Successful Hands Transplant, Yearns for Wife's Touch
Jeff Kepner became the first person in the United States to successfully have two hands transplanted. He can already move his fingers and grab a tennis ball, but what he really wants to do is feel his wife's touch. The doctors say that the nerves haven't yet grown back and it will take some time--about an inch a month. The surgery took place in May at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and took nine hours. Jeff lost his hands and feet a decade ago to a bacterial infection and didn't want the surgery at first, however his wife Valarie Kepner was persistent. She had contacted UPMC without telling her husband. She wanted him to be able to regain some of his independence after being on her schedule for years. Obviously, Jeff came around. Read more here.
For couples trying to conceive, they should have sex everyday. Aside from the obvious, a new study by Dr. David Greening of Sydney IVF, an Australian center for infertility and in vitro fertilization treatment, says daily sex improves the quality of the sperm. Dr. Greening studied 118 men with above-average damage to their sperm DNA. He found that after they ejaculated for seven consecutive days, the quality of sperm increased--dropping 8 percent in the amount of damaged sperm. His advice for those of you ready to do some baby making? "It seems safe to conclude that couples with relatively normal semen parameters should have sex daily for up to a week before the ovulation date," he says.
USA Today is running (no pun intended) a weight-loss challenge and have selected Paul and Amy Kreidler of Glendale, Mo. to share their story. Combined, the couple dropped 160 pounds; Paul shed 120 pounds and Amy lost 40. In short, the couple blamed their weight gain on their hectic lifestyles and poor choices. Between work and raising kids, the couple often found themselves grabbing fast food. The couple decided they needed a change. They made two moves that helped them lose weight and become a happier, healthier couple. They started to eat healthier food and run. Amy, who doesn't like running as much as her husband says it's the quickest and best way to get her workout in. "It's free. It's fast. You put your shoes on, you warm up, you stretch and you go."
Betty and George Coumbias of Canada have been in touch Dignitas, a Swiss assisted suicide group. The reason is that assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland and George is ill. Betty, however, is prefectly healthy and wants to go if George passes, which is where the controversy lies. Dignitas came under fire last year for helping a 23-year-old Briton commit suicide after he was left paralyzed by a rugby injury, but was not terminally ill. So is it unethical for Dignitas to help Betty take her life if she wants to if/when her husband goes? We'll keep an eye on the news and see how this story plays out. In the meantime, we'd love to hear you weight in on the message boards. Click here to read the complete article.
Three different studies from researchers in Boston, Finland and the Netherlands all found that there are two types of fat in the adult human body: good fat and bad fat. Think of the good fat as baby fat, which the researchers say is more brownish in color and stored in the neck and collarbone area, while bad fat is more yellow and white-ish and stored near the wasteline. The good fat is believed to spur the body to burn calories to generate body heat (which they previously thought only happened for babies). Because of this finding, scientists believe they may be able to create a pill that stimulates the brown fat to actually burn even more calories and in a sense become a weight loss pill. Here are some other findings about brown fat: Lean people had far more brown fat than overweight and obese people, especially among older folks; brown fat burns far more calories and generates more body heat when people are in a cooler environment; women were more likely to have it than men, and their deposits were larger and more active. Click here to read the entire article.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released a report saying that over 86,000 fall injuries occur from people tripping over their pets. You have to imagine that if this is the reported number, there's probably tens of thousands more that aren't reported. The report says that 88 percent of injuries involved dogs: falling when walking them, tripping over them, getting dragged or pulled down by them, or stumbling on a food dish or toy. For cats, the report suggests that most falls occur when the owners are chasing them (no specifics on why the owners were chasing them). Lastly, women were twice as likely to be injured as men.
Growing up with dogs, I have to admit that I too have tripped over a pooch a few times, fortunately never causing any kind of injury. Have you injured yourself tripping over your pet? Willing to share your story? Stay safe out there.
Nearly 20,000 Japanese men were asked about their alcohol consumption and drinking environment over the span of more than 9 years by researchers from Osaka University. What these Japanese researchers found was that light to moderat drinking aligned with reduced risks of stroke and heart disease, and the effect was more pronounced in men with high levels of social support. One researcher believe the social support prevented unhealthy behaviors and enhancement of stress buffering. Moderate consumption was rated as less than 299 grams per week. Over 300 grams was shown to increase the risk of a stroke. Another interesting tidbit was that heavy drinkers were also more likely to not be married! So grab your spouse, find some friends and enjoy some moderate drinking. Cheers!
Nearly 20,000 Japanese men were asked about their alcohol consumption and drinking environment over the span of more than 9 years by researchers from Osaka University. What these Japanese researchers found was that light to moderat drinking aligned with reduced risks of stroke and heart disease, and the effect was more pronounced in men with high levels of social support. One researcher believe the social support prevented unhealthy behaviors and enhancement of stress buffering. Moderate consumption was rated as less than 299 grams per week. Over 300 grams was shown to increase the risk of a stroke. Another interesting tidbit was that heavy drinkers were also more likely to not be married! So grab your spouse, find some friends and enjoy some moderate drinking. Cheers!
Nearly 20,000 Japanese men were asked about their alcohol consumption and drinking environment over the span of more than 9 years by researchers from Osaka University. What these Japanese researchers found was that light to moderat drinking aligned with reduced risks of stroke and heart disease, and the effect was more pronounced in men with high levels of social support. One researcher believe the social support prevented unhealthy behaviors and enhancement of stress buffering. Moderate consumption was rated as less than 299 grams per week. Over 300 grams was shown to increase the risk of a stroke. Another interesting tidbit was that heavy drinkers were also more likely to not be married! So grab your spouse, find some friends and enjoy some moderate drinking. Cheers!
Procter & Gamble has created a patch called Intrinsa that increases testosterone levels in women. The patches were denied use in the U.S. back in 2004, but have been used in London. A review released on Tuesday found that the patches appear to not do much to boost a woman's sex drive after menopause and their long-term safety is unclear. The trials were conducted on 4,000 women and only lasted for six months, which is why long-term effects are still unknown. Some women did report small improvements in their sex drive, but so did others who were recieving a placebo. I guess to boost the sex drive it's back to Marvin Gaye. Click here to read the complete article.
Procter & Gamble has created a patch called Intrinsa that increases testosterone levels in women. The patches were denied use in the U.S. back in 2004, but have been used in London. A review released on Tuesday found that the patches appear to not do much to boost a woman's sex drive after menopause and their long-term safety is unclear. The trials were conducted on 4,000 women and only lasted for six months, which is why long-term effects are still unknown. Some women did report small improvements in their sex drive, but so did others who were recieving a placebo. I guess to boost the sex drive it's back to Marvin Gaye. Click here to read the complete article.
Procter & Gamble has created a patch called Intrinsa that increases testosterone levels in women. The patches were denied use in the U.S. back in 2004, but have been used in London. A review released on Tuesday found that the patches appear to not do much to boost a woman's sex drive after menopause and their long-term safety is unclear. The trials were conducted on 4,000 women and only lasted for six months, which is why long-term effects are still unknown. Some women did report small improvements in their sex drive, but so did others who were recieving a placebo. I guess to boost the sex drive it's back to Marvin Gaye. Click here to read the complete article.
Click here to watch Dr. Scott Haltzman discuss with his local news team the benefits of being in a healthy marriage. Dr. Haltzman highlights many good points such as the fact that men live longer (on average up to 10 years longer, women 4 years), stay slimmer, decreased risk of heart disease, stroke, or high blood pressure, less hospital time, less nursing home time, and less alcoholism. But to get all these benefits, you need to sustain a happy marriage, which Dr. Haltzman says means thinking about what will make your partner happy and fight fair without finger pointing.
This is terrific publicity of what a healthy marriage can do, but is ruined by the hack journalist who needs to add his own commentary to the story once the clip is done playing. It's these types of comments that undercut the work done by professionals such as Dr. Haltzman and stain the attitudes of the community this "journalist" is supposed to be serving.
