MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'diet and exercise'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:26:41 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4337940&cid=t_364779_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fconsider-medical-conditions-before-jumping-on-the-new-years-resolution-diet-and-exercise-bandwagon%2F2011.01.11 The first week of January was full of news reports of giving advice on your new diet and exercise program to help you lose the weight you’ve always wanted to. In a previous post and video I talk about some do’s and don’ts when planning for your weight loss New Year’s resolution. In the video below, I talk about some medical issues to keep in mind before starting your program. For example, do you have a family history of medical problems like high blood pressure or diabetes? If so, you may want to schedule an appointment with your personal physician before jumping on the diet and exercise bandwagon. If you find this video helpful, I invite you to check out other TV interviews at MikeSevilla.TV. Enjoy! *This blog post was originally published at Doctor Ano... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4337940 Tue, 11 Jan 2011 20:00:00 +0100 4337940 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4318443&cid=t_364779_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fpromises-to-myself-for-the-new-year%2F First of all, I need to get organized. I’ll get out all my random notes, including my exercise notebook I’ve kept for several years with all of my favorite and most helpful stretches and exercise moves diagrammed. I will make my best effort to perform stretches each day or at least every other day to keep limber and to alleviate some of my pain. If I don’t, I may end up looking like a human question mark. It might be time to buy a couple of new stretchy bands. Scares the beans out of me when the old ones pop. I will continue to clutter up my small home with a giant red exercise ball because it is ideal for maintaining balance and strength. Sitting on it while lifting my small weights, I will do my best not to fall off. Balance is so important. All I need is a fall. Then I’d be “t... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4318443 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:26:44 +0100 4318443 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4298621&cid=t_364779_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fweight-loss-the-most-common-new-years-resolution%2F2010.12.29 Probably the most common New Year’s resolution I hear year after year is the one to lose weight. I mean, hey — even I tell myself that I’ll feel better when I’m able to drop some pounds. But how is that done? I get asked all the time what is the best diet out there and what piece of exercise equipment should be purchases to get the job done. And, oh yeah — how soon can I see results? Losing weight is not easy (duh) — a doctor doesn’t need to tell you that. But in this video, I talked with our local TV station about some practical “dos and don’ts” when it comes to trying to lose some weight as your New Year’s resolution. As a rule, I tell people to start off your plan slowly when it comes to eating better and incorporating s... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4298621 Wed, 29 Dec 2010 20:00:00 +0100 4298621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4298832&cid=t_364779_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FJXLN2d7Ixm0%2F It’s the HOLIDAYS! Isn’t it just brilliant?! If you’re anything like me then you’re rapt that finally, you have time away from your normal routine and the chance to engage with family and friends. Finally, you get to unwrap those Christmas gifts that have been taunting you all month and (even better) you get to rest assured in the knowledge that you don’t have to worry about Christmas shopping for at least another 11 months. 11.5 at a stretch. And FINALLY you get to eat, drink and be merry – and all without the usual serving of guilt. Right? After all, it’s the holidays! A time to indulge and enjoy! Dieting and exercise be damned – yes? Well, sure. Like it or not, indulgence tends to go part and parcel with this time of year. Which is fine and dandy, but wouldn’t it be j... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4298832 Wed, 29 Dec 2010 07:19:42 +0100 4298832 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4294634&cid=t_364779_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmacular-degeneration-and-a-healthy-lifestyle%2F2010.12.26 We now have another condition that may be prevented by eating a healthy diet, exercising, and abstaining from smoking: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Macular degeneration causes a loss of central vision and makes it difficult to recognize faces and read small print. The macula degenerates with age and severe macular degeneration causes blindness. Treatment is costly and doesn’t work very well. A new study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology looked at 1,313 women aged 55 to 74 years. They reviewed their diet and exercise habits. Eating a “healthy diet” meant 3.5 servings of fruit and vegetables, 2.3 servings of dairy, 2.7 ounces of meet and 3.5 servings of grain a day. Exercise habits and smoking history were also monitored. (more…) *This ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4294634 Mon, 27 Dec 2010 01:00:00 +0100 4294634 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4281315&cid=t_364779_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhy-morning-exercise-is-best%2F2010.12.22 It’s the time of the year when dietary temptations lurk around every corner of the hospital. And since completely abstaining is not always possible, the best antidote for this holiday deluge of inflammation is obvious: Exercise. No doubt, within the boundaries of common sense, all exercise is good. But is there a best time of day to exercise? Tara Parker-Pope’s New York Times piece suggests that the most “productive” time of day to exercise is before breakfast. In concisely reviewing a Belgian exercise physiology study, Ms. Parker-Pope points out that, in blunting the undesirable effects of a high fat and sugar diet, pre-breakast (fasting) exercise was metabolically more efficient than was exercise later in the day. That’s really good news for the overweight... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4281315 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 14:00:00 +0100 4281315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4272675&cid=t_364779_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FIP04biOKDHU%2F You’ve been looking for ways to have more time and energy, right? Eating like a minimalist is a simple way of eating for a low maintenance life style. This choice will help you find balance, energy, and a new joy when preparing your food. Here are 8 ways to eat like a minimalist. Eliminate prep time. Identifying those ingredients that save you time and energy doesn’t mean using prepackaged foods or processed drive-thru. The fewer the ingredients the better. Finding recipes that requires three to four ingredients will help you spend less money and eat healthier (as long as you choose the right three ingredients). Go for simple presentation. Eliminate the hassle of a sink filled with dirty dishes. The simplicity of your food will minimize the time and energy required to wash dishes. ... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4272675 Sat, 18 Dec 2010 19:50:34 +0100 4272675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4219748&cid=t_364779_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-simplified-formula-for-good-health%2F2010.12.01 You can’t do anything about your genes, but here’s a formula for good health — simplified: 0          Cigarettes 5          Servings of fruits and vegetables a day 10        Minutes of silence or relaxation a day 30        Body mass index (BMI) below 150      Minutes of exercise a week     You knew this already, but are you really doing it? *This blog post was originally published at EverythingHealth* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4219748 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:00:00 +0100 4219748 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4205933&cid=t_364779_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fobesity-epidemic-solved-the-second-stomach%2F2010.11.27 Dr. Steve Brule (aka John C. Reilly) makes medical history by solving America’s obesity epidemic with a groundbreaking new operation. Dr. Oz, step aside – Brules rules! *This blog post was originally published at tbtam* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4205933 Sat, 27 Nov 2010 19:00:24 +0100 4205933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4183294&cid=t_364779_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-twinkie-diet%2F2010.11.19 “Hey…where did those cupcakes go?” Like a never-ending western North Carolina climb where each switchback reveals another uphill, and the finish is shielded by tall pines, the struggle to lose weight and to stay lean is incessant. In wrestling weight gain, competitive cyclists share the same mat as “regular” Americans. Like jockeys, all competitive bike racers strive for maximal leanness. It’s physics: Weigh less and the same number of watts push you farther and faster, especially when going uphill or accelerating from a slow speed. Remember those velocity problems in Physics 101? But is it conceivable that losing weight — even if accompanied by lower cholesterol levels — could be detrimental to long-term wellness? Obviously, the question answers itself... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4183294 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 21:00:00 +0100 4183294 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4175694&cid=t_364779_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdr-patient-doctors-and-self-care%2F2010.11.17 I did a little “self care” earlier this week. I did it by not caring for myself. I went to the doctor. I was sitting in the waiting area for my appointment and saw the mother of one of my patients. “Why are you here?” she asked. “I have a doctor’s appointment,” I replied. She got a curious look on her face, asking: “Don’t you doctors just take care of yourselves? I thought that was what doctors did.” We do take care of ourselves. In fact, we do it far more often than we should. Being your own doctor allows for a lot of denial. When you spend your day advocating healthy lifestyles after you had trouble finding pants that would fit in the morning, denial is necessary. “Do as I say, not as I do.” I realize that this is hypocrisy — that is why I was ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4175694 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 19:00:34 +0100 4175694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3983393&cid=t_364779_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmayo-clinics-dr-jim-levine-on-how-neat-health-can-be%2F2010.09.19 Obesity doesn’t stand a chance against Dr. Jim Levine, one of the prestigious presenters at Mayo Clinic’s Transform 2010 conference last week. Dr. Levine’s fascinating research focuses on helping people understand obesity, weight reduction, and Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) — the idea that expending calories through the activities of daily living is more important for calorie burning than exercise is. Dr. Levine’s ”Treadmill Desk” has won more than 50 national and international awards in science, including the Judson Daland prize from the American Philosophical Society, the Invention of the Future Award from NASA, and the Innovation Award at the World Fair. The “Walkstation” is now a product of Steelcase. Dr. Levine&#8... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3983393 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 05:33:11 +0100 3983393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3808668&cid=t_364779_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Feating-meat-and-gaining-weight%2F2010.08.01 A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition is reporting an association with eating meat and weight gain. This is a fairly robust epidemiological study, but at the same time is a good example of how such information is poorly reported in the media, leading to public confusion. The data is taken from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition–Physical Activity, Nutrition, Alcohol, Cessation of Smoking, Eating Out of Home and Obesity (EPIC-PANACEA) project. This is a long-term epidemiological study involving hundreds of thousands of individuals, and is therefore a great source of data. We are likely to see many publications from from it. This one looked at the association of meat eating –- poultry, red meat, and processed meat -– with tota... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3808668 Sun, 01 Aug 2010 12:00:44 +0100 3808668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3764138&cid=t_364779_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2F19th-century-cure-for-obesity%2F2010.07.18 I really want to know what the treatment is that this “regular practicing physician” sent to the patient to reduce the surplus flesh. “Eat as much and as often as you please” and “no bandaging nor tightlacing.” Bring it on! *This blog post was originally published at EverythingHealth* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3764138 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 12:00:00 +0100 3764138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3567890&cid=t_364779_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-robot-to-talk-you-through-your-diet%2F2010.05.15 Agence France-Presse (AFP) is reporting that a new robot, designed to help people lose the pounds, will soon be available on the U.S. market. The Autom from Intuitive Automata was designed to act like a personal coach, talking you through a personalized diet and helping you to stick with it. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Medgadget* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3567890 Sat, 15 May 2010 22:00:16 +0100 3567890 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3567891&cid=t_364779_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhow-to-lower-your-cholesterol%2F2010.05.15 Your doctor has just informed you that you have “hyperlipidemia” – or high cholesterol. She’s mentioning lipid-lowering drugs (statins), but you said you want to try some things on your own first. She agrees and will recheck your blood levels in three months. What are you going to do? The advice is all over the map and your Google searches come up with various supplements and diets that are confusing and overwhelming. Here are some specific recommendations, based on evidence, that can help you lower your cholesterol. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at EverythingHealth* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3567891 Sat, 15 May 2010 18:00:00 +0100 3567891 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335484&cid=t_364779_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fa-life-of-chronic-pain-and-the-domino-effect%2F In the last twenty years, since I’ve been living with chronic pain, I’ve met very few individuals who have only one problem. Most of them, like me, have numerous ones. Some of them are permanent and some come and go like unwelcome guests. I often have to be careful because some of my friends feel they are in crisis when they have some current issue arise and their life is in a spin, trying to deal with it. The size of the problem is not the real issue; it’s the jarring effect it has on the life of the individual as it disrupts, worries and often, hurts. Since I’m an old hand at this suffering gig, I often have to watch my level of empathy and keep it in check. It’s not their fault I’m a veteran in the game and they’re not. Thank God they’re not. As I’ve mentioned so often... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335484 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:00:44 +0100 3335484 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2876196&cid=t_364779_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fmore-short-cuts-on-daily-tasks-to-save-time-and-energy%2F I’ve been reading your replies to my blog last week when I shared with you the importance I have found in finding and using shortcuts in my life. Unless you live with chronic pain, you might find it difficult to understand but it’s a simple matter of ease and mathematics. If you only have so much time and a limited amount of energy, you have to make the most out of both of them. The ease comes in by saving both time and energy and it also saves your sanity somewhere along the way. When you have pain everyday, you need to give yourself a break. Actually, you need every break you can get your hands on. Each of us who live this way tries to keep life on as normal a level as humanly possible. Try living the way you always have but on a shorter clock, a half-pound when you used to have a fu... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2876196 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:49:36 +0100 2876196 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2871883&cid=t_364779_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fmore-short-cuts-on-daily-tasks-to-save-time-and-energy%2F I’ve been reading your replies to my blog last week when I shared with you the importance I have found in finding and using short cuts in my life. Unless you live with chronic pain, you might find it difficult to understand but it’s a simple matter of ease and mathematics. If you only have so much time and a limited amount of energy, you have to make the most out of both of them. The ease comes in by saving both time and energy and it also saves your sanity somewhere along the way. When you have pain everyday, you need to give yourself a break. Actually, you need every break you can get your hands on. Each of us who live this way tries to keep life on as normal a level as humanly possible. Try living the way you always have but on a shorter clock, a half-pound when you used to have a f... