“Patients may care less about whether their doctors are reflective and empathic than whether they are respectful and attentive,” says Dr. Michael Kahn of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School in Boston.

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 Cross bases 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 Poll patients 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.”

CBS News reports that an estimated eight to twenty percent of women suffer from PMS.

PMS has some of the worst symptoms: bloating, mood swings, cravings, cramps and irritability.

Jonny Bowden author of The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth suggests herbal and natural remedies for symptoms associated with PMS.

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.

3. According to Archives of Internal Journal:

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.

5. The amino acid taurine is a natural diuretic and a wonderful way to decrease bloating. Take at least 1,000 mg when needed for water retention. According to Nutrigenesis taurine functions in electrically active tissue such as the brain and the heart to help stabilize cell membranes.

Factors contributing to life expectancy include blood pressure, diet, genetics and exercise.

According to the National Association of State Mental Health Program people with serious mental illness die 25 years earlier than the general public.

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.

To calculate your life expectancy try this Life Expectancy Calculator.

According to a new research study published in Nutrition Journal fish oil may help with mental sharpness.

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.

Jean Helmet, an expert in fish oil and omega-3 products, says ADHD may be linked with deficiency of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This omega-3 essential fatty acid is primarily found in fish oil.

According to the Indian Journal of Pediatrics DHA 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.

Try Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega

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.

 According to the Cancer Prevention Coalition nitrates are widely used in preservation of hot dogs. Researchers from the University of North Carolina  found direct links with nitrates in hot dogs to childhood cancer.

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.

3. Chocolates: Hurley says eating chocolates has certain health benefits, but only in small portions. Avoid milk chocolate if possible. According to a study conducted by Italy’s National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research:

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

According to Daniel DeNoon from WebMD, dark chocolate is a potent antioxidant that can help lower blood pressure.

Try a few Godiva dark chocolate covered almonds.

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.

7. Passover desserts:  These desserts contain lots of nuts, chocolate and coconut which can add up real quick. Sarah Krieger, chef and weight management specialist advises to try fruit for dessert and eat small portions. Cooking Light suggests Passover Pear-Ginger Crisp or Frozen Strawberry Swirl.

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.

*The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure will be on Saturday May 3 on Freemont Street in downtown Las Vegas at 7:00 am.

* I myself was able to honor 13 breast cancer survivors at the Emerald Dream Ball on New Year’s Eve 2007 in a Lana Fuchs Couture fashion show. The segment ” Top this Party” aired on the Lifetime Channel.

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.

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.

Professor Analia Schlosser from the University of Tel Aviv says girls remarkably improve boy’s grades at school.

“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.

Dear Federal Government,

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 Tribune Americans 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.

Thanks a bunch!

Your lovely constiutient

<3

Their statement, published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association by the Emergency Cardiovascular Care committee introduces Hands-Only CPR.

“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.

CNN takes a closer look at the issue: