Learn to Shed Resentment (BLOG)

According to Alex Lickerman, M.D., "Forgiving requires us to let go of our anger, of our desire to punish and of the need for an apology. In forgiving, we're ultimately seeking to free ourselves." But letting bygones be bygones is easier said than done—especially when you're dealing with a variety of relationships and emotional connections. Keep reading for tips on how to move forward with everyone, from your best friend to your boss.

Family Member
The offense: After tossing back a few too many drinks at a friend's party, your sister picked a fight with you that turned ugly—and public. You managed to keep your cool, but it was humiliating nonetheless, and you're still seething months later.

Let It Go
If your sister apologized and this type of blowup was out of character for her, then you may want to address it by saying something like, "I'm having a hard time getting past the party incident, but I want to clear the air so we can enjoy each other's company again." Then talk about why it happened and whether there are lingering issues that need to be discussed so you can move on. However, if this is yet another example of out-of-control behavior on her part, then "forgiveness may require redefining the distance at which the relationship is held," says Lickerman

Distant Relative
The offense: Your cousins have yet to thank you for the elaborate holiday dinner you hosted—that they didn't lift a finger to help with—and this isn't the first time. According to Alex Lickerman, M.D., "Forgiving requires us to let go of our anger, of our desire to punish and of the need for an apology. In forgiving, we're ultimately seeking to free ourselves." But letting bygones be bygones is easier said than done—especially when you're dealing with a variety of relationships and emotional connections. Keep reading for tips on how to move forward with everyone, from your best friend to your boss.

Family MemberThe offense: After tossing back a few too many drinks at a friend's party, your sister picked a fight with you that turned ugly—and public. You managed to keep your cool, but it was humiliating nonetheless, and you're still seething months later.

Let It GoIf your sister apologized and this type of blowup was out of character for her, then you may want to address it by saying something like, "I'm having a hard time getting past the party incident, but I want to clear the air so we can enjoy each other's company again." Then talk about why it happened and whether there are lingering issues that need to be discussed so you can move on. However, if this is yet another example of out-of-control behavior on her part, then "forgiveness may require redefining the distance at which the relationship is held," says Lickerman.

Distant RelativeThe offense: Your cousins have yet to thank you for the elaborate holiday dinner you hosted—that they didn't lift a finger to help with—and this isn't the first time.

Let It Go
"Accept that this is the way they are, and be proud of yourself for being so thoughtful," says Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D., author of the best-selling book A Happy You: Your Ultimate Prescription for Happiness. "Look for opportunities in the future to make things different, such as asking for help in the kitchen the next time they're over for a meal." If their rudeness continues, though, then speak to them directly and let them know that you'd really like to continue including them in your plans, but that you'll need them to pitch in a little to do so.

Close Girlfriend
The offense: Whenever you make time for her, you end up wasting some too. She's always late, and your resentment deepens each time.

Let It Go
Identify the root of the problem—chances are that it's not waiting at the restaurant that bugs you; it's that she seems to value her time more than yours—and tell her how you feel. "Try something like, 'I know we're both crazy-busy, and I love that we can get together, but it upsets me when you show up late, because I make a real effort to be on time, and I stick to it,'" suggests Lombardo. "Then problem-solve together. For example, you may agree that she'll text you right when she's leaving so you can stay at the office and get some work done rather than wait for her at the bar."

Colleague
The offense: Your co-worker gave your project some negative feedback in a meeting last month, and you're still hurt and angry about it.

Let It Go
You're likely upset because of assumptions you've made about her intentions. "She may have been trying to throw you under the bus, but it's also possible she was trying to help make your project even better," Lombardo notes. Don't assume you know what she was thinking. "Why not depersonalize her comments? Consider what truth there was in her feedback, and focus on improving your project in any way you can."

Boss
The offense: Your boss took credit for your brilliant idea, and weeks later, he's still being praised by the top brass.

Let It Go
"Be proud of yourself for how valuable your work is to your team. Then ask yourself what you're worried about and address that," Lombardo advises. For example, if you're worried you won't move up because no one knows how much you've contributed, then meet with your boss before your next review to recap your successes. "He'll be reminded of your contributions, plus it reflects positively on him to have such a successful employee," she adds.

Spouse
The offense: Forgetting an anniversary is one thing, but your husband actually forgot your last birthday! He's apologized 20 different ways, but you're still seething.

Let It Go
Sometimes, "we may find ourselves withholding forgiveness to avoid appearing to condone what was done to us," explains Lickerman. He notes that holding a grudge also helps us feel more in control—which is especially attractive when we're hurt and vulnerable. Your hubby already acknowledged he was wrong, so if this incident was a fluke and he consistently shows you how important you are to him, then let him off the hook already!

Neighbor
The offense: It's Saturday morning, and yet again, you're jarred awake by the sound of your neighbor's power tools.

