Health & Fitness

Category: Health

Talk to your babies

Children who are exposed to more words when they are between 2 and 6 months of age demonstrate more advanced language skills later in life, according to researchers who will be presenting their findings during the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) National Convention in New Orleans this week.

According to ASHA members Judy K. Montgomery, Jill Gilkerson, and Jeffrey A. Richards and co-researcher Dongxin Xu, the number of words spoken near a child during the first several months of his or her life demonstrated a positive correlation with the child's language skills 18...32 months later.

These results have implications for early intervention and suggest the need for parent training and intense language exposure for at-risk children even before they have begun to talk.

The researchers will discuss their findings on today.

Their presentation is part of ASHA's National Convention, which begins November 19 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The Convention will feature 3 days of workshops, paper sessions, and poster presentations, plus a keynote address by stage and screen star Ben Vereen, who will speak to the audience about how speech-language pathologists helped him find his way back to speech after a serious accident. The Convention runs through Saturday, November 21.

My first speech about diabetes, Dec. 2

A number of people have taken notice of my battle with diabetes and weight loss. I have heard from the American Kidney Foundation and am getting a constant drum beat of emails from people around the city.

I even heard from former Piston Jerry Stackhouse whose sister died of diabetes. It runs in his family.

I really appreciate the support.

Now I am giving my first public speech on Dec. 2 at the Southgate Surgery Center in Southgate from 7-8 p.m. during its open house which runs from 6-8 p.m.

The open house is free.

I will talk about my diet, how I reacted when I discovered I had diabetes and will answer questions from the audience. I hope to see many of you in attendance.

I am also bringing in my personal trainer Melissa Borden who can answer questions about how she has helped me.

The open house will feature diabetes education and a free health screening. They will also have a chef who will talk about healthy cooking.

The surgery center is located at 14050 Toledo-Dix road in Southgate.

I can be reached at Terry.Foster@detnews.com or 313-222-1494.

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My personal trainer pushes me

DEARBORN -- There were troubling signs before my doctor said I was a type two diabetic.

This summer I coached my daughter Celine's 3v3 soccer team and I could not get through drills without huffing and puffing. I needed to exercise but was too lazy to do so even after that alarming day where I thought my heart was going to leap out of my chest.

Now I can run a mile. I can do 60 minutes on the bike and I am going through some of the wildest exercises imaginable twice a week at Body and Balance. After dieting and exercising on my own I wanted to kick it up and add definition to my body.

I have a personal trainer. Her name is Melissa Borden and we spend an hour together every Wednesday and Friday morning. She has goals for me that I used to believe were impossible. But now I am not so sure.

Last summer I weighed 232 pounds, had a 40 inch waist and my body fat was around 34 percent. Next summer she wants me to weigh 195 pounds with a 34 inch waist and 12 percent body fat. There has been great progress.

Currently I am at 205 pounds, 36 inch waist and 25 percent body fat.

Here is the thing I had to admit. I was fat.

Borden laughs when I say it out loud.

"When you first came here yes you were," she said. "And now if I took your body fat it would be a little higher than I wanted but if you look at yourself now you look fit. You make me sound mean calling you fat."

Personal trainers get a bad rep because of the reality show "Biggest Losers." Borden does not yell. She does not scream. She does not get on the floor and demand more. She is laid back but demanding. And that is exactly what I need.

I built myself up on my own. But I needed to be pushed.

"You started off slow with light exercises and as you got better it became more intense and we started making it more difficult," she said. "We had to ease into it to make your core stronger. A lot of the things we are doing now, the push ups, you could not have done before. You were not strong enough to do it so we built up your muscles. Today you can do the push ups with the kicks. If you had tried some of the things back in then, you would have been throwing up and passing out. And we don't want that."

I can do things now I never imagined. I not only can do 15-20 push ups but I do them while balancing my body on a pair or weights and then I lift one of the weights behind my back while balancing on the other weight.

So what does exercise have to do with my diabetes? It is like taking medication.

"It keeps your weight under control and you can manage your diabetes without insulin," Borden said. "We are keeping your body fat low which is going to keep you fit and keep your back in check. You had back issues when you first came and this is going to keep you healthy."

You do not have to get a trainer. But you must exercise and eat right. I simply wanted to kick it up a notch. Make sure you hit the bike or walk or do whatever you can do. But try to get in at least 15 minutes a day.

I can be reached at Terry.Foster@detnews.com or 313-222-1494. You can follow me at twitter.com/bigscoop.

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Category: Health

Don't let your toothbrush make you sick

Many people are concerned about staying healthy during the winter months with cold, flu and the H1N1 viruses going around. That's why Delta Dental of Michigan recommends taking steps to keep your toothbrush germ-free.

We know we should wash our hands often and cough or sneeze into a a tissue or our sleeves. But don't forget about the toothbrush, which can make you sick.

Dr. Jed Jacobson, chief science officer and senior vice president of Delta Dental of Michigan, offers these tips to make sure your own toothbrush doesn't make you sick this winter:

Replace your toothbrush every four months because toothbrushes wear out and don't clean as effectively once the bristles become worn down. But if you do get sick, be sure to replace your toothbrush right away.

