It's almost that time of year, time to make those New Year's resolutions.
Chances are you didn't keep most of them from last year, particularly the tough ones. But now it's time for new ones, especially ones dealing with your health.
First off, make a resolution to schedule a check up with your doctor. That way you can get all the necessary screening tests that are appropriate for your age, and the vaccinations that can keep you healthy. That will jump start the rest of your "get healthy" program. Remember, you don't just go to the doctor when you're sick. Treat your body like your car and schedule a regular check up now.
Next, make a resolution to find out what foods can keep you healthy and make sure you have those around the house. Get rid of the ones that aren't good for you. That bag of chips in the pantry can be too tempting to ignore at times, so put fruit or veggies in its place.
And always remember to give yourself the gift of time - everyday. Just 15 minutes a day to relax and you'll find yourself more refreshed all year long.
But also remember to stay as fit as possible. Set aside 30 minutes at least 3-4 times a week for some type of exercise. It doesn't matter as much what you do, just that you do something consistently. And while you're at it, try to stand more at home and work. That will burn calories all day long.
But the hardest part will come around late February or March as our resolutions start to gather dust. Make a decision "now" to recommit "then" to staying physically active and healthy. That's something a good strong New Year's resolution plan will help with.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Bystander CPR
When it comes to saving lives, even a little bit goes a long way.
In this case doing something is better than doing nothing and even a little bit of help can save a life.
This is especially true when it comes to bystander CPR. If someone collapses in front of your from a cardiac arrest, just doing chest compressions alone can go a long way toward keeping them alive.
CPR in the past meant trying to coordinate pushing on the chest along with breaking for them through mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths. But over the years, researchers have found that when someone collapsed on the street, this type of CPR wasn't always done. Sometimes it was because people around the victim didn't know "proper" CPR techniques and other times they hesitated because of health concerns over doing mouth-to-mouth breathing. And sometimes it was done but wasn't always done correctly.
A new study has found that just pushing on the chest alone, even without the mouth-to-mouth breathing, can keep a person alive and keep their brain functioning well, especially if it's followed by the use of an easy to use AED device.
As a matter of fact, researchers found that just giving chest compressions alone kept more victims alive than traditional CPR. Since 2008 the American Heart Association has recommended chest compressions by themselves as the initial step for most of us and this study backs that up. So if someone collapses in front of you, experts now recommend to just start pushing hard and fast on their chest. That'll give them the best chance of staying alive.
In this case doing something is better than doing nothing and even a little bit of help can save a life.
This is especially true when it comes to bystander CPR. If someone collapses in front of your from a cardiac arrest, just doing chest compressions alone can go a long way toward keeping them alive.
CPR in the past meant trying to coordinate pushing on the chest along with breaking for them through mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths. But over the years, researchers have found that when someone collapsed on the street, this type of CPR wasn't always done. Sometimes it was because people around the victim didn't know "proper" CPR techniques and other times they hesitated because of health concerns over doing mouth-to-mouth breathing. And sometimes it was done but wasn't always done correctly.
A new study has found that just pushing on the chest alone, even without the mouth-to-mouth breathing, can keep a person alive and keep their brain functioning well, especially if it's followed by the use of an easy to use AED device.
As a matter of fact, researchers found that just giving chest compressions alone kept more victims alive than traditional CPR. Since 2008 the American Heart Association has recommended chest compressions by themselves as the initial step for most of us and this study backs that up. So if someone collapses in front of you, experts now recommend to just start pushing hard and fast on their chest. That'll give them the best chance of staying alive.
Holiday Blues
The holidays are a wonderful time, but for some they can also be a tough time.
It's called the holiday blues because for some, they can get sad and depressed this time of the year. But there are ways to avoid it.
Here's the main problem: it looks like everyone else is enjoying the holiday season, but you just feel lonely and depressed. You might have family or job issues or you can't afford that special gift a loved one wants. These holiday blues for some can be intense and unsettling. But the good news is they are usually very short lived and they tend to go away after the holiday rush is over and daily routines are resumed.
These holiday blues are a normal response to a very stressful time of year. Everyone gets a little frazzled right about now, but those with the holiday flues experience more intense symptoms ranging from headaches, to sleep problems and maybe even full blown depression.
Some things can help you avoid this. Keep your expectations of yourself and others realistic. Not everyone's home is going to look like a magazine house and remember that you don't have to buy that expensive gift someone wants. Share your time by volunteering this time of year. That'll help you put things into perspective. Let go of past issues, spend time with people you care about, and try to make new friends. Also, look for activities like caroling or just singing along when you hear your favorite holiday songs, these are usually the ones that remind us of our carefree childhood days. Of course, getting plenty of rest and exercise during this stressful season can also help you feel your best.
It's called the holiday blues because for some, they can get sad and depressed this time of the year. But there are ways to avoid it.
Here's the main problem: it looks like everyone else is enjoying the holiday season, but you just feel lonely and depressed. You might have family or job issues or you can't afford that special gift a loved one wants. These holiday blues for some can be intense and unsettling. But the good news is they are usually very short lived and they tend to go away after the holiday rush is over and daily routines are resumed.
These holiday blues are a normal response to a very stressful time of year. Everyone gets a little frazzled right about now, but those with the holiday flues experience more intense symptoms ranging from headaches, to sleep problems and maybe even full blown depression.
Some things can help you avoid this. Keep your expectations of yourself and others realistic. Not everyone's home is going to look like a magazine house and remember that you don't have to buy that expensive gift someone wants. Share your time by volunteering this time of year. That'll help you put things into perspective. Let go of past issues, spend time with people you care about, and try to make new friends. Also, look for activities like caroling or just singing along when you hear your favorite holiday songs, these are usually the ones that remind us of our carefree childhood days. Of course, getting plenty of rest and exercise during this stressful season can also help you feel your best.
Cold Or Allergy?
Is that a cold your coming down with or could you be allergic to something in your house?
Right now, if you get a runny nose, itchy eyes and cough you'll probably chalk it up to the cold. After all, it's that time of year. But it's also the time of year we pull out dusty decorations or place out decorative scented candles to make our houses more festive. Those could be causing allergies, something we don't think too much about this time of the year.
Although it's sometimes tough to figure out if it's a cold or allergies there are a few things to look for. If you have a low-grade fever and body aches, it's probably a cold. If, on the other hand, you have a runny nose, sneezing and mild cough, you are probably dealing with allergies, especially if the nose is running clear. And since the dust from stored away displays can trigger allergies, dusting them off outside or washing the ones you can will help. If you're sensitive to smells, having scented decorations can also trigger allergy symptoms, so switching to non-scented displays might be what's needed.
The key is to still have a festive and merry house, just one that won't have you sniffling and sneezing the whole holiday season.
Right now, if you get a runny nose, itchy eyes and cough you'll probably chalk it up to the cold. After all, it's that time of year. But it's also the time of year we pull out dusty decorations or place out decorative scented candles to make our houses more festive. Those could be causing allergies, something we don't think too much about this time of the year.
Although it's sometimes tough to figure out if it's a cold or allergies there are a few things to look for. If you have a low-grade fever and body aches, it's probably a cold. If, on the other hand, you have a runny nose, sneezing and mild cough, you are probably dealing with allergies, especially if the nose is running clear. And since the dust from stored away displays can trigger allergies, dusting them off outside or washing the ones you can will help. If you're sensitive to smells, having scented decorations can also trigger allergy symptoms, so switching to non-scented displays might be what's needed.
The key is to still have a festive and merry house, just one that won't have you sniffling and sneezing the whole holiday season.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
How About Getting A Pedometer?
Do you want to exercise more, but just can't find the time? Then how about getting a pedometer?
It's a simple device that just does one simple thing... measures how many steps you take during the day. But that simple device can also get you taking more steps every day. And that means burning more calories along the way.
These devices have been around for years and have been used time and time again in different exercise type programs. They are usually used to help measure just how much work a person is doing during the day by just walking around. Most experts recommend we try and get 10,000 steps per day to help stay fit. But with all the sitting we do at work and home, most of us get much less than that. The average one of us only takes a little more than 5,000 steps per day and that puts us in the sedentary category. But now it looks like just having a pedometer will get you to walk more. Pedometer wearers in a recent study ended up walking 2,000 more steps per day just by wearing a pedometer. They also increased their overall activity.
All that extra walking means extra calories burned each day. And that means extra pounds lost, just by strapping on that little step measuring device... the pedometer.
It's a simple device that just does one simple thing... measures how many steps you take during the day. But that simple device can also get you taking more steps every day. And that means burning more calories along the way.
These devices have been around for years and have been used time and time again in different exercise type programs. They are usually used to help measure just how much work a person is doing during the day by just walking around. Most experts recommend we try and get 10,000 steps per day to help stay fit. But with all the sitting we do at work and home, most of us get much less than that. The average one of us only takes a little more than 5,000 steps per day and that puts us in the sedentary category. But now it looks like just having a pedometer will get you to walk more. Pedometer wearers in a recent study ended up walking 2,000 more steps per day just by wearing a pedometer. They also increased their overall activity.
All that extra walking means extra calories burned each day. And that means extra pounds lost, just by strapping on that little step measuring device... the pedometer.
Sugar Water Gargle
Are you lacking in self control, especially this time of the year. Maybe your best bet is to gargle with some sugar water.
As surprising as this sounds, gargling with sugar water boosts self control, something most of us can use more of heading into the holidays with all those tempting treats.
These next few weeks are going to be big tests for everyone's self control. With all the office parties and big dinners, it'll be though to avoid overeating. But if you have trouble with self control this time of the year, or any other time for that matter, this new study might be just what you need.
Researchers found that when people simply gargled with sugar sweetened water they ended up having more self control on tests they had to perform. But the same didn't happen when they gargled with the artificial sweetener Splenda. Scientists think the self control comes about because the sugar hits taste buds on the tongue which activate a motivation center in the brain.
Participants gargled for three to five minutes to get that boost in self control. And the researchers involved in the study think this same trick might work if you're trying to lose weight and can't resist that extra dessert or if you're working out and want to do just a bit more lifting.
Either way, gargling with sugar water before hitting a party might help you avoid too much of those dishes you want to avoid.
As surprising as this sounds, gargling with sugar water boosts self control, something most of us can use more of heading into the holidays with all those tempting treats.
These next few weeks are going to be big tests for everyone's self control. With all the office parties and big dinners, it'll be though to avoid overeating. But if you have trouble with self control this time of the year, or any other time for that matter, this new study might be just what you need.
Researchers found that when people simply gargled with sugar sweetened water they ended up having more self control on tests they had to perform. But the same didn't happen when they gargled with the artificial sweetener Splenda. Scientists think the self control comes about because the sugar hits taste buds on the tongue which activate a motivation center in the brain.
Participants gargled for three to five minutes to get that boost in self control. And the researchers involved in the study think this same trick might work if you're trying to lose weight and can't resist that extra dessert or if you're working out and want to do just a bit more lifting.
Either way, gargling with sugar water before hitting a party might help you avoid too much of those dishes you want to avoid.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Cheerleading As A Sport
A doctor's group wants to label cheerleading as a sport, but probably not for reasons you'd think.
The doctors want it to be called a sport so it gets some of the same benefits of other school sports, mostly in the name of safety.
Cheerleading has changed over the years. Today's teams not only compete, but also incorporate gymnastic type tumbling and acrobatics. And because of that, cheerleaders also end up suffering more injuries than other sports. As a matter of fact, cheerleading injuries have quadrupled since 1980 alone. It also accounts for the vast majority of high school female athlete concussions and catastrophic injuries.
Because of that, the American Academy of Pediatrics has issued its first cheerleading safety guidelines. Included are recommendations to designate cheerleading as a sport so cheerleaders will get the same benefits as other sports, which pediatric experts hope will help cut down on overall injuries. Using these guidelines, they are recommending cheerleaders be required to pass preseason sports physicals and to have access to strength training and conditioning coaches. And because of the potential for concussions, they want to make sure that, like other sports, cheerleaders are removed from activities if they have a head injury.
Other groups, namely the National Federation of High Schools and the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors have enacted similar rules already, but this pediatric group is hoping their guidelines continue to be a wakeup call for this "sport" so it can still be enjoyable, but also as safe as possible.
The doctors want it to be called a sport so it gets some of the same benefits of other school sports, mostly in the name of safety.
Cheerleading has changed over the years. Today's teams not only compete, but also incorporate gymnastic type tumbling and acrobatics. And because of that, cheerleaders also end up suffering more injuries than other sports. As a matter of fact, cheerleading injuries have quadrupled since 1980 alone. It also accounts for the vast majority of high school female athlete concussions and catastrophic injuries.
Because of that, the American Academy of Pediatrics has issued its first cheerleading safety guidelines. Included are recommendations to designate cheerleading as a sport so cheerleaders will get the same benefits as other sports, which pediatric experts hope will help cut down on overall injuries. Using these guidelines, they are recommending cheerleaders be required to pass preseason sports physicals and to have access to strength training and conditioning coaches. And because of the potential for concussions, they want to make sure that, like other sports, cheerleaders are removed from activities if they have a head injury.
Other groups, namely the National Federation of High Schools and the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors have enacted similar rules already, but this pediatric group is hoping their guidelines continue to be a wakeup call for this "sport" so it can still be enjoyable, but also as safe as possible.
Eye Drop & Nasal Spray Warning
There is a new warning out about something many of us have in our medicine cabinet that could be more harmful than most of us think.
We're talking about simple eye drops or nasal sprays that most of us have in our houses and probably don't give a second thought about. But the FDA is warning that they could prove toxic to children who accidentally get a hold of them.
The products they are warning us about contain the active ingredients Tetryhydrozoline, Oxymetazonline or Naphazoline. All these ingredients end in chemical compound word Zoline. They are sold under a variety of brand names like Visine, Dristan and Mucinex as well as the generic equivalents.
According to the FDA, a child swallowing as little as 1/5 of a teaspoon can have serious adverse effects. Thankfully no child has died from an overdose yet, but over the last few years children have been hospitalized after swallowing small amounts of these medicines. Problems have ranged from nausea and vomiting, to fast heart rates, excess sleepiness and even comas.
These medicines can be very helpful if used correctly. And that means storing them in a safe place out of the reach of children, especially since the vast majority of their bottles don't have childproof tops, something the government is trying to mandate.
We're talking about simple eye drops or nasal sprays that most of us have in our houses and probably don't give a second thought about. But the FDA is warning that they could prove toxic to children who accidentally get a hold of them.
The products they are warning us about contain the active ingredients Tetryhydrozoline, Oxymetazonline or Naphazoline. All these ingredients end in chemical compound word Zoline. They are sold under a variety of brand names like Visine, Dristan and Mucinex as well as the generic equivalents.
According to the FDA, a child swallowing as little as 1/5 of a teaspoon can have serious adverse effects. Thankfully no child has died from an overdose yet, but over the last few years children have been hospitalized after swallowing small amounts of these medicines. Problems have ranged from nausea and vomiting, to fast heart rates, excess sleepiness and even comas.
These medicines can be very helpful if used correctly. And that means storing them in a safe place out of the reach of children, especially since the vast majority of their bottles don't have childproof tops, something the government is trying to mandate.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Younger Stroke Victims
Although we are winning the battle against strokes, one age group is having more strokes than ever before.
It looks like more people are having strokes at a younger age and that means more years dealing with its after effects.
Strokes, like heart attacks, are usually something we worry about as we get older. But a new study, just published by the American Academy of Neurology, has found that one-in-five stroke victims are now under the age of 55. And in the words of the "Stroke Association," these new numbers are alarming.
This study looked at more 1 million people here in the U.S. Researchers found that 19% of them, or nearly one-in-five, had a stroke in 2005. That's a large increase from the slightly more than one-in-10 having them back in 1993.
Although they aren't sure exactly why this is happening, stroke experts think it could have to do with the similar increase we are seeing in obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol in this same age group. And having a stroke this young can cause more lifetime disability.
More research is going into trying to figure out what is exactly behind these numbers, but keeping healthy, by eating right, exercising and controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol can be your best defense against having a stroke yourself.
It looks like more people are having strokes at a younger age and that means more years dealing with its after effects.
Strokes, like heart attacks, are usually something we worry about as we get older. But a new study, just published by the American Academy of Neurology, has found that one-in-five stroke victims are now under the age of 55. And in the words of the "Stroke Association," these new numbers are alarming.
This study looked at more 1 million people here in the U.S. Researchers found that 19% of them, or nearly one-in-five, had a stroke in 2005. That's a large increase from the slightly more than one-in-10 having them back in 1993.
Although they aren't sure exactly why this is happening, stroke experts think it could have to do with the similar increase we are seeing in obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol in this same age group. And having a stroke this young can cause more lifetime disability.
More research is going into trying to figure out what is exactly behind these numbers, but keeping healthy, by eating right, exercising and controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol can be your best defense against having a stroke yourself.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Tomatoes For Stroke
Do you want to cut down on your chances of having a stroke? Then maybe the key is to bite into a tomato.
