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Kids' Rooms No Place For T.V. 2007-09-20 18:12:00 Here’s a simple step parents can take to lower their child’s risk of obesity: Keep the television out of the child’s bedroom. A new study suggests that children aged one to five years who have televisions in their bedrooms watch nearly five hours more TV and videos each week than children without TV sets in their rooms. These children are also more likely to be overweight. Parents and guardians of more than 2,700 children from 49 New York state agencies of the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children were surveyed about their TV/video viewing habits. Each child’s BMI was also measured. Nearly 40 percent of those surveyed reported having a television set in their bedroom, which raised their risk of being overweight by nearly one-third. These results are consistent with previous studies of older children, indicating that increases in BMI often coincide with increases in the number of hours spent in front of the TV. ''Because most children watc Read more:Place
, Rooms
Backpacks: Do It Right 2007-09-20 18:10:00 Kids are back in school and that means they're packing extra pounds - on their backs, that is. More homework and fewer lockers mean school-age children are increasingly required to shoulder the burden of heavy textbooks, which may be more than their growing frames can bear. While backpacks are generally the best choice, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) urges parents to school their children on how to wear one properly and offers the following tips: Wear both straps. Sounds obvious, but even most adults know wearing both straps just isn’t cool. But neither is being waylaid by a serious back injury. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder causes a person to lean to one side to compensate for the uneven weight, thus curving the spine. Over time, this can cause lower- and upper-back pain, strained shoulders and neck, and even possible curvature of the spine. Don't carry too much stuff. Even if that means leaving those N’Sync CDs at home. ''A backpack can range any Read more:Backpacks
, Right
Not Sure How You Feel? Think About What You Ate 2007-09-20 18:07:00 The foods you crave may say a lot about the state of your mind and body. Researchers in France analyzed the eating habits and cravings of more than a thousand men and women and came to the following conclusions: Women crave food more often than men do, with cravings peaking during times of sadness or anxiety. Men are more likely to eat when they're feeling happy. Chocolate cravings may signal that you are tired. An urge for salty foods or dairy products may be your body’s way of telling you it wants a real meal. Those who had the most frequent cravings were more likely to be on a diet or actively trying to lose weight. Researchers theorize that women may experience more cravings because of the increased social pressure to be thin, which also leads them to diet more frequently than men. However, the relationship between food and mood is extremely complex, and is affected by both biological and psychological factors. Source: International Journal of Eating Disor
Hungry? It May Be All In Your Head 2007-09-20 18:04:00 How do you know when you're hungry? Or when you're full? Is it your stomach or your brain that gives you the signal? Sure, that noisy growl or the pull on your waistband are telltale signs, but chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters are much more reliable - and quicker to respond. For some time, serotonin has reigned supreme as the mood-regulating neurotransmitter. Several popular diet drugs operate on the premise that by increasing the amount of time serotonin hangs around in the brain, the easier it is to keep one's appetite in check. But serotonin has some new competition: CART peptide, or cocaine-and-amphetamine-regulated transcript. Yes, cocaine. Researchers at Yerkes Primate Research Center at Emory University in Atlanta discovered the CART peptide while conducting studies on this narcotic. They found that when normal rats were injected with CART they ate 30 percent less than usual. Researchers are hopeful their discovery may eventually lead to another anti- Read more:Hungry
Build Your Muscles, Build Your Brain 2007-09-20 18:01:00 An active lifestyle has benefits beyond the body. A new study suggests that being active can stimulate brain cell growth and lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. German researchers put 30 adult female mice in an ''enriched environment'' that included toys, a running wheel and unlimited food and water for 10 months. Compared to mice kept in cages, the active mice grew five times more new brain cells and showed fewer sign of age-related brain degeneration. They also were more curious about their surroundings and better able to learn new things. ''Our study suggests that, in mice, we can reduce the effects of aging on the brain with a sustained active and challenging life, even if this stimulation is only begun in middle age,'' writes Gerd Kempermann, M.D., lead author of the study. While study results in mice don't always transfer to humans, Kempermann suggests that people who change their behavior because of this study ''will certainly do no harm'' and t Read more:Build
, Muscles
, Brain