Click here to watch Dr. Scott Haltzman discuss with his local news team the benefits of being in a healthy marriage. Dr. Haltzman highlights many good points such as the fact that men live longer (on average up to 10 years longer, women 4 years), stay slimmer, decreased risk of heart disease, stroke, or high blood pressure, less hospital time, less nursing home time, and less alcoholism. But to get all these benefits, you need to sustain a happy marriage, which Dr. Haltzman says means thinking about what will make your partner happy and fight fair without finger pointing.
This is terrific publicity of what a healthy marriage can do, but is ruined by the hack journalist who needs to add his own commentary to the story once the clip is done playing. It's these types of comments that undercut the work done by professionals such as Dr. Haltzman and stain the attitudes of the community this "journalist" is supposed to be serving.
Click here to watch Dr. Scott Haltzman discuss with his local news team the benefits of being in a healthy marriage. Dr. Haltzman highlights many good points such as the fact that men live longer (on average up to 10 years longer, women 4 years), stay slimmer, decreased risk of heart disease, stroke, or high blood pressure, less hospital time, less nursing home time, and less alcoholism. But to get all these benefits, you need to sustain a happy marriage, which Dr. Haltzman says means thinking about what will make your partner happy and fight fair without finger pointing.
This is terrific publicity of what a healthy marriage can do, but is ruined by the hack journalist who needs to add his own commentary to the story once the clip is done playing. It's these types of comments that undercut the work done by professionals such as Dr. Haltzman and stain the attitudes of the community this "journalist" is supposed to be serving.
Some stories are almost to miraculous to be believed. If it were written into a movie you'd probably think it was cheesy, but this story is real. Mike Connolly's heart stopped beating and his wife called 911. The paramedics worked for 35 minutes to get his heart working again and doctors say his brain stopped receiving oxygen for at least 10 minutes (more than four minutes is supposed to cause brain damage). Mike lay in a coma for 96 hours and every time doctors attempted to bring him out of a coma Mike suffered seizures. The family finally decided to disconnect life support. Then Mike woke up! To this point, there doesn't seem to be any major complications with his condition and Mike seems to be on his way to recovery. Click here to read the complete, amazing, story.
Some stories are almost to miraculous to be believed. If it were written into a movie you'd probably think it was cheesy, but this story is real. Mike Connolly's heart stopped beating and his wife called 911. The paramedics worked for 35 minutes to get his heart working again and doctors say his brain stopped receiving oxygen for at least 10 minutes (more than four minutes is supposed to cause brain damage). Mike lay in a coma for 96 hours and every time doctors attempted to bring him out of a coma Mike suffered seizures. The family finally decided to disconnect life support. Then Mike woke up! To this point, there doesn't seem to be any major complications with his condition and Mike seems to be on his way to recovery. Click here to read the complete, amazing, story.
Some stories are almost to miraculous to be believed. If it were written into a movie you'd probably think it was cheesy, but this story is real. Mike Connolly's heart stopped beating and his wife called 911. The paramedics worked for 35 minutes to get his heart working again and doctors say his brain stopped receiving oxygen for at least 10 minutes (more than four minutes is supposed to cause brain damage). Mike lay in a coma for 96 hours and every time doctors attempted to bring him out of a coma Mike suffered seizures. The family finally decided to disconnect life support. Then Mike woke up! To this point, there doesn't seem to be any major complications with his condition and Mike seems to be on his way to recovery. Click here to read the complete, amazing, story.
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, we thought this article on the science of love was timely and interesting. It's from Happen magazine and it offers 10 "crazy" facts. For example, being in love drops the serotonin levels in the brain, which can lead people to obsess about their lover. Another items suggests that their may be a "right" way to kiss. People are more likely to tilt their heads to the right when kissing instead of left, says a report published recently in the journal Nature. A scientist from Ruhr University in Germany analyzed 124 pairs of smoochers and found that 65 percent go toward the right. Perhaps most interesting is a study from the Twin Research Unit at St. Thomas' Hospital, London. The study says that if one twin exhibits infidelity, the other twin strays 55% of the time. In the general population, the number is 23%. Click here to read the full article.
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, we thought this article on the science of love was timely and interesting. It's from Happen magazine and it offers 10 "crazy" facts. For example, being in love drops the serotonin levels in the brain, which can lead people to obsess about their lover. Another items suggests that their may be a "right" way to kiss. People are more likely to tilt their heads to the right when kissing instead of left, says a report published recently in the journal Nature. A scientist from Ruhr University in Germany analyzed 124 pairs of smoochers and found that 65 percent go toward the right. Perhaps most interesting is a study from the Twin Research Unit at St. Thomas' Hospital, London. The study says that if one twin exhibits infidelity, the other twin strays 55% of the time. In the general population, the number is 23%. Click here to read the full article.
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, we thought this article on the science of love was timely and interesting. It's from Happen magazine and it offers 10 "crazy" facts. For example, being in love drops the serotonin levels in the brain, which can lead people to obsess about their lover. Another items suggests that their may be a "right" way to kiss. People are more likely to tilt their heads to the right when kissing instead of left, says a report published recently in the journal Nature. A scientist from Ruhr University in Germany analyzed 124 pairs of smoochers and found that 65 percent go toward the right. Perhaps most interesting is a study from the Twin Research Unit at St. Thomas' Hospital, London. The study says that if one twin exhibits infidelity, the other twin strays 55% of the time. In the general population, the number is 23%. Click here to read the full article.
USA Today is reporting that as the economy unravels, so is the mental health of U.S. citizens. "I've never seen this level of anxiety and depression in 22 years of practice," says Nancy Molitor, a psychologist in Wilmette, Ill. "The mental health fallout has been far worse than after 9/11." The article reports a staggering 40% jump in the demand for therapists from June to December. So what are we supposed to do? Unfortunately there are no easy answers and if professional help may be the best option. Psychologist Salvatore Maddi of University of California, Irvine suggests there are three qualities of those who are able to maintain their emotional health in these tough times. Maddi says these "hardy people" stayed committed to what they were doing; they didn't back off or become alienated. They also sought control, trying to influence what happened to them, looking at every avenue for solutions. They saw stressful changes as inevitable and took them as a challenge, an opportunity to grow.
USA Today is reporting that as the economy unravels, so is the mental health of U.S. citizens. "I've never seen this level of anxiety and depression in 22 years of practice," says Nancy Molitor, a psychologist in Wilmette, Ill. "The mental health fallout has been far worse than after 9/11." The article reports a staggering 40% jump in the demand for therapists from June to December. So what are we supposed to do? Unfortunately there are no easy answers and if professional help may be the best option. Psychologist Salvatore Maddi of University of California, Irvine suggests there are three qualities of those who are able to maintain their emotional health in these tough times. Maddi says these "hardy people" stayed committed to what they were doing; they didn't back off or become alienated. They also sought control, trying to influence what happened to them, looking at every avenue for solutions. They saw stressful changes as inevitable and took them as a challenge, an opportunity to grow.
USA Today is reporting that as the economy unravels, so is the mental health of U.S. citizens. "I've never seen this level of anxiety and depression in 22 years of practice," says Nancy Molitor, a psychologist in Wilmette, Ill. "The mental health fallout has been far worse than after 9/11." The article reports a staggering 40% jump in the demand for therapists from June to December. So what are we supposed to do? Unfortunately there are no easy answers and if professional help may be the best option. Psychologist Salvatore Maddi of University of California, Irvine suggests there are three qualities of those who are able to maintain their emotional health in these tough times. Maddi says these "hardy people" stayed committed to what they were doing; they didn't back off or become alienated. They also sought control, trying to influence what happened to them, looking at every avenue for solutions. They saw stressful changes as inevitable and took them as a challenge, an opportunity to grow.
The winter days keep coming and coming and some of you might need a little pick me up. Forbes.com offers a few tips to help get you out of the doldrums. Their first tip is to eat a balanced diet. The also recommend regular exercise, a regular sleeping pattern, being social, and antidepressants! We're not saying antidepressants are bad or that their isn't a purpose for them, but to beat the winter blues? Their final tip seems more appropriate and a better initial step: therapy.
Here are some of our tips: go on a date this weekend, find new recipes to cook together, take a class together, begin planning your summer vacation, go see a movie, go snowboarding, do a craft project together, or start a blog. Essentially, break the monotony of your days. Be sure to read our recent article, "Super Wife Sunday" which offers a terrific idea that may turn into a yearly tradition.
