This is the holiday season, but it's also the season for most of us to gain a pound or two. So, how do you keep those pounds off?
It's simple, easy and cheap, but something most of us don't do---portion control. And the big tip here is to change the size of your plates.
Measure the size of your dinner plates. Chances are they are 10 to 12 inches across. In a restaurant, they are most likely 12 to 14 inches wide. The interesting things is that if you happen to have and plates from your parents or grandparents, from back in the 60s or so, they'll probably only measure around 8 inches. The point is that plate size has increased over the years and that means portion size has gone up as well. That increase in portion size is what's helping pack on the pounds. So, by simply changing out to smaller 8 to 9 inch plates, you'll lose weight.
Here's why. We tend to stop eating based on what are called external factors---in other words, we eat until our plate is clean when we should only be eating until we start to feel full. And researchers have found that we'll do the same with smaller plates, but since the portion sizes are smaller we tend to eat less. It's a very cheap and very effective way to trick our brains into cutting back on how much we eat and a great way to start shedding pounds.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Dads: Help Out More
When it comes to household duties, it looks like dads are doing a better job. But there is still some room for improvement, because moms are still more stressed out.
A new study does show that the American dad has really paid attention and now is doing more of the housework than ever before. As a matter of fact, dads and moms now spend pretty much equal amounts of time working both in and out of the house. So it seems all should be well, right?
But it turns out that moms end up doing a lot more multitasking when they are doing their chores which adds to the amount of stress they feel. In other words, moms juggle dishes, helping kids with homework and planning tomorrow's carpool all at the same time. Dads on the other hand do one task at a time. And that means they probably don't get as much done as the moms do.
So, although dads can feel pretty good about helping out more around the house, they also need to realize that moms are still doing the majority of the work and could use a little more help. That means the next time you see her trying to do 4 things at once, jump in and take some of those chores off her plate.
A new study does show that the American dad has really paid attention and now is doing more of the housework than ever before. As a matter of fact, dads and moms now spend pretty much equal amounts of time working both in and out of the house. So it seems all should be well, right?
But it turns out that moms end up doing a lot more multitasking when they are doing their chores which adds to the amount of stress they feel. In other words, moms juggle dishes, helping kids with homework and planning tomorrow's carpool all at the same time. Dads on the other hand do one task at a time. And that means they probably don't get as much done as the moms do.
So, although dads can feel pretty good about helping out more around the house, they also need to realize that moms are still doing the majority of the work and could use a little more help. That means the next time you see her trying to do 4 things at once, jump in and take some of those chores off her plate.
Cookie Dough Warning
Just about all of us love cookies. But if you're one who also loves eating cookie dough, pay attention.
A new study, published in the journal Clinical Infectious Disease found that the culprit of a multi-state E.coli food poisoning outbreak was ready-to-bake prepackaged cookie dough. This dough was the type found in most grocery stores. Although the Centers For Disease Control doesn't know which ingredient caused the widespread sickness that landed many in the hospital, it's probably not what most of us think would be the dangerous part of the batter, the eggs. Instead researchers think this outbreak was because of the flour used in the batter. Other ingredients, including the eggs, molasses and sugar go through a rigorous process to kill germs, the flour does not. And that contaminated dough can cause food poisoning if the batter is eaten raw.
The CDC is recommending that manufactures make all ingredients safe to eat. But in the meanwhile the researchers involved in this study are asking that we simply bake cookies before eating them. Although the dough might taste good, it might also cause you to end up in the hospital.
A new study, published in the journal Clinical Infectious Disease found that the culprit of a multi-state E.coli food poisoning outbreak was ready-to-bake prepackaged cookie dough. This dough was the type found in most grocery stores. Although the Centers For Disease Control doesn't know which ingredient caused the widespread sickness that landed many in the hospital, it's probably not what most of us think would be the dangerous part of the batter, the eggs. Instead researchers think this outbreak was because of the flour used in the batter. Other ingredients, including the eggs, molasses and sugar go through a rigorous process to kill germs, the flour does not. And that contaminated dough can cause food poisoning if the batter is eaten raw.
The CDC is recommending that manufactures make all ingredients safe to eat. But in the meanwhile the researchers involved in this study are asking that we simply bake cookies before eating them. Although the dough might taste good, it might also cause you to end up in the hospital.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
How Much You Sleep In Your Genes
Are you a big sleeper needing 9 or 10 hours a night, or someone that can just get by with 6 or 7? Well, how much you sleep might be determined by your genetic makeup.
We've known for a while that some people need plenty of sleep to function each day. Others of us can get by with just a few hours. And for the group that needs more sleep, they don't know how the other group does it.
But researchers in Europe have found a gene in our bodies that might have a lot to do with how much sleep we actually need. They studied more than 4,000 people across the continent and found those with a change in the gene called ABCC9 needed more sleep than those without. They also looked at fruit flies and found the same ABCC9 gene and sleep connection with them.