And the beauty of it is that it doesn't have to be a whole tomato. It could even be tomato sauce, or even better, a slice of pizza, that can help cut your risk of having a stroke. Researchers have found that the antioxidant in tomatoes, lycopene, reduced the chances of men having a stroke. And although the study didn't look at women, the same is probably true for them as well.
This study, published in the journal Neurology, found that men with the highest levels of lycopene also had the lowest levels of strokes. Tomatoes are rich in lycopenes. It is also in tomato products like marinara sauce, pizza sauce and even ketchup. But if tomatoes aren't your thing, then you can also find high levels of lycopenes in other fruits like watermelon, papaya, grapefruit and mangos.
This study first started off to see if vitamins A or E cut stroke risk. Surprisingly they didn't, but the researchers instead found out about how beneficial lycopenes were in keeping this devastating problem at bay.
So the next time you sit down to eat, grab that tomato. It could be doing a lot more for your health than you think.
And the beauty of it is that it doesn't have to be a whole tomato. It could even be tomato sauce, or even better, a slice of pizza, that can help cut your risk of having a stroke. Researchers have found that the antioxidant in tomatoes, lycopene, reduced the chances of men having a stroke. And although the study didn't look at women, the same is probably true for them as well.
This study, published in the journal Neurology, found that men with the highest levels of lycopene also had the lowest levels of strokes. Tomatoes are rich in lycopenes. It is also in tomato products like marinara sauce, pizza sauce and even ketchup. But if tomatoes aren't your thing, then you can also find high levels of lycopenes in other fruits like watermelon, papaya, grapefruit and mangos.
This study first started off to see if vitamins A or E cut stroke risk. Surprisingly they didn't, but the researchers instead found out about how beneficial lycopenes were in keeping this devastating problem at bay.
So the next time you sit down to eat, grab that tomato. It could be doing a lot more for your health than you think.
Early Migraine Treatment
If you suffer from migraines, do they seem hard to control? It could all be in the timing.
It does seem to all come down to the timing, at least when you decide to finally treat a migraine and not just wait to see if it will get better.
Millions of Americans suffer from migraines. These headaches can range from minor inconveniences to ones that can be debilitating and long lasting. The problem tends to happen when a migraine patient is deciding whether the headache is big enough to treat "yet." If it gets better on its own great, but if it gets worse it's probably going to be even harder to treat later on.
That's also the finding of a new study presented by the American Academy of Neurology. Researchers found that the best hope of making sure the migraine didn't get worse was to treat it within the first 20 minutes of symptoms. They also found that after 4 hours, the symptoms tend to spiral out of control to the point where the migraine starts affecting the entire body and gets even harder to treat.
According to them, a lot of migraine sufferers wait because they have been told to just ride it out for a while and not take the medicines unless absolutely necessary. But they are recommending making sure that decision is made sooner than later once symptoms start.
It does seem to all come down to the timing, at least when you decide to finally treat a migraine and not just wait to see if it will get better.
Millions of Americans suffer from migraines. These headaches can range from minor inconveniences to ones that can be debilitating and long lasting. The problem tends to happen when a migraine patient is deciding whether the headache is big enough to treat "yet." If it gets better on its own great, but if it gets worse it's probably going to be even harder to treat later on.
That's also the finding of a new study presented by the American Academy of Neurology. Researchers found that the best hope of making sure the migraine didn't get worse was to treat it within the first 20 minutes of symptoms. They also found that after 4 hours, the symptoms tend to spiral out of control to the point where the migraine starts affecting the entire body and gets even harder to treat.
According to them, a lot of migraine sufferers wait because they have been told to just ride it out for a while and not take the medicines unless absolutely necessary. But they are recommending making sure that decision is made sooner than later once symptoms start.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Getting Tattoos Removed
Did you get a tattoo you don't want? Then just get it removed. Easy... right? Maybe not.
Laser tattoo removal is making it easier to get those unwanted tattoos removed, but whether it will work on you depends on a few things.
And if you regret getting that "special" tattoo a few years ago and want it removed, you are not alone. Studies have found that up to half of people who got tattoos want to get rid of them at some point in their life. With new laser technology that unwanted tattoo can be more easily taken off... for the most part. But some things make it hard to remove. Dermatologists found that if a tattoo is larger than 12 inches or made from colors other than black or red, they'll be tougher to take off. Other things that make them hard to remove include having one on your feet or legs or one that is more than 3 years old. And perhaps one of the things that can make those tattoos stubborn to remove is being a smoker. It turns out that smoking can impair your body's natural healing process, which is needed to get rid of the tattoo ink once the laser has been applied.
So still, your best overall bet remains the same. Make sure the tattoo you get is one you'll want for the rest of your life.
Laser tattoo removal is making it easier to get those unwanted tattoos removed, but whether it will work on you depends on a few things.
And if you regret getting that "special" tattoo a few years ago and want it removed, you are not alone. Studies have found that up to half of people who got tattoos want to get rid of them at some point in their life. With new laser technology that unwanted tattoo can be more easily taken off... for the most part. But some things make it hard to remove. Dermatologists found that if a tattoo is larger than 12 inches or made from colors other than black or red, they'll be tougher to take off. Other things that make them hard to remove include having one on your feet or legs or one that is more than 3 years old. And perhaps one of the things that can make those tattoos stubborn to remove is being a smoker. It turns out that smoking can impair your body's natural healing process, which is needed to get rid of the tattoo ink once the laser has been applied.
So still, your best overall bet remains the same. Make sure the tattoo you get is one you'll want for the rest of your life.
Texting & Walking Dangers
We've all heard about how dangerous it is to text while driving, but how about texting while walking.
Although teens may think they have an easier time texting compared to older people, they are also having pedestrian injuries and even deaths because of it.
It might only take a quick second, glancing at your cell phone to read or answer a text. But in those quick seconds a lot of things can happen, especially while you are walking around. And for teenagers, those things are happening more often and whith sometimes devastating results.
In a recent study, called "Walking Safely," researchers found out that among teens, 16 to 19, pedestrian injuries increased by 25% over the last few years. And a separate study found that the pedestrian death rate among teens is now twice that of older children. Although all of these injuries and deaths can't be blamed on texting while walking, the increase has risen along with the rise in mobile devices and their ability to text.
So, the message is simple and one that parents should talk with their kids about. If you want to text, stop and do it. When walking, especially before stepping off a curb onto the street, put the phone away and look both ways.
Although teens may think they have an easier time texting compared to older people, they are also having pedestrian injuries and even deaths because of it.
It might only take a quick second, glancing at your cell phone to read or answer a text. But in those quick seconds a lot of things can happen, especially while you are walking around. And for teenagers, those things are happening more often and whith sometimes devastating results.
In a recent study, called "Walking Safely," researchers found out that among teens, 16 to 19, pedestrian injuries increased by 25% over the last few years. And a separate study found that the pedestrian death rate among teens is now twice that of older children. Although all of these injuries and deaths can't be blamed on texting while walking, the increase has risen along with the rise in mobile devices and their ability to text.
So, the message is simple and one that parents should talk with their kids about. If you want to text, stop and do it. When walking, especially before stepping off a curb onto the street, put the phone away and look both ways.
Trampoline Advisory
A prominent pediatric group is calling on parents to get rid of trampolines to protect their children.
They might seem like a lot of fun for kids or all ages, but it turns out they are causing a lot of injuries as well. And that's why the American Academy of Pediatrics is calling on parents to get rid of trampolines in their back yards.
Although trampolines are very popular, they are also behind a rise in pediatric injuries seen in ERs across the country. In a new advisory, the American Academy of Pediatrics reports almost 98,000 trampoline related injuries in 2009, the last year on record. The injury rates are higher in kids than adults using trampolines. Researchers also found that the vast majority of trampoline accidents occur when more than one child is on the trampoline at a time. And in children under 5, nearly half of their injuries resulted in fractures or dislocations. Many of these injuries occurred even when children on a trampoline were being supervised by adults. As surprising as this sounds, even the safety nets that come with many trampolines didn't do much to cut down on the number of injuries.
So because of these injury rates, this expert group of children's doctors is recommending that pediatricians advise parents against recreational trampoline use.
They might seem like a lot of fun for kids or all ages, but it turns out they are causing a lot of injuries as well. And that's why the American Academy of Pediatrics is calling on parents to get rid of trampolines in their back yards.
Although trampolines are very popular, they are also behind a rise in pediatric injuries seen in ERs across the country. In a new advisory, the American Academy of Pediatrics reports almost 98,000 trampoline related injuries in 2009, the last year on record. The injury rates are higher in kids than adults using trampolines. Researchers also found that the vast majority of trampoline accidents occur when more than one child is on the trampoline at a time. And in children under 5, nearly half of their injuries resulted in fractures or dislocations. Many of these injuries occurred even when children on a trampoline were being supervised by adults. As surprising as this sounds, even the safety nets that come with many trampolines didn't do much to cut down on the number of injuries.
So because of these injury rates, this expert group of children's doctors is recommending that pediatricians advise parents against recreational trampoline use.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Marital Science Behind Cold Feet
If you are about to get married and have cold feet, listen up!
It's not so much marital advice as it is marital science, or at least what a new study just found out about cold feet right before the wedding.
Just about everyone has a concern or two before getting married, that's natural. After all, it's a big step. But a new study out of UCLA interviewed couples during the first part of their marriage and again for every 6 months during the next 4 years. The researchers involved in this study found that about half of the husbands had doubts before getting married, but fewer women did, only about slightly more than 1 in 3. But they also found out that although men had cold feet more often, women were better predictors of the success of the marriage.
As a matter of fact, wives that reported having doubts before getting married were more than twice as likely to be divorced 4 years later than those who didn't have any doubts about the whole thing.
But even the scientists involved in this study say that having cold feet before a wedding doesn't necessarily mean the marriage is doomed. Instead it should be used as a starting point to address issues you may have before tying the knot. And clearing up those issues before walking down the aisle could be the key to a long and happy life together.
It's not so much marital advice as it is marital science, or at least what a new study just found out about cold feet right before the wedding.
Just about everyone has a concern or two before getting married, that's natural. After all, it's a big step. But a new study out of UCLA interviewed couples during the first part of their marriage and again for every 6 months during the next 4 years. The researchers involved in this study found that about half of the husbands had doubts before getting married, but fewer women did, only about slightly more than 1 in 3. But they also found out that although men had cold feet more often, women were better predictors of the success of the marriage.
As a matter of fact, wives that reported having doubts before getting married were more than twice as likely to be divorced 4 years later than those who didn't have any doubts about the whole thing.
But even the scientists involved in this study say that having cold feet before a wedding doesn't necessarily mean the marriage is doomed. Instead it should be used as a starting point to address issues you may have before tying the knot. And clearing up those issues before walking down the aisle could be the key to a long and happy life together.
New Number 1 Killer... Cancer
There's a new number one killer here in the U.S.... cancer.
What it basically means is that for all of us we can't let our guard down, especially when it comes to cancer and heart disease, the two leading causes of death here in the U.S.
But according to the American Cancer Society, for one group in particular, Hispanics, cancer has overtaken heart disease to become the leading cause of death. Part of this is because the Hispanic population has gotten younger over the last few years and younger people tend to have more problems with cancer than with heart disease. But part of the reason is also because of advances in treating heart disease. In particular, cholesterol lowering and high blood pressure medications have made a big impact on our heart health.
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are two other groups who also have cancer as their leading cause of death, but for the rest of Americans it's still heart disease, but not for long. Experts predict that in a year or two cancer will take over as the leading cause of death for all Americans.
The message here is that both cancer and heart disease are still taking their toll on us. That means we need to do what we can to prevent both by staying as healthy as possible. And according to the American Cancer Society it also means more research is needed into cancer causes, treatments and prevention so the new number one killer can be better taken care of and hopefully one day eliminated completely.
What it basically means is that for all of us we can't let our guard down, especially when it comes to cancer and heart disease, the two leading causes of death here in the U.S.
But according to the American Cancer Society, for one group in particular, Hispanics, cancer has overtaken heart disease to become the leading cause of death. Part of this is because the Hispanic population has gotten younger over the last few years and younger people tend to have more problems with cancer than with heart disease. But part of the reason is also because of advances in treating heart disease. In particular, cholesterol lowering and high blood pressure medications have made a big impact on our heart health.
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are two other groups who also have cancer as their leading cause of death, but for the rest of Americans it's still heart disease, but not for long. Experts predict that in a year or two cancer will take over as the leading cause of death for all Americans.
The message here is that both cancer and heart disease are still taking their toll on us. That means we need to do what we can to prevent both by staying as healthy as possible. And according to the American Cancer Society it also means more research is needed into cancer causes, treatments and prevention so the new number one killer can be better taken care of and hopefully one day eliminated completely.
Children's Salt Intake
It's about the children. The CDC wants parents to make sure they get less salt in their diet for one very good reason... they are simply getting too much of it every day.
Salt is essential for us, but too much can be a bad thing. Extra salt in the diet can lead to conditions like high blood pressure, which can take its toll on the body's health over time. And we have known for decades that adult Americans take in too much salt for our own good.
But no one ever really looked at children's diets to see if they had an issue with this as well, until now. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that children tend to get the same amount of sodium every day as adults do. Unfortunately, that's way too much for them. The current recommendation for both children and adults is one teaspoon of salt per day, that's around 2,300 milligrams. Kids in this study ended up taking in 1,000 milligrams more per day than this for a total of 3,300. And the more salt they ate the higher their blood pressure was.
The good news is that cutting back on salt had a big impact on children's blood pressure. This means if you cut back on how much salt your kids, and you for that matter, get every day then you will have a quick and big impact on their blood pressure.
Salt is essential for us, but too much can be a bad thing. Extra salt in the diet can lead to conditions like high blood pressure, which can take its toll on the body's health over time. And we have known for decades that adult Americans take in too much salt for our own good.
But no one ever really looked at children's diets to see if they had an issue with this as well, until now. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that children tend to get the same amount of sodium every day as adults do. Unfortunately, that's way too much for them. The current recommendation for both children and adults is one teaspoon of salt per day, that's around 2,300 milligrams. Kids in this study ended up taking in 1,000 milligrams more per day than this for a total of 3,300. And the more salt they ate the higher their blood pressure was.
The good news is that cutting back on salt had a big impact on children's blood pressure. This means if you cut back on how much salt your kids, and you for that matter, get every day then you will have a quick and big impact on their blood pressure.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Gallstones & Obesity
The rise in numbers of children with gallstone problems might be attributed to a current epidemic they are having.
It looks like the current obesity epidemic might have an unexpected side effect -- more gallbladder problems in children.
Childhood obesity is currently at an epidemic level here in the U.S. As a matter of fact, according to the CDC, obesity in children has more than tripled over the last three decades alone. Unfortunately with higher obesity rates, we are also seeing more health problems with kids than we ever saw before. We've known for years that they are having problems with diseases like Type 2 Diabetes and high cholesterol levels... things that used to be seen only in adults. But researchers with Kaiser Permanente Southern California have also found a connection between the obesity problem and gallbladder issues in children.
Up until recently adults were more likely to develop gallstones, with women getting them more often than men. But now researchers have seen a sharp increase in gallbladder removal surgery in children and think obesity is a major cause.
They found that kids aged 10-19, extremely obese girls were 8 times more likely to develop gallbladder disease. For the heaviest boys, they were 3 times more likely. Experts are saying that this highlights another reason to get this obesity epidemic under control since not only will that excess weight affect children now, but can also cause issues throughout the remainder of their lives.
It looks like the current obesity epidemic might have an unexpected side effect -- more gallbladder problems in children.
Childhood obesity is currently at an epidemic level here in the U.S. As a matter of fact, according to the CDC, obesity in children has more than tripled over the last three decades alone. Unfortunately with higher obesity rates, we are also seeing more health problems with kids than we ever saw before. We've known for years that they are having problems with diseases like Type 2 Diabetes and high cholesterol levels... things that used to be seen only in adults. But researchers with Kaiser Permanente Southern California have also found a connection between the obesity problem and gallbladder issues in children.
Up until recently adults were more likely to develop gallstones, with women getting them more often than men. But now researchers have seen a sharp increase in gallbladder removal surgery in children and think obesity is a major cause.
They found that kids aged 10-19, extremely obese girls were 8 times more likely to develop gallbladder disease. For the heaviest boys, they were 3 times more likely. Experts are saying that this highlights another reason to get this obesity epidemic under control since not only will that excess weight affect children now, but can also cause issues throughout the remainder of their lives.
Eat Healthy With Cartoons
Do you want your kids to eat healthier foods? Cartoons might be the answer.
Borrowing a trick that marketers use to get kids to buy just about anything might just get them to eat more fruits and veggies too. The classic struggle between kids and their parents often revolves around getting them to eat healthier foods. They'd rather have cookies and candy and you'd rather they ate fruits and veggies. Well, here come cartoon characters to the rescue.
