Health & Fitness

Category: Health

Posted by Kimberly Hayes Taylor (The Detroit News) on Thu, Nov 19, 2009 at 10:36 AM

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.

Category: Health

Posted by Kimberly Hayes Taylor (The Detroit News) on Tue, Nov 10, 2009 at 1:55 PM

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.

Category: Health

Posted by Kimberly Hayes Taylor (The Detroit News) on Mon, Nov 9, 2009 at 4:38 PM

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: Health

Posted by Kimberly Hayes Taylor (The Detroit News) on Wed, Oct 21, 2009 at 11:35 AM

Tips on how to handle Halloween and treats

Talk about scary: Halloween is a difficult time to stick to your healthy diet. What can you do when those 5-pound bags of candy go on sale at the grocery store or when your kids have laid out their loot on the living room floor? Weight Watchers has some helpful strategies to help you manage.

Resist the sales: "Don't fall for the coupon in the sales paper," said Weight Watchers CEO Florine Mark. "A 5-pound bag of Snickers on sale is still a 5-pound bag of Snickers."

Buy late: "The closer (to Halloween) you buy your candy for trick-or-treaters the better," Mark said. "Don't even think about opening the bag before that first trick-or-treater hits your door." Less temptation = easier to cope.

Buy candy you don't like: "If you don't like it, chances are you won't eat it," Mark said.

Go out on a full stomach: If you have to walk your kids around to trick or treat, make lunch your big meal of the day so you're not walking around hungry with bags full of candy. Carry a Thermos of something hot to sip or chew mint gum throughout the night. It'll help kill your urge to put candy in your mouth.

Freeze! Put leftover favorite candy in the freezer. If you get weak and find yourself digging into it, those little candy bars will be rock solid and it will take time to get through even one.

Ditch the sense of occasion: Remind yourself that you can buy yourself candy any time of the year. There's no need to load up on fun-size bars on Oct. 31 when you can enjoy them whenever your heart desires.

Keep things in perspective: Eating a little bit of candy on Halloween doesn't make a person overweight, it's constant overeating that can pile on the pounds. So don't assume you can't enjoy even a single treat, especially because deprivation is a dieting tactic that often backfires.

Slimming treats: Halloween means candy wherever you look and it can be difficult denying yourself outright. For those who like to have a candy bowl nearby, we searched the shelves for candy that was lower in Weight Watchers POINTS® value, but still give a bang for the buck. Miniatures are a great deal in terms of portion control, chewy candies turn out to be a big mouthful bargain and hard candies and lollipops score high for long-lasting satisfaction. Here's a sampling:

Jolly Rancher Hard Candy Twists (3 pieces): 1 WW point
Charm's Blow Pop (1 junior or regular pop): 1 point
Weight Watchers by Whitman's Mint Patties (1 piece): 1 point
Tootsie Roll Tootsie Pops (1 regular): 1 point
Weight Watchers by Whitman's Peanut butter crunch (1 piece): 1 point
Skittles Original Bite Size Candies (fun size bag): 2 points
Candy corn (1 oz): 2 points
Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats (1 bar): 2 points
Jolly Rancher Gummis (9 pieces): 2 points
Jelly Belly Jelly Beans (35 pieces): 3 points
Twizzler's Cherry Bites (17 pieces): 3 points
Junior Mints (16): 3 points
Tootsie Roll Tootsie Rolls (12 small): 3 points
Weight Watchers by Whitman's Caramel drops (7 pieces) 3 points

Category: Health

Posted by Kimberly Hayes Taylor (The Detroit News) on Wed, Sep 30, 2009 at 2:14 PM

A weak bladder is a taboo topic

Women may be known as the more talkative sex, but when it comes to a certain sensitive health topic, their lips are sealed, according to a new "Bladder Talk" survey.

One in four women suffers from bladder weakness, but according to the survey of 780 women aged 35 and older in North America (U.S. and Canada) sponsored by TENA®, the worldwide leader in the management of bladder protection, and conducted by Harris Interactive.

Nearly 40 percent of women with symptoms have never discussed their condition with anyone. Of the women who acknowledge they have bladder weakness, almost half (48 percent) are embarrassed to discuss it and more than half (52 percent) either hide symptoms or are afraid of what others would think.

The condition carries such a stigma that women would rather discuss other sensitive topics than their bladder weakness: infertility/fertility (32 percent would discuss before bladder weakness), their relationship with their spouse (30 percent), mental health (23 percent) and menopause (15 percent).

