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What Women Would Rather Not Talk About

No Author — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:48:00 CST

(NAPSI)-Not only may women be embarrassed to openly discuss one of the most basic health topics affecting them, but many even believe it's more socially acceptable to talk about men's health.

That's just one of the eye-opening findings of a new survey of more than 1,600 North American women, ages 14-35, conducted by Harris Interactive. Seventy-two percent of women polled felt society is more open to discussion of men's health than women's health, while 47 percent were more comfortable talking about vaginal health anonymously online than with close friends or family.

The lack of discussion about women's health has led to many misconceptions that experts such as Dr. Tomi-Ann Roberts, director of Colorado College's gender studies program, are now determined to correct using what Dr. Roberts calls "truth and transparency." Time, then, to separate some myths from the facts:

Watch Your Diet To Maintain Healthy Vision

No Author — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 23:02:00 CST

(NAPSI)-Surprisingly, the phrase "you are what you eat" may be most significant when it comes to your eyesight. Yet many people are not aware of the positive effects that a healthy, balanced diet can have on their eyes.

A recent study in the United Kingdom by Transitions Optical revealed that 43 percent of consumers were unaware that improper nutrition can cause damage to the eyes and even contribute to conditions such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

"Good nutrition and a proper, balanced diet are important in any aspect of personal health," said Dr. Vincent Young, ophthalmologist. "When I talk to my patients about diet, I stress the importance of balance. When recommending specific foods, leafy green vegetables, such as kale and collard greens, are great components of a diet that promotes healthy sight."

The Right Breakfast Can Help Keep You Balanced

No Author — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:47:00 CST

(NAPSI)-If you find mornings stressful-particularly during that time of the year known as "back to school"-you're not alone. Adjusting to a new schedule with demanding workloads and new experiences can be a difficult transition that takes a lot of energy from the entire family.

Fortunately, there are practical ways to manage that stress. Here are some tips:

� Each evening, take an inventory of what you need to accomplish the next day so you start out with a clear plan of action.

� Lay your clothes out the night before.

� Store items such as keys, wallets, glasses and backpacks in the same spot every day so they are easy to find.

� Plan out breakfast and lunch before you go to bed.

The ABCs Of Vitamin D

No Author — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 23:22:00 CST

(NAPSI)-Good news: Recent studies show that bone and teeth health, as well as breast, colon and immune system health, can be improved simply by making sure you get enough vitamin D. The bad news is that these studies also show it can be very difficult to do so through diet alone. That's why many health experts recommend an increase to the Recommended Daily Allowance for vitamin D, suggesting you get a minimum of 2,000 IUs each day.

While your body will naturally produce vitamin D when exposed to sunshine, doctors recommend you use sunblock when you go out to protect yourself from skin cancer. In addition, the lack of sunshine in many places means most people are at risk for vitamin D deficiency.

According to a surgeon general report on bone health and osteoporosis, bones are constantly renewed and grow stronger with a good diet and physical activity.

Sugar substitutes help reduce caloric intake

No Author — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:46:00 CST

A newly released study reported in the August 2010 journal, Appetite, further demonstrates that people who consume low-calorie sweeteners are able to significantly reduce their caloric intake and do not overeat.

In fact, study participants who received the sugar substitutes instead of sugar consumed significantly fewer calories and there was no difference in hunger levels despite having fewer calories overall.

The scientists noted, "In conclusion, participants did not compensate by eating more at either their lunch or dinner meal and reported similar levels of satiety when they consumed lower calorie preloads [pre-meals] containing stevia or aspartame than when they consumed higher calorie preloads containing sucrose".

This study was conducted in both healthy and overweight adults and participants were given a pre-meal containing either sucrose, aspartame or stevia. Those who received the stevia or aspartame consumed fewer calories overall, did not overeat and did not report increased feelings of hunger.

A New Study Shows that Cocoa Flavanols can be Preserved During Cooking and Baking

No Author — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:46:00 CST

In a study published this month in the Journal of Food Science, scientists from The Hershey Company and Brunswick Laboratories (Norton, MA) showed that over 85% of the cocoa flavanols were preserved in recipes for chocolate frosting, hot cocoa drink and chocolate cookies. In chocolate cakes, antioxidant activity and cocoa flavanols could be largely retained by using a combination of baking powder and baking soda.

