E-cigs may be a gateway to smoking for teens

New research looks at the potential impact of electronic cigarettes and hookahs for teens

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/e-cigs-may-be-gateway-teens-smoking-cigarettes/

U.S. Autism Rates May Be Stabilizing

An estimated 2.41 percent of children in the United States have autism spectrum disorder, according to a new analysis of data from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH).

From: https://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/news/20180102/us-autism-rates-may-be-stabilizing?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Booze May Help or Harm the Heart, But Money Counts

Alcohol's effect on heart health, good or ill, may rely in part on the drinker's income, new research suggests.

From: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20180102/booze-may-help-or-harm-the-heart-but-money_counts?src=RSS_PUBLIC

U.S. autism rates may be stabilizing

A new study finds that while autism​ rates are much higher than previously thought, they seem to have stabilized in recent years

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/u-s-autism-rates-appear-to-be-stabilizing/

Should colleges do more to track suicides?

Despite making investments in prevention, most of the largest U.S. public universities do not track suicides among their students, AP reports

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/most-public-colleges-dont-track-suicide-report/

Why the 'Entitled' Think Rules Don't Apply to Them

Penalties or punishments do nothing to improve the conduct of entitled persons -- those who believe they deserve the best regardless of their performance or effort, researchers report.

From: https://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20180102/why-the-entitled-think-rules-dont-apply-to-them?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Exercise Safely When It's Frightful Outside

With winter's chill upon us, it's become increasingly important to check the weather conditions -- including the forecast and wind chill -- before starting out

From: https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20180102/exercise-safely-when-its-frightful-outside?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Researchers advocate for safer alternative to paint stripper chemical

An alternative to a potentially deadly chemical found in common paint strippers faces hurdles to reach consumers. Dozens of people who used methylene chloride died. Last month, the EPA indefinitely postponed a ban on that chemical, proposed by the Obama administration. Anna Werner spoke to researchers who developed what they call a less-harmful product.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/researchers-advocate-for-safer-alternative-to-paint-stripper-chemical/

Researchers tout alternative to potentially deadly paint stripper chemical

They are already encountering opposition from at least one major methylene chloride products manufacturer

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/researchers-find-safer-alternative-paint-stripper-chemical-methylene-chloride/

Tom Brady reveals the health secrets to his career longevity

New England Patriots quarterback credits softer, less dense muscles with helping him avoid injuries

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/tom-brady-promotes-muscle-pliability-for-better-health/

The rise of "gaming disorder"

The World Health Organization is poised to list "gaming disorder" - the point at which playing video games takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities - as an official human malady. Jane Pauley reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/the-rise-of-gaming-disorder/

Losing weight using the principles of economics

If you've longed for a different approach to weight loss, here's one from an unlikely source. Economists Chris Payne and Rob Barnett, who lost around 125 pounds combined, join "CBS This Morning: Saturday" to discuss their book, "The Economists' Diet: The Surprising Formula for Losing Weight and Keeping It Off."

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/losing-weight-using-the-principles-of-economics/

Trump administration terminates Obama-era HIV/AIDS council members

It isn't unusual for a new president to terminate a predecessor's council membership

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-terminates-appointments-of-remaining-hiv-aids-council-members/

Claire's says initial testing shows cosmetics tested to date "asbestos free"

Claire's said it would doing additional testing on its makeup after allegations that the carcinogen was found in some of its products

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/claires-says-initial-testing-shows-cosmetics-tested-to-date-are-asbestos-free/

Woman sues over nude photos taken during surgery

Sheila Harosky alleges invasion of privacy and medical malpractice, among other claims

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/washington-hospital-nude-photos-taken-of-sheila-harosky-during-surgery-lawsuit/

8 simple habits to change for a healthier 2018

When it comes to your health, focusing on smaller, easy-to-incorporate changes can make a big difference

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/8-simple-habits-to-change-for-a-healthier-2018/

Claire's pulls makeup for kids amid asbestos concerns

A Rhode Island mother says she sent her daughter's makeup to a lab for testing, and the results came back positive for asbestos

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/claires-pulls-makeup-for-kids-asbestos-concerns/

Arctic blast leads to warnings about hypothermia, frostbite

People in vast swaths of U.S. hit by record-setting cold urged to look out for each other, especially the elderly and homeless

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cold-new-years-eve-2017-arctic-blast-health-concerns-outfits/

There's no magic cure for a hangover, but this may help

Drinking​ too much on New Year's Eve can lead to a painful morning after, but there are some strategies to ease the effects

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-to-survive-a-new-years-hangover/

