5 Health "Rules" You Can Break (and Not Feel That Bad About)

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, right? Ah heck--sometimes apples just don't sound as good as chocolate! With me there? Under the category of "rigidity never did anyone any good," I've got a list of health "rules" you can go ahead and break now and then--without freaking out or putting yourself on probation. Your get-out-of-jail-free cards, after the jump ...

Rule #1: Thou shalt eat 5 fruits and veggies a day. Important stuff, for sure. But if you slack one day, and only eat three--don't sweat it. Seriously. Make it up the next day, and remember this easy way to sneak in a fruit or veggie: juice.

5 Hair Loss Prevention Tips

Hair loss affects millions of Americans each year. But there are some things you can do to prevent hair loss and start the process of strengthening your hair.

For some, hair loss is a temporary condition while for others, it is inevitable. In some cases, it can be a sign that you are suffering from things like stress, hormonal imbalance or infection. Although hair loss is more common in men than in women, it does not mean that hair loss prevention methods will be any different. Here are some helpful hair loss prevention tips that you should follow in order to enjoy healthy hair.

Hair Loss Prevention Tip #1: Avoid Stress

5 Gutsy Things to Bug Your Boss About for a Healthier Workplace

Many of us spend so much of our lives in offices (many more in cubicles), so my theory has always been: Why not make those hours/days/years as healthy and happy as they can be? It starts with you, though. Here are some gutsy things to ask your boss for, in the name of health and wellness...

****

I know, the economy isn't so hot, and maybe your company is trying to cut costs. But, happier and healthier employees = more productive employees, right? In that vein, here are five things to hit your boss up for today (or whenever you get your courage up):

1. Fruit! I told you about The Fruit Guys a few months ago. It's a fresh fruit delivery service that ships boxes of high-quality, perfectly ripe fruit to thousands of small and large business (and homes, too) across the country. According to their Web site, "the company was founded on the premise that bringing healthy brain food to the office can boost productivity, improve wellness and help companies improve their bottom lines." Cool! See if you can get your boss to stock the break room with fruit.

Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women - Causes and Treatments

Sexual dysfunction is characterized by the difficulty experienced by a couple or an individual during any stage of sexual activity such as orgasm, desire or arousal. Both, men and women can suffer from it. While men experience disorders such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, females suffer from female sexual dysfunction.

Reasons for decline in sexual performance

Many factors are responsible for causing sexual dysfunction. These causes can be divided into two; emotional and physical causes.

Emotional factors such as relationship problems, lack of proper communication and guilt may cause sexual dysfunction. People who suffer from anxiety disorders are more likely to become victims of sexual problems. Physical factors such as use of certain medications and therapeutic drugs, alcohol and drug abuse, hormonal changes and pregnancy may lead to decline in sexual activity. Women may suffer from postpartum, menopause, and premenstrual syndrome, which lead to sexual problems. An injury to the spinal cord or nerve damage are also contributing factors. Chronic health conditions such as diabetes, neuropathy, tumours and multiple sclerosis are also known to cause sexual problems.

Diet For Heartburn

What is heartburn? How is it related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia? What type of diet is best for heartburn and associated digestive disorders? Linda Smyth, an experienced dietitian and nutritional consultant outlines the issues and provides some answers.

Enlarge Image

Heartburn is a common digestive complaint which affects an estimated 15 million Americans every day, and 60 million once a month. Relief of mild heartburn is typically achieved through diet and lifestyle changes, although medication (eg. antacids) is usually necessary if the heartburn is caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Your Probiotics May Be Lying to You

We love our probiotics here on Vitamin G (hello to better digestion and immune system strength!), but if you're popping a probiotic supplement, experts warn that you may not be getting exactly what you're paying for...

According to a new report by ConsumerLab.com, many of the probiotic supplements for sale today don't contain the number of good-for-you bacteria that they claim to have. And, shockingly, many contain somewhere between 10 to 58 percent of the amount listed on the label.

"Consumers should keep in mind that a large percentage of organisms in a probiotic supplement may die before a product is even purchased and labels can be misleading or incorrect," said Tod Cooperman, MD, President of ConsumerLab.com. "Many products start with several billion viable cells, but there may or may not be a sufficient number of viable cells remaining at time of use to be beneficial."

Your Healthy To-Do List For Today

Hi my dears! You know I like to give you little healthy reminders now and then (forgive me for sounding like your mom sometimes--I care about you!!), well, I'm going start giving you occasional to-do list (I'm a chronic list-maker, are you?)--easy little things you can do or think about during your day to be healthier and happier. So, here's your healthy to-do list for Friday...

*Track down an old tennis ball, and tuck it in your bag to bring to work next week. Here's why: Rolling a tennis ball around on your feet (under your desk--no one will see!) feels so relaxing--hello, free foot massage!--plus it can help combat foot tension and pain.

Why Kate Winslet Says She Still Feels Like "the Fat Kid"

Were you overweight as a child? Kate Winslet spoke out recently about her childhood weight issues--going so far as to call her former self "fat" and admit to still holding on to some of those old feelings of inadequacy. What she said (and the kind of surprising after-exercise treat she gives herself!) after the jump ...

****

"I was fat," Kate she says in the December issue of Vanity Fair. "I didn't know any fat famous actresses. I just did not see myself in that world at all, and I'm being very sincere. ...You know, once a fat kid, always a fat kid. Because you always think that you just look a little bit wrong or a little bit different from everyone else. And I still sort of have that."

What Do You Think About When You're in The Shower?

To me, a shower is more than just a place to wash your hair. It's crazy, but you know the cliche about getting great ideas in the shower? It's always true for me--so true, in fact, that I keep a notebook in my bathroom to jot down little epiphanies that hit me in the shower! What do you think about when you're lathering up?

Did you guys hear the news about showerheads being loaded with bacteria? Gross, yes, but probably not any real cause for alarm (unless you have a health condition that leaves you with a compromised immune system). On the happier thoughts!

I love my morning shower. Even though I always have guests in the bathroom with me (my baby, who sits in a bouncer seat; my toddler who rocks on his "rocking horse," yes, in the bathroom; and sometimes my dog--it's a full house!), I still try to zone out a little and relax. To me, a shower is a built-in time for a little zen (even if someone is crying or barking, which is almost always the case).

Weight Loss Secrets: This Late-Night Hunger Buster Is Really Working for Me

Tell me I'm not the only person in America who feels hungry--no, crazy hungry--around 10:00 each night. After a good dinner, I try not to fall victim to the munchies a few hours later. Here's a trick that has been consistently working for me lately...

Peppermint tea!

It's not cookie-dough ice cream or a bowl of cereal or anything else you might be craving at 9 or 10 at night, but here's the thing: There's something about mint tea that can reorient your cravings and simmer your hunger down, and researchers point to science to back it up.

Since I've been engaging in my pre-bed peppermint tea ritual, I've been doing so well at avoiding p.m. snacking, which some say could help shed pounds (here's why). Oh, and I love the mini-mint "facial" I get from hovering over my cup. It feels relaxing and healthy.

Watch Me Diet: Are You in a Food Rut?

When it comes to cooking, I'm a creature of habit. I eat the same meal for breakfast almost every morning: three egg whites, two slices of turkey bacon and a piece of wheat toast. But after reading this Exactly What to Eat to Lose Weight tip on how trying new foods can help keep eating on track, I decided to take some culinary risks...