Researchers found that when elementary school aged children were given a choice between an apple or a cookie for lunch, they were much more likely to pick the apple if it had a cartoon character branding it. In the case of this study, researchers used commonly known characters like the Sesame Street puppet Elmo. Some days they labeled apples with the cartoon characters and other days they didn't. When there weren't any labels on the snacks, 9 out of 10 children picked the cookie. But when the apple had the cartoon character on it, almost 40% of the kids picked the healthier snack. As the researcher put it, advertisers know what attracts a kid's attention and it's time to start fighting fire with fire.
So, if a cartoon character gets them to eat healthier, then by all means use the cartoon character. It could be a cheap and struggle-free way to get your child to eat more of the healthier foods you buy for them.
Borrowing a trick that marketers use to get kids to buy just about anything might just get them to eat more fruits and veggies too. The classic struggle between kids and their parents often revolves around getting them to eat healthier foods. They'd rather have cookies and candy and you'd rather they ate fruits and veggies. Well, here come cartoon characters to the rescue.
Researchers found that when elementary school aged children were given a choice between an apple or a cookie for lunch, they were much more likely to pick the apple if it had a cartoon character branding it. In the case of this study, researchers used commonly known characters like the Sesame Street puppet Elmo. Some days they labeled apples with the cartoon characters and other days they didn't. When there weren't any labels on the snacks, 9 out of 10 children picked the cookie. But when the apple had the cartoon character on it, almost 40% of the kids picked the healthier snack. As the researcher put it, advertisers know what attracts a kid's attention and it's time to start fighting fire with fire.
So, if a cartoon character gets them to eat healthier, then by all means use the cartoon character. It could be a cheap and struggle-free way to get your child to eat more of the healthier foods you buy for them.
Exercise Improves Grades
Exercise can help keep your kids fit. But now it looks like it might also help keep them smart as well.
Now that the kids are back to school, it'll soon be time for, yes, grades to come out. But now it looks like one way to help boost those grades could be exercise. It turns out this is another example of the overall health benefits of exercise, especially with children as their brains are developing.
A group of Dutch scientists combed through earlier research on more than 12,000 children from the United States, Canada and South Africa. These researchers found a huge connection between exercise and academic performance. As a matter of fact, they found the more physical activity children had, the better they did on test scores, especially in basic subjects like math, English and reading.
According to the authors of this study, part of the reason this might be happening is because exercise increases the blood and oxygen flow to the brain. This can help increase the hormones that reduce stress and at the same time bring on new nerve cells in the brain which help with academics.
So, in addition to hitting the books and doing their homework, make sure your kids get regular exercise this year. That won't just get them in shape, but might also translate to a better report card.
Now that the kids are back to school, it'll soon be time for, yes, grades to come out. But now it looks like one way to help boost those grades could be exercise. It turns out this is another example of the overall health benefits of exercise, especially with children as their brains are developing.
A group of Dutch scientists combed through earlier research on more than 12,000 children from the United States, Canada and South Africa. These researchers found a huge connection between exercise and academic performance. As a matter of fact, they found the more physical activity children had, the better they did on test scores, especially in basic subjects like math, English and reading.
According to the authors of this study, part of the reason this might be happening is because exercise increases the blood and oxygen flow to the brain. This can help increase the hormones that reduce stress and at the same time bring on new nerve cells in the brain which help with academics.
So, in addition to hitting the books and doing their homework, make sure your kids get regular exercise this year. That won't just get them in shape, but might also translate to a better report card.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Get A Blood Test For Hepatitis C
For some of us, especially baby boomers, the government wants you to get a blood test. That blood test would look for Hepatitis C.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just put out a recommendation for those of us born between 1945 and 1965. The recommendation is to get a blood test checking for Hepatitis C, and for a few very good reasons. Those born in that age group account for more than 60% of Americans infected with Hepatitis C. And Deaths from diseases related to this virus have continued to rise, doubling in the last decade alone. According to the CDC, more than 15,000 Americans die each year from illnesses caused by Hepatitis C, mainly liver cancer of cirrhosis.
And since two new drugs have been developed that can treat Hepatitis C more successfully than before, the CDC is hoping to find more baby boomers that don't know they have this oftentimes silent infection.
They think hundreds of thousands of new infections occurred yearly during the 70s and 80s. Some got infected by drug use or blood transfusions. Other risk factors include tattoos, sharing razor blades and toothbrushes.
So to try and find more of the baby boomer generation with this infection before it becomes deadly, they are recommending those born between 1945 and 1965 get a one-time blood test to make sure they don't have Hepatitis C. And if it turns out they do, then starting treatment now can go a long way towards making sure that virus doesn't cause even more issues.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just put out a recommendation for those of us born between 1945 and 1965. The recommendation is to get a blood test checking for Hepatitis C, and for a few very good reasons. Those born in that age group account for more than 60% of Americans infected with Hepatitis C. And Deaths from diseases related to this virus have continued to rise, doubling in the last decade alone. According to the CDC, more than 15,000 Americans die each year from illnesses caused by Hepatitis C, mainly liver cancer of cirrhosis.
And since two new drugs have been developed that can treat Hepatitis C more successfully than before, the CDC is hoping to find more baby boomers that don't know they have this oftentimes silent infection.
They think hundreds of thousands of new infections occurred yearly during the 70s and 80s. Some got infected by drug use or blood transfusions. Other risk factors include tattoos, sharing razor blades and toothbrushes.
So to try and find more of the baby boomer generation with this infection before it becomes deadly, they are recommending those born between 1945 and 1965 get a one-time blood test to make sure they don't have Hepatitis C. And if it turns out they do, then starting treatment now can go a long way towards making sure that virus doesn't cause even more issues.
Blood Type Determines Heart Risk
Do you know what your blood type is? You might want to since your blood type could also determine your risk of having a heart attack.
At least that's what one researcher has found out - that some blood types have a greater chance of having a heart attack than others.
A new study out of the Harvard School of Public Health looked at more than 90,000 men and women over 20 years. Researchers found that certain blood types ended up developing heart attacks more often than others. IT turns out that those with blood types A, B or AB have a greater chance of having heart problems than those who have blood type O. And of those blood types that have a higher risk, those with AB had the greatest risk of having a heart attack - 20% increased chance.
Although knowing that your blood type might increase your risk of having a heart attack can help you live a healthier life, doing other things can go a lot further to make sure your heart stays healthy. Quitting smoking, eating right, keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol controlled are some of the best steps you can take. But knowing your blood type is always a good idea anyway, so find out what it is. That'll also help you see which group you fall into.
At least that's what one researcher has found out - that some blood types have a greater chance of having a heart attack than others.
A new study out of the Harvard School of Public Health looked at more than 90,000 men and women over 20 years. Researchers found that certain blood types ended up developing heart attacks more often than others. IT turns out that those with blood types A, B or AB have a greater chance of having heart problems than those who have blood type O. And of those blood types that have a higher risk, those with AB had the greatest risk of having a heart attack - 20% increased chance.
Although knowing that your blood type might increase your risk of having a heart attack can help you live a healthier life, doing other things can go a lot further to make sure your heart stays healthy. Quitting smoking, eating right, keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol controlled are some of the best steps you can take. But knowing your blood type is always a good idea anyway, so find out what it is. That'll also help you see which group you fall into.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Backpack Pain
It's that time of the year, time to start getting your kids ready for school. That means buying supplies and something to carry them in, usually a backpack. But getting the right one is key.
Here's the deal, that backpack they use might be causing more pain than you, or they, think. Nowadays, kids are lugging more and more supplies back and forth to school. If you try to pick up their backpack, you'll see that it's pretty packed. Unfortunately, that same pack might be the main reason up to half of 15- to 16-year-olds complain of back pain.
Most doctors and physical therapists recommend a backpack weighing no more than 15% of a student's body weight. That means it shouldn't weigh more than 15 pounds for a 100 pound person. And the most it should ever weigh, regardless of how big someone is, is 20 pounds.
But besides making sure it doesn't weigh too much, there are other things that can help keep it comfortable.
Make sure it has 2 wide, padded shoulder straps. And even though they might think it's geeky, try and get them to use both straps and not just one shoulder at a time. And teach them to stand up straight when using a pack. If they're leaning forward or hunching over, it probably weighs too much.
And try to lighten the load. See if you can convince them to not carry anything they don't need. Just bring home the necessities. Store the rest in their locker.
Encourage your kids to let you know if they have any back pain, or if they get numbness or tingling in their arms. That's a sign of a heavy pack, or one not used correctly.
The key here is to make sure their homework doesn't turn into a bigger pain they they already think it is.
Here's the deal, that backpack they use might be causing more pain than you, or they, think. Nowadays, kids are lugging more and more supplies back and forth to school. If you try to pick up their backpack, you'll see that it's pretty packed. Unfortunately, that same pack might be the main reason up to half of 15- to 16-year-olds complain of back pain.
Most doctors and physical therapists recommend a backpack weighing no more than 15% of a student's body weight. That means it shouldn't weigh more than 15 pounds for a 100 pound person. And the most it should ever weigh, regardless of how big someone is, is 20 pounds.
But besides making sure it doesn't weigh too much, there are other things that can help keep it comfortable.
Make sure it has 2 wide, padded shoulder straps. And even though they might think it's geeky, try and get them to use both straps and not just one shoulder at a time. And teach them to stand up straight when using a pack. If they're leaning forward or hunching over, it probably weighs too much.
And try to lighten the load. See if you can convince them to not carry anything they don't need. Just bring home the necessities. Store the rest in their locker.
Encourage your kids to let you know if they have any back pain, or if they get numbness or tingling in their arms. That's a sign of a heavy pack, or one not used correctly.
The key here is to make sure their homework doesn't turn into a bigger pain they they already think it is.
Preschoolers, Violent TV & Sleep
Could what your preschooler watches on TV be keeping him or her from going to sleep later that night?
It seems like shows we might not think of as being violent could actually be too violent for preschoolers. And that violence could be keeping them from getting to sleep at night.
A new study, just published in the journal Pediatrics found that for 3- to 5-year-olds watching violent TV caused a variety of sleep problems. It meant they had more problems falling asleep, ended up waking up more during the night, had more trouble getting up in the morning and ended up being more tired during the day. Of all these issues, the one that happened most often was that children watching more violent TV needed 20 more minutes to fall asleep at night. And that's something that's not only hard on the child, but on the caregiver as well.
But what you might be surprised at is what ended up being categorized as violent TV. According to the authors of this study, even seemingly harmless cartoons like Sponge Bob, could have too much violence for preschoolers. Although older children can understand the rock falling on some cartoon character's head is just pretend, preschoolers don't. And that small, funny to older kids violence, affects the smaller children when they try to get some sleep later on.
The authors of this study recommend that for preschoolers, we stick to the very child friendly shows like Sesame Street or Dora The Explorer. That'll help make sure they, and you, get a good night's sleep.
It seems like shows we might not think of as being violent could actually be too violent for preschoolers. And that violence could be keeping them from getting to sleep at night.
A new study, just published in the journal Pediatrics found that for 3- to 5-year-olds watching violent TV caused a variety of sleep problems. It meant they had more problems falling asleep, ended up waking up more during the night, had more trouble getting up in the morning and ended up being more tired during the day. Of all these issues, the one that happened most often was that children watching more violent TV needed 20 more minutes to fall asleep at night. And that's something that's not only hard on the child, but on the caregiver as well.
But what you might be surprised at is what ended up being categorized as violent TV. According to the authors of this study, even seemingly harmless cartoons like Sponge Bob, could have too much violence for preschoolers. Although older children can understand the rock falling on some cartoon character's head is just pretend, preschoolers don't. And that small, funny to older kids violence, affects the smaller children when they try to get some sleep later on.
The authors of this study recommend that for preschoolers, we stick to the very child friendly shows like Sesame Street or Dora The Explorer. That'll help make sure they, and you, get a good night's sleep.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Just A Spoon Full Of Honey
Just a spoon full of sugar may help the medicine go down, but now it looks like a spoonful of honey might be the best thing to stop a cough.
In head-to-head comparisons with some of the best cough medicine we have, honey actually came out on top.
When your child is coughing, especially if it's keeping everyone up at night, you'd give just about anything to get that cough under control. Up until now that's been either an over-the-counter or prescription cough medicine.
Well now something your mother or grandmother used is coming to the rescue. A simple spoonful of honey looks like it does a better job at getting that cough under control than even those medicines.
In a recent study, researchers compared honey to cough medicine containing the popular ingredient Dextromethophan--that's the DM you see on the cough medicine label. They found that the honey worked as well and sometime better than the bottled cough medicine containing DM. A newer study, just published in the journal Pediatrics, came to the same conclusion.
The major exception here is for children less than one. Because of the rare possibility of honey transmitting Botulism, it shouldn't be given to children this young. But otherwise, for those older than one, a spoonful one hour or so before bedtime should do the trick. And that should help them, and you, get more sleep.
In head-to-head comparisons with some of the best cough medicine we have, honey actually came out on top.
When your child is coughing, especially if it's keeping everyone up at night, you'd give just about anything to get that cough under control. Up until now that's been either an over-the-counter or prescription cough medicine.
Well now something your mother or grandmother used is coming to the rescue. A simple spoonful of honey looks like it does a better job at getting that cough under control than even those medicines.
In a recent study, researchers compared honey to cough medicine containing the popular ingredient Dextromethophan--that's the DM you see on the cough medicine label. They found that the honey worked as well and sometime better than the bottled cough medicine containing DM. A newer study, just published in the journal Pediatrics, came to the same conclusion.
The major exception here is for children less than one. Because of the rare possibility of honey transmitting Botulism, it shouldn't be given to children this young. But otherwise, for those older than one, a spoonful one hour or so before bedtime should do the trick. And that should help them, and you, get more sleep.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Distracted Walking Dangers
It's a growing and dangerous problem, but it's somethings many of us do on a daily basis.
We're talking about doing distracting things while we are walking. And it's becoming more common and more deadly than ever before.
We're talking about texting, talking on the cell phone, playing video games and such while trying to walk. These types of distractions have lead to a quadrupling of injuries seen in emergency rooms over the last 7 years. Unfortunately, there has also been a rise in the number of pedestrians killed in traffic accidents which are thought to also be because of distracted walking. As an example, in a recent University of Maryland study researchers found that over a 6-year period there were 116 case where pedestrians were killed or seriously injured while wearing headphones. In a third or the cases a warning horn was sounded before the impact, but presumably the pedestrian was too distracted to hear it.
So even though there has been a lot of talk lately about distracted driving, distracted walking is taking its toll too. The solution seems simple, especially since other studies have found that we really can't multitask. Instead we concentrate on one thing at a time. And while we are walking or running, that should be what we concentrate on. Let the phone call, text message or video game wait until you can stop long enough to not get hit, fall off a curb or otherwise injure yourself.
We're talking about doing distracting things while we are walking. And it's becoming more common and more deadly than ever before.
We're talking about texting, talking on the cell phone, playing video games and such while trying to walk. These types of distractions have lead to a quadrupling of injuries seen in emergency rooms over the last 7 years. Unfortunately, there has also been a rise in the number of pedestrians killed in traffic accidents which are thought to also be because of distracted walking. As an example, in a recent University of Maryland study researchers found that over a 6-year period there were 116 case where pedestrians were killed or seriously injured while wearing headphones. In a third or the cases a warning horn was sounded before the impact, but presumably the pedestrian was too distracted to hear it.
So even though there has been a lot of talk lately about distracted driving, distracted walking is taking its toll too. The solution seems simple, especially since other studies have found that we really can't multitask. Instead we concentrate on one thing at a time. And while we are walking or running, that should be what we concentrate on. Let the phone call, text message or video game wait until you can stop long enough to not get hit, fall off a curb or otherwise injure yourself.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Teething Pain Product Warning
Teething can be a tough time for kids and parents. But the FDA is warning against using one product in particular to cut down on teething pain.
The warning is against using certain over-the-counter teething gels and liquids. That's because they contain an ingredient that can be dangerous for children.
Having a teething child can be very frustrating. You know they are in pain and you want to do what you can to help them out. Sometimes that means reaching for teething pain remedies you can get over the counter. These liquids and gels work because they contain the numbing ingredient benzocaine. According to the FDA, common ones include Anbesol, Hurricaine, Orajel, Baby Orajel and Orabase.
The problem is that this ingredient, benzocaine, although it's very effective at numbing the gums, it can also lead to a rare and potentially fatal condition called "Methemoglobinemia." Again, this is a rare side effect of the benzocaine, but when it happens, it cuts down on the amount of oxygen a baby's blood supply can carry. That can cause serious problems. Since 2006, when the FDA first issued this warning, they have gotten reports of 29 cases of this problem caused by the benzocaine in these numbing agents. 15 of those happened in children less than 2 years old. This newest warning is that the FDA recommends that parents and caregivers not use these products for children younger than 2. Instead they recommend the good old fashioned refrigerated teething rings or gum rubbing with a finger to help handle that inevitable teething pain.
