in particular may help reduce the risk of blue moods. Who knew that popping a pill could help keep a smile on your face? Some Kind of Synthesis In a study tracking the health and lifestyle habits of more than 3,000 older adults for 7 years, researchers found that as people's intake of B6 and B12 went up, their risk of depression took a more southerly turn. And with every 10-milligram increase in B6 and 10-microgram increase in B12 intake, risk for depression dropped another 2 percent. Researchers suspect that because B6 is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, it assists in production of mood-lifting serotonin. And B12 deficiencies have been linked to depression and increased cognitive decline in other research.    B on the Brain Although intake from both food and supplements was mea

Diabetes Epidemic Will Hit Half of U.S. by 2020

Researchers Say Weight Loss and Physical Activity Are Keys to Prevention of Prediabetes and Diabetes More than half of all Americans may develop diabetes or prediabetes by 2020, unless prevention strategies aimed at weight loss and increased physical activity are widely implemented, according to a new analysis. These efforts could in theory also save about $250 billion in health care costs in the next 10 years, suggests the analysis published by UnitedHealth Center for Health Reform & Modernization, a specialized center within UnitedHealth that focuses on health care reform issues. "We need a sense of urgency. There is a lot of money and human suffering at stake," says Deneen Vojta, MD, senior vice president of the UnitedHealth Center for Health Reform and Modernization, which is based in Minneapolis. "The good news is that we know what works, and if we work together in a concerted national way, we can win." Weight Loss and Exercise For exam

Binge Drinking Increases Heart Disease Risk

In Study, Heavy Drinkers Had Nearly Twice the Risk of Heart Attack or Death From Heart Disease Heavy drinking or binge drinking a couple of days a week may be worse for the heart than drinking a moderate amount of alcohol throughout the week, new research indicates. Researchers in France and in Belfast, Northern Ireland, say that middle-aged men in both places drink about the same amount of alcohol per week. But in Belfast, people tend to go on binges, drinking in one or two days about the same amount of alcohol that French men drink in a week. Alcohol Use in Belfast and France Jean-Bernard Ruidavets, MD, of Toulouse University, and colleagues studied alcohol drinking patterns of 9,758 men in France and Belfast over a 10-year period. For the study, scientists divided participants between the ages of 50 and 59 without ischemic heart disease into four distinct groups -- never drinkers, former drinkers, regular drinkers, and binge drinkers. Drinkers were interviewed

Adsense