Stay Fit to Stay Alive 2007-09-20 18:00:00 Being sedentary and out of shape may have a more detrimental effect on one's health than other well-known risk factors such as smoking, hypertension and heart disease, according the results of a recent study. Researchers from Stanford University Medical Center and the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System studied more than 6,000 men for an average of six years. The average age of participants was 59. More than half had experienced an abnormal exercise-test result and/or had a history of cardiovascular disease; nearly one-third had suffered a heart attack, and many had risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and a history of smoking. The remaining men were apparently healthy without a history of cardiovascular disease. During the study period, more than 1,200 patients died, most of whom were older. After adjusting for age, however, researchers concluded that exercise capacity was a more powerful predictor of mortality than any other risk factor. Read more:Alive
For Older Adults, A Little Exercise Goes A Long Way 2007-09-20 18:00:00 Just one workout a week is all it takes for older adults to maintain their strength and, possibly, their independence, according to a new study from researchers at the Human Performance Laboratory at Ball State University, Muncie, Ind. Ten sedentary 70-year-old men were recruited to take part in a 12-week strength-training program. After training three times per week, the men had increased their muscle size and strength by 50 percent. At the end of the program, half the men went back to their sedentary ways, while the other half did the same routine, but only once per week. After six months, the sedentary men had lost much of their muscle size and strength, but the once-a-week exercisers were still going strong. Sarcopenia, or loss of muscle size and strength, is a major cause of the falls and injuries among older adults that result in a loss of independent living. ''One day per week seems to be effective,'' writes Scott Trappe, Ph.D., in the April issue of the Journal of Geronto Read more:Adults
, Exercise
Get In Shape By Getting In the Ring 2007-09-20 17:58:00 ''Boxing is so basic and simple, yet there's way more to it than meets the eye,'' says Michael Olajide, Jr., a former number one World Middleweight contender and boxing trainer from New York City. Let's start with the laundry list of physical benefits that comes along with boxing training: improved strength, balance, agility, muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness. ''If you want to tone up your midsection, arms, thighs and glutes, boxing is by far one of the most effective workouts you can do,'' says Olajide. ''The secret is you get cardio and toning benefits simultaneously.'' Of course, the upsides of boxing aren't limited to the physical. Many beginning boxers tap into newfound confidence from the self-defense tactics that are learned from the sport, says Olajide, who served as fight technician for the feature film Ali. And mentally, nothing erases the stress of a tough day quite like punching a heavy bag. Bitten by the boxing bug? If you're looking to improve y Read more:Shape
Mountain Biking Facts 2007-09-20 17:56:00 As the popularity of mountain biking soars, so do the number of injuries. An estimated 8.6 million cyclists hit the trails in 1998, nearly double the number in 1993. A 12-month study conducted by Dr. Lee Jeys of the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital found that nearly half of the injuries were fractures, particularly to the collarbone and shoulder. Head and neck injuries were also common. Cyclists are urged to wear protective gear, including a helmet and wrist and knee pads, to reduce the risk of serious injuries. Source: British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2001; 35, 197-199
Read more:Mountain
, Biking
Soy is More Than Just Good Source of Protein 2007-09-20 17:54:00 by Ellie Zografakis, R.D., & Dale Huff, R.D., CSCS There's no getting away from it - protein supplementation is today’s hot nutritional topic. And everyone has a different take on where that extra protein should be derived. In the bodybuilding community, the protein source of choice has long been whey protein, with soy protein coming in a distant second. If you count yourself among the whey devotees, here's some information that may encourage you to take another look at soy. The whey it isThe two most-researched forms of protein supplements are soy protein isolate and whey concentrate. Soy protein isolate is 90 percent protein on a dry-weight basis, is highly digestible (97 percent) and allows the essential amino acids (valine, isoleucine and leucine, which the body does not produce) to be absorbed across the GI tract. A water-washed process is used to allow isoflavones to remain intact. All of the gas-producing carbohydrates and fat have been removed. Whey concentrate Read more:Source
Green Tea Sparks Your Metabolism 2007-09-20 17:45:00 Green tea has had more than its fair share of good press lately, with several studies touting its protective effect against heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and tumors. Now a new, albeit small, study out of Switzerland reports that green tea may have the power to raise metabolic rates, speed up fat oxidation and help people lose weight. Ten healthy men consumed either green tea extract, which contains 50 milligrams of caffeine, 50 milligrams of caffeine alone, or no caffeine at all. Only the group that consumed the green tea extract showed any increase in metabolic rate. Researchers suspect that the powerful antioxidants found in green tea, along with the caffeine, are responsible for its higher fat-burning effects. Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, December 1999
Read more:Green
, Sparks
, Metabolism
, Green Tea