The warning is against using certain over-the-counter teething gels and liquids. That's because they contain an ingredient that can be dangerous for children.
Having a teething child can be very frustrating. You know they are in pain and you want to do what you can to help them out. Sometimes that means reaching for teething pain remedies you can get over the counter. These liquids and gels work because they contain the numbing ingredient benzocaine. According to the FDA, common ones include Anbesol, Hurricaine, Orajel, Baby Orajel and Orabase.
The problem is that this ingredient, benzocaine, although it's very effective at numbing the gums, it can also lead to a rare and potentially fatal condition called "Methemoglobinemia." Again, this is a rare side effect of the benzocaine, but when it happens, it cuts down on the amount of oxygen a baby's blood supply can carry. That can cause serious problems. Since 2006, when the FDA first issued this warning, they have gotten reports of 29 cases of this problem caused by the benzocaine in these numbing agents. 15 of those happened in children less than 2 years old. This newest warning is that the FDA recommends that parents and caregivers not use these products for children younger than 2. Instead they recommend the good old fashioned refrigerated teething rings or gum rubbing with a finger to help handle that inevitable teething pain.
Late Shift & Your Health
If you are a late night worker, listen up. You might need to keep a closer eye on your health.
It's because new information is showing that late shift work could up your chances of having a heart attack or stroke.
In this new study, researchers found it's not so much where you work, but more "when" you work that could be taking its toll on your health.
This study, published in the British Medical Journal, found that the risk of having one or two problems in particular, heart attacks or strokes, went up in those working irregular shifts. In other words, working anything other than normal daytime regular hours caused these problems with your health. Of the two, it mostly increased your chances of having a heart attack. This was true for any type of shift work, daytime, nighttime and in between. But it was even worse for those working night shifts.
Although they haven't quite figured out what is causing this, experts think it might have to do with shift workers getting less sleep, less physical activity and having worse eating habits. But it could also be due to the way shift work disrupts your circadian rhythm. This can have an affect on the body's heart rate and blood pressure which can then lead to an increased risk of a heart attack or stroke.
So if you do work shift work, the best thing you can do for yourself if realize it might be raising your risk of health problems. It's even more important for shift workers to manage their blood pressure, cholesterol and overall health by exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet, especially when you're staring down those donuts at 2 a.m.
It's because new information is showing that late shift work could up your chances of having a heart attack or stroke.
In this new study, researchers found it's not so much where you work, but more "when" you work that could be taking its toll on your health.
This study, published in the British Medical Journal, found that the risk of having one or two problems in particular, heart attacks or strokes, went up in those working irregular shifts. In other words, working anything other than normal daytime regular hours caused these problems with your health. Of the two, it mostly increased your chances of having a heart attack. This was true for any type of shift work, daytime, nighttime and in between. But it was even worse for those working night shifts.
Although they haven't quite figured out what is causing this, experts think it might have to do with shift workers getting less sleep, less physical activity and having worse eating habits. But it could also be due to the way shift work disrupts your circadian rhythm. This can have an affect on the body's heart rate and blood pressure which can then lead to an increased risk of a heart attack or stroke.
So if you do work shift work, the best thing you can do for yourself if realize it might be raising your risk of health problems. It's even more important for shift workers to manage their blood pressure, cholesterol and overall health by exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet, especially when you're staring down those donuts at 2 a.m.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
TV & Computer Screens & Depression
You might want to think twice about falling asleep watching TV, at least if you want to avoid depression.
It looks like that late night watching may be impacting our brains in more ways than one. And it might be increasing your chances of developing depression.
That's the conclusion from neuroscientists at Ohio State Medical Center. They say that an increase in the number of people with depression over the last 50 years coincides with an increase in our exposure to late night artificial light, like that given off by a TV or a computer screen late at night. Studying how hamsters adapted to late night lighting, these researchers found they developed a hamster's equivalent of depression, similar to the ways humans would. And this happened after only a few weeks with that dim light at night. But they also found changes to the actual structure of their brains from the depression and its similar to what they have seen before in humans suffering from the same thing.
They feel that night time light, from a TV or computer, is what is causing these changes and part of the reason behind an increase in depression nationwide.
The good news is that this is reversible. Once the late night dim lights were taken away, the hamsters went back to normal after only a few weeks. So for us humans, the message here is that if you are a late night computer person or a TV watcher, especially as you fall asleep, you might need to give yourself a break for a couple of weeks every now and then to keep depression at bay.
It looks like that late night watching may be impacting our brains in more ways than one. And it might be increasing your chances of developing depression.
That's the conclusion from neuroscientists at Ohio State Medical Center. They say that an increase in the number of people with depression over the last 50 years coincides with an increase in our exposure to late night artificial light, like that given off by a TV or a computer screen late at night. Studying how hamsters adapted to late night lighting, these researchers found they developed a hamster's equivalent of depression, similar to the ways humans would. And this happened after only a few weeks with that dim light at night. But they also found changes to the actual structure of their brains from the depression and its similar to what they have seen before in humans suffering from the same thing.
They feel that night time light, from a TV or computer, is what is causing these changes and part of the reason behind an increase in depression nationwide.
The good news is that this is reversible. Once the late night dim lights were taken away, the hamsters went back to normal after only a few weeks. So for us humans, the message here is that if you are a late night computer person or a TV watcher, especially as you fall asleep, you might need to give yourself a break for a couple of weeks every now and then to keep depression at bay.
Inactivity Could Kill You
Want to save your own life? Then maybe you need to move around more during the day.
The reason it might save your life is because of inactivity. Our lack of movement during the day is as dangerous to our health as smoking.
That's the latest conclusion from researchers looking to see how much our lifestyle is affecting our health. In a new report, just published in the Journal Lancet, these researchers have estimated that about 1 out of every 3 or us aren't doing enough physical activity during the day. That's probably not a big surprise to most of us. But that lack of activity is causing 5.3 million deaths each year. That's right up there with the number of deaths we see from things like heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. And to put it in a different light, these researchers say that's the same number of deaths that smoking causes.
In a different study researchers also found that as many as 1 in 3 adults worldwide aren't getting enough physical activity. Those numbers are even higher here in the U.S., with almost half of us not getting enough exercise.
So, what does this mean for you and your family? It mostly means that we all need to get up and move more. One current recommendation is 150 minutes of moderate exercise, like brisk walking, every week. If you spread that out to 5 days, that's 30 minutes per day. Put aside time to do this, it could be one of the best things you do for your health and for your life.
The reason it might save your life is because of inactivity. Our lack of movement during the day is as dangerous to our health as smoking.
That's the latest conclusion from researchers looking to see how much our lifestyle is affecting our health. In a new report, just published in the Journal Lancet, these researchers have estimated that about 1 out of every 3 or us aren't doing enough physical activity during the day. That's probably not a big surprise to most of us. But that lack of activity is causing 5.3 million deaths each year. That's right up there with the number of deaths we see from things like heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. And to put it in a different light, these researchers say that's the same number of deaths that smoking causes.
In a different study researchers also found that as many as 1 in 3 adults worldwide aren't getting enough physical activity. Those numbers are even higher here in the U.S., with almost half of us not getting enough exercise.
So, what does this mean for you and your family? It mostly means that we all need to get up and move more. One current recommendation is 150 minutes of moderate exercise, like brisk walking, every week. If you spread that out to 5 days, that's 30 minutes per day. Put aside time to do this, it could be one of the best things you do for your health and for your life.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
How We Walk & Dementia
Could the way a person walks be a clue to the start of dementia?
It looks like the way someone walks, or more precisely changes in how they walk, may be an early sign of Alzheimer's Disease. And since finding Alzheimer's early on can mean starting treatment earlier, that treatment might be more successful.
A new study just presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference has found that certain subtle changes in how someone walks gave researchers clues about who might be developing early dementia.
Here's how that connection works. The brain controls how we walk by communicating among different areas. If that communication gets interfered with, then someone might start to have very small changes in the way they walk. And one reason it might get interfered with is because of Alzheimer's.
In a recent study out of the Mayo Clinic, researchers found that certain types of changes were more likely to mean early Alzheimer's. Those who started walking with a lower cadence and velocity along with a decrease in the length of the stride also ended up having more dementia.
The good news is that this is a very inexpensive test that can be done outside the clinical environment. If you notice a loved one slowing down and taking smaller walking strides over what they normally used to do, you might want to bring it up to the doctor to see if more robust testing is needed.
It looks like the way someone walks, or more precisely changes in how they walk, may be an early sign of Alzheimer's Disease. And since finding Alzheimer's early on can mean starting treatment earlier, that treatment might be more successful.
A new study just presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference has found that certain subtle changes in how someone walks gave researchers clues about who might be developing early dementia.
Here's how that connection works. The brain controls how we walk by communicating among different areas. If that communication gets interfered with, then someone might start to have very small changes in the way they walk. And one reason it might get interfered with is because of Alzheimer's.
In a recent study out of the Mayo Clinic, researchers found that certain types of changes were more likely to mean early Alzheimer's. Those who started walking with a lower cadence and velocity along with a decrease in the length of the stride also ended up having more dementia.
The good news is that this is a very inexpensive test that can be done outside the clinical environment. If you notice a loved one slowing down and taking smaller walking strides over what they normally used to do, you might want to bring it up to the doctor to see if more robust testing is needed.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
New Diet Drug
The FDA has approved a new diet drug. But how effective and, more importantly, how safe is it?
The drug is now called qsymia; formerly qnexa.
Qsymia was approved because it did prove to be effective at helping overweight or obeses study participants lose up to 10% of their body weight. And along with diet and exercise, the manufacturers of this medicine say it could go a long way toward alleviating health problems associated with obesity, like diabetes and high blood pressure.
But this medicine, like all medicines, has side effects. It was initially disapproved back in 2010 because of heart and psychiatric side effects. At that time, the FDA thought those side effects were bad enough to not approve the drug. But now the FDA has approved qsymia for obese or overweight people with a body mass index, BMI, over 27 who also suffer from weight related health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. In this case, the FDA has most likely felt the benefits of losing weight using qsymia outweighed the potential dangerous side effects.
The key here is to use the medicine in conjunction with diet and exercise. It's not a magic pill by any stretch of the imagination. For many using this pill, they might need to be on it long term since coming off of it could mean putting the weight right back on. And it's not expected to be covered by most insurance companies, at least not yet.
The drug is now called qsymia; formerly qnexa.
Qsymia was approved because it did prove to be effective at helping overweight or obeses study participants lose up to 10% of their body weight. And along with diet and exercise, the manufacturers of this medicine say it could go a long way toward alleviating health problems associated with obesity, like diabetes and high blood pressure.
But this medicine, like all medicines, has side effects. It was initially disapproved back in 2010 because of heart and psychiatric side effects. At that time, the FDA thought those side effects were bad enough to not approve the drug. But now the FDA has approved qsymia for obese or overweight people with a body mass index, BMI, over 27 who also suffer from weight related health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. In this case, the FDA has most likely felt the benefits of losing weight using qsymia outweighed the potential dangerous side effects.
The key here is to use the medicine in conjunction with diet and exercise. It's not a magic pill by any stretch of the imagination. For many using this pill, they might need to be on it long term since coming off of it could mean putting the weight right back on. And it's not expected to be covered by most insurance companies, at least not yet.
Lose Weight, Keep A Diary
Do you want to lose a pound or two? Keeping a diary might help.
We're particularly talking about keeping a food diary, a food journal. That might be one key to losing a few pounds.
Losing weight is something most of us want to do at some time or another. But often that can be easier said than done. Part of the reason might be that we aren't ever really sure how much we are eating. And that's where a food journal comes into play.
Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle looked at how successful different self monitoring techniques were at helping overweight or obese volunteers lose weight.
They found that by keeping a food journal, eating out less and not skipping meals during the day helped the most. Those eating out even once per week didn't lose as much weight. That may be because we tend to eat more and higher calorie meals when we eat out. Those skipping meals are probably also more likely to grab high calorie snacks during the day.
But one of the more successful techniques used to lose weight in this study was using a food journal. Since we often don't accurately remember what we ate during the day the food journal will help keep us honest. That means writing down everything you eat, meals and snacks. And it doesn't matter where you write it down. Use a smart phone app, a piece of paper or even a small note pad. What matters is keeping track of what you eat during the day. You'll be surprised at how all the little things you eat add up to a lot of calories and those extra pounds none of us want.
We're particularly talking about keeping a food diary, a food journal. That might be one key to losing a few pounds.
Losing weight is something most of us want to do at some time or another. But often that can be easier said than done. Part of the reason might be that we aren't ever really sure how much we are eating. And that's where a food journal comes into play.
Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle looked at how successful different self monitoring techniques were at helping overweight or obese volunteers lose weight.
They found that by keeping a food journal, eating out less and not skipping meals during the day helped the most. Those eating out even once per week didn't lose as much weight. That may be because we tend to eat more and higher calorie meals when we eat out. Those skipping meals are probably also more likely to grab high calorie snacks during the day.
But one of the more successful techniques used to lose weight in this study was using a food journal. Since we often don't accurately remember what we ate during the day the food journal will help keep us honest. That means writing down everything you eat, meals and snacks. And it doesn't matter where you write it down. Use a smart phone app, a piece of paper or even a small note pad. What matters is keeping track of what you eat during the day. You'll be surprised at how all the little things you eat add up to a lot of calories and those extra pounds none of us want.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Kids Save You From Colds
Parenting is one of the most important jobs you could ever do. But sometimes being a parent also means having more colds floating around the house.
Being a parent has its good parts and its not so good parts. But now it looks like having children might actually protect you from catching a cold.
As we say in medicine, children tend to be a walking petri dish. In other words, they pick up just about every cold and flu out there, especially during the winter months. And when they pick them up, they bring them home.
But a new study, just published in Psychosomatic Medicine, has found that, believe it or not, parents actually have a lower risk of catching a cold because of their children. This happened even after the parents in the study had the cold virus sprayed directly into their noses. So, even though the virus was in their body, they were less likely to get colds than non parents. And this protection from colds went up with the number of kids in the house.
Although researchers aren't exactly sure why this is happening, they think it might have to do with our responses to infections and things in our bodies known as cytokines that give us immunity to things like colds. Parents tend to have cytokines that worked better at fighting off the common cold.
So this next cold and flu season if you don't get sick, you might just want to thank your children.
Being a parent has its good parts and its not so good parts. But now it looks like having children might actually protect you from catching a cold.
As we say in medicine, children tend to be a walking petri dish. In other words, they pick up just about every cold and flu out there, especially during the winter months. And when they pick them up, they bring them home.
But a new study, just published in Psychosomatic Medicine, has found that, believe it or not, parents actually have a lower risk of catching a cold because of their children. This happened even after the parents in the study had the cold virus sprayed directly into their noses. So, even though the virus was in their body, they were less likely to get colds than non parents. And this protection from colds went up with the number of kids in the house.
Although researchers aren't exactly sure why this is happening, they think it might have to do with our responses to infections and things in our bodies known as cytokines that give us immunity to things like colds. Parents tend to have cytokines that worked better at fighting off the common cold.
So this next cold and flu season if you don't get sick, you might just want to thank your children.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Live Longer? Stand More
Do you want to live a longer, healthier life? Maybe standing more is the answer.
It looks like the more you sit during the day, the more likely you are to die early on.
Decades ago, hardly anyone sat all day long. But now we sit in the car on our way to work, then sit at work all day, then sit to get back home. And once we're home, we sit to watch TV.
Now it looks like all of that sitting is taking its toll.
Researchers just found that there is a link between how much time we spend standing every day and our chances of dying. They found that if we could limit sitting to under 3 hours a day, then we'd live 2 years longer. And you can add another 1.4 years by cutting back TV time to less than 2 hours a day as well.
The thinking is that sitting decreases your overall physical activity and can affect your metabolic function during the day --- that can increase your changes of an early death. And since most of our sitting during the day happens at work, making small changes might help. Like getting up to talk to coworkers instead of emailing or calling them, taking a small walk during your lunch break and standing up for a few minutes every hour can all help contribute to the amount of time you stand during the day.
So when you can, stand up, or better yet, walk around. That could make all the difference in the world, especially later in life.
It looks like the more you sit during the day, the more likely you are to die early on.
Decades ago, hardly anyone sat all day long. But now we sit in the car on our way to work, then sit at work all day, then sit to get back home. And once we're home, we sit to watch TV.
Now it looks like all of that sitting is taking its toll.
Researchers just found that there is a link between how much time we spend standing every day and our chances of dying. They found that if we could limit sitting to under 3 hours a day, then we'd live 2 years longer. And you can add another 1.4 years by cutting back TV time to less than 2 hours a day as well.
The thinking is that sitting decreases your overall physical activity and can affect your metabolic function during the day --- that can increase your changes of an early death. And since most of our sitting during the day happens at work, making small changes might help. Like getting up to talk to coworkers instead of emailing or calling them, taking a small walk during your lunch break and standing up for a few minutes every hour can all help contribute to the amount of time you stand during the day.