The grocery store was out of turkey bacon, so I had to make a swap then and there. I was so used to reaching for the same item over and over, I hadn't even looked at the other possibilities. Soy breakfast sausage? Canadian Bacon? I opted for some chicken sausage with sage and apples. Two little links provided almost the same amount of calories as my usual turkey bacon, but the novelty made me excited to dig in this morning at breakfast.

Want to Be Happier? Do This, Not That

Let's say you are given $5,000 out of the blue. You have three choices on how to spend it: a.) an exciting 7-day vacation to a luxurious spot on the map that you've always wanted to visit, or b.) put it away in savings and let it grow, then use it later when you really need it, or c.) spend it on something practical, like the new roof for your house, a new deck for your backyard or car that actually works. One of these choices buys you the most happiness, say researchers--and it's kind of surprising ...

The choice that may make you most happy, say researchers?

The vacation!

I know, money doesn't buy happiness (duh), but according to a LiveScience article that reviewed the latest happiness research, we tend to be more cheerful when spending our money on experiences rather than stuff.

The Magic Words That Helped This Person Lose Weight--Do You Have a "Diet Mantra"?

What do you think of "mantras"? You know, the kind of new-agey belief that if you say something enough--out loud--you can convince yourself of anything. While I am a believer in the power of positive thought, when it comes to fitness, I'm not sold on the idea that what you say can make you thin. Then I heard this story ...

****

Food psychologist Brian Wansink told this story: "Over coffee, a new friend commented that he had lost 30 pounds within the past year. When I asked him how, he explained he didn't stop eating potato chips, pizza, or ice cream. He ate anything he wanted, but if he had a craving when he was not hungry he would say--out loud--"I'm not hungry but I'm going to eat this anyway."

The Body Diaries: Were You A "Fat" Teenager? What Do You Think When You See An Overweight Child Today?

Yes, I still hate that F word. But it seemed like the appropriate word choice here since it brings up the shame and sadness that word induced in me as a child. Sure I was loved, and had all the happy experiences a kid could want--great parents, friends, travels, etc.--but this is the word I believed defined me more than any other.

So here's why I mention it: A little girl sat next to me on the plane ride back from Poland last week. She was probably 10 or 11 and, if I had to guess, about 150 pounds.

Of course, the lives of all overweight children are not the same, but I looked at her and felt sorry for her. And when the stewardess came around with the beverage cart and asked her what she wanted to drink, I practically wanted to hurl my body into the aisle to stop her from handing the girl the can of Coke she asked for--to wash down her Pringles.

The Amazing Thing Bananas Can Do for Your Health (That You've Never Heard of)

Apples are great, but you might want to change your mantra to "a banana a day." Did you know that they can help with this major health issue...

****

Eat a banana, get happy, according to Dr. Caroline Longmore, author of The Serotonin Secret. She says depression could be blamed on lack of serotonin, the "happy hormone," and that you can boost your body's serotonin levels by eating foods rich in the amino acid tryptophan like cottage cheese, turkey--and bananas! She recommends eating at least four bananas a week.

Funny, I frequently grab a banana when I'm feeling a little blah (like yesterday). And, I think they really do lift my spirits.

The 10 Riskiest Foods You Can Eat

Doesn't it seem like we're hearing about a new scary food recall every day? If you have any doubts about the safety of your food (hello, cookie dough!), this post might not be very encouraging. Still, knowledge is power, right? Read on for what some experts say is a list of 10 foods regulated by the FDA that have the highest chances of making you sick ...

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (the CSPI), compiled a list of foods that--statistically--are linked to more cases of illness and death than any other foods. Important note: Don't stop eating these foods, just take special caution when preparing them. See my notes below:

Stars Who Say They Don't Diet or Worry About Their Bodies: Do You Believe Them?

This week, two stars have announced publicly that they don't diet or really worry about their bodies, thank you very much. "Diet? Not me!" That was the gist of what Gwyneth Paltrow told Oprah recently (though she did confess to being an exercise nut!). And then Brooke Shields admitted to People that she doesn't exercise to look good--in fact, she says she's never really focused on her body at all. What do you think: "yeah, honest admissions!" or "give me a break."

I think, deep down, we all want to believe that celebs are just like us. And, well, they are--just with bigger bank accounts. So, it feels a little puzzling when a celeb takes the I-walk-on-water-and-don't-struggle-with-the-same-things-regular-women-do approach. Not that Gwyneth and Brooke are doing that (for the record, I think they're both fabulous), but I wonder if their statements hint at this?

Sleep Challenge 2010: How Sleep Is Like Steroids...Without the 'Roid Rage

Good afternoon. I hope you're feeling as well rested as I am--it's now day 8 of the Sleep Challenge I'm doing along with Glamour's Cindi Leive. So how is my "sleep-hab"--that's sleep rehab!--going?

In a word: progress! As of my last sleep challenge post at four days in, I'd yet to reach my goal of eight hours of sleep a night. Well, I am pleased to announce that for the last two nights I've gotten the full eight. That might not sound like a big deal, but it's a lot harder than it sounds (if you don't believe me--jump in and take the challenge with us).

Not only that, I woke up without an alarm--which was, in itself, a bit alarming. When I woke up, I looked around anxiously to see what was wrong, wondering what had woken me up, since there was no alarm buzzing. It actually took me a minute or two to realize that the reason why I was wide-awake was because...I didn't need to sleep anymore.  Imagine that.

Sex Question: Can You Transmit an STD by Sharing a Toothbrush?

Dear Dr. Kate,

Can you transmit an STD by kissing on the cheek, drinking from the same glass or sharing a toothbrush?

The only good news about STDs is that the bacteria and viruses can't live on inanimate objects. They're microscopic zombies-they need human skin to survive. STDs are transmitted most often through mucus membranes-those that line the vagina, the foreskin, the inside of the head of the penis, the mouth and the anus. Some STDs like HPV and herpes can be transmitted through genital skin-to-skin contact. It is possible to transmit a disease if both people have open cuts that touch, but swapping saliva on a toothbrush, glass or cheek won't increase your risk of transmission or infection. The only STD that could be passed from the surface of an object or by simple touching (without genital contact) is molluscum contagiousum, which can appear all over your body and is highly contagious.

Poll: Are You More Comfortable With a Male or Female Massage Therapist?

Interesting news, out this week: Save your money when it comes to post-exercise massage. According to a new study, it doesn't help reduce the lactic acid in your muscles, nor does it increase blood flow. Oh bummer (I liked the excuse to get a massage). Speaking of which, do you prefer guy or gal massage therapists?

****

Whenever I go for a massage (which, believe me, is not often enough!), my husband is like "you're appointment is with a female therapist, right?" I always think it's cute, if not a little silly, that he's worried about this. I tend to just see female therapists--by default. I guess I do feel a tad more comfortable being partially clothed in front of a stranger who is female rather than male. Other friends of mine disagree. My friend J. says that she only goes to male therapists because they have stronger hands and do a better job. What do you think?

Michelle Obama's Favorite Veggie Recipe--Get it Here!