Low-Fat Isn't Always Better 2007-09-20 17:44:00 Women who follow a low-fat diet may not be getting as many essential nutrients as they should, according to the findings of a 27,000-person U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) study. More than half the women who reduced their fat intake to less than 30 percent of total calories were short-changing themselves on vitamins A and E, calcium, folic acid, iron and zinc. This, in turn, places them at greater risk for osteoporosis, pregnancy-related problems and, perhaps, certain types of cancer While a low-fat diet is recommended for the prevention of obesity, breast cancer, diabetes and heart disease, following a low-fat diet at the expense of nutrients is not a wise choice. Instead, women - and men as well - should follow a diet that is varied and balanced, low in fat and high in essential nutrients. For some, supplementation may be in order. For others, simply choosing high-nutrient foods over high-sugar, low-fat foods can make a positive difference in overall health. Source: Federat
The Lingering Effects of Caffeine 2007-09-20 17:43:00 Turns out that extra-tall latte first thing in the morning does more than just perk you up - it also stresses you out. And even if you consume your caffeine before 1 p.m., you could still be feeling the effects - higher blood pressure and stress levels - by the time you go to bed. Researchers at Duke University in Durham, N.C., studied the effects of caffeine on 47 regular coffee drinkers. Participants consumed the caffeine equivalent of four small cups of coffee in two pills (500 milligrams), one pill in the morning and one sometime before 1 p.m. On another day, participants were given placebos. When consuming the caffeine pills, participants felt more stressed, had slightly higher blood pressure and produced 32 percent more of the stress hormone epinephrine than when taking the placebo. Researchers suggest that people who have conditions that are aggravated by stress, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, reduce the amount of caffeine they consume. FACT: Caffeine
has a h Read more:Effects
What You Buy Isn't Always What You Get 2007-09-20 17:41:00 You may have finally mastered the art of reading food labels, but that won't do you much good if the labels themselves are inaccurate. A new report by an independent testing organization called ConsumerLab indicates that a majority of nutrition bars - also called energy, protein or diet bars - do not live up to their health claims and many labels mistake the amount of carbohydrates the bars contain. Of the 30 bars tested, 18 were improperly labeled, including Atkins Advantage nutrition bar and Carb Solutions, a protein bar made by Richardson Labs. Both companies have been scrutinized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which sent out warning letters to these and 16 other companies informing them that their bars were misbranded, adulterated and in violation of the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Atkins Nutritionals and a coalition of other nutrition bar manufacturers have acceded to the government's demands and are now in the process of creating new labels. Additionally,
Some Fats Are Actually Better Than Others 2007-09-20 17:40:00 Trans fat, found in fried and processed foods, may be worse for the heart than the saturated fat found in meats and dairy products. Researchers in the Netherlands compared the effect of trans and saturated fats on the cholesterol levels and blood vessel functioning of 29 healthy adults. Participants followed a diet comprised of 9.2 percent of total calories from trans fat for four weeks, then switched to a diet of the same proportion of saturated fat. When compared to the saturated fat diet, the trans fat diet reduced blood vessel function, which is measured by how readily the vessels dilate in response to blood flow, by 29 percent and lowered HDL (good) cholesterol level by 20 percent. It is estimated that trans fat accounts for four percent of dietary fat intake, much of it hidden in foods such as store-bought cookies and crackers and fast-food fare. Source: Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, 2001; 21, 1233
Read more:Actually
, Others
Eating Fatty Fish Cuts Risk of Heart Disease 2007-09-20 17:39:00 Two new studies offer more evidence that eating several servings of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids each week may reduce the risk of heart disease and death. The first study, conducted by researchers from Brigham and Woman’s Hospital in Boston, compared 94 men who died suddenly from heart disease with 184 healthy men. They discovered that men without heart disease were 81 percent less likely to experience sudden death if they had high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood, regardless of other risk factors such as age or smoking habits. Found in fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, omega-3 fatty acids are believed to lower the risk of developing an irregular heart rhythm and to reduce blood cholesterol and clotting. A second study, published in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, looked at data from 85,000 women involved in the Nurses Health Study and found those who consumed at least five servings of fish per week lowered their risk of co Read more:Fatty
, Heart
