U.S. medical schools are dedicating more time to teaching future doctors to smile and be more considerate to patients.
A California HMO plan Blue Crossbases physician bonuses exclusively on patient satisfaction rather than cost control.
Under their plan
doctors could receive up to a 10 percent bonus on their quarterly payments if they score well on patient satisfaction surveys
and on how well they provide preventive services.
Dr. Kahn says the first step for doctors is to ask patients permission before entering the room. “Feeling follows behavior rather than the other way around,” he said.
Patients desire a relationship and sentiment with their doctor, a sense of true concern.
Sometimes specialty physicians are able to have a closer connection with patients.
According to a study conducted by the Harris Pollpatients were more satisfied with chiropractic care than care from medical doctors and other health care professionals.
After being treated by a European doctor with Old World Etiquette, Dr. Kahn experienced calming benefits of good manners.
Doctors that emphasize etiquette in their medical practice “put professionalism and patient satisfaction at the center of the clinical encounter and bring back some of the elements of ritual that have always been an important part of the healing profession.”
1. The supplement magnesium relieve symptoms of PMS for many women. Most have seen improvement in fluid retention and mood. Magnesium helps regulate muscle relaxation, blood sugar and promotes sound sleep. The Journal of Women’s Health found that:
200 mg a day of magnesium reduced PMS fluid retention, breast tenderness and bloating by 40 percent.
2. Taking at least 2 grams of calcium per day can help with pain, depression and water retention. AOL Health says despite popular belief, dairy is not a beneficial way to obtain calcium. By eating sardines, green leafy vegetables and seeds are better sources.
women who have a high intake of vitamin D had a 40 percent lower risk of developing PMS.
4. In Germany, the herb chasteberry is widely prescribed for menstrual irregularities and PMS. It usage dates back to 2,500 years prior where it has been used in Greece, Egypt and Rome.
Interestingly enough the American Family Physician says it has also been used to reduce sexual desire.
Andorra has the highest life expectancy in the world with the average of 83.5 years. This small country is bordered by Spain and France. Their diet consists of mostly plants and fish with little beef.
The CIA Factbook list countries with the lowest life expectancy to be in Africa. Many of these countries experience high rates of AIDS/HIV infections. Swaziland located in Southern Africa has the lowest life expectancy rate in the world with the average of 32.2 years. This is almost 40 percent below the world average.
Scientists studied nine patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who took a daily dose of fish oil for one month. Psychiatrists concluded that patients ability to concentrate improved substantially.
According to the Indian Journal of PediatricsDHA is the most abundant essential fatty acid in the brain and retina. It comprises 40 percent of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the brain.
DHA boosts communication among brain cells and helps regulate neurotransmitters responsible for mental sharpness.
Dr. Barry Sears, one of the lead study authors, suggest taking 2.5 grams (g) a day.
Spring is in the air, the sun is shining and the flowers blooming. But if you’re not careful your waistline might be blooming along with the roses. Kathleen Zelman, a registered dietician and director of nutrition for WebMD Health says to watch out for Spring’s ten fattening foods. Before heading out for that picnic, think twice about how you plan your meal.
Top Ten Foods to Avoid this Spring:
1. Ice Cream: A favorite at carnivals and birthday parties, this treat can be overdone if too much is consumed. According to CNN a classic ice cream sundae can have as much calories and fat as a T-bone steak dinner. Jayne Hurley, author of “Living Large: The Scoop on Ice Cream Shops” conducted an in-depth analysis of ice cream treats and their nutritional value.
“A chocolate-dipped waffle cone at Ben & Jerry’s has about 320 calories and 16 grams of fat. Add one scoop of Chunky Monkey ice cream and the total surges to 820 calories and 26 grams of saturated fat – roughly as much as a one-pound rack of ribs.”
Frozen yogurt shops like Golden Spoon (also known as the “Ice Cream Lover’s Frozen Yogurt”) are becoming increasingly popular with their non-fat products. Red Mango original frozen yogurt has 90 calories and 0 grams of fat. Pink Berry original frozen yogurt has 70 calories and 0 grams of fat. Red Mango and Pink Berry offer healthy mix in options like fruit, cereal and nuts. Sure beats chocolate sprinkles.
***Test your knowledge of sweets with this ice cream quiz.
2. Hot Dogs: They’re practically at every family barbeque or church event. And let’s face it-they’re quick, easy and cheap- plus kids love them. There’s not a whole lot to them either. Just squeeze them between a bun and squirt some ketchup. More toppings means more fat. An A &W Coney Chili Cheese hot dog has 350 calories with 21 grams of fat.
Children born to mothers who consumed hot dogs one or more times per week during pregnancy had approximately double the risk of developing brain tumors. Children who ate hot dogs one or more times per week were also at higher risk of brain cancer.