The winter days keep coming and coming and some of you might need a little pick me up. Forbes.com offers a few tips to help get you out of the doldrums. Their first tip is to eat a balanced diet. The also recommend regular exercise, a regular sleeping pattern, being social, and antidepressants! We're not saying antidepressants are bad or that their isn't a purpose for them, but to beat the winter blues? Their final tip seems more appropriate and a better initial step: therapy.
Here are some of our tips: go on a date this weekend, find new recipes to cook together, take a class together, begin planning your summer vacation, go see a movie, go snowboarding, do a craft project together, or start a blog. Essentially, break the monotony of your days. Be sure to read our recent article, "Super Wife Sunday" which offers a terrific idea that may turn into a yearly tradition.
The winter days keep coming and coming and some of you might need a little pick me up. Forbes.com offers a few tips to help get you out of the doldrums. Their first tip is to eat a balanced diet. The also recommend regular exercise, a regular sleeping pattern, being social, and antidepressants! We're not saying antidepressants are bad or that their isn't a purpose for them, but to beat the winter blues? Their final tip seems more appropriate and a better initial step: therapy.
Here are some of our tips: go on a date this weekend, find new recipes to cook together, take a class together, begin planning your summer vacation, go see a movie, go snowboarding, do a craft project together, or start a blog. Essentially, break the monotony of your days. Be sure to read our recent article, "Super Wife Sunday" which offers a terrific idea that may turn into a yearly tradition.
Do drugs respond differently to people of different races? There was a case of a drug called BiDil, which the FDA approved in 2005 to treat heart failure in blacks. The drug worked for African Americans but not other ethnic groups. This has raised the question of developing drugs for racial groups, which becomes a genetic difference not just a social category--and beyond skin color. This article from Newsweek suggests that maybe the touchy subject is the reason that only 3 percent of the patients who might benefit from BiDil were actually getting it. It seems clear, however, that humans can expect more drugs in the future to be designed not just for their race, but their own individual genetics. Because as it's pointed out in the article, identifying yourself as an African American, while may be accurate, doesn't mean you have the same ancestry (one could be from Kenya or South Africa or a mix of many nations and heritages).
Do drugs respond differently to people of different races? There was a case of a drug called BiDil, which the FDA approved in 2005 to treat heart failure in blacks. The drug worked for African Americans but not other ethnic groups. This has raised the question of developing drugs for racial groups, which becomes a genetic difference not just a social category--and beyond skin color. This article from Newsweek suggests that maybe the touchy subject is the reason that only 3 percent of the patients who might benefit from BiDil were actually getting it. It seems clear, however, that humans can expect more drugs in the future to be designed not just for their race, but their own individual genetics. Because as it's pointed out in the article, identifying yourself as an African American, while may be accurate, doesn't mean you have the same ancestry (one could be from Kenya or South Africa or a mix of many nations and heritages).
Do drugs respond differently to people of different races? There was a case of a drug called BiDil, which the FDA approved in 2005 to treat heart failure in blacks. The drug worked for African Americans but not other ethnic groups. This has raised the question of developing drugs for racial groups, which becomes a genetic difference not just a social category--and beyond skin color. This article from Newsweek suggests that maybe the touchy subject is the reason that only 3 percent of the patients who might benefit from BiDil were actually getting it. It seems clear, however, that humans can expect more drugs in the future to be designed not just for their race, but their own individual genetics. Because as it's pointed out in the article, identifying yourself as an African American, while may be accurate, doesn't mean you have the same ancestry (one could be from Kenya or South Africa or a mix of many nations and heritages).
Your kid eating sugar will make them hyper, right? Not so says British medical journal BMJ. They say that there is no scientific evidence to support this myth and that some of it is even psychological for the parents. The journal said that when parent were told their kids had sugary drinks, they rated that they were more hyper, even though the drinks were sugar free. Other myths include the one that poinsettias are poisonous, suicides increase during the holidays, eating at night makes you fat, you lose the most body heat through your head, and that their are cures for hangovers. To read the full article with explanations on these myths, click here. So go ahead and eat up at night with that sugary dessert, but don't drink too much because there's no cure in the morning. Happy holidays!
Your kid eating sugar will make them hyper, right? Not so says British medical journal BMJ. They say that there is no scientific evidence to support this myth and that some of it is even psychological for the parents. The journal said that when parent were told their kids had sugary drinks, they rated that they were more hyper, even though the drinks were sugar free. Other myths include the one that poinsettias are poisonous, suicides increase during the holidays, eating at night makes you fat, you lose the most body heat through your head, and that their are cures for hangovers. To read the full article with explanations on these myths, click here. So go ahead and eat up at night with that sugary dessert, but don't drink too much because there's no cure in the morning. Happy holidays!
Your kid eating sugar will make them hyper, right? Not so says British medical journal BMJ. They say that there is no scientific evidence to support this myth and that some of it is even psychological for the parents. The journal said that when parent were told their kids had sugary drinks, they rated that they were more hyper, even though the drinks were sugar free. Other myths include the one that poinsettias are poisonous, suicides increase during the holidays, eating at night makes you fat, you lose the most body heat through your head, and that their are cures for hangovers. To read the full article with explanations on these myths, click here. So go ahead and eat up at night with that sugary dessert, but don't drink too much because there's no cure in the morning. Happy holidays!
This isn't new, but Self magazine recently published an article stating that sex relieves stress among other things. "Being in an intimate relationship correlates to healing faster, getting sick less often and living longer," says James Coan, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. "Good relationships offset tension in daily life." The article further says that anxiety spikes blood pressure, which hobbles the immune system. "But when you have sex, you release feel-good hormones, including oxytocin and endorphins," Coan adds. So do you need sex to relieve stress? Nope. At least according to Coan's research. Coan says kissing, hugging, cuddling and holding hands will help relieve stress.
This isn't new, but Self magazine recently published an article stating that sex relieves stress among other things. "Being in an intimate relationship correlates to healing faster, getting sick less often and living longer," says James Coan, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. "Good relationships offset tension in daily life." The article further says that anxiety spikes blood pressure, which hobbles the immune system. "But when you have sex, you release feel-good hormones, including oxytocin and endorphins," Coan adds. So do you need sex to relieve stress? Nope. At least according to Coan's research. Coan says kissing, hugging, cuddling and holding hands will help relieve stress.
This isn't new, but Self magazine recently published an article stating that sex relieves stress among other things. "Being in an intimate relationship correlates to healing faster, getting sick less often and living longer," says James Coan, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. "Good relationships offset tension in daily life." The article further says that anxiety spikes blood pressure, which hobbles the immune system. "But when you have sex, you release feel-good hormones, including oxytocin and endorphins," Coan adds. So do you need sex to relieve stress? Nope. At least according to Coan's research. Coan says kissing, hugging, cuddling and holding hands will help relieve stress.
Hitched is headquartered in California. You know, the land of yoga, no smoking, and sunny out-door activity all year round. So some might find it surprising that California isn't in the top five ranking of the healthiest states in America. It's more shocking for many that it ranked all the way down at 24, according to the United Health Foundation. The rankings take many different factors into consideration including prevalence of smoking, drinking, obesity, infectious disease, air pollution, public health funding, immunization coverage and many other factors.
Hitched is headquartered in California. You know, the land of yoga, no smoking, and sunny out-door activity all year round. So some might find it surprising that California isn't in the top five ranking of the healthiest states in America. It's more shocking for many that it ranked all the way down at 24, according to the United Health Foundation. The rankings take many different factors into consideration including prevalence of smoking, drinking, obesity, infectious disease, air pollution, public health funding, immunization coverage and many other factors.
Hitched is headquartered in California. You know, the land of yoga, no smoking, and sunny out-door activity all year round. So some might find it surprising that California isn't in the top five ranking of the healthiest states in America. It's more shocking for many that it ranked all the way down at 24, according to the United Health Foundation. The rankings take many different factors into consideration including prevalence of smoking, drinking, obesity, infectious disease, air pollution, public health funding, immunization coverage and many other factors.