Paris Hilton and Chris Zylka announce engagement

Paris Hilton and Chris Zylka are starting off the new year as an engaged couple

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/paris-hilton-engaged-leftovers-star-chris-zylka/

Carrie Underwood says she got more than 40 facial stitches

Carrie Underwood says she is healing from an injury, but "not quite looking the same"

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/carrie-underwood-says-shes-not-quite-looking-the-same-after-facial-stitches/

Top 3 Tips for a Healthy Heart in the New Year

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIM2ENnXE34

Reading and Writing and Oral Health

Recognizing the importance of school-based oral health, the ADA Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention's Prevention Subcommittee in December published a new webpage, ADA.org/OralHealthInSchools.

From: By Michelle Manchir
http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/reading-and-writing-and-oral-health

Regenerative Medicine Therapies Program at Mayo Clinic Florida

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQtwlWY43R0

3 New Year’s resolutions all families can (and should) make

Follow me on Twitter @drClaire

It’s the beginning of a new calendar year, that time when we resolve to do new and better things. This is such a wonderful idea, because doing new and better things can make us healthier and happier. Resolutions can be particularly good for families to make. Not only is it good to work together on something, it’s a good way to keep everyone accountable.

The best resolutions are the ones that are simple. By simple, I don’t necessarily mean easy (if they were easy, we wouldn’t have to resolve to do them). I mean that they are resolutions that you can lean into and work toward, achievable in whatever way works for you. It also helps, obviously, if the resolutions are fun.

Here are three very simple and very healthy things that all families can resolve to do together and that can be adapted to the realities of family life — and can be fun.

1.  Exercise together. Adults should get 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise (or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise) a week, and children should be active for an hour a day. Most people do not get that much exercise, sadly. It would be great if each and every one of us could resolve to be more active, and certainly all families should be thinking about ways to get everyone to the gym or sports practice or out for a run more often in 2018. But aside from that, try a family resolution to exercise together, as many times a week as is feasible, with as many family members as is feasible. Keep it simple: go for a walk together, for example (if you have a dog, bring more people along for walks). If going for walks isn’t possible or pleasant where you live, turn on some music, move the furniture, and dance in the living room or kitchen. If there is a pool, go for family swim, or go skating, sledding, or biking. Just be active, and do it together. You will be setting an example, helping to build healthy lifelong habits, and spending time together — all of which can make a big difference.

2.  Eat healthier meals together. Notice I said “healthier.” The idea is to move the needle, not achieve perfection (although if you want to try for perfection, go for it). Add a vegetable or fruit to each meal. Try some new grains, like quinoa — or just more whole grains. Serve water or plain milk with meals, rather than juice or soda. Try out small changes, one at a time, with the goal of having a healthier family diet. If everyone is doing it together, it can make it easier. It may be that you begin simply by eating more meals together. Preparing a meal and eating it as a family not only helps everyone eat better, it helps bring families together, which can be very important for the emotional health of everyone in the family — and leads me to the last resolution…

3.  Spend more time together. Whether it’s by exercising or eating together, or family game night or movie night, or simply hanging out, the time you spend together can not only strengthen each and every one of you, but also give you a chance to touch base and find out what is happening in one another’s lives. Turn off the cell phones (making family meals a phone-free zone is a good idea) and pay attention to each other instead. As a resolution, just try to spend more time. Start small if small works — and then build on it.

If you can do these things, even a little, and stick with it, it will absolutely make for a happier, healthier year for all of you and hopefully lay the foundation for habits that will stick for a lifetime.

The post 3 New Year’s resolutions all families can (and should) make appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Claire McCarthy, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/three-new-years-resolutions-all-families-can-and-should-make-2018010213007

Court Orders EPA to Speed Lead Paint Rule Update

The new 2-to-1 decision came from the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, in San Francisco

From: https://www.webmd.com/children/news/20180102/court-orders-epa-to-speed-lead-paint-rule-update?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Listen to the "CBS This Morning" podcast

There’s another way to hear our broadcast every day

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cbs-this-morning-podcast-download-how-to-listen/

Highlights of 2017, in cartoons

Over the course of 2017, "CBS This Morning" resident cartoonist Liza Donnelly drew cartoons on location and in Studio 57, capturing events, people and places

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/liza-donnelly-2017-highlights/

Happy New Year! Celebrations around the globe

Welcome 2018! See photos from around the world to ring in the new year

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/happy-new-year-celebrations-around-the-globe/