Why all the bad news about hot dogs? For one thing, they aren’t even pure meat unless specified on the package. Most hot dogs are a combination of pork, beef and chicken. Think of it as a puree. As you will see in this video, they are usually “left over” from the other meat. See for yourself.
Milk may interfere with the absorption of antioxidants from chocolate … and may therefore negate the potential health benefits that can be derived from eating moderate amounts of dark chocolate
4. Brunch: This has to be the ultimate spring feast. Brunch foods include quiches, casseroles, buttery foods, creamy entrees and loads of sticky dessert treats like cinnamon rolls and scones. All the mimosas add up too! Hurley suggests simply prepared eggs, sliced meats, whole grain breads and fruit.
5. Toppings, dressings, sauces: Just like with ice cream, toppings can load on unwanted calories. If you’re eating vegetables with ranch, make sure your portions are small. Try and toss the dressing altogether and drizzle vegetables with lemon. Limit the béarnaise sauce on that prime rib too, the egg yolk and buttery ingredients pack on the fat. Revolution Health recommends using one teaspoon of dressing on your salad- or trying vinegar.
6. Seasonal beverages: Spring Break gives people a perfect excuse to guzzle down margaritas, smoothies, iced coffees and other blended treats. These liquid drinks don’t always make our bodies feel full; so many people don’t limit their intake. The average 11-ounce margarita contains 550 calories. A lot of times additional calories are added to these drinks like salt on margaritas and whipped cream in iced coffee.
8. Salads: Try making your salad the entree as opposed to an appetizer or starter. Avoid bacon, cheese, croutons, and excessive salt. Pack in the veggies and always limit the dressing. Oil and vinegar makes a great dressing as long as it’s in moderation. Adding in fruit like grapes or strawberries changes the traditional greenery also.
9. Grilled food: Ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, and steaks have high amounts of fat. They also are practically inviting fattening toppings like barbeque sauce, mayonnaise and cheese. Swap them for lean meat, fish, poultry and veggies. Lemon and onions make great additions too.
10. Coconut:
Who knew? Coconuts might be the staple of island bound castaways but this treat can harm almost any dish if overdone. According to Hurley coconut contains saturated fat and in one ounce of packaged coconut there are 129 calories and eight grams of fat. Coconut is used in variety of dishes like cakes, creams, shrimp, pies and even sauces. People like to pack it on ice cream too (see item #1). Make sure you read the ingredients and see if coconut is used.
The first-ever “State of Breast Cancer” report has been published by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, outlining progress, changes and current statistics of breast cancer. The Susan G. Komen is a global organization supporting breast cancer research and according to Time Magazine is currently the nation’s largest breast cancer charity.
Along with statistics and information about the disease and treatment approaches, the State of Breast Cancer report provides practical ways for people to engage in the breast cancer movement. An extensive breast cancer resource list is included, as well as a glossary of terms.
The report explores global advances and issues concerning ethnic, cultural and financial issues and their impact on patients’ ability to receive adequate treatment. According to the American Cancer Society, “African-American women are more likely to die of breast cancer than white women.” The State of Breast Cancer report found that Washington D.C. has the highest breast cancer rate in the country where many African-American women in low income areas face great difficulty within the health care system. Long waits for follow up care and screening are major issues.
Since its inception in 1982, the Komen foundation has made breast cancer information more available to women. According to the National Center for Health Statistics about 70 percent of women over 40 received mammograms- up from 30 percent in 1987.
Events like their annual Race for the Cure help them invest nearly $1 billion dollars to fight breast cancer. “It’s a fabulous experience,” says Pamela Call chairperson of the foundation for National Charity League, Green Valley Chapter, a mother-daughter non-profit volunteer organization. Call, whose aunt died of breast cancer, says “its really honoring to see the people with signs on their back” remembering those lost to the battle of breast cancer. After first running in the race eight years ago, Call became interested in the positive message from the foundation. “The feeling at the race is an unbelievable, powerful feeling,” she says. Now serving in her third year as the chairperson she says the Komen foundation really “shows what the power of one can accomplish.”
Nancy G. Brinker founder of the foundation made a promise to her sister, Susan G. Komen that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever.
Breast cancer is the most common among women in the U.S. other than skin cancer.
The ACS estimates 182,460 women will be found with invasive (most deadly) breast cancer in 2008.
This year alone about 40,480 women will die from breast cancer.
Like Brinker, Kathy Sharp, an operations controller in Las Vegas, lost her older sister Mary Olds to breast cancer. She found out she had cancer after returning home from overseas. Her husband was stationed in the Philippines on a military base with her family.
“She was always looking out for the greater good of people” she says of her older sister of eight years. “She’s the one that I would call.” Women who have a sister, mother or daughter with breast cancer are twice as likely to develop breast cancer than a woman who does not. Although the ACS says
70 to 80 percent of women who have breast cancer do not have a family history
There is no way to prevent breast cancer but there are several risk factors linked to the disease. The ACS suggests:
“If you avoid alcohol, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet you are decreasing your risk of getting breast cancer.”