The most dangerous holiday to drive is New Year's Eve, right? Wrong! According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the most dangerous holiday to take to the road is Thanksgiving. So be sure to drive safe this week. It seems that Thanksgiving is a perfect storm of event: long distance travel, packed roads, long days of drinking wine and beer, sleepy drivers from the turkey and general stress.
Independence Day is the second most dangerous day, followed by Memorial Day and Labor Day. New Year's Eve doesn't show up until number five. The best advice they recommend is to stay home, which isn't an option or most, or to fly. If you must drive, then wear a seatbelt, make a plan for getting home if you're going to be drinking and don't speed.
The most dangerous holiday to drive is New Year's Eve, right? Wrong! According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the most dangerous holiday to take to the road is Thanksgiving. So be sure to drive safe this week. It seems that Thanksgiving is a perfect storm of event: long distance travel, packed roads, long days of drinking wine and beer, sleepy drivers from the turkey and general stress.
Independence Day is the second most dangerous day, followed by Memorial Day and Labor Day. New Year's Eve doesn't show up until number five. The best advice they recommend is to stay home, which isn't an option or most, or to fly. If you must drive, then wear a seatbelt, make a plan for getting home if you're going to be drinking and don't speed.
The most dangerous holiday to drive is New Year's Eve, right? Wrong! According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the most dangerous holiday to take to the road is Thanksgiving. So be sure to drive safe this week. It seems that Thanksgiving is a perfect storm of event: long distance travel, packed roads, long days of drinking wine and beer, sleepy drivers from the turkey and general stress.
Independence Day is the second most dangerous day, followed by Memorial Day and Labor Day. New Year's Eve doesn't show up until number five. The best advice they recommend is to stay home, which isn't an option or most, or to fly. If you must drive, then wear a seatbelt, make a plan for getting home if you're going to be drinking and don't speed.
Sometimes we made food choices thinking we're doing something good for ourselves, or at least picking the less of two food evils. It may be surprising to some that some standard and popular lunchtime fare is really a pound-packing health bomb.
For example, I don't think a reasonable person would say that a Triple Whopper from Burger King is a healthy lunch, but who would expect that the fat equivalent is like like eating 10 slices of Papa John's cheese pizza! Or how about a Hardee's 2/3-lb Monster Thickburger? The saturated fat in this heart attack between two buns is the same as eating 43 strips of Oscar Mayer bacon. Or how about the Wild Buffalo Chicken Strip Basket at The Dairy Queen; that contains the same amount of sodium as 14 large orders of McDonald's French fries. Whoa! So before you place your next lunch order, be sure to read the nutrition sheet to see what you're really consuming. To read a more complete list of food items, click here.
Sometimes we made food choices thinking we're doing something good for ourselves, or at least picking the less of two food evils. It may be surprising to some that some standard and popular lunchtime fare is really a pound-packing health bomb.
For example, I don't think a reasonable person would say that a Triple Whopper from Burger King is a healthy lunch, but who would expect that the fat equivalent is like like eating 10 slices of Papa John's cheese pizza! Or how about a Hardee's 2/3-lb Monster Thickburger? The saturated fat in this heart attack between two buns is the same as eating 43 strips of Oscar Mayer bacon. Or how about the Wild Buffalo Chicken Strip Basket at The Dairy Queen; that contains the same amount of sodium as 14 large orders of McDonald's French fries. Whoa! So before you place your next lunch order, be sure to read the nutrition sheet to see what you're really consuming. To read a more complete list of food items, click here.
Sometimes we made food choices thinking we're doing something good for ourselves, or at least picking the less of two food evils. It may be surprising to some that some standard and popular lunchtime fare is really a pound-packing health bomb.
For example, I don't think a reasonable person would say that a Triple Whopper from Burger King is a healthy lunch, but who would expect that the fat equivalent is like like eating 10 slices of Papa John's cheese pizza! Or how about a Hardee's 2/3-lb Monster Thickburger? The saturated fat in this heart attack between two buns is the same as eating 43 strips of Oscar Mayer bacon. Or how about the Wild Buffalo Chicken Strip Basket at The Dairy Queen; that contains the same amount of sodium as 14 large orders of McDonald's French fries. Whoa! So before you place your next lunch order, be sure to read the nutrition sheet to see what you're really consuming. To read a more complete list of food items, click here.
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Linked to Environmental Threats
A new report by the Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility and the Science and Environmental Health Network says that environmental factors such as lead, air pollution, and pesticides can lead to health risks and cognitive disease. Co-author of the repot, Jill Stein, MD says, "As we explored origins and patterns of chronic degenerative diseases, we discovered a web of conditions in the environment--including nutritional, chemical, physical and social factors--that have a direct influence on the risk of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and related chronic diseases. It is clear from these findings that our activities in the areas of food and agriculture, energy, chemical use, and social organization are key drivers in the abnormal loss of neurological function in older people throughout the modern world."
In diet, saturated fat intake was found to greatly increase the risk of dementia. What's frightening is that the report suggests these diseases are being driven by dramatic alterations over the past 50 to 100 years in the U.S. food supply, an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, and exposure to toxic chemicals.
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Linked to Environmental Threats
A new report by the Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility and the Science and Environmental Health Network says that environmental factors such as lead, air pollution, and pesticides can lead to health risks and cognitive disease. Co-author of the repot, Jill Stein, MD says, "As we explored origins and patterns of chronic degenerative diseases, we discovered a web of conditions in the environment--including nutritional, chemical, physical and social factors--that have a direct influence on the risk of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and related chronic diseases. It is clear from these findings that our activities in the areas of food and agriculture, energy, chemical use, and social organization are key drivers in the abnormal loss of neurological function in older people throughout the modern world."
In diet, saturated fat intake was found to greatly increase the risk of dementia. What's frightening is that the report suggests these diseases are being driven by dramatic alterations over the past 50 to 100 years in the U.S. food supply, an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, and exposure to toxic chemicals.
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Linked to Environmental Threats
A new report by the Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility and the Science and Environmental Health Network says that environmental factors such as lead, air pollution, and pesticides can lead to health risks and cognitive disease. Co-author of the repot, Jill Stein, MD says, "As we explored origins and patterns of chronic degenerative diseases, we discovered a web of conditions in the environment--including nutritional, chemical, physical and social factors--that have a direct influence on the risk of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and related chronic diseases. It is clear from these findings that our activities in the areas of food and agriculture, energy, chemical use, and social organization are key drivers in the abnormal loss of neurological function in older people throughout the modern world."
In diet, saturated fat intake was found to greatly increase the risk of dementia. What's frightening is that the report suggests these diseases are being driven by dramatic alterations over the past 50 to 100 years in the U.S. food supply, an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, and exposure to toxic chemicals.
It's not surprising that kids can affect and put strain on a marriage, but this stat is high. According to a study by State University of New York-Buffalo, parents of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are almost twice as likely as other parents to divorce by the time their child is 8 years old. The authors of the study say, however, that if you and your spouse can survive the eighth birthday, the rate of divorce stops climbing. Further adding to the stress is the fact that ADHD is hereditary and mothers with ADHD children are are 24 times more likely than other mothers to have it while fathers are five times more likely. Meaning, while trying to deal with a child, one of the parents is very likely to also have ADHD, which can be a point of conflict on its own. Some good news came out of this article from USA Today, researchers in Canada found no difference in divorce rate of parents with ADHD children. Do you have a child who's been diagnosed with ADHD; and has that affected your marriage?
It's not surprising that kids can affect and put strain on a marriage, but this stat is high. According to a study by State University of New York-Buffalo, parents of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are almost twice as likely as other parents to divorce by the time their child is 8 years old. The authors of the study say, however, that if you and your spouse can survive the eighth birthday, the rate of divorce stops climbing. Further adding to the stress is the fact that ADHD is hereditary and mothers with ADHD children are are 24 times more likely than other mothers to have it while fathers are five times more likely. Meaning, while trying to deal with a child, one of the parents is very likely to also have ADHD, which can be a point of conflict on its own. Some good news came out of this article from USA Today, researchers in Canada found no difference in divorce rate of parents with ADHD children. Do you have a child who's been diagnosed with ADHD; and has that affected your marriage?