That's Michelle Obama serving lunch at a homeless shelter last week. (Can you make out all the healthy items on the menu?) We already know the Obamas are good eaters, and according to The New York Times, the first lady is encouraging all Americans to eat more fresh, local and unprocessed food. Read on for a delicious White House recipe...

Michelle Obama has been singing the praises of this creamy-tasting spinach side dish (without the cream!) prepared by White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford. Instead of loading it down with heavy cream, spinach, olive oil and shallots are whipped into a light dish. Try it tonight and let me know how it goes!

Mental Health Minute: What Would Make You Really Happy--Right Now?

Feeling the mid-week blues? Confession: I am. I have so many deadlines staring me in the face and some impending health issues to face soon and well, I kind of don't want to face any of it. I want to think of happier things. So, join me! Turn away from your screen, tune out the screaming kid, forget the BF issues. What would make you really, really happy--right this minute?

And because we don't already have enough to stress about (the economy being today's biggie), let's turn our thoughts to happier things. An end to poverty, AIDS and cancer would be bliss, but let's allow ourselves to be a little selfish for a sec. Here's what's on my list:

Mental Health Minute: How Do You Deal With Mean People?

Is there a "mean person" in your life right now? Whether it's your boss, an ex-friend, or some other person that's giving you grief, chances are good that there's someone nasty in your life right now. So how do you deal? Let's hear from a few experts, then let's hear from you!

Have a fire-breathing boss? One expert says mean bosses are a sign of the times. "I've been hearing lots of hair-raising stories lately about bosses who may have had a tendency to be mean but are now acting like full-blown Darth Vaders," writes MSNBC contributor Eve Tahmincioglu. "Many workplace experts believe tough economic times and the constant drumbeat to do more with fewer people may be driving managers over to the dark side."

Types of Pain - Pain Theory

Pain can be very debilitating for the person suffering from some form of pain, whether it be acute or chronic in nature. There can be other manifestations from pain. Some of the symptoms can include nausea, headache, and perspiration. The emotional effects of pain can include anger, depression, irritability, and sometimes suicidal feelings. Your lifestyle oftentimes has to change because of pain. This could include working, recreational activities that you once enjoyed, and giving up on relationships. If you recognize any of these symptoms, please see your physician about using Tramadol.

If you have tried analgesics like aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen to relieve your pain symptom with little or no effect, it is time to visit your doctor. The aspirin and ibuprofen have anti-inflammatory properties, so those can be used in conjunction with Tramadol.

Mental Health: Let's Have a Watercooler Chat--What's Bothering You Right Now?

Well, it's Friday. At least we have that, right? It's been one long and stressful week for me. How about you? What's bothering you today? Grab your glass and meet me at the watercooler...

****

Do you ever have weeks when things just feel "off"? I'm having one of those. Here are a few things that are weighing on my mind:

*The big beautiful new house. To buy or not to buy--this is the question.

*Ice cream. Why did I eat that bowl last night?

*My house--it's a total disaster zone. And Joanna from Smitten is coming over for a visit from New York this weekend (so excited!)! I know she'll totally forgive me for my messy house, though.

Medical Magnetism

Sixteen years ago, Steve Zatuchni was a computer sales manager, making a six-figure income. Then all hell broke loose in his brain.

He became severely depressed, to the point that he could no longer work. He slept up to 18 hours a day, and when he was awake, felt so miserable he wished he were asleep. He tried dozens of medicines, in myriad combinations. Nothing worked. Distraught, he tried to kill himself several times.

Then, in 2004, he enrolled in a study of an experimental therapy called transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS -- a noninvasive treatment that sends magnetic pulses into the brain.

Magnetic Help for Incontinence

An innovative treatment involving powerful pulsing magnetic fields may offer hope to millions of ThirdAge women who suffer from loss of bladder control. A new study found 61 percent of women treated had a 50 percent better reduction in incontinence episodes.

The research was presented at the International Bladder Symposium in Washington, D.C. Test subjects were treated with Extracorporeal Magnetic Innervation therapy, a painless, non-invasive 20-minute treatment twice a week for a number of weeks.

The study says a third of the women reported absolutely no leakage following the therapy, known as NeoControl by brand. Dr. Peter Sand of Evanston Northwestern Healthcare in Illinois says such a long-term response without continued treatment is not seen after other therapies.

Lose Belly Fat Today

I'm just gonna shoot straight out of the gate: there's no easy or magic method for getting rid of belly bulge. Especially as we get older we have to work pretty hard to keep excess fat off the mid-section. And, that hard work is in the form of diet and exercise. But, there are a couple of little "magic" tricks that make toning the tummy a little bit easier.

1.  Eat Breakfast:  No, that doesn't mean a latte like I to used to think it did.  Breakfast, literally means a break from fasting.  It ignites your metabolism that has been on rest mode from sleeping.  So, your inner machine will realize it's time to get going and start burning calories for muscle, brain and organ fuel right away if you eat.

Let the Vitamin D Shine

Nov. 1 -- Soon, the sun will be merely a rumor for long stretches during waking hours, and darkness will dominate our senses and moods.

As if that weren't depressing enough, here's another grim thought: You most likely will become significantly deficient in vitamin D.

Vitamin D, the so-called "sunshine vitamin," can be absorbed either through the skin via ultraviolet-B rays -- by far the most efficient, plentiful source -- or through pills or fortified foods.

Once thought only beneficial for preventing rickets and other bone-growth issues in children, vitamin D has been shown to help prevent heart disease, various forms of cancer, kidney disease, diabetes and a host of autoimmune conditions ranging from multiple sclerosis to arthritis. And, yes, studies have shown it helps people suffering from seasonal affective disorder.

Jewelry Causing Skin Rashes

The back of your wristwatch may contain nickel, especially if it’s vintage. This metal, once widely used in making watches, earring, rings, and bracelets, is one of the most common causes of skin rashes. About one in every ten people wearing such jewelry eventually gets an allergic reaction.

There is an impressive array of other substances and material that can cause rashes in sensitive people. In fact, almost any substance coming into contact with the skin may cause reactions in some people.

A study by dermatologists in ten major medical centers has come up with a list of the most common causes of skin rashes. These include, besides nickel, potassium dichromate, commonly found in tanning leather and watchbands; antiseptics containing thimerosal or merthiolate; and the ingredient p-phenylenediamine, used in some hair dyes.

Is Weight-Loss Surgery for You?

Surgery to reduce or bypass the stomach has risks, but so does extreme obesity.

Obesity among American women is leveling off, according to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a periodic assessment of American diet and health. Researchers with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta, Ga.) which conducts the survey, found that the percentage of obese women did not increase between 1999 and 2004. This marks the first such slowdown in more than 25 years.

Only time will tell if this is a watershed moment in the obesity epidemic. In the meantime, America has a lot of weight to lose. More than 60 percent of women are overweight and 33 percent are obese, so putting on the brakes is not enough. Besides, NHANES data also showed that more women than ever have entered a weight category called severe or extreme obesity, once called morbid obesity because of its health effects.

Is Alzheimer's Type 3 Diabetes?

A study published recently by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reports that insulin drugs used to keep diabetes under control may also shield nerve cells from harmful neuro-toxic proteins called called amyloid beta-derived diffusible ligands (ADDLs).

