After years of warning against it, the U.S. government is now recommending whole milk for your diet
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/whole-milk-may-have-surprising-benefits-study-says/
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
It pays to shop around for health care, study finds
Researchers found that women are being charged drastically different prices for the same medical procedures -- even within the same city
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/it-pays-to-shop-around-for-health-care-new-report-says/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/it-pays-to-shop-around-for-health-care-new-report-says/
Study: Women charged varying amounts for same procedures
CBS News' chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook reports on a new study that shows that women are often charged varying amounts for the same medical procedures
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/study-women-charged-varying-amounts-for-same-procedures/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/study-women-charged-varying-amounts-for-same-procedures/
Flu, whooping cough vaccine combo safe in pregnancy
Study of more than 36,000 pregnant women is reassuring, say experts
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/flu-and-whooping-cough-vaccines-safe-for-pregnant-women/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/flu-and-whooping-cough-vaccines-safe-for-pregnant-women/
Healthy, convenient meals on the go: Yes, you can
The change of seasons brings little change to the hectic schedules at our house. Summer, for example, ushered in the non-stop activities of kids home from school. Now with autumn, it’s a return to the jam-packed calendars of kids back in school. It leaves little time for family meals together, and even less time for cooking. And when your child is late for practice, packaged and prepared foods suddenly don’t seem so unhealthy.
But is there such a thing as a nutritious convenience food? “Yes, there are some healthy options out there, but you really have to look at the ingredient lists and the Nutrition Facts labels,” says registered dietitian Kathy McManus, director of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Typical convenience foods
Packaged prepared foods come in several forms:
- boxed dry goods, such as quick-cook pasta and rice mixes
- canned foods, such as soup or ravioli
- frozen foods, such as a single-serve frozen dinner or a “family-sized” lasagna
All of these are usually loaded with calories, salt, saturated and trans fats, sugar, refined carbohydrates, additives, and preservatives. “It’s not the worst thing if you eat this kind of fast food once in a great while, but if you start eating a lot of it, it can lead to weight gain and the health risks that come with it, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease,” says McManus.
And don’t think that take-out food is the answer, either. “Food ‘to go’ has the same problem. It’s quick and it’s hot, but it’s probably salty, fatty, and very high in calories,” says McManus.
The healthier versions
Some convenience foods do come in healthier versions. It takes a bit of detective work to find them, however. Start with ingredient lists. “The fewer ingredients, the better, and make sure that real foods are on the list, whether it’s meat or vegetables,” says McManus. If there’s any added sugar, it should be one of the last ingredients, since ingredients are listed in order of quantity.
Next stop: the Nutrition Facts label. McManus recommends staying at or below these limits for a main entrée:
| When it says… | Look for… |
| Calories | 600 or less |
| Fiber | 5 grams or more |
| Sodium | 500 milligrams or less |
| Trans fat | 0 grams |
| Saturated fat | 5 grams or less |
| Sugar | 0 grams |
So which foods fit that bill? Dry foods, such as whole-grain cereals (shredded wheat or rolled oats); frozen or canned vegetables; canned tuna or salmon; some frozen fish or shrimp; and some frozen entrées, usually from companies that promote the fact that they use high-quality organic ingredients.
A better option
An easy way to feed your family in a hurry is to plan ahead for the possibility of hectic meal times. “You know there are going to be times when you’ll want to take something out of the freezer and have it ready in five or 10 minutes,” says McManus.
She recommends batch cooking — making a meal in a large quantity that you can freeze in small portions. “This works well with vegetarian or turkey chili, and lentil or bean soup with plenty of vegetables. A marinara sauce is a simple thing you can create in a batch, and then add some turkey meatballs that you’ve made in advance and whole-wheat pasta,” she adds. She also suggests using a crock-pot to create stews that cook all day and are ready when you get home. But really, any meal that freezes well will work for this concept.
McManus also suggests having healthy snacks on hand at all times. “Keep a list of grab-and-go foods that you replenish each week,” says McManus. Ideas include low-fat, no-added-sugar yogurt; whole fruit; hummus. You can also assemble “snack packages” each week filled with nuts, whole-wheat crackers, or chopped vegetables. Just store them in the fridge or pantry.
“Having these foods on hand is the main thing,” says McManus. “It just takes a little planning. But in the long run, it’s healthier, and it’s cheaper, too.”
