Blissfully Domestic » Health

Birth Control Recall Alert: Pfizer Recalls 1 Million Packets

Selena — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:13:07 +0000

Do you use birth conrol? If you do, please be sure to head home and check the expiration dates on the back of your birth control package. If the dates are between July 31, 2013 and March 31, 2014, please DO NOT use the product as your risk of unintended pregnancy may increase.

According to the HuffingtonPost, Pfizer Inc. is recalling some 1 million packets of its birth control product due to mechanical and visual inspection failures in its packaging line. What does this problem mean? It means some packets have too many active tablets while other packets have too few.

The problem affects 14 lots of Lo/Ovral-28 tablets and 14 lots of generic Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol tablets. Both products are manufactured by Pfizer and have been marketed in the U.S. by Akrimax Rx Products. While there is no safety issue at play, the chances of becoming pregnant accidentally can increase if one of the faulty packets is used. According to Pfizer spokesperson, the problem has been corrected.

Dangerous Diet Fads: Spotting and Avoiding Unhealthy Eating Plans

Christine — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:57:00 +0000

It’s that time of year…diet plans are being advertised everywhere, promising to help you keep that New Year’s resolution to lose weight. But beware: all diets plans aren’t created equal. In fact, some can be downright dangerous.

Fad diets come in many forms, so how to separate the wheat from the chaff? Consider the following when evaluating a diet and you’ll be ahead of the game.

Drastically reduces calorie intake. Calories in, calories out. That’s what it all boils down to…if you take in more calories than you expend, you gain weight and if you take in less calories than you expend, you lose weight. One pound of fat contains 3,500 calories…if you want to lose one pound per week, reduce your calorie intake by 500 calories per day. Don’t be tempted to reduce your calories dramatically to lose weight fast, and run away from any diet that encourages you to do so. A good rule of thumb is for women to not go below 1,200 per day and for men to not dip below 1,800.
Replaces healthy foods with sodium-laden processed, packaged foods. Many dieters love the convenience of package foods being delivered to their homes, but read those nutritional labels before committing. Steer clear of any diet that is providing you with empty calories devoid of fully balanced components we all require to remain healthy.
Bans one or more of the five food groups. Some diets attempt to carve a niche by dramatically banning entire groups of foods. Beware! A sound, balanced diet includes foods from each food group. Short cuts may seem enticing in the short-term, but in the end they will likely leave you lacking in nutrients.
Claims to remove fat from one area of the body (e.g., abdominal fat). As awesome as it might sound, fat can’t be targeted. Your body gains and loses fat in it’s own way…diets that promise to lose fat in one area are being deceptive.
Requires you to purchase pills, vitamins, or shakes. A diet that requires you to purchase items is definitely a red flag. This doesn’t mean that all diets that ride on the heals of products are automatically bad, just that they warrant further investigation. You don’t want to start following a diet that is only a means to make products more attractive that otherwise consumers wouldn’t be interested in purchasing.

Need more inspiration? Check out this article….it details diets that are nutritionally sound and come recommended by leading authorities.

Healthy Diets for the New Year

Christine — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 01:01:32 +0000

The holiday decorations have been put away, the new year is underway, and your resolutions…well, have they already been swept away?

If one of your resolutions was to adopt a healthier lifestyle in the form of losing weight, combat health issues such as hypertension or high cholesterol, or simply feed yourself and your family a more balanced diet, inspiration may be on the way! U.S. News and World Report recently released their best diets for 2012 list.

Diets are rated and categorized according to their primary benefits, such as overall healthy living, weight loss, diabetes control, and easiest to follow. Some highlights follow:

DASH Diet. Ranked as best overall diet, I like this one as it isn’t gimmicky. At its core it is simply smart eating by incorporating a certain amount of foods from specific food groups. Heart-healthy and nutritionally varied, the DASH diet was originally created to combat hypertension, but can function as a balanced diet for anyone looking to lose weight or make healthier foods choices. More information can be found here.
Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes Diet (TLC). Created by the National Institute of Health as a means to lower LDL cholesterol (the “bad” one), this diet took second place in the overall diet category. Essentially it espouses increasing fiber intake while decreasing unhealthy sources of fat such as fatty meats and whole milk. The dietary recommendations are approved for children and teenagers as well.
Mayo Clinic Diet.This diet is focused on weight loss, but still ranks third in the overall diet category. It doesn’t require you to count calories, and you are free to snack as much as you’d like on approved foods. It emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting intake of saturated fats and salt.
Weight Watchers (WW). Numero Uno for U.S. News and World Reports category for weight loss. Most are familiar with WW; no foods are off limits as their points system assigns values to everything based upon protein, carbohydrate, fat, fiber, and calories. The number of daily points you are allotted depends upon your current and goal weights. Support is a big part of the WW theory; with the option of in person WW meetings or online support, this is an attractive option for many.
Biggest Loser Diet. Ranked second for weight loss, the Biggest Loser Diet not only emphasizes healthy eating through appropriate portions of foods (heavy on fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains), it also encourages keeping a food journal and exercise to help you slim down.

And remember…resolutions don’t need to start on the first day of the new year. If your goal is to adopt a healthier diet, for whatever reason, don’t let a day of bad eating cause you to give up this goal. You can start again…as many times as needed!

Healthy Meals: Creative Ways to Get Your Family to Eat More Veggies

AngelicaMD — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:41:39 +0000

There are many reasons why children and even adults are not particularly fond of eating vegetables. But we all know that they are a rich source of vitamins and minerals which serve as antioxidants and help in body building and growth. Find out how you can be creative in getting your family to eat more veggies and enjoy a healthier diet.

Dietary Guidelines

School age children should get 3-5 servings of vegetables per day. To achieve these, serve their veggies in a variety of ways. A serving might be one cup of raw leafy vegetables, 3/4 cup of vegetable juice, or 1/2 cup of other vegetables, raw or cooked. How can these guidelines be accomplished?

Reasons Why People Hate Vegetables

Many children and even adults avoid eating vegetables – they pick on their food, remove them from perfectly prepared sandwiches or completely avoid getting them into their plates. Some people even hate having anything green, red or yellow that looks like a part of a plant in their food!

Some people hate vegetables, like cabbage and broccoli.

The inherent bitterness of some vegetables like cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower, also referred to as cruciferous vegetables can turn off the appetite of a picky eater. Some people have extra-sensitive receptors for bitter tastes and this occurs in around 25% of the population. Some people also have unpleasant memories of being forced to eat vegetables in their childhood and associate these thoughts with the taste of veggies even when they are grown up.

Creative Ways to Include Veggies in the Diet

Maybe the most important way to encourage the rest of the family to eat vegetables is to be a good example of a veggie eater. Parents who buy, prepare and eat vegetables as a daily part of meals are more likely to succeed in showing their kids how these foods are essential to a healthy diet. So make sure kids see you eating your veggies like you’re enjoying them! If that doesn’t work, here are some ways you can creatively get your family to eat their daily source of fiber and nutrients from vegetables:

Large chunks of vegetables in sandwiches, salads and other side dishes can easily scare the kids. Try chopping carrots, zucchini or spinach and incorporate them in soups, lasagna, spaghetti sauce, omelets, pastries and other favorite foods where they can hardly be detected.
Hide vegetables in favorite foods like pastries and waffles!

Health Resolutions You Want to Start Now

AngelicaMD — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:49:07 +0000

After doing away with the shopping lists and Christmas wish lists it is time to make another – a list of resolutions for the New Year. Aside from relationships, career and finances, health is one of the top priorities one must focus on in 2012 and every year thereafter. But what are the most important health resolutions one must start now to improve one’s well being?

Have a Regular Evaluation of Your Health

Visit the doctor to check for early disease.

It is always better to prevent disease than to treat it. Whether you have a clean bill of health or are currently being treated for a condition it is ideal to evaluate your present state of health by having a checklist for essential screening procedures that can help you catch a disease early. This is important especially for men and women over the age of 40, when chronic diseases start to develop.

