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Go Nuts: Eat These Foods for a Healthy Heart
With their high fat content, you may think nuts are a no-no. But scientists
say that nuts can actually be good for heart health. A study published
by Harvard University showed that women who consumed roughly 5 oz. of
nuts weekly had a 28% lower risk of of heart disease compared to those
who ate a low quantity of nuts. Their benefits? Well, walnuts contain
omega-3 acids, which can lower the level of some unhealthy fats in the
body. Almonds and Brazil nuts are high in not only several essential minerals
and vitamins but also carry a powerful antioxidant punch. And cashews
contain magnesium, zinc and more.
More info: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nuts/HB00085
Too Many Pounds May Overrule Nonsmoking Benefits
Smoking rates in the U.S. are down-cause for celebration under normal
circumstances. But studies argue that the climbing obesity rate could
eventually offset the benefits U.S. citizens should be getting from kicking
the habit. But there's some reason for optimism, authors of the study
say. "There was a time when smoking looked like (its rates) would just
go up and up, but then it declined," pointed out Dr. David Meltzer, University
of Chicago Medical Center. The upshot: no matter what, quitting smoking
certainly can't hurt-and could help your health tremendously. Just try
to keep those pounds down while you're nixing the cigarettes.
More info: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_92554.html
Something Good Under the Sun
New research says that Vitamin D-- produced by the effects of sunshine
on the body-may be beneficial to lymphoma patients. According to researchers
at the Mayo Clinic, patients with some forms of lymphoma may live longer
if their bodies contain high levels of Vitamin D. Meanwhile, the vitamin
has been positively implicated in the treatment of Alzheimers, though
there's no official ruling yet. While this research doesn't mean you should
rush into the sun unprotected (remember that UV rays can be dangerous
regardless of Vitamin D's benefits), making sure one isn't vitamin D deficient
could be healthy all around. So see your doctor about having your levels
of this vitamin checked through a simple blood test.
More info: http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/science/research/vitamin-d-and-ankylosing-spondylitis.shtml
The Road to Good Health
If you think it takes hours a day in the gym to increase your health and
maintain your weight, think again. Exercise experts say that short spurts
of exercise throughout your day can be as beneficial as one long exercise
session. Take a 10-minute walk on your lunch hour, park at a farther spot
and walk the rest of the way to the store and take the stairs instead
of the elevator and you'll have 20-30 minutes of aerobic exercise done...without
interfering with your busy day.
More info: http://www.health-fitness-tips.com/features/daily-excercise-suggestions.htm
Making Water More Palatable
Most people know they should be getting plenty of water (6-8 8-oz. glasses
per day). But some people just don't like the taste. Instead of turning
to potentially unhealthy artificially sweetened drinks or sugary soft
drinks, try adding a little flavor to your water. Try a squeeze of lemon
for a refreshing, zesty burst of taste. Or have a few sips of club rather
than tap or bottled water.
More info: http://www.a-to-z-wellness.com/water.htm
Getting Health News is a Snap (or a Click)
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is trying out a new system that
sends health news (such as H1N1 virus alerts) via text message to certain
trail subscribers. So far, 13,000 individuals have been receiving these
messages on a pilot basis of three months beginning mid-November, 2009.
At the close of the program the CDC will evaluate how well the system
worked and whether it should be ongoing. To be a trial subscriber, text
the word HEALTH to 87000.
More info: http://ohmygov.com/blogs/general_news/archive/2009/11/30/cdc-texting-free-health-tips-and-alerts.aspx
More Vegetables, Less Hassle
When it comes to getting kids to eat their veggies, use psychology. Telling
your children the foods will taste great won't do much to get them over
their natural fear of something new...but adding fun to the process just
might, experts say. Try cutting veggies into fun shapes and serving with
dip or in soups. Or have your child shop with you and pick out his own
vegetables, then help prepare them for dinner. Taking part in the process
can make a child more apt to try a bite afterward. If all else fails,
try the old standby: hiding vegetables in other foods. Try doing this
in purees or sauces so kids can't tell they're in there. But do continue
to serve whole or cut veggies on the side-it's important to develop good
habits as well as good health.
More info: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1404456/getting_your_children_to_eat
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