“She was the healthiest one in the family,” says Sharp whose parents both smoked “why her?” The ACS says most women who do get breast cancer don’t have any factors. Regular mammograms are the single most effective tool for detecting breast cancer. Advancements in technology and early prevention and detection have contributed to the fight against breast cancer. Self-breast exam literature and fact sheets provided by the Komen foundation increase awareness.
Young women, like members of the National Charity League are getting involved and gaining knowledge too. Call says her involvement in NCL with her daughter has been nothing but “great fun.” This year the girls can sign up as “cheerleaders” at the race, encouraging individual runners. “I think it shows them role model strengths of women with great courage.”
College students are also volunteering for the Komen foundation. Susie Taylor, a 20-year-old sophomore at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas has organized a breast cancer centered event on campus. “The whole week is based around the cure,” says Taylor who has titled the event “Pink Week”. She plans to incorporate activities leading up to the race.
Taylor sought after Greek organizations, particularly sororities. “I wanted to do something that pertained to the women of UNLV,” she says “I wanted to bring the sororities together.” Even though this is Taylor’s first time being involved with the Komen foundation, breast cancer is nothing new. “It doesn’t register with you until you know someone,” she says after her best friend’s mother was diagnosed. “It really struck close to home.”
According to the Komen foundation 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer nevertheless the five-year survival rate is 98 percent-compared to 74 percent in 1982.
Most women with breast cancer will undergo some type of surgery following with either radiation or chemotherapy treatment. After Sharp’s sister had a lumpectomy she went through chemotherapy treatment to “make sure it was gone.” Throughout her treatment Sharp says the “love of her family” kept her going. “She wanted it to work,” she says “she was always a positive person.”
Cases like Sharp and her sister have brought attention to breast cancer scientists. The ACS is currently conducting a long term study to help find the causes of breast cancer. The Sister Study will follow 50,000 women whose sister -not themselves- have had breast cancer
Brinker’s promise to her sister has made vast improvements in breast cancer research. The ACS says,
“Breast cancer rates are going down. This is probably the result of finding the cancer earlier and improved treatment.”
Part of bringing the sororities together includes the girls wearing shirts that don’t specify the chapters they belong to. “I hope this brings us all into reality…and we can just come together as women,” says Taylor of UNLV’s Pink Week. In order to bring the sororities together, the girls wear shirts that don’t specify their chapter affiliation. Taylor says she’s “expecting a really eye opening experience” at the race. “I hope we have a good time… I’d like to make this a tradition.”
Every year Sharp supports at the race admiring the many survivors racing for a cure. Sharp says if her sister was still alive she would be “helping to do whatever needed to be done” with the Komen foundation. “She would have been right there helping them.”
*The Pink Week booths will be set up on Monday April 28 and Tuesday April 29 in Pida Plaza from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
If you’re using Facebook, make sure you aren’t faking your identity. One internet blogger’s Facebook page was shut down because he was using a name other than his own.
Facebook, the social networking site with more than 69 million users, has prided itself on verifying users identities. Initially open only to college students, Facebook’s size increased by allowing high school students to join and finally opening its doors to everyone. According to Vice President of Media Sales Mike Murphy,
Facebook averages 350 thousand new users per day.
With statistics like that, one can imagine why internet blogger Jon Swift (blogger pseudonym) was upset when his profile was terminated by Facebook.
A customer service representative from Facebook, said Swift had violated the Facebook Terms of Use.
In an e-mail written by a Facebook representative to swift they claimed:
“Fake accounts are a violation of our Terms of Use… Facebook requires users to provide their real first and last names. Impersonating anyone or anything is prohibited. Unfortunately, we will not be able to reactivate this account for any reason. This decision is final.”
After writing a lengthy detail of his Facebook troubles on his blog, Swift began receiving noticeable attention from the blog sphere world, reaching out in support. Many people on Facebook knew Swift, simply by his “blogger name” not necessarily deeming him an impostor.
According to Epicenter a Facebook staffer wrote to Smith:
“since you don’t appear to be using the name to impersonate or to hide your identity, we have determined that you are not violating these Terms. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.”
For more details on the litigation of this case please visit Citizens Media Law Project, a legal resource for citizen media.
If you walk into a elementary school classroom, what do you see? A teacher at the front of the class writing on the board, possibly drawing numbers and shapes. What will the children be doing? Maybe the boys are making paper airplanes and throwing them across the room. One boy might be digging through his desk looking for a piece of candy. Some girls might be chatting together, occasionally giggling. Of course, someone has to be passing love notes to their secret crush. There’s always the little guy in the back fast asleep on his backpack.
According to Leonard Sax, author of Why Gender Matters“girls and boys behave differently because their brains are wired differently.”
Many believe children learn better in same sex educational settings. However, a new study is proving otherwise.