For women, screening tests may be recommended by their health providers for cervical cancer, breast cancer, osteoporosis and thyroid problems, which are most common especially those in their 40’s. On the other hand, men may need to undergo prostate cancer screening. Both men and women who are especially prone to certain diseases at this age may also need to undergo colonoscopy for colorectal cancer and screening tests for heart disease and skin cancer. Depending on one’s personal and family histories, physicians may advise their patients to undergo common and special tests to evaluate their state of health before any of the chronic conditions become a problem.

Develop and Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

More Fruits and Vegetables, Less Meat and Fats

It cannot be stressed enough: living a healthy lifestyle is the best way to prevent disease and enjoy life to a ripe old age. Start making a list of healthy resolutions such as:

Eat a healthy diet that is low in fat, sugar and calories to maintain a healthy weight and avoid diseases like diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
Exercise regularly and avoid being a couch potato to improve your circulation and your body functions, at the same time avoiding obesity-related conditions.
Get enough rest and sleep to prevent physical and psychological stress,
Avoid all bad health habits such as smoking, excessive drinking and other forms of substance abuse.
Drive safely and always wear a seat belt!

There are many more health resolutions one can come up with, tailored to his/her own needs, and the best way to keep them is to make realistic goals that can be accomplished in long terms, not just for a few weeks.

10 Immune Boosting Foods for Flu Season Health

Christine — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 01:08:27 +0000

Feed a cold, starve a fever.

Many of us grew up hearing this, but the real truth is that the right foods can help boost your immune system against both bacterial and viral infections, as well as a host of other illnesses and diseases. A healthy diet rich in nutrients that bolster your immune system is a first line of defense against getting sick, and then helping us kick a bug once we’ve gotten a cold or flu.

Following are ten amazing foods that pack a wallop for your immune system:

Apples. An apple a day…may just be a great immune boost! A recent study has shown that the pectin fiber in apples may have anti-inflammatory properties that help the immune system response.

Oranges and Other Citrus. Rich in Vitamin C, citrus fruits help protect the body against viruses by increasing the level of interferon, a critical antibody. As an added bonus, they tend to be relatively inexpensive and are super delicious!

Bell Peppers. See above! Bell peppers, especially the delicious red ones, are super rich in Vitamin C…as much as twice as much as citrus. Plus, they’re a great source of beta-carotene which the body converts to Vitamin A. See below!

Pumpkin, Squash, Sweet Potatoes, and Carrots. These orange-colored vegetables are full of beta carotene, which the body needs to create Vitamin A which in turns boosts production of infection-fighting cells such as T-cells and killer cells.

Black Tea and Coffee. Those who regularly drink black tea and coffee may have far higher levels of L-Theanine, which is believed to boost the body’s immune response to infection by boosting the types of cells in our bodies which fight infection.

Yogurt, Kefir, and Sauerkraut. These three are pro-biotic powerhouses, meaning they contain abundant amounts of the “good bacteria” our intestinal tracks need. Studies show that including them in your diet may help increase your body’s white cell count, resulting in an increased immune response.

Garlic. Garlic is rich in allicin, which is the “natural antibiotic” considered effective against bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections. Raw garlic, chopped or crushed, is richest in allicin.

Flickr Photo by Missy & the Universe

Button Mushrooms. Button mushrooms contain selenium, an antioxidant which can protect cells from damaging free-radicals. Luckily, these are the type of mushrooms that are commonly found in grocery stores.

Salmon. Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Salmon is a yummy way to incorporate these important healthy fats into our diet. Amongst many things, Omega3′s promote cell health.

Water. Yes, water! Drinking plenty of water daily is important for every aspect of your health, and all too many of us spend many hours somewhat dehydrated without even realizing it. A good rule of thumb is to drink 50-75% of your body weight in ounces. For example, for 50% take your weight (in pounds), divide in half, and then drink that many ounces per day.

So as we make our way through the flue season, try to incorporate some -or all- of these items in your daily diet. Your body with thank you!

5 Steps to Setting Realistic Health Goals for 2012

AngelicaMD — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:01:23 +0000

A new year is coming up, and we need to evaluate how we did this year, in terms of achieving health goals, before we move on to the next. Learn about how to set realistic health goals in five easy steps.

Evaluate Your Accomplishments and Pitfalls

Image by Stuart Miles

The first step in planning a future action is to evaluate what you have accomplished in the past and where you need to improve. Perhaps in the beginning of 2011 you planned to eat a balanced diet and exercise more, with a goal of achieving a desired weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is now time to evaluate if you have achieved these goals, what things you did to succeed and those that fell short of expectations.

Set Specific Goals

Image by jscreationzs

The next step would be to set specific goals. Sometimes we are not able to follow a clear direction in our plans because the goals are not specific enough to be visualized. For instance if you want to lose weight, think of it in terms of attaining a normal BMI (body mass index), which is a standard that indicates an individual’s body weight in relation to the square his or her height. The World Health Organization regards a BMI of less than 18.5 as underweight and may indicate malnutrition, an eating disorder, or other health problems, while a BMI greater than 25 is considered overweight and above 30 is considered obese. To achieve a normal BMI between 18.5-24, do the math and find out how much weight you need to gain or lose.

Set Goals that are Measurable and Achievable

Image by Stuart Miles

Gear up for success by setting up goals that are measurable and achievable. Wanting “to be healthier” may be measured by planning on how to improve your diet, doing more exercise or giving up bad habits like smoking. Think of how many cups of coffee you need to limit yourself per day, how many minutes or hours of exercise you can do per day or per week or how when you need to visit your doctor for an annual check-up. Consider taking medically recommended laboratory tests that may help you evaluate if your blood sugar and cholesterol levels are normal, and what you should do to improve them if they are not.

Keep Your Goals Realistic

Image by photostock

Sometimes goals are not met because they are not realistic. Planning on a daily exercise regimen that consumes a couple of hours may not be realistic for a busy working mom with many responsibilities, although it may be possible for someone who has fewer commitments. However, planning to incorporate a few minutes of exercise in between breaks may be more realistic for some and therefore, more achievable.

Consult a health provider to keep your goals realistic and within healthy limits. Planning to lose too much weight in a short period of time or doing strenuous exercises may not be recommended for you, so it is best to seek advice.

Set a Time Table

Image by Stuart Miles

To monitor your success in achieving goals, set a time table for your plans. Keeping a diary or a planner will help you keep track of your goals and evaluate your achievements and pitfalls. Know which steps can be done on a daily basis, a weekly schedule, or a monthly, quarterly and annual basis. Trying to maintain a healthy weight may require a daily effort and your success may be measured after a week, a month or so, depending on your target.

Try to schedule your medical visits for immunizations, screening tests and other medical check-ups according to your needs, and follow the time table. Give yourself a limited time to get rid of bad health habits like sleeping too late or drinking too much alcohol, but set enough time to replace them with good health habits like getting enough rest and relaxation.

Excedrin® Migraine Relaxation Basket (Giveaway)

Christine — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 03:05:13 +0000

Migraines. If you, or someone you love, suffers from them, you know how debilitating they can be.

For me, they start with a blind spot; an area where my vision just seems to drop off… a void in the world around me. Soon, the blind spot starts to twinkle, and becomes a little shimmering spot. Over the next couple of hours, the spot expands, turning into a row of sparkling geometric shapes. The row gets bigger and bigger, until it disappears from the edge of my vision entirely.

Not long after, as I start experiencing the visual symptoms, the headache and nausea sets in. I want to do nothing more than crawl into bed, turn off the lights, cover my eyes with a pillow, and lie still in an entirely silent room. However, it’s not always practical or possible to spend hours motionless, locked away from sights and sounds, while I wait for my migraine to go away.

Enter Excedrin® Migraine.

Over the years, I found that a combination of both acetaminophen and caffeine helped reduce the severity of my migraines. Excedrin® Migraine has both of these, along with aspirin. It’s also the first non-prescription medicine approved by the FDA to treat all the symptoms of a migraine, and the #1 Neurologist-recommended, over-the-counter pain reliever for migraine pain relief. All of this from a trusted brand.

Even better, Excedrin® Migraine starts to relieve migraine pain in just 30 minutes. That’s music to my ears. With one tablet, (or geltab or caplet, Excedrin® Migraine is available in all three forms) you’re able to get back to your busy life, reclaiming those hours that otherwise would have been lost to the migraine. Considering that the average untreated migraine lasts for twelve hours, this is a HUGE gift of time.

Migraine Tips, and Prevention Techniques
There are many different ways to manage migraines. There is no simple solution and every treatment plan should be individualized. You should see your doctor for diagnosis of migraines and treatment options.

Perhaps the most important tool in tracking migraines is a migraine diary. It is used by doctors to track potential triggers and patterns related to your migraine. It helps you track food you eat when migraines occur, duration of migraines, type of pain, amount of sleep, etc.
Aerobic exercise has been shown to make an appreciable difference in reducing migraines and promoting a general sense of well-being.
Drinking plenty of water will help you keep hydrated, and can help prevent the frequency of migraine incidents.
When migraine pain does set in, consider finding a quiet place to rest, and applying a cool compress to the back of your neck.
Talk with your doctor about an over-the-counter pain reliever like Excedrin® Migraine, which starts to relieve migraine pain in 30 minutes.

Check out the Excedrin® Migraine facebook page, too. It’s full of great information, and there’s a coupon for $1.00 off Excedrin® Migraine.

If you’re lucky enough to not be a migraine sufferer, here’s a glimpse into how bad they can be: a recent survey done Excedrin® Migraine and the National Headache Foundation found that a third (33%) of people who suffer from migraines would give up five percent of their annual salary if it meant they wouldn’t have to endure the pain of a migraine. Furthermore, 87% of working Americans would give up something for an entire year to never have to go through the pain of a migraine again.

Do you suffer from migraines? If so, what do you do to avoid and alleviate them? Eye compress? Tea? Meditation? Dietary changes? Share them below, I’d love to hear what works for you!

As an added bonus, Excedrin® would like to give three (3!!!) lucky winners an awesome relaxation gift basket stocked full of items to help keep you mellow and migraine-free. The basket includes:

A therapeutic neck wrap that can be heated or frozen
Swarovski Crystal Ear Buds to listen to relaxing music
A soothing gel eye mask
$15 iTunes gift card to purchase relaxing tunes
$50 American Express gift card for additional stress-free needs
Foot massager
Back massager
Full value coupon for any Excedrin product ($13.99 max value)

So leave a comment below with your email address and your favorite tip(s) for relaxing and preventing migraines, and you may be one of the three lucky winners chosen. Giveaway closes Thursday, December 15 at 12 midnight EST. Good luck!

This is a sponsored post. Migraine relief and relaxation kit were provided by Novartis Consumer Healthcare, the makers of Excedrin® Migraine; my story and opinion is all my own!

Hidden Health Dangers for Women: How to Avoid Misdiagnosis

AngelicaMD — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:54:30 +0000

There are some diseases that present with vague symptoms and may be given a wrong diagnosis and treatment. In women these hidden health dangers can lead to delayed treatment and possible complications. Learn more about the common conditions that are often misdiagnosed, how to recognize them and get proper treatment.

Wrong Diagnosis

Misdiagnosed Diseases in Women

The worst thing that can result from a wrong diagnosis is getting the wrong treatment that can lead to worsening of one’s condition or even death. In fact, about 40% of mistakes doctors make are related to misdiagnosis and that there is around 10 to 15% error rate in diagnosis based on autopsy reports.

Factors that may lead to misdiagnosis may be due to non-specific symptoms which patients report, inadequate evaluation, errors in obtaining or interpretation of laboratory results and other human errors related to negligence and wrong judgment.

Diseases Commonly Misdiagnosed in Women

Medical malpractice claims also show that in general the top five conditions most commonly misdiagnosed include heart attack, breast cancer, appendicitis, lung cancer, and colon cancer. Misdiagnosed conditions among women in particular include:

Heart Disease

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of deaths in women. However, its diagnosis may be missed because its symptoms may be subtle, often unrecognized and unreported. These symptoms may include palpitations, shortness of breath and fatigue. A heart attack may also be felt as chest tightness or pain which may be dismissed as symptoms of stress, anxiety or panic attack.

Stroke

As much as 14% of stroke cases in people under 45 are misdiagnosed because it is often thought that stroke occurs in older people. Symptoms often present as numbness on one side, headaches, dizziness, blurring of vision, lack of balance or muscle coordination, and slurred speech. During the early stages of a stroke these symptoms may be thought as related to vertigo, inner ear disorder or migraines especially in young women. If missed, a stroke may progress and result in loss of sensory and motor function or worse, leading to death.

Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome

Temporomandibular joint or TMJ syndrome is characterized by headaches, ringing or aching ears, plus aching back, neck, and/or teeth. These may be misdiagnosed as migraines, ear infection or dental disorder. TMJ disorder may also be a part of a syndrome called fibromyalgia, another disorder which is often misdiagnosed and inadequately treated.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones, leading to symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, insomnia, muscle aches or stiffness and somnolence (sadness). One may also experience irregular menstrual periods so that women who are of age are often thought to be undergoing perimenopausal symptoms. These can also be mistaken for depression or a psychiatric disorder. If not treated properly, hypothyroidism can lead to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, and clinical depression.

Urethral Syndrome

Many women experience urinary frequency or increased urge to urinate and pain while urinating. These are often related to urinary tract infection or UTI, but many cases may not be due to infection of the urinary tract itself, but more on the vaginal infection that affects urination. Misdiagnosis can lead to failure of treatment with antibiotics not specific for the particular offending organisms. This results in prolonged discomfort in women.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome

More than 12 million Americans, mostly women aged 25 to 60 years old, have fibromyalgia syndrome. This is a condition consisting of a set of non-specific symptoms like widespread pains (muscle aches, joint pains, TMJ, headaches, abdominal pain, etc), depression, incapacitating fatigue and tender points or increased perception of pain in specific parts of the body. Other symptoms also include anxiety, incontinence, increased sensitivity to cold and/or heat, dryness in mouth, nose, and eyes and more. Because of the nature of these symptoms, women may be misdiagnosed as experiencing arthritis, rheumatism, depression or menopause.

How to Get a Proper Diagnosis

Doctors rely on your accurate description of your medical history to make an initial evaluation. From these he/she can ask for the appropriate laboratory tests needed to confirm a diagnosis. Therefore it is important to be specific and that you relate every detail that is relevant to making an accurate diagnosis. Make a written list of your symptoms and the surrounding circumstances that relate to your experience.

Try to recall any congenital and family medical history of illnesses that may help, since many diseases have a genetic component in their development.

Give your doctor a complete list of medications you are currently taking to determine if you are taking them correctly.

Obtain a copy of your medical records with proper authorization, with proper documentation of what tests you have taken and their results. These can be used for obtaining another specialist’s opinion or for continuing a series of treatments.

Ask questions about the doctor’s diagnosis, treatment and any information you need to help you understand your condition. If necessary, get a second opinion from another specialist to confirm the diagnosis and treatment.

Be prepared for your next appointments with the proper information on the progress of your disease and effect of treatments.

References

WebMD

Healthy Christmas Dessert Alternatives

Christine — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:07:33 +0000

The holidays are in full swing, and along with the festivities often comes food. Lots and lots of delicious, tempting food.

But delicious doesn’t have to mean chock full of sugar and fat without any redeeming qualities. Delicious CAN be healthy, too.

Fruit and Cheese Platter. Normally relegated to the world of appetizers, a fruit and cheese platter adapts well to being a dessert. Choose colorful, sweet fruits such as berries or persimmons and pair them with both bold and mellow cheeses (perhaps bleu and brie). Top water crackers with each, add a drizzle of honey over the works…yum!

Sorbet with Chopped Pistachios. Sorbet is a sweet treat that packs a wallop of taste in each little bite. Generally made with water, fruit juice, and sometimes wine or liqueur. A little goes a long way! Crumble some chopped pistachios over the top for the perfect bit of crunch.