And that’s a strategy that will stay the same, no matter what the season or schedule!
Related Posts:
The post Healthy, convenient meals on the go: Yes, you can appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Heidi Godman http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/healthy-convenient-meals-on-the-go-yes-you-can-201510078407
Popular Antioxidant Seems to Spread Skin Cancer Cells in Mouse Research
But link between N-acetylcysteine and melanoma progression needs more study
From: http://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/news/20151007/popular-antioxidant-seems-to-spread-skin-cancer-cells-in-mouse-research?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Sun Exposure in Teen Years May Delay Onset of MS: Study
But researchers only found a connection, not cause-and-effect link
From: http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/news/20151007/sun-exposure-in-teen-years-may-delay-onset-of-ms-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Vaccine combo is safe in pregnancy, study finds
Doctors say the flu and whooping cough vaccines can be safely given together during pregnancy, protecting mother and baby
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/vaccine-combo-is-safe-in-pregnancy-study-finds/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/vaccine-combo-is-safe-in-pregnancy-study-finds/
Skull and spine reconnected in 16-month-old boy
After a 6-hour surgery, Australian toddler Jaxon Taylor is walking and smiling again
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/skull-and-spine-reconnected-in-16-month-old-boy/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/skull-and-spine-reconnected-in-16-month-old-boy/
The costliest cities for women's health
A new report ranks American cities on the prices of standard medical procedures - and there are a big differences
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-costliest-cities-for-womens-health/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-costliest-cities-for-womens-health/
Excess Weight Helps Women With Heart Failure
This isn't an excuse for females to gain extra pounds, researcher says
From: http://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/20151007/excess-weight-helps-women-with-heart-failure-hurts-men-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Tanning Bed Use, Skin Cancer Rates High in Gay Men
Experts note future prevention efforts need to target this group
From: http://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/news/20151007/tanning-bed-use-skin-cancer-rates-high-among-gay-men-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Shark attack leads to lucky discovery
Massachusetts man says if it wasn't for his terrifying encounter with a shark at a California beach, he might not be alive
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mans-life-saved-after-shark-attack-leads-to-lucky-discovery/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mans-life-saved-after-shark-attack-leads-to-lucky-discovery/
Nurse giving flu shots in New Jersey reused syringes
Rsk of infection is said to be low, but officials are recommending that dozens of people get tested for hepatitis and HIV
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/nurse-giving-flu-shots-in-new-jersey-reused-syringes/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/nurse-giving-flu-shots-in-new-jersey-reused-syringes/
What McD's breakfast map says about Americans' health
Southern all-day breakfast lovers will get fattier, higher calorie biscuits - and these habits take a toll
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mcdonalds-all-day-breakfast-biscuit-map-tells-us-about-americans-health/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mcdonalds-all-day-breakfast-biscuit-map-tells-us-about-americans-health/
Frequent Hot Flashes Linked to Heart Disease Risk
Menopausal women who have lots of hot flashes could face a higher risk for early-stage heart disease, a new study suggests. WebMD explains.
From: http://www.webmd.com/menopause/news/20151007/hot-flashes-menopause-heart-disease?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Some May Face Suicide Risk After Bariatric Surgery
Expert says that the life changes that follow can make it hard for these patients to cope
From: http://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/20151007/suicide-risk-may-rise-for-some-after-weight-loss-surgery?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Administration drops sustainability from upcoming dietary guidelines
Updated dietary guidelines out at the end of the year won't factor in environmental sustainability
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/administration-drops-sustainability-from-upcoming-dietary-guidelines/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/administration-drops-sustainability-from-upcoming-dietary-guidelines/
Weight-loss surgery may raise suicide risk for some
Researchers have a number of theories about why the risk may rise after dramatic weight loss
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/weight-loss-surgery-may-raise-suicide-risk-for-some/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/weight-loss-surgery-may-raise-suicide-risk-for-some/
Mayo Clinic Minute: Asthma and Sleep Apnea
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG4XtJ7xLTI
Ovarian tissue transplant may help women get pregnant
Results of small study offer hope for cancer survivors who want to have children
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ovarian-tissue-transplant-may-help-cancer-survivors-become-pregnant/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ovarian-tissue-transplant-may-help-cancer-survivors-become-pregnant/
Medical Marijuana Seems Safe for Chronic Pain
And the drug modestly reduced people's pain scores