“Being with more girls is good for everybody,” says Schlosser an economist from the Eitan Berglas School of Economics at Tel Aviv University. She studied boys and girls in elementary, middle and high school settings. With more girls in the classroom, both boys and girls did better in school.
Classrooms with more than 55 percent of girls had better exam results and less violent outbursts. Schlosser says the positive influence the girls have on the classroom environment seem to be the reason for higher grades.
For the elementary school children, both boys and girls had increased academic success with female majority in the classroom. There was also notable improvement in math and science subjects. In middle school students, girls were found to have better academic achievement in English, languages and math. Now in high school,
classrooms with the best overall academic achievement were consistently those with higher proportions of girls
Schlosser believes classrooms with a higher percentage of girls lowers classroom disruptions and fosters a better pupil-teacher relationship. Students tend to be overall more satisfied with higher female-to-male ratio exists.
She plans to implement this study in higher education lecture halls next.
As a recipient in the U.S. Food Stamp Program, I would like to provide feedback and offer sincere testimonial on this federal assistance program.
Since it’s inception with Food Stamp Act of 1964, as outlined on the Food and Nutrition Service website, low income households would be permitted to receive “a greater share of the Nation’s food abundance.” Eligible households “shall be provided with an opportunity more nearly to obtain a nutritionally adequate diet.”
I must admit, being a vegan it sure is hard to find “a nutritionally adequate diet.” You see being a vegan means I do not eat any animal bi products. This would include meat, poultry, dairy and eggs. And because of my strong belief and background in healthy living, this is something I’m not willing to give up. Besides the American Dietetic Association says that :
vegan diets can significantly reduce one’s risk of contracting heart disease, colon and lung cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, obesity and a number of other debilitating conditions.
And according to the International Herald TribuneAmericans receiving food stamps is projected to reach 28 million in the 2009. That’s the highest it’s been since it’s creation.
In your latest legislature 2007 Farm Bill “an additional 2.75 billion of Section 32 funds” will be utilized “over ten years to specifically purchase fruits and vegetables for USDA’s domestic assistance nutrition programs.”
Well reading that Farm Bill sure sounds like it will be a great plan. On a $91 per month food stamp budget, my purchases are pretty limited. I mostly have to eat peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Of course, fruits and vegetables are generally inexpensive but because they spoil so quickly I must frequently purchase them. I’ve decided to send a little tally of my vegan expenses on food stamps:
Peanut Butter
Bananas – 0.19 each
Melons- .69 per pound
Pears – 1.29 per pound
Bag of carrots 1.50
Broccoli – 1.69 per pound
Potatoes – 0.50 per pound
Wheat Bread – 1.99
Powerbar Harvest Bars 1.00
Cucumbers .79 each
Large Avocados 1.69 each
Mangos 0.99
I hope next time the legislature is discussing food stamps and budgeting don’t forget about health conscious vegans like myself. Even if the money is tight, we still eat right.
Is CPR easy as one, two, three? Well this might not be the case for some.
A new statement released by the American Heart Association says they have simplified their CPR guidelines.
Providing rescue breaths, otherwise known as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, can be skipped so that immediate assistance can be provided.
“Hands-Only CPR is a potentially lifesaving option to be used by people not trained in conventional CPR or those who are unsure of their ability to give the combination of chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing it requires.”
Hands-Only CPR involves deep, rapid presses on the victim’s chest. The ECC committee says that many bystanders don’t help out of fear or lack of confidence. Many people are afraid of spreading saliva. Others simply don’t feel they’re proficient enough to perform CPR.
Michael Sayre, M.D., chair of the committee says, “Don’t be afraid to try it. We are sure many lives will be saved if the public does Hands-Only CPR.”
The AHA also says that about 310,000 adults in the United States die each year from sudden cardiac arrest occurring outside the hospital setting or in the emergency department.
On average, less than one-third of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims receive bystander CPR.
If someone has CPR performed on them their chances of surviving can be doubled or tripled.
Several health professionals believe that this simple yet important version of CPR will be critical in saving lives. “It’s less complicated and the outcomes are better,” says Dr. Paul Pepe, an emergency medical services chief in Dallas.
Although this new revision can help save lives, the AHA states, “conventional CPR is still an important skill to learn.” AHA also says
“The new recommendations apply only to bystanders who come to the aid of adult cardiac arrest victims outside the hospital setting.”
The new revision is not to be administered on infants or children who need the rescue breaths along with chest compressions.
American’s consume an average of 3,654 calories per person daily. Although the American diet is typical of industrialized countries, it’s lower than the industrialized country average in cereals. Interestingly enough, American diet is higher in meats, dairy products, sugars and sweeteners. In a nation driven by fast-food meals, the numbers don’t come as a shock. A typical “quick” meal might consist of a burger (meat) with cheese (dairy product) and a soda (sugar with artificial sweeteners).