So when you can, stand up, or better yet, walk around. That could make all the difference in the world, especially later in life.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Dogs, Cats & Your Child's Health
Want to help your children grow up healthy? Maybe the answer is to get a dog or cat.
It looks like dogs and cats might actually protect children from illness, especially during the first year of life.
A new study looked at children from birth to 12 months to see how many respiratory infections they had and how bad those infections were. Researchers found that having dogs and/or cats in the house also cut down on how bad these respiratory infections were. Of the two, having a dog in the house gave the children the lowest risk of infection. Cats came next. And those with kids without a cat or a dog had the highest risk of a respiratory infection during that first year of life.
Experts think this is because having pets in the house during these early months helps mature the immune system. And by having a more mature immune system that allows these children to better fight off respiratory problems. With dogs in particular, the more contact children had with them, the better protection they had.
So if you own a cat or a dog, or are thinking of getting one, and have small children, besides getting some life lessons in caring for animals, your children might also get some protection from the normal respiratory problems all kids get.
It looks like dogs and cats might actually protect children from illness, especially during the first year of life.
A new study looked at children from birth to 12 months to see how many respiratory infections they had and how bad those infections were. Researchers found that having dogs and/or cats in the house also cut down on how bad these respiratory infections were. Of the two, having a dog in the house gave the children the lowest risk of infection. Cats came next. And those with kids without a cat or a dog had the highest risk of a respiratory infection during that first year of life.
Experts think this is because having pets in the house during these early months helps mature the immune system. And by having a more mature immune system that allows these children to better fight off respiratory problems. With dogs in particular, the more contact children had with them, the better protection they had.
So if you own a cat or a dog, or are thinking of getting one, and have small children, besides getting some life lessons in caring for animals, your children might also get some protection from the normal respiratory problems all kids get.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Sleep & Your Immune System
Our immune system is important for keeping us healthy, but something most of us don't get is also needed to keep it healthy.
It turns out that among other things, poor sleep can drastically affect your immune system.
Most of us know that with a strong immune system, we stand the best chance of fighting off the almost constant onslaught of cold and flu illnesses. But sometimes our immune system isn't strong enough to fight the fight. And that usually means we get a cold, the flu or some other illness.
Part of the reason our immune system gets overwhelmed is because of things going on in our lives that help weaken it, like excess stress or other illnesses. But now we are finding out just how important sleep is in keeping our immune system strong.
A new study found that sleep deprivation caused the body to produce white blood cells which were an indication that the body was undergoing stress. This stress takes a toll on the body's immune system. Prior research has also shown that a lack of sleep can also increase a person's chances of developing diabetes, high blood pressure and even increase your chances of becoming obese.
So although sleep is important to staying awake the next day at work or school, it's also important to staying healthy and to keeping a strong immune system going.
It turns out that among other things, poor sleep can drastically affect your immune system.
Most of us know that with a strong immune system, we stand the best chance of fighting off the almost constant onslaught of cold and flu illnesses. But sometimes our immune system isn't strong enough to fight the fight. And that usually means we get a cold, the flu or some other illness.
Part of the reason our immune system gets overwhelmed is because of things going on in our lives that help weaken it, like excess stress or other illnesses. But now we are finding out just how important sleep is in keeping our immune system strong.
A new study found that sleep deprivation caused the body to produce white blood cells which were an indication that the body was undergoing stress. This stress takes a toll on the body's immune system. Prior research has also shown that a lack of sleep can also increase a person's chances of developing diabetes, high blood pressure and even increase your chances of becoming obese.
So although sleep is important to staying awake the next day at work or school, it's also important to staying healthy and to keeping a strong immune system going.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Kitty Litter Boxes Liked To Suicide?
There are many causes of depression and suicide, but could one of them be hiding out in your cat's litter box?
As surprising as it sounds, something inside kitty litter boxes might increase a woman's risk of suicide.
For years women have been advised to not empty cat litter boxes while they were pregnant. The reason is because cat feces can contain a common parasite called Toxoplasma Gondii, which is also spread through undercooked meat or unwashed vegetables. And if a pregnant woman gets infected with this parasite it can cause still births or brain damage in their unborn baby.
But we weren't really sure if it caused any problems in women themselves. Well, it looks like it might increase their chances of committing suicide. Researchers looking at over 45,000 women in Denmark found that those handling cat litter boxes had higher levels of antibodies produced from a Toxoplama infection. And those with higher Toxoplasma infection rates were also 1 1/2 times more likely to commit suicide.
The researchers involved in this study think that somehow this small parasite changes the brain a little bit and that small change can lead to emotional and behavioral issues which could lead to a higher risk of suicide.
Since they just studied women, it's not known how this parasite affects men, but the message is the same for everyone... after changing kitty litter boxes, simply wash your hands, especially before handling any food.
As surprising as it sounds, something inside kitty litter boxes might increase a woman's risk of suicide.
For years women have been advised to not empty cat litter boxes while they were pregnant. The reason is because cat feces can contain a common parasite called Toxoplasma Gondii, which is also spread through undercooked meat or unwashed vegetables. And if a pregnant woman gets infected with this parasite it can cause still births or brain damage in their unborn baby.
But we weren't really sure if it caused any problems in women themselves. Well, it looks like it might increase their chances of committing suicide. Researchers looking at over 45,000 women in Denmark found that those handling cat litter boxes had higher levels of antibodies produced from a Toxoplama infection. And those with higher Toxoplasma infection rates were also 1 1/2 times more likely to commit suicide.
The researchers involved in this study think that somehow this small parasite changes the brain a little bit and that small change can lead to emotional and behavioral issues which could lead to a higher risk of suicide.
Since they just studied women, it's not known how this parasite affects men, but the message is the same for everyone... after changing kitty litter boxes, simply wash your hands, especially before handling any food.
Giving Kids Foods They're Allergic To
When it comes to kids and food allergies, the important thing is to keep them away from what sets off their symptoms. But that's not always happening.
When it comes to food allergies, especially to things like peanuts, keeping the food item away from the child is important to their health and safety. But a new study is finding that some parents and caregivers are actually intentionally giving them small amounts of what they are allergic to and this can cause big problems.
As a matter of fact, a recent study found that 1 in 9 food allergy emergencies was not because of a child accidentally getting a hold of the food. Instead, researchers involved in the study think it's because parents and caregivers purposefully gave their children food they knew they were allergic to.
Although they aren't sure why this is happening, some of the researchers involved think it's because parents might be testing their children to see if they've outgrown the allergy... a dangerous practice that can be life-threatening.
On top of this, the researchers also found that when it came to accidental exposures, over half of them occurred when food was being supplied by caretakers other than the parents. This includes grandparents and other relatives who might be watching the child for a few days and are not familiar with these types of allergies.
So the bottom line here is to educate everyone that might be giving a food-allergic child food, including relatives. And when it comes to finding out if they've outgrown their allergy, talk with their doctor to see if some testing in a controlled, safe environment, like a hospital or allergy clinic, can be done.
When it comes to food allergies, especially to things like peanuts, keeping the food item away from the child is important to their health and safety. But a new study is finding that some parents and caregivers are actually intentionally giving them small amounts of what they are allergic to and this can cause big problems.
As a matter of fact, a recent study found that 1 in 9 food allergy emergencies was not because of a child accidentally getting a hold of the food. Instead, researchers involved in the study think it's because parents and caregivers purposefully gave their children food they knew they were allergic to.
Although they aren't sure why this is happening, some of the researchers involved think it's because parents might be testing their children to see if they've outgrown the allergy... a dangerous practice that can be life-threatening.
On top of this, the researchers also found that when it came to accidental exposures, over half of them occurred when food was being supplied by caretakers other than the parents. This includes grandparents and other relatives who might be watching the child for a few days and are not familiar with these types of allergies.
So the bottom line here is to educate everyone that might be giving a food-allergic child food, including relatives. And when it comes to finding out if they've outgrown their allergy, talk with their doctor to see if some testing in a controlled, safe environment, like a hospital or allergy clinic, can be done.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Helmet Law Safety
Using a helmet when riding a motorcycle is a safety tool, but just how safe does it keep you during an accident?
I know this can be a very controversial subject, mandatory helmet laws. It turns out that not only helmets, but helmet laws keep motorcycle riders safe, and probably a lot safer than most of us thought.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The CDC, just came out with some information about how useful these laws are at keeping motorcycle riders safe. They looked at states with and without mandatory motorcycle helmet laws during the years 2008 through 2010. They found that in states with less restrictive laws, there were around 5 times more deaths in riders without helmets thatn in states with more restrictive laws. And they also point out that having a helmet law also saved the states money because it reduced the amount of crash related injuries and deaths.
Now will a motorcycle helmet protect a rider from everything, of course not. But the CDC points out that helmets did prevent 37% of crash deaths in riders and 41% in passengers from 2008 to 2010. And although motorcycles only account for 3% of the registered vehicles on the road, they also make up 14% of traffic deaths.
Motorcycles can be fun to ride, and wearing a helmet shouldn't take away from the fun, but should help protect a rider from hazards while out on the road.
I know this can be a very controversial subject, mandatory helmet laws. It turns out that not only helmets, but helmet laws keep motorcycle riders safe, and probably a lot safer than most of us thought.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The CDC, just came out with some information about how useful these laws are at keeping motorcycle riders safe. They looked at states with and without mandatory motorcycle helmet laws during the years 2008 through 2010. They found that in states with less restrictive laws, there were around 5 times more deaths in riders without helmets thatn in states with more restrictive laws. And they also point out that having a helmet law also saved the states money because it reduced the amount of crash related injuries and deaths.
Now will a motorcycle helmet protect a rider from everything, of course not. But the CDC points out that helmets did prevent 37% of crash deaths in riders and 41% in passengers from 2008 to 2010. And although motorcycles only account for 3% of the registered vehicles on the road, they also make up 14% of traffic deaths.
Motorcycles can be fun to ride, and wearing a helmet shouldn't take away from the fun, but should help protect a rider from hazards while out on the road.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Hotel Rooms Could Make You Sick
When you stay overnight in a hotel room, you expect to get some sleep. But could that room also be getting you sick?
It's basically because some parts of the hotel room could be more contaminated than you'd think. Unfortunately that contamination comes from a bad source, fecal matter. But it's not the toilet in the hotel room that's the most contaminated. It's a couple of things most of us touch every time we are staying in one of the rooms, the TV remote and the bedside lamp switch.
A new study out of the University of Houston checked out hotel rooms to see what areas were most contaminated and what they were contaminated with. It turns out that even though the toilet and sinks were dirty, they weren't as contaminated as the remote or some of the light switches.
When the researchers looked at what types of contamination was most common, they found that 81% of all surfaces had fecal matter on them. As gross as this sounds, that fecal matter comes from poor bathroom hygeine. Some of the cleaner surfaces were the headboards and surprisingly the bathroom door handles.
But because of the areas that were contaminated, the concern is that the contamination might cause problems, especially in those with weakened immune system issues.
Although this doesn't necessarily apply to every hotel room, it's another good reason to make sure we wash our hands, especially before eating, while out on the road.
It's basically because some parts of the hotel room could be more contaminated than you'd think. Unfortunately that contamination comes from a bad source, fecal matter. But it's not the toilet in the hotel room that's the most contaminated. It's a couple of things most of us touch every time we are staying in one of the rooms, the TV remote and the bedside lamp switch.
A new study out of the University of Houston checked out hotel rooms to see what areas were most contaminated and what they were contaminated with. It turns out that even though the toilet and sinks were dirty, they weren't as contaminated as the remote or some of the light switches.
When the researchers looked at what types of contamination was most common, they found that 81% of all surfaces had fecal matter on them. As gross as this sounds, that fecal matter comes from poor bathroom hygeine. Some of the cleaner surfaces were the headboards and surprisingly the bathroom door handles.
But because of the areas that were contaminated, the concern is that the contamination might cause problems, especially in those with weakened immune system issues.
Although this doesn't necessarily apply to every hotel room, it's another good reason to make sure we wash our hands, especially before eating, while out on the road.
Acetaminophen Overdose
You could be overdosing on something most of us have in our houses and don't even know it.
We're talking about simple, over-the-counter Acetaminophen, often sold as Tylenol. And more of us are overdosing then you'd think.
The problem is that even though Acetaminophen is sold just about everywhere, it is still a risky medication if too much of it is taken. And that's exactly what this new study is showing is happening.
Researchers found that nearly 1 in 4 people surveyed had taken more of this medicine than they should. The maximum recommended dose per day is 4,000 milligrams. That's a limit of 8 Extra Strength Tylenols per day. But this study found that 1 in 4 surveyed took more than that amount on a daily basis and 5% took more than 6,000 milligrams per day of Acetaminophen. Unfortunately for those taking too much of this medicine, the side effects include liver problems. And too much Acetaminophen can not only prove dangerous, but also fatal.
Part of the problem is that since it's sold over the countyer without a prescription, many of us think it's safe. It is, but only if it's used properly. The other issue is that many other pain medications, including prescription pain pills, also contain Acetaminophen, so you might be taking too much and not even realize it. So your best bet is to stay within the recommended limits, and when filling a prescription ask your pharmacist if the medicines you're picking up contain Acetaminophen.
We're talking about simple, over-the-counter Acetaminophen, often sold as Tylenol. And more of us are overdosing then you'd think.
The problem is that even though Acetaminophen is sold just about everywhere, it is still a risky medication if too much of it is taken. And that's exactly what this new study is showing is happening.
Researchers found that nearly 1 in 4 people surveyed had taken more of this medicine than they should. The maximum recommended dose per day is 4,000 milligrams. That's a limit of 8 Extra Strength Tylenols per day. But this study found that 1 in 4 surveyed took more than that amount on a daily basis and 5% took more than 6,000 milligrams per day of Acetaminophen. Unfortunately for those taking too much of this medicine, the side effects include liver problems. And too much Acetaminophen can not only prove dangerous, but also fatal.
Part of the problem is that since it's sold over the countyer without a prescription, many of us think it's safe. It is, but only if it's used properly. The other issue is that many other pain medications, including prescription pain pills, also contain Acetaminophen, so you might be taking too much and not even realize it. So your best bet is to stay within the recommended limits, and when filling a prescription ask your pharmacist if the medicines you're picking up contain Acetaminophen.
E-readers Help Readers
E-readers are becoming more and more popular. Now it looks like they might also help out with reading problems.
These e-readers might help children with dyslexia read more easily and that might also mean they read more.
That's the conclusion from a new study. And it works because the e-readers allow you to adjust the spacing between words, which makes them easier to read for someone with dyslexia.
Now when a child does have dyslexia, they have a hard time recognizing printed words and symbols and that makes it tough to read and spell. Without reatment, someone with dyslexia will struggle with reading. That can last into adulthood. This not only affects their school years, but can also affect job performance later in life. One of the best treatments for kids with dyslexia is reading practice. But this becomes tough and frustrating at times, so they tend to not read as much as they should. Researchers found that by using an e-reader and increasing the letter spacing by 2.5 points made it easier for them to read. Kids using this technique not only read more accurately, but also read around 20% faster.
Although not a cure for dyslexia, since it does seem to help them read more easily, this might be one technique that can make reading more enjoyable. Which means they might not put the book, or in this case the e-reader, down as quickly.
These e-readers might help children with dyslexia read more easily and that might also mean they read more.
That's the conclusion from a new study. And it works because the e-readers allow you to adjust the spacing between words, which makes them easier to read for someone with dyslexia.
Now when a child does have dyslexia, they have a hard time recognizing printed words and symbols and that makes it tough to read and spell. Without reatment, someone with dyslexia will struggle with reading. That can last into adulthood. This not only affects their school years, but can also affect job performance later in life. One of the best treatments for kids with dyslexia is reading practice. But this becomes tough and frustrating at times, so they tend to not read as much as they should. Researchers found that by using an e-reader and increasing the letter spacing by 2.5 points made it easier for them to read. Kids using this technique not only read more accurately, but also read around 20% faster.
Although not a cure for dyslexia, since it does seem to help them read more easily, this might be one technique that can make reading more enjoyable. Which means they might not put the book, or in this case the e-reader, down as quickly.
Run, But Not Too Much, To Live Longer
If you're a runner, congratulations, you're probably going to live longer. Unless, you run too much. As confusing as that sounds, that's the newest results of a couple of recent studies. In a nutshell, running can increase your chances of living longer, but only up to a certain point, then it might make things worse.
At least that's what researchers are telling us. One new study found that running lowered a person's risk of dying by about 20%. But that only worked if they didn't run more than 20 miles a week or run more than 5 times per week.
A separate study found taht ultra marathoners, those that ran very long distances, had a higher risk of developing long-term heart damage. The same was found in those doing other endurance sports as well.
So, the best advice from these studies is to definitely do some type of consistend aerobic exercise, like running or cycling. And if you're into ultra marathons, according to one of the authors of thes study, doing it occasionally is probably okay. But it's not something you'd want to do on a consistent basis.
