With all the emphasis placed on watching what you eat during the holidays, Vanderbilt Center for Human Nutrition urges Americans to look beyond the holidays and at the greater problem. Americans are chronically overeating and under-exercising year-round, Vanderbilt obesity expert, Roger Cone, PhD says.
A common belief is that people put on five pounds over the holiday season. This belief has been studied by scientists and found to be a myth, says Cone. In reality, weight gain from the Thanksgiving to New Year’s period is closer to three-quarters of a pound to one pound.
But don’t get too excited, Cone says. People typically do not become obese because of sudden, drastic weight gain, but rather by slowly gaining weight and keeping it on.
“If we do become obese it is because there is a minor difference in what we are consuming and what we are burning,” Cone said. “So the trick is to try to match your energy expenditure with your energy intake…”
Obesity, Cone points out, is a serious problem in the United States. Obesity leads to 36% higher health care costs and a 77% increase in medication costs. Vanderbilt aims to make sure the holidays don’t distract from the real problem at hand – the obesity epidemic we face as a nation.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
News Article: Acupuncture Scientifically Proven to Change Perception and Processing of Pain in the Brain
A recent study has shown, through the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (or fMRI), that acupuncture actually does change the brain’s perception and processing of pain. Until now, the effectiveness of acupuncture in changing perception and processing of pain was questionable, said lead researcher, Nina Theysohn, M.D.
The study found that during acupuncture, the activation of brain areas involved in pain perception and processing was significantly reduced. Eighteen healthy volunteers were used in the study. Using fMRI, researchers were able to directly observe the areas of the brain that are activated during pain perceptions and monitor the changes that occurred during acupuncture.
Acupuncture was found not only to effect pain signals, but also areas of the brain that governed expectations of pain. And both signals and expectations of pain were significantly reduced in the patients studied.
These findings offer official scientific support to the notion that acupuncture “can help relieve pain,” said Theysohn.
The study found that during acupuncture, the activation of brain areas involved in pain perception and processing was significantly reduced. Eighteen healthy volunteers were used in the study. Using fMRI, researchers were able to directly observe the areas of the brain that are activated during pain perceptions and monitor the changes that occurred during acupuncture.
Acupuncture was found not only to effect pain signals, but also areas of the brain that governed expectations of pain. And both signals and expectations of pain were significantly reduced in the patients studied.
These findings offer official scientific support to the notion that acupuncture “can help relieve pain,” said Theysohn.
News Article: IQ & Memory
Many links between IQ and memory have been found throughout the years, but what aspects of memory are the best predictors of IQ? Who has the higher IQ – the person who recalls six of 10 items but only in vague detail or the person who recalls only four items, but in clear detail?
A study by the University of Oregon answered this question: the number of items stored in memory has the greatest correlation with fluid intelligence, or IQ. While “resolution,” or clarity of detail, has no relationship with IQ.
Previous studies have established the strong relationship between IQ and the number of items stored in short term memory before. However the University of Oregon aimed to take a more comprehensive look at which specific aspects of memory capacity related to IQ. In the study, 79 undergraduate students were put through a series of experiments measuring the number of items they could maintain, the resolution of those memories maintained, and their IQ scores.
"The number of things people can remember is robustly correlated with fluid intelligence - the larger number remembered, the higher the IQ,” said Edward Awh, a psychology professor and member of the Oregon Visual Working Memory & Attention Lab. “Resolution in memory is not predictive of IQ at all.”
Although resolution does not factor into IQ score, researchers emphasize that this does not mean that resolution is unimportant.
A study by the University of Oregon answered this question: the number of items stored in memory has the greatest correlation with fluid intelligence, or IQ. While “resolution,” or clarity of detail, has no relationship with IQ.
Previous studies have established the strong relationship between IQ and the number of items stored in short term memory before. However the University of Oregon aimed to take a more comprehensive look at which specific aspects of memory capacity related to IQ. In the study, 79 undergraduate students were put through a series of experiments measuring the number of items they could maintain, the resolution of those memories maintained, and their IQ scores.
"The number of things people can remember is robustly correlated with fluid intelligence - the larger number remembered, the higher the IQ,” said Edward Awh, a psychology professor and member of the Oregon Visual Working Memory & Attention Lab. “Resolution in memory is not predictive of IQ at all.”
Although resolution does not factor into IQ score, researchers emphasize that this does not mean that resolution is unimportant.
News Article: Dental Care is Essential to Overall Pet Health
By age three, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have already developed periodontal disease, according to veterinarian, Jennifer Akers. She and other veterinarians urge pet owners to realize that prevention is always better and oftentimes cheaper than treatment.
Dental diseases can be very painful, but also very dangerous for pets. Such diseases carry with them the possibility for severe complications, such as worsening pre-existing heart and kidney conditions. And preventive measures are the key to identifying and stopping dental disease.
Animals will not always act as though they are in pain for dental disease to exist however; it often develops slowly, giving animals time to adjust. Some signs of dental issues are bad breath, gum bleeding, changes in eating behavior, or pawing and rubbing at the face. There are a number of ways owners can prevent dental problems or stop them before they get serious.
Veterinarians suggest owners see to it that their pets get oral exams along with their annual check-ups each year. Owners are advised against giving their dogs bones or other hard toys because they are common causes of tooth breakage.
Most importantly, owners are strongly encouraged to brush their pets’ teeth every day with pet toothpaste, not human toothpaste. Human toothpaste can be toxic to animals, says Akers. Owners should start this dental care when their pets are puppies or kittens; because they are more easily trainable at this age, it is the best time for them to become accustomed to daily tooth-brushing. Tooth-brushing is especially important for small breeds of dogs because such breeds are more prone to periodontal disease.
“Dental care can help pets live a long, happy, pain-free life; but no dental care can often lead to very detrimental consequences that can be very painful for our pets and very detrimental for their long term survival,” Akers advises.
Dental diseases can be very painful, but also very dangerous for pets. Such diseases carry with them the possibility for severe complications, such as worsening pre-existing heart and kidney conditions. And preventive measures are the key to identifying and stopping dental disease.
Animals will not always act as though they are in pain for dental disease to exist however; it often develops slowly, giving animals time to adjust. Some signs of dental issues are bad breath, gum bleeding, changes in eating behavior, or pawing and rubbing at the face. There are a number of ways owners can prevent dental problems or stop them before they get serious.
Veterinarians suggest owners see to it that their pets get oral exams along with their annual check-ups each year. Owners are advised against giving their dogs bones or other hard toys because they are common causes of tooth breakage.
Most importantly, owners are strongly encouraged to brush their pets’ teeth every day with pet toothpaste, not human toothpaste. Human toothpaste can be toxic to animals, says Akers. Owners should start this dental care when their pets are puppies or kittens; because they are more easily trainable at this age, it is the best time for them to become accustomed to daily tooth-brushing. Tooth-brushing is especially important for small breeds of dogs because such breeds are more prone to periodontal disease.
“Dental care can help pets live a long, happy, pain-free life; but no dental care can often lead to very detrimental consequences that can be very painful for our pets and very detrimental for their long term survival,” Akers advises.
News Article: Stem Cells from Fat Tissue May Help in Heart Attack Recovery
Recent research has found that delivering fat cells from the waist into the heart could offer promising results for heart attack patients. A pilot study showed increased heart function in post-heart attack patients who had fat cells extracted from their waistlines and transported to their hearts.
This study included 14 patients in the Netherlands and Spain who had all suffered from severe heart attacks. Ten of the 14 patients were given stem cells from waist fat while the other four were given placebo treatments. Six months later, patients who had received the stem cells were found to have lower amounts of heart damage than those who did not - only 15% damage in the stem cell group as compared to 25% damage in the placebo group.
“The pilot study shows for the first time that stem cells from a patient’s fat tissue may be similarly beneficial (as stem cells extracted from bone marrow), indicating a potential new and more convenient source of stem cells,” Professor Jeremy Pearson of the British Heart Foundation said.
Researchers realize a much larger sample size is needed in order to gather statistically significant data. And so they are planning a more detailed study which will contain 300 heart attack patients throughout 35 European clinics.
This study included 14 patients in the Netherlands and Spain who had all suffered from severe heart attacks. Ten of the 14 patients were given stem cells from waist fat while the other four were given placebo treatments. Six months later, patients who had received the stem cells were found to have lower amounts of heart damage than those who did not - only 15% damage in the stem cell group as compared to 25% damage in the placebo group.
“The pilot study shows for the first time that stem cells from a patient’s fat tissue may be similarly beneficial (as stem cells extracted from bone marrow), indicating a potential new and more convenient source of stem cells,” Professor Jeremy Pearson of the British Heart Foundation said.
Researchers realize a much larger sample size is needed in order to gather statistically significant data. And so they are planning a more detailed study which will contain 300 heart attack patients throughout 35 European clinics.
*Green Page Article: Deck the Halls
The following is an article I wrote for the "Green Page" of NJL's website and it also appeared in the weekly newsletter. Borst Landscape and Design is a potential advertiser for NJL and that is why they are featured in the article. I was in contact with the Public Relations woman from Borst Landscape & Design and I created the following questions for her to answer and base the article around.
When it comes to holiday decorating, it never hurts to get a little professional advice. Experts at Borst Landscape and Design, a nationally recognized, award-winning landscaping company, offer NJL readers tips on both indoor and outdoor holiday decorating. From greenery to holiday lighting, these tips will help you make the best of holiday decorations.
Which types of indoor & outdoor greenery are best for decorating homes for the holidays?
For outdoors, we typically use garland, mostly from heavy balsam, cedar or pine. We add greens such as holly, juniper, noble fir, berries, and eucalyptus. When it comes to outdoor arrangements, we enhance the above greenery with grevillea, birch branches, and magnolia.
For indoor use, we use pine, balsam, spruce, magnolia, and noble fir. These cuttings dry out more slowly than other greenery and can last several weeks if you keep them cool.
Which types of outdoor plants are best for surviving the winter months?
Choose evergreens for container plantings such as boxwood, Alberta spruce, Colorado blue spruce, and globosa spruce.
Which kinds of greenery stand up and stay up the easiest?
Balsam, juniper, noble fir, baby eucalyptus, and magnolia are definitely best for this.
What are the major safety tips you have to offer for installing holiday lighting?
Always use proper tools (such as stable ladders) and electrical fixtures made for the outdoors. To enhance safety, secure all extension cords with electrical tape and use timers that are suitable for the outdoors.
What tips do you have on caring for decorations like wreaths, mistletoe and holly?
Outdoor greenery can be sprayed with a fixative, widely available at craft stores, or an anti-dessicant spray. For indoors, a quick shot of hairspray should seal the greens and prevent them from drying out.
What other holiday decorating tips do you have to offer our readers?