Garlic May Ward Off More Than Vampires 2007-09-20 17:37:00 Two reviews of studies examining the effects of garlic suggest that it is not only good for the heart, it may also help ward off stomach and colon cancers. A review of 13 studies in the Annals of Internal Medicine concluded that garlic has a modest effect on cholesterol levels, generally reducing them by about four to six percent (or about 15.7 milligrams). But garlic may help the heart in other ways, such as reducing clotting tendencies. Another review of 18 studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that garlic may have a protective effect against stomach and colorectal cancers, but it is not clear exactly how much garlic is needed or what form is most effective. It probably isn't necessary to consume garlic every day; most researchers believe five cloves of raw or cooked garlic per week is sufficient. The jury is still out on garlic supplements, which are more convenient (and less odorous), but may not offer the same benefits. Source: Annals of I Read more:Garlic
, Vampires
Vegetarians Be A-Ware! 2007-09-20 17:36:00 Vegetarians may be at risk of not consuming enough vitamin A and iron and should increase the amount of dark-colored fruits and vegetables in their diets. This is the latest recommendation from the Institute of Medicine panel, which adjusted the recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) of vitamin A and several other nutrients. Vegetarians generally rely on foods such as carrots, broccoli and sweet potatoes to meet their vitamin A requirement, but new research suggests the body is only able to absorb about half the amount of usable nutrient as was previously thought. Non-vegetarians typically consume enough vitamin A, which is essential for reducing the risk of birth defects and guaranteeing optimal vision, from dairy products, fish and liver. The RDA for vitamin A is now 900 micrograms per day for men and 700 micrograms per day for women. This requirement can be met by eating a half-cup of cooked carrots. As for iron, vegetarians may need to double their intake because the body absorbs
Dangerous Potatoes 2007-09-20 17:35:00 What may seem like a harmless way to store potatoes may actually be a breeding ground for deadly bacteria. Researchers investigating an outbreak of botulism in the United States in 1994 traced the source to a bacteria-produced toxin that formed when baked potatoes were stored in aluminum foil at room temperature. Botulism can cause severe nerve damage and paralysis of both skeletal and respiratory muscles and, in extreme cases, even death. Researchers recommend avoiding aluminum foil when cooking potatoes unless they are to be eaten or refrigerated immediately. Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 1998; 178, 172-177
Smoother Skin From the Inside Out 2007-09-20 17:35:00 Women's magazines frequently run stories on how to improve your skin using items from your kitchen. But you might be better off eating that paste of crushed almonds, berries and yogurt than slathering it on your face, according to the results of a new study. Researchers at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, studied the diets of more than 400 residents of Australia, Greece and Sweden, including both dark- and fair-skinned people. All the subjects were septuagenarians or older. They found that those who followed a diet comprised mostly of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and unsaturated fats had noticeably smoother skin than those who consumed a fat- and sugar-laden diet. Dr. Mark L. Wahlqvist, lead researcher, speculates that the antioxidants in these foods, including vitamins A, C and E, help to protect the skin from environmental stress and damage. More studies are needed, however, to determine how these foods aid the skin's natural defenses against sun damage. Source:
Marital Stress Linked to Heart Disease 2007-10-24 23:43:00 (HealthDay News) -- When married couples lose their cool with one another, it may take a toll on their hearts, too, researchers have found. What's more, the damage that's wrought may depend on how they lose it, according to study leader Tim Smith, a professor of psychology at the University of Utah. For women, hostility appears to be the culprit. Wives who were hostile in disagreements with their spouses were more likely to have atherosclerosis, often referred to as hardening of the arteries, Smith and his colleagues discovered. Levels of calcification were particularly high among those women whose husbands also were hostile. Among husbands, atherosclerosis was more common when either they or their wives acted in a controlling manner, the research team said. Whether it's social conditioning or some other factor that causes women to be influenced by hostility and men by issues of control is uncertain, Smith said. It's hard to separate biological, psychological, and social/cul Read more:Heart
Broccoli sprout extract protects skin from UV rays 2007-10-24 23:39:00 CHICAGO (Reuters) - Most people know eating broccoli is good for you but it also can help skin cells fend off damage from harmful ultraviolet radiation, U.S. researchers said on Monday. The extract
, derived from newly sprouted broccoli seeds, reduced skin redness and damage by more than one third compared with untreated skin, they said. The extract already has been shown to help skin cells fight UV damage in mice. "This is a first demonstration that a human tissue can be protected directly against a known human carcinogen," said Dr. Paul Talalay of Johns Hopkins University, whose study appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. "This is not a sunscreen," Talalay said in a telephone interview. Instead, the extract helped fortify skin cells to fight the effects of UV radiation. Unlike sunscreens, which provide a physical barrier against UV rays by absorbing, blocking or scattering the light, the extract helped boost the production of protective enzymes that defend ag Read more:Broccoli
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