It's important for women to discuss the condition with their doctor so they can learn about their options, says Dr. Lauri Romanzi, a gynecologist with more than 20 years of experience in women's health.

Despite the fact that they are not talking about bladder weakness, the condition affects women's lives in significant ways; half of the women (51 percent) surveyed feel that bladder weakness has a strong impact on their daily life.

More than a third (37 percent) say that they would live differently without bladder weakness, while one fifth (20 percent) say they think constantly about their problem and it almost controls their lives. More than a quarter (28 percent) have planned trips around bathroom locations and almost one fifth (18 percent) have changed the way they dress.

Even with the impact it has on their lives, 43 percent of the respondents have never done anything about their symptoms and only 17 percent have researched the condition for more information.

Both women and men can visit www.tena.us for information and resources including exercises, recipes and products that can help manage the condition

Category: Health

Posted by Kimberly Hayes Taylor (The Detroit News) on Mon, Aug 31, 2009 at 1:09 PM

6 ways to a sneeze-free autumn

1. Kiss your mower good bye: Ragweed alone comes in 17 different species, and each plant can emit a billion grains of pollen. While you can't stay sealed up indoors until the first frost, you can minimize your contact with the pollen. Hire a reliable lawn service to mow, get rid of ragweed and other unwanted plants from your yard and garden, and to fertilize your lawn. You'll sneeze less and have more time to play.

2. Seal yourself off: Autumnal breezes can seem refreshing, but they're full of pollen, so keep your home and car windows and doors shut until ragweed dies its annual death. Change the filters on your heating and ventilation system; it will clean the air and keep your unit operating efficiently, saving you money on your energy bill as well. Consider a HEPA filter to deep clean the air.

3. Wear & Wash: Don't be that guy who sniffs his shirt to see if he can wear it again. Once your clothing has been exposed to the pollen-filled fall air, wash it and that goes for you, too.

4. Mold check: Ragweed isn't your only enemy. Mold spores like to snuggle into compost and bark mulch. Check for pockets of the fungus that could be triggering your allergies and get rid of any you find. Wear protective clothing if you're going to remove the mold. If you're really susceptible to mold, hire a pro.

5. Garden smart: Gardening on cool, cloudy days, or an hour after the rain, are your best bets because rain washes pollen out of the air. Pollen counts are at their highest in the early morning hours and on warm, dry, windy days.

6. Talk to your doc: Keep the Kleenex handy, but don't suffer more than you have to. Talk to your doctor about remedies that can range from over-the-counter nasal irrigators to prescription medicine.

Category: Health

Posted by Kimberly Hayes Taylor (The Detroit News) on Fri, Aug 28, 2009 at 12:49 PM

Track the H1N1 virus on Trackle.com

The Swine Flu, the latest global health crisis, forced the federal government to close schools last spring after the H1/N1 virus began to spread amongst school-aged children. Now, Trackle (www.Trackle.com) can help you stay informed with local and national swine flu news.

Trackle is a free Web service that searches the Internet for you, updating you on the news and events you want to know about everything from health news to neighborhood crime, and even shopping discounts. Unlike similar services, such as Google Alerts, Trackle doesn't just search for keywords. It incorporates change into the keywords and provides real-time alerts on the subjects you choose as often as you choose, and all in one place.

For example, if you want to stay informed on Swine Flu news in your area, and/or nationally, Trackle monitors the CDC (Center for Disease Control), WHO (World Health Organization), and news from Flu.gov. Simply enter your zip code and preferred media choice where you want to Trackle to search (CDC, WHO, Flu.gov, CNN.com) to start receiving personalized alerts.

Trackle keeps all results on your personalized site, and sends you a daily email with new information, but you can also choose to receive real-time alerts via email, SMS text or RSS feed. Updates can also be shared on social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.

Category: Health

Posted by Kimberly Hayes Taylor (The Detroit News) on Wed, Jul 29, 2009 at 11:16 AM

A reinvented birthday cake

I can't help it. I love Red Velvet cake; it's my weakness. But we know it's a delicious, but high-calorie dessert. Recently, the American Cancer Society commissioned the Culinary Institute of American to create the official ACS birthday cake (healthy option of course) to correspond with the ACS being the "Official Sponsor of Birthdays." The winner, Alexandra Mudry, was chosen by Duff Goldman of the Food Network's "Ace of Cakes.