Shelley Mook: Tennessee mom missing since 2011

The 24-year-old mother and teacher was last seen on Feb. 28, 2011

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/shelley-mook-missing-since-2011/

Andrew Cunanan’s trail of terror

From beginning to end, the senseless murders carried out by Cunanan left five people dead and many more questions in its wake

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/andrew-cunanan-gianni-versace-killers-reign-of-terror/

Versace's Miami mansion

A look inside Casa Casuarina, the opulent estate where Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace lived and was murdered

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/versaces-vision/

WHO, WFP and UNICEF: Yemen’s families cannot withstand another day of war, let alone another 1,000

“We have passed the grim milestone of 1,000 days of war in Yemen. As violence has escalated in recent days, children and families are yet again being killed in attacks and bombardments.

“More than 1,000 days of families driven from their homes by brutal violence. 1,000 days without enough food to eat and safe water to drink. 1,000 days of bombed hospitals and damaged schools. 1,000 days of children recruited to fight. 1,000 days of disease and death … of unimaginable human suffering.

From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/statements/2017/yemen-1000-days-of-war/en/index.html

Returning to an old exercise routine? Here’s what you need to know

My ancient workout clothes are folded neatly (and squished) beneath a pile of sweaters on a shelf in my closet. They were cute — from the ‘90s — when I cared very much about how I looked at the gym. Decades later, I skip the gym and instead walk most days and do body weight exercises, all while clad in a sweatshirt and yoga pants. But whenever I see my old gym outfit (blue leotard “overalls” with a cropped tee shirt built in), I wonder if maybe I’d get more from a gym workout. It wouldn’t be hard to jump back in, would it?

Just a second

It turns out, it’s smarter to ease back into a gym workout when we’re older, even if we’ve been active. And if you’ve been sedentary for a long time, it’s even more important. Why? Because our bodies change as we age. “We lose muscle mass and strength as we get older, and the muscles become less flexible and less hydrated,” says Dr. Clare Safran-Norton, clinical supervisor of rehabilitation services at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

There can be are other changes, too: arthritis that weakens joints, and vision changes, neurological disease, joint pain, or inner ear problems that can throw off balance. There may also be underlying conditions we aren’t aware of, such as high blood pressure or heart disease, that can increase the risk for severe health consequences if we try to exercise today with the vigor of our youth.

The downside of jumping right back in

If you’ve been sedentary for a long time, jumping back into a workout sets you up for injury. “Lifting weights that are too heavy or taking an exercise class that’s too strenuous often causes trouble, and it’s usually a muscle tear or a strain,” says Dr. Safran-Norton.

Other risks include

• rotator cuff tears, from arthritic shoulders with bone spurs that can rub on a tendon
• falls that result from poor balance, and broken bones from the falls
• heart attack or stroke from an intense workout, particularly if you have undiagnosed high blood pressure or heart problems.

You might also fail to recognize symptoms of heart disease if you are taking medications that mask them, such as beta blockers. If you are taking beta blockers and start exercising again, you should stop if you experience any symptoms that could indicate heart disease.

A new routine

Before beginning any kind of exercise program after being sedentary, get the all-clear from your doctor, especially if you have heart disease, risk factors for heart disease, or lung problems. Ask if you need to monitor your heart rate during exercise.

Once you have the green light, think about what type of exercise routine appeals to you, such as taking a tai chi or yoga class, doing a gym or home workout, or going for a brisk daily walk. Make it something you’ll want to do, so you’ll stick with the program.

Think of your current abilities as you consider your options. “If it’s a yoga, cycling, or tai chi class, you’ll need adequate strength and flexibility. You need to be able to do the basics, like raise your arms over your head and lift your legs easily,” Dr. Safran-Norton says.

Then, ease into exercise. “Start with a low-intensity workout for 20 or 30 minutes. Increase the intensity and length over time,” suggests Dr. Safran-Norton. “It’s the same for working with weights. Try a slight resistance at first, and then moderate.”

The wiser workout

To avoid injury, warm up your muscles before exercising, particularly if you are out of shape. Dr. Safran-Norton recommends five minutes of brisk walking or time on an elliptical machine to get blood flowing to the muscles to make them pliable. You’ll need to stretch afterward and repeat the whole process two or three times a week.

Don’t feel self-conscious if you’re not the fittest person in the room, if you need to modify a particular exercise, or if you need to take breaks. And don’t feel funny about your gym attire. We’re all older and wiser about health. And we know now that it’s more important to feel good than to look good.

The post Returning to an old exercise routine? Here’s what you need to know appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Heidi Godman https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/returning-old-exercise-routine-not-fast-2017122812952