At Least You Have Your Health

Post-Thanksgiving Damage Control

2006-11-27T17:41:00.000-05:00

So, Thanksgiving weekend is over and you find that you’re feeling more tired than usual and your pants don’t fit anymore. It’s time for some damage control.

Anne Marie Helmenstine explained in her blog that the reason we feel so tired after eating all that turkey is because of something called L-tryptophan, an amino acid found in turkey that converts into serotonin, which in turn, makes us sleepy.

To get back some of that lost energy and lose the extra pounds, get into a gym and diet routine for the next couple of weeks. Joy Bauer offers a 72-hour detox plan in her blog.

Coca Cola Lawsuit

2006-11-19T19:08:00.000-05:00

I didn't think anyone could be more ridiculous than the woman who sued McDonald's for burning herself with hot coffee, but here she is.

Natalia Koshuba sued Coca Cola after suffering from insomnia and stomach illnesses after consuming at least three liters of coke every day for the past five years. Attornies explained that Koshuba had been consuming this much soda in order to collect bottle caps that could be redeemed for prizes. The Cola bottles had no warning against this type of consumption, and judges ruled in favor of Koshuba.

In 1992, there was a similar lawsuit where a woman sued McDonald's after she burned herself with a cup of their hot coffee, and won the lawsuit.

I can't decide whether the people filing these lawsuits are really stupid, or geniuses.

World's First Anti-Obesity Charter

2006-11-16T23:16:00.000-05:00

With so many unsuccessful attempts to fight obesity, Europe has finally taken a step in the right direction.

Europe, with the help of the World Health Organization, passed the world's first anti-obesity charter.

According to the article, the charter "aims to curb the epidemic in the next five years, and hopes to reverse the trend by 2015," by addressing the issues of childhood obesity, the fast food chain problem and the lack of exercise by Americans.

While many organizations, such as the American Obesity Association, offer programs for and ways to prevent obesity, the epidemic only seems to be getting worse.

Hopefully, Europe's charter will have a significant impact that will resonate around the world.

Kirstie Alley on Oprah

2006-11-13T13:53:00.000-05:00

You may remember her from the movie "Look Who's Talking" or the sitcom "Cheers," but lately, Kirstie Alley has been all over tabloid and magazine covers being bashed about her weight.

Well, Kirstie couldn't just take that.

She joined Jenny Craig last January and became their celebrity spokesperson, vowing to lose weight and appear on the Oprah Winfrey Show in a bikini when she did.

And she kept her promise.

Kirstie lost 75 pounds on the program and showed the world her new body last week on Oprah. She may not have been able to pull off a string thong bikini, but she sure looked amazing!

Going Organic

2006-11-06T17:20:00.000-05:00

You may have thought eating healthy was a simple as buying fruits and vegetables from your local grocery store. But now, we have the choice of buying fruits and vegetables that are organic. So what’s the difference?

Organic foods are free of chemicals and pesticides, and usually contain up to 50% more vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Grocery stores have begun placing more and more organic choices on their shelves as their reputations grow. But are these organic foods all their hyped up to be?

Some argue that the organics are not worth the prices.

If you need more convincing, check out 10 reasons to go organic, complements of Ysanne Spevack, editor of OrganicFood.co.uk, the world’s no.1 organic online magazine.

Birth-Control Patch Crisis

2006-11-03T01:42:00.000-05:00

With so many new forms of contraceptives coming out these days, it was just a matter of time before something went wrong.

Over 40 women are suing Johnson & Johnson, the maker of Ortho Evra birth-conrol patches, claiming that the patches caused blood clots and sicknesses in many and killed one.

Ortho Evra is a once-a-week birth-control patch being used by millions of women. But this patch does come with a warning label. According to their website, Ortho Evra is not intended for everyone, as it can cause blood clots, stroke and heart attack.

I guess in the end, the best and safest contraceptive truly is abstinence!

The Price of Obesity

2006-10-30T23:02:00.000-05:00

It turns out that obesity can cost you more than just your health.

In April, the Associated Press reported that obese children are outgrowing standard car seats and companies are being forced to make heftier models to accommodate the heftier kids.

According to the article, these bigger seats can run up to $250.

A more recent Associated Press article covered a study that linked obesity to gasoline consumption.

It may sound silly, but if you think about it, it does make sense.

The more weight in the car, the more power it needs to go, thus draining the gas faster.

So, if you find yourself paying too much for gas too often, maybe you should consider making a pit stop at the gym.

Eat Those Veggies!

2006-10-26T20:01:00.000-05:00

We always knew they were good for us, but now doctors reveal why.

A recent study found that eating vegetables helps keep the brain young, slowing the mental decline associated with old age.