It's not surprising that kids can affect and put strain on a marriage, but this stat is high. According to a study by State University of New York-Buffalo, parents of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are almost twice as likely as other parents to divorce by the time their child is 8 years old. The authors of the study say, however, that if you and your spouse can survive the eighth birthday, the rate of divorce stops climbing. Further adding to the stress is the fact that ADHD is hereditary and mothers with ADHD children are are 24 times more likely than other mothers to have it while fathers are five times more likely. Meaning, while trying to deal with a child, one of the parents is very likely to also have ADHD, which can be a point of conflict on its own. Some good news came out of this article from USA Today, researchers in Canada found no difference in divorce rate of parents with ADHD children. Do you have a child who's been diagnosed with ADHD; and has that affected your marriage?
Belittling a loved one about being too fat and then undermining efforts to lose weight are common mistakes among couples according to experts in this article from MSNBC. For example, making jokes about your spouse's weight, then when they do start losing the pounds, bring home a thing of cookies. In this article, this scenario happened and the couple eventually got divorced. So how do you tell your spouse that they're gaining a little too much weight and you're worried about them? Here are a few tips:
1. Don't nag 2. Be loving 3. Don't judge 4. Help solve problems 5. Don't sabotage 6. Be a role model 7. Don't play cop 8. Be a role model
To get more in-depth explanations on these steps, click here. Do you think you're spouse needs to lose weight? Talk about it on our forum.
Belittling a loved one about being too fat and then undermining efforts to lose weight are common mistakes among couples according to experts in this article from MSNBC. For example, making jokes about your spouse's weight, then when they do start losing the pounds, bring home a thing of cookies. In this article, this scenario happened and the couple eventually got divorced. So how do you tell your spouse that they're gaining a little too much weight and you're worried about them? Here are a few tips:
1. Don't nag 2. Be loving 3. Don't judge 4. Help solve problems 5. Don't sabotage 6. Be a role model 7. Don't play cop 8. Be a role model
To get more in-depth explanations on these steps, click here. Do you think you're spouse needs to lose weight? Talk about it on our forum.
Belittling a loved one about being too fat and then undermining efforts to lose weight are common mistakes among couples according to experts in this article from MSNBC. For example, making jokes about your spouse's weight, then when they do start losing the pounds, bring home a thing of cookies. In this article, this scenario happened and the couple eventually got divorced. So how do you tell your spouse that they're gaining a little too much weight and you're worried about them? Here are a few tips:
1. Don't nag 2. Be loving 3. Don't judge 4. Help solve problems 5. Don't sabotage 6. Be a role model 7. Don't play cop 8. Be a role model
To get more in-depth explanations on these steps, click here. Do you think you're spouse needs to lose weight? Talk about it on our forum.
A study from Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine says babies who slept in a room with a fan were 72% less likely to die from SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The study included interviews with the mothers of 185 infants who died from SIDS and the mothers of 312 other babies. In addition to fans, the simple act of opening a window also seemed to reduce the risk of SIDS. According to the this article from USA Today, doctors don't know exactly why fans seem to help, author De-Kun Li, a reproductive and perinatal epidemiologist with Kaiser Permanente's research division says that perhaps the improved air circulation, preventing infants from rebreathing exhaled carbon dioxide, which can pool up in the gap between a baby's face and the mattress is the reason. The good news is that deaths from SIDS has dropped in half since 1992 according to this article. Other things parents should do to help protect their babies are putting them on their back to sleep and don't put the baby in your bed and sleep with them.
A study from Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine says babies who slept in a room with a fan were 72% less likely to die from SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The study included interviews with the mothers of 185 infants who died from SIDS and the mothers of 312 other babies. In addition to fans, the simple act of opening a window also seemed to reduce the risk of SIDS. According to the this article from USA Today, doctors don't know exactly why fans seem to help, author De-Kun Li, a reproductive and perinatal epidemiologist with Kaiser Permanente's research division says that perhaps the improved air circulation, preventing infants from rebreathing exhaled carbon dioxide, which can pool up in the gap between a baby's face and the mattress is the reason. The good news is that deaths from SIDS has dropped in half since 1992 according to this article. Other things parents should do to help protect their babies are putting them on their back to sleep and don't put the baby in your bed and sleep with them.
A study from Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine says babies who slept in a room with a fan were 72% less likely to die from SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The study included interviews with the mothers of 185 infants who died from SIDS and the mothers of 312 other babies. In addition to fans, the simple act of opening a window also seemed to reduce the risk of SIDS. According to the this article from USA Today, doctors don't know exactly why fans seem to help, author De-Kun Li, a reproductive and perinatal epidemiologist with Kaiser Permanente's research division says that perhaps the improved air circulation, preventing infants from rebreathing exhaled carbon dioxide, which can pool up in the gap between a baby's face and the mattress is the reason. The good news is that deaths from SIDS has dropped in half since 1992 according to this article. Other things parents should do to help protect their babies are putting them on their back to sleep and don't put the baby in your bed and sleep with them.
Have you ever noticed that when half of a longtime couple passes away, the other partner passes soon after? Researchers at the University of Glasgow found that widows and widowers were at least 30 percent more likely to die of any cause in the first six months following a spouse's death than those who hadn't lost a partner. They followed over 4,000 couples. Many experts in this article from MSNBC say that context matters, meaning older couples with deteriorating health are at higher risk. More amazing is what Rollin McCraty, research director at the Institute of HeartMath in Boulder Creek, Calif., found after he studied six longtime couples' hearts while they slept. While they were sleeping beside each other their heart rhythms fell into sync, rising and falling at the same time. Their EKG printouts looked virtually identical. So imagine sleeping in perfect harmony with your spouse for 50 years and having that ripped away. "Is it possible to die of a broken heart?" asks Dr. Hope Wechkin, the medical director of Evergreen Hospice in Kirkland, Wash. "Absolutely."
Have you ever noticed that when half of a longtime couple passes away, the other partner passes soon after? Researchers at the University of Glasgow found that widows and widowers were at least 30 percent more likely to die of any cause in the first six months following a spouse's death than those who hadn't lost a partner. They followed over 4,000 couples. Many experts in this article from MSNBC say that context matters, meaning older couples with deteriorating health are at higher risk. More amazing is what Rollin McCraty, research director at the Institute of HeartMath in Boulder Creek, Calif., found after he studied six longtime couples' hearts while they slept. While they were sleeping beside each other their heart rhythms fell into sync, rising and falling at the same time. Their EKG printouts looked virtually identical. So imagine sleeping in perfect harmony with your spouse for 50 years and having that ripped away. "Is it possible to die of a broken heart?" asks Dr. Hope Wechkin, the medical director of Evergreen Hospice in Kirkland, Wash. "Absolutely."
Have you ever noticed that when half of a longtime couple passes away, the other partner passes soon after? Researchers at the University of Glasgow found that widows and widowers were at least 30 percent more likely to die of any cause in the first six months following a spouse's death than those who hadn't lost a partner. They followed over 4,000 couples. Many experts in this article from MSNBC say that context matters, meaning older couples with deteriorating health are at higher risk. More amazing is what Rollin McCraty, research director at the Institute of HeartMath in Boulder Creek, Calif., found after he studied six longtime couples' hearts while they slept. While they were sleeping beside each other their heart rhythms fell into sync, rising and falling at the same time. Their EKG printouts looked virtually identical. So imagine sleeping in perfect harmony with your spouse for 50 years and having that ripped away. "Is it possible to die of a broken heart?" asks Dr. Hope Wechkin, the medical director of Evergreen Hospice in Kirkland, Wash. "Absolutely."
A Manhattan lawyer is suing his wife after discovering she was having an affair when he found her herpes-treatment prescription in their medicine cabinet. He's also suing her lover and her father--a doctor who prescribed the medicine and he claims withheld the affair and knowledge of the infection. The father claims he prescribed the medicine to cure a sore on his daughter's lip. The husband has since also contracted genital herpes, which is treatable, but not curable. The lawyer in the suit also claims that the wife and father violated NY state law requiring people knowingly infected with venereal disease to tell their sexual partner. It's also not surprising that he submitted another file to the courts--for a divorce. Click here to read the complete article from the NY Post. What would you have done?