At Borst, we add a lot of natural branches that we find in the landscape such as hydrangea and interesting dried material like gypsum and ting ting. We may also spray some material with gold or silver paint for a special holiday sparkle. The natural branches go with any style décor and add a striking accent to your display.
Borst Landscape and Design – 260 West Crescent Ave., Allendale, 201.785.9400, borstlandscape.com
Link to article
When it comes to holiday decorating, it never hurts to get a little professional advice. Experts at Borst Landscape and Design, a nationally recognized, award-winning landscaping company, offer NJL readers tips on both indoor and outdoor holiday decorating. From greenery to holiday lighting, these tips will help you make the best of holiday decorations.
Which types of indoor & outdoor greenery are best for decorating homes for the holidays?
For outdoors, we typically use garland, mostly from heavy balsam, cedar or pine. We add greens such as holly, juniper, noble fir, berries, and eucalyptus. When it comes to outdoor arrangements, we enhance the above greenery with grevillea, birch branches, and magnolia.
For indoor use, we use pine, balsam, spruce, magnolia, and noble fir. These cuttings dry out more slowly than other greenery and can last several weeks if you keep them cool.
Which types of outdoor plants are best for surviving the winter months?
Choose evergreens for container plantings such as boxwood, Alberta spruce, Colorado blue spruce, and globosa spruce.
Which kinds of greenery stand up and stay up the easiest?
Balsam, juniper, noble fir, baby eucalyptus, and magnolia are definitely best for this.
What are the major safety tips you have to offer for installing holiday lighting?
Always use proper tools (such as stable ladders) and electrical fixtures made for the outdoors. To enhance safety, secure all extension cords with electrical tape and use timers that are suitable for the outdoors.
What tips do you have on caring for decorations like wreaths, mistletoe and holly?
Outdoor greenery can be sprayed with a fixative, widely available at craft stores, or an anti-dessicant spray. For indoors, a quick shot of hairspray should seal the greens and prevent them from drying out.
What other holiday decorating tips do you have to offer our readers?
At Borst, we add a lot of natural branches that we find in the landscape such as hydrangea and interesting dried material like gypsum and ting ting. We may also spray some material with gold or silver paint for a special holiday sparkle. The natural branches go with any style décor and add a striking accent to your display.
Borst Landscape and Design – 260 West Crescent Ave., Allendale, 201.785.9400, borstlandscape.com
Link to article
News Article: Social Anxiety & the Holidays
Are you one of the many people who finds themselves tongue-tied or nervous at those annual holiday gatherings with relatives or co-workers? If so, Dr. Martin Anthony, a leading expert on social anxiety and shyness, has some helpful tips on how to put your fears to rest and enjoy the holiday season to the fullest:
• Start off by showing that you are approachable and open to conversation by smiling and making eye contact with others.
• Look for ongoing group conversations – try to join one about a topic that interests you or one that you can tell a funny personal anecdote about.
• Ask questions. These kinds of gatherings provide a chance to catch up with co-workers, friends or relatives and to share some of your own experiences with them.
• Be an active listener. Pay attention to what the other person is saying and reflect back that you understand. Then you can relate to them more effectively and keep the conversation rolling.
• Don’t automatically believe your anxious thoughts and predictions as true. Do your best to think realistically and examine what actual evidence you have for basing your negative predictions on. It is likely that most people won’t even notice your anxiety.
• Do not avoid fearful situations. Your anxiety will not improve by doing this. Push yourself; being shy can make it difficult to talk to others at first, but the more you do it, the less difficult it will become.
• Don’t try to fight your anxiety at parties; this can make things worse. Accept your feelings, but move forward.
• At office parties, be sure to shake hands with your boss, senior managers and whoever the party organizer is and also to wish them a happily holiday season. And when you leave, be sure to say goodnight and thank them as well.
• Start off by showing that you are approachable and open to conversation by smiling and making eye contact with others.
• Look for ongoing group conversations – try to join one about a topic that interests you or one that you can tell a funny personal anecdote about.
• Ask questions. These kinds of gatherings provide a chance to catch up with co-workers, friends or relatives and to share some of your own experiences with them.
• Be an active listener. Pay attention to what the other person is saying and reflect back that you understand. Then you can relate to them more effectively and keep the conversation rolling.
• Don’t automatically believe your anxious thoughts and predictions as true. Do your best to think realistically and examine what actual evidence you have for basing your negative predictions on. It is likely that most people won’t even notice your anxiety.
• Do not avoid fearful situations. Your anxiety will not improve by doing this. Push yourself; being shy can make it difficult to talk to others at first, but the more you do it, the less difficult it will become.
• Don’t try to fight your anxiety at parties; this can make things worse. Accept your feelings, but move forward.
• At office parties, be sure to shake hands with your boss, senior managers and whoever the party organizer is and also to wish them a happily holiday season. And when you leave, be sure to say goodnight and thank them as well.
News Article: New Treatments for Severe OCD
New hope has been found for patients who suffer from treatment-resistant OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). The Archives of General Psychiatry reported that stimulating areas deep within the brain using electrodes my significantly help such patients.
“OCD is a psychiatric disorder characterized by persistent thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive ritualistic behaviors (compulsions),” the authors of the article described. OCD is a serious condition that can incapacitate a person from functioning at work, in social settings, or even in their own homes if left untreated.
Typical treatments include behavioral therapy and medication. Yet such treatments are only effective for about half of patients. It is estimated that 10 percent of OCD patients still remain severely incapacitated by the disorder, despite receiving the best treatments currently available.
The study in which the article detailed, included 16 OCD patients whose symptoms had not responded to previous treatments. Electrodes were implanted deep into participants’ brains. The study was a three-phase process, conducted over many months. On average, patients’ OCD symptoms were found to decrease by 46 percent. The authors concluded that this treatment may be highly effective and safe way to treat patients with otherwise unresponsive forms of OCD.
The authors write, “Further research is necessary to optimize this therapy with respect to patient selection and management, target location and investigation of new potential indications.”
“OCD is a psychiatric disorder characterized by persistent thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive ritualistic behaviors (compulsions),” the authors of the article described. OCD is a serious condition that can incapacitate a person from functioning at work, in social settings, or even in their own homes if left untreated.
Typical treatments include behavioral therapy and medication. Yet such treatments are only effective for about half of patients. It is estimated that 10 percent of OCD patients still remain severely incapacitated by the disorder, despite receiving the best treatments currently available.
The study in which the article detailed, included 16 OCD patients whose symptoms had not responded to previous treatments. Electrodes were implanted deep into participants’ brains. The study was a three-phase process, conducted over many months. On average, patients’ OCD symptoms were found to decrease by 46 percent. The authors concluded that this treatment may be highly effective and safe way to treat patients with otherwise unresponsive forms of OCD.
The authors write, “Further research is necessary to optimize this therapy with respect to patient selection and management, target location and investigation of new potential indications.”
News Article: Flu Season Protection for Your Kids (and You too!)
With flu season fast approaching, Cincinnati Children’s doctors and the American Academy of Pediatrics are just in time to provide flu prevention tips for kids. Although getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent catching the flu, these organizations have compiled together some other helpful tips that can prevent the spread of the flu virus and common colds alike:
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue and if you are unable to get a tissue in time, cough into your inner elbow instead. Teach your kids to do the same.
• Make sure you and your kids use tissues for whipping runny noses as well as catching sneezes and throw them out after each single use.
• If you are ill, avoid kissing your child anywhere near his or her face.
• Make sure you and your kids wash your hands before and after coming into contact with anyone who has or might have the flu. Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds.
• Keep hand sanitizer on you in case water and soap are not available.
• Wash all plates and silverware in hot, soapy water or in the dishwasher.
• Wipe all surfaces and toys down with a disinfectant or soap and hot water. Viruses can live for over 30 minutes on places like doorknobs, toilet handles, counter-tops and toys.
• Keep all children away from secondhand tobacco smoke - especially infants. Children exposed to tobacco smoke have a higher risk for developing respiratory illnesses.
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue and if you are unable to get a tissue in time, cough into your inner elbow instead. Teach your kids to do the same.
• Make sure you and your kids use tissues for whipping runny noses as well as catching sneezes and throw them out after each single use.
• If you are ill, avoid kissing your child anywhere near his or her face.
• Make sure you and your kids wash your hands before and after coming into contact with anyone who has or might have the flu. Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds.
• Keep hand sanitizer on you in case water and soap are not available.
• Wash all plates and silverware in hot, soapy water or in the dishwasher.
• Wipe all surfaces and toys down with a disinfectant or soap and hot water. Viruses can live for over 30 minutes on places like doorknobs, toilet handles, counter-tops and toys.
• Keep all children away from secondhand tobacco smoke - especially infants. Children exposed to tobacco smoke have a higher risk for developing respiratory illnesses.
News Article: Schools' Choices of Vending Machines Correlate with Children’s Overall Diet Choices
A comprehensive study found that there is indeed a link between elementary and middle school’s vending machine content and student diet. The study, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, found that schools selling primarily sweets in their vending machines contained students who consumed more sweets overall than students from schools with healthier vending machines.
Conversely, researchers found that schools selling fruits and vegetables in their vending machines contained students who consumed more produce than students from schools whose vending machines did not offer such choices.
The study examined the food sold in vending machines at 152 elementary and middle schools and the dietary behavior of 5,930 students in total. This was the first study to explore this topic using a sample size representative of the nation as a whole.
It was found that the overwhelming majority of schools - 83% - primarily sold vending machine food like sodas, chips and sweets, with little to no nutritional value. It was also found that vending machine content was more likely to influence younger children’s dietary behaviors.
According to the World Health Organization, poor dietary choices are more highly associated with mortality and account for more health care costs than smoking cigarettes and taking illegal drugs combined, Joel Fuhrman, M.D., family physician and nutritional researcher, says. Like many nutritionists, Fuhrman was particularly disturbed by these findings.
“We are supposed to be teaching proper nutrition in the schools and having a vending machine inside of the school doesn’t make sense,” Fuhrman said. “Schools are introducing foods that every nutritional scientist in the world knows are dangerous.”
Conversely, researchers found that schools selling fruits and vegetables in their vending machines contained students who consumed more produce than students from schools whose vending machines did not offer such choices.
The study examined the food sold in vending machines at 152 elementary and middle schools and the dietary behavior of 5,930 students in total. This was the first study to explore this topic using a sample size representative of the nation as a whole.
It was found that the overwhelming majority of schools - 83% - primarily sold vending machine food like sodas, chips and sweets, with little to no nutritional value. It was also found that vending machine content was more likely to influence younger children’s dietary behaviors.