Sterilize your toothbrush once per week. One minute in the microwave for a wet toothbrush or one run through the dishwasher will do the trick.

Store your toothbrush away from others and don't share toothpaste. Airborne bacteria can be shared between toothbrushes stored near each other in warm, moist environments like the bathroom.

You also can avoid cross-contamination of germs by giving each member of the family their own tube of toothpaste and using an individual travel size container when someone is sick.

Wash your hands before and after brushing.

Anytime the hands are near the mouth, they can transfer bacteria.

Let the music move your body

Let the music move you.

That is what I do twice a day when I exercise. I do not like getting on the bike or tread mill. I used to hate it because I tired quickly. Now I hate it because I get bored easily. That is where the music comes in.

I have filled my I pod with up beat music that gets me moving in the morning. Without it I do not know how long I could go. But when you get lost in music it allows the workouts to go quicker.

Find your favorite tunes and let it rip. It does not matter what moves you, just find it. The way I look at it music is saving my life. I am a type two diabetic fighting to stay off medication for as long as I can.

My doctor told me that we can fight diabetes without medication for a long, long time. However, I must fight it with diet and exercise. The way I see it I am already on medication. But I do not take it with a needle or in pill form. My medication is exercise.

Every time I exercise it gets the muscles moving and allows sugar to escape my blood stream. It is what I must do the rest of my life and I am prepared for it. I mentally check out at times but that is when the music comes in.

I love techno and dance music. Right now I listen to an album called "Armin Only: Imagine the Music." I like it because the music is dynamic and fast. It gets my legs pumping and my heart rate up.

I do 30 minutes of bike in the morning and 30 at night. I also do some weight exercises with a medicine ball and tension rope with the goal of adding some definition to my body.

I can do an hour of bike none stop which I am very proud of. The one thing I was not proud of is that this summer five minutes on the bike made me tired and ready to quit. But I have built up stamina and you can to. Let the music move you.

The results have been dramatic. I went from a 40 inch waist to a 36, a 48 suit coat to a 44 and 232 pounds to 205. And the battle continues.

I also hired a personal trainer. I will tell you about her later this week.

I can be reached at Terry.Foster@detnews.com or 313-222-1494. You can follow me on twitter.com/bigscoop.

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Category: Health

Get a free far-infrared massage Wednesday

If you've never experienced a far-infrared massage, here's your chance to try one for free. Research shows the Migun tables help lower blood pressure, relieve pain and offer a variety of health benefits including benefits for diabetics. I know people who swear by them, and you love the experience after trying them out a few times, you can buy one and take it home.

MIGUN of Birmingham is hosting a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting event, sponsored by the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce at 4 p.m. Wednesday. The event is free to attend.

Formerly located in West Bloomfield, MIGUN Pain Center of Birmingham, the center has MIGUN beds that use a far-infrared thermal massage technique and incorporates an acupressure type simulation to stimulate and increase circulation.

This event is to re-introduce the pain relieving, stress reducing and health promoting benefits of MIGUNS's far-infrared thermal massage system.

"Your body gets the benefits of a cardiovascular workout while you enjoy a relaxing 30 minute hands-free massage," says owner Jack Russell. "With regular use, it improves your immune system."

Guests attending will be treated to gifts, complimentary MIGUN massage sessions and healthy raw food treats prepared by Silvana Gilliard, certified raw foods chef from LifeSmart Foods of Utica.

MIGUN Pain Center of Birmingham is located at the Shops of Adams Square, 725 S. Adams Rd., Suite 100, Birmingham. For more information or to RSVP call (248)203-7744 or visit www.migunhealth.com.

Category: Terry Foster's battle with diabetes

Drinking water is a key step

One of my boys noticed my weight loss and wanted to know how he could shed a few pounds. I will hide his identity but if you see a short and squat gentleman who could stand to shed 40 pounds then you've got your guy.

He loves fried chicken wings, burgers, fries and pizza and is not willing to give it up just yet. I told him fine. You can keep eating the way you want for now, but take the first step by giving up regular soda and drinking two liters of water a day.

You would have thought I told him to drink gasoline and set his mouth on fire.

"Are you kidding me?" he screamed. "Man, I got a job and I got to work. I will be in the bathroom all day if I do that."

I never said any of this was easy. If you are not willing to take the first baby step then you are not going to lose weight. Getting rid of soda was my first step and it was not easy. I was addicted to Coca Cola, Pepsi and Vernors. I'd drink four cans a day and loved the burn and sweet taste of the pop on my tongue. Sometimes I loved the taste so much I'd close my eyes after taking a big gulp. But pop is filled with sugar. And when you are a diabetic, sugar must be limited.

If you are trying to lose weight,cut out the soda because is filled with way too many empty calories. Did you know that a large pop in a restaurant is about 320 calories? That is almost as much as a typical sandwich.

I take care of my soda addiction with two bottles of Wal-Mart flavored water a day. There are no calories or carbs and it is sodium free. Meijer has similar flavored water that is almost as good. My favorite flavors are grape, key lime and peach.