The European Union diet is filled with cheese and high fat meats. However despite this heavy diet, their daily calorie intake is lower than the U.S. Europeans average 3,394 calories daily with a higher level of consumption of cereals. Their consumption levels are even down from the 1970s, quite opposite from the U.S. Nearly 7 percent of Europeans calories come from animal fats. That’s twice the level of U.S.
North Africa and developing Asia have the highest calorie consumption of cereals, both reaching over 60 percent of their daily calories.
According to the USDA’S Dietary Guidelines adult females should consume around 2,000-2,400. Adult males should consume around 2,400-3,000 calories. Both of these numbers vary depending on physical activity levels and lifestyles. A calorie intake calculator can help determine the proper amount of calories necessary for each specific body type and lifestyle.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at least one in four teenage girls nationwide has a sexually transmitted disease. More than three million teens aged 14 to 19 were studied with the overall prevalence found in African-American girls. Nearly half the girls studied had an STD compared with 20 percent among both whites and Mexican-American teens.
According to the CDC, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection,
“at least 50 percent of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives.”
The virus affects the skin and mucus membranes and usually shows no symptoms or health problems. HPV can cause normal cells on infected skin or membranes to become abnormal- which can lead to cancer. It’s important for women to be screened regularly because symptoms of cervical cancer do not appear until the virus has advanced. Dr. Kevin Fenton of the CDC says “screening, vaccination and other prevention strategies for sexually active women are among our highest public health priorities.”
Although Chlamydia and trichomoniasis can be treated with antibiotics, they also show very little symptoms. Frequent testing should be done in sexually active teens, especially upon changing partners. Using condoms all the time and every time may reduce the risk of contracting an STD.
“sexually active teen that does not use contraception has a 90 percent chance of pregnancy within a year.”
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy says the teen birth rate has declined slowly but steadily since 1991- the largest seen in young black women. The birth rate for black teens aged 15 to 19 fell 48 percent from 1991 to 2006. Hispanic teen birth rates declined 22 percent from 1991 and 2005. The rates of both Hispanics and blacks, however, remain higher than for other groups. Hispanic teens now have the highest teenage birth rates.
They’re in restaurants, bars and practically any food service environment. Lemon wedges are often placed in beverages for flavor or decoration. Several people require lemon wedges to flavor their water or beverage. But this common procedure may not be up to par with sanitation guidelines.
Water with lemon? According to Loving’s study “water containing lemon…was found to actually enhance the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.” This bacteria and human pathogen typically infects the pulmonary tract, urinary tract, burns, and wounds and also causes other blood infections. As noted in the video, the bacteria could have been transferred from the dirty fingertips of an employee via human fecal or raw-meat contamination.
In her study, Loving also says “they might have contaminated the lemons before they even arrived at the restaurant.” Some of the bacteria could “have been introduced onto the lemons from the skin or oral flora of anyone who handled them, before or after they arrived at the restaurant.”
Again, the employees’ lack of proper sanitation arises as a contribution to the bacteria on the lemons.
According to the study “yeasts could have originated from oral, fecal or vaginal secretions contaminating the fingertips of a restaurant employee or another food handler.”
The microbes discovered by Loving’s investigation “all have the potential to cause infectious diseases at various body sites.”
Although no reported outbreaks or illnesses have been attributed to lemon slices in beverages several other factors would need to be considered to establish infection. Loving notes that “restaurant patrons should be aware that lemon slices added to beverages may include potentially pathogenic microbes.” Loving believes it could be useful to study other beverage garnishes such as olives, limes, celery and cherries and see whether alcoholic beverages have an effect not seen in water and soda.
It’s 2008 and the job market is constantly changing with new advancements in technology and science. Everyone wants a competitive career with a viable income and great benefits. The market for job hunting seems to be filled with limitless opportunities with openings in new career outlets.
According to Cancer Facts and Figures 2008, the ACS’s annual cancer statistics report “cancer mortality rates in the US continue to decline, although the number of actual cancer-related deaths has gone up.” Huh? Was that as confusing or just a mouthful? Well, the ACS experts say “progress is being made in the fight against cancer.” Okay. Explain.
So, the cancer death rates have decreased (18.4 percent among men and 10.5 percent among women) compared with the most recent cancer mortality data which is 2005. However, the actual number of deaths (not percentages, like the actual number of bodies) has increased: 559,312 cancer deaths in 2005 compared to 553,888 in 2004.
“The increase in the number of cancer deaths in 2005… should not obscure the fact that cancer death rates continue to drop, reflecting the enormous progress that has been made against cancer,” says John R. Seffrin, PhD, and chief executive officer for ACS.
The most common diagnoses include prostate, lung and colorectal cancer for men and breast, lung and colorectal cancer for women. I guess all the smoking advertisements paid off because the lung cancer incidence rates are down in men and “appear to be leveling off in women.” Breast cancer incidence rates decreased 3.5 pecent from 2001 to 2004.