According to the World Health Organization, poor dietary choices are more highly associated with mortality and account for more health care costs than smoking cigarettes and taking illegal drugs combined, Joel Fuhrman, M.D., family physician and nutritional researcher, says. Like many nutritionists, Fuhrman was particularly disturbed by these findings.
“We are supposed to be teaching proper nutrition in the schools and having a vending machine inside of the school doesn’t make sense,” Fuhrman said. “Schools are introducing foods that every nutritional scientist in the world knows are dangerous.”
News Article: Higher Recurrence of Teen Depression in Females
Amongst teens who are treated for depression, the strongest predictor of recurrence is female gender, according to a report that will appear in the March 2011 print issue of Archives of General Psychiatry. Depression was found to recur in nearly half of depressed teens who received treatment, but even more among females.
According to the report, which detailed a study conducted by Duke University Medical Center, depressive disorder affects about 5.9% of teen females and 4.6% of teen males. A total of 196 adolescents participated in the study; 86 males and 110 females. The teens were assigned randomly to one of four possible short-term treatments and were followed up for five years. Almost all of the participants recovered from their initial depression episode within the five-year period (96.4%) and 88.3% recovered within two years.
However, 44.6% of teens who recovered from their initial depression experienced recurrence. Amongst those whose depression returned, a number of common characteristics were noted, but “female sex was the most robust predictor of recurrence,” said researcher, John Curry, PhD.
Depression was also more likely to return in those with anxiety disorders (61.9% recurrence in those with anxiety disorders as opposed to 42.2% recurrence in those without anxiety disorders). Also, those who showed no response within the length of the short-treatment program (12 weeks) were more likely to have recurrent depression than partial or full responders. Lastly, participants who scored higher on scales of suicidal thoughts and behaviors were also more likely to have recurrent depression.
Researchers were alarmed to find that being female was the the strongest factor correlated with depression recurrence. Curry said this fact, “indicated the importance of understanding and reducing the vulnerabilities of female adolescents to recurrent episodes."
According to the report, which detailed a study conducted by Duke University Medical Center, depressive disorder affects about 5.9% of teen females and 4.6% of teen males. A total of 196 adolescents participated in the study; 86 males and 110 females. The teens were assigned randomly to one of four possible short-term treatments and were followed up for five years. Almost all of the participants recovered from their initial depression episode within the five-year period (96.4%) and 88.3% recovered within two years.
However, 44.6% of teens who recovered from their initial depression experienced recurrence. Amongst those whose depression returned, a number of common characteristics were noted, but “female sex was the most robust predictor of recurrence,” said researcher, John Curry, PhD.
Depression was also more likely to return in those with anxiety disorders (61.9% recurrence in those with anxiety disorders as opposed to 42.2% recurrence in those without anxiety disorders). Also, those who showed no response within the length of the short-treatment program (12 weeks) were more likely to have recurrent depression than partial or full responders. Lastly, participants who scored higher on scales of suicidal thoughts and behaviors were also more likely to have recurrent depression.
Researchers were alarmed to find that being female was the the strongest factor correlated with depression recurrence. Curry said this fact, “indicated the importance of understanding and reducing the vulnerabilities of female adolescents to recurrent episodes."
Sunday, November 14, 2010
News Article: Weight Training Promotes Heart Health in Unique Ways
A recent study suggests resistance exercise (or weight training) has specific and unique cardiovascular benefits. Although aerobic exercise is most commonly associated with promoting heart health, not as much was known about the benefits of resistance exercise until now.
Researchers compared blood vessel responses in resistance versus aerobic exercises. Their findings showed that resistance exercises produced significantly different, but also beneficial, cardiovascular effects.
Resistance exercise was found to cause greater increases in blood flow to the limbs than aerobic exercise was. Resistance exercise also led to longer lasting drops in blood pressure after exercise than aerobic was.
Lead researcher, Dr. Collier, said that resistance exercise has shown “many favorable cardiovascular benefits and should therefore be considered as part of a daily exercise training program.”
Because of the unique effects on blood pressure and limb blood flow that weight training produces, Dr. Collier encourages people to use weight training in conjunction with aerobic exercise for optimal cardiovascular results.
"This may be of greatest importance to women, as they can derive important weight-bearing benefits of resistance training to help prevent and/or treat osteoporosis," Dr. Collier adds.
Researchers compared blood vessel responses in resistance versus aerobic exercises. Their findings showed that resistance exercises produced significantly different, but also beneficial, cardiovascular effects.
Resistance exercise was found to cause greater increases in blood flow to the limbs than aerobic exercise was. Resistance exercise also led to longer lasting drops in blood pressure after exercise than aerobic was.
Lead researcher, Dr. Collier, said that resistance exercise has shown “many favorable cardiovascular benefits and should therefore be considered as part of a daily exercise training program.”
Because of the unique effects on blood pressure and limb blood flow that weight training produces, Dr. Collier encourages people to use weight training in conjunction with aerobic exercise for optimal cardiovascular results.
"This may be of greatest importance to women, as they can derive important weight-bearing benefits of resistance training to help prevent and/or treat osteoporosis," Dr. Collier adds.
News Article: “Text4baby” Service Aims to Reach One Million Moms
The brand new, groundbreaking, free mobile information service, “text4baby” has announced its major expansion. This program was created by The National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition (HMHB) and its expansion has been made possible through a multi-million dollar commitment by Johnson & Johnson.
The text4baby program is designed to offer practical information about improving maternal and infant health to women, especially those with limited access to obstetric information and care. The program is about to gain thousands of additional partners in communities at risk and its goal is to serve one million mothers by 2012.
“Through text4baby we hope to better understand how cell phones can be used to improve public health generally,” said Chief Technology Officer for the Department of Health and Human Services, Todd Park. He added that his department will continue conducting “rigorous evaluations of the health impact of text4baby.”
All women need to do to sign up for the service is text BABY (or BEBE for Spanish) to 511411. They will then receive free SMS text messages each week, timed to their baby’s due date. The texts will provide women with valuable information on the best ways to take care of their health and their babies’ health.
“With this significant commitment from Johnson & Johnson, we will be able to see that thousands more women will be able to take advantage of the service and, potentially, get connected to care that will have lifelong consequences,” said CEO of National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition, Judy Meehan.
The U.S. Government is helping to raise awareness for the text4baby service as well. U.S. Defense is also exploring the value of the service for military families. Text4baby is currently the Nation’s largest mobile health initiative.
The text4baby program is designed to offer practical information about improving maternal and infant health to women, especially those with limited access to obstetric information and care. The program is about to gain thousands of additional partners in communities at risk and its goal is to serve one million mothers by 2012.
“Through text4baby we hope to better understand how cell phones can be used to improve public health generally,” said Chief Technology Officer for the Department of Health and Human Services, Todd Park. He added that his department will continue conducting “rigorous evaluations of the health impact of text4baby.”
All women need to do to sign up for the service is text BABY (or BEBE for Spanish) to 511411. They will then receive free SMS text messages each week, timed to their baby’s due date. The texts will provide women with valuable information on the best ways to take care of their health and their babies’ health.
“With this significant commitment from Johnson & Johnson, we will be able to see that thousands more women will be able to take advantage of the service and, potentially, get connected to care that will have lifelong consequences,” said CEO of National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition, Judy Meehan.
The U.S. Government is helping to raise awareness for the text4baby service as well. U.S. Defense is also exploring the value of the service for military families. Text4baby is currently the Nation’s largest mobile health initiative.
News Article: Gym-Free Holiday Exercise Tips
Experts at the University of Texas explain how you can cross off tasks on your holiday to-do list while getting a daily dose of exercise in all at the same time. And with no gym required. Your body needs at least a half hour a day of moderate physical activity and these 30 minutes can easily be incorporated into many holiday activities.
While shopping, instead of spending your time searching for a parking space near the door, park far from the entrance to get some extra walking in. If you take the bus or train, get off a stop or two early. Once inside the store, always choose the stairs over the elevator or escalator and, if possible, carry your purchases instead of using a shopping cart.
“For walking to count as exercise, you should be a little out of breath and feel your heart beating a little faster,” Karen Basen-Engquist, professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences at the University of Texas, says. “You should be able to talk in short sentences, but not sing holiday songs.”
If you’re hosting guests, preparing your house for their arrival can be a great way to get in some aerobic activity. Basen-Engquist says tasks that use large muscle groups such as your legs and back are the best – such as vacuuming, mopping, scrubbing and taking trips up and down the stairs.
Physical activity can easily be added to travel plans too. While waiting for a train or bus or during bathroom and gas breaks while driving, take a brisk walk around. While staying at a relative’s house or in a hotel, explore the area by walking, jogging or hiking around.
“By making physical activity part of your holiday plans, you’ll ensure you have the momentum to keep exercising in the New Year,” Basen-Engquist says.
While shopping, instead of spending your time searching for a parking space near the door, park far from the entrance to get some extra walking in. If you take the bus or train, get off a stop or two early. Once inside the store, always choose the stairs over the elevator or escalator and, if possible, carry your purchases instead of using a shopping cart.
“For walking to count as exercise, you should be a little out of breath and feel your heart beating a little faster,” Karen Basen-Engquist, professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences at the University of Texas, says. “You should be able to talk in short sentences, but not sing holiday songs.”
If you’re hosting guests, preparing your house for their arrival can be a great way to get in some aerobic activity. Basen-Engquist says tasks that use large muscle groups such as your legs and back are the best – such as vacuuming, mopping, scrubbing and taking trips up and down the stairs.
Physical activity can easily be added to travel plans too. While waiting for a train or bus or during bathroom and gas breaks while driving, take a brisk walk around. While staying at a relative’s house or in a hotel, explore the area by walking, jogging or hiking around.
“By making physical activity part of your holiday plans, you’ll ensure you have the momentum to keep exercising in the New Year,” Basen-Engquist says.
News Article:Black Raspberries May Protect Against Colon Cancer and More
In addition to being delicious, black raspberries may be even healthier than we thought. Recent research conducted by the University of Illinois at Chicago strongly suggests that these berries are highly effective in preventing colorectal tumors, which lead to colon cancer.
In the study two types of genetically flawed mice were investigated. One type had a genetic deficiency which caused the development of intestinal tumors. The other type’s deficiency caused the development of colitis (an inflammation of the large intestine that contributes to development of colorectal cancer). Many of the mice were fed a diet that included freeze-dried black raspberry powder for 12 weeks.
The study was based on previous research which found black raspberries to possess strong antioxidant, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers found that those mice whose diets included black raspberries experienced a wide range of protective benefits for their intestines, rectums and colons. Black raspberries were also found to inhibit tumor development.