Winter Trifle. The old stand-by of the seventies, the trifle, is making a comeback! Not a moment too soon, either, as it is highly adaptable and always delicious. A healthy version could include a homemade persimmon cake or pumpkin spice bread, fat free vanilla pudding, and cranberries.

Yogurt with Blueberries. This simple, healthy parfait is always a crowd-pleaser…add a bit of holiday dash with gingerbread cookies as a dipper!

Hot Chocolate. A steaming mug of homemade hot chocolate is a dessert in an of itself. Dust the top with with some finely crushed candy cane…a lovely ending to a holiday gathering.

Bon Appetit!

Beat Winter Flu Season – 6 Tips to Boost Your Immune System

AngelicaMD — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 07:45:38 +0000

Winter season is also considered as flu season, when the influenza virus is typically known to spread and affect almost anyone. But there are ways to avoid catching winter flu, and these involve boosting the immune system.

Boost Your Immunity Against Flu

Winter Flu Season

Although influenza or flu viruses change from year to year they usually spread during the months of November to May, peaking in February. You know it’s around when a number of co-workers or children are absent from work or school, being down with fever, body aches and respiratory symptoms. These flu symptoms are worse than those of the common cold, which is accompanied by sniffles, runny nose and sneezing. With flu comes high fever (100-102 degrees F) which may last for three to four days, prominent headaches, severe body aches and weakness that are not often experienced by a person who is just suffering from colds.

It is easy to catch the flu just by being around someone who has the virus, since it spreads by air and physical contact. However, it is also easy to avoid being infected by being extra careful with our health habits and by boosting our own immune system which is our natural protection against common illnesses.

How to Boost Your Immune System

The immune system is the body’s natural protection to fight disease, especially those caused by viruses and bacteria. When these organisms invade the body, proteins called antibodies are produced which act as a “search and destroy” task force, blocking the foreign cells from causing disease.

The immune system may be weakened by factors like poor nutrition, stress, certain drugs and other conditions. However, one can also boost immunity by following a healthy lifestyle and taking supplements that help improve its function. Here are some tips to improve the immune system and avoid the symptoms and complications of flu.

Photo by Flickr USACE Europe District

Take a Shot

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all children older than 6 months old and adults have the flu shot especially during this season. The flu vaccine can be taken as a shot or a nasal-spray, and is typically given between October and November. It is never too late to have it, so it does not matter if one has it in December or later. This helps protect you from getting the flu because the vaccine has weak proteins that boost immunity by triggering the body to produce antibodies against influenza virus. This makes the body ready to resist possible attack of the virus.

Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet

A diet that is rich with necessary vitamins, minerals, proteins and energy sources makes the body more able to handle stress, infection and other challenges that it faces each day. Keep your diet healthy by eating more fresh foods like fruits and vegetables and staying away from too much red meat and empty calories like junk foods. Foods that can enhance immune function include watermelon, cabbage, almonds, acai berry, grape fruit, wheat germ, garlic, spinach, tea, low-fat yogurt and broccoli. Some experts agree that chicken soup can increase immune power and may help sick people get well faster. Other foods like mushrooms such as the reichi, maitake and shitake varieties may also have some influence on immune function.

Photo by Flickr SCA Svenska

Wash Your Hands Properly

The single most important health habit that can protect people against most common infections is to wash hands properly and as often as needed. One never knows what an infected person has touched which you yourself may handle next, such as a telephone, a remote control, a keyboard, a door knob -and the endless list of possibilities goes on. Be sure to wash for about a minute with water and soap, while scrubbing gently. Washing thoroughly with water alone can also clean the surface of the skin as long as it is done properly, and is better than not washing at all. Keep a hand sanitizer handy just in case you are not able to wash up, since it can help prevent spread infection as well.

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise helps reduce stress which weakens the immune function of the body. It increases muscle strength, endurance and improves circulation which can enhance immunity against flu and other diseases.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Getting enough rest and sleep helps the body recover from stress and regain its strength. Loss of sleep and inadequate rest weakens the body’s ability to fight disease, so allowing it to regenerate energy boosts your resistance to infections.

Take Nutritional Supplements

Oftentimes people do not get enough nutrients from their diet because of failure to prepare and eat a well balanced meal. There are some nutritional supplements containing antioxidants that are known to help boost immunity to fight against common infections like the flu and other diseases. These include: Vitamins A, B, C, D and E, glutathione, polyphenols and flavonoids, folate, zinc, selenium and more. Although these are found in many foods especially fruits and vegetables, your recommended daily requirement may be met by supplementing the diet with approved nutritional products.

References

WebMD

Healthy Lifestyle Role Models we Can Learn From

Christine — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:50:06 +0000

Sometimes when striving towards a goal, all you need is a bit of inspiration.

Inspiration can take many forms: a meaningful quotation, healthy competition, a story of triumph, a comforting favorite book or energizing movie. But what many of us respond to the most is a person that we look up to…someone who has either been in our shoes and achieved our own goals, or who helps us realize new goals.

In other words, a role model.

So let’s look at some people who can serve as inspiration to live a healthier life physically and mentally…to be the best YOU you can be in every way.

Bob Harper ~ Personal Trainer on The Biggest Loser. His unique brand of motivation has inspired millions, showing that with determination and a belief in oneself even dramatic weight loss is within reach.
Paula Deen ~ Many don’t know that Paula Deen honed her cooking skills during years suffering from agoraphobia. She overcame that crippling disorder, and moved on to become one of the most recognizable faces on Food Network.
Jamie Oliver ~ Another Food Network star, Jamie Oliver, is a huge advocate for healthy school meals; his foundation strives to ensure schoolchildren receive healthy options to combat childhood obesity.
Jamie Lee Curtis ~ The poster woman for aging gracefully, Jamie Lee Curtis is a wonderful role model for accepting the natural aging process and not trying to eternally chase youth. A rarity in Hollywood, indeed.
Alicia Silverstone ~ Author of a weight loss book focused on vegan diet and holistic living, Silverstone uses her celebrity to help others live a healthier life.
Tony Hawk ~ A professional skateboarder, Tony Hawk has shown you can be a hip athlete and still a family guy that cares about others. His foundation helps to build skate-parks for underprivileged kids, helping communities foster a love of athleticism in their youngsters.
Donna Karan ~ Her name is associated with fashion, but her foundation Urban Zen Foundation is focused on well-being. Its programs are being implemented in hospitals across the United States as adjudicative care for patients, including the terminally ill.

Thanksgiving Binge Eating: How to Avoid It

AngelicaMD — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:46:41 +0000

Thanksgiving is one of the favorite family holidays people celebrate annually. The highlight of the day is oftentimes a big meal where everyone may be tempted to eat more than usual. Learn more about the side effects of binge eating at Thanksgiving and how to avoid them.

Photo by Wikimedia Ms Jones

What is Binge Eating?

A person with a binge eating disorder is one who often consumes a large amount of food within two hours and is unable to control eating even when he/she is full. Simple binge eating or overeating can also occur in many individuals occasionally, especially during holidays, parties or for other reasons, but this does not necessarily constitute a disorder.

Binge eating is often associated with being overweight or obese, and can occur in both men and women. Emotional problems, depression and anxiety can trigger binging, but during holidays merry making can also be a reason to let go of one’s control and forget dieting.

We can somehow imagine the last quarter of the year as a period when people may be tempted to binge on occasions such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. These are seasons when family and office parties abound, including extra dinners with friends and other social groups. It is not hard to imagine that Thanksgiving Day can extend into a Thanksgiving weekend, where overindulgence can continue until leftovers are gone!

Side Effects of Binge Eating

Overeating or binging even for short periods of time can cause long-lasting side effects, according to a study done by researcher Asa Ernersson, a PhD student at Linkoping University in Sweden. According to the study, increasing energy intake from non-healthy foods by 70% and having limited physical activity for a few weeks can result in an increase in weight which may not be lost even after overeating has stopped. The study participants who were overeating occasionally continued to gain weight even years after the study was conducted. Feasting also resulted in an increased body fat mass which did not return to normal after the study. These effects did were not observed in a similar group of individuals who did not overeat in the study.