Let It Go
"Before you go strangle him, take a deep breath to gather your thoughts," suggests Lombardo. "He's focused on accomplishing things in his day, not ruining yours." After you've calmed down, go have a talk with him. According to Lombardo, you might try, "'I can appreciate that you want to finish the lawn before it gets too hot out, and I'm sure you can understand my desire to sleep in when I work double shifts all week.' Then try to agree on a time that would be acceptable to start the yard work."

Yourself
The offense: You didn't devote enough time to a major work project… and it showed.

Let It Go
If you keep beating yourself up about it, then you could be setting yourself up for more failure. A May 2010 study from the journal Personality and Individual Differences examined college students who had procrastinated in studying for an exam. Those who forgave themselves for their shabby preparation improved their moods and procrastinated less the next time around. Resolve to do better in the future, and let bygones be bygones.







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More U.S. Adults Using Illegal Drugs: Report (BLOG)

THURSDAY, Sept. 8 (HealthDay News) -- The number of Americans using illegal drugs has continued to rise, reaching 22.6 million, or 8.9 percent of the population, in 2010, a new government survey shows.

The increase has largely been driven by more marijuana use, according to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. In fact, in 2010 some 17.4 million Americans were using marijuana, compared with 14.4 million in 2007, the researchers found. This is an increase in the rate of marijuana use from 5.8 percent in 2007 to 6.9 percent in 2010.

"I don't know why there is an increase in marijuana, but that almost explains the increase in drug use," said Peter J. Delany, director of SAMHSA's Office of Applied Studies. "That's the driving trend."

In addition, young adults appear to be the group showing the greatest increase in drug use. "The group that seems to be standing out among everybody is the 18- to 25-year-olds," Delany said. "These are the people who are going to college, starting in the workforce and starting families."

Illicit drug use among this group has gone from 19.6 percent in 2008 to 21.5 percent in 2010, a significant increase, Delany said.

"This is a whole group of people we haven't focused on. We have to intervene much earlier, before they get into trouble," he said.

"We need to take what we are learning about helping people reduce their alcohol and tobacco use and figure out how to apply that to these other drugs in our society," Delany added. "We need to intervene before they need treatment or go to jail."

The report, released Sept 8, includes the results of the latest government survey on drug abuse, which involved about 67,500 people from around the country.

"We stand at a crossroads in our nation's efforts to prevent substance abuse and addiction," SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde said in a SAMHSA statement. "These statistics represent real lives that are at risk from the harmful and sometimes devastating effects of illicit drug use. This nation cannot afford to risk losing more individuals, families and communities to illicit drugs or from other types of substance abuse -- instead, we must do everything we can to effectively promote prevention, treatment and recovery programs across our country."

The illicit use of prescription painkillers has also been increasing, with most (55 percent) getting these drugs from a friend or relative. Only 4.4 percent of those using these drugs got them from a drug dealer, and less than 1 percent purchased them over the Internet, the report found.

There has been some improvement in reducing the use of some drugs, the researchers noted. For example, the number of people using methamphetamine has dropped by about half between 2006 and 2010, going from 731,000 to 353,000.

In addition, cocaine use has dropped from 2.4 million users in 2006 to 1.5 million users in 2010.

Also, there was a decrease in teen drinking between 2009 and 2010, from 14.7 percent to 13.6 percent. Tobacco use has also declined among teens, from 11.6 percent in 2009 to 10.7 percent in 2010, the researchers noted.

As seen before, fewer people are getting help for their drug abuse problem than need to, the researchers found. In fact, of the 23.1 million Americans who need specialized drug abuse treatment only 2.6 million are getting it.

Bruce Goldman, director of Substance Abuse Services at the Zucker Hillside Hospital of the North Shore-LIJ Health System in Glen Oaks, N.Y., said the report mirrors what he is seeing clinically.

"Alcohol is the number one drug people seek treatment for, cannabis has been and remains number two," he said. "What has changed is number three is prescription opioid abuse and/or heroin abuse as opposed to cocaine, which used to be number three."

While smoking has become less acceptable, drinking and marijuana don't seem to have the same negative image, Goldman said. "Where we need to put our focus is in changing attitudes, which takes a long time," he added.

On the plus side, drug addiction is seen as an illness, not a stigma, and treatments are available, Goldman said. "We have many more options in treating people with substance abuse disorders and there are effective treatments available," he added.



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9 quick tips to lower your cholesterol now (BLOG)

A few simple changes in what you eat can make a big difference.

1. Read beyond "low-fat."

Even foods that claim to be "low-fat" may contribute significantly to fat intake if you eat more than one serving. The label phrase "low-fat" means the product contains 3 grams or less per serving. Be sure to check the serving size on the nutrition facts label and account for the extra fat (and calories) consumed if you eat more than one serving.

2. Get fiber.
Research suggests that increasing soluble fiber intake by 5 to 10 grams each day may result in a 5 percent drop in LDL cholesterol. Start the day with a cup of oatmeal, put a ½ cup of beans on your salad at lunch, eat broccoli with dinner and snack on an orange or a pear and you’ll easily meet the target range.