In one type of mouse, the incidence of tumors was reduced by 45 percent and the number of tumors was reduced by 60 percent due to black raspberry ingestion. Also a protein which led to the formation of tumors was found to be suppressed by black raspberries. In the other type of mouse, both tumor incidence and the number of tumors were reduced by 50 percent and chronic inflammation associated with colitis was also reduced due to black raspberry ingestion.
The lead researcher of the study said he hopes to begin clinical trials with humans because not only were black raspberries found to prevent colon cancer in mice, but inflammation as well. This means that black raspberries could have the potential to protect against heart disease and other diseases too.
In the study two types of genetically flawed mice were investigated. One type had a genetic deficiency which caused the development of intestinal tumors. The other type’s deficiency caused the development of colitis (an inflammation of the large intestine that contributes to development of colorectal cancer). Many of the mice were fed a diet that included freeze-dried black raspberry powder for 12 weeks.
The study was based on previous research which found black raspberries to possess strong antioxidant, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers found that those mice whose diets included black raspberries experienced a wide range of protective benefits for their intestines, rectums and colons. Black raspberries were also found to inhibit tumor development.
In one type of mouse, the incidence of tumors was reduced by 45 percent and the number of tumors was reduced by 60 percent due to black raspberry ingestion. Also a protein which led to the formation of tumors was found to be suppressed by black raspberries. In the other type of mouse, both tumor incidence and the number of tumors were reduced by 50 percent and chronic inflammation associated with colitis was also reduced due to black raspberry ingestion.
The lead researcher of the study said he hopes to begin clinical trials with humans because not only were black raspberries found to prevent colon cancer in mice, but inflammation as well. This means that black raspberries could have the potential to protect against heart disease and other diseases too.
News Article: Keeping it Healthy Over the Holidays
The holiday season is right around the corner - which means so are the parades of delicious, high-calorie temptations that come along with it. We all know that eating healthy during the holidays can be difficult, but it is not impossible.
Registered dietitian, Nicole Patience of Temple University offers some tips on how to keep the extra pounds away during the holidays. First off, she says, just because you know you will be eating less healthy foods later on in the day, don't throw in the towel on making healthy choices earlier in the day. Just because you know what to expect for dinner on Thanksgiving morning, there is still no reason to give up on a healthy breakfast.
“Think of each meal as a separate opportunity to give your body the nutrition it needs,” Patience said.
Secondly, she says, avoid digging right into the vast food selection before surveying it. Think to yourself which foods you will truly enjoy eating the most and limit yourself to those foods. It is not about depriving yourself, Patience said, rather it’s about dedicating your stomach space to foods you find to be truly worth occupying it.
Next, Patience says, avoid drinking your calories. Alcohol is often plentiful at holiday celebrations. Patience advises choosing light beer over regular beer if you only plan on drinking a few. However, she warns, don’t trick yourself into thinking that just because light beer has fewer calories, you can drink more of them.
Lastly, Patience says to be realistic. Keep the time of the year in perspective. It is the season for eating and it’s okay that you will be eating less healthy foods than you might at other times of the year. Just be sure to listen to the cues your body sends to you when you are full.
“That way, instead of worrying so much about calories, you’ll be more focused on spending that time with the people you care about,” Patience said.
Registered dietitian, Nicole Patience of Temple University offers some tips on how to keep the extra pounds away during the holidays. First off, she says, just because you know you will be eating less healthy foods later on in the day, don't throw in the towel on making healthy choices earlier in the day. Just because you know what to expect for dinner on Thanksgiving morning, there is still no reason to give up on a healthy breakfast.
“Think of each meal as a separate opportunity to give your body the nutrition it needs,” Patience said.
Secondly, she says, avoid digging right into the vast food selection before surveying it. Think to yourself which foods you will truly enjoy eating the most and limit yourself to those foods. It is not about depriving yourself, Patience said, rather it’s about dedicating your stomach space to foods you find to be truly worth occupying it.
Next, Patience says, avoid drinking your calories. Alcohol is often plentiful at holiday celebrations. Patience advises choosing light beer over regular beer if you only plan on drinking a few. However, she warns, don’t trick yourself into thinking that just because light beer has fewer calories, you can drink more of them.
Lastly, Patience says to be realistic. Keep the time of the year in perspective. It is the season for eating and it’s okay that you will be eating less healthy foods than you might at other times of the year. Just be sure to listen to the cues your body sends to you when you are full.
“That way, instead of worrying so much about calories, you’ll be more focused on spending that time with the people you care about,” Patience said.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
News Article: Have an Allergy-and-Asthma-Free Thanksgiving
The feasting and traveling involved in Thanksgiving can be fun, but it can also be frightening for those suffering from allergies or asthma. But here is something to be thankful for; the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) has some helpful holiday tips to offer for anyone with asthma or allergies.
If relatives who suffer from allergies or asthma are staying over your house for Thanksgiving, the ACAAI lists a number of precautions that should be taken in order to accommodate their needs. First off, stop all smoking in the house. Secondly, change your furnace filter; a high efficiency MERV 11 rated filter is recommended, if possible.
It is also recommended that pets be kept out of the bedrooms that guests will be sleeping in for at least a few days in advance. Also, wash all linens and pillows in hot water and vacuum well before your guests arrive. However, the ACAAI does not recommend vacuuming during their visit. And, of course, keeping allergens off of the Thanksgiving menu is important; be sure to read food labels before cooking.
If you yourself suffer from allergies or asthma, it is important to alert your host well in advance of your condition and your triggers. Also plan your travels accordingly; be sure to pack any prescriptions or inhalers, keeping them close at hand. Packing an allergen-proof pillow cover is also a good idea if dust-mites are your trigger.
The ACAAI also recommends that those with allergies or asthma get flu shots before exposed to relatives and their germs. Catching the flu can result in severe asthma attacks.
For more information about allergies and asthma or to find an allergist near you visit AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.
If relatives who suffer from allergies or asthma are staying over your house for Thanksgiving, the ACAAI lists a number of precautions that should be taken in order to accommodate their needs. First off, stop all smoking in the house. Secondly, change your furnace filter; a high efficiency MERV 11 rated filter is recommended, if possible.
It is also recommended that pets be kept out of the bedrooms that guests will be sleeping in for at least a few days in advance. Also, wash all linens and pillows in hot water and vacuum well before your guests arrive. However, the ACAAI does not recommend vacuuming during their visit. And, of course, keeping allergens off of the Thanksgiving menu is important; be sure to read food labels before cooking.
If you yourself suffer from allergies or asthma, it is important to alert your host well in advance of your condition and your triggers. Also plan your travels accordingly; be sure to pack any prescriptions or inhalers, keeping them close at hand. Packing an allergen-proof pillow cover is also a good idea if dust-mites are your trigger.
The ACAAI also recommends that those with allergies or asthma get flu shots before exposed to relatives and their germs. Catching the flu can result in severe asthma attacks.
For more information about allergies and asthma or to find an allergist near you visit AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.
News Article: E-Smart Technology Aims to Help Young Adults Cope with Mental Illness
About one in every five young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 has a mental illness, according to postdoctoral scholar and University instructor, Melissa Pinto-Folz. Seventy percent of them do not receive treatment, Pinto-Folz said. And out of those that do receive treatment, many drop out early because of difficulties managing their illness, she added.
Pinto-Folz and other developers at Case Western Reserve University have created a computer program called Electronic Self-Management Resource Training to Reduce Health Disparities (E-SMART-HD or E-Smart), aimed towards bettering patient-healthcare provider communications. The goal of the program is to improve how those with mental illnesses manage their health – with a particular emphasis on young adults.
“Young adults accept technology as part of their lives and are comfortable interacting with it,” Pinto-Folz said. “This project seemed like a natural extension of what they are already doing every day.”
The E-Smart program will allow patients to interact with avatars of virtual health care providers in a virtual environment. The program will guide patients through these interactions and help them when they encounter problems.
The next step in the process will be to test the E-Smart program on participants with depression or anxiety. The participants will then assess the effectiveness of the program and it will be tweaked accordingly.
“Young adults do not have to struggle with mental illness,” Pinto-Folz said. “We want to see young adults get the help they need to feel better."
Pinto-Folz and other developers at Case Western Reserve University have created a computer program called Electronic Self-Management Resource Training to Reduce Health Disparities (E-SMART-HD or E-Smart), aimed towards bettering patient-healthcare provider communications. The goal of the program is to improve how those with mental illnesses manage their health – with a particular emphasis on young adults.
“Young adults accept technology as part of their lives and are comfortable interacting with it,” Pinto-Folz said. “This project seemed like a natural extension of what they are already doing every day.”
The E-Smart program will allow patients to interact with avatars of virtual health care providers in a virtual environment. The program will guide patients through these interactions and help them when they encounter problems.
The next step in the process will be to test the E-Smart program on participants with depression or anxiety. The participants will then assess the effectiveness of the program and it will be tweaked accordingly.
“Young adults do not have to struggle with mental illness,” Pinto-Folz said. “We want to see young adults get the help they need to feel better."
Saturday, October 30, 2010
News Article: Psychological Wellbeing Counteracts Poor Education–Poor Health Prediction
Lack of education has proven to be a powerful predictor of poor health and early death. However, a recent study conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison has shown that psychological wellbeing is powerful enough to outweigh this prediction.
This means that those with limited education (a high school diploma or less) who feel good about themselves and their lives are likely to be just as healthy or more healthy than their better-educated peers.
Positive psychological characteristics such as having a sense of purpose and meaningful relationships are strongly correlated with lower levels of a dangerous, inflammatory protein. This protein is related to many potentially deadly health issues such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and some cancers. Psychological wellbeing moderates levels of this protein in the body.
Researchers found that less-educated participants who scored high on general happiness or self-acceptance measures or considered the circumstances in their lives to be manageable, showed levels of the protein which were comparable to similarly content, but highly-educated participants.
Attentive parents, strong role models, and feeling involved and important to one’s community are strong contributors to positive psychological characteristics.
Co-author of the study, Carol Ryff, says these results are significant because they offer “a new angle on eliminating the wide gap in overall health between the well-to-do and the socioeconomically disadvantaged.”
This means that those with limited education (a high school diploma or less) who feel good about themselves and their lives are likely to be just as healthy or more healthy than their better-educated peers.
Positive psychological characteristics such as having a sense of purpose and meaningful relationships are strongly correlated with lower levels of a dangerous, inflammatory protein. This protein is related to many potentially deadly health issues such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and some cancers. Psychological wellbeing moderates levels of this protein in the body.
Researchers found that less-educated participants who scored high on general happiness or self-acceptance measures or considered the circumstances in their lives to be manageable, showed levels of the protein which were comparable to similarly content, but highly-educated participants.
Attentive parents, strong role models, and feeling involved and important to one’s community are strong contributors to positive psychological characteristics.