Binge eating can also trigger other side effects especially in individuals who are at risk, and these include:

Increased blood sugar levels
Increased blood cholesterol
Increased high blood pressure
Decreased mobility or tiredness
Shortness of breath
Sleep problems

Often, during special holidays meals also include drinking of wine and other alcohol, where some may also be tempted to have too much. Other substances that may be abused include caffeine and tobacco which are sometimes part of partying, and can lead to similar complications.

How to Avoid Binge Eating at Thanksgiving

Instead of avoiding parties or feeling guilty after the holidays, it is better to plan ahead and get ready for the season of merry-making. Set realistic goals: instead of aiming for weight loss during this time of year it might be more practical to maintain weight and not gain more. Whether you are planning a meal or all-weekend partying, side effects of binge eating can be avoided by following some tips:

Prepare healthy meals that include lower calorie, high fiber foods in the form of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables like carrots, grape tomatoes, jicama, celery and broccoli.
Choose foods with the unsaturated, the monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats, over saturated fats or trans fats. These include nuts and avocados which are excellent examples of the healthy unsaturated fats. For dips, make them with nonfat yogurt, light sour cream, or fat-free cream cheese which makes them lighter in calories.
Serve low calorie snacks like low-fat cheese, crackers with a light dip such as spinach dip made from frozen spinach, a half pint fat-free sour cream and seasoning.
When choosing food from a buffet take those that are simply prepared such as shrimp cocktail, roasted meats, green salads, and plain veggies. Avoid salty foods and sweet beverages.
Practice portion control. The latest USDA guidelines recommend filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables, a third portion of the plate with energy foods, mostly from whole grains, and another portion with protein sources.
Eat slowly, enjoy your food but don’t finish everything you don’t love in the plate.
One of the best tips in preventing holiday binging is to eat a small meal or snack before you go to a party. Taking a bowl of oatmeal or whole grain cereal with skim milk or a green salad with some protein before you go can help decrease appetite and allows you to be more discriminating with your food choices at the party.

And of course, after Thanksgiving is over, get right back to your health eating habits and exercise. Regular brisk walking and other aerobic exercises will help shed off some extra pounds gained during the holidays.

References

WebMD

Nutrition & Metabolism

Healthy Foods for Thanksgiving Meals

Christine — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:18:14 +0000

Photo by 123rf.com

Thanksgiving isn’t a holiday known for healthy foods, what with its thick gravy made from turkey drippings, buttery stuffing, carbohydrate-loaded potatoes…even yams and carrots tend to be “candied” or otherwise adorned with items that essentially override the health benefits.

It doesn’t have to be this way! Why not adopt one (or all!) of the following tips for making your Thanksgiving meal healthier?

Go Free Range

Besides just tasting better, organic free range turkeys aren’t given hormones nor prophylactic antibiotics, aren’t in contact with their own waste while confined in close quarters, and generally eat higher quality feed. All adds up to healthier meal for you and your family.

Photo by Flickr Adactio

Time for a Roast!

Not of your favorite celebrity or Uncle Melvin over dinner, but of your veggies for the meal. Boiling and (even steaming) leaches valuable nutrients, grilling isn’t always an option due to weather, and sauteing often adds a lot of unnecessary fats. Roasting is a wonderful alternative and is extremely simple: roughly chop the veggies, spritz them with lightly with some olive oil for browning, and roast at 400 or so until tender. Throw in some fresh herbs like rosemary for added YUM!

Pass the Salt

Salt is everywhere; recipes often call for a teaspoon here, a dash there. Then it’s sitting on the table and, all too often, people mindlessly add more to their meal without even tasting first. Try halving the amount a recipe calls for; you’ll be surprised to find you often don’t even notice the difference. If I’m worried about it, I’ll add a little more garlic or a zingy spice to cover the deficit.

Spice it Up, Pumpkin-Style

Tend to indulge in a delish latte from your favorite coffee shop while doing meal preps on turkey day? Save calories (and dollars!) that would have gone towards a high-fat, high-sugar pumpkin spice lattes by making some of your own Pumpkin Spice and dusting it over your own coffee mixed with skim milk.

Photo by Flickr Adactio

Go Green

Salad tends to be ignored on Thanksgiving…often it doesn’t even make an appearance on the dining table. Reverse that trend this year and prepare a salad for your guests that they can’t refuse. Deep rich greens topped with crushed walnuts, fresh cranbberries, sliced oranges, and a simple vinaigrette speaks to the colors of the season thus adding a healthy option.

Health Benefits of a Vegetarian Lifestyle

Christine — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 11:15:22 +0000

Photo by Flickr norwichnuts

Not only is October the month of colorful gourds and crisp apples, it is also, most fittingly, Vegetarian Awareness Month. We all know it’s important to eat our fruits and veggies because they are full of critical vitamins and minerals.

However, the vegetarian lifestyle offers many health benefits in addition to the obvious. Here are five ways a vegetarian diet has health advantages over a diet that includes meat that just might surprise you:

Photo by Flickr procsilas

Not All Protein is Created the Same: Nuts, legumes, soy, and other vegetarian sources of protein are often healthier than meat proteins; furthermore, vegetarians tend to eat a more appropriate quantity of it. Most meat-eaters actually eat more protein than necessary, and meat protein is associated with increased levels of cholesterol while plant proteins may in fact decrease cholesterol.

Not all Fat is Created the Same, Either: Approximately half of the fat in meat is the saturated “bad fat, “the kind that clogs your arteries. Red meat is the worst offender, but all meats contain some degree of hydrogenated fat. Eliminate meat from your diet, and you’ve eliminated a huge source of saturated fat.

Antibiotics and Hormones: Livestock is sometimes injected with hormones to encourage faster growth, and antibiotics are given prophylactically to ward off disease. There is controversy as to whether or not the small amounts of these still present in meat contain a threat to those whom eat it, but being a vegetarian makes the question moot.

Photo by Flickr Sweetonveg

Fiber Boost: Vegetarian diets tend to be rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains…these are the sources of roughage (fiber) modern diets tend to lack. Fiber is critical for proper intestinal health and function.

Photo by Flickr Scaredy_kat

Kiss Mercury Good-Bye: According to the New England Journal of Medicine, consuming fish and other sea animals is the sole source of methyl mercury in human diets. Mercury is a poison to human beings, and can cause devastating effects as it accumulates in our bodies.

Of course, you don’t need to go whole-hog (pun intended!) to reap some of the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle. Consider adding some vegetarian dishes to your meal rotations, or even going all vegetarian a day or two per week.

3 Ways to Tone Your Arms at Home

Tara Sabo — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:01:13 +0000

Last month, I gave you 5 ways to tone your legs at home. This month, we tackle your arms. Strong arms can look really great popping out of a tank top or fancy dress, and they certainly help you carry heavy things to and fro, so it’s worth it to spend a little time with your biceps, triceps and shoulders (otherwise known as your deltoids). Let’s get right to it:

Photo by 123RF

1) Reverse Bicep Curls:
If you don’t have hand weights, pick two reusable grocery totes that are similar in size, filling each with an equal amount of canned goods well suited to challenging your muscles. Hold a bag in each hand with your arms by your sides and your palms facing behind you. Keeping your elbows at your side, lift the bag up until your palms face away from you. Lower and repeat.

Extra challenge: Put your palms up to the ceiling and do one set with your hands out to your side, another set with your hands in close (thumbs touching each other as you lift and lower). This serves to hit both the inner and outer sections of the bicep muscle independently.

2) Triceps Dips:
Grab the nearest chair or bench and take a seat. Grab hold of the edge, placing your hands at your side with your fingertips pointing away from the bench. Slide your hips off the bench, walking your feet forward a few inches until your ankles are underneath your knees. Lower your body toward the ground until your arms are bent to 90 degrees, push up and repeat.

Extra challenge: Lift one leg off the ground.