It turns out that this gene is used by our bodies to determine how much energy our cells are using. And depending on how much energy they use, you might need more or less sleep. The hope is that scientists can use this information to help people with sleep problems. But in the meantime, if someone gives you are hard time about how much or little you sleep, tell them it's because of your ABCC9.
We've known for a while that some people need plenty of sleep to function each day. Others of us can get by with just a few hours. And for the group that needs more sleep, they don't know how the other group does it.
But researchers in Europe have found a gene in our bodies that might have a lot to do with how much sleep we actually need. They studied more than 4,000 people across the continent and found those with a change in the gene called ABCC9 needed more sleep than those without. They also looked at fruit flies and found the same ABCC9 gene and sleep connection with them.
It turns out that this gene is used by our bodies to determine how much energy our cells are using. And depending on how much energy they use, you might need more or less sleep. The hope is that scientists can use this information to help people with sleep problems. But in the meantime, if someone gives you are hard time about how much or little you sleep, tell them it's because of your ABCC9.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Who's The Better Driver?
When it comes to driving, guess who's causing the most accident? It's probably not who you think.
It's men in 4-wheel drives. At least when it comes to driving on our winter roads.
A new study out of Purdue University looked at more than 23,000 accident reports covering all weather conditions, including dry roads; wet, rainy roads; and slick, snowy and icy roads. The researchers involved in this study found out a few surprising things. Although this won't solve the big debate as to who's the best overall type of driver, it did find out that different ones of us get in more accidents depending on what the conditions are like.
Younger men, under 45, do much worse when the roads are dry. That's probably because they can get overconfident and simply drive too fast. But when the roads are wet, it's women who have the most accidents. Researchers think this is because they fail to sense the reduced friction on the wet roads.
But probably not too surprising to anyone driving around during a snow storm here, it's the men over 45 who are much more likely to crash when the roads are slick and icy. As a matter of fact, they are five times more likely to have an accident. And if they are driving a pickup truck, most likely with 4-wheel drive, then they also are the biggest hazard on the road. This is probably because they get overconfident in how well they can get past slower non-4-wheel drive vehicles that are being cautious. But they also forget that just because they have more traction when moving, they stop just like everyone else and end up in more overall accidents.
So, the bottom line for all of us---slow down.
It's men in 4-wheel drives. At least when it comes to driving on our winter roads.
A new study out of Purdue University looked at more than 23,000 accident reports covering all weather conditions, including dry roads; wet, rainy roads; and slick, snowy and icy roads. The researchers involved in this study found out a few surprising things. Although this won't solve the big debate as to who's the best overall type of driver, it did find out that different ones of us get in more accidents depending on what the conditions are like.
Younger men, under 45, do much worse when the roads are dry. That's probably because they can get overconfident and simply drive too fast. But when the roads are wet, it's women who have the most accidents. Researchers think this is because they fail to sense the reduced friction on the wet roads.
But probably not too surprising to anyone driving around during a snow storm here, it's the men over 45 who are much more likely to crash when the roads are slick and icy. As a matter of fact, they are five times more likely to have an accident. And if they are driving a pickup truck, most likely with 4-wheel drive, then they also are the biggest hazard on the road. This is probably because they get overconfident in how well they can get past slower non-4-wheel drive vehicles that are being cautious. But they also forget that just because they have more traction when moving, they stop just like everyone else and end up in more overall accidents.
So, the bottom line for all of us---slow down.
Measles Comeback
It's a disease you probably haven't heard much about recently. But it's making a strong comeback and its proving deadly for some.
We're talking about measles; something most of use don't even think about these days. You've probably only hear about it when your kids get vaccinated with the MMR, that's the measles, mumps and rubella shot.
That's because over the last few decades we've made great strides in holding this disease at bay, at least here in the U.S. Back in the 1950s there were up to 4 million cases of measles in this country with about 500 people dying because of it every year. The vaccine, introduced in 1963, dramatically cut that down. But it looks like it's starting to come back. This year there have been 205 cases, the most in a decade. Typically we only get about 50 cases per year, so this is a 5-fold increase. Many of these come from travelers to other countries including Europe where they are seeing very large numbers of measles cases. France along has had 14,000. According to The World Health Organization, many of these outbreaks, here and in other parts of the world, happen because of low vaccination rates, making people, and children in particular, more susceptible to the virus.
And since measles can prove deadly, especially to infants, public health experts are pushing for parents to continue to get their children vaccinated against this and other diseases, even ones most of us might have thought were a thing of the past.
We're talking about measles; something most of use don't even think about these days. You've probably only hear about it when your kids get vaccinated with the MMR, that's the measles, mumps and rubella shot.