At least that's what researchers are telling us. One new study found that running lowered a person's risk of dying by about 20%. But that only worked if they didn't run more than 20 miles a week or run more than 5 times per week.
A separate study found taht ultra marathoners, those that ran very long distances, had a higher risk of developing long-term heart damage. The same was found in those doing other endurance sports as well.
So, the best advice from these studies is to definitely do some type of consistend aerobic exercise, like running or cycling. And if you're into ultra marathons, according to one of the authors of thes study, doing it occasionally is probably okay. But it's not something you'd want to do on a consistent basis.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Altitude & Stomach Issues
Could our high altitude be causing stomach problems for some of us? It can, especially for people traveling out here this summer.
We know that when someone visits us here in Colorado, we have to worry about our high altitude and dry climate. Giving them a couple of days to get used to the altitude and making sure they drink plenty of fluids can help keep them comfortable and safe. But a new, small study is showing that traveling to a higher altitude, like here in Colorado, can also cause flare ups of certain intestinal issues. In particular, researcher found that when someone traveled about 6,500 feet, they ended up having more flare ups of inflammatory bowel disease symptoms. This means those suffering from Crohn's Disease or Colitis need to pay particular attention to how they feel when they get out here to our higher altitudes.
Although researchers aren't sure what causes this and haven't yet looked at what people can do when flare ups do occur, knowing this can happen can prepare visitors. And having your visitors talk with their doctor before heading out here to get medications they can use just in case they do have a flare up, can also go a long way towards helping make sure their vacation doesn't get them sick.
We know that when someone visits us here in Colorado, we have to worry about our high altitude and dry climate. Giving them a couple of days to get used to the altitude and making sure they drink plenty of fluids can help keep them comfortable and safe. But a new, small study is showing that traveling to a higher altitude, like here in Colorado, can also cause flare ups of certain intestinal issues. In particular, researcher found that when someone traveled about 6,500 feet, they ended up having more flare ups of inflammatory bowel disease symptoms. This means those suffering from Crohn's Disease or Colitis need to pay particular attention to how they feel when they get out here to our higher altitudes.
Although researchers aren't sure what causes this and haven't yet looked at what people can do when flare ups do occur, knowing this can happen can prepare visitors. And having your visitors talk with their doctor before heading out here to get medications they can use just in case they do have a flare up, can also go a long way towards helping make sure their vacation doesn't get them sick.
Detergent Pod Warning
They might be convenient, but they're also proving to be a problem for kids.
We're talking about these little detergent packs that have been showing up on store shelves. Doctors across the country are seeing more and more children that have eaten them. And some of these children have ended up getting very sick because of it.
These small detergent packs are very convenient. And they work because they pack a lot of detergent in a little package. But that little package, for some reason, is also attractive to kids, probably because they are so brightly colored. And since these packages are made to dissolve very quickly, once a child puts them in their mouth they end up getting a big load of detergent.
But doctors are also noticing that kids putting these packets in their mouths get more sick than those eating regular detergent and aren't sure why. It might be because they get a bigger load or because it dissolves so quickly. Either way, more children are getting sick and some even hospitalized after putting one in their mouth.
Manufacturers are responding by putting locks on the container lids. In the meantime, and even after the lid locks are in place, treat these detergent packs like any other dangerous product in your house. Keep them in a cabinet out of reach of your children or with childproof locks. That way the little ones in your house won't be tempted by the brightly colored packages.
We're talking about these little detergent packs that have been showing up on store shelves. Doctors across the country are seeing more and more children that have eaten them. And some of these children have ended up getting very sick because of it.
These small detergent packs are very convenient. And they work because they pack a lot of detergent in a little package. But that little package, for some reason, is also attractive to kids, probably because they are so brightly colored. And since these packages are made to dissolve very quickly, once a child puts them in their mouth they end up getting a big load of detergent.
But doctors are also noticing that kids putting these packets in their mouths get more sick than those eating regular detergent and aren't sure why. It might be because they get a bigger load or because it dissolves so quickly. Either way, more children are getting sick and some even hospitalized after putting one in their mouth.
Manufacturers are responding by putting locks on the container lids. In the meantime, and even after the lid locks are in place, treat these detergent packs like any other dangerous product in your house. Keep them in a cabinet out of reach of your children or with childproof locks. That way the little ones in your house won't be tempted by the brightly colored packages.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Summer Safety Tips
This weekend is the unofficial start of summer. As the saying goes, "It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt." So, here are some simple steps that can help make sure summer stays fun.
Remember that with our intense sunshine, sunscreen to prevent burning and fluids to prevent dehydration are important for everyone, even on cloudy days. This is even more important for visitors.
And after a long winter and many school days, bicycles and scooters will be your children's best friends. Head injuries happen easily and can be devastating. So, just make sure they always wear a helmet, even if just in your driveway. Most kids don't like helmets at first, but if the house rule is always, "no helmet, no bicycle," they'll quickly get used to them.
With the warmer temperatures and more sunshine, we will also start venturing outside more to exercise. But after a slow winter, you need to allow your body time to adjust to a new exercise routine. Start slowly, increasing the distance or intensity of your workout over days. Also, spend less time, at first, outdoors to allow your body to adjust to the hotter temperatures. And exercise when it's cooler, in the morning or towards the end of the day. Again, don't forget to keep hydrated.
The goal here is to enjoy Colorado's beautiful summer with your family, but to do so with safety in mind.
Remember that with our intense sunshine, sunscreen to prevent burning and fluids to prevent dehydration are important for everyone, even on cloudy days. This is even more important for visitors.
And after a long winter and many school days, bicycles and scooters will be your children's best friends. Head injuries happen easily and can be devastating. So, just make sure they always wear a helmet, even if just in your driveway. Most kids don't like helmets at first, but if the house rule is always, "no helmet, no bicycle," they'll quickly get used to them.
With the warmer temperatures and more sunshine, we will also start venturing outside more to exercise. But after a slow winter, you need to allow your body time to adjust to a new exercise routine. Start slowly, increasing the distance or intensity of your workout over days. Also, spend less time, at first, outdoors to allow your body to adjust to the hotter temperatures. And exercise when it's cooler, in the morning or towards the end of the day. Again, don't forget to keep hydrated.
The goal here is to enjoy Colorado's beautiful summer with your family, but to do so with safety in mind.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Swimming: Don't Get Sick Tips
It's about time to start that summertime ritual, hitting the swimming pool on hot days. But there are a few things to think about before jumping in.
It's about making sure you or your kids don't get sick swimming this year. But right up front, this isn't a "don't swim warning," but more of a "take a few precautions" before getting in the pool story.
Recent reports have shown that more people are getting sick from swimming pool water. This usually means catching gastroenteritis... causing belly pain, vomiting and diarrhea. And one of the main reasons is because many of us don't shower before entering the pool and some of us even swim when we're sick.
But again, don't take this as a reason to miss out on pool fun this summer, but there are some simple steps you can take to stay healthy. Most importantly, if you have diarrhea, don't swim until things get better. Also, whether you are sick or not, shower off with water *and* soap before getting in the pool. According to a survey by the water quality and health council, although 93% of us would never reuse someone else's bath water, only a little more than half of us shower "before" getting in a pool. And pools are basically a big communal bath, so wash off before getting in. And when you're in the pool, to further help yourself out, don't swallow pool water and wash your hands when you get out. Make sure your kids do the same.
That way this summer you can not only have fun in the pool, but also keep healthy while you're at it.
It's about making sure you or your kids don't get sick swimming this year. But right up front, this isn't a "don't swim warning," but more of a "take a few precautions" before getting in the pool story.
Recent reports have shown that more people are getting sick from swimming pool water. This usually means catching gastroenteritis... causing belly pain, vomiting and diarrhea. And one of the main reasons is because many of us don't shower before entering the pool and some of us even swim when we're sick.
But again, don't take this as a reason to miss out on pool fun this summer, but there are some simple steps you can take to stay healthy. Most importantly, if you have diarrhea, don't swim until things get better. Also, whether you are sick or not, shower off with water *and* soap before getting in the pool. According to a survey by the water quality and health council, although 93% of us would never reuse someone else's bath water, only a little more than half of us shower "before" getting in a pool. And pools are basically a big communal bath, so wash off before getting in. And when you're in the pool, to further help yourself out, don't swallow pool water and wash your hands when you get out. Make sure your kids do the same.
That way this summer you can not only have fun in the pool, but also keep healthy while you're at it.
Hepatitis C Test
The government is urging some of us, especially baby boomers, to get a certain blood test.
The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention just put out a recommendation for those of us born between 1945 and 1965. The recommendation is to get a blood test checking for Hepatitis C, and for a few very good reasons. Those born in that age group account for more than 60% of Americans infected with Hepatitis C. And deaths from diseases related to this virus have continued to rise, doubling in the last decade alone. According to the CDC more than 15,000 Americans die each year from illnesses caused by Hepatitis C, mainly liver cancer or cirrhosis.
And since two new drugs have been developed that can treat Hepatitis C more successfully than before, the CDC is hoping to find more baby boomers that don't know they have this oftentimes silent infection.
They think hundred of thousands of new infections occurred yearly during the 70s and 80s. Some got infected by drug use or blood transfusions. Other risk factors include tattoos, sharing razor blades and toothbrushes.
SO, to try and find more of the baby boomer generation with this infection before it becomes deadly, they are recommending those born between 1945 and 1965 get a one-time blood test to make sure they don't have Hepatitis C. And if it turns out they do, then starting treatment now can go a long way towards making sure that virus doesn't cause even more issues.
The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention just put out a recommendation for those of us born between 1945 and 1965. The recommendation is to get a blood test checking for Hepatitis C, and for a few very good reasons. Those born in that age group account for more than 60% of Americans infected with Hepatitis C. And deaths from diseases related to this virus have continued to rise, doubling in the last decade alone. According to the CDC more than 15,000 Americans die each year from illnesses caused by Hepatitis C, mainly liver cancer or cirrhosis.
And since two new drugs have been developed that can treat Hepatitis C more successfully than before, the CDC is hoping to find more baby boomers that don't know they have this oftentimes silent infection.
They think hundred of thousands of new infections occurred yearly during the 70s and 80s. Some got infected by drug use or blood transfusions. Other risk factors include tattoos, sharing razor blades and toothbrushes.
SO, to try and find more of the baby boomer generation with this infection before it becomes deadly, they are recommending those born between 1945 and 1965 get a one-time blood test to make sure they don't have Hepatitis C. And if it turns out they do, then starting treatment now can go a long way towards making sure that virus doesn't cause even more issues.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Button Battery Warning
It might seem harmless, but the common button battery is doing a lot more harm to kids than we thought.
We've issued this warning before, to be careful with button batteries around children. But a new study is showing that more children are getting hurt and ending up in the ER because of these batteries than every before.
Researchers have found that more than 65,000 children have ended up in the ER after swallowing batteries over the last 20 years. And those numbers are rising. Part of the problem is that small button batteries are easy to swallow and for some reason appealing to some kids. To some they even look like candy. And part of the problem is that they are becoming more common. You'd probably be surprised at just how many of these button batteries you have in your house right now.
But the bigger problem is what happens once a child swallows the battery. The battery itself can burn a hold through the esophagus, the feeding tube, stomach lining or intestines. That then becomes a life-threatening condition. And it can happen just a couple of hours after the battery is swallowed.
So, your best bet is to keep them out of the reach of small children. If you suspect they swallowed a button battery, or if you notice excessive drooling, which can be a sign of something stuck in their throat, don't wait. Get them to the ER.
We've issued this warning before, to be careful with button batteries around children. But a new study is showing that more children are getting hurt and ending up in the ER because of these batteries than every before.
Researchers have found that more than 65,000 children have ended up in the ER after swallowing batteries over the last 20 years. And those numbers are rising. Part of the problem is that small button batteries are easy to swallow and for some reason appealing to some kids. To some they even look like candy. And part of the problem is that they are becoming more common. You'd probably be surprised at just how many of these button batteries you have in your house right now.
But the bigger problem is what happens once a child swallows the battery. The battery itself can burn a hold through the esophagus, the feeding tube, stomach lining or intestines. That then becomes a life-threatening condition. And it can happen just a couple of hours after the battery is swallowed.
So, your best bet is to keep them out of the reach of small children. If you suspect they swallowed a button battery, or if you notice excessive drooling, which can be a sign of something stuck in their throat, don't wait. Get them to the ER.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Measles Alert
There is an alert out for a disease you probably haven't heard of in a while, but could start making its way to Colorado.
We're talking about measles, something most of us have never seen, but something that might be traveling to Colorado this summer.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has just issued an alert to doctors around the state to be on the lookout for people with symptoms of measles. The department is especially wanting Urgent Cares, emergency departments and other doctors' clinics to be on the watch for measles since people will be traveling to Europe this summer for the Olympics or to other international locations.
Part of the problem is that measles outbreaks are occurring in England and other parts of the world and more children here in the U.S. are not getting recommended vaccines. When you combine those two by traveling to an area and getting exposed to measles without the protection of a vaccine, that not only means you or your children will get sick, but you could also bring measles back to Colorado.
So, your best bet is to make sure you and your children have their required vaccines, whether you are traveling or not. Especially since it looks like measles will do some traveling of its own this summer.
We're talking about measles, something most of us have never seen, but something that might be traveling to Colorado this summer.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has just issued an alert to doctors around the state to be on the lookout for people with symptoms of measles. The department is especially wanting Urgent Cares, emergency departments and other doctors' clinics to be on the watch for measles since people will be traveling to Europe this summer for the Olympics or to other international locations.
Part of the problem is that measles outbreaks are occurring in England and other parts of the world and more children here in the U.S. are not getting recommended vaccines. When you combine those two by traveling to an area and getting exposed to measles without the protection of a vaccine, that not only means you or your children will get sick, but you could also bring measles back to Colorado.
So, your best bet is to make sure you and your children have their required vaccines, whether you are traveling or not. Especially since it looks like measles will do some traveling of its own this summer.
Sleepwalking
If you hear a bump in the night, it just might be someone sleepwalking.
Turns out, about 1 out of 3 of us sleepwalk. That's what new research is showing, that it might be more common than we thought.
A new study out of the Stanford Sleep Epidemiology Research Center not only found that 30% of us have had a sleepwalking episode sometime in our lives, but that around 4% of us have done it recently. And the sticky part is that people that sleepwalk usually don't even know they did it. It's the others in the house that let them know. And although sleepwalking runs in families, according to these researchers, if you have depression or obsessive compulsive disorder than your chances of sleepwalking go up. On top of that, those taking sleeping pills or antidepressants also had a higher chance of sleepwalking. But part of that could be because of the depression and not necessarily the antidepressant medications.
So, if you do hear that "bump" in the night and notice someone sleepwalking the best thing to do is to slowly and gently guide them back to bed. Keeping them safe, since oftentimes they don't really know what they are doing is important.
Turns out, about 1 out of 3 of us sleepwalk. That's what new research is showing, that it might be more common than we thought.
A new study out of the Stanford Sleep Epidemiology Research Center not only found that 30% of us have had a sleepwalking episode sometime in our lives, but that around 4% of us have done it recently. And the sticky part is that people that sleepwalk usually don't even know they did it. It's the others in the house that let them know. And although sleepwalking runs in families, according to these researchers, if you have depression or obsessive compulsive disorder than your chances of sleepwalking go up. On top of that, those taking sleeping pills or antidepressants also had a higher chance of sleepwalking. But part of that could be because of the depression and not necessarily the antidepressant medications.
So, if you do hear that "bump" in the night and notice someone sleepwalking the best thing to do is to slowly and gently guide them back to bed. Keeping them safe, since oftentimes they don't really know what they are doing is important.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Jogging Health
Are you a jogger? If so, great! If not, you might want to start running, at least a little bit.
It really doesn't get any simpler than this... joggers live longer!
At least that's the result from a newly released long-term study. Researchers looked at nearly 20,000 people from 1976 to today. They were 20-79 years old. Researchers found that those who jogged ended up living around 6 years longer than those who didn't. And we aren't talking about running yourself into the ground to get this benefit. Even light joggers lived longer.
This study found that jogging at a slow to average pace for 1-2 1/2 hours per meek was what worked the best. And putting in the time over 2-3 sessions during that week also seemed to be the way to do it. That means that one secret to living longer is a slow to average job for 30 minutes just 3 times a week.
Now this doesn't mean that running faster won't get you in better shape, but we are almost looking at apples and oranges here. Running faster will get you in better racing shape and might help you lose pounds faster, but for living longer, the slower jogging seemed to work the best.
The researchers also didn't look at other types of exercise, like cycling, which can also help you stay healthy. The important point is that exercise is important and although many of us don't think we have time for a good exercise program, this study shows it really doesn't take all that much time. And it might help keep you around a bit longer too!
It really doesn't get any simpler than this... joggers live longer!
