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:'. Tue, 04 May 2010 18:18:26 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3526737&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F05%2Fwhat-calorie-counts-on-menus-dont-tell-you-tips-for-healthy-eating-in-chain-restaurants.html This article first appeared in the May 2010 issue of ShopSmart. For more eating out tips, see our recent post "Get smart about eating out." (Source: Consumer Reports Health Blog) Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3526737 Mon, 03 May 2010 15:20:25 +0100 3526737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3526742&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhealth-and-life-insurance-companies-invested-in-fast-food%2F2010.05.03 A new article published in the American Journal of Public Health shows that U.S., Canadian, and European insurance firms hold $1.88 billion of investments in fast food companies like Jack in the Box, McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s/Arby’s Groups. Both health insurers and life insurers have substantial holdings in these companies. A person just needs to read “Fast Food Nation” or watch the documentary “Food, Inc.” to understand the negative impact of processed foods on the health of our country. The evidence is so compelling that the new health reform legislation is requiring fast food and chain restaurants to disclose calorie counts on their menus. Ironically, the new legislation will also add millions of customers to the health insurers. (mo... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3526742 Mon, 03 May 2010 14:00:00 +0100 3526742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524109&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhealthy-active-kids-come-from-healthy-active-adults%2F2010.05.02 Kids are like dogs — you can train them until they’re too old to train. Then they’re going to do whatever they want. The key to getting kids to exercise is to make it fun for them. But they aren’t going to exercise if it isn’t made a part of their normal routine. It’s up to adults to train them. Mrs. Happy and I had the joyous opportunity of inviting our 10-year-old niece to her first-ever running event. She had never ever run in a race before. We did the two-mile race and she loved it. And amazingly, she finished without stopping — not even once. Our nation is raising a nation of fat and lazy kids because we’re lazy adults. We drive everywhere. We sit at our desks. We get food on the run. We watch a lot of television. We surf the Net a bunch... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524109 Sun, 02 May 2010 16:00:00 +0100 3524109 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524111&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2F4-super-healthy-foods%2F2010.05.02 Raise your hand if you want to eat healthy. Healthy eating isn’t just good for cinching your waistline — it’s great for overall health. From glowing skin, to heart health, to maintaining healthy teeth and bones; eating foods packed with certain nutrients can also protect your immune system and fight infections.  It can boost your libido and decrease that lousy (LDL) cholesterol and boost your good (HDL) cholesterol. Healthy eating shouldn’t be a struggle. It’s easy to get sucked into the marketing trap when you’re food shopping and you encounter all those in-store specials. Sometimes, those specials are just bad for your health. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Health in 30* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524111 Sun, 02 May 2010 12:00:50 +0100 3524111 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524113&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Famerican-obesity-and-sugar-sweetened-beverages%2F2010.05.01 We are a nation stricken with an epidemic of obesity, which contributes to the incidence of diabetes and heart disease. Each of these has been linked to consumption of sugar intake, and in particular, sugar-sweetened beverages. There’s nothing evil about sugar — it’s just that too much of it in certain forms is bad for you. For the purpose of definition, sugar-sweetened beverages contain added, naturally-derived caloric sweeteners such as sucrose (table sugar), high-fructose corn syrup, or fruit juice concentrates. (more…) This post, American Obesity And Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, was originally published on Healthine.com by Paul S Auerbach M.D., M.S.. (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524113 Sat, 01 May 2010 22:00:00 +0100 3524113 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524115&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmcdonald%25e2%2580%2599s-vs-dash-two-days-two-diets%2F2010.05.01 This week I’ve been trying to eat according to the DASH guidelines for lowering blood pressure. It actually hasn’t been too difficult — partly because I’m not following their strictest guidelines, which call for just 1,300 milligrams of sodium and 16 grams of saturated fat a day. I’ve been shooting for 2,300 milligrams of sodium and 22 grams of saturated fat. In 2003, I tried a somewhat different “diet,” which in some ways was more difficult to follow, even though it only lasted one day. My son Jim (then age 11) and I ate every meal at McDonald’s for an entire day (yes, this was before Super Size Me). We recorded the experience on the Web. I thought it would be interesting to compare my day at McDonald’s to a typical day on DASH. (more…) *This blog p... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524115 Sat, 01 May 2010 16:00:38 +0100 3524115 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3526739&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Fbittersweet-news-about-chocolate-chocolate-linked-to-depression-.html My antennae immediately went up when I read the news reports this week about the connection between eating chocolate and depression. "This has to be a misprint," I said. "If anything, chocolate makes me feel better. Happy even." But this was indeed the finding in a study published Monday in the Archives of Internal Medicine. In the study, researchers from the University of California (Davis and San Diego campuses) asked 931 men and women who were not taking antidepressants how much chocolate they consumed and assessed their moods using a standard screening tool for depression, known as the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Participants who screened positive for possible depression consumed an average of 8.4 servings (1 serving is equal to 1 ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3526739 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 22:00:00 +0100 3526739 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3519761&cid=t_329040_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2F7QNq9ws8kQ0%2F Stay Focused on Getting Slimmer and Staying that Way “I’m going to be a fat blob on my wedding day!” The voice on the other end of the phone was desperate. “Can you help me?” So Karen came to see me. “It’s always the same,” she told me. “I’m motivated for a few days and lose weight, then something happens. I gain everything – and more – back again! My wedding’s in three months! That should be motivation enough, but lately my weight’s been even more all over the place!” Karen was right. Weight loss motivation is easy…at first. Rapid progress, compliments, wearing outfits you really want to, feeling more attractive, having more energy. All this positive feedback is motivating, captivating. Yet this weig... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3519761 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 06:21:50 +0100 3519761 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3519581&cid=t_329040_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2F3-rules-for-living-with-chronic-pain%2F If you’re one of us who live with chronic pain that means you have a constant roommate. That roommate is chronic pain. Quite frankly, it’s a lousy companion and an inconsiderate guest. That invader never pays rent, takes up far too much attention, and doesn’t pick up after it’s self, leaving us in our compromised state to do all the work.  You figure out immediately, life isn’t fair. Fairness is left behind as a childhood fantasy and we’re left with the stark reality of inequality. We rant, we rave and we cry but eventually, we learn that peace comes with acceptance and we adapt. Adaptation reveals that somewhere, deep within us, hope is alive. We can’t always see it but it’s there. Life has a way of charging forward without our approval as dust gathers, duties beckon and ... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3519581 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:56:54 +0100 3519581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515386&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Ffoods-and-vitamins-for-better-memory-tips-for-preserving-your-memory.html Is there evidence that any foods or vitamins help boost memory? —Susan Hall, Overland, MO Yes. A Mediterranean-style diet high in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and fish has been shown to curb brain inflammation linked to memory loss. There's also promising research on curcumin, a compound found in the spice turmeric. Supplements of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and some B vitamins also appear to help. But skip the ginkgo biloba: Recent studies have questioned the herb's effectiveness at fighting cognitive decline, and it can interact harmfully with blood-thinning drugs. Take a look at 5 ways you can help keep your memory sharp and find out if cognitive games can help prevent dementia.   (Source: Consumer Reports Health Blog) Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515386 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:14:29 +0100 3515386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515569&cid=t_329040_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fmastering-those-carb-guessing-skills.html I loved D-psychologist Jessica Bernstein’s assertion that aiming to control your blood glucose levels with diabetes is a lesson in frustration. Rather, the best we can hope for is to influence our BG “by combining enough insulin and exercise to burn the sugar,” she says. Right on, Jessica! — which is I’ll talk about [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515569 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:00:33 +0100 3515569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3511503&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F007134.html While some rats might want to opt for the health promoting benefits of grape in rat chow another study finds that the overweight rat should give serious consideration to cherry in the diet. Anthocyanins in cherries are suspected by the scientists as the causative agents for the measured benefits. ANAHEIM, CA, April 27, 2010 – There's more evidence of tart cherries' powerful anti-inflammatory benefits, according to a new study presented by a team of Michigan researchers today at the Experimental Biology annual meeting. Using a "whole food" approach, researchers found that a cherry-enriched diet not only reduced overall body inflammation, but also reduced inflammation at key sites (belly fat, heart) known to affect heart disease risk in obese, at-risk rats.... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3511503 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3511503 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3511537&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Fmajor-food-companies-commit-to-cutting-salt-national-salt-reduction-initiative-cutting-salt-intake.html If you’re concerned about the amount of salt in some of the packaged and restaurant foods you eat, 16 food companies are working to lessen your concern—and your sodium intake. This week companies including Boar’s Head, Heinz, FreshDirect, Subway®, and Starbucks joined efforts with the National Salt Reduction Initiative (NSRI). NSRI is a partnership of more than 45 cities, states, and national health organizations committed to reducing the amount of salt in packaged and restaurant food by 25 percent gradually over the next five years. As part of the initiative, the companies will not only cut sodium in their foods, but plan to develop healthier options as well. For example, FreshDirect plans to work with chefs and nutritionists to develop microwavable Smart & Simple 4-Minute-Me... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3511537 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 20:41:22 +0100 3511537 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508139&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F007132.html Grapes help rats in the rat race of life. Powdered grapes made up 3% of their diets. Researchers studied the effect of regular table grapes (a blend of green, red and black grapes) that were mixed into a powdered form and integrated into the diets of laboratory rats as part of a high-fat, American style diet. All of the rats used were from a research breed that is prone to being overweight. They performed many comparisons between the rats consuming a grape-enriched diet and the control rats receiving no grape powder. Researchers added calories and sugars to the control group to balance the extra calories and sugars gained from getting the grape powder. Lower blood pressure and improved glucose tolerance... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508139 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3508139 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508306&cid=t_329040_117_f&fid=38856&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timemastermd.com%2F%3Fp%3D932 FDA!  No Lick, Just Sip & Suck? For thousands of years, salt’s high value has made it the foundation of a society, a currency of trade, and cause for wars.  Now suddenly salt is the bad girl.  An organized push by the FDA to ban salty foods and have manufacturers reduce salt in their products, is fueled by idiots who know nothing about health and those who ignore the US Constitution!   So if the FDA get’s it way, and outlaws salt – what happens to #1?  I guess we tequila drinkers will just have to make do with number 2 and 3!                  Consumers love the taste of salt in food and, in fact, their bodies crave it. With the trend toward low-fat foods, food producers must rely on salt to provide the desired taste.   So, what do you think will hap... Timemaster MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508306 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 19:24:51 +0100 3508306 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508141&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F007129.html Phosphates in sodas and processed foods speed aging in genetically engineered mice. Here's another reason to kick the soda habit. New research published online in the FASEB Journal (http://www.fasebj.org) shows that high levels of phosphates may add more "pop" to sodas and processed foods than once thought. That's because researchers found that the high levels of phosphates accelerate signs of aging. High phosphate levels may also increase the prevalence and severity of age-related complications, such as chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular calcification, and can also induce severe muscle and skin atrophy. "Humans need a healthy diet and keeping the balance of phosphate in the diet may be important for a healthy life and longevity," said M. Shawkat Razzaque, M.D., Ph.D.,... (Source: F... FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508141 Sun, 25 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3508141 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3503017&cid=t_329040_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F04%2F25%2Fnegative-calorie-foods-just-another-diet-myth%2F Have you heard celery and grapefruit called “negative calorie foods” and wondered if it was just a myth or actually true?  Read on to find out the facts about this dieter’s phenomenon. So the theory goes that there are foods that provide negative calories, presumably because the calories it takes to digest the foods are greater than the calories in the food. While it is true that digesting food burns calories, it is not true that any food has negative calories. Thermic Effect of Food The Thermic Effect of Food (TEF) is the reason for the whole “negative calories” concept. TEF represents the energy expenditure above resting metabolism that contributes to digestion and storage of food. In other words, you put energy in (burn calories) to get energy out (calories available from di... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3503017 Sun, 25 Apr 2010 09:00:52 +0100 3503017 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3501521&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Fsuper-foods-really-health-benefits-of-acai-berries-blueberries-red-wine-omega3s-whole-grains.html If I see the words "super food" one more time, I’m going to scream. Or "superfruit". Or "magic fruit". Why? Because I can’t seem to pick up a paper, scan a headline, or watch the news without being blasted with messages touting the next miracle food that is going to cure all my health problems, real or imagined. Blueberries. Acaí. Green tea. Pomegranate. Oats. Walnuts. Fatty fish. Whole grains. Omega-3s. Red wine. Cranberries. I even read the other day that apples might even be a superfruit. You know—apples. Sure, they keep the doctor away, but what’s next, water?It’s not that I disagree with eating any of these foods. But why do we feel the need to medicalize everything we eat, taking it beyond the status of just good tasting and good for you, ou... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3501521 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 23:28:36 +0100 3501521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3501522&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Fsusan-g-komen-for-a-cure-and-kfc-campaign-breast-of-chicken-for-a-cure-.html Should health organizations team up with fast-food restaurants for fundraising? That’s the burning question on the minds of many this week, including our Facebook friends, in response to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s alliance with chicken giant KFC. The campaign has set its sights on raising more than $8 million for breast-cancer research, with KFC pledging 50 cents from every pink bucket sold to SGK. Critics, including support group Breast Cancer Action, say raising money for breast-cancer research by promoting fatty, fried foods turns a blind eye on another group of serious diseases—obesity, heart disease, and diabetes—and have openly expressed outrage. Others contend that if it’s raising awareness for a worthy cause, why not? Still some applaud SGK for its efforts but qu... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3501522 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:00:40 +0100 3501522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3499067&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Ftoo-much-sugar-may-lead-to-heart-disease-diabetes-obesity-diet-health-food.html It’s no surprise that more sugar in your diet can lead to weight gain—which can lead to other health issues such and obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. But a study published in the April 21 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association found that consuming more added sugar itself (as opposed to sugar naturally present in foods like fruit and milk) may actually increase the risk of heart disease as well.Americans consume more and more of their calories from added sugar, according to the researchers. Adults in the study consumed on average about 16 percent of their daily calories from added sugars. That’s up from just over 10 percent in the late 1970s, and far more than the American Heart Association’s recent recommendation of no more than 5 percent of total calo... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3499067 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:33:42 +0100 3499067 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3499068&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Fearth-day-7-easy-ways-to-be-greener-and-healthier.html When it comes to your wellness, it’s not easy being green. Green for your home? Yes. Green for your car? Check. Green electronics? Of course. But green for your health seems a bit more complicated, but in fact there are some earth-friendly ways you can look after your health. Take a look at these 7 easy steps to greener, healthier living, and oh, and there’s a bonus: Most of these tips will save you money too. Cut down on your "food miles." Who doesn’t prefer a fresh tomato that tastes like it came out of your own garden? Experts say local fruits and vegetables may retain more nutrients than produce shipped hundreds of miles, and some people swear it tastes better as well. And since local food travels shorter distances and requires less packaging and refrigeration, it can... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3499068 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:30:06 +0100 3499068 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3494307&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Fwhat-health-problems-are-linked-to-sugar-causes-of-obesity-.html Other than dental cavities, not as many as you might think. Some research suggests that high sugar consumption may be linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure and triglyceride levels. Another found that drinking two or more sugar-laden soft drinks a week almost doubled the risk of pancreatic cancer. But it’s unclear whether those risks come from the sugar itself or the extra calories, or if people who consume lots of sugar have additional unhealthy habits that increase those risks. Other problems long associated with sugar have been largely overblown, research suggests. For example, type 2 diabetes isn’t caused by consuming lots of sugar—though excess calories from any source does increase the risk by causing weight gain. And people with diabetes don’t need to focus on ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3494307 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:33:21 +0100 3494307 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490630&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Fgovernmental-salt-restrictions-are-a-good-idea.html A report released today by the National Academy of Science's Institute of Medicine calls on the Food and Drug Administration to limit how much salt manufacturers can put in processed and prepared foods. Okay, while there may be a tinge of Big Brother in the IOM’s recommendation, it makes a lot of sense. While I don’t really want the government in the kitchen with me as I’m preparing dinner, I do agree with the recommendation. Here’s why. The truth is that that most of the salt in my and just about every other American’s diet doesn’t come from what I add while cooking or shake onto my food at the table. Instead, it comes from what manufacturers build into their products and what restaurants include in the food they serve. And, as our previous reports have shown, trying to id... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490630 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:44:41 +0100 3490630 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487298&cid=t_329040_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FihXLJrEOwjw%2F My teeth aren’t perfect. I drink coffee, I prefer stain-inducing red wine to white, and I didn’t wear my retainers as a teenager. But thanks to a mother obsessed with keeping me pearly and cavity-free, I got braces to reel back my buck teeth, received bi-annual fluoride treatments to keep fillings at bay, and endured pricey whiteners to abate a Diet Coke-tinted grin. For that, I’m eternally grateful. After all, who doesn’t enjoy hearing “I really like your smile” on a first date, or getting compliments over the din of the dental hygienist’s plaque grinder? Nobody ever told me that I landed a job thanks to my awesome incisors, but according to researchers at Columbia University, my teeth may be adding to my paycheck. In a study published by the Nati... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487298 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:00:17 +0100 3487298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487278&cid=t_329040_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FihXLJrEOwjw%2F My teeth aren’t perfect. I drink coffee, I prefer stain-inducing red wine to white, and I didn’t wear my retainers as a teenager. But thanks to a mother obsessed with keeping me pearly and cavity-free, I got braces to reel back my buck teeth, received bi-annual fluoride treatments to keep fillings at bay, and endured pricey whiteners to abate a Diet Coke-tinted grin. For that, I’m eternally grateful. After all, who doesn’t enjoy hearing “I really like your smile” on a first date, or getting compliments over the din of the dental hygienist’s plaque grinder? Nobody ever told me that I landed a job thanks to my awesome incisors, but according to researchers at Columbia University, my teeth may be adding to my paycheck. In a study published by the Nati... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487278 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:00:17 +0100 3487278 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487011&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fi-love-your-smile-%25e2%2580%2593-or-discrimination-in-the-workplace%2F My teeth aren’t perfect. I drink coffee, I prefer stain-inducing red wine to white, and I didn’t wear my retainers as a teenager. But thanks to a mother obsessed with keeping me pearly and cavity-free, I got braces to reel back my buck teeth, received bi-annual fluoride treatments to keep fillings at bay, and endured pricey whiteners to abate a Diet Coke-tinted grin. For that, I’m eternally grateful. After all, who doesn’t enjoy hearing “I really like your smile” on a first date, or getting compliments over the din of the dental hygienist’s plaque grinder? Nobody ever told me that I landed a job thanks to my awesome incisors, but according to researchers at Columbia University, my teeth may be adding to my paycheck. In a study published by the Nati... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487011 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:00:17 +0100 3487011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487054&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Fdo-acidic-diets-cause-disease-causes-of-alzheimers-cancer-and-parkinsons-disease.html I’ve heard that acidic diets can cause a wide range of serious disorders, from cancer and arthritis to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Is that true? —R.N., Aurora, Ill.  No—though they might possibly contribute to two specific problems.  "Acidic" actually refers to the diet’s effect on acid levels in the bloodstream, not to the original acidity of the foods themselves.  Inherently acidic foods like tomatoes and grapefruit do not affect the blood’s acid level. In contrast, acidic diets typically contain lots of high-protein foods, such as meat, fish, and hard cheese, as well as grains, sugar, and salt. Digestion and metabolism of those foods create acidic compounds that the body immediately neutralizes. That ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487054 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:39:08 +0100 3487054 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487400&cid=t_329040_167_f&fid=36994&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnutrition-news.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fcouncil-tried-to-seize-veggie-child.html - Times OnlineIt's bizarre that that in this day and age with healthy vegan heroes such as Leona Lewis proving a vegan diet is not just viable but superior to the average diet, truly bizarre that a family was criticised for avoiding meat and dairy.Even the MRSA ridden, pill popping, Burger King hosting, constipation afflicted, dehydrated NHS admit "children can be brought up healthily on a vegan diet"What on earth was going on in Lewisham where a family was threatened by social services and health professionals with having a child taken into care and denied legal aid for deciding not to feed their children Meat and Dairy.The family weren't even vegetarian let alone vegan, they eat fish, to attack them for avoiding two groups of food that are consistently negatively implicated in studies a... Healthy Eating and Nutrition News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487400 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:03:00 +0100 3487400 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490595&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F007112.html Surely some of my readers must react to my posts about healthful foods with the thought "Oh no, not another food I've got to eat or avoid". Gets to be a burden, doesn't it? Well, sorry, but time for another burden of healthful eating: Chocolate for your heart. Easter eggs and other chocolate may be good for you – at least in small quantities and preferably if it's dark chocolate – according to research that shows just one small square of chocolate a day can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease. The study is published online today (Wednesday 31 March) in the European Heart Journal [1]. Researchers in Germany followed 19,357 people, aged between 35... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490595 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3490595 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487055&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Fless-sleep-more-calories-the-dream-diet-how-to-get-more-sleep.html This study found that when the researchers slashed the hours of sleep subjects were allowed (from 8 to 4), most subjects seemed to make up for the lost sleep by eating more. In fact, they found that they ate about 560 more calories in the 24-hour period after having their sleep restricted. Why would the study participants eat more when sleep deprived? Perhaps it goes back to a simpler time, when increased daylight and subsequent decreased sleep used to coincide with summer, a time of year when we needed to be up and about, eating as much of the short-lived bounty as possible. Only now we’ve got artificial light sources, and the possibility of longer "days" all year round. We’ve reported on research in the past looking at correlations between the amount of sleep children re... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487055 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:59:32 +0100 3487055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487188&cid=t_329040_113_f&fid=38494&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuretogether.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2F19%2Fare-you-fit-for-work%2F This fascinating infographic was created for GE by the Economist Intelligence Unit, part of a broader “Health of Nations” research project which will be unveiled next month. Of course one of the first things we do when we see data is compare ourselves to it. Personally, I could use less long hours and less stress – hard to do with startup and homeschooling, but other than that I’d say I’m doing pretty well. How do you match up? (Source: The Collective Well) The Collective Well blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487188 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:27:24 +0100 3487188 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3482891&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Fensure-and-boost-liquid-supplements-are-liquid-nutritional-supplements-a-good-idea.html I like to drink Ensure since I think my diet might be subpar. Is that a good idea? —J.K., Grass Valley, Calif. Maybe. Liquid nutrition supplements such as Ensure and Boost can provide nourishment to people who are too ill or frail to consume adequate calories or who need extra nutrients due to a digestive disorder or a disease such as cancer. It’s best to limit use of the drinks to those situations for a couple of reasons. An 8-ounce bottle contains about 350 calories—more than triple the amount in a can of soda—and about 20 grams of sugar. That’s OK if you’re struggling to get enough calories but not so good if you’re overweight. And snacking on the drinks could crowd out healthier foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which provide fiber and many other ben... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3482891 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:35:00 +0100 3482891 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3483073&cid=t_329040_134_f&fid=36052&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.daily-diabetic.com%2F50226711%2Fdiabetes_cookbook_a_7_day_meal_plan_with_diabetes.php Photo CreditIf you are living with diabetes, a lot of your energy and time goes to planning, selecting and deciding what to eat. That, and considering that you don't want to eat the same thing over and over again. Of course you don't want to ditch the nutritional value of your diabetes-friendly food. One thing that can help you is a diabetes cookbook. Like some idea? There's a new one featured at Diabetes Daily called A 7 Day Meal Plan with Diabetes. ... (Source: Daily Diabetic) Daily Diabetic blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3483073 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 08:00:00 +0100 3483073 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487005&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F007106.html Consumption of red meats and well done meats boost bladder cancer risk. The group with the highest red-meat consumption had almost one-and-a-half times the risk of developing bladder cancer as those who ate little red meat. Specifically, consumption of beef steaks, pork chops and bacon raised bladder cancer risk significantly. Even chicken and fish - when fried - significantly raised the odds of cancer. The level of doneness of the meat also had a marked impact. People whose diets included well-done meats were almost twice as likely to develop bladder cancer as those who preferred meats rare. Eat it medium rare. Do not cook at high temperatures. People who consume the highest concentration of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) from cooking at... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487005 Sun, 18 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3487005 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487003&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F007109.html A reason to eat green leafies. WASHINGTON — In the first study of vitamin K and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk, researchers at the Mayo Clinic campus in Minnesota have found that people who have higher intakes of vitamin K from their diet have a lower risk of developing Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system and is the most common hematologic malignancy in the United States. At the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the researchers report that the risk of developing Non-Hodgkin lymphoma was approximately 45 percent lower for participants who had vitamin K intakes in the top quartile of intake in the study (>108 ug/day), compared to participants who had... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487003 Sun, 18 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3487003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3479667&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Fmediterranean-diet-helps-prevent-alzheimers-disease-and-dementia-mangia-its-for-your-mind.html Do you know, I never tasted olive oil until I was in college? Up until then, oil was the flavorless, colorless fluid in big plastic jugs, reserved for cooking. Margarine was the spread I was most familiar with, and shortening was used for both baking and deep frying. But olive oil? It wasn’t until I moved to one of the most Mediterranean-centric areas of the country that I first met, then fell in love with that glorious golden-green elixir. And it wasn’t just the oil, either, it was all those beautiful, bountiful, platters I encountered, with vegetables and seasonings with exotic-sounding names for my Midwestern ears. Bruschetta. Pesto. Arugula. Fra Diavolo. A lot has changed in the American diet since I first fell in love with olive oil. The Mediterranean way of eating has sort of c... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3479667 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 22:00:00 +0100 3479667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3479669&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Fgut-bacteria-the-ultimate-locavores-bacteria-in-sushi-and-seaweed-marine-bacteria-.html Right now you’ve got a bacterial infestation in your gut. Relax, that doesn’t mean you’re going to get sick—it’s a good thing. They’re feasting with you, not on you. These good bacteria are helping to break down the food you eat, releasing nutrients that otherwise would just pass right through you. Without beneficial bacteria in our intestines, much of what we eat would be nothing more than waste. We all have them, but apparently we don’t all have the same types. An article published in the April 8th issue of the journal Nature reported on a small study that looked for one particular family of bacteria within the intestines of two groups of people from different countries. This particular type of bacterium helps break down a specific food—seaweed. You know, that stuff wra... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3479669 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:40:55 +0100 3479669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3471779&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Fexercise-for-life.html "I can’t help my weight—it’s my genes." "I don’t have time to exercise." "I hate going to the gym and getting sweaty." If that sounds familiar, listen up. Yes, genes can affect your chances of putting on weight, but getting regular exercise can actually limit the amount of weight you gain in adolescence. And building exercise into your day, simply by walking faster, can protect you from having a stroke in later life. Two studies published in the last week highlight the protective effects of exercise. The first looked at teenagers who had a gene variation known to be associated with obesity. In effect, the genetic variation means these teens are programmed to eat more than their bodies need. You might think these kids didn’t have a chance of staying... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3471779 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:00:00 +0100 3471779 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3472003&cid=t_329040_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ffiber-does-good-things-for-my-family%2F Fiber is big news in nutrition. Every time I look into eating better and ways to improve my health or lose weight, I find another article on fiber — and I’ve gotten a lot of great information right here on EverydayHealth.com. Lately I have been looking into claims that increasing fiber in your diet can reduce the risk of colon cancer and even other cancers, including breast cancer. I can’t confirm these claims with what I have learned so far, but I can’t imagine that it would hurt. The one thing that I can tell you for sure is that fiber has done great things for my family. My boys have grown up with whole-wheat bread in our house, and in the past few years, I have bought only cereal, crackers, and baked goods made from 100% whole-wheat flour. My husband got on the fiber b... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3472003 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 17:34:23 +0100 3472003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3472070&cid=t_329040_167_f&fid=36994&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnutrition-news.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fatkins-still-atkins-says-london.html Atkins-EMEA - New Atkins New YouAtkins has been rebranded with a get out of Jail free cardThe 'new' Atkins diet includes the new line advising* A daily requirement for at least five servings of high-fiber “foundation vegetables”This is the line that will make it acceptable to scientists who were previously warning the Atkins diet was dangerous and could cause kidney problems.But despite the new logo seemingly claiming that the sun shines out of the Atkins International backside it's still a pro meat, anti carbohydrate, high saturated fat, low antioxident, low essential fat diet fad diet says London Nutritionist Yvonne Bishop-Weston."The marketing people have just squashed Atkins into a slightly different shaped box - it's still the same beast, it still has unpleasant side effects and i... Healthy Eating and Nutrition News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3472070 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:47:00 +0100 3472070 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3468060&cid=t_329040_167_f&fid=36994&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnutrition-news.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Ffree-nutrition-in-london-by.html London Nutritionist on NutritionIt seems the competition for nutrition therapy is becoming fiercly fought in London after many more students have decided to study Nutrition courses to become a nutritionist and change career for a life in complementary health. As patient how do you choose which of the many Nutritionists in London to trust your health condition with?Free Nutrition Consulations? On price? How much will they charge? How much does a nutritionist earn? Some nutritionists now offer an initial consultation for free! Yes believe it or not, free nutrition consultations even in London. There are even free nutrition programs on line that claim to diagnose from your symptoms.Leading UK nutritionist in London and former tutor at The Institute of Optimum Nutritionist in Richmond Yvonne B... Healthy Eating and Nutrition News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3468060 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:59:00 +0100 3468060 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3467746&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Fkfc-double-down-sandwich-taste-test-what-the-chicken-sandwich.html My first reaction to hearing about this week’s debut of the KFC’s Double Down Sandwich was "WHAT—Fried chicken as bread??!" Every sandwich I’ve ever eaten has been surrounded by some sort of bread. Chicken, bacon, and cheese is just that—chicken, bacon, and cheese. But who am I to judge the world’s most popular chicken chain’s latest creation? We left that to our food sensory experts. Our sensory team of tasters piled into a minivan and headed for the nearest KFC where each panelist was given one sandwich to eat and a ballot to complete. Afterwards the panelists and experts discussed the attributes of the sandwich. And the overall consensus? Good, but a little out-of-balance with spiky heat and salt, and it had a notable fatty texture and flavor. While I’m now just a ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3467746 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:59:36 +0100 3467746 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3463589&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Fstudy-links-multivitamins-to-higher-breast-cancer-risk.html I ditched my multivitamin a couple months ago, and I'm feeling pretty good about it. I started taking the supplement when I was pregnant, and I kept on taking it when I was breastfeeding, sleep-deprived, and feeling like my body needed all the help it could get post-pregnancy. But even after my sleep, meals, and life had become more routine again, I continued to give myself this extra jolt of nutrients each day. The turning point came when I realized I was using my multivitamin as a nutritional crutch, to excuse my lack of vegetables at lunchtime, or breakfast in the morning. Since I'm pretty strict about my kids eating a balanced diet, why should I get a pass? And as I well knew, vitamins from a bottle aren't a substitute for good nutrition on the table. Even so, it'... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3463589 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:45:35 +0100 3463589 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3463860&cid=t_329040_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FJaZrlnZOQB4%2F Rise and shine. Another day is under way and who knows what it will bring? Perhaps opportunity will knock. Certainly, there is much to do. So grab a cup of something stimulating, or a water bottle if you prefer, and embrace the moment. To help you along, here are a few items of interest. Have a great day, everyone, and stay in touch… Roche Denies Plans To Leave The UK (Dow Jones) Obesity Drugs Await FDA Approval (The Wall Street Journal) Roche Buys Insulin Pump Maker (Reuters) Gilead Starts Late-Stage Test Of 4-In-1 HIV Drug (Associated Press) Bayer Stock Rises On Novartis Bid Rumor (Reuters) Novartis’ Gilena Slashes MS Relapse Rate (PharmaTimes) Wockhardt Looks Wobbly (Financial Express) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3463860 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:00:11 +0100 3463860 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3463548&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F007092.html The list is pretty predictable: Mediterranean diet foods good, red meats and dairy bad. Individuals whose diet includes more salad dressing, nuts, fish, poultry and certain fruits and vegetables and fewer high-fat dairy products, red meats, organ meats and butter appear less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, according to a report posted online today that will appear in the June print issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. Don't want to loose your brain in your final years of life? Eat the good stuff, avoid the bad stuff. "Epidemiological evidence linking diet, one of the most important modifiable environmental factors, and risk of Alzheimer's disease is rapidly increasing," the authors write as background information in the article.... (Source: FuturePundit... FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3463548 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3463548 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3463591&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Fcoming-soon-new-standards-for-organic-meat.html When you buy foods with the organic label, odds are you’re picturing cows munching grass in a pasture and chickens pecking around in the dirt. But that might not be the case. Reports indicate that large organic-food producers have exploited loopholes in the rules, so you might not always be getting what you think you paid for. There has always been a requirement that meat labeled organic must come from animals with outdoor access and livestock with access to pasture. But without specific standards, some firms were raising cows without pasture. That’s about to change. After years of public outrage and complaints (including tireless campaigning by the advocates at Consumers Union, the Department of Agriculture has strengthened the rules for producers of organic milk, beef, and lamb. ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3463591 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:16:29 +0100 3463591 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3460373&cid=t_329040_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fi-cheated.html I am sorry to say this but I cheated. It was not a good idea. I should never have done it. Now I have to face the music.... What are YOU thinking??? I cheated on my diet! I ate all sorts of bad things and had a wonderful time doing it. I ate chicken wings, pizza, little crabby toasts (butter, cheese and crab meat on English muffins), pasta with two kinds of cheese and shrimp, chips, guacamole, onion dip, onion pie with lots of cheese and whole milk, 1/6th of a donut, bread with butter, and a few other things that I can't remember. But I also ate salad with grilled chicken and oranges. And a little bit of wine here and there. I did not, however, eat the cream puffs, rocky road cake, M&M cookies, crab dip, or some of the other really bad things. So I did restrain myself to an extent. I am no... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3460373 Sun, 11 Apr 2010 22:06:00 +0100 3460373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3456674&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Fwith-whole-grains-just-give-me-the-facts-maam.html Okay, I admit it, I was duped.  I work with food and nutrition every day, chewing through the latest health research like it’s a bowl of granola.  But even knowing better, I made the mistake of assuming that something labeled as having “13g Whole Grains” meant it was high in fiber. It wasn’t.But that’s the way it’s supposed to work, right?  A whole grain means that they haven’t processed out all the good stuff, like fiber.  And fiber is measured in grams, right?  So when I saw “13g”, my mind thought “high in fiber”, and I was feeling a pleasant, righteous glow as I munched on the tasty snack bar. Then I did what I should have done before taking the package home. I turned it over and looked at the Nutrition Facts panel.Turned out it was in... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3456674 Fri, 09 Apr 2010 21:00:00 +0100 3456674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3443939&cid=t_329040_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FAVxu1cU3w5M%2Fa-seven-day-meal-plan-with-diabetes.php One of the biggest problems that I had when I was first diagnosed with diabetes was "What should I eat?".  It's a question that I struggled with, as I am sure that most of you do as well.  It's tough to make sure that your diet is "diabetes friendly", let alone economical and delicious.  I believe that I answered that void here in our new cookbook: A 7 Day Meal Plan with Diabetes.Here, you'll find a weeks worth of recipes, tips, and lists of healthy, delicious, and easy to make recipes that your whole family will love.  These are my core recipes; the ones I make day in and day out, so I know that they're good.  It is my sincere hope that you love them as much as we do.  Another great thing about our meal plan is that you'll find full nutritional data for each ... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3443939 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 03:04:57 +0100 3443939 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3443651&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F007080.html People who hate vegetables will be happy about this report. An analysis of dietary data from more than 400,000 men and women found only a weak association between high fruit and vegetable intake and reduced overall cancer risk, according to a study published online April 6, 2010 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. It is widely believed that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of cancer. In 1990, the World Health Association recommended eating five servings of fruit and vegetables a day to prevent cancer and other diseases. But many studies since then have not been able to confirm a definitive association between fruit and vegetable intake and cancer risk. To address the... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3443651 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3443651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3424845&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F03%2F60-minutes-of-exercise-a-day-tips-for-fitting-in-exercise-and-keeping-weight-off.html Numbers run my life. You know what I mean. Deadlines, play dates, practice schedules, birthdays, dinnertime, calories, levels of vitamin D, grams of fiber. I’ve got PIN numbers, phone numbers, key codes, and passwords. But two numbers are looming over them all right now: 40 and 60. Why 40? Because this year I hit the big 4-0. On the one hand, it’s kind of comforting when someone tells me 40 is "middle-aged"–I’ve still got at least half of my life left, right? On the other hand, there is the impending sense that once I hit this landmark, everything will start to go. The memory. The neck. The energy. Even my behind.This nagging sense of the beginning of the end is not helped by the other number: 60. That number comes directly from a study published this month in the Journal of the ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3424845 Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:33:36 +0100 3424845 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3420704&cid=t_329040_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fbasalbolus-mix-and-match.html I just knew that working with expert CDE Gary Scheiner was going to be eye-opening. After all, I’ve barely touched the settings on my pump since I started using it three years ago. What a sense of empowerment to start altering so many Pump Settings — which have frankly intimidated the heck out of me until [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3420704 Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:00:43 +0100 3420704 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3416018&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F03%2Fbabies-lacking-in-vitamin-d-babys-got-the-vitamin-d-blues-how-to-get-more-vitamin-d.html I don’t tan and having suffered more blistering sunburns in my life than anyone should have to, when my children were born I was at the extreme end of paranoid to prevent them from going through that pain. Even when they got older and I realized that they had not inherited my propensity to resemble a crustacean when exposed to the light of day, I still worried about the risk of skin cancer, so wrestled them into covering shirts and slathering coats of sunscreen every time they went out the door. But, as with adults, we’re now finding that all our hyper-vigilance to protect our skins and those of our babies from the sun has had an unintended consequence—an increasing percentage of us, including the youngest, are showing signs of vitamin D deficiency.Over the last few years several s... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3416018 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:33:39 +0100 3416018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3411269&cid=t_329040_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fhonesty-is-almost-always-best-policy.html I am full believer in honesty is the best policy. I don't think lying or avoidance can solve problems. You should just tell the truth. Sometimes you need to be polite about it but honesty is usually the best thing in the long run.But (and you knew there was a but coming) sometimes I do omit some things. If you want to know how old I am, I'm 29, the same as I was last year. If you want to know what I weigh, that's none of your damn business. If you want to know how much weight I want to lose, its 25 lbs. If you want to know my goal weight, its what ever it takes to get me back in the clothes in my closet. If you want to know what I had for dinner last night, its officially listed in my sparkpeople log as 'yummy but diet busting meal out' for lots of calories and fat grams. We went out for t... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3411269 Sat, 27 Mar 2010 12:06:00 +0100 3411269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3411095&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F03%2Ffor-the-weekend-whole-grains-for-better-health-quinoa-recipe-diabetes-heart-disease-asthma-arthritis.html Growing up, I could not get excited about whole grains (except perhaps for an occasional oatmeal cookie). The rice on our dinner table was white, as was the bread in my lunch box. Apparently, I was not alone. A U.S. Department of Agriculture survey from 2007 found that only 7 percent of Americans eat the recommended 3 ounces a day.These days I enjoy eating and cooking with various whole grains, and quite often prefer their nutty, toasted flavors to refined grains. The health benefits only add to their appeal. They’re rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. The process of refining grains removes most of those nutrients, and while enrichment may return some vitamins and minerals, it doesn’t add back the fiber or disease-fighting phytochemicals.Eating more whole grains is ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3411095 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3411095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3411264&cid=t_329040_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fcan-many-breast-cancers-be-avoided%2F The Internet was abuzz yesterday with this news out of Barcelona, Spain: Experts at a conference there claim that a third of all breast cancers in the western world can be avoided. This is really a shocking claim. We are all aware that lifestyle can affect breast cancer risk; this isn’t news to us in the US. What is new is that this announcement actually indicates that as many as one-third of all breast cancers can be avoided by eating less and exercising more. Researchers at the conference pointed to better screening and new treatments as working to decrease deaths from breast cancer, but now it is time for women to do their part by losing weight and choosing a healthier lifestyle. I truly have mixed emotions about this. On the one hand, I get that we need to take better care of ourselv... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3411264 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:50:49 +0100 3411264 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3408636&cid=t_329040_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FFXDVbCJL-Tg%2F And so, another work week will soon draw to a close. We look forward to spending time with one of our not-so-short people and taking the official Pharmalot mascot for a long walk in the woods. Of course, there are also errands to run. What about you? Something special planned? While you ponder, here are a few items to help with those last-minute planning sessions today. Whatever the weekend brings, we hope you enjoy. See you soon… More States Join CVS/Caremark Task Force Probe (Bloomberg News) AstraZeneca Freezes Salaries For CEO, Other Execs (Dow Jones) EU Plans Recall Of Indian-Made Generic Plavix (Reuters) US Charges Pair For Illegally Importing Diet Meds (Wall Street Journal) Pfizer Loses Lipitor Patent Suits In South Korea (Bloomberg News) photo thx to tipiro on Flickr creative ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3408636 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 11:19:57 +0100 3408636 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3408531&cid=t_329040_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fkeeping-it-simple-in-a-life-of-chronic-pain%2F Today’s challenge is enough;  the next flight of stairs, that next load of laundry or the next weed that needs pulling is all you need to be concerned with, for now. Did you know you can wash one window at a time? Simple foods can sustain you as readily as complicated dishes; such as veggies, fresh fruit, yogurt and a can of soup. Frozen dinners are often healthy, tasty and convenient.  It’s easier, safer and wiser to fill your refrigerator with fresh food than to go out for fast food that is fraught with fat and needless calories. Keep food simple. It’s okay to sit or lie down and rest after any chore. It’s legal, wise and renewing. The “goof off” police will not show up at your door. Laughter and humor feel like sunshine on a cold, damp day. Laughter is allowed even when yo... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3408531 Thu, 25 Mar 2010 21:29:41 +0100 3408531 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3403876&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F03%2Fis-raw-milk-safe-to-drink-the-great-milk-debate-raw-vs-pasteurized.html I insulted my mother-in-law. It wasn’t intentional—I like her. I just wouldn’t let my kids drink the milk she served. Doesn’t sound like a big deal, right? Ah, but my mother-in-law is a dairy farmer, from a long line of dairy farmers. They live on a small family farm just outside of Milwaukee. Not letting my kids drink the farm’s milk is about the worst insult imaginable.Now, I’ve got nothing against milk. Packed with nutrients, milk fairly glows with a healthy halo in my mind, and I would absolutely love it if my children would instinctively reach for a glass of milk instead of some sugary soft drink. My problem is that my in-laws drink raw milk. Now, in the great debate over raw milk, you’ve got very passionate people on both sides. On the one hand, you’ve got the raw... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3403876 Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:48:05 +0100 3403876 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3403834&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F007053.html A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials finds that replacing saturated with polyunsaturated fats cuts heart disease risk. Boston, MA – Although for nearly 60 years people have been urged to decrease their consumption of saturated fats to prevent heart disease, until now there has been surprisingly little scientific evidence that doing so actually decreased the risk of coronary heart disease events. A new study by researchers at Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) provides the first conclusive evidence from randomized clinical trials that people who replace saturated fat in their diet with polyunsaturated fat reduce their risk of coronary heart disease by 19%, compared with control groups of people who do not. By systematically reviewing a large group of randomized... (Source: Fut... FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3403834 Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3403834 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3398865&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F007051.html 60 minutes per day of moderate exercise such as walking is enough to keep the weight off of most women. Normal-weight women need 60 minutes a day of moderate exercise in order to maintain a healthy weight, researchers said. Those who exercised fewer than 420 minutes a week gained significantly more weight than those who met this target, I-Min Lee, MBBS, ScD, of Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston, and colleagues reported in the March 24/31 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. For the heaviest women, however, there was no relationship between exercise and weight gain. 1 hour is a lot of time per day. But the researchers say 30 minutes per day of intense exercise will... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3398865 Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3398865 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3398901&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F03%2Feating-right-tips-for-diabetics-diabetes-diet-doesnt-have-to-mean-giving-up-sweets.html People with diabetes may be told by friends, family, and even some health-care providers that they have to give up sweets or other types of food. But "there's no food that's a can't-ever-have," says Deborah Fillman, R.D., a certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian in Owensboro, Ky. And you don't have to follow a one-size-fits-all "diabetes diet" that is overly restrictive or that looks radically different from what other people eat, she says. Our survey of 5,012 people with type 2 diabetes confirms that. It suggests that the most important dietary strategy for managing diabetes isn't limiting sugar or counting carbs but simply eating less. The two habits that separated successful survey respondents from unsuccessful ones were cutting ca... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3398901 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:46:39 +0100 3398901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3395080&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F007048.html Another piece of evidence for a link between high-fructose corn syrup consumption, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. In results published online March 18 by the journal Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior, the researchers from the Department of Psychology and the Princeton Neuroscience Institute reported on two experiments investigating the link between the consumption of high-fructose corn syrup and obesity. The first study showed that male rats given water sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup in addition to a standard diet of rat chow gained much more weight than male rats that received water sweetened with table sugar, or sucrose, in conjunction with the standard diet. The concentration of sugar in the sucrose solution was the same as is found in some commercial soft... (Source: F... FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3395080 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3395080 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3391045&cid=t_329040_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F22%2Fdiet-cycling-leads-to-overeating-anxiety-and-withdrawal%2F As if you needed another reason to avoid dieting, new research shows that the “cycling” on and off of diets can stress the brain’s system and cause anxiety, overeating, and withdrawal. If you’ve ever been on a diet where you restrict your food intake and avoid specific foods, but allow “cheat days” to release the restrictions, that process can be very dangerous. Animal studies show that when diet restrictions are lifted, they ate less and their anxiety was lower than when they were required to eat diet food. In addition, the act of cycle dieting raises a stress-related hormone corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) to five times the amount of non-dieters. This hormone is related to stress, anxiety, and fear. The high levels of CRF give the feeling of being “stressed” when swe... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3391045 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:39:38 +0100 3391045 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3385533&cid=t_329040_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fjuggling.html I am juggling here with this weight loss thing. It is harder than I thought to figure out how to eat enough food but not go over both calories and fat grams but still feel like I'm eating enough and not starving all the time. The key is how to keep calories and fat grams in the right range. In my short adventure into weight loss, I have discovered snacks are what is ruining my diet. Cheese to be precise. A nice healthy lifestyle and then I sneak in cheese and crackers for a snack - which is more than 1/2 my daily fat requirement in a brief period of time. No more snacks except fruit and vegetables.Yesterday was Friday so there were donuts at work. I had 1/4 of a chocolate donut (as nasty but yummy mixture of carbohydrates, grease, and sugar) and felt like I had some and wasn't deprived but... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3385533 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 11:26:00 +0100 3385533 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3385331&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fthe-opposite-of-green%2F Planet 100 counts down their top five biggest “Eco-contradictions.” The ideas they find are oxymoronic – and just plain moronic! Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3385331 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 23:41:48 +0100 3385331 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3385345&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F03%2Fpepsi-pulls-sugary-beverages-from-schools-tackling-childhood-obesity-.html Concerned parents: If you’re unhappy about sugary beverages in your child’s school, Pepsi is listening. The soda company announced this week it plans to phase out all "full-calorie beverages" from schools around the world, starting January 1, 2011. We applaud Pepsi’s efforts, and think it’s a step in the right direction in tackling the rising childhood obesity rates. Coca Cola recently took a more watered-down approach, planning to end the sale of beverages in primary schools. Still, the company said it will make the beverages available if requested to do so by parents or school authorities "to meet hydration needs." And the beverages will still be available in high schools. With the Pepsi initiative, schools for younger kids would get only bottled water, juic... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3385345 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:00:10 +0100 3385345 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3378707&cid=t_329040_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fnot-answers-i-wanted-to-hear.html As a result of my lovely cancer and other medical adventures, I have gained weight and now weigh more than I have ever in my life. I have tried to eat healthy, blah, blah, blah, and it hasn't worked so I broke down and went to a dietitian yesterday for some help. She looked at my medical history and the list of medications I am on and said it will be very difficult for me to lose weight. Ever. Why? - Because three of the medications I am on cause weight gain. I asked why they cause weight gain and she said they don't really know - whether they interfere with how food is digested or what.- Because I don't have a thyroid so they can't really help me increase my metabolism to help lose weight. - Because of my back, ankle, and arm issues, increasing workouts is not advisable with out help from... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3378707 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:59:00 +0100 3378707 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3378492&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F03%2Fare-sweet-potatoes-healthier-than-regular-potatoes-eating-tips-for-diabetics-treating-diabetes.html You said in a previous article that regular potatoes have a very high glycemic load. Are sweet potatoes a healthier alternative? —A.M., Seattle Yes––but that doesn’t mean you need to abandon regular potatoes. High-glycemic foods contain lots of easily digested carbohydrates that can rapidly raise blood sugar; some evidence suggests that a high-glycemic diet may increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. A regular potato’s glycemic load is very high, while a sweet potato’s is roughly average. Moreover, sweet potatoes are higher in fiber and most nutrients than regular potatoes. Still, the regular kind can add variety to your diet, as well as more folate than a sweet potato and moderate amounts of several other nutrients. So an occasional baked potato can still be a goo... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3378492 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100 3378492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3378419&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F007030.html 2 grams per day of omega 3 fatty acid EPA cut precancerous bowel polyps in those at especially high genetic risk of bowel cancer. A purified form of an omega 3 cuts the number and size of precancerous bowel growths (polyps) in people whose genetic make-up predisposes them to bowel cancer, finds research published ahead of print in the journal Gut. Furthermore, this particular omega 3 (eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA) seems to be as effective as the prescription medicine used to treat familial bowel polyps, but without the associated cardiovascular side effects. The researchers base their findings on 55 patients, all of whom had the inherited genetic mutation that prompts the development of precancerous polyps in the bowel - known... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3378419 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3378419 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3374378&cid=t_329040_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FqUrzDZcDUAE%2F While speaking at the American College of Cardiology yesterday, Steve Nissen criticized the American Heart Association for its financial relationship with Coca-Cola. Why? He said their ties influenced AHA statements that a tax on sugar-sweetened drinks needs more study and the findings of a study linking sodas to obestiy weren’t conclusive, the Associated Press reports. Nissen blamed the AHA position on Diet Coke’s involvement in the AHA’s red dress campaign to raise awareness of heart disease among women. “Our societies have been bought, and it’s time to draw the line,” Nissen said. “When you take the money, you better accept the taint that goes with it.” However, the AP points out Nissen had the wrong red dress. The campaign he cited is cal... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3374378 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:13:23 +0100 3374378 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3378420&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F007029.html 2 grams per day of omega 3 fatty acid EPA cut precancerous bowel polyps in those at especially high genetic risk of bowel cancer. A purified form of an omega 3 cuts the number and size of precancerous bowel growths (polyps) in people whose genetic make-up predisposes them to bowel cancer, finds research published ahead of print in the journal Gut. Furthermore, this particular omega 3 (eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA) seems to be as effective as the prescription medicine used to treat familial bowel polyps, but without the associated cardiovascular side effects. The researchers base their findings on 55 patients, all of whom had the inherited genetic mutation that prompts the development of precancerous polyps in the bowel - known... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3378420 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3378420 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370362&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F007022.html Is obesity the body's attempt to protect you from bad food you eat? In an attempt to determine the effects of obesity itself, diabetes researchers Roger Unger and Philipp Scherer, both at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, reviewed several recent studies of the role of fat cells in humans and mice. In particular, the pair looked at the fates of people with a genetic condition that means they can't make their own fat cells and mice genetically engineered to have low supplies of these cells and fed a diet that would make normal mice obese. They found that, despite not being obese, both tend to develop metabolic syndrome earlier on in life than their overweight, overfed... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370362 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3370362 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370710&cid=t_329040_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F15%2Fparents-teach-your-children-well-give-them-fruits-and-veggies-often%2F As a dietitian, food is my life. I spend much of my time helping people try new foods and improve their eating behaviors. (I love my job!) I especially enjoy working with parents. It’s a chance to show them how eating well with their kids can be fun and help build life long habits. If there is only one piece of advice I have for all parents, it’s easy: serve fruits and vegetables often. So much of our food preferences are formed right at home. Kids learn to enjoy the tastes and flavors of a variety of foods when parents put them on the plate. It might take time to find out what your kids like and certain fruits and vegetables may fall in and out of favor, but it is always important to try. Enjoy healthy meals and snacks with your kids and everyone wins! Avocados from Mexico i... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370710 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:26:29 +0100 3370710 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3366186&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F03%2Ftrans-fats-does-peanut-butter-contain-trans-fat-partially-hydrogenated-oil-lowering-cholesterol.html I’ve noticed that the peanut butter I buy contains partially and fully hydrogenated oil. Does that mean it contains trans fat? —R.B., Brooklyn, N.Y.  Yes, but in amounts so small they’re insignificant. It’s true that partially hydrogenated vegetable oil—which manufacturers add to many peanut butters to keep them from separating—supplies trans fat, an especially unhealthy form of fat that may harm the heart, among other things, by raising bad (LDL) cholesterol and lowering good (HDL) cholesterol. (Fully hydrogenated oil, added for the same reason, does not contain trans fat.) But a U.S. Department of Agriculture analysis of 13 brands of peanut butter found that the amount of partially hydrogenated oil was so small that trans-fat levels weren’t even d... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3366186 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:30:00 +0100 3366186 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3363825&cid=t_329040_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FFYXuoY3rJEQ%2F This is a key video about Bulimia from Face The Issue and narrated by Catherine Zeta-Jones. Catherine Zeta-Jones in Legend of Zorro This is a quote from a sufferer of Bulimia. for the past week i keep binging.. ive been on a diet now since about 4 months or so and ive lost [edit]… i was doing really good and i hardly ever binged maybe once in the whole time.. all of a sudden in the past 2 weeks ive binged (and then purged) about 6 times.. i dont know whats wrong with me.. i feel so out of control.. i hate purging i know not even half the food comes up and then i feel guilty im really scared to gain weight again, i promise myself i wont do it the next day and then i do.. i just want control over my mind again but it seems liek i cant get control of it. someone please help.. Alcoholis... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3363825 Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:33:26 +0100 3363825 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3362388&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F03%2Fgluten-free-diet-tips-gluten-free-cooking-made-easy-how-to-cook-gluten-free-meals.html Whether you’ve recently switched to a gluten-free diet because you have celiac disease, or just for preference, you’re one of the reasons it’s become a craze. Eight to 10 percent of Americans follow a gluten-free diet, according to the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America. But when it comes to cooking, you might find it challenging because there are so many ingredients to avoid that can be hidden in packaged and processed foods. Our Consumer Reports Food and Fitness magazine has some tips to make gluten-free cooking a little easier. Now all you need to do is buy the ingredients, and hit the kitchen. Foods to avoid: Forms of wheat such as spelt, and triticale (a cross between wheat and rye), as well as kamut, farina, bulgur, durum flour, barley, matzo meal, graham flour, whea... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3362388 Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100 3362388 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3358970&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F03%2Fhealth-benefits-of-bananas-are-bananas-beneficial-.html Your previous article on phytochemicals in produce didn’t mention bananas. Don’t they contain any of those potentially diseasefighting compounds? —M.C.H., Cincinnati   Yes, but less than the average amount in other fruits and vegetables. That’s mainly because the major phytochemicals tend to be the same pigmented substances that give produce its color. Brightly colored foods such as blueberries and kale are loaded with phytochemicals—but bananas are not, because their flesh is relatively pale. However, bananas contain plenty of other worthwhile nutrients, notably vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium.Fruits and vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals, but some people would rather take a supplement. Find out if you could benefit from taking a ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3358970 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:00:52 +0100 3358970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3359216&cid=t_329040_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FzEiv7-Y0wkk%2F There are gray skies hovering over the Pharmalot corporate campus this morning, but our spirits are sunny. And why not? If nothing else, the weekend is just around the corner. Yes, there are deadlines and meetings between now and then, but still, we look ahead to spending time with the short people and catching up on our to-do list. What will you do? While you ponder, here are a few items to help you along. Whatever your choice, have a nice weekend… Birth Control Pills May Help Women Live Longer (Bloomberg News) Nigerian Start-Up Fights Counterfeit Drugs (The Wall Street Journal) Arena Will Launch Diet Drug With Or Without A Partner (Reuters) Roche’s Avastin Fails Prostate Cancer Study Goal (Bloomberg News) Merck’s Vytorin Effectiveness Study To Continue (Associated Press... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3359216 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:35:59 +0100 3359216 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3359129&cid=t_329040_129_f&fid=36036&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fkelly-building-a-crohns-disease-community%2Fcrohns-disease-and-bone-density%2F Last Friday, I went to see my rheumatologist to see if my bone density disintegration due to long-term prednisone usage has improved any in the last 6 months since I have taken the medication ‘Reclast’.  Reclast is a once a year infusion (it bypasses your gastrointestinal system) that helps your bones become stronger.  The verdict from the visit was not good and my yearly bone density scan showed that my density has stayed the same for two of the places that they check and one place actually got 0.2 worse.  I was really hoping for some improvement, but maybe it is still too soon. I used to drink a Dr. Pepper every day (just one), but since January of this year I have cut that out.  I read that sodas cause your blood to be more acidic, causing it to pull more minerals from your body... Life with Crohn's blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3359129 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:56:05 +0100 3359129 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3346753&cid=t_329040_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F09%2Feat-like-bernie-salazar-southwest-turkey-burger-with-avocado%2F NBC Photo: Dave Bjerke Hey, hey! Bernie Salazar here… I’m so excited to share this video blog with you on one of my favorite foods I’ve been eating since losing 130 pounds on The Biggest Loser — The Amazing Avocado! Watch me turn one of my old meals – burger and fries – into a delicious and nutritious Southwest Turkey Burger. I love the creamy texture of avocados on my burger. Three slices have only 50 calories! Find out how else I incorporate avocados into my well-balanced eating plan in this video. Then, leave a comment and tell me how you like your avocado. Watch me make and enjoy my southwest turkey burger with avocado! Twitter: @AmazingAvocado Facebook: Become a Fan Web: Two chances to win! (Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3346753 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:16:02 +0100 3346753 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3346754&cid=t_329040_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F09%2Fdieting-102-set-yourself-up-for-weight-loss-success%2F It’s National Nutrition Month and the theme this year is “nutrition from the ground up”. I’m offering advice how you can set build a healthy weight from the ground up – without getting duped by any costly “solutions” you’ve seen before. We’re working on a plan for healthy weight management without dieting. If you’re just joining us, you need to catch up. Read the last post, Dieting 101: Getting Started, and make sure this is a journey you want to be on. If you’ve rejected dieting and prepared yourself for changes, it’s time for goals. Setting realistic goals is so important. You build success upon success. By starting small, you will repeat the easy changes and they add up to big results. So first thing, give yourself permission to s... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3346754 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:03:26 +0100 3346754 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3346410&cid=t_329040_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F09%2Fndns-headline-results-from-year-1-of-the-rolling-programme-20082009%2F Title: The Social Determinants of Health and the Role of Local Government Skinny: Report on food consumption and nutrient intakes for adults aged 19 to 64 years and for children aged 18 months to 3 years, 4 to 10 years and 11 to 18 years. The key findings of the survey are: People are eating less saturated fat, trans fat and added sugar than they were 10 years ago, when the survey was last carried out. Saturated fat intakes in adults have dropped slightly to 12.8% of food energy, but are still above the recommended level of 11%. Whereas, the population’s trans fat intakes, having also fallen slightly, are well within recommended levels. People are still eating too much added sugar, currently 12.5% of food energy intake compared to the recommended 11%. A third of men and women are now ea... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3346410 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:00:55 +0100 3346410 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3346646&cid=t_329040_134_f&fid=36052&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.daily-diabetic.com%2F50226711%2Fmindful_eating_prescription_drugs_and_diabetes.php © EraPhernalia Vintage (here more often recently)There is a myriad of options for people who would like to avoid or reduce their carb intake, whether they're suffering diabetes, as a prophylaxis, or simply because they choose to lead a healthier reduced-sugar lifestyle. For many, however, the most basic, and probably the single most effective practice (in conjunction with prescription drugs)however, is simply what is called 'mindful eating'. Instead of looking at food consumption as a battle, mindful eating encourages one to have a healthier relationship ... (Source: Daily Diabetic) Daily Diabetic blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3346646 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:45:51 +0100 3346646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3342849&cid=t_329040_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2010%2F03%2F08%2Fnews-flash-your-diet-may-%25e2%2580%2594-or-may-not-%25e2%2580%2594-beat-cancer%2F My new post on Politics Daily / Woman Up: Diet may play a part in ovarian cancer survival rates. Hey, Los Angeles Times, if you’re going to use “may,” the most powerful weasel word ever invented, you don’t have to settle for the humble vegetable. The sky’s the limit! Butter-pecan ice cream may prevent cancer. A Maui vacation may keep cancer from spreading. Daily massages may prevent recurrence. Especially free massages, given by reluctant relatives. On the other side of the equation, housework may cause cancer. Also clerical work. I’d expect weasel words in a blog, since most bloggers don’t get paid. Plowing through a thicket of medical/legal language would not be my definition of a fun or relaxing way to spend a weekend. Nor is waiting for medical... Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3342849 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:10:37 +0100 3342849 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3342642&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F03%2Fhow-to-reduce-salt-in-foods-you-eat-cutting-sodium-cuts-heart-disease-and-stroke-risk.html I like salty foods. It’s easier for me to bypass chocolate than potato chips. But I do look for lower-sodium chicken broth, tomato juice, and soy sauce because even I find standard ones too salty. Interestingly, a vast majority of our sodium comes from packaged foods and restaurants, not home cooking. Thomas Farley, M.D., New York City’s health commissioner, recently visited Consumers Union while publicizing the National Salt Reduction Initiative, a coalition of public-health organizations and city and state health departments. Its goal is to work with manufacturers and restaurants to reduce the amount of sodium in the food they make and serve by 25 percent over the next few years. A similar effort already under way in the United Kingdom has cut sodium content there by 40 percent in ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3342642 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:19:38 +0100 3342642 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3342643&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F03%2Fnutritional-benefits-of-fruit-and-vegetable-skins-when-to-buy-organic.html Does eating fruit and vegetable skins provide nutritional benefits? —Y.Y., Amherst, Mass. Yes, but there may be hazards, too. Skins tend to be fairly high in insoluble fiber, which can lower the risk of some digestive disorders, and they’re loaded with phytonutrients, which may help prevent many diseases. But conventionally grown produce is usually coated with tiny amounts of pesticide residues. With certain items––apples, bell peppers, cucumbers, eggplants, peaches, pears, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes––the pesticides may be trapped under a layer of wax. Whether it’s harmful to consume those residues is not clear. For maximum safety, particularly with children, you could scrub produce in a highly diluted solution of liquid dish detergent, which should remove most of t... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3342643 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:54:10 +0100 3342643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3342629&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F006992.html Stanford and Interleukin Genetics researchers find that the best way to lose weight depends on your genes. Low carbo or low fat? It depends on your genes. Key Stanford findings from the study include:Individuals on genotype-appropriate diets lost 5.3 percent of body weight compared to individuals on diets not matched to their genotype, who experienced only 2.3 percent weight loss (p=0.005);The weight loss differences were even stronger when considering the individuals who were trying to follow the lowest carbohydrate (Atkins) and the lowest fat (Ornish) diets: 6.8% weight loss for those whose genotype matched the diet they were following vs. 1.4% for those not matched to their genotype (p=0.03);The statistical significance of the findings increased when taking into account the... (Source: ... FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3342629 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3342629 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3339773&cid=t_329040_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F06%2Fdietary-factors-influence-ovarian-cancer-survival-rates%2F University of Illinois at Chicago researchers identify relationship between healthy eating and prolonged ovarian cancer survival A study published in the March 2010 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association (JADA), is among the first to evaluate possible diet associations with ovarian cancer survival. Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) determined [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3339773 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:52:34 +0100 3339773 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3339641&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F03%2Fget-smart-about-eating-out-tips-for-cutting-calories-when-dining-out-weight-loss-tips.html The portions at my favorite diner get me every time—before I know it I’ve inhaled every single crumb on my plate, and minutes later the discomfort and guilt set in. But you don’t need to be daunted by the heaping helpings, high sodium, calorie, and fat levels that lurk in many restaurant meals. Just use a few no-nonsense tips from Consumer Reports' Food & Fitness guide to help you keep it healthful: Look it up. Many restaurants make their nutrition information available on their Web sites or on menus in states or cities that require it. For those that don’t, ask your server. You can also look up healthier dishes at nearly 60,000 restaurants on the Web site HealthyDiningFinder.com. Find healthier-choices on menus. Now available at many restaurants, they tend... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3339641 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:17:48 +0100 3339641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3338210&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F03%2Fshould-obama-take-a-drug-to-lower-his-cholesterol-the-answer-will-surprise-you.html When President Obama’s recent physical exam revealed that he had elevated cholesterol levels, we wondered: Does the president need to take a drug to lower his cholesterol? (Hey, we’re the Consumer Reports Health folks—we like to ask these questions.) To answer that, we used a handy calculator from the National Cholesterol Education Program to determine his 10-year risk of heart attack or death from a cardiac-related event. We plugged in his figures from WhiteHouse.gov’s full release of his exam results (pdf): Age: 48  Gender: Male  Total Cholesterol: 209 mg/dL  HDL Cholesterol: 62 mg/dL  Smoker: Yes*  Systolic Blood Pressure: 105 mm/Hg On medication for HBP (high blood pressure): No *You should know that for this calculator, you a... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3338210 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:07:28 +0100 3338210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335293&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F03%2Fbest-ways-to-lose-weight-keep-weight-off-later-meal-greater-weight-.html I’ve heard you shouldn’t eat a lot before bedtime, because the calories won’t be burned off and will turn to fat. Is that true? —C.L.,Visalia, Calif. Almost surely not. Only a few small studies have assessed whether the timing of your meals has any effect on your weight––and the results have been inconclusive. For example, the best of those studies found that women who ate most of their day’s calories in the evening lost more body fat in the first half of a 12-week exercise program than those who ate most of their calories in the morning. Researchers have no plausible explanation for why that happened. More important, the weight difference disappeared by the second half of the study. However, there is at least one good reason to avoid stuffing yourself ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335293 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:14:34 +0100 3335293 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335294&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F03%2Fbest-diet-for-losing-weight-for-lasting-weight-loss-skip-lowcarb-diets-says-study-weight-loss-tips.html How’s did that New Year’s resolution of losing weight go? Mine has gone, as in from my memory, but a new study has resurfaced it, shedding some light on how to actually keep the weight off. In the study, published Tuesday in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers found people who followed a low-fat diet kept off the weight better than low-carb dieters. The study followed up with 40 participants who had followed a low-carbohydrate diet, and 49 from a low-fat group from a previous study in which the low-carb group lost more weight after 6 months. In that study, there were no significant differences in weight loss at 12 months. But when comparing the two groups 24 months later, low-carb dieters had gained weight, but the low-fat dieters did not. In our recent survey on dieting, we... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335294 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:36:59 +0100 3335294 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335484&cid=t_329040_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=3335295&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F03%2Fmore-evidence-that-vitamin-d-may-help-prevent-heart-disease-dietary-supplements-heart-disease-cancer.html We’re constantly being inundated with claims about dietary supplements, often because promising early studies are highly touted in the press. So, should we invest in more supplements for our health? The answer is usually no, based on the more robust follow up studies that often show less benefit, if any.However sometimes a supplement really does seem to live up to the hype, and the good news about the powerful health properties of vitamin D continues to roll in. Several recent studies suggest that the nutrient known as the sunshine vitamin can indeed play a role in strengthening bones, and may also protect against certain cancers, as well as diabetes and multiple sclerosis. And a new meta-analysis published in the March 2nd Annals of Internal Medicine found evidence from two trials that ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335295 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:45:18 +0100 3335295 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3331283&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F03%2Fnutritional-value-of-vegetables-are-blended-veggies-still-packed-with-nutrients.html I prefer to use a juicer and drink my vegetables. But I’ve heard that I’m throwing out nutrients with the pulp. Would it be healthier to blend some veggies and tomato juice together, and drink the slush, pulp and all? —L.K., Fort Lee, N.J. Yes, though you might want to choose low-sodium tomato juice. Using a juicer is an easy way to reap most of the vitamins, minerals, and certain other disease-fighting substances from vegetables and fruits. But juicing strains out most of the fiber, some of the vitamins and minerals, and possibly other, unknown beneficial substances. In contrast, using a blender retains everything in the produce. Drinking slushed fruits or vegetables can be even healthier than eating them whole, since you’re apt to consume more of them. Read more on how t... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3331283 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:48:02 +0100 3331283 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3331638&cid=t_329040_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F04%2Fdieting-101-getting-started-for-the-last-time%2F It’s National Nutrition Month and the theme this year is “nutrition from the ground up”. I’m offering advice how you can set build a healthy weight from the ground up – without getting duped by any costly “solutions” you’ve seen before (pills, potions, cleanses, etc.) Let me just start this post series with a statement. I don’t believe in “diets.” Diets do not work because they are too restrictive. Diets are something you start and then stop. Whatever you do when you stop can lead you right back to the place you came from – or worse! If your feelings of deprivation and restriction are large, chances are your “boomerang” back once you lift the restrictions will be huge. How would you like to end that cycle once and for all? If you�... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3331638 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:17:04 +0100 3331638 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3326973&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F03%2Fextra-phys-ed-equals-fitter-leaner-kids-childhood-obesity.html Nobody needs reminding about the scary rise in children classified as overweight or obese. Even the First Lady is in on the act. The question is, what do we do about it? It's unlikely that there's just one single answer. It's a problem that goes across all aspects of our lifestyles, ranging from whether there's safe space outside for children to play, to whether moms and dads have the time and money to cook healthful meals. But schools are a good place to start when you're looking at children's health. A study from Switzerland looks at the impact of two extra sessions of physical education a week on the fitness and body fat of children ages 7 and 11. Swiss kids get a legal minimum of three sessions of physical education a week. For the nine-month study, this was ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3326973 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:59:46 +0100 3326973 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3326949&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F006982.html Garlic might reduce your cancer risk. COLUMBUS, Ohio – Researchers have designed a urine test that can simultaneously measure the extent of a potential carcinogenic process and a marker of garlic consumption in humans. In a small pilot study, the test suggested that the more garlic people consumed, the lower the levels of the potential carcinogenic process were. The research is all about body processes associated with nitrogen-containing compounds, scientists say. These processes include nitrosation, or the conversion of some substances found in foods or contaminated water into carcinogens. Garlic appears to block the conversion of nitrates into carcinogenic nitrosamines. About 20 percent of nitrates that are consumed convert to nitrites. A cascade of events can convert these compounds in... FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3326949 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3326949 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3314619&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F02%2Fchicken-safety-tips-eat-chicken-safely-avoid-foodborne-illness-from-bacteria-in-chicken.html Our recent report on chicken safety revealed some shocking news: Two-thirds of the chickens tested harbored salmonella and/or campylobacter, the leading bacterial causes of foodborne disease. And that's nothing new—in 2007 we found that eight of 10 broilers harbored those pathogens. Until the government steps in with much-needed safety regulations on contamination in chicken, it's up to you to cut your family's risk of foodborne illness. The Consumer Reports' Food & Fitness guide offers these 7 important tips to help make sure your chicken is safe before it hits the dinner table.   Buy right. Choose a reputable store that has a rapid turnover in the meat department. Never buy unrefrigerated chicken. Choose chicken that is well-wrapped (... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3314619 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3314619 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3314620&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F02%2Ftooth-whiteners-who-can-safely-use-them-and-how-often.html Americans have been snapping up at-home tooth-whitening kits; in 2008 consumers spent $343 million on them. The products can help somewhat, our recent tests show. But can a person use tooth-whitener strips or trays too often? Maybe so, according to the American Dental Association. It says that if used improperly, the chemicals in the products might damage your gums and teeth. Indeed, some of our testers complained of irritation or other discomfort while using them. The ADA also worries that unsupervised use might mask an undiagnosed medical condition, such as celiac disease, which can cause tooth discoloration. And the long-term safety of tooth whiteners is still unknown, especially for those containing a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide, the bleaching agent. In 2008 the European... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3314620 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:44:35 +0100 3314620 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3306836&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F02%2Fchalk-up-another-health-benefit-for-dark-chocolate.html Does chocolate need an image makeover? With sinful-sounding names like Devil's Food, Chocolate Decadence, and my new favorite, Deathcake Royale, chocolate is often presented as wickedly delicious and even a bit dangerous. But could this rep be a bad rap? More studies are showing that dark chocolate on its own—stripped away of accompanying creams, frostings, and fillings—may actually be quite healthful (at least when eaten in moderation). The latest findings come from a review of studies looking at dark chocolate and the risk of stroke. The researchers found three studies that met their quality criteria. One concluded that eating dark chocolate made no difference to stroke risk. But another found that eating small amounts each week reduced the risk of stroke by 22 percent, and t... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3306836 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:07:06 +0100 3306836 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302284&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F006970.html Keep off the pounds or lose your mind more rapidly. The adverse affects of being overweight are not limited to physical function but also extend to neurological function, according to research in the latest issue of The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological and Medical Sciences (Volume 65A, Number 1).The publication presents a collection of ten articles highlighting new findings related to obesity in older persons. "One of the unanticipated consequences of improved medical management of cardiovascular disease is that many obese individuals reach old age,” said Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences Editor Luigi Ferrucci, MD, PhD, of the National Institute on Aging. “We need a better understanding of the causes and consequences of obesity in older individuals — especially... (So... FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302284 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3302284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3292038&cid=t_329040_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F21%2F3-simple-recipe-swaps-for-heart-health%2F It’s officially heart health awareness month. This topic is important to me. This month it will be one year since my mom had her quadruple bypass surgery. But the good news is many of your heart disease risk can be lowered with your food choices. That’s right, people… four out of five of your heart disease risk factors can be reduced with healthy eating. Can you believe that? Yes, your every day decisions matter, even though you may not see the immediate reward. Here’s what we’re trying to do: Manage weight – excess weight, especially obesity increases risk for high cholesterol, blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes all which increase heart disease risk. The more of these you have, the higher your heart disease risk. We manage weight my daily... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3292038 Sun, 21 Feb 2010 13:35:58 +0100 3292038 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3290806&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F02%2Fhealth-benefits-of-beans-learn-to-love-beans-for-hearthealthy-folate-and-fiber.html Louis Armstrong is said to have loved red beans and rice so much that he ended some of his personal letters with "Red beans and ricely yours." Perhaps beans aren't as near and dear to your heart as they were for this jazz great, but your heart would thank you for sprinkling more of them into your meals. Beans of all varieties provide healthy amounts of folate, an essential nutrient that helps protect against heart disease, and they are a simple and inexpensive way to get more fiber. And if you’re diabetic, the fiber levels and low glycemic index of beans can help you maintain normal blood glucose levels and a healthy body weight. Whether canned or dried, beans are packed with protein with very little fat and no cholesterol, so they make a great substitute for meat and da... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3290806 Sat, 20 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0100 3290806 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3288061&cid=t_329040_180_f&fid=38607&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fsuccessbeginstoday%2FBHWQ%2F%7E3%2FAXj1WOwfJYw%2F One of the great secrets I’ve learned over the years is that we can’t visualize a negative action. You can’t picture in your mind NOT eating an ice cream cone. You can’t imagine NOT kicking a dog. You can’t imagine NOT eating that huge piece of FUDGE staring at you from the plate across the room. In each case you have to imagine Doing the action and then putting a huge red circle with a slash through it. Imagine saying to yourself all day… I can’t have ice cream, I can’t have ice cream, I can’t have ice cream… What are you really focusing on… Ice Cream. The definition of diet is… A selection or a limitation on the amount a person eats for reducing weight: No pie for me, I’m on a diet. Instead of focusing on what you CAN’T have… why not create a diet che... Success Begins Today blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3288061 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:39:37 +0100 3288061 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287732&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F02%2Fdo-low-carb-diets-cause-bad-breath-curing-bad-breath.html Do low-carb diets cause bad breath? —A.D., Eastchester, N.Y. They can, though bacteria in the mouth are a far more common cause. Restricting carbohydrates to fewer than 60 grams per day, as some low-carb regimens recommend, causes the body to dip into its stores of fat for energy. That process creates chemical byproducts called ketones; one of those, acetone, has a distinct fruity smell that sometimes becomes detectable on the breath. If you suspect that’s the culprit, try increasing your carb intake a bit. You could also try standard breath-improving measures such as chewing sugarless cinnamon gum, using a tongue cleaner to gently scrape away bacteria, and avoiding strong-smelling foods like garlic and onions. Read more on all the causes of bad breath and then find out wh... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287732 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0100 3287732 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3283528&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F02%2Fthree-household-habits-may-help-trim-childhood-obesity.html With last week's launch of the Let’s Move campaign, First Lady Michelle Obama issued a call to community leaders, teachers, health professionals, and families to tackle childhood obesity. With 1 in 3 kids now overweight or obese, this is a serious national health issue with no easy solution. However, small steps—such as cutting down on sodas, chips, and other calorie-dense foods—can make a real difference for individual kids. So, too, might the simple act of gathering the family for the evening meal. A new study has found that a trio of basic household routines—having dinner as a family, limiting TV time, and making sure kids get enough sleep—may substantially lower the risk of obesity for young children. The study included 8,550 4-year-olds who were part of a broader stud... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3283528 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:31:47 +0100 3283528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3283530&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F02%2Fgood-sources-of-unsaturated-fat-heart-healthy-unsaturated-fats-how-much-good-fat-should-i-eat-.html How much "good" polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fat should I eat? —J.F.M., Milton, Del. That depends on your overall calorie intake. Recent guidelines suggest that you can get up to 35 percent of your daily calories from fats. For a person on a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet, that amounts to a high of about 78 grams of fat (since 1 gram of fat contains 9 calories). A vast majority of those—at least 60 grams—should come from the heart-healthy unsaturated fats you cited. (Artery-clogging saturated fats should account for no more than 7 percent of calories—about 16 grams for a 2,000-calorie diet—and trans fats, no more than 1 percent, or about 2 grams.) Good sources of unsaturated fat include fish, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. Take a look at our guide to fats in food&nb... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3283530 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:54:24 +0100 3283530 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3283849&cid=t_329040_167_f&fid=36994&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnutrition-news.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fforks-over-knives-official-movie.html This could be the one. There's been lots of films in the last few years trying to tackle the issues surrounding the epidemic of Chronic Disease in the West that is now starting to take hold in the far East. Most of them have been a little too earnest for general consumption, too many excuses for Doctors to be dismissive.This film could be different.Here we have a clinician and a scientist jointly presenting their evidence to argue that heart disease, cancer and diabetes is more a choice than an inheritance.The problem is how to get those most in need to realise they have a choice for optimum health.Better diet and health is not profitable enough for global corporations - there will be no Pharmaceutical company investing millions of Dollars of PR, advertising and Lobbyists' time on this Nat... Healthy Eating & Nutrition News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3283849 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:48:00 +0100 3283849 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3283721&cid=t_329040_129_f&fid=36036&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fkelly-building-a-crohns-disease-community%2Fbreakfast-with-crohns-disease%2F I think that I have mentioned before that I have been experimenting with my diet for the last year in an effort to improve my Crohn’s symptoms.  I have eliminated all dairy products and now use only Rice milk because it causes the least amount of trouble and tastes good.  I am also limiting the amount of gluten that I eat.  I still eat some items that have a little bit of gluten, but have for the most part deleted that out of my diet too.  I also don’t eat a lot of fiber because it seems to make matters worse.  Once you get rid of dairy, gluten and fiber, there are not a lot of choices left for breakfast. For the last year, I have been eating Trix for breakfast.  I recently discovered Berry Berry Kix and have switched to that instead because it has a lot less sugar.  I don�... Life with Crohn's blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3283721 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:26:52 +0100 3283721 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3276114&cid=t_329040_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F16%2Fhot-nutrition-books-in-2010%2F We all could use a little health help and a great way to get advice you can trust is by turning the pages of a great nutrition book. But how do you separate the great stuff from the absolute fluff? You read this post, of course. These books will help provide relief from celiac’s disease, keep you trim, and tell you how to eat well while pregnant — among other things. This list is in addition to my first list of hot nutrition books. Gluten-Free, Hassle Free: A Simple, Sane, Dietitian-Approved Program for Eating Your Way Back To Health is a book that focuses on a no-nonsense approach to the gluten-free diet. Why I like it: Because one book on celiac’s disease and wheat allergy is not enough, you’ll also want this useful book on your desk. The Glycemic Index Diet for Dummies is pa... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3276114 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:30:16 +0100 3276114 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3276041&cid=t_329040_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F15%2Flibbys-hope-to-present-at-nocc-6th-annual-womens-health-expo-rejuvenate-finding-balance%2F On March 20, 2010, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (Maryland Chapter) will hold its 6th Annual Women’s Health Expo entitled, REJUVENATE Finding Balance (NOCC Rejuvenate), at the Sheraton Annapolis Hotel. … On behalf of Libby’s H*O*P*E*™, I will conduct a seminar as part of Session II entitled, A Patient Advocate’s Perspective on the Importance of [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3276041 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:53:26 +0100 3276041 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3272895&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F02%2Fimagine-whirled-peasfrozen-vegetables-for-winter.html I remember summer, don’t you? Each year, just about now, I long for a tomato that actually tastes like a tomato and not a mealy mouthful of plastic nothingness, or an ear of sweet, crisp corn.  How very cruel that as the days are white and gray outside, the dinner table starts to mimic this dull color scheme.  But paltry produce pickings in the fresh aisles don’t mean there aren’t other options.  In the wintery months I find myself gravitating to the frozen aisles for some longed-for color.Have a look at the frozen produce offerings at your grocery store—you might be in for a surprise. You’ll find options ranging from familiar green beans, to the slightly more unexpected like asparagus spears and artichoke hearts. When you think of frozen vegetables, do you thin... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3272895 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:00:00 +0100 3272895 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3258938&cid=t_329040_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F10%2Finternational-journal-of-epidemiology-2010-vol-39-no-1%2F Contents Fade Fave: Neighbourhood food environment and area deprivation: spatial accessibility to grocery stores selling fresh fruit and vegetables in urban and rural settings Fade Skinny: The ‘deprivation amplification’ hypothesis suggests that residents of deprived neighbourhoods have poorer access to high-quality food environments, which in turn contributes to the development of spatial inequalities in diet and diet-related chronic disease. This paper presents results from a study that quantified access to grocery stores selling fresh fruit and vegetables in four environmental settings in Scotland, UK. Contact the Library for a copy of this article. Filed under: Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: Deprivation, Diet, Epidemiology, Neighbourhood, Rural, Scotland, Urban (Source: Fa... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3258938 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:37:39 +0100 3258938 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3258976&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F02%2Fmichelle-obamas-new-campaign-takes-on-childhood-obesity-epidemic-.html Is there anything the First Lady can't do? She's a smart, hands-on parent, she gardens and has managed to become a style icon to boot. Well today she's launched a new campaign, Let’s Move, to address childhood obesity in tandem with Partnership for a Healthier America. The campaign's goal is to solve childhood obesity within a generation by promoting healthy eating and physical activity by focusing on a number of actionable strategies, including bringing healthier food options into schools, and providing access to affordable, nutritious foods to families in urban and rural neighborhoods—communities that often don't have easy access to healthier foods. As the childhood obesity rates grow from single to double digits in America, we applaud the First Lady’s commitm... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3258976 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:59:23 +0100 3258976 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3254448&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F02%2Fis-tight-control-of-type-2-diabetes-too-risky.html If you have type 2 diabetes, some things are certain: You have too much sugar in your blood Over time this can damage your blood vessels and lead to serious problems, such as kidney failure, vision loss, heart attacks, and strokes Diabetes treatment aims to prevent these problems by lowering your blood sugar to a healthier level. But how low should your blood sugar go? This is not so certain. For years, experts have recommended lowering blood sugar to as close to normal as possible (this is called tight control). But recent research has cast doubt on this approach, including a new study showing that lowering blood sugar to near-normal levels may actually increase the risk of an earlier death. For the study, researchers used a UK database to compile information on nearly 48,000... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3254448 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:23:18 +0100 3254448 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3258958&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F006935.html Not looking so good for isoflavone benefits. AMES, Iowa -- A previous six-month study by Iowa State University researchers had indicated that consuming modest amounts of soy protein, rich in isoflavones, lessened lumbar spine bone loss in midlife, perimenopausal women. But now an expanded three-year study by some of those same researchers does not show a bone-sparing effect in postmenopausal women who ingested soy isoflavone tablets, except for a modest effect at the femoral (hip) neck among those who took the highest dosage. The multi-center clinical trial of 224 postmenopausal women -- led by D. Lee Alekel, professor of nutrition and interim associate director of the Nutrition and Wellness Research Center (NWRC) at Iowa State, and supported by the National... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3258958 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3258958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3254450&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F02%2Ftaco-bells-new-diet-just-dont-call-it-a-weightloss-program-how-to-lose-weight-.html By now you’re familiar with Jared Fogle, a.k.a. Subway Jared. You know, the guy who lost all that weight while eating Subway subs. Jared’s story was quite a successful marketing campaign for Subway, giving the fast food company a healthy image. Well now there’s svelte Christine, Taco Bell’s own Jared, a chatty woman with a brilliant smile who claims to have lost 54 pounds over two years by ordering menu items from Taco Bells’ Drive-Thru Diet® menu.Taco Bell is lovin’ it (oops, sorry, wrong jingle), and they’ve set up quite the Web site promoting their Drive-Thru Diet. There’s not only menu information for their "Fresco" line (supposedly the key to Christine’s success), but also links to Christine’s story with the obligatory before and after photos, and an enc... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3254450 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:00:38 +0100 3254450 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3251342&cid=t_329040_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fthe-real-pepsi-challenge-diabetes.html Isn’t it ironic that the multi-million-dollar companies that are most ‘part of the problem’ like to pretend that they’re ‘part of the solution’? That’s all I could think of when learning about Pepsi’s big social-media-based “goodwill campaign” surrounding the SuperBowl this weekend. The company hopes to wow the country by relinquishing those coveted SuperBowl TV ad [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3251342 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:00:13 +0100 3251342 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3251345&cid=t_329040_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2F2rFL18R76Gk%2Fhow-many-carbohydrates-do-you-eat-in-a-day.php We've got such a diverse group of people who read Simply Cooking and who are on Diabetes Daily.  I'm just curious to see how many carbohydrates we eat as a group.I'll be honest, right now I'm going through a bit of a transition in my diet.  I'm weaning Leah, which is difficult since she's 15 months old.  With that in mind, I can't eat the same amount of carbs that I have been and maintain my current blood sugar levels.  Not only will I certainly have some adjustments in my insulin levels at my next endocrinologist appointment, but I'm going to be eating way less carbs in my day to day diet.I think that keeping it to 25-45g per meal will keep me healthy right now.  How many do you eat on average in a day?  (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3251345 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100 3251345 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3251430&cid=t_329040_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F08%2F12-must-have-foods-for-a-healthy-pantry%2F How healthy is your pantry? Do you think it may be in a need of a “nutrition makeover”? Read this guest blog post by dietitian Nour El-Zibdeh, RD and be sure to visit her website AFTER you leave a comment about your favorite pantry must-haves and why. In health, Rebecca Raw Nuts and Nut Butters Nuts are a good source of vitamin E, protein, and poly- and mono- unsaturated (good) fats. Buy raw to keep salt intake in check and eat as a snack or on top of salads or cereals. Nut butters make a perfect breakfast or lunch sandwich. Buy a 100% nut butter, without salt, sugar, or extra oils and ingredients. Nuts are calorie-dense; eat no more than 1 ounce fresh, or 2 tablespoons nut butter, a day. Whole Grain Pasta While pasta suffers from the misleading bad rep of carbs, whole-whea... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3251430 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 02:18:54 +0100 3251430 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3254425&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F006932.html I know how dutiful you all are about your health and I'm sure many of you will do the responsible thing and drink beer for your bones. A new study suggests that beer is a significant source of dietary silicon, a key ingredient for increasing bone mineral density. Researchers from the Department of Food Science & Technology at the University of California, Davis studied commercial beer production to determine the relationship between beer production methods and the resulting silicon content, concluding that beer is a rich source of dietary silicon. Details of this study are available in the February issue of the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the Society of Chemical... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3254425 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3254425 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3246879&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F02%2Fhealthy-super-bowl-sunday-snacks-have-a-healthful-super-bowl-party-.html Whether you’re a Colts fan or rooting for the Saints, the Super Bowl drives most of us to the standard football party favorites—buffalo wings, pizza, and chips ‘n dip—washed down with beer. Good game food, but not necessarily good-for-you. While no one wants to snack on apples slices and lettuce wedge during the game, many of the party classics are filled with calories, fat, and salt. And since more people gather to eat on Super Bowl Sunday than any other day of the year, except Thanksgiving, you could do yourself and your guests a heart-healthy, waistline-friendly favor with some minor adjustments to your menu. Keep the chips, but can the greasy, fatty dips. Make salsa or serve hummus instead of cream-based dips. Try blending kidney or black beans, tomato, vinegar, and chili po... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3246879 Sat, 06 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0100 3246879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3239562&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F02%2Fis-ghee-saturated-fat-free-ghee-contains-about-20-percent-more-fat-than-butter.html Is it true that the process used to make ghee, the clarified butter in Indian food, strains out the saturated fat? —M.V., Camp Hill, Pa. No. Ghee actually contains about 20 percent more fat per ounce, including artery-clogging saturated fat, than regular butter. Only the water, milk solids, and impurities are removed; the end result is nearly 100 percent fat.Read about healthy fats, take a look at our guide to different types of fats—and what foods you can find them in,  and find out how switching to healthier fats can help lower your cholesterol (subscribers only).   (Source: Consumer Reports Health Blog) Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3239562 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0100 3239562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3239564&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F02%2Fa-lifetime-on-the-hips-a-little-extra-weight-no-bad-thing-for-seniors.html Human frailty seems to get more forgivable as we get older. It’s not forgetfulness, it’s a senior moment. No one minds if you can’t work your cell phone. And while we might, rather unkindly, describe younger people as fat, the elderly can claim to be portly. Being a little portly as we get older might not be an entirely bad thing, according to a new study. Researchers have found that people in their early 70s who are classed as overweight based on their BMI score live longer than those thought to be a healthy weight. A BMI (work out yours here) of between 25 and 30 is usually considered overweight. However, in a study looking at nearly 10,000 Australians in their 70s, people with a BMI in this range were the least likely to die over a 10-year period. The people most likely to die d... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3239564 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:00:00 +0100 3239564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3231753&cid=t_329040_134_f&fid=36012&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBattleDiabetes%2F%7E3%2FEmHSfBdR_1U%2F Munching a handful of pistachio nuts not only makes for a great snack but also a healthy one because it lowers the blood sugar level by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates in the body, a study said Tuesday. “Pistachio, when eaten with high carbohydrate food items like white bread, may actually slow the absorption of carbohydrates in the body, resulting in a lower than expected blood sugar level,” said a statement on a study conducted by the University of Toronto. “Therefore, these nuts can help control diabetes in a country like India where 40 million people suffer from the disease. This figure is likely to go up to 80 million by 2025,” the statement added. Cyril Kendall, lead researcher of the study, said: “Controlling blood glucose level is important for preventing and... Battle Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3231753 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:13:58 +0100 3231753 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3231434&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2010%2F02%2F02%2Favoid-chemotherapy-side-effects%2F Filed under: Cancer CaregiversAfter passing a bill that allows marijuana use for medical purposes, New Jersey is the fourteenth state to have legalized its use. Although the federal government still regards marijuana as illegal, it is becoming a popular drug at the state level. What most people don't realize is that a synthetic version of marijuana is already legal and available by prescription in all states. Marinol, a synthetic THC, received FDA approval in 1985. Doctors who prescribe the drug generally use it to treat chemotherapy side effects like nausea and vomiting, among other conditions. If you don't live in a state that allows marijuana to be used for medical purposes, there are other ways to curb side effects. Before starting chemotherapy, make sure that you have a friend o... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3231434 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3231434 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3225013&cid=t_329040_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FcwGhX8k34Sw%2F Hello, everyone. Nothing like a brisk Sunday morning to move you to curl up and catch up on some reading. Here on the sunny but quite cold Pharmalot corporate campus, we are doing just that. And, of course, quaffing a cup or three of needed stimulation. Later, we hope to take the official Pharmalot mascot for the usual constitutional. Whatever you do today, we hope it is enjoyable. Meanwhile, here are a few items to keep you fresh. Have a great time… GLAXOSMITHKLINE WILL CUT UP TO 4,000 JOBS as part of its plans to restructure its workforce and focus increasingly on emerging markets, according to The Times of London. The bulk of the cuts will be in America and Europe, and are part of the drugmaker’s efforts to shift resources away from low-growth territories into parts of the world... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3225013 Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:17:48 +0100 3225013 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3223244&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F01%2Fhealth-benefits-of-soy-get-more-soy-in-your-diet-soy-isoflavones.html Soy isn’t just for vegetarians and the lactose-intolerant anymore. Nowadays, if you browse the supermarket aisles, you’ll find an assortment of soy products—from yogurt to beverages to burgers—not to mention the cheese you put on the burger. And it’s a good thing, because most of us could use a little more soy in our diets. Soy is not only high in protein and fiber, but findings also suggest it can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and fight certain cancers, including cancer of the colon and prostate. Premenopausal women may want to consider soy for its isoflavones, which protect against breast cancer and may help build bone mass and lessen hot flashes during menopause. With all the soy options available, it can be a bit overwhelming to sort through it all and decide on wh... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3223244 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:38:53 +0100 3223244 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212649&cid=t_329040_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2F3GHSOjYPQjM%2F “I’ll go for a run just as soon as I finish this article. … Right, should return that call from Roger. … Well, now I’m hungry and I can’t run on an empty stomach. … Now I’m feeling too full. … Rain clouds?! Better wait and see if it clears up. … Great. It’s getting dark now. … What a shame; I really was going to have that run. There’s always tomorrow!” We lie! To ourselves and anyone who’ll listen. You see, part of me knew I had no intention of going for that run. Actually, I honestly love to exercise. And not just because it helps me sleep deeply and increases my energy. I know that exercise motivation doesn’t come naturally to most people. It didn’t for me. I had to work at getting and keeping myself motivated to run, do yoga, and... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212649 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:44:53 +0100 3212649 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212321&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F01%2Fnutrition-labels-influence-how-parents-order-healthier-fast-food-options-obesity-epidemic-.html When you go up to a food counter and see nutrition information listed there, does it influence what you order? How about what you order for your kids? A study published Monday found that parents who ordered for their children from a fast-food menu with calorie counts chose foods with fewer calories—20 percent fewer calories than parents who were not aware of the nutritional value. Researchers at Children’s Research Institute in Seattle enlisted 99 parents who were split into two groups—a control group and an intervention group. They were then asked to select meals for themselves and their child from a McDonald’s menu. Both groups were given a menu with the same food options. The intervention group’s menu included nutrition information and the study found that this group ordered... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212321 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:55:11 +0100 3212321 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212323&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F01%2Fcounterfeit-alli-weight-loss-pills-fda-launches-web-page-on-dangers-of-fake-alli-diet-pill-risks.html If you’ve been following the alarming news reports about fake Alli diet products being sold over the Internet, then it’s likely you’re concerned about just how risky these pills really are. For this reason, the Food and Drug Administration has developed a resource to help you identify and avoid counterfeit Alli pills. The site gives a full description of the counterfeit products, including photos, details the dangers of the product, plus advice on what to do if you suspect you’ve purchased one of the fraudulent products. These counterfeit products are packaged as 60mg capsules in 120-count refill packs, sold online—particularly in online auctions—and contain the potentially harmful drug sibutramine, which is available only by prescription as the branded drug Meridia... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212323 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:58:59 +0100 3212323 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212313&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FZmp_ynDh4o4%2F By Jason KuznickiFrom the Washington Post: Travel along a two-block stretch of Central Avenue in Prince George’s County, and you’ll find a staggering 11 fast-food restaurants. For community activist Arthur Turner and state Sen. David C. Harrington (D-Prince George’s), the strip is evidence of the proliferation of burger joints and Chinese takeouts in the county, especially in poorer, inner Capital Beltway communities. Pointing to studies that rank Prince George’s residents among the least healthy in Maryland, Turner and Harrington want to limit new fast-food restaurants in the county, a far stricter approach than what has been enacted in such places as New York City and Montgomery County, which banned the use of trans fats in those establishments… “Our c... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212313 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:30:28 +0100 3212313 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208361&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F01%2Fweight-loss-burning-calories-afterburn-will-eating-immediately-after-a-workout-burn-off-the-meal.html If I eat immediately after exercising, will I burn off more of the meal than I normally would? —A.P., Scarsdale, N.Y. Maybe. Physical activity of any kind speeds up your metabolism for several hours after a workout, depending on its intensity and duration. So your body is still burning calories at a faster rate during that time than if you hadn’t exercised at all, a phenomenon that fitness aficionados call "afterburn." But the best way to boost the rate at which your body burns calories all the time—not just after exercise—is through strength training, which increases your body’s ratio of muscle to fat. Aim for two sessions a week that work each of the major muscle groups, and use a resistance that allows you to do no more than eight to 12 repetitions of each exercise (or 10 to... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208361 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:30:00 +0100 3208361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208547&cid=t_329040_129_f&fid=34869&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fdiet-blog%2F%7E3%2FgAmSc0Pt9Uk%2Ffake_alli_pills_putting_dieters_in_danger.php Since Alli became licensed for over-the-counter sale, many dieters have been turning to it to give their weight loss efforts a boost. But now, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned about counterfeit products on the market. The counterfeit pills have been tested and shown to contain potentially harmful levels of sibutramine -- a drug that should only be available by prescription.Continue reading... (Source: Diet Blog) Diet Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208547 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3208547 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208318&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F006898.html Or perhaps peanut butter and kale? The greens would protect against aflatoxin. LLNL researchers Graham Bench and Ken Turteltaub found that giving someone a small dose of chlorophyll (Chla) or chlorophyllin (CHL) — found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and kale — could reverse the effects of aflatoxin poisoning. Aflatoxin is a potent, naturally occurring carcinogenic mycotoxin that is associated with the growth of two types of mold: Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Food and food crops most prone to aflatoxin contamination include corn and corn products, cottonseed, peanuts and peanut products, tree nuts and milk. We eat hamburgers with greens on them. But how would peanut butter taste with spinach or arugula? Or perhaps some radicchio?... (Source: Future... FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208318 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3208318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208319&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F006897.html If you need to lose weight and lower your blood pressure read this: DURHAM, NC — In a head-to-head comparison, two popular weight loss methods proved equally effective at helping participants lose significant amounts of weight. But, in a surprising twist, a low-carbohydrate diet proved better at lowering blood pressure than the weight-loss drug orlistat, according to researchers at Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Duke University Medical Center. Orlistat (aka Xenical or Alli) works by blocking fat absorption. So blocking fat absorption does not lower blood pressure as well as a low carb diet. Note that the orlistat diet participants were also counseled to reduce fat consumption. The lead author recommends a low carb diet for those both overweight and... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208319 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3208319 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3197884&cid=t_329040_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FTfQz4yrm1BU%2F Two regulators, two different approaches to risk. Yesterday, the European Medicines Agency told docs to stop prescribing Abbott’s Meridia diet pill, because the risks outweigh the benefits, and decided Abbott’s license to market the pill should be suspended (look here). At the same time, the FDA added new warnings highlighting increased risks for patients with heart problems but reserves further action until full results arrive in March and a committee meeting is held (see here). The varying decisions were made after reviewing data from a trial known as SCOUT, which emerged last November and showed an increased risk of serious, non-fatal cardiovascular events, such as stroke or heart attack, when comparing the drug with a placebo among nearly 10,000 patients. The trial was desi... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3197884 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:48:41 +0100 3197884 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3197625&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F01%2Fare-you-living-peanutfree-when-you-neednt-be-allergy-allergies-allergic-reaction.html A peanut allergy is nothing to sneeze at. For those affected, even a slight exposure to the nut may cause a rash, nausea, vomiting, sneezing, swelling of the face and throat, and difficulties breathing, which can be fatal. Prompt medical attention can treat serious reactions, but there's no remedy for the allergy itself. So peanut avoidance becomes a way of life for the allergic, as they pore over packaging to ferret out foods containing peanuts, peanut oil, or even trace amounts of the nut (which is actually a legume). And as the peanut is quite pervasive in prepared and packaged food, this is no small task. But could all this effort be unnecessary for some? A new study suggests that many people diagnosed with a peanut allergy through standard tests may not be truly allergic. The s... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3197625 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:40:30 +0100 3197625 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3193952&cid=t_329040_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F01%2F10-d-things-to-do-this-year.html Over at HealthCentral Network, the theme for 2010 is “This Year, I Get My Condition Under Control.”  For January, the bloggers are focused on “Pairs of Tens for Your Condition,” as in 10 Things You Should Know, 10 Myths Busted, etc., etc. For my part, I’m taking on “10 Things I’ll Do This Year.”  To make [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3193952 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:00:47 +0100 3193952 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3197587&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2010%2F01%2F21%2Ftype-2-diabetes-prevention%2F Filed under: Diet, Lifestyle, ExerciseType 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in the United States, but it is also the most preventable kind of diabetes. Here are eight simple tips to lower your type 2 diabetes risk. 1) Lose 10 pounds. 2) Walk. People who exercise about 35 minutes a day dropped their risk of diabetes by 80% according to a Finnish study. 3 Eat the right cereal. Look for cereals that are high fiber, watch for hidden sugars and skip those that list brown sugar, corn sweetner, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, high fructose corn syrup, invert sugar, maltose, malt syrup, molasses, sugar and sucrose as the first three ingredients. 4) Ditch the drive-thru. Regular fast-food splurges increase your risk of diabetes. 5) Grab some veggies. Women who ate read meat... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3197587 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3197587 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3193682&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F006886.html Lab animal Eat those blueberries. Scientists are reporting the first evidence from human research that blueberries — one of the richest sources of healthful antioxidants and other so-called phytochemicals — improve memory. They said the study establishes a basis for comprehensive human clinical trials to determine whether blueberries really deserve their growing reputation as a memory enhancer. A report on the study appears in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a bi-weekly publication. Robert Krikorian and colleagues point out that previous studies in laboratory animals suggest that eating blueberries may help boost memory in the aged. Until now, however, there had been little scientific work aimed at testing the effect of blueberry supplementation on memory in people. In t... FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3193682 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3193682 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3189441&cid=t_329040_167_f&fid=36994&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnutrition-news.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Ffree-weight-loss-and-health-advice.html The Diet & Fitness ShowFree weight loss and optimal health advice at Olympia, London on Sunday 24th January.Leading UK weight loss expertYvonne Bishop-Weston will be explaining her no diet, no calorie counting approach to weight loss and optimal health at Olympia in London this Sunday afternoon at 2pmDiscover her secrets to sustainable weight loss and optimal healthNutritionists London (Source: Healthy Eating & Nutrition News) Healthy Eating & Nutrition News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3189441 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:45:00 +0100 3189441 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3189141&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F01%2Fweight-loss-obesity-rates-still-high-but-perhaps-not-on-the-rise-best-treatments-for-obesity-.html In America's battle against obesity, good news has been rather slim. But a new report offers a hint of hope —albeit amid figures confirming that 1 in 3 adults are now obese. The report comes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Started in 1960, NHANES regularly surveys thousands of Americans to track trends in health, diet, and nutrition, with new statistics published every couple of years. The survey has measured people's weight and height since its launch, allowing researchers to calculate and compare Americans' body mass index (BMI) over time. (Your BMI is a single number that's worked out from your height and weight. It indicates whether you are at a healthy weight, underweight, overweight, or obese.) Back in the 1960-1962 survey, an estimated 13... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3189141 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:17:10 +0100 3189141 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3185326&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F01%2Fcolon-cleansers-risks-could-colon-cleansers-be-harmful-laxatives-for-colon-cleansing.html I regularly drink a laxative tea to cleanse my colon. Could that be harmful? —M.H., Fort Dodge, Iowa Yes, and there’s no evidence that it has any benefits. Proponents of colon cleansing, or "detoxifying," claim that the practice removes built-up toxins, rejuvenates the digestive tract, and can even fight cancer. But there’s no credible research to back up those claims. What’s more, a healthy body doesn’t need outside help clearing out toxins, nor does your digestive tract require restorative rest. Worse, the chronic use of laxatives can be dangerous, leading to fluid loss, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. To maintain colon health, eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and get regular exercise, which in addition to its many other benefits seems to help kee... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3185326 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:25:01 +0100 3185326 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3189110&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2010%2F01%2F19%2Fmediterranean-diet-reduces-stomach-cancer-risk%2F Filed under: Diets, Cancer prevention foods, Gastric cancerMediterranean diet advocates have another reason to cheer for their favorite foods. Following the Mediterranean diet may reduce your stomach cancer risk, according to a new study from Spain. The diet, similar to the traditional Greece and Southern Italian diet, emphasizes fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish and cereals. It limits red meat consumption, allows small amounts of wine and uses olive oil as the main fat. Doctors have championed this diet for several years because it has been linked to reducing the risk of depression, inflammation, premature death, diabetes, birth defect, heart disease, Alzheimer's and obesity. According to the study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, adopting the diet lowers th... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3189110 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3189110 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3175822&cid=t_329040_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F15%2Fbritish-journal-of-healthcare-assistants-2009-vol-3-no-12%2F British Journal of Healthcare Assistants 2009 (Vol. 3 No. 12) Title: Type 2 diabetes: why risk it? Skinny: Explores how to identify those adults at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Around 90% of new cases of type 2 diabetes are avoidable, and prevention is crucial. Article explains how to reduce risk factors such as obesity, inactivity and poor diet, emphasising the important role healthcare assistants play in educating patients. (Print subscription available in Fade Library) Posted in Adults, Diabetes, Diet, Journals, Obesity, Physical Activity Tagged: Healthcare Assistants, Obesity, Prevention, Risk Factors, Type 2 Diabetes (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3175822 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:07:20 +0100 3175822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3171900&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F01%2Fcomputerized-diet-analysis-are-computerized-diet-analysis-programs-useful-diet-and-fitness-information.html Are computer programs that analyze the nutritional profile of your diet useful for the average person? —S.F., Fremont, Calif. Probably not. Such software can help dietitians tailor advice to patients with special dietary needs because of diabetes, advanced kidney disease, or other reasons. But there’s little need for the average consumer to scrutinize his or her diet with such precision and at such expense (around $100 for most programs). You can find lots of general nutritional advice, plus a free meal tracker that assesses the quality of your diet, at MyPyramid.gov, a U.S. Department of Agriculture Web site. Or track your food intake yourself with a pencil and paper, a simple method that has been shown to improve eating habits, especially when you are trying to lose weight. If you ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3171900 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:30:00 +0100 3171900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3171859&cid=t_329040_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2010%2F01%2F14%2Fdiabetes-diet%2F Filed under: CareMost people make resolutions to lose weight in January. For diabetics, sticking to a meal plan is more about staying healthy than looking great. Your diet should be low in saturated fats, cholesterol and sweets. It should also be high in fiber, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Your dietitian can help create an individualized meal plan, but the basics will be the same regardless of your health status. People with diabetes should get most (45-55%) of their daily calories from complex carbohydrates including vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals. The simple sugars found in low-fat dairy and fruit are included as healthy carbohydrates, too. It's important to remember that blood glucose levels can be affected by how foods are prepared. Raw veggies are digested mor... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3171859 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3171859