The scientists initially saw that 50 to 95% of the flavanols were lost in making chocolate cakes. After further investigation, they found that the use of baking soda in the chocolate cake recipe was associated with increased pH of the cake, darker color, and a loss of flavanols and antioxidant activity during the baking process. Use of only baking powder in the cake recipes allowed complete retention of the antioxidant activity and cocoa flavanols, but resulted in a flat cake.

Not Getting Enough vitamin D

No Author — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:32:00 CST

Vitamin D surfaces as a news topic every few months. How much daily vitamin D should a person get? Is it possible to have too much of it? Is exposure to the sun, which is the body's natural way of producing vitamin D, the best option? Or do supplements suffice?.

In the July 2010 issue of Endocrine Today, a monthly newspaper published by SLACK, Inc., to disseminate information about diabetes and endocrine disorders, Anthony Norman, a distinguished professor emeritus of biochemistry and biomedical sciences and an international expert on vitamin D, notes that half the people in North America and Western Europe get insufficient amounts of vitamin D.

"Elsewhere, it is worse," he says, "given that two-thirds of the people are vitamin D-insufficient or deficient. It is clear that merely eating vitamin D-rich foods is not adequate to solve the problem for most adults." .

Choosing Snack Foods To Fit Nutrition

No Author — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:26:00 CST

(NAPSI)-Snacking has become a way of life for some Americans, with over 90 percent of consumers doing so on a daily basis. According to recent eating trends, snacks are becoming more like minimeals, making it even more important to snack with a specific purpose in mind--balanced nutrition. Nutrition and convenience are sought after when it comes to snack items and this has led to the production of many food products that aim to fit a variety of needs and preferences. Many snacks now boast having less "unhealthy" ingredients and more nutrients, helping to fill the "nutrient gaps" in our diets. There is even a slew of specialty products that speak to those with particular health and nutrition needs.

America is an on-the-go nation so consumers sometimes look for quick and easy items to eat on the run. Unfortunately, many times, convenient options can be packed with calories and fat and contain few of the nutrients we need in a day. One way to make eating on the run more nutritious is to increase the number of fruits and veggies eaten in a day. Smoothies-made with yogurt, fruit and 100 percent juice, packaged for ease of consumption and portability-and vegetable drinks make it easier to get the recommended number of servings per day that many Americans fail to reach.

Many popular slimming supplements do not work

No Author — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:04:00 CST

New research evaluating the effectiveness of a broad selection of popular slimming supplements sold in pharmacies and health food shops has found no evidence that any of them facilitate weight loss beyond the placebo effect.

Two studies presented today (Monday) at the International Congress on Obesity in Stockholm, Sweden, have found they were no more effective than the fake supplements they were compared with.

"There are scores of slimming supplements out there claiming weight-loss effects through all sorts of mechanisms of action. We have so-called fat magnets, mobilizers and dissolvers, as well as appetite tamers, metabolism boosters, carb blockers and so on. The market for these is huge, but unlike for regulated drugs, effectiveness does not have to be proven for these to be sold," said Dr. Thomas Ellrott, head of the Institute for Nutrition and Psychology at the University of Gttingen Medical School, Gera number of, who lead one of the studies. "Few of these supplements have been submitted to clinical trials and the landscape of products is always changing, so we need to put them through rigorous scientific assessment to determine whether they have any benefit."

Happier youths are also healthier youths

No Author — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:48:00 CST

Happier youths are also healthier youths, as per Emily Shaffer-Hudkins and her team, from the University of South Florida in the US. Adolescents' positive emotions and moods, as well as their satisfaction with life, could be more important than their anxiety or depression levels for predicting their physical health, they argue. Looking at teenagers' so-called 'subjective well-being' could help identify those likely to develop health problems in the future and target them with appropriate prevention strategies. Shaffer-Hudkins' work1 is published in Springer's journal Applied Research in Quality of Life.