That's because over the last few decades we've made great strides in holding this disease at bay, at least here in the U.S. Back in the 1950s there were up to 4 million cases of measles in this country with about 500 people dying because of it every year. The vaccine, introduced in 1963, dramatically cut that down. But it looks like it's starting to come back. This year there have been 205 cases, the most in a decade. Typically we only get about 50 cases per year, so this is a 5-fold increase. Many of these come from travelers to other countries including Europe where they are seeing very large numbers of measles cases. France along has had 14,000. According to The World Health Organization, many of these outbreaks, here and in other parts of the world, happen because of low vaccination rates, making people, and children in particular, more susceptible to the virus.
And since measles can prove deadly, especially to infants, public health experts are pushing for parents to continue to get their children vaccinated against this and other diseases, even ones most of us might have thought were a thing of the past.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Toy Safety Tips
The holiday season means plenty of shopping. But when you are looking for that special toy, there are some safety tips to keep in mind.
Last year, more than 100,000 children were treated in emergency rooms for toy related injuries. By following some simple tips put out by the American Academy of Pediatrics, you can make sure those special gifts you buy are both fun and safe.
Your main job is to become a label reader. Look for warning like "not recommended for children under three," "flame retardant" or "flame resistant." Then look for and pay attention to the age recommendation on the packaging.
But on top of all this, keep certain basic guidelines in mind. The two biggest ones being making sure a toy is free of sharp edges and that all pull toys you get have short stings, less than 12 inches, to prevent an infant from getting strangled. However, you need to keep in mind that some toys might produce sharp edges if they're broken, so avoid fragile looking ones.
It's also important you check out the toys before hand to make sure they won't be a choking hazard. The general rule here is for children, especially under three - buy them toys with individual parts that are still larger than their mouths so they won't be able to fit them in and choke.
And be very careful with toys that have magnets or button type batteries. Both of these are very dangerous and even deadly for younger children if swallowed.
Just keep these tips in mind when braving the store crowds over the next few weeks. You'll find that perfect gift and keep the holidays happy and healthy.
Last year, more than 100,000 children were treated in emergency rooms for toy related injuries. By following some simple tips put out by the American Academy of Pediatrics, you can make sure those special gifts you buy are both fun and safe.
Your main job is to become a label reader. Look for warning like "not recommended for children under three," "flame retardant" or "flame resistant." Then look for and pay attention to the age recommendation on the packaging.
But on top of all this, keep certain basic guidelines in mind. The two biggest ones being making sure a toy is free of sharp edges and that all pull toys you get have short stings, less than 12 inches, to prevent an infant from getting strangled. However, you need to keep in mind that some toys might produce sharp edges if they're broken, so avoid fragile looking ones.
It's also important you check out the toys before hand to make sure they won't be a choking hazard. The general rule here is for children, especially under three - buy them toys with individual parts that are still larger than their mouths so they won't be able to fit them in and choke.
And be very careful with toys that have magnets or button type batteries. Both of these are very dangerous and even deadly for younger children if swallowed.
Just keep these tips in mind when braving the store crowds over the next few weeks. You'll find that perfect gift and keep the holidays happy and healthy.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Daytime Snacking & Weight Loss
Want to lose a few pounds? Maybe the secret is in when you grab that daytime snack.
We all love to snack at some time or another during the day. But it's not so much in the "what" you snack on, but the "when" you snack that's important. And it seems that morning snacking, grabbing that quick bite between breakfast and lunch, could be what's ruining your diet.
A new weight loss study found that the timing of your snacking could be more important than we thought, especially when you're trying to lose weight. Women involved in this study were overweight or obese and between the ages of 50 and 75 lost more weight. Although almost all of the women snacked during the day, those who snacked mid-morning didn't lose as much weight as the others.
Part of the reason might be because researchers also found that morning snackers tended to snack more frequently during the day. And those more frequent snacks added extra calories and hurt their attempts to lose weight.
But that doesn't mean you need to stop snacking all together, especially since other studies have shown that snackers tend to eat more fruits and veggies. Instead, try and limit your snacking and keep it to the afternoon.
We all love to snack at some time or another during the day. But it's not so much in the "what" you snack on, but the "when" you snack that's important. And it seems that morning snacking, grabbing that quick bite between breakfast and lunch, could be what's ruining your diet.
A new weight loss study found that the timing of your snacking could be more important than we thought, especially when you're trying to lose weight. Women involved in this study were overweight or obese and between the ages of 50 and 75 lost more weight. Although almost all of the women snacked during the day, those who snacked mid-morning didn't lose as much weight as the others.
Part of the reason might be because researchers also found that morning snackers tended to snack more frequently during the day. And those more frequent snacks added extra calories and hurt their attempts to lose weight.
But that doesn't mean you need to stop snacking all together, especially since other studies have shown that snackers tend to eat more fruits and veggies. Instead, try and limit your snacking and keep it to the afternoon.
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