Here's her recipe for New Red Velvet Cake:

(Recipe will make 1-9x14" cake, two 8" round cakes or 24 cupcakes)

Cake:

3 Large or 5 Small Beets (to make 2 c. puree)*

½ c. Applesauce, Unsweetened/Natural

1 c. Granulated sugar

½ c. Canola oil

2 Lg Eggs

2 Lg Egg Whites

3 oz. Unsweetened Chocolate, melted

1 tsp. Instant Espresso Powder or Instant Coffee

½ c. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

¾ c. All-purpose Flour

¾ c. Whole Wheat Flour

¼ c. Quinoa Flour**

1 ½ tsp. Baking Soda

½ tsp. Salt

1 c. Dried Cherries

*You may use canned beets, but make sure they are stored in their own juices and not seasoned. If using canned beets, add a tablespoon (or more) of water and puree until smooth.

**Quinoa flour is found in most health food stores. If you are unable to find it you may use 1c. All Purpose flour to ¾ c. Whole Wheat Flour.

For the roasted beets: Preheat oven to 375. Trim ends of beets and place on a parchment paper or foil lined baking pan. Drizzle with 1 tbsp. canola oil. Roast until fork tender (about 2 hours). Once cooled peel then place in blender or food processor with 1-2 tbsp. water. Puree beets until they reach a smooth and even consistency. Set aside. (Can be made several days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.)

Preheat oven to 375. Spray baking pan(s) with canola oil spray and dust with flour. Discard the excess flour (or if making cupcakes, line tins with paper wrappers).

Combine oil, eggs, egg whites and sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed with a paddle attachment until smooth and light colored.

Add the tsp. of espresso powder to the melted chocolate and stir until combined.

Turning the speed down to low, slowly drizzle the melted chocolate into the mixture. Once the chocolate has been added, turn off the machine and scrape the sides of the bowl.

In a separate bowl, combine the cocoa powder, applesauce and beet puree. Add this mixture to the egg mixture. Place the machine on medium speed to incorporate, scrape down the sides of the bowl and then add the cherries and mix again. Remove the bowl from the mixer.

Sift the remaining dry ingredients together and then gently fold into the mixture (do not over mix or the cake will become tough and dense).

Pour batter into pan(s) and bake for 40-45 minutes (or 20-25 for cupcakes), until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool and remove from pan(s). If not using immediately, wrap in saran wrap and refrigerate. Cake can be made a day in advance. (The cake is rather delicate and crumbly so it is significantly easier to work with once chilled. )

Chocolate Raspberry Ganache

2 oz. heavy cream

1.5 oz. Raspberry Puree

4 oz. Good Quality Bittersweet Chocolate, broken into small pieces

(If you cannot find raspberry puree, you may make your own by pureeing fresh or frozen raspberries and then pressing through a sieve to remove seeds. Also, other berry mixtures can be used ... but especially look for dark berry mixtures such as raspberries, blackberries and blueberries, which are high in antioxidants).

Boil cream in a small pot.

At the same time, warm raspberry puree in microwave (the puree should not be hot ...just warm).

Once cream has boiled, add raspberry puree and stir to combine.

Pour over chocolate and stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is homogenous. If the chocolate does not melt all the way, place over a double boiler and finish melting.

Set ganache aside and allow to cool so it becomes slightly thick. This will allow for easier spreading.

Cream Cheese Frosting

24 oz. (3 pkgs) Reduced Fat Cream Cheese, room temperature

1 ¼ c. Confectioners' Sugar, sifted

2 tsp. Vanilla Extract

Lightly beat cream cheese and vanilla extract until smooth, about 1 -2 minutes.

Stop machine, scrape down sides of bowl then add confectioners' sugar. Cream together until smooth. Do not overmix or the frosting will become too soft and difficult to spread.

Assembly:

If using 9" x 14" pan, pour ganache over top of cake and spread evenly. (It does not have to be perfect). Cut the cake lengthwise down the middle, and then invert so both layers of ganache are sandwiched together. (If using an 8" pan, pour ganache on one layer and top with other cake.)

Once cake is stacked, smooth sides and fill in any gaps between the layers with ganache. Place cake in refrigerator and chill until ganache is firm.

Once the cake and ganache are firm, remove from refrigerator. Frost with cream cheese frosting or any other desired frosting.

Finished cake serves 10-12 generously.

People can also make ACS the Official Sponsor of their birthday by visiting the morebirthdays Web site.