3. Eat eggs, in moderation.
Eggs are no longer on the cholesterol blacklist. The daily recommended cholesterol limit is 300 milligrams of cholesterol and one egg contains about 213. So if you’re going to eat an egg in the morning, simply limit how much cholesterol you get that day from other sources. Substitute some veggies for meat at dinner, or skip the half-and-half in your coffee.

4. Start the day right.
Choose hot or cold breakfast cereals, such as oatmeal and oat bran, that have about 2 grams of soluble fiber and 4 to 6 grams of total fiber per 1-cup serving. Add a banana or other fruit to boost fiber even more. This will help keep LDL cholesterol low.

5. Double cholesterol whammy.
Dietary cholesterol can elevate your blood cholesterol levels, but saturated fat has an even worse effect. However, the two are often found in the same foods, including meat, butter and full-fat dairy. So by limiting your intake of foods rich in saturated fat, you’ll also help reduce your intake of cholesterol.

6. Know your sources of trans fat.
Since 2006, the FDA has required food manufacturers to list reportable amounts of trans fat on the nutrition facts label. What’s considered reportable? Food manufacturers don’t have to report the trans-fat content if it’s less than 0.5 gram per serving. So check the ingredients list for hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils even if the nutrition facts label reports 0 grams of trans fat.

7. Go fish.
Twice a week, substitute a fatty fish, such as salmon or tuna, for a higher-fat meat like beef. These fish are rich in omega-3s, a type of polyunsaturated fat, that may help lower your blood cholesterol level when substituted for saturated and trans fats in your diet.

8. Find the right fats.
To identify foods low in cholesterol and saturated and trans fats, follow this rule: choose fats and oils (e.g., canola and olive oils) with 2 grams or less saturated fat per tablespoon.

9. Check for tropical oils.
Lots of products are now "trans-fat free" but in some cases, these fats are being replaced with saturated fats, such as palm and coconut oils. You may have heard that palm and coconut oils do not negatively affect cholesterol levels, but the research isn’t conclusive and palm kernel oil contains 80 percent saturated fat. Instead, look for products that use polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which help lower LDL cholesterol.



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Miscarriage risk doubles with use of anti-inflammatory drugs (BLOG)

Women who used NSAIDs in first 20 weeks more likely to suffer pregnancy loss, study finds:

Common anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen may increase the chance of miscarriage if they are taken early in pregnancy, a new study suggests.

Risk of miscarriage more than doubled in women who took non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, during the first 20 weeks of gestation, according to researchers who scrutinized health records from nearly 50,000 Canadian women.

The study appears in the latest issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

“I would strongly suggest that women take no non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during the first trimester,” said study co-author Anick Berard, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Montreal and director of the research unit on medications and pregnancy at Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ste. Justine. "If a woman is taking an NSAID for a chornic condition she really has to talk to her health care provider to see if it's feasible to stop at least during the first trimester."

Use of NSAIDs is fairly common, Berard noted, adding that studies have shown that up to 17 percent of pregnant women take the drugs, either in prescription or over-the-counter formulations. The new study investigated use of non-aspirin NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and other drugs.

However, a leading expert in maternal fetal medicine cautioned women not to overreact to the new findings. The increased risk could be due to something else that women who took NSAIDS had in common, said Dr. Hyagriv Simhan, associate professor and chief of the division of maternal-fetal medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and medical director of obstetrical services at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.

Don't overreact, expert says
“I wouldn’t want this to be a reason for women who have taken a Motrin before they realized they were pregnant to freak out,” Simhan said.

Beyond this, Simhan said, there are legitimate reasons for women to be taking NSAIDS. “This study wouldn’t necessarily make me change the way I practice,” he added.

The Canadian study compared the medical records of 4,705 women who had a miscarriage during the first 20 weeks of gestation with records of 47,050 women who became pregnant and delivered a child. The women in the study were aged 15 to 45 when they became pregnant.

Berard and her colleagues considered a woman to have been exposed to an NSAID if she had a prescription for the drug filled before she became pregnant or during early pregnancy. Most NSAIDs in Canada are available through prescription rather than over-the-counter, the authors said.

Among women who had miscarriages, 352 had taken NSAIDs, compared with 1,213 of the women who did not experience pregnancy loss.

When calculating the risk associated with NSAID use, the researchers accounted for other factors that might increase the likelihood of miscarriage, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, depression and anxiety.

Taking all those factors into account, Berard and her colleagues determined that women who took prescription NSAIDs early in pregnancy were 2.4 times as likely to have a miscarriage as those who did not. The rate of miscarriage in women who took NSAIDs was about 35 percent, compared with the normal rate of miscarriage, which is about 15 percent.

While the study didn't address the kind of over-the-counter use of NSAIDs found in the U.S., the authors cautioned against any use of the drugs in early pregnancy.

"Gestational exposure to any type or dosage of non-aspirin NSAIDs may increase risk of spontaneous abortion. These drugs should be used with caution during pregnancy," the authors concluded.