If you’re going to the beach this spring break make sure you pack plenty of sun screen. The ACS urges people to practice sun safety. Find a nice umbrella and pitch a spot in the shade. Sunscreen alone will not protect you! Wear some cheap sunglasses (they might get lost and who wants to lose $400 glasses?) a hat and cover up- modest is hottest! When you’re not in the water put some clothes on! If you see people strutting around in bikinis or shirtless, point and laugh at them. They will be leather bags in 10 years. If you need help try Neutrogena® Age Shield Sunblock or Ultra Sheer Dry -Touch Sunblock.
Lastly, if you’re afraid of going to the doctor- you better get over it quick. Make sure you get at least an annual physical examination. If you notice changes in your body call your doctor. The longer you wait, the worse things could get. Early detection is crucial in medicine especially for cancer. If you have health insurance, use it! The ACS even recognizes “lack of health insurance and inadequate health insurance is one of the most important barriers to continued progress.” People without insurance are half as likely to receive cancer screening and more likely to be diagnosed at a late stage. The worst part is
“those without health insurance…are less likely to survive after a cancer diagnoses” - American Cancer Society
Until our policy’s change on medical insurance practice healthy living and make the best of your situation. Hey we can always move to Canada!
Everyone knows that regular exercise and eating healthy are essential to a healthy heart. And if you don’t, put down the remote and scoot your ass to the gym. Don’t get the wrong idea, exercise alone does not automatically mean your heart is in the same “shape” as your abs. Incorporating a healthy diet is crucial to your body’s overall wellbeing. Keri Glassman, a registered dietician from Your Health Monthly magazine suggests eating specific foods in order to further protect your sweet little heart. Read on.
Be a Health “Nut”
Nuts are possibly the most ingenious creation ever. They are so perfectly sized and so delicious it should be a crime. Now before you go ballistic about how high in “fat” they are, hold your horses and listen up.
Your body needs fat. Fat is good for your body. The TYPE OF FAT determines the benefit. They’re high in fat but it’s the “right kind for you heart.” According to Glassman “the monosaturated fat found in almonds is proven to protect against heart disease.” Almonds are also rich in protein and contain photochemicals that are so wonderful for the heart!
A Harvard Nurses Health Study found that “women who ate more than five ounces of nuts each week lowered their risk of heart disease by 35 percent compared to women who didn’t eat nuts.”
But don’t go nuts, Glassman warns to watch your portion size. We know they’re scrumptious so it’s easy to stuff yourself. “Stick with 10 almonds at a time,” she says.
◊ My favorite: Blue Diamond Almonds. Not only are they from my hometown Sacramento, the come in conveniently sized bags to throw in your car, bag or locker. Try the Wasabi and Soy Sauce flavor. Complete ecstasy.
Freshness First
If at all possible, avoid putting additional salt on food. High sodium diets can lead to hypertension. Limit your blood sodium to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day. According to the University of California- Berkley, a teaspoon of salt is about 2,300 milligrams of sodium.
Can’t shake that salt? Glassman suggests using fresh herbs and spices (instead of salt) like onions, garlic, lemons, parsley, thyme, basil, mint, vinegars and pepper.
If you’re still whining, try a homemade jar of salt-free seasoning.
Foreign Fruit
Try venturing out for unusual fruit like guava, high in the antioxidant lycopene. According to Your Health Monthly “lycopene has been shown to decrease the buildup of plaque on the walls of arteries.” Sweet!
Direct from the Amazon, acai berries are rich in B vitamins, mineral, fiber, protein and omega -3 fatty acids. Papayas are rich in carotenes and flavonoids, powerful antioxidants. According to The World’s Healthiest Foods, the nutrients found in papaya help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in blood vessel walls.
Kiwi’s, New Zealand’s famous fruit, are loaded with nutrients. These little brown fuzz balls have a sweet core with lots of edible black seeds. According to Delicious Organics kiwi’s contain folate, potassium and the antioxidant polyphenol. A kiwi a day may help lower triglyceride levels (combats arterial plaque build up). Fats Facts
Like I said before, we need fat. Fat is good. But there is bad fat! When you eat saturated and trans fat it raises your blood cholesterol level. According to the National Cholesterol Education Programa high cholesterol level increases your risk for cardiovascular disease.
Do you get all the fats mixed up? Meats, egg yolks, whole-milk, cheese, butter and :gasp: fried foods contain saturated and trans fat.
You’d have to be a complete moron to keep eating this junk. Make sure you incorporate “good” fat into your diet. Freshwater fish and flaxseeds are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least a week. Sushi time!
Grapes are Great
A fabulous excuse to drink wine: quercetin and resveratrol. These two powerful phytonutrients are what researchers have been gabbing about in reference to the French and their low heart disease rates. Resveratrol has been identified as an activator of an enzyme that is responsible for the extension of life span in many species. Although this is new research, mixing many phytonutrients does explain the anti-inflammatory properties and protection from grapes. Healthy hearts and looking better? Sign me up for a glass of wine.
