If it feels like your allergies are getting worse, you're probably right.
If you're suffering from allergies right now, then you're not alone. And experts are saying this season could be a long and tough one.
Nationwide allergies, especially in the Spring, seem to be getting worse and worse. Part of this is because of the warmer winters, allowing more pollen and dust this time of the year. Our Spring allergy season usually starts out towards the end of March and the first part of April. Traditionally the first pollens release are trees, followed over the months by grasses then weeds. But this year clinics are already starting to see increases in allergy related symptoms and those usually allergic later on to grasses and weeds might start having problems sooner than normal.
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. It's always easier to fight allergies by taking medication at the first sign of symptoms then to try and play catch up once full blown symptoms have started. Other recommendations include staying indoors during the morning, especially before 10 a.m. Also, keep track of the daily pollen count. If it's particularly high, or it's going to be 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 breaking 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.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Teens & Heart Health
When it comes to heart disease there is one group in particular that is setting themselves up for problems later on.
We're talking about teenagers and unfortunately many of them are leading lives that will take a toll on their heart later on.
As a matter of fact some experts estimate that less than half of adolescents here in the U.S. live what could be considered heart healthy lives. that means they tend to have poor diets and don't exercise much. These habits could be setting up a new future generation of heart-disease patients.
In the latest study looking into this, researchers found that 80% of teenagers had poor diets that were high in fast foods, processed foods and sugar sweetened drinks. They also didn't eat many fruits and vegetables. They also found that less than half the teen girls in the study and slightly more than half of the boys exercised for an hour or more per day.
They are saying this should be a wake-up call for all of us since in 3 to 4 decades these same teens will be the ones bearing the brunt of their bad eating and exercising habits.
Making small changes now, especially for kids even younger than this, should hopefully reverse this trend. Getting them to eat better and exercise more, especially by setting the example ourselves, can go a long way towards keeping their heart healthy later on.
We're talking about teenagers and unfortunately many of them are leading lives that will take a toll on their heart later on.
As a matter of fact some experts estimate that less than half of adolescents here in the U.S. live what could be considered heart healthy lives. that means they tend to have poor diets and don't exercise much. These habits could be setting up a new future generation of heart-disease patients.
In the latest study looking into this, researchers found that 80% of teenagers had poor diets that were high in fast foods, processed foods and sugar sweetened drinks. They also didn't eat many fruits and vegetables. They also found that less than half the teen girls in the study and slightly more than half of the boys exercised for an hour or more per day.
They are saying this should be a wake-up call for all of us since in 3 to 4 decades these same teens will be the ones bearing the brunt of their bad eating and exercising habits.
Making small changes now, especially for kids even younger than this, should hopefully reverse this trend. Getting them to eat better and exercise more, especially by setting the example ourselves, can go a long way towards keeping their heart healthy later on.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Family Dinners Are Important
Family dinners are a great way to stay connected with your kids.
Family dinners definitely fall under the category that "more is better." And a new study is showing that the more often the entire family sits down to eat dinner the better it is for the kids overall.
As a matter of fact, study after study has shown the great benefit of the family meal. Sitting down with your kids and talking about the day is a great way to keep connected and find out what's going on in their lives. It also helps in more ways than you'd probably think. Children who eat at least 3 sit-down dinners with their family every week are also less likely to smoke, drink or use drugs. They also tend to do better in school and are less likely to engage in sex at an early age.
But in this new study, researchers found that with each additional dinner added per week the children ended up having fewer emotional and behavioral problems as well. They also ended up having a higher life satisfaction overall.
Granted, we all have busy schedules and with a busy day at work, hectic after school activities and homework, it get tougher and tougher to sit down together and eat a meal. The important part isn't what's served, but what's talked about at the table. Use this as an opportunity for your children to share what "they" want to. They might not want to talk about everything that went on that day, especially if something is particularly bothering them, so don't push the issue. Just let them know you're there to listen. And when they do bring up controversial subjects, like drugs or sex --- don't judge them since that'll just cause them to shut down, but give them your beliefs and then listen some more. So tonight, sit down and enjoy a meal with the most important people in your life.
Family dinners definitely fall under the category that "more is better." And a new study is showing that the more often the entire family sits down to eat dinner the better it is for the kids overall.
As a matter of fact, study after study has shown the great benefit of the family meal. Sitting down with your kids and talking about the day is a great way to keep connected and find out what's going on in their lives. It also helps in more ways than you'd probably think. Children who eat at least 3 sit-down dinners with their family every week are also less likely to smoke, drink or use drugs. They also tend to do better in school and are less likely to engage in sex at an early age.
But in this new study, researchers found that with each additional dinner added per week the children ended up having fewer emotional and behavioral problems as well. They also ended up having a higher life satisfaction overall.
Granted, we all have busy schedules and with a busy day at work, hectic after school activities and homework, it get tougher and tougher to sit down together and eat a meal. The important part isn't what's served, but what's talked about at the table. Use this as an opportunity for your children to share what "they" want to. They might not want to talk about everything that went on that day, especially if something is particularly bothering them, so don't push the issue. Just let them know you're there to listen. And when they do bring up controversial subjects, like drugs or sex --- don't judge them since that'll just cause them to shut down, but give them your beliefs and then listen some more. So tonight, sit down and enjoy a meal with the most important people in your life.
Flu Season - Lessons Learned
The flu season is winding down, but this year it hit some of us pretty hard. So, what did we learn this time around?