Co-author of the study, Carol Ryff, says these results are significant because they offer “a new angle on eliminating the wide gap in overall health between the well-to-do and the socioeconomically disadvantaged.”
News Article: Childhood Asthma More Common in American-Born Children
Recent research published in the Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health provides new insight on the relation between childhood asthma and country of birth. The research analyzed data from five different studies on the topic.
Among children born in the United States, it was found that low socioeconomic status and exposure to pests such as mice and cockroaches were both associated with having asthma. However, neither of these associations applied to children born outside of the U.S.
In fact, U.S.-born children exposed to pests were 60 percent more likely to have asthma than U.S.-born children not exposed to pests. While foreign-born children’s pest exposure had no significant effect on their asthma risk. U.S.-born children who were of low socioeconomic status were twice as likely to have asthma than those who were not. While, again, foreign-born children’s socioeconomic status had no significant effect on their asthma risk.
There are speculations as to why this is so. One idea is that children who are born in less-developed countries are more resistant to asthma than U.S.-born children because they are more likely to have had early exposure to certain viruses and bacterium, increasing their immunity.
Another is that those born in countries with greater sunlight exposure than the U.S. will have increased levels of Vitamin D, which protects against asthma. Another speculation is that families who immigrate simply tend to be healthier people overall.
“Our current findings may help bring a new perspective to asthma research as they highlight the importance of studying foreign-born children,” said Douge Brugge, senior author of the research.
Among children born in the United States, it was found that low socioeconomic status and exposure to pests such as mice and cockroaches were both associated with having asthma. However, neither of these associations applied to children born outside of the U.S.
In fact, U.S.-born children exposed to pests were 60 percent more likely to have asthma than U.S.-born children not exposed to pests. While foreign-born children’s pest exposure had no significant effect on their asthma risk. U.S.-born children who were of low socioeconomic status were twice as likely to have asthma than those who were not. While, again, foreign-born children’s socioeconomic status had no significant effect on their asthma risk.
There are speculations as to why this is so. One idea is that children who are born in less-developed countries are more resistant to asthma than U.S.-born children because they are more likely to have had early exposure to certain viruses and bacterium, increasing their immunity.
Another is that those born in countries with greater sunlight exposure than the U.S. will have increased levels of Vitamin D, which protects against asthma. Another speculation is that families who immigrate simply tend to be healthier people overall.
“Our current findings may help bring a new perspective to asthma research as they highlight the importance of studying foreign-born children,” said Douge Brugge, senior author of the research.
News Article: Breast Feeding Benefits Even the Sickest Babies
It is commonly known that the benefits of breastfeeding are numerous. Pediatric researchers at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia stress this importance by emphasizing how even the sickest of newborns are not beyond the benefits of breast milk.
When a child is born with serious medical problems, breastfeeding is likely to be one of the last things on a worried mother’s mind. But during a recent nurse–lead education program for mothers of very sick newborns at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the nurses stressed how the nutritional importance of breast milk cannot be overlooked, especially when it comes to sick babies.
“Breast milk protects an infant in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) from necrotizing enterocolitis – a devastating disease of the bowel – and from a host of infectious diseases,” said nurse researcher, Diane L. Spatz, PhD.
Although some mothers of sick newborns may have to wait days or even weeks to hold their babies, the nurses leading the program taught them how to pump breast milk shortly after their delivery.
The program was aimed primarily towards getting sick infants to be able to breast-feed by the time they were discharged from the NICU. Fifty-eight of the 80 infants involved in the program were able to successfully breast-feed before being discharged from the hopsital.
When a child is born with serious medical problems, breastfeeding is likely to be one of the last things on a worried mother’s mind. But during a recent nurse–lead education program for mothers of very sick newborns at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the nurses stressed how the nutritional importance of breast milk cannot be overlooked, especially when it comes to sick babies.
“Breast milk protects an infant in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) from necrotizing enterocolitis – a devastating disease of the bowel – and from a host of infectious diseases,” said nurse researcher, Diane L. Spatz, PhD.
Although some mothers of sick newborns may have to wait days or even weeks to hold their babies, the nurses leading the program taught them how to pump breast milk shortly after their delivery.
The program was aimed primarily towards getting sick infants to be able to breast-feed by the time they were discharged from the NICU. Fifty-eight of the 80 infants involved in the program were able to successfully breast-feed before being discharged from the hopsital.
News Article: The Best Way to Reduce Cavity Risk During Halloween May Surprise You
Many parents think that rationing out their child’s Halloween candy collection to one piece every few hours is the best way to decrease their child’s chances of developing cavities. It makes sense, right? Pediatric dentist, Mark Helpin, disagrees.
Helpin says it is actually better for kids’ oral health that they eat larger quantities of candy at once rather than small quantities over an extended period of time. This is because the frequency of candy ingestion, not the amount, is what increases cavity risk.
The major cavity risk factor in candy is that, because they are refined carbohydrates, they make the mouth more acidic. And increased acidity in the mouth increases the risk of cavities. The same is true of chips and pretzels. Each time candy is eaten, the mouth’s pH level can take up to an hour to return back to normal. Yet regardless of how much candy is eaten at once, the acidity level will take the same amount of time to lower itself.
When a child eats candy throughout the day is when the problems arise. This is because the mouth’s acidity level does no get a chance to return back to normal, Helpin explains.
“The longer teeth are in an acidic environment, the greater the risk they will become decayed,” Helpin said.
For this reason, Helpin suggests parents dispense Halloween candy as a dessert or a snack. He also recommends teeth brushing after eating candy if possible. If not, kids should rinse their mouths out with water three or four times after enjoying candy, which helps reduce the acidity in their mouths.
“It’s not realistic to think you can tell your child you can’t have candy, cookies, cakes, or other treats,” Helpin said. “Those are the things most people enjoy and we want our kids to enjoy life.”
Helpin says it is actually better for kids’ oral health that they eat larger quantities of candy at once rather than small quantities over an extended period of time. This is because the frequency of candy ingestion, not the amount, is what increases cavity risk.
The major cavity risk factor in candy is that, because they are refined carbohydrates, they make the mouth more acidic. And increased acidity in the mouth increases the risk of cavities. The same is true of chips and pretzels. Each time candy is eaten, the mouth’s pH level can take up to an hour to return back to normal. Yet regardless of how much candy is eaten at once, the acidity level will take the same amount of time to lower itself.
When a child eats candy throughout the day is when the problems arise. This is because the mouth’s acidity level does no get a chance to return back to normal, Helpin explains.
“The longer teeth are in an acidic environment, the greater the risk they will become decayed,” Helpin said.
For this reason, Helpin suggests parents dispense Halloween candy as a dessert or a snack. He also recommends teeth brushing after eating candy if possible. If not, kids should rinse their mouths out with water three or four times after enjoying candy, which helps reduce the acidity in their mouths.
“It’s not realistic to think you can tell your child you can’t have candy, cookies, cakes, or other treats,” Helpin said. “Those are the things most people enjoy and we want our kids to enjoy life.”
Thursday, October 21, 2010
News Article: How to Take the Best Care of Aging Pets
Humans are not the only ones who need a little extra care as they get older – so do their furry friends. Kansas State University veterinarian, Susan Nelson, outlines some tips on how pet owners can ease the aging process for their dogs or cats.
“Aging pets are a lot like aging people with respect to diseases and senility issues,” Nelson said. Diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cancer, osteoarthritis, and heart disease are a few of the many conditions that can afflict aging pets, she added.
Depending on weight, dogs can be considered seniors as early as 4 years old (the heavier the dog, the earlier the dog is considered a senior). The smallest dogs (20 pounds or less) are considered seniors at 8 years old. Cats are considered seniors anywhere from 8 to 11 years old.
To increase longevity, prevent disease and ease the aging process, Nelson suggests owners:
. Help their pets exercise and maintain healthy weights.
. Stay current on vaccines and heartworm prevention measures.
. Adjust to their pet’s behavioral changes as they age. Some pets may develop senility, phobias and separation anxiety as they get older. Pet owners should try to avoid placing their pets in anxiety-producing situations whenever possible. Also, talk to your veterinarian about behavior modification and the possibility of behavior modifying medicines if needed.
. Avoid having pets run and jump. These activities are stressful on aging pets’ joints. Walking and swimming are better alternatives. Supplements and methods for helping osteoarthritis are also available.
. Don’t forget about the helpful, little things; provide a warm, quiet, soft place for pets to sleep, move litter boxes for easier access, turn on yard lights at night for pets with vision problems, etc.
. Visit or contact your veterinarian when you have any questions or concerns about your aging pet.
And, of course, Nelson adds, give your senior pet plenty of tender, loving care.
“Aging pets are a lot like aging people with respect to diseases and senility issues,” Nelson said. Diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cancer, osteoarthritis, and heart disease are a few of the many conditions that can afflict aging pets, she added.
Depending on weight, dogs can be considered seniors as early as 4 years old (the heavier the dog, the earlier the dog is considered a senior). The smallest dogs (20 pounds or less) are considered seniors at 8 years old. Cats are considered seniors anywhere from 8 to 11 years old.
To increase longevity, prevent disease and ease the aging process, Nelson suggests owners:
. Help their pets exercise and maintain healthy weights.
. Stay current on vaccines and heartworm prevention measures.
. Adjust to their pet’s behavioral changes as they age. Some pets may develop senility, phobias and separation anxiety as they get older. Pet owners should try to avoid placing their pets in anxiety-producing situations whenever possible. Also, talk to your veterinarian about behavior modification and the possibility of behavior modifying medicines if needed.
. Avoid having pets run and jump. These activities are stressful on aging pets’ joints. Walking and swimming are better alternatives. Supplements and methods for helping osteoarthritis are also available.
. Don’t forget about the helpful, little things; provide a warm, quiet, soft place for pets to sleep, move litter boxes for easier access, turn on yard lights at night for pets with vision problems, etc.
. Visit or contact your veterinarian when you have any questions or concerns about your aging pet.
And, of course, Nelson adds, give your senior pet plenty of tender, loving care.
News Article: Worldwide Research Provides New Insight into Obesity and Genetics
The combined international efforts of 280 institutions, using data from a quarter of a million people around the world, have shed new light on the biology of obesity. A new set of genes associated with body fat distribution and obesity has been uncovered through these studies. Which means new possibilities for treating obesity.
“These studies open the door to better understanding the mechanisms that lead to the most harmful forms of obesity, which can result in heart attack, stroke and diabetes,” said Dr. Robert Kaplan, a co-author of the studies.
Many important findings, correlating genetics with obesity, were made. In one study, a link between DNA sequence variations in 13 genetic regions and fat distribution was found. A person's fat distribution plays a significant role in their overall health; those who store fat in their midsections are at a greater risk for developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes than those who store fat below the waist. This study included 200,000 people.