A similar blog from the Oregonian newsroom explored this topic as well, with additional links to the importance of eating veggies.

Smile!

2006-10-23T16:05:00.000-05:00

The latest Hollywood-inspired craze is neither fashion nor being stick-skinny. Now, it’s snow-white teeth that are at the top of our wish lists.

There are endless ways to brighten our smiles these days, from whitening strips, toothpastes and rinses, to bleaching trays and laser treatments. Companies like BriteSmile and ZOOM! offer quick and painless ways to get those pearly whites extra bright.

But when is enough enough?

Diane Mapes for MSNBC said that too much bleaching can cause serious dental damage.

Not only can excessive whitening cause teeth to look translucent and unnatural, but teeth can become sensitive to air and cold, and gums may burn.

So, if you decide you’d like to start whitening your grill, please do so in moderation!

Fish Are Our Friends

2006-10-19T21:44:00.000-05:00

Since 1953, when scientists identified mercury from pollution in seafood, the FDA has closely monitored and regulated the amount of mercury allowed in fish being consumed by the public.

The issue has been a concern for quite some time.

But recently, studies show that the benefits of consuming fish outweigh the risks that mercury may pose.

The studies found that eating seafood twice a week can actually help prevent heart disease.

The article lists briefly which fish you should stock up on and consume more of.

Enviga

2006-10-16T11:39:00.000-05:00

Coca Cola Co. has recently come out with a new miracle soda, Enviga.

Enviga is a green tea-based soda, rich in antioxidants and EGCG. Its ingredients are said to increase the drinker’s metabolism and help burn up to 100 calories per 12 ounces.

But the new drink has its skeptics.

Medical experts question the soda’s calorie-burning powers, saying the drink is too good to be true.

I guess the only way to know is to try it for yourself.

A Good Night's Sleep

2006-10-12T18:39:00.000-05:00

Recent studies suggest that sleep deprivation and weight gain go hand in hand.

Regan Ferrara reported for the Gainesville Sun on Wednesday that lack of sleep can cause weight gain, depression and illness.

According to the article, University of Chicago researchers found that “sleep deprivation is linked to weakening of the immune system, metabolic changes and the development of depression.”

Nutritionist Madelyn Fernstrom dug into the issue deeper for MSNBC, exploring how not getting enough sleep really can make you fat.

New HPV Vaccination

2006-10-09T19:18:00.000-05:00

Earlier this year, doctors released the latest prevention in HPV, or human papilloma virus, a virus that can lead to cervical and vaginal cancers.

The new vaccination is sweeping the nation, and doctors highly recommend that girls as young as 9 years old get the vaccine, before becoming sexually active.

Unfortunately, the vaccination has become very hard to come by.

The Associated Press reported that the scarcity of this HPV vaccine is due to its high price. Not all insurance companies are covering the HPV shots yet, but the shots are now available in all 50 states.

Top 25 Fittest Colleges

2006-10-05T19:51:00.000-05:00

Now-a-days, colleges are not only ranked according to their academic achievements or football teams, but also by how fit they are.

Men’s Fitness magazine just released their top 25 “Fittest Colleges in America, 2006” list, the second annual list that ranked over 115 colleges’ fitness levels.

According to an article by MSNBC, the rankings were based on surveys given to over 12,000 students nationwide.

The list included Boston College, University of Vermont and Colgate University, with Dickenson College at the top!

Banning Trans Fats

2006-10-02T15:26:00.000-05:00

I think most of us can remember that time about three years ago when someone tried to sue and have Oreo cookies banned for containing too much trans fat.

At the time, a lot of us didn’t even know what trans fat was. But that lawsuit threw the issue of trans fat and the dangers of it into the spotlight.

Now, New York City is taking the lead in banning trans fats.

Another MSNBC article on NYC’s plans to ban the fats.

Other major cities would do good to follow in their footsteps.

Fishy Facts

2006-09-28T21:36:00.000-05:00

Walk into any GNC today and you can count on seeing shelves full of Fish Oil dietary supplements. These little pills have been gaining a lot of publicity lately, and when I saw that my parents were taking them, I just had to know… what exactly are they?

Fish oils are basically used in these supplements to provide a dose of omega-3 fatty acids (or “good fats”), which are helpful in preventing illnesses such as heart disease and auto immune disorders.

Another blog, Fish Oil News and Blog, explores into greater detail the different kinds of fish oils and their respective benefits.

If you’re not into the whole idea of popping a pill to get those good fats into your system, Karen Collins of MSNBC can give you other options.

Freshman 15

2006-09-24T20:21:00.000-05:00

What is it about being a college freshman that makes you gain that “Freshman 15”?

Well, for one thing, sometimes a college student’s budget only allows for a value meal at McDonald’s. And who can forget those never-ending cafeteria buffets and late-night pizza sprees?