NSAIDs may affect prostaglandin levels
The researchers hypothesize that NSAIDs could have an impact on pregnancy because the drugs affect the levels of hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins. Normally in pregnancy, prostaglandins decrease in the uterus in a consistent way, Berard said. It’s possible that NSAIDs cause these levels to fluctuate, she suggested.

One thing Berard and her colleagues don’t know was why the women were given prescriptions for NSAIDs. That’s an important factor, Simhan said. It’s always possible that some of the women who miscarried were taking the medications for cramping which is a sign of impending pregnancy loss, he added.

Berard doesn’t believe this is the case. Women who had miscarriages generally didn’t get more prescriptions for NSAIDs in the two weeks leading up to their pregnancy losses, she explained.

Previous studies about the impact of NSAIDs in early pregnancy had shown mixed results, Berard said.

Nevertheless, she does allow that this kind of study can’t prove that NSAIDs actually cause pregnancy loss.

“We cannot say for 100 percent sure that this is a true drug effect,” she said. “But we’re one step closer to proving causality when there is repetition of the finding. And there is at least one other study looking at this specifically that found an increased risk.”

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11 activities for a rainy day (BLOG)

Have an Indoor Treasure Hunt

Children in the house? Keep their day lively with a treasure hunt.  Make one set of clues for every player (try rhyming the clues for fun), each clue leading to the next one and, finally, to the treasure. Seal them in envelopes marked with a clue number (i.e., 2/7, or "two of seven"); this will help the treasure hunters keep track. Whoever solves the clues first and finds the treasure—a small toy, an IOU for a movie, maybe a cache of coins (regular or chocolate)—is the winner. Or have your kids play as a team to solve the clues—and uncover the treasure—together.

Make Your Own Bubble Bath

Slip into a soothing bath laced with your own moisturizing soap blend. In a clean container, mix together ½ cup mild liquid hand or body soap, 1 tablespoon sugar or honey, and 1 egg white. Pour the entire mixture under the running water as you draw your bath. Honey is a natural humectant, which will attract and retain moisture in your skin. The egg white helps create stronger, longer-lasting bubbles, for a nice, fluffy bath. For extra-dry skin, consider adding a tablespoon of light oil, such as almond or light sesame. (Another surprising bath booster? Vinegar.)

Create a Family Recipe Book

What You Need

• Unlined journal
• recipe cards (the more sauce-splattered, the better)
• wine or Champagne labels
• photos from family meals
• adhesive
• photo corners
• ruler
• shimmery alphabet stickers (available at crafts stores)
• ribbon

What to Do

1. Color-copy all recipe cards, photos, and labels if you want to preserve the originals or make more than one gift book.
2. Compile the memorabilia by time period, holiday, or any other theme that inspires you.
3. Affix the items horizontally in the journal. Use photo corners for pictures and recipe cards and adhesive for labels and clippings.
4. Stick a title on the front of the journal with alphabet stickers (using a ruler helps), and finish off with a ribbon.

Camp in the Great Indoors
Who says tents have to stay outside? If you have a pop-up or small dome tent, it's easy to set up camp for your kids indoors. If not, you can create tents by draping sheets over the couch. Make them comfy with airbeds, pillows, and sleeping bags, then follow through with an indoor picnic to be eaten "under canvas."

Invent a (No-Batteries) Game
Anne Libera, artistic associate at the Second City Training Center, recommends the following play-anywhere, no-props-needed activities.
One-word story: Starting with "Once upon a time," go around the room and have each person add a single word to the story. Tip: Decide on a genre in advance―fairy tale, ghost story, etc.―and go from there.
Improvised poetry: One person says a line of poetry, and the next must say a line that rhymes with it, and so on. Let kids say the first line; it's up to you to find the rhyme.
Yes, and…monster! Invent an imaginary monster, with each person adding a new characteristic to the first person's monster description. Every new idea has to start with an enthusiastic, "Yes, and…" and build on what has already been described.

Deep-Condition Your Hair
You've been wanting to give your hair a deep treatment but just haven't been able to get to the drugstore or salon. Walk over to the fridge to find your solution: mayonnaise. Starting at the scalp, coat strands with ½ cup mayo. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Bake Up Some Chocolate-Chip Cookies
Nothing cures rainy day blues like a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies. Dunk them in milk or eat 'em (practically) right out of the oven—a surefire way to happily weather the storm.

Organize Your Own Film Festival

Queue up some classics, old (Singin' in the Rain) and new (Toy Story 3), let the kids add a few favorites—even mix in last week's American Idol on DVR for variety—and have a marathon screening. Keep a cozy throw on hand to snuggle under, a big bowl of popcorn to dip into, and settle in to enjoy the show(s).