Category: Health

Posted by Kimberly Hayes Taylor (The Detroit News) on Wed, Jul 22, 2009 at 11:54 AM

Studies Show a Sunny Outlook is Good for Health, Longer Life

An ever-expanding body of research indicates that a positive outlook may improve health, decrease the risk of depression and increase longevity. The July issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter highlights some studies and their findings.

In a Mayo Clinic study, more than 7,000 people completed a personality test in the early 1960s, and researchers tracked participants for more than 40 years. They found that for every 100 participants, the 25 who had scored as the most pessimistic, anxious and depressed had about a 30 percent greater chance of dying young, compared with those who were most optimistic, least anxious and least depressed.

An earlier Mayo Clinic study found similar results. More than 800 people were tracked for more than 30 years. Pessimistic thinkers had a 19 percent increased risk of early death, compared with their optimistic counterparts.

Optimists reported having fewer health problems and fewer difficulties with work or daily routines, and they were generally happier, calmer and more peaceful. They experienced less pain, had more energy and reported greater ease in social activities.

Researchers from the Women's Health Initiative, a study involving nearly 100,000 women age 50 and older, recently found that women who have an optimistic outlook lived healthier, longer lives than pessimistic women. During eight years of follow-up that began in 1994, optimists were 30 percent less likely to die of heart disease and 14 percent less likely to die of any cause when compared with pessimists.

General attitude in life is likely a combination of nature and nurture -- genetics combined with life experiences. Changing one's thinking pattern can be challenging, but it's possible.

Change begins with awareness of negative thought patterns. For some people, self-help measures can change outlook. Options might be consciously looking for the good in life, being grateful, looking for pleasure in small things or practicing random acts of kindness. Other people may need treatment from a mental health professional to help shift to a more positive perspective.

Category: Health

Posted by Kimberly Hayes Taylor (The Detroit News) on Wed, Jul 15, 2009 at 12:57 PM

Selecting a Primary Care Physician Needs Careful Examination

What is a primary care physician? Why do I need one? How do I go about selecting one?

Choosing the right primary care physician is critical to a patient's healthcare strategy. But many people are not even aware of why they need one and what a primary care physician does.

Dr. Bernard Kaminetsky, Medical Director of MDVIP, a leading national group of affiliated primary care physicians who emphasize preventive care, says that, "A primary care doctor is someone who wears many hats. The doctor should be a treating physician, a diagnostician, coordinator of specialty care, a lifestyle coach and a patient advocate. Primary care doctors are in charge of a patient's health and help steer a patient through the sometimes confusing and, from the patient's perspective, unchartered healthcare waters."

To find and select the right one, careful evaluation of the doctor and the practice is essential. Here are 10 questions/considerations a potential patient should ask:

1. Ask friends and family for a recommendation, and find out why they like their doctor.

2. Is the doctor board certified? Board certification means that your doctor has spent many hours training and being tested for competence in a specialty. For a primary care physician, that usually means completion of residency in family practice or internal medicine.

3. Determine if your insurance is compatible with the doctor's practice.

4. What is the doctor's hospital affiliation? Is the doctor affiliated with a reputable, nearby hospital?

5. How convenient is the doctor's office to your home?

6. What medical school did the doctor attend and where did the physician do his internship and residency? Does the doctor have any teaching appointments? If so, where?

7. Has the doctor been cited as a Top Doctor / Best Doctor in the media or won any awards?

8. Does the doctor have a web site, use electronic records, provide medical records on a CD?

9. Does the doctor have an informational voice mail or service on the phone when office hours have ended?

10. Is the staff that answers the doctor's phone pleasant and helpful?

Many of these questions can be answered by simply calling the doctor's office.

Once the patient has selected a doctor, his or her work is still not done. Be prepared to ask questions -- lots of them.

Some of the questions a patient might ask on that first visit include:

How long is the average appointment?

How long has the doctor been in practice?

Can you reach the doctor at any time if needed and how?

Does the physician provide an annual physical exam?

Will the doctor recommend specialists and coordinate your care?

How quickly can you get an appointment?

How helpful is the doctor's staff?

How promptly can you expect a return phone call or e-mail?

Does the doctor practice preventive medicine as well as treat routine medical problems?

What else does the doctor offer?

Does the doctor have other specialties?

Who covers for the doctor when he is on vacation?

Does the doctor personally see you if you are in the hospital?