This has created hope that bolstering insulin signaling can protect neurons from harm, and thereby help slow the onset of dementia in diabetic persons as they age. Indeed, disturbances in glucose metabolism have been reported in so-called “Alzheimer’s Disease” (AD) for decades, with the theory being that the brains of diabetics either lack sufficient glucose to function properly, or that excess sugar in the bloodstream of a diabetic does vascular damage that affects blood flow to neurons and increases the formation of neuro-proteins. A study in the American Psychological Association’s January issue of Neuropsychology confirmed that even people who keep diabetes in check are more likely than those without the condition to experience mental decline over time. Another study in the January issue of Diabetes involving thousands of Swedish twins reported that developing diabetes before age 65 corresponds to a 125% increased risk for Alzheimer’s.

Ice Therapy Works

Ice, it turns out, is not only useful for soothing a toothache but also beneficial as a painkiller for, among other things, sore muscles and neuralgia. An ice pack wrapped on an arthritic knee, for example, relieves pain for patients who haven’t been helped by heat or drugs. And, amazingly, when the ice pack is applied for twenty minute periods three times a day, both knees may become more flexible.  

Ice is also an appropriate way to treat a bruise. Apply cold compresses five or six times in twenty-four hours. This will constrict the blood vessels, keep the swelling down, and speed healing. After that, heat should be applied, also five or six times a day, until the bruise is gone. This increases the blood flow in the undamaged area near the bruise and removes all the blood that’s gotten into the skin.

How To Swallow Pills

Even if you’re sure to drink at least six ounces of water when you take a pill, you can still be missing out on optimal relief – unless you stand up. Army investigators have found that lying down immediately after swallowing tends to trap medication in the esophagus for five minutes or longer, delaying its reaching the stomach and being absorbed into the bloodstream.

Many drugs – including antibiotics, iron tablets, quinidine, and vitamin C – can irritate the esophagus, causing burning pain and difficulty in swallowing completely. So, always wash down a pill with liquid – water, juice, or whatever the doctor advises – and if you’re not confined to bed, stand up for a couple of minutes to enable it to get down to work.

Flu Season Jitters: Would You Wear a Surgical Mask in Public?

Is it just me, or are more people sporting surgical masks at malls, grocery stores and other public places these days? Last week I saw several people at Whole Foods masked up--and it wasn't an early start at Halloween either. It made me wonder (especially in light of new research, which I'll tell you about after the jump)--how many of us would actually go out in public with a surgical mask on?

I'm the first to admit that I'm a little germ-phobic (which isn't really a word, I know). I wash my hands more than most people do--probably not such a bad thing--keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in my car, and have a thing about door knobs in public places (if I can avoid touching them with my skin, I will at all costs!).

Extreme Eating: Funny or Just Plain Wrong?

At some point or another, you've probably caught an extreme-eating contest on TV--you know, people competing to see who can stuff their faces with the most hot dogs/hamburgers/you name it. Now the Food Network is getting into the game, with a new show called "Eat the Clock" set to begin filming soon.

As it turns out, competitive eating is a pretty big deal. In fact, it even has an official association: the "International Federation of Competitive Eating." And women get into it too. Juliet Lee, who weighs just 105 pounds, is considered one of the world's greatest competitive eaters. She put down 13.23 pounds of jellied cranberry sauce at a competition in 2007. (Yeah, I'm guessing that she probably doesn't do cranberry sauce anymore at Thanksgiving.)

Ever Wondered How Long You'll Live? Take This Quiz and Find Out

Not to get morbid or anything, but how long do you think you'll live? If you've ever been curious about how the choices you're making now might affect your longevity, read on for a fascinating view into the crystal ball. According to one interesting health quiz, I'm going to live to be...

****

92! And that's great, just as long as my husband lives to be 93.

Want to find out how you're healthy, or not so healthy, choices correlate to your lifespan? You might be surprised. Take this kind-of-fascinating Lifespan Calculator quiz (it's quick--just 13 questions) and tell me what your number is!

(P.S. As you can imagine, smoking cigarettes can reduce your lifespan (duh), but what about these "healthy" tobacco-less cigarettes?)

Early Heart Disease Detection Studied

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has launched a 10-year multicenter study to find new ways of detecting heart disease early, before it produces symptoms.

"The earlier the risk of heart disease can be detected, the sooner steps can be taken to prevent its development," said NHLBI director Dr. Claude Lenfant. "Most of this prevention effort has focused on the standard risk factors for heart disease. This study may give us new and better indicators of heart disease risk."

The study could also yield more specific predictors of heart disease; it will try to determine which factors best predict heart disease in men and women, and in each of the ethnic groups.

Don't Stress Those Joints

Suffering from knee pain? A free pain relief kit may help. Learn More Now!

The alarm rings. You tell yourself, "Five more minutes ... " when suddenly, you realize you've used that same excuse five times already.

You're late! You leap out of bed like a cat with its tail on fire and ouch, you hear an odd snap somewhere between your head and shoulder.

The sudden jerky movement would have triggered a neck sprain that you'd have to live with for the next two days, unable to turn your head right or left and forced to stare straight ahead like some strange being in an invisible neck cast.

This story may be familiar or funny to you. But it happens to many daily and, for those suffering with joint ailments like arthritis, it's no laughing matter. A stiff neck, like most other joint complaints, is usually due to an accumulation of stress in our joints. We may be working at the computer too long and then we retire to bed exhausted. Upon waking up or any sudden movement, our joints may act up.

Don't Bother With These Deadbeat Get-Fit Plans

So you need to lose a few pounds. Experts say to choose a diet and fitness plan like you choose your dates--be picky. Before you start sweating to the oldies or anything else (no offense, Richard Simmons!), be sure your new routine really works. Here are a few to avoid:

In a new report from ABC News, health experts say to avoid some common diet and fitness flops. Some highlights:

Correspondence Gym Courses: Yes, there are mail-away programs to help you get fit. But, better to head to the gym than leave your fitness goals in the hands of the UPS man.

"Cavemen" and "Color" Diets: A diet that tells you to eat lots of meat and load up on calories or just focus on food of a certain color--bad, bad, bad.

Doctor in the House

As a user of the Internet, you may think that scouring the Web to either find a doctor or to check on your doctor's credentials would be a good bet. After all, there are dozens of Web sites that claim they can help. Some are commercial, like WebMD. Others are run by hospitals, governments, health plans or physician organizations. The sites profile anywhere from several dozen to tens of thousands of doctors. However, a recently published white paper says all doctor search Web sites as inadequate.

Physicians from the Massachusetts Health Data Consortium (MHDC) and the Commonwealth Fund studied 40 popular Web sites and conducted interviews with prospective users. The results were published in a comprehensive report called "Accessing Physician Information on the Internet."

Diets That Demand Change

Nutritionists are fairly adamant about the body needing a balanced diet to keep healthy. But when certain foods aggravate ailments, consultation and diet change are in the cards.

Dr. Sarah Brewer, a British specialist in alternative medicines, says the first step is to consult a dietician, "as you are certainly at risk of nutritional deficiencies." She says special "health foods" such as yogurt, and vitamin and mineral supplements can take up some of the slack.

For persons who cannot tolerate milk products, she says "live bio" yogurt in which the proteins have been predigested might be the answer because it provides useful amounts of calcium and beneficial bacteria. Another recommended non-dairy source of calcium is tofu.

Diagnosing the Dizzy

Rocksprings, Texas, resident Henry Greistmann, 67, recently went to his doctor for a check on his ears. When he told the doctor he got dizzy when he looked up at the ceiling, he was sent to a balance and dizziness clinic hosted by four local physicians.

The clinic, held every other Wednesday, pulls the expertise of a local audiologist, Jeff Sirianni; internal medicine specialist, Michael Schlabach; neurologist, Anand Mehendale; and ear, nose and throat specialist, Charles Ballay.

"Dizziness problems are almost always due to a combination of several things, including hypertension, arthritis, inner ear problems, and those combine to make someone dizzy," Schlabach said. "We try and diagnose what is happening."

Depression: The Unwelcome Companion of Diabetes

Halloween is over and before you know it, department stores will be advertising for holidays. All of a sudden, you may find yourself in over your head in the holiday shopping frenzy. For those suffering from anxiety and depression, this kind of stress can be overwhelming, and even put us at risk of developing other ailments such as diabetes. Research has recently indicated that there is a cross-relationship between diabetes and depression, so it is important to understand the link to effectively manage these conditions.

Not only do experts believe that depression can put a person at risk for developing diabetes, but according to the American Diabetes Association, depression can even be a symptom of diabetes. It is also estimated that people suffering from diabetes are actually twice as likely to develop symptoms of depression then those without. With this in mind, focusing on prevention is essential.

Depression Related To the Flu

If you’re feeling especially down emotionally after a bout with the flu, you’re not going out of your mind. There really is a condition called Post-Influenza Depression. Also called the blues, or the blahs, it goes on for a time after the flu’s chills, fever, nausea, aches and bad dreams.

The problem is most people don’t realize that it’s the aftermath of the flu and may think they’re falling into a more serious case of depression.

But look at it this way: A flu virus attacks your body – and some strains are pretty vicious. All your body’s immune defenses are mobilized. Your major organs may spring to the defense – the lungs, liver, lymph system, intestinal tract. No wonder you feel exhausted, weak and depressed after the battle is won.

Depression and Memory

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depressive illnesses affect more than 20 million Americans each year. People who suffer from depression can be overwhelmed by an unbearable sadness and a sense of hopelessness that makes it difficult to carry on or plan ahead. The disorder can affect their ability to work and damage important relationships. It can lead to cardiac problems and osteoporosis, and complicate the treatment of other medical conditions.

Depressive illnesses can also damage brain structures like the hippocampus, reduce brain cell activity in the prefrontal cortex, and potentially lead to cognitive declines and memory complaints. Studies show that episodic, conscious memory for facts appears to be particularly vulnerable.

Defying “Predisposed” Diseases: Health and Longevity Are in Your Hands

One of the most common misconceptions is that we cannot change our genetic predispositions, and are therefore pre-destined to suffer from diseases that have long been considered hereditary.

Doctors even recommend people with a family history of diseases such as cancer and diabetes to be monitored more frequently then those who do not. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself how your lifestyle influences genetics? The answer is a lot.

Recent studies suggest that people of all ages who are predisposed to certain family diseases can significantly reduce their chances of developing diseases that tend to run in the family, regardless of their age.  They can also modify the tendency to develop diseases for future generations down the road.

Dealing with Depression

It's not uncommon to get a case of the blues now and then, but women are twice as likely as men to have it turn into a full-blown bout of depression. It's not clear whether this is based on biological differences or because women are more likely to express their feelings, but The University of Iowa's Virtual Hospital offers a helpful guide for coping.

Sometimes depression starts out as stress that builds slowly, with no physical or emotional outlet -- a victim may experience physical symptoms such as fatigue. As the stress continues with no release, the victim may slide into depression with a completely different set of symptoms.

Dealing With Common Ailments in Small Children- Naturally!

When children are young, there are frequent conditions they may suffer from. These complaints can cause distress and discomfort in your child, and ultimately heartache for you as a parent. Below are a few common ailments and the natural ways to care for small children suffering from them.

Diaper rash

Diaper rash is a common skin condition in babies and is usually caused by contents of a dirty diaper irritating the skin, and can produce symptoms such as red bumps, soreness and peeling of the skin. However, in some cases, a rash that looks much like a diaper rash is actually caused by a bacteria or yeast infection.

Cutting Anti-Cholesterol Drug Side Effects

Lowering your cholesterol is to be ardently desired and there is a mountain of medical evidence showing it reduces your risk of heart disease. But for many ThirdAgers, current prescription medicines available tend to carry unpleasant side effects such as constipation and gas.

A study in the current issue of Archives of Internal Medicine finds a new product, Cholestagel, lowers low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels by up to 19 percent without the high rate of side effects. Study author Dr. Michael H. Davidson of the Chicago Center for Clinical Trials says the side effects of cholesterol drugs lead many people to stop taking the medication.

Cure Colic and Finally Sleep!

Colic is a medical condition that affects babies. In medical terms, a baby has to cry for more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks in a row before colic is diagnosed.

Colic tends to be worse at certain times of the day, such as during the evening and in the middle of the night. While the baby is crying they look so angry! Their fists are clenched and legs up in the air while the abdominal area is cramping up.

Colic usually starts in newborn babies to infants who are two months old. Not all infants get colic but it is very common. There are a number of things that you can do to relieve the colic and get your peace of mind back. By the end of 3 months your baby should be over the episodes and both of you can, once again, get some sleep!

Cucumber: A Nutritional Powerhouse at Your Finger Tips

Who knew that one simple fruit could have so many health benefits? An article published in The New York Times several weeks ago featured the many uses of cucumber. But what struck me the most were its nutritional properties.

Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day. As a matter of fact, one cucumber contains vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin C, and calcium.

Cucumbers can serve as a quick pick me up. Since cucumbers are a good source of B vitamins and carbohydrates they can be used to provide a quick pick-me-up. So next time you’re feeling tired in the afternoon grab a cucumber instead of coffee or soda!

Cryosurgery Used for Chronic Foot Pain

BRADENTON, FLA. -- For those with chronic foot and/or heel pain, Dr. Brent Rubin has a suggestion: Give it the deep freeze.

Rubin, a podiatrist at HealthCare America, isn't advocating that pain sufferers immerse their feet in a bucket of ice cubes. Rather, it's cryosurgery -- an ancient concept that uses super-cold temperatures to treat inflamed or diseased tissue.

"It literally freezes the nerve," Rubin said of the procedure, which he has performed on about 150 patients. "It doesn't kill it permanently. The nerve will regenerate anywhere from six months to a year later."

And, it usually heals itself in the process, thereby eliminating the source of the pain, he said.

Coping With the Loss of Your Pet

Losing a pet can be very upsetting, and even shocking. Unfortunately, since animals age quicker than humans, most pet owners will go through the loss of a pet at some point in their lives, but comfortably coping with that loss can be hard to do.

Ask your vet

First and foremost, it is important to ask your vet questions about the condition of your pet. Since the questions are surrounding a distressing subject, it may be in your best interest to write down what you would like to ask your vet so as not to forget anything when in the office. After talking with your vet, weigh all the options he/she may have given you. If medical attention to extend your pet’s life is possible, give some thought as to whether this option is financially viable for you- and always keep your pet’s happiness in mind.