To date, the majority of the research looking at the relationship between mental health and physical health in young people has focused primarily on how symptoms of poor mental health, or psychopathology, such as anxiety and depression, relate to physical functioning.

Prescription Drug Relief For People In Medicare

No Author — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:10:00 CST

(NAPSI)-If you--or a loved one--are one of the millions of people who fall into the Medicare Part D coverage gap known as the "doughnut hole," provisions in the health care law will bring some relief this year. People who fall into the doughnut hole in 2010 will automatically receive a $250 rebate check to help them pay for their prescription drugs and other expenses.

Here are five things you need to know about this year's doughnut hole rebate:

1. Receipts can help you track your spending. People in Medicare Part D who fall into the coverage gap should automatically receive a check after reaching that threshold, but you should save your receipts just in case. If you think you've reached the doughnut hole and don't receive your check within a few months, having your receipts handy will be helpful when talking to Medicare.

Kids now see more ads for fast food

No Author — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:56:00 CST

Children saw fewer television advertisements for certain foods, including those for sweets and beverages, in 2007 compared with 2003, as per a report posted online today that will appear in the September print issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. However, children now see more fast-food ads, and racial gaps in exposure to all food advertising have increased.

An Institute of Medicine (IOM) report concluded that there was good evidence that television advertising influences the short-term eating habits of children age 2 to 11, and moderate evidence that advertising influences their usual dietary intake, as per background information in the article.

Healthful and Safe Eating on Vacation

No Author — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:01:00 CST

Summer vacations are a time to relax, revitalize and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of new places. When it comes to maintaining a healthful eating plan on vacation, you can still enjoy the new, fun and exciting foods that come with traveling without packing on the pounds. Here are a few tips to eat right while on your summer vacation:

Sample small amounts of high-calorie foods. You don�t have to avoid these foods entirely. Just reduce the amount you eat to a few bites.
Share large portions. Many restaurants serve very large portions, so don�t hesitate to split orders.
Space meals throughout the day. It can be easy to �graze� while on vacation. Try to set meal times and stick to them.
Engage in some type of physical activity most days. There is no better time to walk than on vacation. You see the new sights up close and keep your body healthy at the same time.
Monitor your alcohol intake. Alcoholic beverages are high in calories and also can lead to overeating.

If a road trip is part of your vacation, packing healthy foods is a great way to maintain your diet. Try these tips for healthful eating on the road:

Can money buy happiness?

No Author — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 22:56:00 CST

A worldwide survey of more than 136,000 people in 132 countries included questions about happiness and income, and the results reveal that while life satisfaction commonly rises with income, positive feelings don't necessarily follow, scientists report.

The findings, from an analysis of data gathered in the first Gallup World Poll, appear this month in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology "The public always wonders: Does money make you happy?" said University of Illinois professor emeritus of psychology Ed Diener, a senior scientist with the Gallup Organization. "This study shows that it all depends on how you define happiness, because if you look at life satisfaction, how you evaluate your life as a whole, you see a pretty strong correlation around the world between income and happiness," he said. "Conversely it's pretty shocking how small the correlation is with positive feelings and enjoying yourself."

A good night's sleep will help you remember

No Author — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 18:08:00 CST

When it comes to executing items on tomorrow's to-do list, it's best to think it over, then "sleep on it," say psychology experts at Washington University in St. Louis.

People who sleep after processing and storing a memory carry out their intentions much better than people who try to execute their plan before getting to sleep. The scientists have shown that sleep enhances our ability to remember to do something in the future, a skill known as prospective memory.

Moreover, scientists studying the relationship between memory and sleep say that our ability to carry out our intentions is not so much a function of how firmly that intention has been embedded in our memories. Rather, the trigger that helps carry out our intentions is commonly a place, situation or circumstance - some context encountered the next day - that sparks the recall of an intended action.

Celebrate Blueberries: An American Fruit

No Author — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:49:00 CST

July is National Blueberry Month. And for good reason. The blueberry harvest reaches its peak this month across United States, where much of the world�s blueberries are grown.