What we learned is that the flu shot is important, especially for those groups most likely to suffer complications because of the flu.
According to the CDC, although this flu season was what they called "moderately severe" overall it did hit the elderly hard and took its toll on children as well. This flu season started in December, a month earlier than usual. It peaked by the end of the year, but flu cases were still reported throughout the last few months.
Unfortunately, it did kill 105 children so far. That's close to the average number of children killed by the flu each year, 100. But the CDC did find out that 90% of the children who died from the flu this year and were old enough to get the flu shot, didn't.
The flu vaccine, although it doesn't give 100% protection from the flu, still keeps you and your children's chances of dying or getting hospitalized because of the flue as low as possible. So this coming fall, make sure you and your children get the one vaccine that can protect you from the flu bug that's sure to make its yearly visit.
What we learned is that the flu shot is important, especially for those groups most likely to suffer complications because of the flu.
According to the CDC, although this flu season was what they called "moderately severe" overall it did hit the elderly hard and took its toll on children as well. This flu season started in December, a month earlier than usual. It peaked by the end of the year, but flu cases were still reported throughout the last few months.
Unfortunately, it did kill 105 children so far. That's close to the average number of children killed by the flu each year, 100. But the CDC did find out that 90% of the children who died from the flu this year and were old enough to get the flu shot, didn't.
The flu vaccine, although it doesn't give 100% protection from the flu, still keeps you and your children's chances of dying or getting hospitalized because of the flue as low as possible. So this coming fall, make sure you and your children get the one vaccine that can protect you from the flu bug that's sure to make its yearly visit.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Cutting Risk Of Getting Cancer
Want to cut your chances of getting cancer in half? There are 7 steps that can help you do just that.
And the added benefit is that not only will it cut your chances of getting cancer in half, but it'll also keep your heart healthy.
Years ago the American Heart Association came out with 7 steps that will keep your heart healthy. They are: 1. Get active; 2.Control your cholesterol; 3. Eat better by eating those things that are good for you and avoiding those that aren't; 4. Keep your blood pressure better managed; 5. Lose weight; 6. Reduce your blood sugar below 100; 7. - This is the big one - Quit smoking
Of these steps, quitting smoking is the biggest one you can take for your overall health. But now researchers have found that following these steps will also cut your chances of getting cancer and the more of them you follow the better. As a matter of fact, if you follow 4 steps you cut your chance by a third. But just upping that to 6 steps that you follow, can cut your chance of getting cancer in half.
That's a pretty good bargain, especially since these same steps started off as simple ways to keep your heart healthy. Kind of a two for one deal that will keep you going well into your senior years.
And the added benefit is that not only will it cut your chances of getting cancer in half, but it'll also keep your heart healthy.
Years ago the American Heart Association came out with 7 steps that will keep your heart healthy. They are: 1. Get active; 2.Control your cholesterol; 3. Eat better by eating those things that are good for you and avoiding those that aren't; 4. Keep your blood pressure better managed; 5. Lose weight; 6. Reduce your blood sugar below 100; 7. - This is the big one - Quit smoking
Of these steps, quitting smoking is the biggest one you can take for your overall health. But now researchers have found that following these steps will also cut your chances of getting cancer and the more of them you follow the better. As a matter of fact, if you follow 4 steps you cut your chance by a third. But just upping that to 6 steps that you follow, can cut your chance of getting cancer in half.
That's a pretty good bargain, especially since these same steps started off as simple ways to keep your heart healthy. Kind of a two for one deal that will keep you going well into your senior years.
Concussion Guidelines
Concussion experts have released new guidelines for treating this type of head injury. The main thing behind these new guidelines is a more individualized approach instead of the one system of treating concussions the same for everyone.
Over the last few years we've not only found out more and more about just how damaging and long-term concussions issues can be but also about how subtle they are.
Now the American Academy of Neurology, the brain doctors group, has come out with recommended guidelines about how to treat concussions. And their overall message is to treat every athlete with a concussion on a case-by-case basis, instead of a one big approach for everyone. This starts off with the initial injury, when it can sometimes be difficult to tell if it's a concussion or not. They recommend that anyone even suspected of having a concussion be removed from play and not be allowed back in until they've been cleared by a health professional trained in treating them. This means there are no guidelines as to how long to keep someone out like there were in the past, instead it depends on the individuals own recovery. And that will be different for each person.
They also reemphasize that concussion signs can be subtle, like a sensitivity to light, changes in sleep patterns, or even just slower reaction times. All things that need to be back to normal before the athlete gets back into the game.
Over the last few years we've not only found out more and more about just how damaging and long-term concussions issues can be but also about how subtle they are.
Now the American Academy of Neurology, the brain doctors group, has come out with recommended guidelines about how to treat concussions. And their overall message is to treat every athlete with a concussion on a case-by-case basis, instead of a one big approach for everyone. This starts off with the initial injury, when it can sometimes be difficult to tell if it's a concussion or not. They recommend that anyone even suspected of having a concussion be removed from play and not be allowed back in until they've been cleared by a health professional trained in treating them. This means there are no guidelines as to how long to keep someone out like there were in the past, instead it depends on the individuals own recovery. And that will be different for each person.
They also reemphasize that concussion signs can be subtle, like a sensitivity to light, changes in sleep patterns, or even just slower reaction times. All things that need to be back to normal before the athlete gets back into the game.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Keeping Our Brains Going
This is national Brain Awareness Week. That means it's a great time to learn how to keep our brains going as we get older. So, what can we do to keep our brains healthy?
Playing games might be just when the doctor ordered. At least when it comes to avoiding dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.
We're talking about mind games, things like Sudoku or chess. But even games like Angry Birds, or other smart phone apps or video games, might help keep your brain sharp as you get older.
We've known for some time that both mind games and physical activity do seem to work hand-in-hand to keep the mind sharp as we get older. But now we known that the same things might also help keep the bigger problem of Alzheimer's at bay. Recent research found those study participants who played more mind games also had less of the protein build up in the brain though to cause Alzheimer's Disease.
According to these researchers, it didn't matter what types of games or mind activities someone used, just that did them early and often. As a matter of fact, starting them in early and middle life seemed to offer the most protection from this protein buildup.
But no matter how young or old you are, it is really never too later to start picking up the game habit. So grab a puzzle or a smartphone game and start playing away. That might be one big step towards keeping your mind sharp.
Playing games might be just when the doctor ordered. At least when it comes to avoiding dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.
We're talking about mind games, things like Sudoku or chess. But even games like Angry Birds, or other smart phone apps or video games, might help keep your brain sharp as you get older.
We've known for some time that both mind games and physical activity do seem to work hand-in-hand to keep the mind sharp as we get older. But now we known that the same things might also help keep the bigger problem of Alzheimer's at bay. Recent research found those study participants who played more mind games also had less of the protein build up in the brain though to cause Alzheimer's Disease.
According to these researchers, it didn't matter what types of games or mind activities someone used, just that did them early and often. As a matter of fact, starting them in early and middle life seemed to offer the most protection from this protein buildup.
But no matter how young or old you are, it is really never too later to start picking up the game habit. So grab a puzzle or a smartphone game and start playing away. That might be one big step towards keeping your mind sharp.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Daylight Saving Time & Sleep
Are you still sleepy from the switch to Daylight Saving Time? Well, that lack of sleep might be causing you to put on some pounds.
Not getting enough sleep means more than just walking around tired all day long. It can also mean packing on some sneaky weight.
Researchers at the University of Colorado found this out in a recent experiment. They divided adult volunteers into two groups. One group got 9 hours of sleep each night over a 5-day period. The other only got 5 hours. Both groups were given access to large amounts of food and snacks. But the difference was that the ones not getting the sleep also ended up eating more calories during the day, especially by snacking after their dinner meal. And over that short 5-day period they also ended up putting on about 2 more pounds.
This study highlights just how important it is to include sleep into any diet program. The diet might get you to lose a few pounds, but the lack of sleep could be causing you to put them right back on. So, in addition to keeping you awake and alert during the day, getting enough sleep, between 7 and 9 hours a night, can also go a long way to keeping your weight under control.
Not getting enough sleep means more than just walking around tired all day long. It can also mean packing on some sneaky weight.
Researchers at the University of Colorado found this out in a recent experiment. They divided adult volunteers into two groups. One group got 9 hours of sleep each night over a 5-day period. The other only got 5 hours. Both groups were given access to large amounts of food and snacks. But the difference was that the ones not getting the sleep also ended up eating more calories during the day, especially by snacking after their dinner meal. And over that short 5-day period they also ended up putting on about 2 more pounds.
This study highlights just how important it is to include sleep into any diet program. The diet might get you to lose a few pounds, but the lack of sleep could be causing you to put them right back on. So, in addition to keeping you awake and alert during the day, getting enough sleep, between 7 and 9 hours a night, can also go a long way to keeping your weight under control.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Getting More Sleep
This is national Sleep Awareness Week, so here's a great way to get a bit more shuteye.
It's a great time to remember just how much sleep we need and how little we actually get.
We need between 7-9 hours of sleep each night. But plenty of us don't get that much. The problem is not enough sleep, especially over time, can take its toll on our health. This can lead to all sorts of medical problems and can even contribute to an earlier death.
Getting to sleep isn't always easy, but now a new study is showing that one method works really well at getting you to nod off. Exercise. According to the 2013 Sleep In America poll, exercise is a great way to help you get more sleep. For people who were heavy, moderate or even light exercisers ended up getting more sleep. As a matter of fact, even just walking for 10 minutes improved how good that night's sleep was.
And although there's a myth that exercising right before sleep can interfere with sleep, experts say that's simply not true. People who exercise before bedtime report sleeping as well as those who exercise earlier in the day.
So, the bottom line here is to get in a bit of exercise during the day to get better sleep at night. It's the perfect sleeping pill and comes with other benefits as well... better overall health to boot.
It's a great time to remember just how much sleep we need and how little we actually get.
We need between 7-9 hours of sleep each night. But plenty of us don't get that much. The problem is not enough sleep, especially over time, can take its toll on our health. This can lead to all sorts of medical problems and can even contribute to an earlier death.
Getting to sleep isn't always easy, but now a new study is showing that one method works really well at getting you to nod off. Exercise. According to the 2013 Sleep In America poll, exercise is a great way to help you get more sleep. For people who were heavy, moderate or even light exercisers ended up getting more sleep. As a matter of fact, even just walking for 10 minutes improved how good that night's sleep was.
And although there's a myth that exercising right before sleep can interfere with sleep, experts say that's simply not true. People who exercise before bedtime report sleeping as well as those who exercise earlier in the day.
So, the bottom line here is to get in a bit of exercise during the day to get better sleep at night. It's the perfect sleeping pill and comes with other benefits as well... better overall health to boot.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Sleep Week
This is national sleep week. That's something most of us don't get nearly enough of. And not getting enough sleep could take its toll on more parts of your life than you think.
Let's face it, we're a very sleep deprived nation. That means many of us go through the day tired and spend weekends trying to catch up on the sleep we lose most days of the week. But not getting enough sleep can take its toll on all parts of your body.
Even though some of us think we can get by with less sleep, we all need between 7 to 9 hours a night. That sleep time is important because it allows our mind and body to regenerate, but in different ways. Our body mostly shuts down for the night allowing it to rebuild from the day's activities. in contrast, our mind becomes more active, trying to make sense of all the things it absorbed during the day. It's roughly equivalent to a computer trying to store data in the best places possible to allow it to work better and faster.
But all this takes time and that's where the 7 to 9 hours a night comes in. Getting less than that, especially on a regular basis can take its toll on your health. It can lead to blood pressure problems, higher obesity rates and more heart problems. It can also lead to a greater chance of simply dying younger.
So your best bet is to do the best you can and get at least 7 and preferably closer to 8 or more hours of sleep most nights. Your body and mind will thank you for it.
Let's face it, we're a very sleep deprived nation. That means many of us go through the day tired and spend weekends trying to catch up on the sleep we lose most days of the week. But not getting enough sleep can take its toll on all parts of your body.
Even though some of us think we can get by with less sleep, we all need between 7 to 9 hours a night. That sleep time is important because it allows our mind and body to regenerate, but in different ways. Our body mostly shuts down for the night allowing it to rebuild from the day's activities. in contrast, our mind becomes more active, trying to make sense of all the things it absorbed during the day. It's roughly equivalent to a computer trying to store data in the best places possible to allow it to work better and faster.
But all this takes time and that's where the 7 to 9 hours a night comes in. Getting less than that, especially on a regular basis can take its toll on your health. It can lead to blood pressure problems, higher obesity rates and more heart problems. It can also lead to a greater chance of simply dying younger.
So your best bet is to do the best you can and get at least 7 and preferably closer to 8 or more hours of sleep most nights. Your body and mind will thank you for it.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Ear Infection Antibiotics
Antibiotics or no antibiotics. That's always the big question when your child has an ear infection.
Ear infections can be tough on children, but they are also tough to deal with as parents. Years ago, ear infections used to all be treated with antibiotics. But guidelines posted back in 2004 by the American Academy of Pediatrics had us start a watchful waiting period in children with ear infections since they felt most might not need antibiotics anyway and we were over treating those we did prescribe it for. But now they are taking a more middle ground with new updates to this same guideline.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics ear infections are still getting over treated with antibiotics. It turns out that for more cases of ear infections in children, 2 out of 3 of them will get better on their own. But these new guidelines better define which children need treatment right away and which ones can wait on antibiotics for 3 days to see if they do indeed get better on their own.
The overall goal is to better treat ear infections, but at the same time make sure children aren't getting antibiotics when they don't need them, especially since antibiotics like all medicines, can have side effects and at least in the case of an ear infection might not be needed in every case.
Ear infections can be tough on children, but they are also tough to deal with as parents. Years ago, ear infections used to all be treated with antibiotics. But guidelines posted back in 2004 by the American Academy of Pediatrics had us start a watchful waiting period in children with ear infections since they felt most might not need antibiotics anyway and we were over treating those we did prescribe it for. But now they are taking a more middle ground with new updates to this same guideline.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics ear infections are still getting over treated with antibiotics. It turns out that for more cases of ear infections in children, 2 out of 3 of them will get better on their own. But these new guidelines better define which children need treatment right away and which ones can wait on antibiotics for 3 days to see if they do indeed get better on their own.
The overall goal is to better treat ear infections, but at the same time make sure children aren't getting antibiotics when they don't need them, especially since antibiotics like all medicines, can have side effects and at least in the case of an ear infection might not be needed in every case.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Importance Of Pedometers
Are you not doing as well on your New Year's Resolutions as you'd like? Then how about getting a pedometer?
It's a simple device that just does one simple thing... measure how many steps you take during the day. But this same simple device can also get you to take 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. And just walking around can burn a lot more calories than most of us think. 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 over 5,000 steps every day... way below that target number of 10,000. But now it looks like just having a pedometer will actually get you to walk more. Pedometer wearers in recent studies ended up walking 2,000 more steps per day simply by just wearing a pedometer. It seems like when we put one on our belts, we walk more, whether we intend to or not.
And all that extra walking means extra calories burnt day in and day out. And that means extra pounds lost, just by strapping on that little step measuring device... the pedometer. A great way to start those New Year's Resolutions up again.
It's a simple device that just does one simple thing... measure how many steps you take during the day. But this same simple device can also get you to take 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. And just walking around can burn a lot more calories than most of us think. 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 over 5,000 steps every day... way below that target number of 10,000. But now it looks like just having a pedometer will actually get you to walk more. Pedometer wearers in recent studies ended up walking 2,000 more steps per day simply by just wearing a pedometer. It seems like when we put one on our belts, we walk more, whether we intend to or not.
And all that extra walking means extra calories burnt day in and day out. And that means extra pounds lost, just by strapping on that little step measuring device... the pedometer. A great way to start those New Year's Resolutions up again.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
What Kids Watch On TV & Behavior
Being choosy about what your kids watch on TV might improve their behavior.
