12/02/15

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Mayo Clinic Minute: Putting Health Headlines in Perspective

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7V16whwMOqg

HIV/AIDS activists have a message for younger generation

A great deal of progress has been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and activists want to make sure the lessons aren't lost

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/hivaids-activists-have-a-message-for-younger-generation/

Slowed Walking in Seniors: Alzheimer's Danger?

Study found higher levels of beta amyloid in brains of those who didn't move as fast as their peers

From: http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20151202/slowed-walking-in-seniors-may-signal-alzheimers-danger?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Mayo Clinic Minute: What's Your Limit on Holiday Salt

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Er355t91M4

KY Strategy Will Test Need For State-Run Exchanges

Experts say Gov.-elect Matt Bevin’s plan to drop Kynect and use the federal healthcare.gov marketplace would have little impact on consumers, if it happens.

From: http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/ky/20151202/kentucky-strategy-will-test-need-for-staterun-obamacare-exchanges?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Slow walking a clue to Alzheimer's?

A new study says older people who walk more slowly may be more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/slow-walking-a-clue-to-alzheimers/

Slow walking speed may signal Alzheimer's in the elderly

Experts say this study adds to the evidence that "it pays to be fit"

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/slow-walking-speed-may-signal-alzheimers-in-the-elderly/

Too Much TV When Young May Hamper Middle-Age Brain

Low levels of physical activity also tied to decreased mental function later in life, study finds

From: http://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20151202/too-much-tv-while-younger-may-hamper-middle-aged-brain?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Devon Still says daughter Leah is cancer-free

The latest Instagram update has good news about 5-year-old's recovery

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/devon-still-says-daughter-leah-is-cancer-free/

False-Positive Mammogram and Breast Cancer Risk

But researcher stresses that risk is small, and women should be vigilant with screenings

From: http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20151202/false-positive-mammogram-may-hint-at-breast-cancer-risk-later?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Woman gets dangerous infection from glittery hair tie

Wearing a glittery hair tie around her wrist landed Audree Kopp in the hospital, and doctors say she's lucky it wasn't worse

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/woman-gets-dangerous-infection-from-glittery-hair-tie/

Negative Statin News Tied to Dropped Prescriptions

Researcher says heart benefits outweigh risk of side effects

From: http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/news/20151202/negative-news-on-statins-tied-to-dropped-prescriptions?src=RSS_PUBLIC

SIDS Risk: More Than 'Sleeping Environment'

Study finds 'Back to Sleep' messages worked, but so did lower smoking and teen pregnancy rates

From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/news/20151202/sids-risk-depends-on-more-than-sleeping-environment?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Monsanto chief on GMO debate, transparency

CEO Hugh Grant says the company is committed to innovation in agriculture, but critics say it should be more transparent

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/monsanto-ceo-hugh-grant-talks-gmo-debate-food-labeling-herbicide-roundup-controversy/

Woman gets life-threatening infection from hair tie

A glittery hair tie wrapped around the wrist landed a Kentucky woman in the hospital

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/woman-gets-life-threatening-infection-from-hair-tie-around-her-wrist/

How to calm a crying baby: Pediatrician's video goes viral

A simple technique he calls "The Hold" seems to quiet crying babies almost instantly

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-to-calm-a-crying-baby-pediatricians-video-goes-viral/

Emergency Blood On Mayo One Flight Saves Mother's Life

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZyM4Pv7rYg

Seniors: The New Face of Addiction

Meet Jerry. He’s 75. He’s a happily retired grandfather. He’s still married after 50 years. And he’s an alcoholic. WebMD shares his story.

From: http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20151202/seniors-alcohol-drugs-addiction?src=RSS_PUBLIC

USDA Announces 2016 Agricultural Outlook Forum

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2015 – The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) will host the 92nd Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum in Arlington, Va. on Feb. 25-26, 2016. The theme for this year’s forum is “Transforming Agriculture: Blending Technology and Tradition.”

From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2015/12/0334.xml&contentidonly=true

This May Not Help Obese Teens With Type 1 Diabetes

Study found most benefits waned over time, but one expert believes more research is needed

From: http://teens.webmd.com/news/20151201/metformin-may-not-help-obese-teens-with-type-1-diabetes?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Is Breast Density an Overrated Cancer Risk Factor?