From: http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/news/20151007/medical-marijuana-seems-safe-for-chronic-pain-patients-study-finds?src=RSS_PUBLIC
More Than 730 Sick in Latest Salmonella Outbreak
Four deaths have also been linked to tainted cucumbers, CDC officials report
From: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/20151006/more-than-730-illnesses-reported-in-latest-salmonella-outbreak?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Breast Cancer Survival: Early Detection Still Key
Despite advances in treatment, finding smaller tumors linked to better results
From: http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20151006/early-detection-still-key-to-breast-cancer-survival-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC
This May Help Fertility After Cancer Treatment
Researchers in Denmark report a success rate of about 30 percent
From: http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/news/20151006/ovarian-tissue-transplant-can-help-some-women-have-kids-after-cancer-treatment?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Toddler dies from E. coli after visiting Maine fair
The CDC is investigating a possible link between the deadly infection and animals at the fair's petting zoo
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/toddler-dies-after-contracting-e-coli-at-maine-fair/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/toddler-dies-after-contracting-e-coli-at-maine-fair/
Teen smoking: How to help your teen quit
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teen-smoking/art-20046474
Too little sleep and too much weight: a dangerous duo
You’re walking down the street early in the morning after having been up all night completing a project for your boss. The coffee shop on the corner beckons you as always. But today, this siren song is about more than just a cup of joe. Somehow, there is an irresistible urge to buy a donut or two as well.
If you’ve ever wondered why, read on.
The amount of sleep Americans say they get every night has declined from an average of approximately 8.5 hours in the 1960s to slightly less than 7 hours today. There are probably lots of reasons why, but they likely include 24/7 occupations, prolongation of the “day” with artificial lighting, the use of electronic devices at bedtime (blue-wavelength light from these devices delays sleep onset), and the widespread belief that sleep is less of a priority compared to other activities, whether they are work- or pleasure-related.
And today, not only do more of us sleep less, but we tend to weigh more, too. More than 30% of adult Americans are now obese, compared with less than 15% of adults in the 1960s. This “obesity epidemic” also has spread to children, with approximately 17% now considered obese. This is an alarming trend because obese children are likely to become obese adults.
Is there a link between the decrease in sleep duration and the rise in obesity? Compelling evidence suggests that there is. A number of large studies involving thousands of adults have generally found that short sleepers (defined as 5 hours or less per night, but sometimes 6 hours or less) were up to 45% more likely to be obese. We don’t have as much data on children, but one study found that kids who slept less than 7.5 hours per night had a three-fold greater risk of developing obesity over a 5-year period.
Studies also demonstrate that short sleepers don’t eat healthfully. Over all, their diets have less food variety, a greater percentage of calories from snacks, and higher amounts of sugar, caffeine, and alcohol. Furthermore, they tend to skip the main meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and also tend to snack more. These habits promote weight gain and the eventual development of obesity.
Is there a scientific explanation for the eating behavior of short sleepers? Experimental studies indicate that sleep restriction leads to abnormalities in the processing of blood sugar (glucose) and changes in hormones that control appetite. For example, the hormone ghrelin stimulates appetite, whereas the hormone leptin reduces it. With sleep restriction, levels of ghrelin rise and those of leptin fall, thus leading to an increase in hunger and appetite. Additionally, these studies have observed that sleep-restricted individuals have a greater desire for high-calorie, high-carbohydrate foods.
So what do the data that link inadequate sleep with weight gain tell us?
The take-home message is that getting enough sleep is one way to lower your risk for weight gain and obesity. There is a tendency to put on pounds as one grows older. Inadequate sleep will only worsen this trend. If a person is already overweight or obese, weight loss will be more difficult without adequate sleep. From a societal perspective, the obesity epidemic, with its associated increases in the rates of several chronic conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes), places a greater burden on the health care system and contributes to rising health care costs. Adequate sleep deserves to be included with exercise and good nutrition as one of the essentials of good health.
Related Posts:
The post Too little sleep and too much weight: a dangerous duo appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Stuart Quan, MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/too-little-sleep-and-too-much-weight-a-dangerous-duo-201510078396
Wyoming woman dies of rabies after being bitten by bat
Officials are tracking down people who've had contact with woman who was believed to be state's first confirmed human rabies case
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/wyoming-woman-dies-of-rabies-after-being-bitten-by-bat/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/wyoming-woman-dies-of-rabies-after-being-bitten-by-bat/
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