Coping with Stress

Is it a good thing to do? You bet your bananas it is! When periods of stress and symptoms of tension arise, some psychologists believe that it is healthier to stop worrying and to take a completely different tack. Yell at the television. Make faces in a mirror. Do the mashed potato. Tramp around the house like Groucho Marx.  Hold an animated conversation with yourself.

We’ve all got a bit of the outrageous lurking beneath our sometimes overly self-controlled exteriors, and it can be healthy and tension-relieving to let a little of it surface. Anything will do as long as it’s unusual and fun but harmless to yourself and others.

Control Your Carbs to Resist Diabetes

Do you love breads, fruit, potatoes or anything with sugar in it? A diet heavy in high-carbohydrate foods like these may lead to insulin resistance and diabetes, say New York City-based physicians Rachael Heller, M.D., and Richard Heller, M.D., authors of "The Carbohydrate Addict's Cookbook" (Wiley, 2001).

Consisting of starches and sugars, carbohydrates are the body's chief "energy food." They influence the release of the hormone insulin, often referred to as the hunger hormone, since it signals the body to take in food.

There are two major types of carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates, found in fresh fruits and vegetables, contain complex sugars and starches and various types of fiber, all of which are digested slowly and help stabilize glucose and insulin levels. Refined carbohydrates, which include bread, snack foods, pasta and various forms of sugar, are digested rapidly and provoke surging increases in glucose and insulin.

Controlling Common Conditions in Aging Pets

While we’d all love to turn back the clock and have our pets puppies and kittens again (fully potty-trained, of course!), unfortunately, they too must deal with the same aging process that we experience. However, there are common conditions that you can help control by implementing preventative health care measures.

In addition, addressing slight problems right away can lead to reduced costs in long-term care, as many diseases are potentially preventable. As diseases advance, the cost of treatment also increases. Therefore, early detection and regular maintenance can go a long way to building a strong foundation for your pet’s health.

Combating Disease Through Diet

It has long been determined that diet and the foods you eat play a large role in influencing your health and well-being. The AARP has provided a list of certain foods and dietary nutrients that combat specific health disorders.

Calcium and Bone Diseases

According to AARP, osteoporosis is a disease that occurs when the calcium content in your bones is very low. Low calcium causes stiff, brittle and fragile bones which are easily fractured or broken. Implementing daily doses of calcium into your diet is essential, particularly for older individuals. Getting the proper amount of calcium can help you maintain healthy bones and teeth. The best food sources for calcium come from dairy and milk products. Calcium can also be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Calcium supplements are also available if you’re not getting the proper amount from the foods you eat. Check with your doctor regarding the recommended daily allowance of calcium based upon your age, gender and hormonal factors.

Cold Weather Pet Concerns

When winter temperatures plummet, there are a myriad of problems that can affect your pets. As always, prevention is much better than cure!

Take a few minutes to check out some of the top concerns your pets may face this winter and help keep your animals cozy and healthy!

Painful Paws

If you are a pet owner in a snow-prone climate, it is particularly important to protect your pet’s feet, as salt applied to streets and sidewalks to melt icy conditions can be extremely irritating and lead to tender pads.

Dry, cold air alone can cause your pet’s pads to become dry and cracked, so watch for signs of sore pads and discomfort to avoid a more serious condition like an infection. Your dog or cat may excessively lick his or her feet, and you may notice red skin between the pads or even bleeding.

Cold, Cranky and Sad? Help for Seasonal Depression

As the season changes from fall to winter and days become shorter, symptoms of seasonal affective disorder may begin to surface. According to Mental Health America, about half a million people suffer from SAD every year, with the highest incidences reportedly during December, January, and February. An even higher number of people may suffer from a milder case of “winter blues”.

What causes seasonal affective disorder?

Changes in daylight affect stimulation of the hypothalamus, a highly complex region in the brain responsible for many body functions. When light is reduced, the hypothalamus’ change in response rate slows various body mechanisms, which can lead to symptoms in certain people. Though it can affect anyone from children to adults, the disorder is more common in women between 20-40 years of age.

Coffee: More Than a Drink

Did you know that coffee first gained popularity in Europe as a medicinal remedy? Or that espresso is more than four times as fattening as filter coffee, or that it takes 600,000 coffee beans to fill one 132-pound sack?

Coffee World is there to enlighten you. In fact, the site will tell you so much about its favorite brew that you would probably have to sit up night, quaffing one cup of hot java after another, to take it all in.

Coffee World assures us the substance is far more than a beverage essence and is a useful ingredient in cookery, ranging from coffee pork chops to coffee barbecue sauce and fusilli with coffee ragout. Other recipes include a coffee-laced beef and cheese tortilla casserole, slow roast shoulder of lamb with coffee and cumin, and spaghetti al caffe.

Click Here for a Better Diet

If you need some online help planning a healthy diet, check out the Interactive Healthy Eating Index from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Web site offers graphics, tables and icons to not only measure an individual's diet, but also portion size, variety of foods and consumption of saturated fat.

"Giving Americans the opportunity to privately monitor their daily nutritional intake is an excellent way for people to determine what foods they should be consuming and how they can work these foods into a well balanced eating plan," says Edith Howard Hogan, a dietician with American Dietetic Association.

Chow Down on Mood-Boosting Foods

Tough economic times can be particularly devastating to one's emotional and mental well-being, oftentimes triggering depression, according to United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Many reach for comfort foods, such as chips, cookies and chocolates, to survive the turmoil, but the Mental Health Foundation found that daily exercise and healthy eating are part of a successful plan for treatment.

"The foods we eat may affect our brain chemistry as much as some medication," Laura Buxenbaum, nutrition communication program manager for Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, Inc., said. "In order to beat the blues, we need to pay attention to what we're eating."

Chill Out Diet for Hot Flashes

Although you may have experienced occasional hot flashes at some time in your life, when you're going through menopause, they can be unrelenting and even debilitating. The good news is that some small dietary adjustments may make a big difference in their frequency and intensity.

In general, the typical American diet includes a lot of white flour, fat, dairy, sugar, caffeine and meat. Replacing some of these items with whole grains, fruits and vegetables, beans, fish and small amounts of meat, would have many health benefits; one of which is that these food groups are high in concentrated phytoestrogens -- estrogen-like compounds that even out the hormonal fluctuations that cause hot flashes.

Child and Teen Obesity – Why Is It So Prevalent?

I cannot get through the news without seeing at least one reference to child/teen obesity.  Why is it such a problem in America? Is it the type of food that children today are putting in their mouths, and who is to blame for such behavior?

What’s the problem?

First of all, we must define what child and adolescent obesity really is. Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and teenagers. It occurs when a child is above the normal weight for his or her age and height. The problem is that the children are showing a very high rate of obesity that can lead into health issues as they grow older, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Check that Chronic Cough

If you smoke, have allergies or take blood pressure medication and suffer from a chronic cough, it may be more than just a coincidence. Symptoms of a chronic cough, one lasting more than three weeks, are: coughing up phlegm or blood; running a high temperature; being often drenched in sweat or losing weight .