Hold a Mini-Marshmallow Popping Contest

What You Need

• scissors
• utility knife
• markers
• ruler
• rubber bands
• glue
• tape (transparent, duct, masking, or colored)
• gift wrap or decorative paper
• kraft paper
• balloon, uninflated (1 per popper)
• paper cup, bottom cut off (1 per popper)
• mini marshmallows

What to Do

1. Knot the end of the balloon, then snip off ½ inch from the top.
2. Stretch the balloon over the cutoff end of the cup so that the knot is in the center. (You'll need to hold the balloon in place when you "pop," or secure it with a rubber band for little hands.)
3. Place a mini marshmallow into the cup so it fits snugly in the knotted center of the balloon. While aiming the cup away from you (and others), pull the knot back, release, and send the marshmallow soaring. See who can pop marshmallows the farthest or get the most into a bowl that's a few feet away.

Host a "Tea" Party
Dress up in fancy duds, set the table with the good china, and put on your most formal manners (remember, extend your pinkie and sip politely). On the menu: tea (for you), juice or cocoa (for your children), and easy egg or chicken salad tea sandwiches in fun shapes, courtesy of cookie cutters. Let your kids decide the guest list—and which of their favorite dolls or furry friends are on it.

Pamper Yourself With a Skin-Softening Salve
Do a little spa therapy with a homemade scrub (this one comes courtesy of New York City makeup artist Gucci Westman): Grind about two cups of oatmeal, a natural skin soother; add a few handfuls each of coffee grinds and brown sugar. Then stir in three or four spoonfuls of skin-nourishing honey, ginger, and noni extract (find it at health-food stores). Before storing the batch in the refrigerator, Westman scoops out enough for a week into a jar, which she keeps in her shower, using it daily. "It smells lovely, and it's gentle," she says. "When my skin feels really dry, I add olive oil, too."

msn

How to recognize skin cancer (BLOG, LINK)

Would You Know Skin Cancer If You Saw It?

Skin cancer is sneaky, and not because it doesn't give fair warning. An early -- and curable -- cancer can usually be spotted, but often you never see it (it's hiding on the back of your upper thigh), or you dismiss it as just another freckle. Sure, you've heard the "changing color, ragged edges" litany many times, but do you know exactly what that looks like on your own skin?


Where Skin Cancer Starts

People who regularly check themselves all over for suspicious skin changes are 44% less likely to die from melanoma -- the deadliest form -- than people who don't do self-exams.

Here's where skin cancer starts: The two most common but also most treatable kinds of skin cancer originate either in the bottom (basal) layer of your skin or the upper (squamous) layer. Melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer, affects the pigment-producing skin cells.

Play show-and-tell HERE

9 natural ways to boost your fertility (BLOG)

These lifestyle tweaks can help women prepare for pregnancy.

1-Limit caffeine consumption
Several studies have shown reduced fertility for women who consume more than 300 mg of caffeine each day. Fortunately, the threshold is high enough that you can still indulge in that morning cup o' joe, since the average 8-ounce cup of coffee only has 100 to 130 mg of caffeine. Don't forget, though, that black tea, green tea, chocolate, and some sodas also contain caffeine.

For women undergoing in vitro fertilization, however, the threshold is much lower: A mere 50 mg of caffeine—the equivalent of one cup of tea—can negatively impact success rates.

Alice Domar, an assistant professor at the Harvard Medical School who also counsels women dealing with infertility, suggests that you may want to further restrict your caffeine intake if you've been trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant, even if you're not doing IVF. Since only limited research has been done on the topic, Domar worries that further research may show that lower amounts of caffeine still impact fertility.

2- If you're overweight, lose weight
Obesity can inhibit ovulation and wreak havoc with hormones. It also puts women at risk for a variety of health problems (such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure) that negatively impact fertility and can create complications during pregnancy. Women who are morbidly obese are also less likely to be successful with fertility treatments.

Part of the problem is the hormonal imbalance that's created by the fat cells themselves. Fat cells produce extra estrogen, says Gerard Letterie, a reproductive endocrinologist at the Northwest Center for Reproductive Sciences. The more fat cells, the more estrogen, so being overweight is very similar to being on birth control pills.

Domar explains that although female fertility peaks with a body mass index in the low- to mid-20s, weight-related fertility problems are most common in women with a BMI greater than 34, which is considered obese. For instance, a woman who is 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighs 200 pounds isn't just obese; she’s also jeopardizing her fertility.


3- If you're underweight, gain weight
A normal, healthy Body Mass Index ranges from 18.5 to 24.9. Anything lower than 18.5 is underweight. For instance, woman who is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 105 pounds has a BMI of 18 and is considered to be underweight.

Being even slightly underweight can dramatically reduce your fertility, as fertility starts to plummet for women with BMIs of 18 or lower.

Women who are underweight are less likely to ovulate. Some will stop menstruating completely. Others will menstruate irregularly. But experiencing a monthly period doesn't necessarily mean you're fertile, since it's possible to menstruate without ovulating.

For low body weight caused by an eating disorder, it's important to seek professional treatment.

Simply gaining some weight is usually enough for women to begin ovulating again, says Letterie. For those women who don't, Letterie stresses that there are simple treatments to help women ovulate again, but only after they've gained the necessary weight.