When it comes to kids and TV watching it's not just how much they watch, but also what they watch that has the biggest effect on their behavior. So, as parents our job is to be choosy and picky and control the remote when it comes to our children watching TV.
Past studies have shown that limiting TV time can go a long way towards making sure our kids get plenty of exercise, sleep and family time. But this new study, just published in the journal Pediatrics, is showing that even when they watch TV we need to make sure they are watching appropriate shows. Researchers found that after families of 3- to 5-year-olds reduced the amount of aggressive and violent shows they watched, the kids' behavior had a significant improvement. Instead of these types of shows, the children were allowed to watch more educational type programming. As one researcher put it, it's not just about turning off the TV, but about changing the channel to something more appropriate for their age group.
So, if your child is watching TV make sure you know what they are seeing. If it's a show with aggressive or violent content, then simply switch the channel to something that not only will help them learn a little more about the world around them, but can also help them improve their behavior as they grow up.
When it comes to kids and TV watching it's not just how much they watch, but also what they watch that has the biggest effect on their behavior. So, as parents our job is to be choosy and picky and control the remote when it comes to our children watching TV.
Past studies have shown that limiting TV time can go a long way towards making sure our kids get plenty of exercise, sleep and family time. But this new study, just published in the journal Pediatrics, is showing that even when they watch TV we need to make sure they are watching appropriate shows. Researchers found that after families of 3- to 5-year-olds reduced the amount of aggressive and violent shows they watched, the kids' behavior had a significant improvement. Instead of these types of shows, the children were allowed to watch more educational type programming. As one researcher put it, it's not just about turning off the TV, but about changing the channel to something more appropriate for their age group.
So, if your child is watching TV make sure you know what they are seeing. If it's a show with aggressive or violent content, then simply switch the channel to something that not only will help them learn a little more about the world around them, but can also help them improve their behavior as they grow up.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Risks Of Too Much Calcium
Calcium can help keep your bones strong, but too much can hurt you in other ways.
Americans are taking more calcium than ever. Sometimes this comes in the form of calcium rich foods. Other times it comes in the form of a multivitamin or supplement. But a new study is showing that too much calcium, for men, can increase their risk of heart problems and strokes.
Like all medications, if calcium is used correctly it can not only help keep our bones strong, but can also help keep us healthy. For most of us that means eating foods rich in calcium which includes dairy products, certain fish and calcium fortified foods like cereals and bread. The current recommendation is for us to take 1,000 milligrams a day as adults. For men over 70 and women over 50 you can push that to 1,200 milligrams a day.
But if we take in too much calcium, that too can cause problems, especially if we use supplements. We've known for a while that excess calcium supplements increases our chances of getting kidney stones. This new study is also showing that, for men, taking too much calcium can also increase their risk of heart problems. Researchers found that too much supplemental calcium, but not dietary calcium was responsible. As a matter of face, men taking in more than 1,000 milligrams a day of supplemental calcium had a 20% higher risk of dying from heart disease or strokes.
So, the bottom line from this study is for all of us, and men in particular, to make sure we don't take in too much calcium and to try and take most of that from the foods we eat every day.
Americans are taking more calcium than ever. Sometimes this comes in the form of calcium rich foods. Other times it comes in the form of a multivitamin or supplement. But a new study is showing that too much calcium, for men, can increase their risk of heart problems and strokes.
Like all medications, if calcium is used correctly it can not only help keep our bones strong, but can also help keep us healthy. For most of us that means eating foods rich in calcium which includes dairy products, certain fish and calcium fortified foods like cereals and bread. The current recommendation is for us to take 1,000 milligrams a day as adults. For men over 70 and women over 50 you can push that to 1,200 milligrams a day.
But if we take in too much calcium, that too can cause problems, especially if we use supplements. We've known for a while that excess calcium supplements increases our chances of getting kidney stones. This new study is also showing that, for men, taking too much calcium can also increase their risk of heart problems. Researchers found that too much supplemental calcium, but not dietary calcium was responsible. As a matter of face, men taking in more than 1,000 milligrams a day of supplemental calcium had a 20% higher risk of dying from heart disease or strokes.
So, the bottom line from this study is for all of us, and men in particular, to make sure we don't take in too much calcium and to try and take most of that from the foods we eat every day.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Thin Air Keeps Us Thin
They say the air is thin here in Colorado, but that thin air might also be helping you stay thin.
We hear it all the time from visitors, especially those from sea level... how can you breath here? How can you stand to live this high up? But unknown to most of us until now, this thin air also has some connection to our great low obesity rate.
Coloradans take pride in the fact that we have the lowest obesity rate in the country year after year. A lot of the reason behind this is because of our love for exercising and doing things outside along with healthier food habits. But it might also be the altitude helping out.
A new study, just published in the International Journal of Obesity, found that those of us living at the highest altitudes had lower obesity rates than those living at the lowest altitude. This study centered on Colorado and compared our obesity rates with people living at sea level. Researchers found those living at sea level were 4 to 5 times more likely to be obese compared to us up here. Although they aren't exactly sure why this is happening, they think that living at altitude causes us to burn more calories and affects hormones that control our appetite. But they also point out that just living at our high altitudes shouldn't be used as an excuse to not exercise since even though we do have the lowest obesity rate in the country, that rate keeps going up each year.