A Manhattan lawyer is suing his wife after discovering she was having an affair when he found her herpes-treatment prescription in their medicine cabinet. He's also suing her lover and her father--a doctor who prescribed the medicine and he claims withheld the affair and knowledge of the infection. The father claims he prescribed the medicine to cure a sore on his daughter's lip. The husband has since also contracted genital herpes, which is treatable, but not curable. The lawyer in the suit also claims that the wife and father violated NY state law requiring people knowingly infected with venereal disease to tell their sexual partner. It's also not surprising that he submitted another file to the courts--for a divorce. Click here to read the complete article from the NY Post. What would you have done?
A Manhattan lawyer is suing his wife after discovering she was having an affair when he found her herpes-treatment prescription in their medicine cabinet. He's also suing her lover and her father--a doctor who prescribed the medicine and he claims withheld the affair and knowledge of the infection. The father claims he prescribed the medicine to cure a sore on his daughter's lip. The husband has since also contracted genital herpes, which is treatable, but not curable. The lawyer in the suit also claims that the wife and father violated NY state law requiring people knowingly infected with venereal disease to tell their sexual partner. It's also not surprising that he submitted another file to the courts--for a divorce. Click here to read the complete article from the NY Post. What would you have done?
New research suggests that it might have been your nose, not your heart that first attracted you to your husband or wife. Researchers at Switzerland's University of Lausanne have noticed a connection between scent and picking a mate. They've observed mice, rats, sand lizards and fish pick mates with immune system genes unlike their own based on scent. This would then produce offspring that had stronger immune systems than their own. Similar tests have been conducted with humans with women picking based on sweaty t-shirts. The results were similar. It's not cut and dry however. Social influences, for example, can override this natural impulse to follow your nose. More studies are sure to follow. To read the entire article, click here.
New research suggests that it might have been your nose, not your heart that first attracted you to your husband or wife. Researchers at Switzerland's University of Lausanne have noticed a connection between scent and picking a mate. They've observed mice, rats, sand lizards and fish pick mates with immune system genes unlike their own based on scent. This would then produce offspring that had stronger immune systems than their own. Similar tests have been conducted with humans with women picking based on sweaty t-shirts. The results were similar. It's not cut and dry however. Social influences, for example, can override this natural impulse to follow your nose. More studies are sure to follow. To read the entire article, click here.
New research suggests that it might have been your nose, not your heart that first attracted you to your husband or wife. Researchers at Switzerland's University of Lausanne have noticed a connection between scent and picking a mate. They've observed mice, rats, sand lizards and fish pick mates with immune system genes unlike their own based on scent. This would then produce offspring that had stronger immune systems than their own. Similar tests have been conducted with humans with women picking based on sweaty t-shirts. The results were similar. It's not cut and dry however. Social influences, for example, can override this natural impulse to follow your nose. More studies are sure to follow. To read the entire article, click here.
If you're not feeling motivated to have sex, AOL has put together a list of 34 reasons to have sex. For example, according to a study at Queens University in Belfast, men who have sex three or more times a week can cut their risk of heart attack in half and will also reduce risks of stroke. Another reason to have sex according to the article is that 30 minutes of sex will burn roughly 200 calories. With the winter flu just around the corner, you'd also like to know that sex twice a week will boost your immune system by 30 percent. To read the complete list, click here.
If you're not feeling motivated to have sex, AOL has put together a list of 34 reasons to have sex. For example, according to a study at Queens University in Belfast, men who have sex three or more times a week can cut their risk of heart attack in half and will also reduce risks of stroke. Another reason to have sex according to the article is that 30 minutes of sex will burn roughly 200 calories. With the winter flu just around the corner, you'd also like to know that sex twice a week will boost your immune system by 30 percent. To read the complete list, click here.
If you're not feeling motivated to have sex, AOL has put together a list of 34 reasons to have sex. For example, according to a study at Queens University in Belfast, men who have sex three or more times a week can cut their risk of heart attack in half and will also reduce risks of stroke. Another reason to have sex according to the article is that 30 minutes of sex will burn roughly 200 calories. With the winter flu just around the corner, you'd also like to know that sex twice a week will boost your immune system by 30 percent. To read the complete list, click here.
Dutch researchers say that pregnant women who eat nuts or nut products like peanut butter daily raise the risk their children will develop asthma by 50 percent. According to the findings, moderate amounts don't seem to have any effect. This Reuters article says "scientists do not exactly know why some children develop asthma, although some believe that allergies can trigger the disease that causes a narrowing of the bronchial tubes." While seafood is another food that contains allergens, the Dutch researchers only found a link between peanuts and asthma. The study questioned 4,000 pregnant women on their dietary habits. Their conclusion was that moderate consumption doesn't seem to pose an issue.
Dutch researchers say that pregnant women who eat nuts or nut products like peanut butter daily raise the risk their children will develop asthma by 50 percent. According to the findings, moderate amounts don't seem to have any effect. This Reuters article says "scientists do not exactly know why some children develop asthma, although some believe that allergies can trigger the disease that causes a narrowing of the bronchial tubes." While seafood is another food that contains allergens, the Dutch researchers only found a link between peanuts and asthma. The study questioned 4,000 pregnant women on their dietary habits. Their conclusion was that moderate consumption doesn't seem to pose an issue.
Dutch researchers say that pregnant women who eat nuts or nut products like peanut butter daily raise the risk their children will develop asthma by 50 percent. According to the findings, moderate amounts don't seem to have any effect. This Reuters article says "scientists do not exactly know why some children develop asthma, although some believe that allergies can trigger the disease that causes a narrowing of the bronchial tubes." While seafood is another food that contains allergens, the Dutch researchers only found a link between peanuts and asthma. The study questioned 4,000 pregnant women on their dietary habits. Their conclusion was that moderate consumption doesn't seem to pose an issue.
The Value of Your Life has Dropped Nearly $1 Million
The Environmental Protection Agency dropped the "value of a statistical life" to $6.9 million -- a drop of $900,000 from five years ago. So why would the U.S. government devalue the life of Americans? The AP summates that "government agencies put a value on human life and then weigh the costs versus the lifesaving benefits of a proposed rule. The less a life is worth to the government, the less the need for a regulation, such as tighter restrictions on pollution." The article also goes on to say that "the value based on what people are willing to pay to avoid certain risks, and on how much extra employers pay their workers to take on additional risks. Most of the data is drawn from payroll statistics; some comes from opinion surveys.
If you had to put a price tag on your life and where you are today compared to five years ago, would you be worth more?
The Value of Your Life has Dropped Nearly $1 Million
The Environmental Protection Agency dropped the "value of a statistical life" to $6.9 million -- a drop of $900,000 from five years ago. So why would the U.S. government devalue the life of Americans? The AP summates that "government agencies put a value on human life and then weigh the costs versus the lifesaving benefits of a proposed rule. The less a life is worth to the government, the less the need for a regulation, such as tighter restrictions on pollution." The article also goes on to say that "the value based on what people are willing to pay to avoid certain risks, and on how much extra employers pay their workers to take on additional risks. Most of the data is drawn from payroll statistics; some comes from opinion surveys.
If you had to put a price tag on your life and where you are today compared to five years ago, would you be worth more?
The Value of Your Life has Dropped Nearly $1 Million
The Environmental Protection Agency dropped the "value of a statistical life" to $6.9 million -- a drop of $900,000 from five years ago. So why would the U.S. government devalue the life of Americans? The AP summates that "government agencies put a value on human life and then weigh the costs versus the lifesaving benefits of a proposed rule. The less a life is worth to the government, the less the need for a regulation, such as tighter restrictions on pollution." The article also goes on to say that "the value based on what people are willing to pay to avoid certain risks, and on how much extra employers pay their workers to take on additional risks. Most of the data is drawn from payroll statistics; some comes from opinion surveys.
If you had to put a price tag on your life and where you are today compared to five years ago, would you be worth more?