Postnasal drip accompanying allergies is one possible cause of a chronic cough. Medical experts at the American Academy of Family Physicians suggest either avoiding the pollen, smoke and dust causing the allergy to flare up, or trying a combination of antihistamines and decongestants suggested by a doctor.

Celebrity Health: Why Losing the Baby Weight Made Jessica Alba Cry

You know how it always seems that celebs can have a baby and then seconds later--bam--they're back in shape? Sure, some of them just have really good genes, but others just work really, really hard. Jessica Alba gets today's healthy celeb award for being real...

****

Months ago, after Jessica Alba had her baby, I remember being a teeny bit jealous. How in the world did she go from 9 months pregnant to flat tummy--seemingly overnight? We speculated about her new workout equipment and the fact that she (and other stars like her) can afford personal trainers and chefs. And then she posed for that calendar!

Cats and Dogs Get Arthritis Too

Arthritis is a disease that continues to get worse as your pet ages and the affected joints become inflamed. The cartilage in the joint is slowly destroyed by everyday wear and tear and once it gets to a certain point, the body begins to help further the destruction.

Many times you cannot even tell if your pet has arthritis. Other times you will be able to hear creaking in their joints or see the inflammation.

There are many things that can cause arthritis in cats or dogs including injury, infections and certain diseases. Some breeds such as bulldogs and dachshunds are more prone to arthritis due to their body and bone structure.

Caring for Fido and Fluffy’s Cold – Home Remedy Tips

While symptoms of cold and flu are distressful and a potential cause for concern there are a number of things you can do at home to nurse your pet back to health. Check out our tips for both cats and dogs.

How Do I Care for My Cat?

You will be required to address cat colds only if the underlying cause has been identified as a bacterial infection. Otherwise, a cat cold must run its course. Cats are likely to sneeze and sleep a lot during the course of the infection, which can last between 7 to 14 days, maximum. You can make use of some time-tested home remedies, herbal cures and homeopathic remedies to alleviate the symptoms.

Can Your Pet Catch a Cold?

You may have begun hearing the coughs, sneezes and sniffles that seem to sneak up on us every fall, from around the office, in the stores, or even in your own home. A lot of people often wonder whether their dogs and cats can catch common colds like humans do!

Pets get sick, too

Symptoms that resemble human colds in cats and dogs, like a runny nose, sneezing and coughing, are usually caused by a viral, bacterial or fungal infection in the canine or feline respiratory system, such as kennel cough. So while your pet is just as susceptible to illness as you, the viruses that affect pets don't affect humans and vice versa.

Can Naps Lead to Type 2 Diabetes?

WESTCHESTER, Ill. -- Admit it. There's nothing like taking that quick cat nap in the middle of the day. It rejuvenates your mind and gives you a fresh burst of energy. But beware: a new study in the March 1 issue of the journal Sleep shows that frequent daytime napping may increase your risk of of type 2 diabetes.

The study looked at an older Chinese population and found that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes was 36 percent higher in participants who reported napping four to six times a week and 28 percent higher in those who napped daily.

Similar associations were found between napping and impaired fasting glucose. The observed associations were unaltered in statistical analyses that removed participants with potential ill health and daytime sleepiness, suggesting it is less likely that diabetes leads to daytime sleepiness and raising the possibility that napping may increase the risk of diabetes.

Can Food Improve Your Memory?

I get asked all the time whether or not food can improve memory. The short answer is a resounding “yes.

It’s really true that “You are what you eat.” Most people recognize that what they eat affects physical health. If they live on a high-fat diet, they’re likely to develop heart disease; avoiding calcium-rich milk will increase the risk for osteoporosis, etc. But it takes years of eating poorly before these diseases rear their ugly heads.

Long before your bones crumble or your arteries clog, your thinking is blurred by the wrong food choices. In fact, the link is so immediate that literally what you eat or don’t eat for breakfast can affect how clearly you think or how well you recall information by mid-afternoon. Some foods also will help you side step memory loss and even Alzheimer’s down the road!

Can Blood Tests Detect Arthritis?

Question: Can a blood test detect arthritis?

Answer: There is a special blood test for rheumatoid arthritis, but no test for the wear-and-tear type called osteoarthritis.

However, according to Arthritis Answers from the Experts, blood tests are only one of many tools physicians use to make a diagnosis. In the case of osteoarthritis, a diagnosis is made based on physical examination, detailed patient history, and, in some cases, ruling out other probable causes of pain.

The best way to prevent and treat osteoarthritis is through a holistic pain cure program. The four tenets of such an approach would include: nutrition along with supplementation, physical therapy such as exercise and acupuncture, medicine--including the possibility of hormone replacement therapy, and mental and spiritual pain control.

Candy Canes Are More Than Just a Sweet Treat!

Did you know that the main ingredient in a favorite seasonal treat offers amazing health benefits as well? Especially during the holidays, when added stress can disrupt the nervous system—causing debilitating migraines or tension headaches, digestive upset, heartburn and more—welcome  peppermint into your life; it’s a natural healer!

Peppermint has been found to reduce sensitivity to pain and the extract has a relaxing effect on tight muscles in the head and neck, which often trigger tension headaches.

In a study performed in England, researchers asked headache-suffering patients to apply peppermint extract on their foreheads. Amazingly, 95 percent of users said they felt a soothing effect within two minutes! Not only that, but they also said they found it more convenient then conventional pain killers.

Cancer Nutrition Tips

Weight loss and malnutrition are serious threats to patients battling cancer, who can find that their tumors or treatment sap their appetite, cause nausea and other side effects and block absorption the nutrients they do force down. Here are some tips from cancer specialists and dietitians to help:

Try to eat five or six small meals throughout the day rather than three large ones.

Cancer patients tend to need more protein than healthy people. Peanut butter crackers, yogurt and fruit, a hard-boiled egg and piece of toast all are good mini-meals. 

Drink between meals, not with them, to avoid filling up on liquid. 

Buy Small to Eat Healthy

When it comes to healthy eating, the spirit often is more than willing but the flesh is where the whole business falls apart. Particularly, writes dietician Stephen Gullo at Healthy Lifestyles, when the flesh goes wandering down the aisles of supermarkets and buys super-size products.

"Availability creates craving," says Gullo. Which is another way of saying if food is there, we will be tempted into eating it. The solution, he suggests, is to forget about the bargain super-packages and buy individual servings. You'll end up eating less, he says.

Another villain, Gullo says, is variety: "If you've got five different types of fat-free cookies in the house, you'll consume more than if you have just one kind." So instead of sampling every cookie in the place or vacuuming the refrigerator for leftovers, give some thought to a simple cup of non-fat soup as an early-evening appetizer.

Build Bones, Lose Weight

Boosting calcium consumption spurs weight loss, according to a study published in the most recent issue of the British Journal of Nutrition, but only in people whose diets are calcium deficient.

Angelo Tremblay and his team at Universite Laval's Faculty of Medicine in France made the discovery in a 15-week weight loss program they conducted on obese women. The participants consumed on average less than 600 mg of calcium per day, whereas recommended daily intake is 1000 mg. In addition to following a low calorie diet, the women were instructed to take two tablets a day containing either a total of 1200 mg of calcium or a placebo. Those who took the calcium tablets lost nearly 13 pounds over the course of the program compared to only about 2 pounds for women in the control group.