As if the food situation weren’t bad enough, students can’t always find the time to squeeze exercise into their busy school schedules.

A combination of the two- bad food choices and lack of exercise-can trigger that mysterious weight gain that many college students seem to suffer from.

Luckily, colleges nationwide are working to change that.

Universities like Duke, Missouri and North Carolina at Chapel Hill are offering healthier options for their students.

But just in case these new programs haven’t reached your future or current university yet, eHow.com can help with their “How to Avoid the Freshman 15,” so that you don’t get sucked into the bad habits that are sure to pack on the pounds.

Pound for pound

2006-09-21T11:22:00.000-05:00

MSNBC recently published an article that listed the 10 most expensive diets out there right now. It included Weight Watchers, NutriSystem and the South Beach Diet, with Jenny Craig at the top of the list.

Now the reason this caught my attention was because I actually did Jenny Craig this summer, and I have to admit, it cost me an arm and a leg.

On its defense, however, it really works.

Jenny Craig provides over 75 nutritionally balanced food items, and you just eat. It’s a no-brainer. As someone who hates to cook and has little time to think about what I’m going to eat, it’s the easiest way to lose weight. And although it does cost almost $100 per week, isn’t that how much an average person spends grocery shopping anyway?

I have to agree with the article in that most of these diets are a waste of money. Most people gain the weight back, and that’s because these “crash” diets (South Beach Diet, Atkins) only provide a quick fix and not a permanent solution.

I lost 10 pounds in 10 weeks on Jenny Craig, and I didn’t even have to work out! I’ve been able to maintain the weight because I learned portion control, which is usually the key to losing and maintaining weight. So, if you’re the kind of person that doesn’t have time to measure your meals and exercise five times a week, give Jenny a try. Sure, you may lose some money, but you’ll also lose some pounds.

Work Out Fun

2006-09-18T14:32:00.000-05:00

You may have seen or heard about Carmen Electra’s striptease aerobic workout videos on t.v. or on the radio recently. But who would have thought the idea would actually catch on??

In fact, AOL News reported that Crunch Fitness gyms have actually begun offering Stiletto Strength classes along with cardio striptease and many other fun, unique classes.

According to the article, the strip classes are effective ways of incorporating a bit of fun into everyday exercise, and are great for working major muscle groups and sculpting the quads, calves and abs.

Sounds like a lot of fun, actually!

E. Coli Outbreak

2006-09-14T17:09:00.000-05:00

MSNBC and the Associated Press reported Thursday that E. coli outbreaks in eight states, which have resulted in one death and over 50 people getting sick, have been linked to fresh bagged spinach sold in grocery stores.

Although officials can not pinpoint the exact cause, the FDA has advised consumers not to buy the bagged spinach and certain other Dole bagged salad products.

This is not a new issue, though. Last year, Terri Gruca reported for wcco.com that bagged lettuce may contain more bacteria than we realized. Bagged lettuce was being tested for bacteria like E. coli, but despite the fact that many companies use chlorine based rinses to wash the lettuce, the produce never posed a threat.

And here we are, a year later, one person dead and an E. coli scare on our hands.

Allow me to introduce myself...

2006-09-08T15:45:00.000-05:00

Your love life's a mess. You and your best friend are in a fight. Your job doesn't pay nearly well enough and your boss is a jerk. The bills are piling up, your car won't start and someone ruined your favorite pair or jeans. Well, at least you have your health!

This blog is aimed at the one thing we have complete control over: our bodies. In the midst of the chaos that life tends to throw at us, we find comfort in food and relief through exercise. I'll dig through the latest news in health and fitness and deliver the goods to you!

We'll start with America's embarrassing obesity problem.

The Associated Press reported last week that obesity in America has risen since last year and continues to climb, especially in southern states like Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana.

How is it, with the constant pressures of society to be skinny, that there are so many people suffering from obesity? The problems seem almost contradictory!

It's time to take action, America! It's not just physical looks that are at stake here, and you don't need to be a genius to know that being overweight can cause serious health problems.

Getting healthy doesn't have to start with a huge leap into a long-term committment with a gym or strict diet. Here are a couple of thing you can change in your every day life to give you the headstart you need:

Park farther from your destination in order to get in a brisk walk before food shopping or hitting up the mall.
Snack on fruits and vegetables instead of chips or cookies in between meals. Not only are the fruits and veggies better for you, munching in between meals keeps your metabolism going and actually helps burn fat.
DRINK MORE WATER. This flushes out all the toxins in your system and helps burn fat.
Find a hobby that will get you moving. Take up a sport, go dancing or walk your dog!
Increase fiber into your diet by eating more whole grains or even with a fiber supplement.