When you give up pop and replace it with water I can almost guarantee you will lose five pounds in a week. But it is not easy. I had headaches and felt light headed when I gave up pop. It was almost as if demons were escaping my body. If you do not want to give up soda I recommend Coke Zero and Pepsi Zero. They are filled with flavor and no calories.

One more thing. My friend was right. When you drink this much water you do use the bathroom a lot. But your body adjusts and you don't live in the bathroom after a while. You simply lose weight.

I can be reached at Terry.Foster@detnews.com or 313-222-1494. You can follow me at twitter.com/bigscoop.

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Tips to prevent digestive health pitfalls this holiday season

The sharply plummeting temperatures and pending time change this weekend have awakened a cruel reminder: summer's gone, and cold weather health habits may soon take over.

Comfort food beckons, we become less physically active and fruits and vegetables will become scarcer at the store, prompting us to make less healthy choices.

With the impending holidays, activities like traveling, hosting guests, and drinking alcohol at parties can all wreak havoc on the digestive tract. Poor diet, inadequate fluid intake and inactivity can all potentially lead to digestive issues including constipation.

Because this is an issue that affects over 65 million Americans,renowned gastroenterologist Dr. Cynthia Yoshida, has tips to navigate the tricky changes in health habits in winter.

1. Try simple changes first. A good first step is making changes that can slip easily into even the most hectic schedule without affecting your overall enjoyment of the season. For instance, drink water in between sips of an alcoholic beverage to help prevent dehydration. Or, since exercise may also help promote regularity, work in a brisk walk around the block with a favorite relative to maximize family time and keep your digestive system healthy.

2. Check your medicine cabinet. If the holiday foods have prompted you to use antacids that contain aluminum and calcium, or to take calcium and iron supplements, you could be vulnerable to constipation as a side effect. Also, prescription medications including blood pressure drugs, narcotics, and anti-depressants may produce constipation as a side effect. Pay attention to what you're taking if you find yourself experiencing irregularity, and if you're on any prescription medications, be sure to speak with your doctor about potential side effects.

3. Look to an over-the-counter choice. Sometimes, even with lifestyle tweaks and medication adjustments, occasional constipation still occurs. In these situations, Dr. Yoshida recommends MiraLAX, which does not cause harsh side effects such as bloating, cramps, or sudden urgency.

Category: Terry Foster's battle with diabetes

Five meals a day

There are many parts of dieting that can be a struggle. The part I struggle with is that my doctor and personal trainer (we will get into that later) wants me to eat more meals during the day.

The goal is to eat five smaller meals a day to keep metabolism going so my body is burning more energy. I am a creature of habit. I am used to eating three bigger meals and calling it a day. I am not a big snack guy but I am trying to abide by the five meal rule.

My breakfast usually consists of oatmeal and a natural sweetener called Agava. The reason it is good is because it does not cause blood sugar spikes. Also I might have half a bagel and a scrambled egg on top.

My lunch is soup and salad. And dinner I have chicken breasts or fish and salad and vegetables. I sometimes treat myself with a roll and butter. But I have cut down on bread.

Now what do I snack on? I am still discovering things and I sure could use some help on this. (See, I do not have this totally figured out. )

But here are some of the things I love to eat to fill out my five meals. Grapes and berries. Sliced green or red pepper with a low-fat dressing or crab dip. Dip and crackers.

The key is to find something that is fattening that you like. They want me eating every three hours during the day. I struggle with that because of my work schedule. But if you have any ideas please share with the group.

I can be reached at Terry.Foster@detnews.com or 313-222-1494. You can follow me at twitter.com/bigscoop.

Category: Terry Foster's battle with diabetes

Watch how much you eat when you cheat

After telling me I was diabetic my doctor asked me what I loved to eat. I told her I love pizza, burgers, beer, ice cream and steak.

She said "guess what. You can still have all of that. Being diabetic and losing weight does not mean you have to give up all of your favorite foods. You can still have dessert and enjoy yourself. You have to do it in moderation. Maybe you only have one burger a week, not three times a week. I want you to treat yourself."

I have cheat days. I have cheat meals but I do not go all out like I used to. Before going on this diet I probably cheated twice a day. Now I cheat two or three times a week. But I cheat in moderation.

When I went to New York I was going to have some Juniors cheese cake. Instead of eating an entire slice I split slices with my Son Little B. We decided what flavor we wanted and made joint decisions.

I cheat at McDonald's with two regular hamburgers, a small fry and water.

I cheat at the bar by drinking lite beer and having a drink with diet soda.

But I do not cheat every day. I save it for the weekend or special occasions. You have to be disciplined and you have to fight this battle every day. But you need a break. You need to cheat now and then. But even when you cheat, do it in moderation.

I no longer eat pies and cake. My treat for the weekend is two giant cookies. One on Saturday and one on Sunday. When I have pizza I eat two slices rather than four. Moderation. Try frozen yogurt and fruit instead of ice cream and chocolate sauce. But even when you cheat make sure you drink plenty of water. That should never change.

I can be reached at Terry.Foster@detnews.com or 313-222-1494.