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2871883 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:49:36 +0100 2871883 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2807760&cid=t_364779_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fexercise-take-it-wherever-you-can-get-it%2F Listen carefully and you can hear birds twittering, magic umbrellas opening and My Fair Lady in a black dress as she descends, gliding to earth. It’s Mary Poppins and she taught us all a valuable lesson; that “a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.” We know exercise is good for us, both for our heart and lungs as well as keeping us moving in the right direction. Sometimes any direction is welcome, as long as we’re moving. When you live with chronic pain, each day of your life and any amount of exercise can appear to be overwhelming, especially the big, sweat inducing, body jarring acts such as running, jogging, or dancing. Many sports fit into this category of body jarring activity, also, such as tennis. We talk about many of those types of activities but in our heart of h... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2807760 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:50:54 +0100 2807760 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2757956&cid=t_364779_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fthe-danger-of-falling-when-you-live-with-chronic-pain%2F It’s sometimes amazing to me, how complicated one human life can be. Of course, I think of all of you and know life is complicated for you, also. I know many of you have had the same thought from time to time when life’s problems begin to pile up. Sometimes you feel on top of the heap; other times you’re certain it’s on top of you. Life is never simple for those of us with complex health issues, which is why we need to be on guard. Don’t we have enough to worry about? We are faced with being defensive as we do battle against whatever injury, disease or other unpleasant visitor has nestled into our lives and bodies. We swallow handfuls of pills; give ourselves shots, stretch screaming muscles and jump through any other hoop the doctors hold up. I’m sure the word “jump” will ... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2757956 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:02:47 +0100 2757956 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2365247&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fearth-day-and-health-walk-more-drive-less%2F In honor of Earth Day, which was April 22, I’ve been writing this week about things you can do to improve both your health and the health of the environment. On Tuesday, I wrote about changing your diet in an earth-friendly manner, and today I’d like to talk about another activity that would be good for you and good for the environment; namely, walking more and driving less. You can also substitute bicycle riding for driving, but walking is easier and needs no equipment. Countless studies have proven the health benefits of walking, and less driving is obviously beneficial both from reduced energy consumption and lower production of pollutants such as greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming. Walking has been shown repeatedly to be an excellent form of exercise, espe... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2365247 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:40:12 +0100 2365247 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2321750&cid=t_364779_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fweight-is-a-matter-of-balance%2F I know, this sounds like a physics lesson and I guess, in a way, it is. We are constantly inundated by ads, books and diet foods. The frozen food section at the market is now half filled with diet dinners. Billions of dollars are spent annually on all of these items as we all strive to look like Cindy Crawford or Tom Cruise. Since writing the last blog, two days ago, I’ve received word from many of you who struggle with weight, are tired of struggling with weight or have always been larger than most other people. There is so much heartache that swirls around this whole issue as we try to sort out fact from fiction; understanding from judgments and acceptance of who we are. I, also, mentioned an interesting article in Popular Science magazine March 2009. I’m somewhat limited by space bu... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2321750 Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:24:03 +0100 2321750 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2318537&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fyou-and-salt-not-so-perfect-together%2F Since nearly 70 percent of adult Americans have risk factors that warrant their reducing the amount of sodium they consume each day, the odds are high that you should pay attention to the following information and heed its advice. And since the national average daily sodium intake is already much higher than what’s recommended even for the 30 percent of people who don’t have risk factors, the odds are overwhelming that you are currently eating too much salt every day; the only question being how much you need to cut back? First let’s look at the 70 percent of adults who have risk factors. The risk factors are: High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) -31 percent of adults All people over age 40 - 34 percent of adults All black Americans – 4 percent of adults The people i... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2318537 Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:58:23 +0100 2318537 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2321755&cid=t_364779_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fobesity-should-be-a-four-letter-word%2F Don’t you hate that word, obese? And when they use the words “morbid obesity” it’s twice as nasty. Guess, as a nurse, I’ve read too many doctor’s history forms describing physical exams on patients. I confess the phrase “morbidly obese” sends chills up my spine. Just those two words denigrate the individual and somehow, relegate them to second class citizen. This whole subject of weight and over-weight is such a frustrating one. It has social as well as health implications. I think for many of us with various forms of arthritis, particularly if we have been on varying doses of prednisone, we know what it is to have our “fat” move around. “Traveling deposits of fat.”  Now, there’s a thought. If only it would keep... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2321755 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:26:12 +0100 2321755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2318539&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fits-time-to-cut-back-your-red-meat-consumption%2F Eating red meat increases your chances of dying prematurely. That’s the stark finding of a very large and very well done clinical study just published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.  The study found that eating red and processed meat was associated with increases in total mortality, cancer mortality, and cardiovascular disease mortality. They found that eating just 4 ounces of red meat a day raises your overall risk of dying prematurely, raises your risk of dying from cancer and raises your risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. I’d say that means it’s time to decrease your consumption of red meat, which includes beef, pork and processed meats like sausage, bacon and cold cuts. There are a number of reasons why eating red meat might be bad for your health. Red... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2318539 Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:05:39 +0100 2318539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2290613&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fwalking-is-good-medicine%2F I’ve written about the benefits of walking before, but there’s a few new reasons to talk about it again. First is a newly published study that figured out how fast you need to walk in order to achieve a “moderate” level of intensity. That’s important because the current recommendation is that you should get 30 minutes of “moderate intensity” exercise five times per week. But if you didn’t know what “moderate intensity” was that recommendation wouldn’t be of much help. More details below. The second newsworthy item is that April 8 is National Start! Walking Day.  According to the American Heart Association (AHA), “On this day, employees are encouraged to wear sneakers to work and take at least 30 minutes out of their day to get up and walk. It’s pretty simple ... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2290613 Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:36:51 +0100 2290613 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2223202&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Flose-weight-now-ask-me-how%2F This study proves it. Of course, the less you cut back the less you’ll lose. And the less you exercise the less you’ll lose. So while I don’t recommend doing anything drastic, I also don’t recommend doing nothing or next to nothing. Drastic measures are impossible to maintain. Doing nothing is hard to live with. Take the middle way: eat a little less and exercise a little more. Keep it up and very gradually increase your efforts. There’s an old adage of “no pain, no gain.” In a way this is true in that some effort is required, but if the pain is too great you’ll stop in a few weeks and there will surely be no gain. Take the middle way instead. Start small. Eat a little less and exercise a little more. And get a lot of support. I wish you the best of luck. (Source: Dr. Z's M... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2223202 Fri, 27 Feb 2009 18:07:34 +0100 2223202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2195225&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fan-intro-to-dr-zs-medical-report%2F As Stephen Colbert would say: “Welcome to the Report ladies and gentlemen.” Dr. Z’s Medical Report has a new home here on Everyday Health, and I am happy to welcome both old and new readers to my blog, which began in 2006 on HealthTalk. Although HealthTalk no longer exists as its own website, much of its content has been incorporated into the Everyday Health website, including all the postings of Dr. Z’s Medical Report. You can still search the blog using the little search box on the right side of the page and can still subscribe to it via RSS. Nothing has changed except for the owner of the website; namely, Everyday Health and I’m happy to be part of their team. For those new to the Report, here’s a brief overview. I usually write twice a week with post... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2195225 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:57:14 +0100 2195225 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2259909&cid=t_364779_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fmy-name-is-sue-and-i-live-with-daily-chronic-pain%2F It occurred to me I should introduce myself to many of you who are not familiar with this blog which I have written for the past 2 and a half years. This will probably bore my regular readers a bit but I beseech them to bear with me. I’ll try to make this quick and painless. I love that word “painless.” Don’t see it much around here. My blog is about how I’ve learned to live a quality life while carrying a camel on my back. Just like many of you, my life has done a complete cartwheel, camel and all. When I first started having problems I was a 40 year-old nurse, wife and mother of two teens. My husband was a respiratory therapist who was tired of all that mucus and wanted the wider challenge of nursing. He had returned to school while working full-time nights. Our eldest child, o... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2259909 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:34:07 +0100 2259909 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2195228&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fthe-number-one-killer-of-women-heart-disease%2F Friday February 6, 2009 is National Wear Red Day, which is a day for all Americans to be aware of heart disease in women and to wear red in support of The Heart Truth: A National Awareness Campaign for Women About Heart Disease. Everyone can participate by wearing a favorite red dress, sweater, shirt, tie or even the specially designed Red Dress Pin on Friday. Despite the emphasis on wearing red, this year’s message, is that “Heart Disease Doesn’t Care What You Wear - It’s the #1 Killer of Women.” Every woman needs to know about heart disease. While you hear a lot about breast cancer in the media, the fact is that heart disease is the number one killer of women with one in four American women dying of heart disease. In fact, as the picture below graphically il... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2195228 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 22:10:41 +0100 2195228 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2110873&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fcolon-cleansing-is-a-waste-of-time-money-and-effort%2F A friend of mine recently asked what I thought of Evercleanse, the colon cleansing product-du-jour that’s being aggressively marketed to help you: “Lose the Waste. Lose the Weight.” I told him that all colon cleansing products are basically the same; namely, scams. The reason is that colon cleansing is wholly unnecessary and a complete waste of time, money and effort. Regardless of marketing hype, regardless of ingredients, regardless of method, regardless of testimonials, colon cleansing is quite purely and simply medical quackery. The one exception to this is when it’s prescribed medically as in preparation for an examination such as colonoscopy. It is quite amazing how many websites there are devoted to colon cleansing and how many such products are being offered... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2110873 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:37:19 +0100 2110873 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2090241&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fhealthy-weight-week-january-18-24-2009%2F It’s the first full week of January and for many people that means starting a new diet. And for many of them the next week, the second week of January, will be when they “blow” their diet and go back to square one (and if not that week, shortly thereafter). That’s why the Healthy Weight Network sponsors Healthy Weight Week during the third week in January, which this year is January 18-24. The Network was started by Francis M. “Francie” Berg, MS, a licensed nutritionist, family wellness specialist and adjunct professor at the University of North Dakota some 16 years ago and they’ve been sponsoring this annual event ever since. According to their website, Healthy Weight Week “is a time to celebrate healthy living habits that last a lifetime a... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2090241 Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:15:39 +0100 2090241 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2075151&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fgardening-is-good-exercise%2F New research has found that gardening is an effective way to exercise. Researchers at Kansas State University determined that gardening is a form of “moderate intensity” exercise that can easily contribute to the exercise recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which advises at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days of the week in order to maintain and improve optimal health. This recommendation is especially important for older Americans, who can be less likely to fulfill this requirement, yet are more at risk for chronic diseases associated with aging. Moderate intensity exercise is physical activity that causes an increase in breathing or heart rate and is typified by such things as walking, cycling, swimming or even ... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2075151 Fri, 02 Jan 2009 21:45:12 +0100 2075151 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2033847&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Ftop-5-health-scams-of-2008%2F It’s the time of year when annual “top” lists begin appearing everywhere like so many ornaments on the tree. So here’s Dr. Z’s roundup of the top five health scams of 2008: Kinoki Detox Foot Pads Kinoki and all other so-called detox foot pads top the list because of the sheer audacity involved in their shameless marketing and the utter lack of either a scientific basis through which they might work or any medical studies proving that they do. Yet we’ve received over 400 comments on my blog about them, attesting to the surprising interest people have in these worthless products. Despite their having been debunked on National Public Radio and the ABC news program “20/20″ inquiring minds still want to know, likely due to relentless marketing a... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2033847 Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:00:36 +0100 2033847 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1975921&cid=t_364779_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fand-the-beat-goes-on-in-a-life-with-chronic-pain%2F It’s late, I’m tired, I’m grouchy, and, yet, the beat goes on. I know I’m in charge, well, sort of. There are those things I can control and those I can’t. It’s a constant battle to decide which is which. That’s why I am prattling on about what is what in this sometimes miserable existence otherwise known as my life. After three months of recuperating from surgery, complications from surgery, a GI bleed and another bout of H. Pylori infection I am seeking normal. I know I’ll never find it but that doesn’t keep me from looking. I’m just the old “never say die” type of gal and that’s all there is to it. This past week, while my husband was visiting his elderly, injured mom, I was determined to get back on my stretc... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1975921 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:18:14 +0100 1975921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1955587&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fis-diabetes-in-your-future%2F Diabetes is common and increasing in prevalence. About 24 million Americans already have diabetes, and millions more are at risk. Moreover, if current trends continue, one in three Americans (one in two for minorities) born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetimes. In fact, recent research has found that the rate of new cases of type 2 diabetes, which is the most common type, has nearly doubled in the last 10 years while spending on diabetes medications has also nearly doubled, but in just the last six years. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease, blindness and amputation. And since 1987 the death rate due to diabetes has increased by 45 percent, while the death rates due to heart disease, stroke, and cancer have declined. Is it any wonder then that during November, Ameri... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1955587 Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:53:39 +0100 1955587 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1947422&cid=t_364779_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2FfhiB4i5cW3U%2F var iamInit = function() {try{initIamServingHandler(420,633,253341,"http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/Resources/Css/css2.css")}catch(ex){}}() Here’s an interesting bit of research from BD Diabetes: “People with diabetes given intensive drug treatment soon after diagnosis are healthier when they grow older, even if they become less rigorous about controlling their blood sugar later on.” That means if you get diabetes (even Type 2) you should go on meds first rather than trying to control the disease with diet and exercise first. (Although you should still eat right and work out - there’s no avoiding that people!) The thing that I found very odd was that even if the patients were less rigorous with control when they were older, they still benefited from intensive tre... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1947422 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 21:35:40 +0100 1947422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1939843&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Flean-times-good-or-bad-for-health%2F With the economy slowing (or crashing depending on your point of view), and food prices rising, you may be forced to make some tough choices when it comes to what to eat, where to eat it and how to pay for it. Can you still afford to buy nutritious fresh food, which is notoriously more expensive, or will you turn to more calorie-dense, less nutritious packaged foods? Will you “dine” at fast food restaurants more often, eating their high-fat, high-sugar but low-price offerings? Recent articles in the Los Angeles Times and on MSNBC.com address this issue. You might think that leaner times would lead to leaner waistlines as people cut back on spending. But it appears that the opposite is true. Adam Drewnowski, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Washington in Seattle ... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1939843 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:59:58 +0100 1939843 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1918291&cid=t_364779_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fhow-to-wage-a-good-fight-against-chronic-pain%2F I certainly wish it would slow down a bit, but life keeps on cranking. The spiders keep up their swinging routine to make cobwebs. Dust and dirt keep drifting in, along with dog tracks, dog hair, human clutter and laundry. Why doesn’t life realize I am not always up to all this work? Let us not leave out my least favorite chore of all and that’s the trip to the supermarket. Yuk. I love to cook, but hauling in the groceries is tiring, painful and irritating. Sometimes, I confess, as my sweaty, irritated self passes one of our dogs, wagging their little tails and jumping to greet me, I talk to them. “Hey, you guys. Some of this stuff is for you. Don’t just sit there looking cute, grab a bag!” The greatest response I’ve received thus far from my canine frie... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1918291 Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:04:42 +0100 1918291 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1906251&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fthe-morning-banana-diet-a-scambuster-report%2F The latest fad weight loss scheme is something called the Morning Banana Diet (MBD), which started in Japan and swept across the country like an unrelenting tsunami. It’s so popular there that bananas literally fly off the shelves as fast as they can be stocked. But you should be forewarned, Japan is known for its fad diets and there have been many others before this one that also were so big they caused product shortages. And, of course, like all fad diets, this one will likely lead to some weight loss in the short run but will fail in the long run, which is why they are always replaced by the next crazy idea. But this one actually has a hidden nugget of gold called resistant starch that I’ll explain a little later. So what is the Morning Banana Diet? Like all fad diets, ther... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1906251 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 23:43:20 +0100 1906251 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1883684&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fvitamin-d-recommendations-doubled-for-infants-children-and-adolescents%2F This post is important for all pregnant women, mothers who are breast feeding their babies and for parents of infants, children and adolescents (please forward it to your family, friends and others as appropriate). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has revised their recommendations for vitamin D supplementation of the diets of all newborns, infants, children and adolescents. The new recommendations (detailed below) basically double the amount of vitamin D recommended from 200 IU/day to 400 IU/day. The AAP’s recommendations were described in an October 13, 2008 press release as well as in a more detailed free online Clinical Report. The new recommendations come at a time when the importance of vitamin D in maintaining health and preventing disease, and the near ubiquity of vita... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1883684 Thu, 16 Oct 2008 21:34:16 +0100 1883684 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1739549&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fdiverticulosis-nuts-corn-popcorn-dont-increase-risk%2F Received wisdom has long held that people with diverticulosis (described below) should not eat nuts, corn or popcorn because these foods would increase the risk of their developing diverticulitis, a serious complication sometimes requiring surgery. In fact, most physicians specifically tell their patients with diverticulosis to avoid these foods even though there was never much evidence to support such a recommendation. But research just published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has found that eating these foods does not increase the risk of either diverticulosis or its potential complications. Moreover, for men with the highest intake of nuts and popcorn, there was actually a reduced risk of developing diverticulitis (20 percent reduction with regard to nuts and 28 perc... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1739549 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:03:49 +0100 1739549 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1671895&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fcalifornia-bans-trans-fats-a-scambuster-follow-up%2F On Friday July 25, 2008, California became the first U.S. state to ban trans fats (from restaurants beginning in 2010 and from baked goods in 2011). Similar bills are pending in more than 12 other states and are already on the books in several cities including Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore. But while banning trans fats is a good idea, it is only a partial fix as it is likely that they will be replaced by other hidden fats, which, while they may be less bad than trans fats, are nonetheless bad. In order to help you understand this complex but important issue, I am reprinting my April 3, 2008 piece on this subject: Most people know that foods containing trans fats are bad, which is good. But not everyone realizes that foods containing no trans fats are not necessarily good, wh... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1671895 Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:15:36 +0100 1671895 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1544106&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fwater-a-scambuster-report%2F That’s right, even water can be a scam these days. That’s because of relentless marketing, widespread misinformation and an ingrained mythology surrounding what ought to be a pretty simple fact of modern life: If you’re thirsty, have a glass of tap water. That would stand in contradistinction to a claim such as, “You need to drink at least eight eight ounce glasses of water a day (the 8×8 rule), preferably bottled, regardless of whether you’re thirsty and regardless of whether you live in a hot climate or engage in strenuous physical activity.” In fact, the 8×8 rule is so thoroughly entrenched in our common psyche that even most healthcare practitioners and nutritionists will spout it without a moment’s hesitation. Unfortunately, however, the 8×8 rule is a comp... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1544106 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:32:15 +0100 1544106 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1415071&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Firs-tax-refund-and-economic-stimulus-rebate-checks-are-in-the-mail-spend-them-on-your-health%2F Many of you will soon be receiving an IRS income tax refund check, an Economic Stimulus payment check or both. Why not resolve now to take some or all of the money from those government rebate checks and use it to help improve your health? You can help the President’s Economic Stimulus plan and strengthen your health at the same time, just by spending that tax refund check on health-related products and services. Here’s my top ten list of things on which you could spend your IRS rebate check to improve your health: 1. Smoking cessation classes, kits, products or medications. If you smoke, the best thing you can do to improve your health is to stop. The American Cancer Society has a wealth of information on smoking cessation including aids you can buy. 2. Join a gym or health club, hire... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1415071 Thu, 01 May 2008 23:49:45 +0100 1415071 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1380644&cid=t_364779_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fanti-inflammatory-trail-mix%2F “Oh no, we’re talking about food again.” Yes, we are, so start salivating. Over the last few months we’ve talked about many types of food both good and bad. Mostly, we’ve been concerned with foods which can serve as a more natural way to deal with our many and varied types of anti-inflammatory diseases. There are over 100 types of arthritis/autoimmune diseases and many ways to treat these diseases. Most of us know about corticosteroids, DMARDs, NSAIDs, biologics, muscle relaxants and analgesics for pain. Hopefully, we also know the side effects and dangers which are possible with all of these medications. That is, most likely, the driving force behind our search for healthier foods and other modalities which can give us better lives. After I did the webcast on eating for the anti... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1380644 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:34:31 +0100 1380644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1379612&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fdetoxykall-a-scambuster-report%2F Detoxykall. To some, a new chance at weight loss. To me, just another in a literally endless stream of weight-loss scams. That such a product exists at all, and that it is generating interest among thousands of people, speaks to two unfortunate truths: • There is tremendous suffering and desperation surrounding weight, weight-loss, eating and body image issues; and • There are legions of unscrupulous predators eager to exploit that pain for their commercial gain. Of course, there’s nothing especially bad or unique about Detoxykall. I could have picked any of hundreds of similarly bogus weight-loss wonders, this one just happened across my desk at the right time and just happened to catch my attention because of the large amount of Internet-interest it seems to be generating. What i... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1379612 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:54:12 +0100 1379612 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1366981&cid=t_364779_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Ffish-oil-helps-ease-your-inflammation%2F The subject of omega-3 fatty acids seems to be popping up everywhere. When I decided to delve into this subject, I had no idea how many divergent opinions there are on the subject. I’ll try to summarize what I found. First of all, wouldn’t our grandmothers be tickled that cod liver oil is now recommended by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)? The consensus of opinion and studies is that fish oils do help to calm down the inflammatory process found in both RA and OA, especially when taken with NSAID’s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Apparently, they may reduce the C- reactive protein which reveals inflammation in the blood. Omega-3’s may also help with Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, high cholesterol and heart disease. On the other hand, omega-6 fatty aci... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1366981 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:05:16 +0100 1366981 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1352364&cid=t_364779_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fbits-and-pieces-of-helpful-info-from-a-life-with-chronic-pain%2F Frequently, as I live my life and pass through my day, I come across small things, objects or methods of which I think, “I should share that on the blog.” Many of these things are too small for an entire blog, but I think they would be helpful to you, as they have been to me. Medications can build up in the hair. If your hair doesn’t seem to “come clean” or appears to droop, that could be the problem if you are taking many medications. I have found it helpful to use a clarifying shampoo, sometimes called a chlorine eliminating shampoo. Initially designed to remove chlorine residue from a swimming pool, these shampoos are great for medicine residue left on the hair shaft. I’ve used Pantene’s clarifying shampoo as well as a special Joico shampoo found at beauty supply shops. Da... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1352364 Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:08:38 +0100 1352364 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1347673&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Ftrans-fats-a-scambuster-report%2F Most people know that foods containing trans fats are bad, which is good. But not everyone realizes that foods containing no trans fats are not necessarily good, which is bad. You can hardly walk through the supermarket without being bombarded with product messages announcing “No Trans Fats,” as if that fact automatically rendered them healthful. In fact, a product could contain no trans fats and actually be 100 percent pure fat! That’s because there are two main types of fats; namely, saturated and unsaturated fats. And while avoiding trans fats is a good idea, equally, if not more important, is monitoring and limiting saturated fat intake because saturated fat (along with trans fat and cholesterol) raise the bad LDL form of cholesterol and lower the good HDL form. The way this work... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1347673 Thu, 03 Apr 2008 19:46:51 +0100 1347673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1347674&cid=t_364779_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fbits-and-pieces-of-helpful-info-from-a-ife-with-chronic-pain%2F Frequently, as I live my life and pass through my day, I come across small things, objects or methods of which I think, “I should share that on the blog.” Many of these things are too small for an entire blog but I think they would be helpful to you, as they have been to me. Medications can build up in the hair. If your hair doesn’t seem to “come clean” or appears to droop, that could be the problem if you are taking many medications. I have found it helpful to use a clarifying shampoo, sometimes called a chlorine eliminating shampoo. Initially designed to remove chlorine residue from a swimming pool these shampoos are great for medicine residue left on the hair shaft. I’ve used Pantene’s Clarifying shampoo as well as a special Joico shampoo found at beauty supply shops. Dail... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1347674 Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:25:04 +0100 1347674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1331627&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fdemi-moores-leech-detox-therapy-a-scambuster-report%2F While on the talk show circuit to promote her new diamond-heist film, “Flawless,” Demi Moore has also taken to promoting her recent experience with leech therapy, which she underwent in Austria as part of a so-called “cleanse.” The 46-year-old actress told Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa on “Live With Regis & Kelly,” that with leeches, “They apply them to your body, and they suck your blood. They detoxify your blood.” But while it’s clear that the leeches do suck out some blood, it is equally clear, at least to me, that they don’t “detoxify” it. How could they? How could the removal of a small amount of blood, even if it were full of “toxins” serve to detoxify the remainder? Ms. Moore told David Letterman on “The Late Show with David Letterman” that “…t... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1331627 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:33:56 +0100 1331627 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1265341&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Ferectile-dysfunction-do-ask-do-tell%2F With the advent of a variety of drugs and their near ubiquitous advertising, knowledge about erectile dysfunction has become commonplace and, to a great degree, has lost its stigma over the last decade. What you might not know, however, is that erectile dysfunction is often the first sign of either already having cardiovascular disease or being at increased risk of developing it. Its occurrence, therefore, should be a signal to both the man and his physician that a thorough medical evaluation is extremely important. For a man to simply ask for a pill or for a physician to simply prescribe it, without first taking a complete medical history, conducting a full physical examination and conducting appropriate blood tests (and other tests as indicated) would be foolhardy at best. The term &#822... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1265341 Thu, 28 Feb 2008 21:00:31 +0100 1265341 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1232127&cid=t_364779_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fembracing-an-anti-inflammatory-diet-part-one%2F When one is struck with an autoimmune condition such as one of the numerous forms of arthritis, the question of diet is part of the battle plan. At first, you try to embrace the many changes you are faced with such as daily chronic pain, changes in lifestyle, fatigue, secondary effects on your family, to name only a few of the challenges. It’s sort of like finding yourself at war. You’re not sure how you got there. You’re certain you don’t like it. You want to get over it so you can get the heck out of there before you lose anything else and you hope you come out of it a “winner.” The chances are that eventually, you will read something about dietary influence on inflammation; a doctor will say something about it, or someone will give you advice. One has to be careful about tak... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1232127 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 20:07:58 +0100 1232127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1231995&cid=t_364779_109_f&fid=35677&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBrainBasedBusiness%2F%7E3%2F234945875%2Fentrepreneurial_opportunities.html It’s good to be home again. Dr. Robyn McMaster and I just flew in from another electric session with innovative leaders who use hidden brainpower to create solutions that work … against a background of challenges. The trip home was far from innovative or brainy though. It seemed NorthWest hired a craft from matchbox toys … so we were told no carry on bags would be allowed. A small purse squeaked in … but computer bags were fed to this airplane’s belly during flight. Attendants appeared unmoved by the man next to us … who told how his carry on bag was stolen from their fodder a week earlier. Our flight – left late … as paying passengers molded human shapes into sardine sizes to fit shrunken seats.  A plastic cup of water came ju... BrainBasedBusiness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1231995 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 12:52:32 +0100 1231995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1175087&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fmaster-cleanse-debate-on-radio-talk-show%2F I have written many times about the Master Cleanse program in this blog (links provided at the end of this post). My comments have been covered by the Associated Press and are also on Wikipedia. Most recently, however, was a radio talk show virtual debate between Peter Glickman, a major proponent of the Master Cleanse, and myself, taking a more negative position. The program aired live on Saturday January 19, 2008 on KCRW, a public radio station in Los Angeles. The show was part of a weekly food program called Good Food, hosted by Evan Kleiman. But if you’re interested, you can access the show’s archive at any time simply by visiting the KCRW web page. When you get there, you’ll find a description of the entire show, including all the guests. Near the top of the page, under the date,... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1175087 Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:49:52 +0100 1175087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1170273&cid=t_364779_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fhow-to-get-started-on-a-gluten-free-diet%2F I confess, every time I hear the word gluten I am reminded of an experience I had many years ago. I received my first bread machine and was experimenting with recipes. I bought a bag of gluten which spilled onto the counter. That was an interesting, if somewhat frustrating scientific experiment in the sticky, icky staying power of gluten. It remained in the sponge and on the dishtowel as a stringy, gelatinous mess which defied several trips through the washing machine. I’m pretty sure you could use it to lay bricks. Anytime we try to change our eating habits it’s a chore. When we’re hungry we go toward the familiar, the easy and the convenient. I know life is complicated enough without throwing another challenge in the way. So much of who we are is wrapped up in “comfort foods” a... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1170273 Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:55:29 +0100 1170273 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1154098&cid=t_364779_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fto-gluten-or-not-to-gluten-are-you-sensitive-or-allergic-to-wheat%2F Two people I love most in the world have gluten sensitivity. One source I read believed that as many as one out of thirteen people in this country have the problem but it is pretty well documented that at least 3 million people have gluten problems and more are diagnosed every day. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, true wheat allergies are rare, however he believes at least 15-20 percent of the population have wheat sensitivity. My most beloved sister was struck by its effect several years ago and it took two years or more to diagnose. It wasn’t diagnosed by a gastroenterologist, but by a friend of hers who recognized her symptoms because she also suffers from it. She improved as she cut wheat out of her diet, reading labels like crazy for relief. The other person in my family who has gluten... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1154098 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 22:56:52 +0100 1154098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1128840&cid=t_364779_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F210636930%2F While driving home a short while ago I came up with an idea! I know it is shocking. If I could ever get my head to turn off it would be a small miracle… Anyway, I thought that every evening I would post what I had eaten that day as well as my blood sugar readings. Kind of like a journal of sorts. It will be as much for me as you. I think this will help me to ensure that I stay right on track and keep my diet tight and under control as well as showing you what foods have an effect on MY blood sugars. I know that everyone is different but there are some foods/carbs that will be no brainers and will have effects across the board. I will also record my daily activity/exercise. Oh boy, I am feeling brave. I am not going to lie one bit either so you must be forgiving at times and remember ... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1128840 Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:49:09 +0100 1128840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1108825&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fhangover-cures-a-scambuster-report%2F Tis’ the season to be jolly. But for some people this means suffering through the after effects of their jolliness in the form of a hangover. And based on the amount and variety of purported cures touted around the water cooler and on the Internet, the number of people seeking relief must be fairly high. So, what’s the best way either to prevent or treat a hangover? Well, hangover remedies come in two basic flavors. There’s the free, but unproven, advice you can get from friends, family or the web, and there are the products you can pay for, which are equally unproven. Either way, nothing’s yet been proven to work. “No compelling evidence exists to suggest that any conventional or complementary intervention is effective for preventing or treating alcohol hangover,” was the conc... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1108825 Thu, 20 Dec 2007 17:46:02 +0100 1108825 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1103683&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Ftake-a-walk%2F I’ve written many times in this blog about the health benefits of modest amounts of exercise, and in particular about the ease and advantages of walking. Study after study has shown that you don’t need fancy exercise equipment, a health club membership or a personal trainer to realize the exercise-related health benefits that can accrue simply from taking a walk. And a new study has reconfirmed this fact. The study found that just by walking for 30 minutes a day six days a week people significantly improved their health profile. Without any change in their diet. At the beginning of the study, 41 percent of the participants met the criteria for metabolic syndrome, but by the end only 27 percent did. Metabolic syndrome is a set of risk factors that raise your odds of developing heart dis... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1103683 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 23:18:48 +0100 1103683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1075264&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fexercise-pedometers-make-perfect-presents%2F With the holiday season fast approaching, New Years’ resolutions can’t be far behind. And there’s never been a better time either to begin or to restart an exercise program. But if the word exercise turns you off, let’s just call it physical activity, even moderate physical activity would be perfectly acceptable. That’s because increased physical activity is associated with improvements in numerous health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, various cancers, and even depression. Because of the extensive health benefits of exercise, the Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend “physical activity most days of the week for at least 30 minutes for adults.” Yet despite all the evidence for h... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1075264 Thu, 06 Dec 2007 19:15:31 +0100 1075264 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1009647&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Ftanning-salons-and-skin-cancer-a-scambuster-report%2F I can’t really call tanning salons that use ultraviolet lights or lamps scams because they don’t make fraudulent claims or swindle you out of your money. In fact, you get more for your money than just a tan. Unfortunately, what you get is probably not what you want. That’s because the use of tanning booths increases your risk of skin cancer, and can cause premature aging of the skin, sunburn, eye damage, sensitivity reactions to some medications and immune system dysfunction - a bit more than you bargained for, I’m sure. But don’t take my word for it; see what others have to say. The World Health Organization “does not recommend the use of UV tanning devices for cosmetic purposes.” The Food and Drug Administration “discourages the use of tanning beds and sunlamps.” The A... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1009647 Tue, 06 Nov 2007 19:47:59 +0100 1009647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=999574&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fwomen-test-your-knowledge-about-cancer%2F Let’s start with a HealhtTalk pop quiz. True or false: Women with no family history of cancer are at low risk of developing cancer themselves? Answer: false. While it’s true that having a family history of cancer increases your risk to a small degree, the vast majority of cancers occur in people with no family history of the disease. But in a recent survey, nearly two thirds of women (63 percent) mistakenly answered that lack of family history equates with a low personal cancer risk. That’s the bad news. The good news is that as many as half of all cancer deaths could be avoided through sensible lifestyle habits (not smoking, eating properly, exercising) and getting routine recommended cancer screening (mammography, colonoscopy and pap smears, for breast, colon and cervical cancer re... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=999574 Thu, 01 Nov 2007 21:17:23 +0100 999574 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=922133&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fkevin-trudeau-consumer-advocate-or-master-con-artist%2F Many writers to scambuster@healthtalk.com want to know about Kevin Trudeau, whose books, infomercials and websites claim vast conspiracies designed to keep important medical information about various miracle cures from the general public. Information that Mr. Trudeau says is being suppressed by the FDA, the AMA and the pharmaceutical industry. Information that Mr. Trudeau offers to supply, but only if you buy his books. And since Kevin Trudeau has no medical training or expertise and is a convicted felon, an ex-convict, and regular target of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulatory enforcement actions, you should, at a minimum, be very careful about taking his advice. Of course, some will doubtless argue that even the worst criminals can reform and that only someone outside the medical/in... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=922133 Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:17:07 +0100 922133 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=908819&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fsalt-sodium-plus-chloride-equals-trouble%2F I recently wrote about high blood pressure and its associated health problems. Today, I’d like to focus on salt because it is a major contributor to high blood pressure and because many people either don’t understand it or are misinformed about it. Around the world, and in the U.S., excess salt intake and increasing rates of high blood pressure go hand in hand. High blood pressure in turn leads to cardiovascular disease and to premature death from heart attack and stroke. The evidence linking salt intake with high blood pressure is overwhelming and definitive. Americans consume too much salt and the amount they consume is increasing. Between 1970 and 2000, the amount of salt we consume went up 55 percent and the prevalence of high blood pressure went up 50 percent. On average, we each ... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=908819 Thu, 27 Sep 2007 23:36:57 +0100 908819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=868395&cid=t_364779_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Feating-a-low-fat-diet%2F In the first installment of this two part series on dietary fat, I reviewed the differences between good fats and bad fats, where they come from and how to tell them apart. Today I’ll talk about fat in the diet, what to eat, how much is ok and how to make positive changes regarding the food you eat. According to the USDA Dietary Guidelines, the recommended total fat intake for adults is between 20 and 35 percent of calories, with less than ten percent of calories coming from saturated fat, and cholesterol less than 300 mg/day. Got that? I didn’t think so. And even if you could remember these guidelines you’d still have to count your calories every day and, in addition, track fats as a percentage of those calories. That’s a tall order. Here’s a better way. Eat as little fat as pos... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=868395 Thu, 13 Sep 2007 14:03:57 +0100 868395 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=736288&cid=t_364779_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F07%2F16%2Fare-you-doing-enough-to-lower-your-high-blood-pressure%2F Filed under: Diet, Prevention, ExerciseA recent telephone survey of over 100,000 adults found that most Americans with high blood pressure aren't doing everything they can to control it. When asked if they were: changing their eating habits cutting down on salt reducing use of alcohol exercising taking prescribed medication to reduce their high blood pressure, most participants answered yes to at least one of those. However, 1/3 hadn't improved their diet or increased their activitiy levels, while 20% reported they hadn't cut back on salt or alcohol. About 1/4 of respondents weren't taking medication for their condition.The CDC estimates that nearly 70% of people with hypertension don't have their disease under good control. That's a huge number. If you're concerned about your ... The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=736288 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 736288