In another study, 18 new genetic variations were discovered to be associated with obesity. This study included data from a total of 250,000 people. Eighteen new genetic regions associated with BMI were also found.
“Clearly, genetics is not the whole story when it comes to obesity, but genetics are important because they may help us in terms of finding new obesity treatments, which so far have proven disappointing,” Dr. Kaplan said.
“These studies open the door to better understanding the mechanisms that lead to the most harmful forms of obesity, which can result in heart attack, stroke and diabetes,” said Dr. Robert Kaplan, a co-author of the studies.
Many important findings, correlating genetics with obesity, were made. In one study, a link between DNA sequence variations in 13 genetic regions and fat distribution was found. A person's fat distribution plays a significant role in their overall health; those who store fat in their midsections are at a greater risk for developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes than those who store fat below the waist. This study included 200,000 people.
In another study, 18 new genetic variations were discovered to be associated with obesity. This study included data from a total of 250,000 people. Eighteen new genetic regions associated with BMI were also found.
“Clearly, genetics is not the whole story when it comes to obesity, but genetics are important because they may help us in terms of finding new obesity treatments, which so far have proven disappointing,” Dr. Kaplan said.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
News Article: Watermelon Found to Lower Blood Pressure
Add something new to the long list of reasons to love watermelon. In addition to being a sweet, low calorie, high fiber, nutrient dense fruit, a recent study strongly suggests that watermelon also lowers blood pressure.
The study, conducted by food scientists at The Florida State University, concluded that watermelon can effectively ward off prehypertension, which is the precursor to cardiovascular disease. Why watermelon? This heart-healthy fruit is a rich source of L-citrulline – an amino acid that works to regulate blood pressure. In the study, six grams of L-citrulline was administered to nine prehypersensitive participants each over the course of six weeks. All nine participants experienced lowered blood pressure and improved artery function as well.
Watermelon may very well be able to, “prevent prehypertension from progressing to full-blown hypertension, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes,” said researcher, Bahram Arjmandi.
In addition to these vascular benefits of watermelon, this fruit is also a powerful antioxidant, high in potassium, Vitamin A, B6 and, of course, Vitamin C. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and this simple, delicious fruit appears to be an effective natural weapon against it.
The study, conducted by food scientists at The Florida State University, concluded that watermelon can effectively ward off prehypertension, which is the precursor to cardiovascular disease. Why watermelon? This heart-healthy fruit is a rich source of L-citrulline – an amino acid that works to regulate blood pressure. In the study, six grams of L-citrulline was administered to nine prehypersensitive participants each over the course of six weeks. All nine participants experienced lowered blood pressure and improved artery function as well.
Watermelon may very well be able to, “prevent prehypertension from progressing to full-blown hypertension, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes,” said researcher, Bahram Arjmandi.
In addition to these vascular benefits of watermelon, this fruit is also a powerful antioxidant, high in potassium, Vitamin A, B6 and, of course, Vitamin C. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and this simple, delicious fruit appears to be an effective natural weapon against it.
News Article: Planning on Pregnancy? Be Sure to Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables
New research has provided especially relevant advice for women who are planning on becoming pregnant in the near future - eat your fruits and vegetables. The research, published in “BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology,” not only reinforces the importance of eating a healthy, balanced diet before and during pregnancy, but reveals that women who consume fresh fruits and vegetables for three months prior to conception are less likely to give birth to undernourished babies.
Women who ate at least three servings of green, leafy vegetables per day three months before their pregnancy were found to be 50% less likely to give birth to undernourished and low birth weight babies. Women who ate less than one serving of fruit per week three months before their pregnancy were found to be 50% more likely to give birth to undernourished and low birth weight babies.
Infants with undernourishment issues are, “more likely to be stillborn, to have complications in the newborn period and in later life,” said leader of the study, Professor Lesley McCowan.
Researchers believe that the nutrients fruits and vegetables offer may serve as protection for the mother and her developing fetus, though they acknowledge that women who consume high amounts of these foods are likely to lead healthier lifestyles overall. But this research still sheds light on the importance of including fresh fruits and vegetables, specifically, in your diet if you are planning on becoming pregnant.
Women who ate at least three servings of green, leafy vegetables per day three months before their pregnancy were found to be 50% less likely to give birth to undernourished and low birth weight babies. Women who ate less than one serving of fruit per week three months before their pregnancy were found to be 50% more likely to give birth to undernourished and low birth weight babies.
Infants with undernourishment issues are, “more likely to be stillborn, to have complications in the newborn period and in later life,” said leader of the study, Professor Lesley McCowan.
Researchers believe that the nutrients fruits and vegetables offer may serve as protection for the mother and her developing fetus, though they acknowledge that women who consume high amounts of these foods are likely to lead healthier lifestyles overall. But this research still sheds light on the importance of including fresh fruits and vegetables, specifically, in your diet if you are planning on becoming pregnant.
News Article: Combination Therapy is Best for Fighting Frequent Migraines
Anyone who has suffered from recurring migraines knows that although relief is desperately needed, it can be hard to find. But there is good news for frequent migraine sufferers; Ohio University researchers have found the method that seems to offer the most significant amount of relief from persistent migraines - a combination therapy of preventive medicine and behavioral changes.
The study included 232 participants and collected daily data for 16 months. Participants had to experience at least three debilitating migraines per 30 days to qualify for the study. One group received combination therapy, another received only the medication, and another received only behavioral therapy. The combination therapy group showed, by far, the most improvement; 77 percent experienced significant migraine relief.
The behavioral aspect of the combination therapy included learning how to identify migraine triggers and early signs of an impending attack along with learning relaxation techniques, muscle stretching exercises to prevent or stop migraines, and stress management skills. Participants also wrote migraine management plans.
“Frequent disabling migraines may be bad for the brain. Effectively controlling this disorder may have long-term benefits in addition to the immediate benefits of reducing pain and improving quality of life,” said lead researcher and author, Kenneth Holroyd. And the consistent use of preventive medicine and behavioral therapy combined proved to be the best way to do so, Holroyd said.
The study included 232 participants and collected daily data for 16 months. Participants had to experience at least three debilitating migraines per 30 days to qualify for the study. One group received combination therapy, another received only the medication, and another received only behavioral therapy. The combination therapy group showed, by far, the most improvement; 77 percent experienced significant migraine relief.
The behavioral aspect of the combination therapy included learning how to identify migraine triggers and early signs of an impending attack along with learning relaxation techniques, muscle stretching exercises to prevent or stop migraines, and stress management skills. Participants also wrote migraine management plans.
“Frequent disabling migraines may be bad for the brain. Effectively controlling this disorder may have long-term benefits in addition to the immediate benefits of reducing pain and improving quality of life,” said lead researcher and author, Kenneth Holroyd. And the consistent use of preventive medicine and behavioral therapy combined proved to be the best way to do so, Holroyd said.
Friday, October 8, 2010
News Article: Study Shows How Varying Conflict Styles Affect Marriage and Divorce
When it comes to fighting in marriage, yelling, screaming and name-calling aren't the only fight-factors that lead to higher chances of divorce. A study conducted by the University of Michigan has discovered a new, less obvious, conflict pattern that tends to lead down the divorce road as well.
The study found that in relationships where one partner dealt with conflict in a constructive manner by carefully listening and calmly discussing, while the other partner dealt with conflict by withdrawing, divorce rates were higher. Couples who both had constructive styles of conflict management had lower divorce rates.
This particular constructive-withdrawn pattern proved to be a destructive one because it often led to the constructive partner feeling as though their withdrawn partner lacked investment in the relationship said researcher, Kira Birditt.
The data was collected in a study that followed 373 couples for 16 years, beginning in their first year of marriage. The couples were interviewed four times throughout the study. Overall, husbands reported behaving more constructively than wives. However, husbands who withdrew were less likely to change over time than wives who withdrew; wives were more likely to change from withdrawn to constructive behaviors over time than husbands were.
“We hope this study will lead to additional research on the complex dynamics of conflict between husbands and wives,” Birditt said.
The study found that in relationships where one partner dealt with conflict in a constructive manner by carefully listening and calmly discussing, while the other partner dealt with conflict by withdrawing, divorce rates were higher. Couples who both had constructive styles of conflict management had lower divorce rates.
This particular constructive-withdrawn pattern proved to be a destructive one because it often led to the constructive partner feeling as though their withdrawn partner lacked investment in the relationship said researcher, Kira Birditt.
The data was collected in a study that followed 373 couples for 16 years, beginning in their first year of marriage. The couples were interviewed four times throughout the study. Overall, husbands reported behaving more constructively than wives. However, husbands who withdrew were less likely to change over time than wives who withdrew; wives were more likely to change from withdrawn to constructive behaviors over time than husbands were.
“We hope this study will lead to additional research on the complex dynamics of conflict between husbands and wives,” Birditt said.
News Article: Stress Hormones Block Testosterone Production in Men
Men’s stress and aggression hormones work in a joint partnership, according to a recent study. And this partnership has its benefits and disadvantages.
High levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, have been found to block the aggressive, competitive, dominant hormone, testosterone. This is because the body releases cortisol in response to a perceived threat and testosterone only gets in the way of responding to that threat. So the stress hormone must block the aggression hormone in order to adequately respond to the perceived danger.
"It makes good adaptive sense…because engaging in behaviors that are encouraged by testosterone, such as mating, competition and aggression, during an imminent survival situation, could be fatal," lead researcher, Robert Josephs said.
The downside to this cortisol-testosterone relationship is that elevated stress levels in men have now been scientifically proven to adversely affect their sexual health; an area in which testosterone is primarily associated.
“The researchers suggest these findings reveal new insights into the physiological effects of stress and how they may play a role in fertility problems,” said Josephs.
High levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, have been found to block the aggressive, competitive, dominant hormone, testosterone. This is because the body releases cortisol in response to a perceived threat and testosterone only gets in the way of responding to that threat. So the stress hormone must block the aggression hormone in order to adequately respond to the perceived danger.
"It makes good adaptive sense…because engaging in behaviors that are encouraged by testosterone, such as mating, competition and aggression, during an imminent survival situation, could be fatal," lead researcher, Robert Josephs said.
The downside to this cortisol-testosterone relationship is that elevated stress levels in men have now been scientifically proven to adversely affect their sexual health; an area in which testosterone is primarily associated.
“The researchers suggest these findings reveal new insights into the physiological effects of stress and how they may play a role in fertility problems,” said Josephs.
News Article: Tips for Breast Cancer Prevention
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here are some helpful tips from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance on how you can reduce your risk:
1. Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity raises the risk of breast cancer.