In addition to being a favorite in the flavor department, blueberries are also a great nutritional treat. On a per serving basis, they pack high levels of antioxidants; they are a good source of fiber; and one cup�s worth will provide you with a fourth of the daily requirement for vitamin C.

The best part, blueberries are a wash-and-eat treat. And if you are up for getting creative in the kitchen, there are many fun recipes to be found. Try using blueberries:

As low-fat bread or muffin recipe
As the star of a breakfast smoothie

The Importance of a Good Breakfast

No Author — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 CST

After eight to 12 hours overnight without food, your body needs to refuel its glucose levels. Without breakfast, your brain and your muscles will not have the energy they need to sustain activity throughout the day.

Research has found people who skip breakfast often feel more tired, irritable and restless in the morning. On the other hand, those who do eat breakfast have a better attitude toward work, higher productivity and better ability to handle tasks that require memory.

Breakfast eaters also have more strength and endurance and better concentration and problem-solving ability. Plus, breakfast helps you reach your recommended calories and nutrients. A whole-grain cereal with milk and citrus juice can provide 100 percent of the vitamin C, 33 percent of your calcium, thiamin and riboflavin and a good supply of fiber, iron and folate.

Lots of fresh foods and grains require very little preparation and will have you on your way to a quick and healthy breakfast in no time. Here are some options:

New Report Shows Americans Need Motivation Plus Information to Achieve, Maintain Healthy Wchieve, Maintain Healthy Weight, Says American Dietetic Associationeight, Says American Dietetic Association

No Author — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:06:00 CST

CHICAGO � The new report F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America's Future 2010, released Tuesday, June 29, by the Trust for America's Health, shows families across the country continue to struggle to consume a healthful diet. The American Dietetic Association agrees with the report's findings that obesity represents one of the largest public health challenges ever faced by the United States.

ADA encourages continued efforts to ensure adults and children alike have access to adequate amounts of healthful foods, education on eating well and preventive health services including counseling by registered dietitians, the nation's food and nutrition experts.

"We stand at an important point in history for our country's health � a challenging time and an exciting time," said registered dietitian and American Dietetic Association President Judith C. Rodriguez. "Excess weight and obesity, especially in children, are major health concerns, often accompanied by inadequate nutrient intakes and a lack of physical activity. The report also makes clear that racial, ethnic, regional and income disparities exist in the nation's obesity rates.

Tobacco Bill Anniversary Brings Tougher Restrictions on Big Tobacco, By Rebecca Viksnins Snowden

No Author — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 23:15:00 CST

It�s been about a year since President Obama signed historic legislation known as the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, into law, granting the FDA regulation over tobacco products. Major provisions of the law are already in place. On the first year anniversary of the bill, new restrictions on the marketing and sale of tobacco will go into effect.

�This landmark public health law will begin to break the deadly cycle of addiction and put an end to Big Tobacco�s targeting of our nation�s children,� said John R. Seffrin, PhD, chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), the Society�s advocacy affiliate. �The potential impact of the one-year anniversary of this law, and the provisions that are implemented on the anniversary, cannot be understated.�

The legislation granted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) power over the sale, manufacturing, and marketing of cigarettes and other tobacco products, and included provisions specifically designed to decrease youth smoking.

Barbara Bush Pages A Way To Beat Cancer

No Author — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 23:15:00 CST

(NAPSI)-Former First Lady and reading advocate Barbara Bush has joined composer Tim Janis and the National Foundation for Cancer Research on a new children's book. "Shine Like a Lighthouse" is an empowering story about a snail who uses his positive attributes to "shine." Proceeds from the sale of the book go to the Cancer Patient Assistance Fund, which helps families of cancer patients.

The inspirational book is accompanied by a CD featuring children's songs with music by Janis and includes a reading of the book by Mrs. Bush.

"Children are a bright light in the world and every child is so special. It is my sincere desire that this book will become a beacon of light to those whose families, children and other loved ones are suffering from cancer," said Barbara Bush.

Books can be purchased online at www.NFCR.org/shine. You can also send one to a hospitalized child with cancer.