4- Try acupuncture
In May 2006, the journal Fertility and Sterility published two studies showing significantly increased pregnancy rates for women receiving acupuncture treatments in conjunction with the embryo transfer stage of in vitro fertilization. In one study, women receiving acupuncture were more than twice as likely to become pregnant. In another, acupuncture prior to embryo transfer increased rate of pregnancy by 50 percent.

Researchers aren't sure why acupuncture may be helpful. Some speculate that acupuncture may positively impact hormonal levels or increase blood flow to the ovaries and uterus. Another theory: Since acupuncture can induce a relaxation response, it may be counteracting the stress that often accompanies infertility. Reducing infertility-related stress and anxiety has been shown to increase success for IVF treatments.

Despite the positive findings, scientists agree that more research needs to prove that acupuncture is truly effective.

Although Domar herself has called for more rigorous testing of acupuncture, specifically to sort out the issue of the placebo effect, that hasn’t stopped her from recommending acupuncture to her infertility patients. "There is some very promising data out there," Domar says. "Acupuncture is a safe, cheap, non-invasive and easy way to potentially increase your chances of getting pregnant."


5- Walk 30 minutes per day
Walking just 30 minutes each day is a simple, inexpensive form of exercise that helps ward off problems like heart disease and diabetes, diseases which may impact fertility and can cause complications during pregnancy. In addition, regular exercise helps maintain a normal body weight, which is an important part of maximizing fertility.

Walking may also help boost fertility by increasing circulation to the pelvis and the reproductive organs, since some research has linked decreased blood-flow to the ovaries with ovarian aging and reduced success with in-vitro fertilization.

"Many couples I see have jobs that require them to sit all day in front of the computer. This doesn't do much for circulation to the pelvis and the reproductive organs," says Dr. Susan Carr, a naturopathic physician at Fertile Path in Washington state. "Exercise is one way to support circulation to these organs."


6- Deal with depression
While many experts believe that depression doesn't cause infertility, proper treatment for depression can help increase fertility.

Since it's not uncommon for women struggling with infertility to become depressed, try joining a fertility-focused mind-body group. These groups teach techniques to relax and manage the stress and anxiety associated with infertility. Research conducted at the Harvard Medical School found that women undergoing in vitro fertilization who participated in a 10-week mind-body program were more than twice as likely to get pregnant.

If you were seriously depressed before attempting to get pregnant, it's important to seek prompt treatment from a mental health professional. "Women with severe clinical depression are much less likely to eat well, exercise, and otherwise take care of themselves," says Domar. "And women who are less healthy are less likely to get pregnant."

While anti-depressants can be effective in the short term, Letterie encourages women to work with their doctors to get on the lowest dose possible. Ideally, he'd like to see women weaned off of prescriptions before getting pregnant, since taking medication during pregnancy is not without risks.


7- Eat a balanced diet
To maximize your chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy, Carr and Domar both recommend eating a healthy, unprocessed diet rich in whole grains, beans, fresh fruit and vegetables, raw nuts and seeds (skip the ones with added oil and salt), healthy oils (like olive oil), lean meat, and cold-water fish like wild salmon that are high in omega-3 fatty acids.

A balanced, whole-foods diet will help you maintain a normal BMI, a critical component in maximizing fertility. In addition, by eating well and minimizing unhealthy fats, white flour, sugar, and salt, you'll reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure—diseases that can decrease your fertility and also cause complications in pregnancy.

To further boost your chances of conception, Carr recommends emphasizing foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as wild, cold-water fish, walnuts, and flax seeds. "Omega-3 fatty acids promote fertility, since essential fats are required for hormone balance and healthy cell function," says Carr. "Unfortunately, most diets are deficient."


8- Strictly limit alcohol consumption
Most reproductive experts agree that one or two drinks each week shouldn’t impact a woman's chances of getting pregnant, while excessive drinking is clearly problematic. However, the jury is still out on exactly how much a woman can drink before her fertility is affected.

While a couple of studies have found no link between moderate alcohol (one to two drinks each day) intake and fertility, one Danish study from 2003 found that just seven drinks a week could negatively impact the chances of conceiving for women more than 30 years old. Another Danish study from 1998 found that even moderate drinking (6 to 10 drinks each week) reduced a woman's chances of getting pregnant, with more excessive drinking further decreasing the chances of conceiving.

For women who are heavier drinkers, Letterie recommends that they get their drinking problem under control before they try to conceive, especially since it's critically important that women cut out alcohol completely once pregnant.


9- Stop smoking and avoid second-hand smoke
More than 100 research studies have consistently linked smoking to decreased fertility and increased problems in carrying a birth to term, says Dr. David Adamson, a reproductive endocrinologist at Advanced Reproductive Care in Palo Alto, Calif.

Smoking damages eggs, reducing the chances of getting pregnant during any given cycle, and smokers may hit menopause several years earlier than their non-smoking peers. Smoking also negatively impacts hormone levels, further reducing fertility.

The problems don't end when a smoker gets pregnant. Smokers are more likely to suffer from miscarriage and complication during their pregnancies, and babies born to smokers are more likely to be underweight.