It's long been reported that married people are healthier than non-marrieds, but a new report says that the gap is closing. In the September issue of the Journal of Health and Social Behavior it "found that the self-reported health status of never-married adults increased significantly over time. At the same time, the self-reported health status of married women also increased, so the gap between married and never-married women's health stayed about the same. However, never-married men narrowed the health gap between themselves and married men." So why are married people healthier? There are two theories. One is that being married gives you more access to social support and economic resources. The other is that being divorced or widowed hurts health, according to this article from the Washington Post. For more information about the health effects of marriage, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
It's long been reported that married people are healthier than non-marrieds, but a new report says that the gap is closing. In the September issue of the Journal of Health and Social Behavior it "found that the self-reported health status of never-married adults increased significantly over time. At the same time, the self-reported health status of married women also increased, so the gap between married and never-married women's health stayed about the same. However, never-married men narrowed the health gap between themselves and married men." So why are married people healthier? There are two theories. One is that being married gives you more access to social support and economic resources. The other is that being divorced or widowed hurts health, according to this article from the Washington Post. For more information about the health effects of marriage, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
It's long been reported that married people are healthier than non-marrieds, but a new report says that the gap is closing. In the September issue of the Journal of Health and Social Behavior it "found that the self-reported health status of never-married adults increased significantly over time. At the same time, the self-reported health status of married women also increased, so the gap between married and never-married women's health stayed about the same. However, never-married men narrowed the health gap between themselves and married men." So why are married people healthier? There are two theories. One is that being married gives you more access to social support and economic resources. The other is that being divorced or widowed hurts health, according to this article from the Washington Post. For more information about the health effects of marriage, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In case you haven't seen a newspaper, TV or been on the web recently, today is the start of the Beijing Olympics. When you're watching those finely tuned athletes perform swifter, higher and stronger and realize that you'll never be able to do that, it doesn't mean that you can't train like an Olympian. Best Life magazine interviewed a few Olympic coaches to get training tips for us non-Olympians. Larry Nicholson, assistant coach for USA Boxing says to get quick nimble feet, place eight cones three feet apart in a line, and then do three sets of each of the following exercises: Weave through them at a sprint, weave through them while high stepping, jump over them with your feet together, and weave through them while facing sideways.
Bob Bowman, coach to Michael Phelps says the key to Phelps success is his long swim stroke. To get you own gold-medal stroke consciously extend your arms. Bowman says, "It will feel awkward at first, like you're exaggerating each stroke, but once you start hitting those longer strokes at your previous short-stroke speed, you'll be faster, stronger, and fitter."
To read the advice of all the coaches, click here.
In case you haven't seen a newspaper, TV or been on the web recently, today is the start of the Beijing Olympics. When you're watching those finely tuned athletes perform swifter, higher and stronger and realize that you'll never be able to do that, it doesn't mean that you can't train like an Olympian. Best Life magazine interviewed a few Olympic coaches to get training tips for us non-Olympians. Larry Nicholson, assistant coach for USA Boxing says to get quick nimble feet, place eight cones three feet apart in a line, and then do three sets of each of the following exercises: Weave through them at a sprint, weave through them while high stepping, jump over them with your feet together, and weave through them while facing sideways.
Bob Bowman, coach to Michael Phelps says the key to Phelps success is his long swim stroke. To get you own gold-medal stroke consciously extend your arms. Bowman says, "It will feel awkward at first, like you're exaggerating each stroke, but once you start hitting those longer strokes at your previous short-stroke speed, you'll be faster, stronger, and fitter."
To read the advice of all the coaches, click here.
In case you haven't seen a newspaper, TV or been on the web recently, today is the start of the Beijing Olympics. When you're watching those finely tuned athletes perform swifter, higher and stronger and realize that you'll never be able to do that, it doesn't mean that you can't train like an Olympian. Best Life magazine interviewed a few Olympic coaches to get training tips for us non-Olympians. Larry Nicholson, assistant coach for USA Boxing says to get quick nimble feet, place eight cones three feet apart in a line, and then do three sets of each of the following exercises: Weave through them at a sprint, weave through them while high stepping, jump over them with your feet together, and weave through them while facing sideways.
Bob Bowman, coach to Michael Phelps says the key to Phelps success is his long swim stroke. To get you own gold-medal stroke consciously extend your arms. Bowman says, "It will feel awkward at first, like you're exaggerating each stroke, but once you start hitting those longer strokes at your previous short-stroke speed, you'll be faster, stronger, and fitter."
To read the advice of all the coaches, click here.
According to Cochrane Collaboration, there is no evidence that monthly self exams reduce breast cancer deaths. This article in U.S. News & World Report then asks the question: What should you do then? While checking yourself regularly may not help according to the new findings, experts say if you do feel something unusual, get it checked out. The report also is not suggesting that self exams are bad, just that it's not correcting the breast cancer problem. It's not surprising, however, that some doctors still feel that self breast exams are helpful. The bottom line according to the article is that if you are currently conduction your own regular exams, you don't need to stop, but know it might not be as effective as once thought. And if you're not a regular self-examiner, you don't have to feel guilty about it.
According to Cochrane Collaboration, there is no evidence that monthly self exams reduce breast cancer deaths. This article in U.S. News & World Report then asks the question: What should you do then? While checking yourself regularly may not help according to the new findings, experts say if you do feel something unusual, get it checked out. The report also is not suggesting that self exams are bad, just that it's not correcting the breast cancer problem. It's not surprising, however, that some doctors still feel that self breast exams are helpful. The bottom line according to the article is that if you are currently conduction your own regular exams, you don't need to stop, but know it might not be as effective as once thought. And if you're not a regular self-examiner, you don't have to feel guilty about it.
According to Cochrane Collaboration, there is no evidence that monthly self exams reduce breast cancer deaths. This article in U.S. News & World Report then asks the question: What should you do then? While checking yourself regularly may not help according to the new findings, experts say if you do feel something unusual, get it checked out. The report also is not suggesting that self exams are bad, just that it's not correcting the breast cancer problem. It's not surprising, however, that some doctors still feel that self breast exams are helpful. The bottom line according to the article is that if you are currently conduction your own regular exams, you don't need to stop, but know it might not be as effective as once thought. And if you're not a regular self-examiner, you don't have to feel guilty about it.
That's the key to a happy marriage according to a new study by Iowa State University. The response they got from 72 couples was that the wife's opinion took precedence over what the husband said or thought. "The women were communicating more powerful messages and men were responding to those messages by agreeing or giving in," says David Vogel, one of the leaders of the study and an associate professor of psychology. The couples questioned had been married an average of seven years and had identified themselves as having a happy marriage. The study of these couples also showed that not only was the wife's opinion the one that mattered, but the husbands were happy to accept the opinion of the wife without objection. Who rules your roost?
That's the key to a happy marriage according to a new study by Iowa State University. The response they got from 72 couples was that the wife's opinion took precedence over what the husband said or thought. "The women were communicating more powerful messages and men were responding to those messages by agreeing or giving in," says David Vogel, one of the leaders of the study and an associate professor of psychology. The couples questioned had been married an average of seven years and had identified themselves as having a happy marriage. The study of these couples also showed that not only was the wife's opinion the one that mattered, but the husbands were happy to accept the opinion of the wife without objection. Who rules your roost?
That's the key to a happy marriage according to a new study by Iowa State University. The response they got from 72 couples was that the wife's opinion took precedence over what the husband said or thought. "The women were communicating more powerful messages and men were responding to those messages by agreeing or giving in," says David Vogel, one of the leaders of the study and an associate professor of psychology. The couples questioned had been married an average of seven years and had identified themselves as having a happy marriage. The study of these couples also showed that not only was the wife's opinion the one that mattered, but the husbands were happy to accept the opinion of the wife without objection. Who rules your roost?
This sounds like the punch line to a joke, but it's not. Canada.com posted an article about the strain a bad marriage can have on one's health. The article cites: increased risk for heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke, depression, eating disorders; not to mention it could affect the body's immune system, reducing the ability to fight off disease. The article also says, however, that 55 percent of couples who seek help are able to salvage their marriage.
This is definitely good news, but we say why not focus on your marriage all the time. Take the approach of living well and striving to maintain a healthy marriage all the time, rather than trying to bandage something that you neglect and then it becomes broken. We're not saying you shouldn't seek help when you need it, but problems are a lot easier to resolve the sooner you address them.
This sounds like the punch line to a joke, but it's not. Canada.com posted an article about the strain a bad marriage can have on one's health. The article cites: increased risk for heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke, depression, eating disorders; not to mention it could affect the body's immune system, reducing the ability to fight off disease. The article also says, however, that 55 percent of couples who seek help are able to salvage their marriage.