Brown Rice Holds Nutritional Edge

Health food fans fond of rice as part of their long-life diet continue to favor the brown version of the staple as holding the edge in nutritional benefit.

Rice experts at lundberg Family Farms says the difference is significant. When the bran layer of brown rice is shucked off to produce white rice, the rice grain's carbohydrate core is left, while the nutrient-rich outer layer is eliminated. Also discarded with the outer layer is most of the fiber, and B vitamins along with essential oils and minerals, they say.

The experts say one cup of brown rice contains 3.32 grams of dietary fiber compared with .74 grams found in a cup of the white variety and brown rice also provides more vitamin E, magnesium and potassium.

Broccoli's Taste Has an Upside

The saying goes that if it tastes terrible, it's got to be good for you. That, scientists say, is quite true in the case of that very unpopular vegetable, broccoli.

Experts at Britain's Institute of Food Research claim it's the taste of the vegetable itself that gives broccoli some properties that seem to be effective in dealing with cancer. The flavor is created by the vegetable's anti-carcinogenic compounds.

The researchers found that juiced broccoli when added to cancer cells reduced their survival by a whopping 95 per cent.

The Cancer Research Campaign says the institute's work supports its own findings. Whether it makes broccoli any more popular with two of its more prominent critics, George Bush and Bill Clinton, is perhaps something else again.

Breakfast At Your Desk: Would You Try This Breakfast Pizza?

Morning guys! Have you ever had a breakfast pizza? I know, I was a little skeptical myself, but then I saw this photo and decided that this could actually be pretty tasty (and if you make it right, healthy)...

Sounds like fun (and a little decadent) huh? But why not? You could totally make this with a whole-wheat crust, use turkey bacon (or none at all) and swap in some spinach and go easy on the cheese. Yum! I found this recipe over at the fun blog Project Foodie.

Breakfast Pizza

Makes 2 pizzas (serves 4, and probably more)

Recipe adapted from The Big Sur Bakery Cookbook by Michelle Wojtowicz, Philip Wojtowicz and Michael Gilson (William Morrow Cookbooks 2009)

Breakfast at Your Desk: Strangly Sounding Good: Beans + Greens

Morning dearies! It wasn't until I hopped over to Jen Causey's beautiful blog Simply Breakfast that I started craving this unlikely duo in the a.m. hours: beans and greens ...

I'm normally an oat bran + banana or whole-wheat blueberry muffin + soy milk sort of gal. But thanks to Simply Breakfast, where Jen is showing off a recent greens + beans kick, here I am craving beans alongside lightly sauteed greens--the ones with lots of personality, like mustard greens or rainbow chard.

Tell me, does this appeal to you too? If it does, you (and I), are in for a nutritional treat. This breakfast is so high in nutrients--from antioxidants to fiber. Round it out with a slice of whole-grain toast, and something warm and comforting to drink.

Breakfast At Your Desk: He Broke His Tooth on This Cereal--Now He's Suing Whole Foods

It's Christmas Eve, so how about a bah-humbug moment (for all of you who may not be feeling exactly merry and bright)? Have you ever taken a bite of cereal and crunched on something hard? It's happened to me! Fortunately, I've never had any serious tooth injuries. But one guy says something in his cereal broke his tooth and sent him into the ER. So he's suing the grocery store...

Apparently there was a little too much fiber in six-time Mr. World Fitness champion Franco Carlotto's cereal. According to reports, Carlotto allegedly was eating a bowl of "Whole Foods Market Organic Everyday Value Organic High Fiber Cereal" and "broke his teeth when he chomped down on a portion of the cereal that had solidified to a hardened mass." He had to seek medical treatment for his injuries.

A Fitness Do or a Don't: Exercising With Friends Who Talk Your Ear Off

Lately I've been loving (with a capital "L") my solo running time. Maybe it's because I have two little kids and the peace and quiet is heaven. But I also know people who can't workout with out a friend. What's your preference? Exercising in silence or chatting away with a pal?

****

I wrote about running clubs yesterday--a "free fitness" concept that I'm kind of fascinated with. But one problem with group exercise--or just exercising with friends--that I didn't get into in the post is this: When you work out with others, does it mean you have to be chatty with them?

I was invited to join a running club here in my city. The organizer's email went something like this: "Let's face it, running alone is boring. Join us this Saturday for a run and you'll meet new friends and have great conversations while jogging."

A Brilliant Holiday Gift Idea for the Health Nut on Your List

Are you stumped on what to get your yoga-loving sis? Or your father-in-law, who recently lost 30 pounds and became a vegetarian? Recently, I stumbled across a really cool gift idea--wish I could take credit for it!--that I wanted to share with you...

****

I love gifts that are less about stuff and more about experiences--like gift certificates to great restaurants, zoo memberships, things like that. And I think the gift of healthy eating is a great concept too. Recently, on a listserve I'm on, someone mentioned that they're getting their sister a few deliveries of organic produce for Christmas--via one of those nifty produce delivery services. Brilliant, I thought.

Are You Laid-Back and Friendly? You May Have a Lower Dementia Risk

Want to stave off dementia and Alzheimer's disease when you get older? Researchers have a surprising suggestion for you: Go to a party

Researchers gave 506 volunteers questionnaires about their personality and lifestyle and tracked them over the course of six years. Socially active people who don't get stressed easily had a 50 percent lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who have less social contact and have a tendency to fret, according to a study published in Neurology. One in seven Americans aged 71 and older have memory loss, problems with orientation and other symptoms that signal Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Yawning? 6 Surprising Reasons Why You're Exhausted

Sure, getting enough sleep is the biggest way to beat the 4:00 yawning session (I swear, there is something about this time--weirdly, I could fall asleep at 4 p.m. everyday!), but did you know that several other surprising things could be making you sleepy? Here are some unlikely yawn-inducers...
WebMD recently ran a piece about the most common reasons for feeling tired. Here are some:
1. A hidden UTI: In some cases, fatigue may be the only sign of a urinary tract infection, reports WebMD. If you suspect something's up (and you have pain and burning when you pee) talk to your doc. A urine test can quickly confirm a UTI.
2. Your diet: If you're not eating enough, you will be tired. Calories = energy, my friends. (I feel like I sounded just like John McCain when I wrote that.)
3. Food allergies you didn't know you had: Some doctors believe that exhaustion could be a sign of hidden food allergies.
4. Caffeine overload: You probably reach for more coffee when you're tired, but experts say that too much caffeine can sometimes backfire, causing you to feel more fatigued. Maybe skip the triple-venti today.
5. Undetected thyroid problems: Fatigue is one symptom of a thyroid condition called hypothyroidism. Fortunately, this is such a treatable thing (I have it, and just pop a pill each day--no biggie). Most health experts concur that every woman should have her thyroid levels tested every few years (just a simple blood test) to rule out any such conditions (they're common in women).
P.S. I'd add a sixth: your snoring man. My husband snores, and it makes it so hard for me to get to sleep most nights. I told you about a new product called Brez that he was going to try. Well, he tried it! The verdict: While it didn't stop his snoring completely, it has helped. Somehow the snoring has gotten softer and less intense. Hey, I'll settle for any improvement!
Are you sleepy today? What do you blame your fatigue on? The baby? Your job? Stress?