Although smoking does damage eggs, quitting now can still help boost fertility. Going smoke-free will prevent further reduction in egg quality, help reverse hormonal changes, and increase the chances of carrying a healthy baby to term.

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, it's not enough for just the woman to stop smoking, since second-hand smoke has been shown to be almost as bad for a woman's fertility as actually smoking.

Shaving off extra pounds might help asthmatic kids prevent flare-ups (BLOG)

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Shaving off extra pounds might help asthmatic kids prevent flare-ups of the disease, according to a study that found obese children have a harder time controlling their symptoms.

The work is the first to show that even after taking race and social factors into account, heavier kids use more drugs to control their asthma and curb flare-ups than their slimmer peers.

"Improving nutritional status, preventing obesity, and stressing the importance of weight loss might improve asthma control and exacerbation risk in children and decrease the incidence of asthma in adults," researchers write in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Both asthma and obesity rates have soared among kids in recent decades, reaching nearly 10 percent and 17 percent today, respectively.

While some studies have hinted at a link between the two conditions, conclusions on whether heavier kids also have more severe asthma than others have been mixed.

Dr. Kenneth B. Quinto from the University of California, San Diego, and colleagues looked back at more than 32,000 kids who'd been diagnosed with asthma and were enrolled in a Kaiser Permanente health plan. Nearly half of the children were overweight or obese.

The researchers found that the heavier kids were more likely to have more than a handful of yearly prescriptions for rescue inhalers, which contain short-acting drugs such as albuterol that open up the airways when an asthma attack is coming on.

On average, normal-weight children used 2.8 rescue inhalers a year, whereas obese kids used 3.1.

The heavy youngsters also used more inhaled steroids, such as Pulmicort or Flovent, which are a mainstay treatment to keep airway inflammation under control on a daily basis in asthmatics.

And the results held up after Quinto and his colleagues accounted for alternative explanations of the differences, such as sex, race, diabetes and parents' education levels.

The team speculates that the extra pounds might be weighing on the lungs, making obese kids feel like they need more medication. Scientists have also found that overweight people don't respond as well as others to steroids, which might help explain the new findings.

Still, in an observational study like theirs, the researchers warn it's never possible to be certain what causes what. So whether bigger waistlines should be blamed for the extra flare-ups remains an open question.

Meanwhile, the team writes, "The best time for prevention of obesity and nonsurgical weight reduction likely occurs in childhood."

Outrage explodes over rhyming 'diet' picture book (BLOG)

NEW YORK (AP) — Messages of good health and positive self-esteem for girls aren't hard to come by in kid lit, so what's the deal with all the attention for a not-yet-published rhyming picture book about an obese, unhappy 14-year-old named Maggie?

The title, for starters: "Maggie Goes on a Diet."

For seconds, like-wildfire circulation of a blurb describing how the bullied girl is transformed through time, exercise and hard work into a popular, confident and average size soccer star. And cover art showing her wistfully holding up a Cinderella dress as she stares at her imagined, much slimmer self in a full-length mirror.

And an inside page, the only one most people have seen, that shows her hunched over the fridge during a two-fisted eating binge.

Thirds? Real teenagers have long moved on from rhyming picture books and the reading level for Hawaii dad Paul Kramer's amateurish, self-published effort is recommended on Amazon for kids ages 4 to 8.

The online mess for Kramer began recently with outraged commenters on Amazon, where pre-orders haven't propelled Maggie anywhere near the top of the rankings. There's now a "savemaggie" hashtag on Twitter, a "Say No to Maggie Goes on a Diet" Facebook page, calls for a boycott and demands that Amazon and Barnes & Noble pull the book.

Kramer won't disclose how many orders he has for Maggie, which isn't out until October. While most of the attention has been negative, he said, there are supporters, like this one who responded to a book basher on Twitter: "She's 14, not 6. Are you seriously suggesting that, with the obesity problem in this country, that a book teaching children to exercise and eat right, is somehow IMMORAL? I bet your fat."

Kramer, who went on "Good Morning America" to defend the book, already has regrets, though using the word "diet" isn't one of them. Diet, he said, isn't a dirty word as many of his angry critics have declared. Even for a book clearly most appropriate for little kids? He insists he didn't have 4-year-olds in mind, thinking more along the lines of 8 and up.

"The main message was that Maggie went on a diet predominantly because she loves sports and wanted to be able to run faster, bend more easily and be better able to play sports more effectively," Kramer told The Associated Press by phone from Maui, where he lives with his wife and soccer-loving, 16-year-old son.

Kramer, who struggled with obesity as a child and a young adult and still works to keep the pounds off, wishes Maggie's fantasy self in the mirror wasn't quite so thin on the book's cover. He also wishes her transformation through weight loss wasn't quite so much — 51 pounds in a little more than eight months.

"Now that I see the controversy I would say that I would have had her lose about 30 pounds and still have a little way to go," said Kramer, who's neither physician nor nutrition expert.