2. Eat healthy. Keep the veggie and fruit intake high and the sugar, refined carbs, and fatty foods intake low. Choose vegetable oils over animal fats and whole grains over processed white flour.
3. Keep physically active. Research indicates that increased physical activity reduces overall breast cancer risk by about 10 to 30 percent.
4. Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
5. Avoid hormone replacement therapy. Menopausal hormone replacement therapy increases breast cancer risk and should be avoided at all costs. If hormone replacement is necessary, however, avoid those that contain progesterone and limit your use to less than three years.
6. Talk to your doctor about taking an estrogen-blocking drug if you have a family history of breast cancer.
7. Do not smoke. Long-term smoking has been found to correlate with increased risk of breast cancer.
8. Breast-feed your babies for at least one year. Women who do so are found to be less likely to develop breast cancer later on in life.
1. Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity raises the risk of breast cancer.
2. Eat healthy. Keep the veggie and fruit intake high and the sugar, refined carbs, and fatty foods intake low. Choose vegetable oils over animal fats and whole grains over processed white flour.
3. Keep physically active. Research indicates that increased physical activity reduces overall breast cancer risk by about 10 to 30 percent.
4. Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
5. Avoid hormone replacement therapy. Menopausal hormone replacement therapy increases breast cancer risk and should be avoided at all costs. If hormone replacement is necessary, however, avoid those that contain progesterone and limit your use to less than three years.
6. Talk to your doctor about taking an estrogen-blocking drug if you have a family history of breast cancer.
7. Do not smoke. Long-term smoking has been found to correlate with increased risk of breast cancer.
8. Breast-feed your babies for at least one year. Women who do so are found to be less likely to develop breast cancer later on in life.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
News Article: Men Focus on Good Bodies for the Short-Term, Pretty Faces for the Long-Term
New research from psychologists at The University of Texas at Austin found that men seeking short-term companionship were more interested in the attractiveness of a woman’s body, whereas men seeking long-term companionship were more interested in the attractiveness of a woman’s face.
In the study, 375 college students were shown an image of a person described as either a potential long-term or short-term mate, whose face and body were hidden. The participants were allowed to view either the body or face, but not both.
Seventy-five percent of men told to consider the woman a long-term mate chose to view her face. And 51 percent of men told to consider the woman a short-term companion chose to view her body.
This is likely due to the fact that a woman’s body sends off cues about her current state of fertility, whereas a woman’s face provides information about her long-term reproductive value, as previous research has found.
Women who participated in the study showed no significant difference in their interest in men’s faces or bodies when it came to selecting short-term versus long-term mates however.
“Mating is central to the engine of natural selection. This research helps clarify people’s preference,” said psychology graduate student, Jaime Confer, who co-authored the results of this research.
In the study, 375 college students were shown an image of a person described as either a potential long-term or short-term mate, whose face and body were hidden. The participants were allowed to view either the body or face, but not both.
Seventy-five percent of men told to consider the woman a long-term mate chose to view her face. And 51 percent of men told to consider the woman a short-term companion chose to view her body.
This is likely due to the fact that a woman’s body sends off cues about her current state of fertility, whereas a woman’s face provides information about her long-term reproductive value, as previous research has found.
Women who participated in the study showed no significant difference in their interest in men’s faces or bodies when it came to selecting short-term versus long-term mates however.
“Mating is central to the engine of natural selection. This research helps clarify people’s preference,” said psychology graduate student, Jaime Confer, who co-authored the results of this research.
News Article: Families with Dogs Have More Active Kids
A study of children from 78 primary schools in England showed that children in homes with dogs tended to be more physically active than those without dogs.
Granted, one of the researchers, Christopher Owen, admits, “It’s a bit of a chicken and egg question.” This is because the researchers are unsure whether or not this is a result of more active families simply being more likely to own dogs rather than dogs causing families and children to become more active.
The results of the study, however, are certainly worth paying attention to. Children who lived in households with dogs consistently showed higher levels of physical activity than those who did not own dogs.
“Long-term studies are needed to answer it, but it may be a bit of both (dogs causing children to become more active and families who tend to be more active being more likely to own dogs),” Owen said.
Granted, one of the researchers, Christopher Owen, admits, “It’s a bit of a chicken and egg question.” This is because the researchers are unsure whether or not this is a result of more active families simply being more likely to own dogs rather than dogs causing families and children to become more active.
The results of the study, however, are certainly worth paying attention to. Children who lived in households with dogs consistently showed higher levels of physical activity than those who did not own dogs.
“Long-term studies are needed to answer it, but it may be a bit of both (dogs causing children to become more active and families who tend to be more active being more likely to own dogs),” Owen said.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
News Article: Popularity and the Flu
A unique and novel study has linked how well-known and socially active a person is to how likely they are to catch the flu before their friends; more popular people are more likely to catch the flu first.
Nicholas Christakis, a Harvard University professor of medicine, medical sociology and sociology and James Fowler, a University of California, San Diego, professor of medical genetics and political science, used what is known as the “friendship paradox” to predict and track the spread of the flu in 2009.
“If you want a crystal ball for finding out which parts of the country are going to get the flu first, then this may be the most effective method we have now,” Fowler said.
The “friendship paradox,” introduced in 1991, states essentially that if any given person were asked to name one friend, the friend they name would rank higher in the social web than they. In other words, those who are well connected would be more likely to be named.
Christakis and Fowler put this paradox into motion by conducting research that involved 319 Harvard undergraduates who were asked to name their friends. Christakis and Fowler carefully monitored the two groups – both the “namers” and the “named,” throughout the flu season.
They found that, on average, the “named” group caught the flu about two weeks before the “namers” did. They also found that, overall, the “named” group caught the flu 46 days before the epidemic’s peak.
“We show a way you can get ahead of an epidemic of flu, or potentially anything else that spreads in networks,” Fowler said.
Nicholas Christakis, a Harvard University professor of medicine, medical sociology and sociology and James Fowler, a University of California, San Diego, professor of medical genetics and political science, used what is known as the “friendship paradox” to predict and track the spread of the flu in 2009.
“If you want a crystal ball for finding out which parts of the country are going to get the flu first, then this may be the most effective method we have now,” Fowler said.
The “friendship paradox,” introduced in 1991, states essentially that if any given person were asked to name one friend, the friend they name would rank higher in the social web than they. In other words, those who are well connected would be more likely to be named.
Christakis and Fowler put this paradox into motion by conducting research that involved 319 Harvard undergraduates who were asked to name their friends. Christakis and Fowler carefully monitored the two groups – both the “namers” and the “named,” throughout the flu season.
They found that, on average, the “named” group caught the flu about two weeks before the “namers” did. They also found that, overall, the “named” group caught the flu 46 days before the epidemic’s peak.
“We show a way you can get ahead of an epidemic of flu, or potentially anything else that spreads in networks,” Fowler said.
News Article: Ginger and Muscle Pain Relief
Cooking is far from the only thing ginger is good for, according to recent research documented in The Journal of Pain published by the American Pain Society. Research confirms that daily dosages of raw or heat-treated ginger can offer effective relief for muscle pain after strenuous exercise.
For centuries, ginger was a favorite amongst Chinese practitioners of medicine for remedying pain. And now recent studies have shown that ginger does indeed have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
In one study, daily ginger doses were shown to reduce knee pain from osteoarthritis. In another, conducted by researchers from the University of Georgia College and State University, volunteers were exposed to strenuous muscle exercises for 11 consecutive days while taking ginger supplements. In this study both heat-treated and raw ginger were shown to reduce pain intensity after such exercise by about 25 percent.
For centuries, ginger was a favorite amongst Chinese practitioners of medicine for remedying pain. And now recent studies have shown that ginger does indeed have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
In one study, daily ginger doses were shown to reduce knee pain from osteoarthritis. In another, conducted by researchers from the University of Georgia College and State University, volunteers were exposed to strenuous muscle exercises for 11 consecutive days while taking ginger supplements. In this study both heat-treated and raw ginger were shown to reduce pain intensity after such exercise by about 25 percent.
(News Article) Study Suggests a Correlation Between Early Alcohol/Tobacco Use and Delayed Puberty in Girls
A new study may have shed further light on the dangers of early alcohol and tobacco use. The study, led by Jennifer Peck, Ph.D. at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, suggests that early smoking and drinking in girls may delay puberty.
Data from interviews with 3,106 females from ages 11 to 21, about drug and tobacco use and sexual development, was compiled and examined. The girls and women were asked when they first started using alcohol or tobacco and when they first started noticing signs of puberty.
“What catches the eye in the study…was that girls who reported pre-pubertal alcohol use had four times the odds of late breast development compared to girls who did not use alcohol,” Peck said.
Although less than three percent of females reported substance use at early ages, those who did were more likely to experience puberty later than those who did not.
Late puberty in girls has been shown to have various negative health impacts. Girls who experience puberty past age 13 may not grow as tall as nor develop bones as strong as girls who experience earlier puberty. Late puberty in girls is also linked to increased risk of infertility, miscarriage and physiological stress.
Phyllis Ellickson, Ph.D and expert on substance abuse says the study still leaves many questions unanswered and that there is no reason to believe that early alcohol and tobacco use is a direct cause of late puberty in girls. However, Ellickson concedes, “The bottom line is that the study raises an important issue that merits rigorous examination.”
Data from interviews with 3,106 females from ages 11 to 21, about drug and tobacco use and sexual development, was compiled and examined. The girls and women were asked when they first started using alcohol or tobacco and when they first started noticing signs of puberty.
“What catches the eye in the study…was that girls who reported pre-pubertal alcohol use had four times the odds of late breast development compared to girls who did not use alcohol,” Peck said.
Although less than three percent of females reported substance use at early ages, those who did were more likely to experience puberty later than those who did not.
Late puberty in girls has been shown to have various negative health impacts. Girls who experience puberty past age 13 may not grow as tall as nor develop bones as strong as girls who experience earlier puberty. Late puberty in girls is also linked to increased risk of infertility, miscarriage and physiological stress.
Phyllis Ellickson, Ph.D and expert on substance abuse says the study still leaves many questions unanswered and that there is no reason to believe that early alcohol and tobacco use is a direct cause of late puberty in girls. However, Ellickson concedes, “The bottom line is that the study raises an important issue that merits rigorous examination.”