3) Sauce Jar Shoulder Circles:
Grab a lighter hand weight or your heaviest jar of sauce (one that you can grip tightly, of course). We’ll start with your right hand, so lift your arm out in front of you. Start with it parallel to the floor, then commence making basketball-size circles in a clockwise fashion. Perform 12 slow repetitions, then repeat going counter-clockwise. Of course, repeat the entire sequence on your left side, two sets per side.

Extra challenge: Lift your arms out to the side, rather than forward.

Photo by 123RF

Remember, all of the above can be done with hand weights if you have them in your home! Start with two sets of 12 repetitions for each of the three exercises. Increase the weight as the exercises get easier, or add another set of repetitions. If you experience pain of any kind, be sure to cease and assess what you’re doing. This is particularly important for your shoulders, as they tend to get hurt a bit easier than other muscle groups.

And when you’re done, be sure to stretch out your arms. Tight muscles don’t work as easily as loose muscles, this you probably know.

Eating Healthier as a Family – Ten Tips for Success

AngelicaMD — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:43:45 +0000

One way to help ensure that each family member is eating healthy food is to plan, prepare and eat meals together as a family. Although there are many challenges facing parents and children in consistently following a healthy diet plan or avoiding bad eating habits, it is possible to achieve goals concerning nutrition and health over time. Find out how with these tips for success in eating healthier as a family.

Think Healthy, Plan Healthy

Think Healthy Foods

The first step in planning to eat healthy food is to think healthy. Reading about proper nutrition, knowing what foods to buy from the grocery or restaurant and learning how to prepare healthy meals are all part of thinking healthy and planning ideal meals for the family. Buy only what is healthy and keep these in stock so when the children look for something in fridge or cupboard they can help themselves freely to raisins, nuts and pretzels instead of cookies and chips. If someone in the family has a special health concern, nutritional advice and medical consultation may be needed in planning for his/her diet.

Set Realistic Goals instead of Rules

Set Goals, Not Rules

One challenge which parents face is when children do not follow their advice on what foods to eat. Many children are picky eaters and would refuse to eat healthy foods like vegetables. Parents then must teach kids about nutritional goals and how to attain them – such as identifying what foods help them go, glow and grow. Instead of saying, “You can’t have soda”, one can say, “Milk is good for your bones and teeth”.

Be Creative to Overcome Difficulties

Be Creative in Preparing Foods

Parents face difficulties when it comes to planning and preparing healthy meals because of the lack of time to buy ingredients, cook and serve home-made foods. But one does not always need to think of elaborate preparations – preparing healthy sandwiches, apple slices and a glass of milk may do the trick on hectic days. Let the kids get involved in selecting healthy foods from the grocery, preparing simple meals and choosing recipes.

Family Bonding during Meals

Family Meals Can be Bonding Moments

Make family meals a chance for bonding, with each member having the chance to talk about how his/her day went, or just telling stories and jokes. To achieve this resolve to turn off the television or other electronic devices that can distract family members from family interactions.

Holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas can also be a source of meaningful family bonding moments. Remember to prepare and serve foods that are low in calories, fat and sugar but rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Practice Portion Control

My Plate by USDA

According to the latest USDA campaign, to eat healthier meals one must follow the new MyPlate guidelines which recommend that fruits and vegetables should make up half of your meal, while protein is the smallest part of the plate and the grain portion a bit larger, making half of these whole grains. The new food plate icon which replaced the traditional Food Pyramid serves as a model of the essential ingredients for a nutritious meal, whether one is grocery shopping, packing kids’ lunches, or assembling a meal on a plate.

Transform Favorite Foods to Healthy Alternatives

Choose Healthy Alternatives

With the parents’ good example, show kids how to substitute favorite foods like French fries, chips and hotdogs with carrot sticks, apple slices and turkey breast. You can also use whole grain breads, low fat milk and sugar-free substitutes for many high fat and sugary foods.

Prepare Healthy Lunchbox Foods

Healthy Lunch for School

Kids love to eat with their friends in school, and preparing healthy foods using recommended nutritional guidelines can set a good example for others aside from being consistent with family goals. Be sure to use a variety of foods and prepare them in a way that can be fun and appetizing.

Support Each Others’ Need for a Healthy Body Image

Support a Healthy Body Image

Make living a healthy lifestyle the goal of healthy eating instead of focusing on weight issues which can damage one’s body image. Help each family member understand that practicing good eating habits is a lifelong process to promote growth and maintain proper body function.

Find Time for Family Fitness Activities

Do Some Physical Activities with the Family

In keeping a healthy lifestyle physical activities should be encouraged. Walking, going to the beach or having fun in the park together promotes family bonding that may end up in picnics and meals together. Helping family members to spend time in physical activity away from the computer or TV can help prevent many health issues common to sedentary people.

Be Consistent and Stick to the Plan

A Healthy Family with Goals

Finally, be consistent with your goals and plans. Even if there are days when eating healthy may be compromised such as in holiday parties, just start over and think healthy! Starting with short term goals the family can move on to long term goals by overcoming challenges daily.

References

WebMD

Recall Alert: Nostrilla Nasal Decongestant

Selena — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 14:49:09 +0000

The makers of Nostrilla Nasal Decongestant–Insight Pharmaceuticals–has recalled a little over 34,000 bottles of its nasal spray used to relieve nasal discomfort caused by colds. The recall was prompted due to what is believed to be the presence of a bacteria called Burkholderia cepacia.

The bacteria can cause serious infection in persons with compromised or weakened immune systems or lung conditions such as cystic fibrosis. Consumer News reports:

Nostrilla Nasal Decongestant was distributed nationwide through retail outlets and pharmacies. The spray comes in a half ounce, plastic bottle marked with an expiration date of May, 2014.The affected products also have lot number 11G075, and UPC code 6373673005.

Consumers who purchased Nostrilla can return the product, and also contact the company at 877-546-9059 for more information. Consumers should also contact their physician or healthcare provider if they experience any problems that may be related to taking the recalled nasal spray. Healthcare professionals and patients can report adverse events or side effects to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program, either by visiting www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm, or call by calling 800-332-1088 to get a form sent to you by mail.

Nostrilla Nasal Decongestant: Recall – Bacterial Contamination [FDA]

Breast Cancer Awareness: The Importance of Self Screening

Selena — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 02:48:27 +0000

Photo by Flickr Srqpix

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Just about every where you look, athletes, companies and every day people like you and I are donning vibrant pink ties, hats or gloves. Pink ribbons line our store windows and are a favorite on our car bumpers. Yes, the pink ribbon serves as a symbol of hope, strength and awareness. So, what better way to raise awareness than to educate women on the dangers of this cancer and how to detect it?

If you’re like me then you know breast cancer is serious. It is estimated than 1 in 8 women are affected by breast cancer. These women either know someone or is someone who has had breast cancer. What does that mean? Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in women and on average about 2,000 new cases are discovered each year. While the medical community is working toward a cure, breast cancer remains incurable. Medical professionals agree, however, that the ideal way to successfully treat this type of cancer is through early detection.

Breast Cancer Awareness – Early Detection

To detect breast cancer in its early stages, women are encouraged to self screen, undergo mammograms (recommended for women age 40 and over) and report any noticeable changes in their breasts to their medical caregiver. Here are some of the most widely recommended forms of screening.

Mammogram - according to the American Cancer Society, women age 40 and older should have yearly mammogram screenings to help with early detection of breast cancer. Mammograms are x-rays of the breast in which the breast is x-rayed between 2 plates. While mammograms screenings do not detect all cancers, they remain effective in helping to detect early signs of the disease. Women who are good candidates for mammograms include those who are the right age and are in good health.

Photo by WomensHealth.gov

BSE (Breast Self Exam) – typically recommended for women as young as 20. The BSE is designed to help women properly examine themselves so as to detect any changes in the look or feel of their breasts. The BSE can be completed in the shower, as you dress or on an interval basis like at the conclusion of a menstrual cycle–the choice is yours.

For some women, BSE can be stressful and the concern over whether they are “doing it right” can result in the decision to forego the exam altogether. The American Cancer Society indicates that to forego BSE isn’t the end of the world. These women are encouraged to continue to look for changes in their breasts and report them to their health professional.