We hear it all the time from visitors, especially those from sea level... how can you breath here? How can you stand to live this high up? But unknown to most of us until now, this thin air also has some connection to our great low obesity rate.
Coloradans take pride in the fact that we have the lowest obesity rate in the country year after year. A lot of the reason behind this is because of our love for exercising and doing things outside along with healthier food habits. But it might also be the altitude helping out.
A new study, just published in the International Journal of Obesity, found that those of us living at the highest altitudes had lower obesity rates than those living at the lowest altitude. This study centered on Colorado and compared our obesity rates with people living at sea level. Researchers found those living at sea level were 4 to 5 times more likely to be obese compared to us up here. Although they aren't exactly sure why this is happening, they think that living at altitude causes us to burn more calories and affects hormones that control our appetite. But they also point out that just living at our high altitudes shouldn't be used as an excuse to not exercise since even though we do have the lowest obesity rate in the country, that rate keeps going up each year.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Living Heart Healthy
February is national heart month. It's a great time to learn more about ways to battle heart disease and learn how to live a heart-healthy life.
You've probably heard the saying, "an apple doesn't fall far from the tree." That means things happen in families; and when it comes to heart problems that's definitely true.
Many things go into the "great" equation of life that determines whether you're going to end up with heart disease or not. Among those are your diet, whether you smoke, and your blood pressure. These are things you can change for the better. But one of the ones you can't change is your genetics or family history, and those can have an even bigger influence.
Trying to figure out who is going to have a heart attack before it happens is tough, but there is one big thing you can do to help yourself out --- look at how your family members are doing. And looking closely at "their" health can have a huge impact on "your" health. As a matter of fact, experts predict that if all middle aged adults who have a family history of heart disease were tested themselves, then up to 40% of premature heart attacks could be avoided.
What this essentially tells us is that if a family member has a heart attack, then other family members are at a higher risk themselves. And the closer they are to you, the greater your chance. That means that mother, father, sister and brother have the most impact on your heart health. So if one of those has had a heart problem, then your chances go up even more. And that means you need to be even more careful with your heart health.
You've probably heard the saying, "an apple doesn't fall far from the tree." That means things happen in families; and when it comes to heart problems that's definitely true.
Many things go into the "great" equation of life that determines whether you're going to end up with heart disease or not. Among those are your diet, whether you smoke, and your blood pressure. These are things you can change for the better. But one of the ones you can't change is your genetics or family history, and those can have an even bigger influence.
Trying to figure out who is going to have a heart attack before it happens is tough, but there is one big thing you can do to help yourself out --- look at how your family members are doing. And looking closely at "their" health can have a huge impact on "your" health. As a matter of fact, experts predict that if all middle aged adults who have a family history of heart disease were tested themselves, then up to 40% of premature heart attacks could be avoided.
What this essentially tells us is that if a family member has a heart attack, then other family members are at a higher risk themselves. And the closer they are to you, the greater your chance. That means that mother, father, sister and brother have the most impact on your heart health. So if one of those has had a heart problem, then your chances go up even more. And that means you need to be even more careful with your heart health.
Marriage & Heart Health
There is one thing many of us do that we probably don't even realize keeps our hearts healthy.
Everyone needs to thank their spouse sometime, because it turns out that one of the best things you can do for your heart is to be married.
Heart disease is still the number one leading cause of death here in the U.S. This goes for both men and women. But a new study, just published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that both married men and women have a lower risk of having either a fatal or non-fatal heart attack. The researchers involved in this study found men and women were actually twice as likely to die after a heart attack if they were unmarried. They also had the highest rates of heart attacks to begin with.
Other earlier studies also found that unmarried people and those living alone had a bigger risk of heart problems and ended up dying more because of this. And although the researchers involved in this study can't pinpoint what exactly keeps married couples from having as many heart attacks, they think a couple of factors come into play. Married people tend to have better health habits, including going to the doctor for needed screening tests before something bad like a heart attack happens. And they also get earlier help if something like a heart attack does come on, increasing their chances of surviving the event.
So again, sometime soon turn to your spouse or your significant other and thank them for all they do, including helping keep you healthy.
Everyone needs to thank their spouse sometime, because it turns out that one of the best things you can do for your heart is to be married.
Heart disease is still the number one leading cause of death here in the U.S. This goes for both men and women. But a new study, just published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that both married men and women have a lower risk of having either a fatal or non-fatal heart attack. The researchers involved in this study found men and women were actually twice as likely to die after a heart attack if they were unmarried. They also had the highest rates of heart attacks to begin with.
Other earlier studies also found that unmarried people and those living alone had a bigger risk of heart problems and ended up dying more because of this. And although the researchers involved in this study can't pinpoint what exactly keeps married couples from having as many heart attacks, they think a couple of factors come into play. Married people tend to have better health habits, including going to the doctor for needed screening tests before something bad like a heart attack happens. And they also get earlier help if something like a heart attack does come on, increasing their chances of surviving the event.
So again, sometime soon turn to your spouse or your significant other and thank them for all they do, including helping keep you healthy.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Kids Are Fussy Eaters
Kids can be fussy eaters. But one thing we are doing to try and get them to eat better might actually be doing just the opposite.
Kids are naturally fussy eaters, especially once they turn around 1 year old. The natural tendency of many parents is to try to get them to eat better by bribing them. But when those bribes include desserts or other sweet foods, you could be turning those same fussy eaters into junk food addicts. And with the current obesity epidemic in children getting them away from junk food is as important as ever.