Events I Posted to the Website
One of my major responsibilities as Web Intern for New Jersey Life Magazine is to update the "events" section of the New Jersey Life website. I do this by reading each press release we receive and condensingg it into a brief description. These are just a few samples of the many events I have posted:
The Josh Zuckerman Band - Rock the House for the Arts, 9/24
An electric night of live music and dancing by The Josh Zuckerman Band, hosted by the Middletown Township Cultural & Arts Council (MTCAC), guarantees a great time as their soulful mix of eclectic sounds and witty lyrics appeal to all music lovers. With a diverse musical background that incorporates the band’s love for Country, Rock, and Pop, their live performances cross many musical genres. Lead Singer, Josh Zuckerman has been nominated for OMA music awards for Outstanding Songwriter of the Year and Outstanding Debut Male. Funds raised by the special performance will support the MTCAC’s Seventh Annual Achievement in the Arts Scholarship Program, celebrating the artistic talents of outstanding Middletown High School seniors. In addition to high school scholarships, the MTCAC offers opportunities for financially disadvantaged families to attend its popular Summer Arts Camps. Admission is $10 per adult and $7 for Middletown Arts Center members. The performance begins at 8 p.m. Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown, call 732.706.4100 to pre-register by credit card; space is limited, middletownarts.org.
Back-to-School, Back-to-Style - Salon Rouge’s Back-to-School Trunk Show, 9/30
For those students looking to turn heads as they walk into the classroom, S alon Rouge is teaming up with Rack & Roll Clothing Company, Monalda4 and Pretty Sweet Bakery, to host its Back-to-Style Trunk Show. Rack & Roll Clothing Company will be offering trendy jeans, knit tops, dresses and t-shirts for fall. Monalda4 will be there to fulfill all hair accessory needs and will be offering a back-to-school hair accessory sale. Pretty Sweet Bakery will also be there with after-school snacks to satisfy each guest’s sweet tooth. The salon will also offer complimentary hair conditioning treatments and $10 manicures. The Trunk Show will last from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 2110 Marlton Pike E # 6, Cherry Hill, 856.424.3611, salonrouge.com.
Hoda Kotb: “How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee,” 10/14
Today Show anchor, Hoda Kotb, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, shares and illustrates, with humor and grace, how crisis can be turned into blessing. This event will be presented by Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center and Friends’ Health Connection. Kotb is a two-year breast cancer survivor and has been co-host of NBC’s Today Show alongside Kathie Lee Gifford since its 2007 debut. Attendees are encouraged to wear pink for breast cancer awareness. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the program will begin at 7 p.m. Admission is $35 per person and includes a copy of Hoda’s new book. To register visit friendshealthconnection.org or call 800.483.7436. Hunterdon Center Regional High School 84 Route 31, Flemington.
2010 Groove Conference – Live Your Best Life!, 10/23
This ladies-only event, presented by the Glam Squad, an organization for the empowerment of women and girls, will be an exciting must-attend for women of all stages of life. The presentation is aimed towards educating, entertaining, and enlightening women to find their happiness and live their best lives. The Groove Conference will help women essentially get their "groove" back and answer the age-old question "what do women want?" NY Times Bestselling Author Michelle Janine Robinson will read from her newest novel and hold an exclusive book signing. Workshops will cover subjects such as finding as healthy work/life balance, starting your own business, sexual health, financial empowerment, and wellness and nutrition. Motivational speaker Toni Coleman-Brown will serve as Keynote Speaker at a power-packed luncheon. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. $65 Early Bird Rate and $75 Regular Rate. Registration information can be found at groovebyglamsquad.eventbrite.com/. Comfort Inn and Suites, Bethlehem, PA.
Trump Taj Mahal 2nd Annual “Pink Angels” Night, 10/22
Enjoy an evening of fun inside of the Ego Bar and Lounge to benefit the Shirley Mae Breast Cancer Fund. Guests are encouraged to wear pink, enjoy pink specialty drinks and hors d’oeuvres. The evening will be highlighted by a special appearance by the Almost Angels band. Guests can also bid on exciting silent auction items and participate in the “Pinkjack” tournament. The evening will be hosted by area radio celebrities 95.1 WAYV’s Diane Mitchell and 100.7 WZXL’s Michael James, as well as 102.9 WMGK’s Debbie Calton. 6- 10 PM. Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, 609.449.6437, trumptaj.com/
Atlantic in the 1920s: Jazz Concert and Lecture, 10/23
In continued celebration of the HBO series, ‘Boardwalk Empire,' The Atlantic City Free Public Library will present a special jazz concert and lecture. The concert will be conudcted by The Shenole Latimer Quartet. The group will also review the history of jazz, placing a special emphasis on the ’20s. To learn more about Latimer visit shenolelatimer.com. 2 PM. One North Tennessee Ave., Atlantic City, 609.345.2269, ext. 3112, acfpl.org/
Meet the Designers Trunk Show, 11/12-13
Three world famous designers will be featured at Leonardo Jewelers Trunk Show – Alex Sepkus, Rodney Rayner and Carlo Antonini. Visitors will get to see expansive jewelry collections and meet the artists that create the exquisite pieces. To RSVP visit leonardojewelers.com/rsvp.html. 2PM – 8PM on 11/12, 11AM to 4PM, 11/13. 35 E Front St, Red Bank.
Dining for a Change with Dina Manzo of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” 11/1
Meet and greet “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” former star, Dina Manzo for wine tasting, food, entertainment and more. And all for a great cause too, as all proceeds will be donated to the Ladybug Foundation, an organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of children with life threatening conditions, and Dining for a Change. 7PM to 10PM, Tickets - $75 each, must be purchased in advance at IlluminationPR.com. Da Vinci’s Restaurant, 800 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Chestnut Ridge, NY, 914.843.1434, projectladybug.org/
The Josh Zuckerman Band - Rock the House for the Arts, 9/24
An electric night of live music and dancing by The Josh Zuckerman Band, hosted by the Middletown Township Cultural & Arts Council (MTCAC), guarantees a great time as their soulful mix of eclectic sounds and witty lyrics appeal to all music lovers. With a diverse musical background that incorporates the band’s love for Country, Rock, and Pop, their live performances cross many musical genres. Lead Singer, Josh Zuckerman has been nominated for OMA music awards for Outstanding Songwriter of the Year and Outstanding Debut Male. Funds raised by the special performance will support the MTCAC’s Seventh Annual Achievement in the Arts Scholarship Program, celebrating the artistic talents of outstanding Middletown High School seniors. In addition to high school scholarships, the MTCAC offers opportunities for financially disadvantaged families to attend its popular Summer Arts Camps. Admission is $10 per adult and $7 for Middletown Arts Center members. The performance begins at 8 p.m. Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown, call 732.706.4100 to pre-register by credit card; space is limited, middletownarts.org.
Back-to-School, Back-to-Style - Salon Rouge’s Back-to-School Trunk Show, 9/30
For those students looking to turn heads as they walk into the classroom, S alon Rouge is teaming up with Rack & Roll Clothing Company, Monalda4 and Pretty Sweet Bakery, to host its Back-to-Style Trunk Show. Rack & Roll Clothing Company will be offering trendy jeans, knit tops, dresses and t-shirts for fall. Monalda4 will be there to fulfill all hair accessory needs and will be offering a back-to-school hair accessory sale. Pretty Sweet Bakery will also be there with after-school snacks to satisfy each guest’s sweet tooth. The salon will also offer complimentary hair conditioning treatments and $10 manicures. The Trunk Show will last from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 2110 Marlton Pike E # 6, Cherry Hill, 856.424.3611, salonrouge.com.
Hoda Kotb: “How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee,” 10/14
Today Show anchor, Hoda Kotb, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, shares and illustrates, with humor and grace, how crisis can be turned into blessing. This event will be presented by Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center and Friends’ Health Connection. Kotb is a two-year breast cancer survivor and has been co-host of NBC’s Today Show alongside Kathie Lee Gifford since its 2007 debut. Attendees are encouraged to wear pink for breast cancer awareness. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the program will begin at 7 p.m. Admission is $35 per person and includes a copy of Hoda’s new book. To register visit friendshealthconnection.org or call 800.483.7436. Hunterdon Center Regional High School 84 Route 31, Flemington.
2010 Groove Conference – Live Your Best Life!, 10/23
This ladies-only event, presented by the Glam Squad, an organization for the empowerment of women and girls, will be an exciting must-attend for women of all stages of life. The presentation is aimed towards educating, entertaining, and enlightening women to find their happiness and live their best lives. The Groove Conference will help women essentially get their "groove" back and answer the age-old question "what do women want?" NY Times Bestselling Author Michelle Janine Robinson will read from her newest novel and hold an exclusive book signing. Workshops will cover subjects such as finding as healthy work/life balance, starting your own business, sexual health, financial empowerment, and wellness and nutrition. Motivational speaker Toni Coleman-Brown will serve as Keynote Speaker at a power-packed luncheon. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. $65 Early Bird Rate and $75 Regular Rate. Registration information can be found at groovebyglamsquad.eventbrite.com/. Comfort Inn and Suites, Bethlehem, PA.
Trump Taj Mahal 2nd Annual “Pink Angels” Night, 10/22
Enjoy an evening of fun inside of the Ego Bar and Lounge to benefit the Shirley Mae Breast Cancer Fund. Guests are encouraged to wear pink, enjoy pink specialty drinks and hors d’oeuvres. The evening will be highlighted by a special appearance by the Almost Angels band. Guests can also bid on exciting silent auction items and participate in the “Pinkjack” tournament. The evening will be hosted by area radio celebrities 95.1 WAYV’s Diane Mitchell and 100.7 WZXL’s Michael James, as well as 102.9 WMGK’s Debbie Calton. 6- 10 PM. Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, 609.449.6437, trumptaj.com/
Atlantic in the 1920s: Jazz Concert and Lecture, 10/23
In continued celebration of the HBO series, ‘Boardwalk Empire,' The Atlantic City Free Public Library will present a special jazz concert and lecture. The concert will be conudcted by The Shenole Latimer Quartet. The group will also review the history of jazz, placing a special emphasis on the ’20s. To learn more about Latimer visit shenolelatimer.com. 2 PM. One North Tennessee Ave., Atlantic City, 609.345.2269, ext. 3112, acfpl.org/
Meet the Designers Trunk Show, 11/12-13
Three world famous designers will be featured at Leonardo Jewelers Trunk Show – Alex Sepkus, Rodney Rayner and Carlo Antonini. Visitors will get to see expansive jewelry collections and meet the artists that create the exquisite pieces. To RSVP visit leonardojewelers.com/rsvp.html. 2PM – 8PM on 11/12, 11AM to 4PM, 11/13. 35 E Front St, Red Bank.
Dining for a Change with Dina Manzo of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” 11/1
Meet and greet “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” former star, Dina Manzo for wine tasting, food, entertainment and more. And all for a great cause too, as all proceeds will be donated to the Ladybug Foundation, an organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of children with life threatening conditions, and Dining for a Change. 7PM to 10PM, Tickets - $75 each, must be purchased in advance at IlluminationPR.com. Da Vinci’s Restaurant, 800 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Chestnut Ridge, NY, 914.843.1434, projectladybug.org/
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