CBE (Clinical Breast Exam) – is recommended for women in their 20s and 30s and is part of a comprehensive exam conducted by your medical professional. While similar to the BSE, the CBE is actually a breast exam conducted by your doctor or nurse. CBE’s are recommended once every 3 years for women up to age 40. Women who are 40 and older are encouraged to have a yearly CBE conducted by a health professional.

While the number of breast cancer survivors tops 2.5 million women in this country, early detection and regular screenings are essential to ensuring that number doubles or triples in the years to come.

Have you had your BSE, CBE or mammogram this year?

Sleep Number Sheet Set Giveaway

Linda Sellers — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 18:24:32 +0000

The Key to Better Health is a Good Night’s Sleep

We’ll do anything for a good night’s sleep these days. Everyone is so busy, schedules are crazy and keeping sleep times consistent can be tough. Often out health suffers because of it.

A while back our Life Bliss Editor Selena wrote about her experiences with her new Sleep Number bed and how important getting enough sleep is to your health. She shared some tips and facts you may want to know. And now because we want YOU to get the best night’s sleep possible, we’d like to offer you a chance to win a little extra comfort!

Sleep Number® True Silver Sheets Giveaway

Blissfully Domestic is giving away a set of Sleep Number® True Silver Sheets of your color and size choice.

Pure silver fibers are woven into the sheets, which offer anti-microbial, anti-odor and anti-static benefits (that’s three check marks against allergies.)
The sheets have no chemical additives, so you can rest assured your skin will still love you in the morning!
Woven with 93% cotton and 7% silver, these sheets will never wash or wear out, its allergy luxury at its best.
Choose from Eggshell, Pale Blue or Mushroom pictured above.
ARV $229.99 (currently on sale for $160.99!)

For more information on the sheets visit the Sleep Number site.

How to Enter:

Mandatory Entry: Tell me what your biggest sleep challenge is in the comments section. Then fill out this form with your name, mailing address, phone number and email.**

FORM: http://bit.ly/bdsnsheets

Extra Entry:

Subscribe to Blissfully Domestic newsletter and leave a comment telling us you did. Current subscribers qualify as well.

Contest will end Sunday October 23, 2011 at midnight eastern and a winner will be chosen at random. Please note you MUST fill out the form with contact information to be eligible for prizing.

**Your information is never shared, but is necessary to contact the winner.

Too Much Halloween Candy? Consider Healthier Alternatives

AngelicaMD — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:56:58 +0000

According to nutritional guidelines like the Food Pyramid, sugar such as candies, sweets or desert should be taken “sparingly” – and that follows whether it is Halloween, Christmas or any other day. However, in reality the rules are often relaxed on holidays, and this can be dangerous especially for children.

Healthy Alternatives for Halloween Candy

Food Pyramid Guidelines on Sweets

The Food Pyramid Guidelines by United States Department of Agriculture recommends that children aged two to five years old should consume only 165-170 calories of fats and sugars (depending on total calories) per day, while older children should be limited to 170-195 calories of fats and sugars daily.

Sweets Should be Taken Sparingly as Recommended

While there are newer dietary guidelines that have been promoted in the form of MyPlate (a simpler method to replace the food pyramid), the intake of sweets for children and adults alike is still being limited to a minimum. These recommendations should be observed especially during holidays like Halloween and Christmas where traditions encourage sharing and eating of candies and other treats.

Sugar in the Diet

Sadly, added sugars make up 16% of the total calories in American diets and are a major factor in obesity. The 10 worst foods from which people get most of their added calories include:

Soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks
Grain-based desserts like cookies, cupcakes and cakes
Fruit drinks
Dairy desserts
Candy
Ready-to-eat cereals
Sugars and honey
Tea
Yeast breads
All other foods

Halloween is probably one of the worst days aside from other holidays and birthdays, for kids to be tempted to binge on sugars, and these will most likely come from Halloween candies, chocolates, gums, cookies, cakes and beverages.

Healthy Alternatives to Halloween Treats

Of course, the spirit of fun can go on even as parents must think of ways to celebrate Halloween without the fear of sugar overload and dental worries. Here are some healthy alternatives:

Avoid candies with sweetened peanut butter fillings, toffee or caramel; instead choose those with whole nuts, which add protein, fiber and phytonutrients.
Avoid high calorie snack cakes; instead, choose low calorie portion-controlled snack cakes.
Avoid high fat, high calorie chips and cookies; instead choose lower calorie snacks like animal crackers, popcorn, pretzels and baked tortilla chips in fun size packs.
Avoid lollipops, rock candy or chewy candy; instead give your kids sugar free or naturally sweet treats with fewer calories like raisins and sugarless gum.
Avoid high calorie chocolate bars or candy bars with white chocolate; instead try low fat granola bars, plain milk or dark chocolate fun-size bars.

Other Ways to Avoid Indulging in Halloween Candy

Enjoy Halloween Treats, But Not Too Much on Sweets!

There are also some ways to help children enjoy the Halloween season without fear of indulging in sweets. The most important of all is to educate them on the dangers of eating too much candy, junk food and beverages and on the necessity of eating more foods that encourage growth and well-being.

One way to avoid craving of sweets is to encourage them to eat a good meal before going trick-or-treat so they will have more energy without having to ask for more snacks.

Parents can also set a limit as to how many pieces of candy or snack their kids can have per day. To make this more effective, parents will have to store these foods in containers that are out of sight and hard to reach. Instead, healthy foods like baby carrots, grapes and apple slices may be made more available.

Exchange the Halloween candies and sweets your kids receive for non-food treats like color pencils, erasers, glow sticks, stickers, marbles or other cool stuff and donate the treats to charitable institutions where more children can also enjoy them.

Finally, encourage children to be more active to balance their calorie intake. Exercising outdoors after a healthy meal will also brace them for the upcoming holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

References

WebMD

A Sleep Number Review: Benefits of Healthy Sleep Habits

Selena — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:28:58 +0000

Photo by SleepNumber.com

Sleep. A simple, 5-letter word without which no one is able to function. According to the American Sleep Association, infants need about 16 hours of sleep per day; teenagers need about 9 hours of sleep while adults need about 7 to 8 hours of sleep per day. Do you know how much sleep I get week days? Less than 6 hours. On weekends? Less than 7.

In actuality, I was quite okay with that until I read this report. USA Today reports that about 63 percent of Americans get less than 8 hours of sleep on average. Aside from causing a barrage of health issues including heart problems, weight gain, depression and diabetes, sleep deprivation has also been linked to aging. What you talkin’ about Willis?

According to research, lack of sleep impairs cytokine production which are proteins that help fight disease and infection. When cytokine levels drop, people become more susceptible to illness which results in accelerated aging.

Photo by SleepNumber.com

So what does this mean? Getting adequate sleep plays a vital role in how we function ona day to day basis and has many benefits which is why I jumped at the chance to review the Sleep Number p6. You’ve seen the infomercials and heard the testimonials. Frankly, I only half-believed what I heard. Some call it skepticism. I call it thinking for myself.

You’ve read my past reviews and I’m a “prove it to me” kid of gal. So, when the opportunity arose to review the bed, I thought to myself ”I wonder what I’ll say when this Sleep Number thing fails?” Yes, I admit it. I didn’t buy into the whole “pick your sleep number” hoop la. Today, however, I’m an absolute believer! Here’s what changed my mind.

My mattress was old. Not as old as my 14-year-old son but probably close to it. It was comfortable or so I thought. Sure, I’d wake up with aching hips from sleeping on my side for too long or the sporadic pain in my back. For the most part, I thought I slept well. Until I got the Sleep Number p6.

The set up took less than 15 minutes and the guide book was easy to read and user friendly. Next, I consulted the Sleep Number Facebook page for insights and some quick best practices. Most people set their mattress firmness between 30 and 65. I opted to start with 30. The next night I did 55 and finally landed on 40. After two weeks, I’ve settled on 45, that’s my Sleep Number. So, what’s that mean?