Unfortunately, a new study is showing that around 60% of children are hooked on chocolates and sweets. And many experts believe this is because of those sweet food bribes used when they were younger to try and get them to eat better.
But the not-so-secret secret is that even though you may worry about your child not eating, they will in fact get what they need even without the bribe. Around this age picky eating is very common mostly because this is when children start expressing themselves and their preferences. Your best bet is to simply allow a certain time for eating. If they are still playing with their food after this time, take it away and end the mealtime. They will soon realize they need to eat what is served. And it's best to do this without the bribe we are often tempted to offer.
Kids are naturally fussy eaters, especially once they turn around 1 year old. The natural tendency of many parents is to try to get them to eat better by bribing them. But when those bribes include desserts or other sweet foods, you could be turning those same fussy eaters into junk food addicts. And with the current obesity epidemic in children getting them away from junk food is as important as ever.
Unfortunately, a new study is showing that around 60% of children are hooked on chocolates and sweets. And many experts believe this is because of those sweet food bribes used when they were younger to try and get them to eat better.
But the not-so-secret secret is that even though you may worry about your child not eating, they will in fact get what they need even without the bribe. Around this age picky eating is very common mostly because this is when children start expressing themselves and their preferences. Your best bet is to simply allow a certain time for eating. If they are still playing with their food after this time, take it away and end the mealtime. They will soon realize they need to eat what is served. And it's best to do this without the bribe we are often tempted to offer.
Coughing
No matter where you go, it seems like everyone is coughing these day.
This cough, even though it seems like it will last forever, will eventually go away and it will usually go away on its own.
Whether you call it bronchitis or just a cough that goes on and one, it turns out that after we get sick with the usual wintertime upper respiratory infection, even though the infection goes away the cough can last much longer. But just because it lasts a long time doesn't mean that it needs antibiotics. As a matter of fact, a new study found that even though most of us expect the cough we get after an illness to last only 8 days or so, it can last an average of 18 days.
And since most of these infections that start this cough off are viral ones, antibiotics won't work against them either. So, your best bet for these types of coughs, lasting a few weeks after you've gotten sick, are the usual over-the-counter cough medicines or prescription strength ones. That and time should help get rid of that persistent cough we all seem to have this time of the year.
This cough, even though it seems like it will last forever, will eventually go away and it will usually go away on its own.
Whether you call it bronchitis or just a cough that goes on and one, it turns out that after we get sick with the usual wintertime upper respiratory infection, even though the infection goes away the cough can last much longer. But just because it lasts a long time doesn't mean that it needs antibiotics. As a matter of fact, a new study found that even though most of us expect the cough we get after an illness to last only 8 days or so, it can last an average of 18 days.
And since most of these infections that start this cough off are viral ones, antibiotics won't work against them either. So, your best bet for these types of coughs, lasting a few weeks after you've gotten sick, are the usual over-the-counter cough medicines or prescription strength ones. That and time should help get rid of that persistent cough we all seem to have this time of the year.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Skin Cancer App
You probably use your smart phones for all sorts of things. But diagnosing cancer probably shouldn't be one of them.
Emailing, texting, taking pictures... and, oh yeah... even to make a phone call. Those are just some of the things our smart phones can do. But trying to get them to diagnose skin cancer might end up getting you in trouble... health wise.
There are tons of health related apps you can download to your smart phone. Anything from apps that can track calories and exercise to help you lose weight to one that can help avoid adverse side effects from medicine. But one app that is supposed to help you diagnose skin cancer isn't always getting it correct and that could put your health in danger.
Researchers looked at four different smart phone apps that help you decide whether a skin lesion is concerning. You basically upload a picture of the mole or skin lesion and the app lets you know whether it things it is concerning or not. Three of the four apps incorrectly diagnosed the lesion more than 1/3 of the time, calling them "not concerning" when, in fact, they were ones that could have been melanomas. The only app that got it right most of the time was one where a dermatologist actually looked at the picture.
So, although these apps can be convenient and helpful in most cases, when it comes to skin cancer make sure the mole you're worried about is one that gets looked at by a medical expert.
Emailing, texting, taking pictures... and, oh yeah... even to make a phone call. Those are just some of the things our smart phones can do. But trying to get them to diagnose skin cancer might end up getting you in trouble... health wise.
There are tons of health related apps you can download to your smart phone. Anything from apps that can track calories and exercise to help you lose weight to one that can help avoid adverse side effects from medicine. But one app that is supposed to help you diagnose skin cancer isn't always getting it correct and that could put your health in danger.
Researchers looked at four different smart phone apps that help you decide whether a skin lesion is concerning. You basically upload a picture of the mole or skin lesion and the app lets you know whether it things it is concerning or not. Three of the four apps incorrectly diagnosed the lesion more than 1/3 of the time, calling them "not concerning" when, in fact, they were ones that could have been melanomas. The only app that got it right most of the time was one where a dermatologist actually looked at the picture.
So, although these apps can be convenient and helpful in most cases, when it comes to skin cancer make sure the mole you're worried about is one that gets looked at by a medical expert.
Sleep Issues & Your Relationships
Do you feel under appreciated by your spouse? Maybe they just aren't getting enough sleep.
It turns out that sleep problems can lead to relationship problems and fixing one might help fix the other too.
Not getting enough sleep can affect us in all sorts of ways. Everything from being tired the next day, to long-term issues like high blood pressure and heart disease problems can be blamed on restless nights. But now it looks like if one part of a couple doesn't get enough sleep, then the who couple can suffer.