This is definitely good news, but we say why not focus on your marriage all the time. Take the approach of living well and striving to maintain a healthy marriage all the time, rather than trying to bandage something that you neglect and then it becomes broken. We're not saying you shouldn't seek help when you need it, but problems are a lot easier to resolve the sooner you address them.
This sounds like the punch line to a joke, but it's not. Canada.com posted an article about the strain a bad marriage can have on one's health. The article cites: increased risk for heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke, depression, eating disorders; not to mention it could affect the body's immune system, reducing the ability to fight off disease. The article also says, however, that 55 percent of couples who seek help are able to salvage their marriage.
This is definitely good news, but we say why not focus on your marriage all the time. Take the approach of living well and striving to maintain a healthy marriage all the time, rather than trying to bandage something that you neglect and then it becomes broken. We're not saying you shouldn't seek help when you need it, but problems are a lot easier to resolve the sooner you address them.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave U.S. hospitals an average score of 63 out of 100 for their support of breast feeding. The report says the states in New England and the West Coast had the highest scores, while hospitals in the South recorded the lowest scores. Of those states, Vermont and New Hampshire were tops, both with a score of 81, while Arkansas sat at the bottom with a 48. The MSNBC article says:
Breast-feeding is considered beneficial to both mothers and their babies. Breast milk contains antibodies that can protect newborns from infections, and studies have found breast-fed babies are less likely to become overweight than those fed with formula.
Have you had a recent experience like this? How would you grade your hospital's breast-feeding support?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave U.S. hospitals an average score of 63 out of 100 for their support of breast feeding. The report says the states in New England and the West Coast had the highest scores, while hospitals in the South recorded the lowest scores. Of those states, Vermont and New Hampshire were tops, both with a score of 81, while Arkansas sat at the bottom with a 48. The MSNBC article says:
Breast-feeding is considered beneficial to both mothers and their babies. Breast milk contains antibodies that can protect newborns from infections, and studies have found breast-fed babies are less likely to become overweight than those fed with formula.
Have you had a recent experience like this? How would you grade your hospital's breast-feeding support?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave U.S. hospitals an average score of 63 out of 100 for their support of breast feeding. The report says the states in New England and the West Coast had the highest scores, while hospitals in the South recorded the lowest scores. Of those states, Vermont and New Hampshire were tops, both with a score of 81, while Arkansas sat at the bottom with a 48. The MSNBC article says:
Breast-feeding is considered beneficial to both mothers and their babies. Breast milk contains antibodies that can protect newborns from infections, and studies have found breast-fed babies are less likely to become overweight than those fed with formula.
Have you had a recent experience like this? How would you grade your hospital's breast-feeding support?
Four Ohio parents have filed a federal lawsuit against Evenflo, Avent America, Handicraft, Playtex Products and Gerber Novartis claiming the bottles were made from a harmful chemical and that the companies knew that a chemical were associated with health problems but didn't disclose the risk. The chemical, bisphenol A (BPA) was identified by the U.S. National Toxicology Program in April showing "some concern" that the chemical caused changes in behavior and the brain, early puberty and possibly precancerous changes in the prostate and breast. This report prompted Wal-Mart to stop selling bottles with BPA by early next year and Toys R Us has said it will purge its shelves of BPA-containing bottles by year's end. Saying all that, here's what the article from the Washington Post says:
Many of the studies that have reported higher levels were conducted under unrealistic conditions, said Dr. Norris Alderson, the Food and Drug Administration's associate commissioner for science.
"Although our review is ongoing, there's no reason to recommend consumers stop using products" with BPA, he said.
Four Ohio parents have filed a federal lawsuit against Evenflo, Avent America, Handicraft, Playtex Products and Gerber Novartis claiming the bottles were made from a harmful chemical and that the companies knew that a chemical were associated with health problems but didn't disclose the risk. The chemical, bisphenol A (BPA) was identified by the U.S. National Toxicology Program in April showing "some concern" that the chemical caused changes in behavior and the brain, early puberty and possibly precancerous changes in the prostate and breast. This report prompted Wal-Mart to stop selling bottles with BPA by early next year and Toys R Us has said it will purge its shelves of BPA-containing bottles by year's end. Saying all that, here's what the article from the Washington Post says:
Many of the studies that have reported higher levels were conducted under unrealistic conditions, said Dr. Norris Alderson, the Food and Drug Administration's associate commissioner for science.
"Although our review is ongoing, there's no reason to recommend consumers stop using products" with BPA, he said.
Four Ohio parents have filed a federal lawsuit against Evenflo, Avent America, Handicraft, Playtex Products and Gerber Novartis claiming the bottles were made from a harmful chemical and that the companies knew that a chemical were associated with health problems but didn't disclose the risk. The chemical, bisphenol A (BPA) was identified by the U.S. National Toxicology Program in April showing "some concern" that the chemical caused changes in behavior and the brain, early puberty and possibly precancerous changes in the prostate and breast. This report prompted Wal-Mart to stop selling bottles with BPA by early next year and Toys R Us has said it will purge its shelves of BPA-containing bottles by year's end. Saying all that, here's what the article from the Washington Post says:
Many of the studies that have reported higher levels were conducted under unrealistic conditions, said Dr. Norris Alderson, the Food and Drug Administration's associate commissioner for science.
"Although our review is ongoing, there's no reason to recommend consumers stop using products" with BPA, he said.
A new report by the Harvard School of Public Health says that coffee is loaded with antioxidants and that helps with heart disease. The study is based on the coffee drinking habits of 41,736 men and 86,216 women with no history of cardiovascular disease over 18 years for men and 24 years for women. The results showed that women who drank two to three cups a day had a whopping 25 percent drop in heart disease compared to non coffee drinkers. The authors of the study say, however, that more research is necessary to suggest people should drink coffee for their health. Saying that, the evidence is piling up that drinking coffee does have its benefits. From the USA Today article:
In 2000, researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that coffee intake was linked with decreased rates of Parkinson's disease. In 2004, Harvard researchers reported that it significantly reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. And a 2005 study found that coffee could help prevent the most common type of liver cancer, according to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
A new report by the Harvard School of Public Health says that coffee is loaded with antioxidants and that helps with heart disease. The study is based on the coffee drinking habits of 41,736 men and 86,216 women with no history of cardiovascular disease over 18 years for men and 24 years for women. The results showed that women who drank two to three cups a day had a whopping 25 percent drop in heart disease compared to non coffee drinkers. The authors of the study say, however, that more research is necessary to suggest people should drink coffee for their health. Saying that, the evidence is piling up that drinking coffee does have its benefits. From the USA Today article:
In 2000, researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that coffee intake was linked with decreased rates of Parkinson's disease. In 2004, Harvard researchers reported that it significantly reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. And a 2005 study found that coffee could help prevent the most common type of liver cancer, according to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
A new report by the Harvard School of Public Health says that coffee is loaded with antioxidants and that helps with heart disease. The study is based on the coffee drinking habits of 41,736 men and 86,216 women with no history of cardiovascular disease over 18 years for men and 24 years for women. The results showed that women who drank two to three cups a day had a whopping 25 percent drop in heart disease compared to non coffee drinkers. The authors of the study say, however, that more research is necessary to suggest people should drink coffee for their health. Saying that, the evidence is piling up that drinking coffee does have its benefits. From the USA Today article:
In 2000, researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that coffee intake was linked with decreased rates of Parkinson's disease. In 2004, Harvard researchers reported that it significantly reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. And a 2005 study found that coffee could help prevent the most common type of liver cancer, according to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Jeff Kepner became the first person in the United States to successfully have two hands transplanted. He can already move his fingers and grab a tennis ball, but what he really wants to do is feel his wife's touch. The doctors say that the nerves haven't yet grown back and it will take some time--about an inch a month. The surgery took place in May at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and took nine hours. Jeff lost his hands and feet a decade ago to a bacterial infection and didn't want the surgery at first, however his wife Valarie Kepner was persistent. She had contacted UPMC without telling her husband. She wanted him to be able to regain some of his independence after being on her schedule for years. Obviously, Jeff came around. Read more here.
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