At least that's the result from a newly released long-term study. Researchers looked at nearly 20,000 people from 1976 to today. They were 20-79 years old. Researchers found that those who jogged ended up living around 6 years longer than those who didn't. And we aren't talking about running yourself into the ground to get this benefit. Even light joggers lived longer.
This study found that jogging at a slow to average pace for 1-2 1/2 hours per meek was what worked the best. And putting in the time over 2-3 sessions during that week also seemed to be the way to do it. That means that one secret to living longer is a slow to average job for 30 minutes just 3 times a week.
Now this doesn't mean that running faster won't get you in better shape, but we are almost looking at apples and oranges here. Running faster will get you in better racing shape and might help you lose pounds faster, but for living longer, the slower jogging seemed to work the best.
The researchers also didn't look at other types of exercise, like cycling, which can also help you stay healthy. The important point is that exercise is important and although many of us don't think we have time for a good exercise program, this study shows it really doesn't take all that much time. And it might help keep you around a bit longer too!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Healthy Commute
Do you commute to work? Then listen up, because that drive might be doing more than just aggravating you.
It looks like that commute might be taking its toll on your heart. But there is a way to help you fight back.
Researchers have found that the longer you drive into work, the more likely you are to have problems with your overall health. And more specifically those who commuted the longest, in a recent study, also had the most problems with high blood pressure and even ended up having bigger waistlines.
The reason behind this seems to be exercise. In this study those who had the longest drives to work also ended up being less likely to exercise the days they commuted. They had lower levels of overall fitness, a higher body mass index, bigger waistlines and higher blood pressure than those that didn't drive as far.
Now, you can't fix this by simply getting a job closer to home, but there are some things you can do to help yourself out if do commute to work. Sneaking in little amounts of exercise during the day can go a long way towards reversing the bad effects of a long drive. So, park at the far end of the lot and walk further to get into work, take stairs instead of elevators, stand up as much as you can when you're at work. You get the point. Doing these little things can do more than you think to counter all that sitting during a long commute and help get your health back on track.
It looks like that commute might be taking its toll on your heart. But there is a way to help you fight back.
Researchers have found that the longer you drive into work, the more likely you are to have problems with your overall health. And more specifically those who commuted the longest, in a recent study, also had the most problems with high blood pressure and even ended up having bigger waistlines.
The reason behind this seems to be exercise. In this study those who had the longest drives to work also ended up being less likely to exercise the days they commuted. They had lower levels of overall fitness, a higher body mass index, bigger waistlines and higher blood pressure than those that didn't drive as far.
Now, you can't fix this by simply getting a job closer to home, but there are some things you can do to help yourself out if do commute to work. Sneaking in little amounts of exercise during the day can go a long way towards reversing the bad effects of a long drive. So, park at the far end of the lot and walk further to get into work, take stairs instead of elevators, stand up as much as you can when you're at work. You get the point. Doing these little things can do more than you think to counter all that sitting during a long commute and help get your health back on track.
Sitting & Diabetes
Do you spend most of your day sitting around? If so, you might be at risk for diabetes.
This particularly applies to women. A new study looking at how much we sit and what that does to us, found out some bad news. Women who spend only four to seven hours a day sitting were more likely to start showing signs of type 2 diabetes. For some reason, we can't quite figure out, the same didn't apply to men.
But that doesn't let guys off the hook. Studies released earlier this year found that for both men and women, sitting more than 8 hours a day also meant you were more likely to die over the next three years than if you didn't sit that much.
Here's what we think is happening. Although you might exercise, which is still good for you and important for your health, if you spend a lot of time sitting during the day then you don't burn those little calories that add up to a lot. Just by standing or walking around you burn little bits of calories here and there and those add up. Plus you exercise you muscles by just standing or walking and that adds up too.
And we are finding that it's these little things, standing and walking about, that add up to great health benefits. So when you can, get up and stretch or better yet walk the halls and get those little snippets of exercise that could save your health.
This particularly applies to women. A new study looking at how much we sit and what that does to us, found out some bad news. Women who spend only four to seven hours a day sitting were more likely to start showing signs of type 2 diabetes. For some reason, we can't quite figure out, the same didn't apply to men.
But that doesn't let guys off the hook. Studies released earlier this year found that for both men and women, sitting more than 8 hours a day also meant you were more likely to die over the next three years than if you didn't sit that much.
Here's what we think is happening. Although you might exercise, which is still good for you and important for your health, if you spend a lot of time sitting during the day then you don't burn those little calories that add up to a lot. Just by standing or walking around you burn little bits of calories here and there and those add up. Plus you exercise you muscles by just standing or walking and that adds up too.
And we are finding that it's these little things, standing and walking about, that add up to great health benefits. So when you can, get up and stretch or better yet walk the halls and get those little snippets of exercise that could save your health.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Sleep & Weight Loss
We can all use a little more sleep, right? Well it seems getting more sleep might also mean losing a bit more weight.
We can call it the big win-win. Sleep more and drop a few pounds.
But that's exactly what it looks like, at least when it comes to fighting the genes our parents gave us that can be part of the reason it's tough to shed a pound or two. As a country overall, we simply don't get enough sleep. A recent study showed that 40% of us actually get less than 6 hours a night. And not getting enough sleep can take its toll on your body and your health. But other research has hinted that getting too much sleep, more than 9 hours a night, might also be taking its toll, mainly by increasing your risk for heart disease.
But when it comes to weight loss, the story has been a little confusing. Some studies have hinted that sleeping too much can make it tougher to lose weight. This newest study shows the opposite. At least when it comes to how our genes affect how we pack on the pounds.
Researchers at the University of Washington found that those sleeping longer at night, more than 9 hours, also had lower BMIs, especially genetically similar twins. So, they figure that sleeping longer might help overcome those gene's tendencies in some to help them carry around a few unwanted pounds. And as an added benefit, you won't be joining the rest of us yawning all day long.
We can call it the big win-win. Sleep more and drop a few pounds.
But that's exactly what it looks like, at least when it comes to fighting the genes our parents gave us that can be part of the reason it's tough to shed a pound or two. As a country overall, we simply don't get enough sleep. A recent study showed that 40% of us actually get less than 6 hours a night. And not getting enough sleep can take its toll on your body and your health. But other research has hinted that getting too much sleep, more than 9 hours a night, might also be taking its toll, mainly by increasing your risk for heart disease.
But when it comes to weight loss, the story has been a little confusing. Some studies have hinted that sleeping too much can make it tougher to lose weight. This newest study shows the opposite. At least when it comes to how our genes affect how we pack on the pounds.
Researchers at the University of Washington found that those sleeping longer at night, more than 9 hours, also had lower BMIs, especially genetically similar twins. So, they figure that sleeping longer might help overcome those gene's tendencies in some to help them carry around a few unwanted pounds. And as an added benefit, you won't be joining the rest of us yawning all day long.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Sleep & Your Job
We all want to get a good night's sleep, but many of us don't. It could be because of our jobs, or at least the time of day we work.
The current recommendations are to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep most nights. Getting less than that can lead to heart and other health problems. But even getting too much sleep, more than 9 hours on average, can increase your chance of heart disease.
Most of us, though, don't have to worry about getting too much sleep. As a matter of fact, a new study, just published by the CDC found that 30% of us get fewer than 6 hours of sleep per night.
They also found that our jobs seem to be part of the reason why. Those working in manufacturing type jobs got less sleep than other workers. Those working night shifts had an even bigger problem putting in the right amount of shut eye. Nearly half of night shift workers had trouble sleeping enough. And depending on where you worked your night shifts, the problem could be even worse. Nearly 70% of warehouse and transportation workers and over half of health care workers didn't get enough sleep on a regular basis. The same was true for those working more than one job or more than 40 hours a week.
So, although you can't do much about the hows and wheres you need to work, realizing you might not be getting enough sleep can hopefully help you get more shut eye in the future.
The current recommendations are to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep most nights. Getting less than that can lead to heart and other health problems. But even getting too much sleep, more than 9 hours on average, can increase your chance of heart disease.
Most of us, though, don't have to worry about getting too much sleep. As a matter of fact, a new study, just published by the CDC found that 30% of us get fewer than 6 hours of sleep per night.
They also found that our jobs seem to be part of the reason why. Those working in manufacturing type jobs got less sleep than other workers. Those working night shifts had an even bigger problem putting in the right amount of shut eye. Nearly half of night shift workers had trouble sleeping enough. And depending on where you worked your night shifts, the problem could be even worse. Nearly 70% of warehouse and transportation workers and over half of health care workers didn't get enough sleep on a regular basis. The same was true for those working more than one job or more than 40 hours a week.
So, although you can't do much about the hows and wheres you need to work, realizing you might not be getting enough sleep can hopefully help you get more shut eye in the future.
Playground Equipment Warning
Playgrounds are fun, especially for young children. But there is a new warning out about one piece of equipment, and it's a very common site at playgrounds.
We're talking about the slide. For one set of children, it can cause a leg fracture.
A new study looked into children who had broken their tibia, that's the big bone in the bottom half of the leg. The researcher doing this study found that for those under 3 years of age, 14% of the tibia fractures happened when the child went down a slide sitting in their parent's lap.
When you think about it, it seems to make sense to hold a child this young in your lap for a trip down the slide. They are usually too young to hold themselves up and slide down without getting hurt. So, going down sitting on mom's or dad's lap should help. But what happens is that the young child's foot often gets caught on the side of the slide while they are going down together and it gets twisted. This twisting causes the tibia fracture. Often times the parent doesn't even realize this has happened. They just notice their child is crying and won't put any weight on the fractured leg.
For the most part, these types of fracture just require a few weeks in a cast and heal well. But for the parent, it can leave some lasting guilt feelings. So your best bet, is to wait on the slide until your child is old enough to go it on their own.
We're talking about the slide. For one set of children, it can cause a leg fracture.
A new study looked into children who had broken their tibia, that's the big bone in the bottom half of the leg. The researcher doing this study found that for those under 3 years of age, 14% of the tibia fractures happened when the child went down a slide sitting in their parent's lap.
When you think about it, it seems to make sense to hold a child this young in your lap for a trip down the slide. They are usually too young to hold themselves up and slide down without getting hurt. So, going down sitting on mom's or dad's lap should help. But what happens is that the young child's foot often gets caught on the side of the slide while they are going down together and it gets twisted. This twisting causes the tibia fracture. Often times the parent doesn't even realize this has happened. They just notice their child is crying and won't put any weight on the fractured leg.
For the most part, these types of fracture just require a few weeks in a cast and heal well. But for the parent, it can leave some lasting guilt feelings. So your best bet, is to wait on the slide until your child is old enough to go it on their own.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Neighborhoods & Child Obesity
Picking the right place to live could make a big difference in your child's weight.
It turns out that certain things in your neighborhood, or more importantly, certain things that aren't there may be contributing to the obesity epidemic in children.
A new study, just published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, looked at which characteristics in neighborhoods were best at helping you help your child keep a healthy weight.
Researchers found that having a neighborhood that lent itself to a lot of physical activity as well as one near good food were the most important factors. In other words, having places to walk to, like stores or libraries can mean getting more exercise. So to can having what are known as "recreation areas", parks that children can play and run in on a regular basis.
On top of this having a neighborhood near supermarkets and stores with healthy food also meant having kids with lower weight. And just the opposite was true if kids lived near convenience stores instead of grocery stores.
So the next time you plan to move take a look around the new neighborhood and see if it's a place that might help you help you kids stay healthy.
It turns out that certain things in your neighborhood, or more importantly, certain things that aren't there may be contributing to the obesity epidemic in children.
A new study, just published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, looked at which characteristics in neighborhoods were best at helping you help your child keep a healthy weight.
Researchers found that having a neighborhood that lent itself to a lot of physical activity as well as one near good food were the most important factors. In other words, having places to walk to, like stores or libraries can mean getting more exercise. So to can having what are known as "recreation areas", parks that children can play and run in on a regular basis.
On top of this having a neighborhood near supermarkets and stores with healthy food also meant having kids with lower weight. And just the opposite was true if kids lived near convenience stores instead of grocery stores.
So the next time you plan to move take a look around the new neighborhood and see if it's a place that might help you help you kids stay healthy.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Losing Weight
When it comes to diets and losing weight, there is one tried and true way that works best.
It's definitely one of those "I think we all knew this" studies. But it still gives us a lot of answers about which weight loss techniques work best. And it does reinforce the fact that eating healthy and exercising is by far the best way to lose weight.
This new study, out of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, looked into what it took for over 4,000 obese individuals to lose weight. Researchers wanted to find out what methods worked the best. First off, they found that a great portion of obese individuals can and do lose weight. That's great news. They also found that people were more likely to lose weight by doing what might seem obvious. The best results came from eating less fat, exercising, joining a weight loss program and even using prescription weight loss medications. On the flip side of the coin they also found that popular fad diets, liquid diets, non-prescription weight loss pills along with diet foods and products didn't really work.
So, the bottom line is that when it comes to weight loss, doing the usual tried and true methods of exercise and eating well simply works the best. And to help out a bit, joining a weight loss program might help provide that extra motivation.
It's definitely one of those "I think we all knew this" studies. But it still gives us a lot of answers about which weight loss techniques work best. And it does reinforce the fact that eating healthy and exercising is by far the best way to lose weight.
This new study, out of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, looked into what it took for over 4,000 obese individuals to lose weight. Researchers wanted to find out what methods worked the best. First off, they found that a great portion of obese individuals can and do lose weight. That's great news. They also found that people were more likely to lose weight by doing what might seem obvious. The best results came from eating less fat, exercising, joining a weight loss program and even using prescription weight loss medications. On the flip side of the coin they also found that popular fad diets, liquid diets, non-prescription weight loss pills along with diet foods and products didn't really work.
So, the bottom line is that when it comes to weight loss, doing the usual tried and true methods of exercise and eating well simply works the best. And to help out a bit, joining a weight loss program might help provide that extra motivation.
Cancer Survivors & Non-Cancer Deaths
Nearly half of all cancer survivors die from non-cancer causes. Turns out that's actually good news.
The fact that just about half of cancer survivors today die from other causes is good news because it means they are surviving their cancers longer than before. But it's also a bit of a wake up call for them to take care of other things as well.
A new study looked at cancer survivors over the last decade. Researchers found that those participating in the national health and nutrition examination survey most commonly had breast, prostate, lung and colorectal types of cancers. They also found that although 51% of them died from their cancers over a 7-year period, 49%, or almost half, died from some other cause.
And the number one thing they did die from was heart disease. That's not a big surprise since it's also the number one overall killer in the U.S., but what was surprising was that it itself was responsible for over 2/3 of cancer survivors' non-cancer deaths.
Since more are surviving their cancers for longer periods of time, this means that they also need to remember to concentrate on other aspects of their health. That means continuing to eat right and avoid the deadly things like smoking to ensure that once they survive their cancer, they are around for as many years as possible.
The fact that just about half of cancer survivors today die from other causes is good news because it means they are surviving their cancers longer than before. But it's also a bit of a wake up call for them to take care of other things as well.
A new study looked at cancer survivors over the last decade. Researchers found that those participating in the national health and nutrition examination survey most commonly had breast, prostate, lung and colorectal types of cancers. They also found that although 51% of them died from their cancers over a 7-year period, 49%, or almost half, died from some other cause.
And the number one thing they did die from was heart disease. That's not a big surprise since it's also the number one overall killer in the U.S., but what was surprising was that it itself was responsible for over 2/3 of cancer survivors' non-cancer deaths.
Since more are surviving their cancers for longer periods of time, this means that they also need to remember to concentrate on other aspects of their health. That means continuing to eat right and avoid the deadly things like smoking to ensure that once they survive their cancer, they are around for as many years as possible.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Kids Need To Get Outside
When it comes to keeping our kids healthy, it looks like we might need to spend a little more time with them outside.
It's for a couple of reasons. Number one, getting kids outside, especially the young ones, is a great way to get them some exercise. And number two, not many parents are doing this, or at least doing this enough.
Children get a lot of health benefits from playing outside including keeping them from developing obesity and giving them a lifelong habit of getting regular exercise. But over the years children have been getting out less and less. and this new study, published in the Journal Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, found that when it comes to preschool children in particular, not that many are getting outside to play as often as they should.
Researchers found that less then half the moms and only about 1 in 4 of the dads in this study took their kids outside every day to play around or even just go on a little walk. Surprisingly, these same parents said they though their neighborhoods were safe so that wasn't keeping them from going outside. Most likely it was more of a time factor since the majority of moms and dads in this study also worked outside the home.
So to help get kids outside to play more, setting up a play group with other parents might help out. That way everyone takes turns getting them that much needed outdoor time. In this case, it seems like it truly does that a village to raise a child, at least to help raise them to be as healthy as possible.
It's for a couple of reasons. Number one, getting kids outside, especially the young ones, is a great way to get them some exercise. And number two, not many parents are doing this, or at least doing this enough.