Photo by SleepNumber.com

It means my mattress conforms to my body’s unique shape and curves. It means my mattress works with my body type, weight and height, not against them. It means I get a good night’s sleep, just about every night. And it’s not just me. My teens took turns setting their Sleep Number and they loved it! My daughter is 65 and my son is 30. Thank goodness for dual-sided settings. Lastly, it means I can sleep on my side without sore hips. I can lay on back without waking up with a stiff neck and it means I wake up with energy to spare.

A few tips to the wise. Unzip the pillow top mattress to allow the inner foam linings to air out for a few hours. It’ll help get rid of the new factory smell. You can also add a few dryer sheets to the foam liner. Also, the air pump will need a power source. A power strip is recommended. Lastly, prepare to enjoy some of the best sleep you’ve ever had. Sleeping in a Sleep Number p6 may result in ringing alarm clocks being tossed across bedrooms or sudden malfunctioning snooze buttons. But that’s just what I heard…err…uhh…on Facebook. Yeah, that’s it.

If you’re thinking about getting a new mattress that will aid you in getting the sleep you want and the sleep your body deserves, Sleep Number is the way to go. If the Sleep Number p6 can make a believer out of a skeptic like me, just think what it can do for you!

Disclaimer: I received a Sleep Number p6 Queen sized bed as part of a review campaign on Sleep Health. The opinions are 100% percent my own.

Signs of Mental Illness in Teens – Know When to Get Help

Christine — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 22:50:07 +0000

The teen years can be tough in the best of situations; the hormonal changes mixed with societal influences and increasing responsibilities can be a recipe for some bumps in the road.

But when does does behavior normally attributed to teen angst become more than that? When is that behavior a sign of something more? It’s a topic people don’t want to think about, but one that needs to be discussed as catching mental illness early can be very advantageous.

Of course, there are the obvious red flags such as drug or alcohol use, bulimia or anorexia, hearing voices or hallucinations, or violence against self or others. But some signs of mental illness are far more subtle; because of this the following shouldn’t be ignored:

Troublesome Feelings. Teen years are typified by a wide range of emotions, but if a teen is feeling any of the following seeing a professional is in order: angry more often that not, crying a lot or an overwhelming sense of depression, prone to unexpected outbursts, unexplained fears or persistent anxiety, or overly concerned with their physical or mental state.
Striking Changes in Habits. Falling grades, ignoring friends, lack of interest in old hobbies and interests, changes in weight (losses or gains), spending majority of time alone in bedroom without any interaction, or suddenly adopting a dramatically new look can all indicate mental illness beyond normal teen year changes.
Cognitive Difficulties. If a teen formerly without significant issues develops some in the following areas, consider it a red flag and talk to your health care professional: inability to concentrate or sit still, persistent lack of focus that interferes with daily life, racing thoughts that can’t be controlled, or disorientation that makes functioning difficult.

Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list, just a jumping off point for consideration. And there’s no substitute for a parent’s intuition…if your child seems different and you suspect something is going on beyond average teenage angst, it’s always prudent to discuss with a professional.

Breast Cancer: Are We Closer to a Cure?

Erika F. Washington — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 12:34:14 +0000

Breast cancer is a killer. It takes the lives of thousands of women every year. With a reputation like that, there’s no doubt as to why so much time, money and effort has gone into the research and development of a cure.

Researchers at Penn State have filed for a patent on their research of a virus called AAV2 that is showing the potential to kill cancer cells in a matter of days.

According to Penn State’s official news source:

“In tissue culture dishes in the laboratory, 100 percent of the cancer cells are destroyed by the virus within seven days, with the majority of the cell death proteins activated on the fifth day. In another study, a fourth breast cancer derived cell line, which is the most aggressive, required three weeks to undergo cell death.”

“Adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2) is a virus that regularly infects humans but causes no disease. Past studies by the same researchers show that it promotes tumor cell death in cervical” cancer cells infected with human papillomavirus.

According to the Susan G. Komen website, some tumors grow very rapidly however most grow slowly inside the breast and could take up to 10 years before its large enough to feel during a self examination. Breast cancer can have no symptoms at all, however, some signs of breast cancer include:

A lump, hard knot or thickening
Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
Change in breast size or shape
Dimpling or puckering of the skin
Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
New pain in one spot

More research needs to be done and the FDA must approve the treatment on humans however, this could be the breakthrough many have been hoping for.

Healthy Exercises to Combat Aging

AngelicaMD — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:34:59 +0000

There are many foods and products in the market that promise delaying or reversal of aging such as food supplements, cosmetics, plastic surgery and more. Learn how exercise not only helps in maintaining health but also combats aging.

The Benefits of Exercise

Regular Exercise Prevents Aging

Why exercise? We all know that regular exercise helps keep the body fit and prevents disease, particularly diabetes, heart disease and more. Aside from reducing weight or preventing obesity, regular exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, benefits us by:

• Improving blood circulation and lowering blood pressure

• Strengthening the heart

• Increasing one’s endurance and energy levels

• Promoting relaxation and improving sleep

• Strengthening bones and muscles

• Improving flexibility and balance

• Boosting self-esteem and improving self image

• Reducing stress, tension, anxiety and depression

Anti-Aging Effects of Exercise

Another great reason to exercise is to take advantage of its anti-aging effects which does not only mean that exercising prevents one from looking older, but it may even reverse the process. This was shown by a study done by Simon Melov, PhD, and Mark Tarnopolsky, MD, PhD, of McMaster University Medical Center in Hamilton, Ontario, which demonstrated that active seniors (adults around 70 years old) who had regular resistance training exercises and other activities like golf, gardening, walking, tennis and cycling improved muscle strength and muscle mass compared to young adults (with an average age of 21 years) who were relatively inactive. The researchers noted that resistance training and living an active lifestyle not only help attain or maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of disability due to arthritis, but they actually reverse the biologic aging that takes place in muscle cells.

Aside from these, improvement of one’s memory and cognitive function is another beneficial effect of maintaining an active lifestyle. Memory problems are often attributed to the aging process but regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent these by improving blood circulation to the brain, preventing stress and depression and more.

What Exercises Combat Aging

There are four types of exercises needed to achieve the right combination of activities:

Photo by Microsoft Fotolia

1. Endurance exercises. These are exercises which may you breathe harder, build your energy and increase your staying power. These should be done for a total of 30 minutes a day although one does not have to do these all at once. Good examples of endurance activities are swimming, walking, jogging, bicycling, and running.

Photo by MSClipart

2. Strengthening exercises. These exercise help to keep muscles in shape so you will be able to do your regular activities like climbing stairs or walking without help. These can also help prevent injuries and accidents by providing support for your hips and knees. Examples of leg strengthening exercises are squats and leg lunges. Using elastic bands, free weights, or machines for resistance can also increase muscle strength.

Photo by MSClipart

3. Balance exercises. To help you keep your balance without holding on to something for support, do exercises such as standing on one foot at a time, walking heel-to-toe and standing up from a sitting position without using your arms or hands for support.

4. Stretching exercises. Regular stretching helps keep your joints

Photo by Flickr Lululemon Athletica

flexible so you will be able to move more freely. Stretch your muscles after a warm up. But do not stretch too far that it hurts. Hold stretches for about 30 seconds without bouncing.

Things to Consider

People who are aged 40 and above may be starting to experience some body changes like aches and pains, stiffness and lack of energy. Although they may have the desire to keep up with their activities they may have to be more careful in choosing the right type of exercises to achieve their health goals, including that of anti-aging. They may be advised to continue with their usual activities like tennis or running but they also have to take care in avoiding injuries like tennis elbow or other high impact sports injuries.

One must also avoid exercising only on weekends and try to do regular activities daily at least for 30 minutes a day.

It is advisable to use comfortable shoes, outfits and the right equipment for your sport or activity.

If you must increase your activities, do so only by ten percent at a time. Do not over stretch, run farther or use weights to the point that your muscles or joints hurt.

Finally, medical advice or fitness training may be needed especially by people who have conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis and other illnesses.

References

WebMD

Arthritis.org, http://www.arthritis.org/exercise-reverse-aging.php

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