◊ Try Frey Vineyards organic, sulfite-free red wine. A wonderful potion packed with antioxidants. Don’t black out off the entire bottle. If you can’t handle alcohol call the Alcoholics Anonymous World Headquarters (212) 870-3400.
As for my “bitchin’ breakfast” I was preparing so humbly : my recipe came from my favorite “skinny bitches.” Today’s menu? Pecan-crusted French Toast (see page 22 if you are already drooling).
“Skinny Bitch in the Kitch” includes “kick-ass recipes for hungry girls who want to stop cooking crap (and start looking hot!)” comprised of a strict vegan diet, with junk food tastes. Chapter titles like “sassy soups and stews”, “skinny-ass salads” and my favorite “bitchin’ breakfast” allow their wit and bitchiness to inspire their readers.
After their first book, “Skinny Bitch” became a huge success, they received numerous requests about menus and recipes. In a recent interview with the New York Times, Barnouin admitted, “there comes a time in your life when you have to learn to cook.” And for these “bitches” there couldn’t have been a more opportune time.
Barnouin holds a Masters of Science degree in Holistic Nutrition, while Freedman is a “self-taught know-it-all.” Despite their expert qualifications in examining food and medical research, their fierce passion and sassy opinions have clearly been their books selling point.
Karen Daniels, a retired massage therapist in Cottonwood, Ariz., told the New York Times, “they get you mad and scared, and you don’t even want those foods anymore.”
“Skinny Bitch in the Kitch” includes “international bitch” recipes as well as “Italian bitch” food ideas. The authors make it a clear point that food is important and eating good food is vital. Even if you’re not a vegan, their book’s message is witty and informational.
Move over MySpace, there’s a new networking site brewing in cyber world. And it’s got the body to match.
The new trend in social networking? Professional networking sites. Forget the creeps and pedophiles, these serious sites boast proficiency and expertise. With amped up search options and recommendation opportunity, these sites have clear insight into their audience’s desires.
Chris Oremus, personal trainer in Las Vegas and founder of his own professional networking site, says these sites allow users to “make educated decisions.” Unlike sites like MySpace or Facebook, users share common interest within a specific field and network with each other. Although his site does not have an official name yet, it’s geared towards health professionals.
His site, still in developmental stages, promotes personal trainers, physicians, nurses and nutritionists. These professionals pay a monthly membership fee and in turn are given a “homepage” to promote their business. Background, contact, and general information will be displayed along with their education, training and medical credentials.
Oremus noticed several “shortcomings of the [health] system” and wanted to build upon what advertisements left out. With several years of experience in the fitness industry with Gold’s Gym and 24 Hour Fitness, Oremus noticed common qualities among newcomers to the fitness world. Most people come to the gym, “they don’t know how to exercise, they don’t know how to find a personal trainer.” They’re “shy and timid”, they’re not going to “approach someone” because frankly they “don’t know anyone.” With a networking site, it’s a resource to differentiate between professionals. Whether it be personal trainers or nutritionists, clients will be able to compare and read recommendations from others.
People looking for medical help or fitness expertise don’t get a “friendly personable impression” simply from an advertisement, “they don’t have a friend to talk to,” says Oremus. On a networking site, it’s more like a “personal recommendation.. a warm fuzzy feeling.”
He plans on implementing a “personality profile” option where users select their fitness goals and health needs. This way, they can be matched with doctors and nutritionists sharing the same criteria. He also plans on having advanced search options, selecting by ratings, cost, credentials, and experience.
Sign up is free to anyone, only medical professionals pay a membership fee. Unlike other networking sites where users have “friends” professionals will have “clients.” Users can add professionals they’ve worked with onto their page, writing recommendations and giving them “star ratings.” Oremus also plans to include a fitness calendar to include weekly events like softball and bike riding, something “creative, interesting and fun” where everyone comes together.
Like many networking sites, major concerns include privacy and authenticity. Oremus’ site includes different levels of privacy where users choose what they want displayed. He says a big part of his site will be celebrity endorsement, through personal trainers and plastic surgeons. “Models are going to be one of my largest target markets,” says Oremus. Users can see before and after pictures and view which physicians the member has used. They can also see fitness and meal plans that celebrity might be using.
“I wanted to market Lipodissolve,” says Oremus who noticed clients that exercised frequently, still couldn’t remove stubborn fat. Because Lipodissolve is an injectable, it allows for “spot treatment” which “causes inflammation of the fat cells” which the body then naturally filters out. With his fitness background and training (he has an Associates Degree in Kinesiology) he wanted medical support to administer procedures like Lipodissolve but still connect through exercise and nutrition. With his new networking site, patients can keep track of their medical treatments and exercise regimen.