Researchers looked at couples aged 18-59 to see how sleep patterns affected how well they interacted. For these couples poor sleep meant not showing much appreciation for things their partner did the next day... leading them to feel under appreciated. the scientists involved in this study say it looks like poor sleep might make it harder the next day for people to count their blessings and value their partner and what they do. Especially when it comes to thanking them for the little things they might do for you.
So, if one or both of you don't seem to be getting the 7-9 hours of recommended sleep at night, try and pay extra attention to your significant other the next day. And remember to say thanks if they do something nice... we all appreciate that!
It turns out that sleep problems can lead to relationship problems and fixing one might help fix the other too.
Not getting enough sleep can affect us in all sorts of ways. Everything from being tired the next day, to long-term issues like high blood pressure and heart disease problems can be blamed on restless nights. But now it looks like if one part of a couple doesn't get enough sleep, then the who couple can suffer.
Researchers looked at couples aged 18-59 to see how sleep patterns affected how well they interacted. For these couples poor sleep meant not showing much appreciation for things their partner did the next day... leading them to feel under appreciated. the scientists involved in this study say it looks like poor sleep might make it harder the next day for people to count their blessings and value their partner and what they do. Especially when it comes to thanking them for the little things they might do for you.
So, if one or both of you don't seem to be getting the 7-9 hours of recommended sleep at night, try and pay extra attention to your significant other the next day. And remember to say thanks if they do something nice... we all appreciate that!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Cut Risk Of Stroke By Walking
Want a great way to cut down on your risk of having a stroke?
Walking, even a little bit, could be your key to avoiding a stroke even later in life... at least for women.
We've known for quite a while that exercise can reduce your chances of having diabetes, a heart attack or a stroke. But it was tough to pinpoint just how much was enough. And with everyone's busy days, it's been pretty easy to come up with reasons we couldn't spend hours at a gym.
But this new study is showing that, at least for women, you don't need hours on end, or even a gym, to cut your risk of having a stroke. Researchers looked at over 30,000 men and women who were 29-69 years old back in the 1990s. Then they looked at them in 2006 to see how many had had a stroke. It turns out that women who walked just a little more than 3 hours a week were less likely to have had a stroke over that time period.
And since over 800,000 of us have strokes each year, just getting out a little each day and simply walking for about a half an hour can get those numbers down. Getting out over your lunch break, or right after work could be a great way to get a quick daily walk in.
For some reason men didn't get the same benefit from walking, but even they can get enormous health gains from walking and other exercise routines... as long as they are consistent throughout the year.
Walking, even a little bit, could be your key to avoiding a stroke even later in life... at least for women.
We've known for quite a while that exercise can reduce your chances of having diabetes, a heart attack or a stroke. But it was tough to pinpoint just how much was enough. And with everyone's busy days, it's been pretty easy to come up with reasons we couldn't spend hours at a gym.
But this new study is showing that, at least for women, you don't need hours on end, or even a gym, to cut your risk of having a stroke. Researchers looked at over 30,000 men and women who were 29-69 years old back in the 1990s. Then they looked at them in 2006 to see how many had had a stroke. It turns out that women who walked just a little more than 3 hours a week were less likely to have had a stroke over that time period.
And since over 800,000 of us have strokes each year, just getting out a little each day and simply walking for about a half an hour can get those numbers down. Getting out over your lunch break, or right after work could be a great way to get a quick daily walk in.
For some reason men didn't get the same benefit from walking, but even they can get enormous health gains from walking and other exercise routines... as long as they are consistent throughout the year.
New Question Doctors Ask
Get ready for your doctor to start asking you a new question during your next visit.
Health history, check... medicines you take, check... family history, check. Well how about exercise history?
That's probably going to be the new question your doctor asks during your normal exam and visit, and for a very good reason. It turns out that many of us either don't exercise enough or at all, so doctors are starting to emphasize it more and more as a great way to get and stay healthy.
Kaiser Permanente started a program where their doctors started to ask all their patients about how much they exercised. Other doctors and groups are doing the same thing. And since a recent survey found a third of us don't exercise at all, it's a big push to get more of that into our routine.
And for a very good reason. Often times exercise is the first and best thing we can do for our health. Instead of medications, a doctor might find out you have high blood pressure and prescribe daily exercise to see if that works first. And for many of us it will.
So, in addition to getting asked the usual questions about your health, don't be surprised when you get asked about your exercise routine. And when the only prescription you get is to exercise more. A simple step that can go far in improving your health.
Health history, check... medicines you take, check... family history, check. Well how about exercise history?
That's probably going to be the new question your doctor asks during your normal exam and visit, and for a very good reason. It turns out that many of us either don't exercise enough or at all, so doctors are starting to emphasize it more and more as a great way to get and stay healthy.
Kaiser Permanente started a program where their doctors started to ask all their patients about how much they exercised. Other doctors and groups are doing the same thing. And since a recent survey found a third of us don't exercise at all, it's a big push to get more of that into our routine.
And for a very good reason. Often times exercise is the first and best thing we can do for our health. Instead of medications, a doctor might find out you have high blood pressure and prescribe daily exercise to see if that works first. And for many of us it will.
So, in addition to getting asked the usual questions about your health, don't be surprised when you get asked about your exercise routine. And when the only prescription you get is to exercise more. A simple step that can go far in improving your health.
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