Children get a lot of health benefits from playing outside including keeping them from developing obesity and giving them a lifelong habit of getting regular exercise. But over the years children have been getting out less and less. and this new study, published in the Journal Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, found that when it comes to preschool children in particular, not that many are getting outside to play as often as they should.
Researchers found that less then half the moms and only about 1 in 4 of the dads in this study took their kids outside every day to play around or even just go on a little walk. Surprisingly, these same parents said they though their neighborhoods were safe so that wasn't keeping them from going outside. Most likely it was more of a time factor since the majority of moms and dads in this study also worked outside the home.
So to help get kids outside to play more, setting up a play group with other parents might help out. That way everyone takes turns getting them that much needed outdoor time. In this case, it seems like it truly does that a village to raise a child, at least to help raise them to be as healthy as possible.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Urine Smell & Infection
When it comes to young children, a certain smell could mean a certain type of infection.
We're talking about a simple way that might alert parents to urinary tract infections in their young children. Bad smelling urine.
Young ones can't always tell us how they are feeling, so that means that sometimes we miss things that are making them sick until their condition gets really bad. A urine infection is one of those things. And it's important to catch these infections as early as possible so it doesn't spread to their kidneys. But since children can't always tell us about symptoms they may be having, often times the urine infection is missed until it does get worse.
But a new study is finding that something as simple as a change in the smell of their urine could be a big clue. Researchers found that this change in smell in children 3 years old and younger was the strongest clue that they might have a urine infection.
Other things besides an infection can cause a change in the way their urine smells, particularly certain foods. And although just noticing a change in smell doesn't automatically mean they have a urine infection, it gives you and their doctor a good indication that they should at least be tested just to make sure.
We're talking about a simple way that might alert parents to urinary tract infections in their young children. Bad smelling urine.
Young ones can't always tell us how they are feeling, so that means that sometimes we miss things that are making them sick until their condition gets really bad. A urine infection is one of those things. And it's important to catch these infections as early as possible so it doesn't spread to their kidneys. But since children can't always tell us about symptoms they may be having, often times the urine infection is missed until it does get worse.
But a new study is finding that something as simple as a change in the smell of their urine could be a big clue. Researchers found that this change in smell in children 3 years old and younger was the strongest clue that they might have a urine infection.
Other things besides an infection can cause a change in the way their urine smells, particularly certain foods. And although just noticing a change in smell doesn't automatically mean they have a urine infection, it gives you and their doctor a good indication that they should at least be tested just to make sure.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Standing Can Save Your Life
Standing more during the day might be one key to a longer life.
It turns out that sitting too much might be shortening your life. We are starting to find out more and more just how important to our health standing can be. Standing, instead of sitting, can help cut back on weight. And on long flights, standing every now and then can help prevent blood clots. But now it looks like standing more during the day might save your life.
A new study, just published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, found that sitting 11 or more hours during the day mean you were 40% more likely to die during the next three years. Sitting more than 8 hours a day still increased your risk of dying as well, by around 15%. And that's regardless of how much you exercised during the day.
Although 8 to 11 hours might seem like a lot of time sitting, think about your average day. Driving to work, sitting at work, driving home, then maybe sitting down to watch some TV. That call all add up. And even though you can't escape your desk at work, you can do a couple of things that should help out. Take as many breaks as possible and stand up and walk around a bit. When talking on the phone, stand up then too. And if you can, instead of emailing someone in your building, walk over and talk to them. Also, try and make sure when you do get home that you get up and around. Going for a walk or even standing up to watch TV can help make sure you don't end up sitting too much.
It turns out that sitting too much might be shortening your life. We are starting to find out more and more just how important to our health standing can be. Standing, instead of sitting, can help cut back on weight. And on long flights, standing every now and then can help prevent blood clots. But now it looks like standing more during the day might save your life.
A new study, just published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, found that sitting 11 or more hours during the day mean you were 40% more likely to die during the next three years. Sitting more than 8 hours a day still increased your risk of dying as well, by around 15%. And that's regardless of how much you exercised during the day.
Although 8 to 11 hours might seem like a lot of time sitting, think about your average day. Driving to work, sitting at work, driving home, then maybe sitting down to watch some TV. That call all add up. And even though you can't escape your desk at work, you can do a couple of things that should help out. Take as many breaks as possible and stand up and walk around a bit. When talking on the phone, stand up then too. And if you can, instead of emailing someone in your building, walk over and talk to them. Also, try and make sure when you do get home that you get up and around. Going for a walk or even standing up to watch TV can help make sure you don't end up sitting too much.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Too Much Sleep?
Not sleeping enough is bad for your health, but what about sleeping too much.
As odd as it sounds, it looks like both not sleeping enough and even sleeping too much could have a big impact on your overall health.
Most of us know that 6-8 hours is right around the target range for a good night's sleep. But not many of us actually get that amount on a regular basis. Some of us get less, some get more. And for years we've thought that those getting less than 6 hours night after night had health problems because of it. And they do, including a risk of having a stroke, heart attack or even congestive heart failure. But a new study has found that sleeping more than 8 hours causes its own problems. They include having more problems with coronary artery disease and more incidence of chest pain.
Researchers involved in this study feel that the ideal sleep range for most of us is 6-8 hours. And since sleep is the time our body, and mind, uses to renew itself, not getting enough, or getting too much, can cause an array of health problems. The bottom line here is that if you're not in that target range find out why. Fixing sleep issues can be one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
As odd as it sounds, it looks like both not sleeping enough and even sleeping too much could have a big impact on your overall health.
Most of us know that 6-8 hours is right around the target range for a good night's sleep. But not many of us actually get that amount on a regular basis. Some of us get less, some get more. And for years we've thought that those getting less than 6 hours night after night had health problems because of it. And they do, including a risk of having a stroke, heart attack or even congestive heart failure. But a new study has found that sleeping more than 8 hours causes its own problems. They include having more problems with coronary artery disease and more incidence of chest pain.
Researchers involved in this study feel that the ideal sleep range for most of us is 6-8 hours. And since sleep is the time our body, and mind, uses to renew itself, not getting enough, or getting too much, can cause an array of health problems. The bottom line here is that if you're not in that target range find out why. Fixing sleep issues can be one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Menopause & Memory Loss
When it comes to menopause most of us think of hot flashes. But how about memory loss?
They call it “menopause fog” or menopause brain fog” and it happens a lot more than most of us think.
Typically when we think about menopause most of us think about the typical hot flashes or night sweats that women sometimes go through. Some women going through “the change” might have noticed a little more trouble with their memory happening at the same time. Chances are they didn't think much about connecting the two. But a new study has found that the connection between menopause and brain fog exists and probably happens more than you'd think.
Researchers involved in this study, published in the journal “Menopause” found that women with memory complaints during menopause were more likely to have problems with working memory, like what we use when we calculate a tip at a restaurant. They also found that this menopause memory issue differed from typical memory problems we have as we get older, because those typically surround issues with storing and remembering new information, not necessarily with using the memory we already have.
Although researchers aren't sure why this is happening they did find out that 67% of menopausal women in this study had these types of memory problems. Now knowing this happens can hopefully lead to more recognition, more studies and more ways to cope during the menopausal years.
They call it “menopause fog” or menopause brain fog” and it happens a lot more than most of us think.
Typically when we think about menopause most of us think about the typical hot flashes or night sweats that women sometimes go through. Some women going through “the change” might have noticed a little more trouble with their memory happening at the same time. Chances are they didn't think much about connecting the two. But a new study has found that the connection between menopause and brain fog exists and probably happens more than you'd think.
Researchers involved in this study, published in the journal “Menopause” found that women with memory complaints during menopause were more likely to have problems with working memory, like what we use when we calculate a tip at a restaurant. They also found that this menopause memory issue differed from typical memory problems we have as we get older, because those typically surround issues with storing and remembering new information, not necessarily with using the memory we already have.
Although researchers aren't sure why this is happening they did find out that 67% of menopausal women in this study had these types of memory problems. Now knowing this happens can hopefully lead to more recognition, more studies and more ways to cope during the menopausal years.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Fighting Allergy Season
Most of us enjoyed the mild winter, but now we might be paying for it.
Nationwide, this was the winter that wasn't with warm weather during our cold months. But now all that great weather could turn into a bad allergy season. Our Spring allergy season usually starts out toward the end of March and the first part of April. Traditionally the first pollens released are trees, followed over the months by grasses then weeds. Well now clinics are already starting to see allergy related symptoms in patients and those later grasses and weeds might be cropping up even sooner than usual.
But since allergies are starting earlier this year, it's going to be easy to assume those same symptoms of a runny nose, cough, scratchy throat and red eyes are simply a cold. That means you might not be doing the things you need to do to get on top of your allergies.
These steps include taking allergy medicines starting now to prevent symptoms in the first place. Other recommendations include staying indoors during the morning, especially before 10 a.m. and keep track of the daily pollen count. If it's particularly high, or it's a very windy and dry day, stay inside with your doors and windows shut and the air conditioner on. At the end of the day, before you head off to bed, take a quick shower. That will make sure pollen that collected on your hair during the day doesn't spread to your pillow. You'll just end up breathing them in during the night. The goal here is to continue to enjoy the great weather we have without paying the price of a bad allergy day.
Nationwide, this was the winter that wasn't with warm weather during our cold months. But now all that great weather could turn into a bad allergy season. Our Spring allergy season usually starts out toward the end of March and the first part of April. Traditionally the first pollens released are trees, followed over the months by grasses then weeds. Well now clinics are already starting to see allergy related symptoms in patients and those later grasses and weeds might be cropping up even sooner than usual.
But since allergies are starting earlier this year, it's going to be easy to assume those same symptoms of a runny nose, cough, scratchy throat and red eyes are simply a cold. That means you might not be doing the things you need to do to get on top of your allergies.
These steps include taking allergy medicines starting now to prevent symptoms in the first place. Other recommendations include staying indoors during the morning, especially before 10 a.m. and keep track of the daily pollen count. If it's particularly high, or it's a very windy and dry day, stay inside with your doors and windows shut and the air conditioner on. At the end of the day, before you head off to bed, take a quick shower. That will make sure pollen that collected on your hair during the day doesn't spread to your pillow. You'll just end up breathing them in during the night. The goal here is to continue to enjoy the great weather we have without paying the price of a bad allergy day.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Red Meat Dangers
Most of us like red meat from time to time, but how much is too much?
It's not so much about how much you eat at one sitting, but more about how often you eat red meat that seems to be the issue.
A new, very large, study looked at the age old question of how good, or bad, red meat is for us. We've known for some time that too much red meat isn't part of a healthy diet. But this new study, following over 100,000 people for 2 decades, found out that eating red meat every day increased our chances of an early death. Researchers found that someone eating a single serving of red meat every day; we're talking about a serving the size of a deck of cards; had a higher chance of a premature death. And eating processed red meat like hot dogs, bacon or bologna, every day made that risk go up even more. On the flip side of the coin, researchers also found out that eating fish or poultry instead of red meat actually cut your risk of an early death.
Now, this isn't a call to stop eating any red meat. It simply means that my favorite word, moderation, is back at work. Red meat occasionally can be part of a healthy diet. But too much of it too often can be dangerous for your overall health.
It's not so much about how much you eat at one sitting, but more about how often you eat red meat that seems to be the issue.
A new, very large, study looked at the age old question of how good, or bad, red meat is for us. We've known for some time that too much red meat isn't part of a healthy diet. But this new study, following over 100,000 people for 2 decades, found out that eating red meat every day increased our chances of an early death. Researchers found that someone eating a single serving of red meat every day; we're talking about a serving the size of a deck of cards; had a higher chance of a premature death. And eating processed red meat like hot dogs, bacon or bologna, every day made that risk go up even more. On the flip side of the coin, researchers also found out that eating fish or poultry instead of red meat actually cut your risk of an early death.
Now, this isn't a call to stop eating any red meat. It simply means that my favorite word, moderation, is back at work. Red meat occasionally can be part of a healthy diet. But too much of it too often can be dangerous for your overall health.
Kids & Stairs Safety
When it comes to kids and stairs, there's good new and bad news.
The good news is that fewer kids are getting hurt on stairs, but the bad news is plenty still end up in the emergency room because of it.
A new study, just published in the journal Pediatrics, found that over the last 10 years the number of kids hurt on stairs dropped. Researchers think part of the reason is because of parents realizing the dangers of baby walkers.
But they also found that we still have a ways to go. That's because currently, a child ends up in the ER every 6 minutes after falling down stairs.
Recommendations for slowing this rate down include modifying stairs with children in mind. That means making handrails more narrow so their small hands can grip them if they start to fall. And installing built in gates at both the top and bottom of any stair set.
The researchers involved in this study remind us that even though we might not have a child in the house, most houses have a child visit from one time or another. And the stairs might become a hazard for them at any time resulting in a trip to the hospital.
The good news is that fewer kids are getting hurt on stairs, but the bad news is plenty still end up in the emergency room because of it.
A new study, just published in the journal Pediatrics, found that over the last 10 years the number of kids hurt on stairs dropped. Researchers think part of the reason is because of parents realizing the dangers of baby walkers.
But they also found that we still have a ways to go. That's because currently, a child ends up in the ER every 6 minutes after falling down stairs.
Recommendations for slowing this rate down include modifying stairs with children in mind. That means making handrails more narrow so their small hands can grip them if they start to fall. And installing built in gates at both the top and bottom of any stair set.
The researchers involved in this study remind us that even though we might not have a child in the house, most houses have a child visit from one time or another. And the stairs might become a hazard for them at any time resulting in a trip to the hospital.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Concussion Symptoms Linger
When it comes to kids, sports concussions have been a big issue recently. And there is a very good reason so much attention is focused on concussions.
It's because after suffering a concussion, even a very mild one, the symptoms for kids can last up to a year.
A lot more attention has been placed on sports concussions recently from the pros down to the youngest players and for a few very good reasons. That's because when someone suffers a concussion, kids in particular, they end up having attention and memory problems. But now we are finding out those problems can last a lot longer than we used to think.
A new study, published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, looked at children 8 to 15 that suffered a mild brain injury, a concussion. Researchers found that these children suffered from headaches and fatigue along with inattention and memory problems up to a year after the injury. But they also found that even though the headache and fatigue went away, the inattention and memory problems stuck around.
And with the current advice being that after someone suffers a concussion they shouldn't return to play until "all" symptoms have gone away, it's going to be tougher to keep track of the attention and memory problem areas that might stick around for some time. But even these need to be back to normal before someone gets back into the game.
It's because after suffering a concussion, even a very mild one, the symptoms for kids can last up to a year.
A lot more attention has been placed on sports concussions recently from the pros down to the youngest players and for a few very good reasons. That's because when someone suffers a concussion, kids in particular, they end up having attention and memory problems. But now we are finding out those problems can last a lot longer than we used to think.
A new study, published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, looked at children 8 to 15 that suffered a mild brain injury, a concussion. Researchers found that these children suffered from headaches and fatigue along with inattention and memory problems up to a year after the injury. But they also found that even though the headache and fatigue went away, the inattention and memory problems stuck around.
And with the current advice being that after someone suffers a concussion they shouldn't return to play until "all" symptoms have gone away, it's going to be tougher to keep track of the attention and memory problem areas that might stick around for some time. But even these need to be back to normal before someone gets back into the game.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Babies Sleeping & Behavior Problems
How babies sleep might be tied closely to behavior problems later in life.
How they sleep, or more importantly how they breath while they sleep, can be a clue to possible behavior problems later on in life. For some time we've known that children's sleep can influence their amount of hyperactivity or other behavior problems. But this new large study has found that breathing problems during their sleep might be part of the issue. And it might even be contributing to issues when they get older.
A new study, just published in the Journal Pediatrics, followed 11,000 babies and asked their parents to report on how much they snored, used mouth breathing or had times where they held their breath while sleeping. Researchers found out that those having more of these sleep problems also ended up having more behavior issues when they were 7 years old. Those problems included hyperactivity, aggressiveness, anxiety and depression. Plus these children also had a harder time getting along with their classmates.
So, the message here is for parents to pay closer attention to how their babies sleep. If you notice excessive snoring or if it seems like they are holding their breath while sleeping, bring this up to their doctor so you can work together to figure out how to help them.
How they sleep, or more importantly how they breath while they sleep, can be a clue to possible behavior problems later on in life. For some time we've known that children's sleep can influence their amount of hyperactivity or other behavior problems. But this new large study has found that breathing problems during their sleep might be part of the issue. And it might even be contributing to issues when they get older.
A new study, just published in the Journal Pediatrics, followed 11,000 babies and asked their parents to report on how much they snored, used mouth breathing or had times where they held their breath while sleeping. Researchers found out that those having more of these sleep problems also ended up having more behavior issues when they were 7 years old. Those problems included hyperactivity, aggressiveness, anxiety and depression. Plus these children also had a harder time getting along with their classmates.
So, the message here is for parents to pay closer attention to how their babies sleep. If you notice excessive snoring or if it seems like they are holding their breath while sleeping, bring this up to their doctor so you can work together to figure out how to help them.
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