Oremus admits he’s always been sort of an inventor wanting to make a significant impact within the fitness industry. “I’ve always been the type of person to take things apart and figure out how to make them better,” says Oremus. His motivation? “I wanna be in the history books… the first one who did it.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recalled 143 million pounds of frozen beef as a result of an animal abuse investigation. Oh yes, and this slaughterhouse provided meat for school lunch programs.
According to CBS News, officials say it is the largest beef recall in the United States– ever. Great, another brilliant accomplishment to add under our belt.
So where did all this beef come from? A wonderful little slaughterhouse in Chino, Calif. Westland/Hallmark Meat Co. is the culprit. Are you ready to grab your kid out of school and run for the hills? I am! Most of the meat was in West and East Tennessee.
But what was going on with this beef that they had to pull freaking 143 million pounds? According to CBS News, Westland/Hallmark used “downer” cattle. Downer? That doesn’t seem so bad. Don’t kid yourself. Downer cattle are cows that can’t walk. Gee, why can’t they walk? They’re sick, ill, infected, diseased, dying, injured, hurt, wounded, upset, all or any of the above!
What did the Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer have to say about this little glitch in the system? Schafer admits the “cattle did not receive complete and proper inspection” making them “unfit for human food.”
Are you scratching your head? Well I was when I read that and I was so confused. Why didn’t they get inspected? Isn’t the USDA supposed to regulate and monitor food for us? Aren’t they supposed to be protecting us? According to the USDA Website they have created a “strategic plan” to enhance “food safety by taking steps to reduce the prevalence of food borne hazards.” Well, it’s not what you think.
I found one of their little handy dandy “safety” programs they plaster all over their press releases: the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). This system identifies an animal’s origin so if meat is found contaminated, the specific farm can be cited. Just disregard a pre-emptive plan and simply create an system for after everyone eats contaminated meat. At least they can do a recall right? The most incredible part is this program is completely voluntary. The NAIS website states:
“You can register your premises today and decide later whether to participate in the rest of the program…Your voluntary participation means that you will be notified quickly when a disease outbreak or other animal health event might put your animals at risk.”
Wait, just when it couldn’t get any worse– it does. According to CBS News, officials estimate around 37 million pounds of that recalled beef went to school programs. Yeah, they also think most of the meat has probably already been eaten. Oops!
And what about those downer cows and the animal abuse investigation? An undercover video from the Humane Society of the United States surfaced showing “crippled and sick animals being shoved with forklifts… workers kicking, shocking and otherwise abusing downer animals.” Here is the video:
But don’t give those workers any more publicity than needed. Those jerks were charged with felony and misdemeanor counts plus they got fired.
Oh yeah, if you have dined at Jack in the Box or In-N-Out Burger (which is very plausible they’re both about 50 feet from the UNLV campus) both restaurant chains used Westland/Hallmark beef. At least the executives have some sort of intelligence, they both discontinued use from Westland/Hallmark.
AOL Fitness and Diet Coach Marion Nestle examines the value of organic products in this video.
Nestle advises that when buying organic products, select dairy or fruit. Organic milk is free of hormones, something that Nestle strongly urges. Fruit where the skin is eaten such as strawberries or lettuce should be organic as well because you are directly eating the outer layer.
Organic production is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers. Organically produced foods also must be produced without the use of antibiotics, synthetic hormones, genetic engineering and other excluded practices, sewage sludge, or irradiation…Organic foods are minimally processed without artificial ingredients, preservatives, or irradiation to maintain the integrity of the food.
Basically, anything grown without the assistance of man made chemicals. The debate about organic vs. conventional has continued for years. Although several studies have been done on the benefits of organic produce, there is little conclusive evidence. According to the Cooking Light website, a small study was conducted on organic ketchup.
The results showed that organic ketchup had 57 percent more of the antioxidant lycopene than conventional ketchup.
Organic products are free of pesticides, hormones and genetically modified organisms. Conventional produce is sprayed with chemicals by farmers to prevent insects from eating all their crops. Because of the demand, farmers are pressured to produce large amounts of food.
Animals on organic farms are fed 100% organic feed. Most factory farms have horrible living conditions for animals. Chickens live in crammed cages where they are unable to lift a wing. Some farms are “free range” or “cage free” where chickens are free to roam around and frolic in the grass. Many believe the chicken to be healthier if it was able to live an active lifestyle as opposed to be raised in a crowded cage.
Conventional meat animals are injected with hormones and steroids to increase their body weight. Again, the high demand for meat causes farmers to produce ample amounts of slaughter. Many Americans wonder why we are the fattest nation in the world. Hormones and steroids are used to increase the weight of cows and other animals. Whether eating that or not affects humans is still in question.
Whole Foods is a health food store that offers organic products but can be very pricy. Unfortunately, because of the cost of organic products, not everyone can afford them. Health food stores like Sunflower Market offer reasonable prices for natural and organic products.