Croatian study questions the link, but U.S. experts disagree with finding

From: http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20151202/is-breast-density-an-overrated-cancer-risk-factor?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Powerful New Pot May Harm the Brain

But marijuana advocate calls the study 'speculative'

From: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20151202/powerful-new-pot-may-harm-the-brain-researchers-say?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Monsanto CEO on debate over GMO and food labeling

The Grocery Manufacturers Association says up to 80 percent of processed food sold in the U.S. is genetically modified and mostly unlabeled

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/monsanto-ceo-on-debate-over-gmo-and-food-labeling/

Nutrition shortcuts when you live alone

I learned early on in my career that loneliness affects the dinner table. I was a young TV news anchor at the time, and one day, an elderly woman walked up to me in a store and said, “I live alone, but I eat dinner with you every night.” It was the first of many times that I would hear those words. It was always humbling, and it instilled an extra sense of responsibility in me at 6 o’clock every evening.

Now that I have elderly loved ones who live alone, I see that they’re coping with an empty table and little interest to cook or even eat. It’s a common problem. “They’re missing companionship,” says Melanie Pearsall, a dietitian at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. “When eating is no longer a social experience, people don’t make an effort. There’s no joy left in preparing food, because people don’t view it as something valuable to do for themselves.”

Challenges lead to health risks

Loneliness is just part of the nutrition challenge for older people who live alone. They may also experience

depression, which can reduce appetite
immobility, which can keep people from being able to cook
declining thinking skills, which can cause people to forget to eat
transportation or financial problems, which can keep people from buying food
dietary restrictions due to chronic illness, which can feel overwhelming when it’s time to figure out what to eat
medication side effects, which can cause changes in taste.

As a result, older adults may wind up skipping meals or relying on convenience foods, such as cereal, frozen dinners, or canned foods. “I see people doing mono-meals, and eating the same thing for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They aren’t bothering with fruits or vegetables. They eat poorly, and their diet lacks variety,” says Pearsall.

That lack can lead to malnutrition — a deficiency in vitamins, fiber, protein, or calcium — and malnutrition can lead to poor digestion, weight loss, bone problems, and fatigue.

Shortcuts to better nutrition

Initially, it may help to remind older adults that eating will give them a little more pep. “I find that energy is a big hook,” says Pearsall. “People might not be motivated about good health, but they always want energy to see the grandkids or go to the store or do a hobby.”

She also points out that healthy meals don’t have to be complicated. These are some of her favorite tips for crafting simple and nutritious meals:

Aim for three meals a day, and try to hit general nutrition targets.

Fill ¼ of the plate with protein (chicken, fish, legumes, eggs, or cheese).
Fill ¼ of the plate with whole grains (wild rice, quinoa, whole-wheat pasta).
Fill ½ the plate with vegetables (go for variety and color — kale, squash, carrots, broccoli).
Add one piece of fruit and/or yogurt.

Change the definition of a meal. It doesn’t have to be fancy; it just has to come close to your nutrition goals. Ideas include a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich on whole-wheat bread, with a piece of fruit; an egg atop whole-grain toast, with yogurt and fruit; or a whole-grain waffle with a little peanut butter, along with fruit and a small glass of milk.

Blend convenience foods with fresh foods. Take low-sodium soup stock and throw in some frozen vegetables; or buy a rotisserie chicken and then use it several ways — in soup, sandwiches, or a salad.

Batch-cook once or twice a month. Make a big “batch” of lasagna, soup, stew, or casserole; divide it into numerous servings; freeze them for later use.

Beyond the table

Make socialization a priority, particularly for older folks who may be less able to get out and about. “You must talk to someone at least daily, and get out of your house at least once a week,” says Barbara Moscowitz, a geriatric social worker at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. Consider volunteering for a non-profit group, or take advantage of programs and lectures at local senior centers.

Everyone should make an effort to share meals with family and friends once in a while. A mealtime conversation will enrich your life much more than dinner in front of the TV news — even when the news anchor is glad she can be there for you.

The post Nutrition shortcuts when you live alone appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Heidi Godman http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutrition-shortcuts-when-you-live-alone-201512028718

USDA Report Warns Climate Change Likely to Impede Progress on Global Food Security

PARIS, Dec. 2, 2015 — Climate change is likely to impede progress on reducing undernourishment around the world in the decades ahead, according to a major scientific assessment released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on global food security and its implications for the United States. The report, entitled Climate Change, Global Food Security and the U.S. Food System, identifies the risks that climate change poses to global food security and the challenges facing farmers and consumers in adapting to changing climate conditions. Secretary Vilsack released the report during the COP-21 Paris Climate Conference.

From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2015/12/0333.xml&contentidonly=true

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