He said he's just a guy who wants to inspire overweight kids to be healthy.

"I regret that people associated the word 'diet' as me trying to push dieting on 4-year-olds and 6-year-olds. I'm not," Kramer said. "To me, diet means a change of habits, eating nutritiously, losing unhealthy weight."

Leslie Sanders, medical director of the Eating Disorder Program at Goryeb Children's Center in Summit, N.J., thinks Kramer's references to dieting in a rhyming picture book featuring a teen girl are unfortunate. The same goes for the notion that a child's key to success, beauty and popularity is being thin.

"There's a mismatch here," Sanders said. "You've got a rhyming book you're reading to a 4-year-old or a 6-year-old about a teenager focused on weight and eating. Why should young children be thinking about weight? There's no reason to have literature about dieting for young children at all."

In addition, most little kids don't sit down as Maggie the teen does once her "diet" begins and whip up their own oatmeal with yogurt and fruit, or prepare their own turkey sandwich with mustard and lettuce, followed by a dinner of vegetables "with various proteins," as the book describes.

You know who makes those choices for little kids? Their parents, Sanders said. The ones that don't appear in the book about Maggie the red pigtailed teen. In fact, there are no adults in the book at all.

That disturbs Arden Greenspan-Goldberg, a New York City psychotherapist who specializes in eating disorders and has a 22-year-old daughter.

"As women and mothers, we have our work cut out for us," she said. "We hope that when our girls look in the mirror, they like what they see."

Contrary to the online flash mob, Maggie does stand up to her tormenters, though, in her own sad, quiet way.

"Most of the times Maggie did not wish to respond or counter attack," Kramer writes. "On rare occasions Maggie got so mad she could not hold back. She said, 'Is your life so boring that you have nothing else better to do? How would you like it and how would you feel if everyone picked on you? So lose your stinger and make like a bee and buzz on through.'"

Once Maggie drops the weight, she not only gains gal pals but enjoys the attention of, urg, guys, another little something that young girls don't really need to think about.

She also gets higher grades and is invited to her first sleepover, bringing along deodorant spray so she doesn't have to worry about leaving a smell when she uses the bathroom.

Meanwhile, back on the soccer field, the teen encounters a pudgy, smaller girl as she practices and offers some tips. "She reminded Maggie of how Maggie was before she lost the weight," Kramer writes.

The book concludes, as Maggie collects a soccer trophy: "It is sad that people are judged mainly because of how they look. A pretty cover does not necessarily guarantee a good book."

Mexico to give HPV vaccine to all girls from 2012 (BLOG)

Mexico plans to administer the vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer, to all girls beginning next year, the country's health ministry said Tuesday.

Beginning in 2012, the HPV vaccine will be part of the normal course of shots given to all girls at the age of nine, Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova said.

Cervical cancer kills about 4,200 women in Mexico each year.

The minister said while deaths from cervical cancer had fallen 47 percent in the country over the past two decades, there was still 13.4 cases for every 100,000 women last year.

Mexican health authorities hope that by making the HPV vaccine universal, they can cut the mortality rate from this type of cancer by 50 percent for women over the age of 25.

HPV is sexually transmitted and most of the time the body can clear it on its own. However, in some cases the infection remains and can eventually lead to cervical cancer.

HPV types 16 and 18 account for 70 percent of cervical cancer cases worldwide, which number about 500,000 per year, according to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).

Chocolate Reduces Heart Disease Risk (BLOG)

Eating chocolate may reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by about one-third, a new study says.

The findings might sound a little familiar. A number of recent studies have shown that eating chocolate has a positive influence on human health. It's been shown to reduce blood pressure and improving insulin sensitivity (insensitivity can be an early sign of diabetes). But its effect on heart disease and stroke risk was less clear, the researchers said.

However, the new results are not an excuse to gorge. A lot of chocolate that's sold in stores is packed with calories. Eating too much of it could, in itself, lead to weight gain, diabetes or heart disease.

The researchers concluded that, given the health benefits of eating chocolate, initiatives to reduce the fat and sugar content of most chocolate products should be explored.

Oscar Franco, of the University of Cambridge in England, and colleagues analyzed the results of seven studies, involving over 100,000 participants with and without existing heart disease. For each study, they compared the people with the highest chocolate consumption against those with the lowest consumption.

Five studies reported that higher levels of chocolate consumption were linked to a lower risk of heart disease.

And the "highest levels of chocolate consumption were associated with a 37 percent reduction in cardiovascular disease and a 29 percent reduction in stroke compared with lowest levels," the researchers said. No significant reduction was found in risk of heart failure.

The studies did not distinguish between dark or milk chocolate, and included consumption of chocolate bars, drinks, biscuits and desserts. However, less processed, or darker chocolates, will tend to have higher levels of antioxidants, which are the compounds in chocolate that are thought to provide health benefits, the researchers said.

The researchers said that further studies are now needed to test whether chocolate actually causes this risk reduction, or if it can be explained by some other unmeasured factor.

The findings will be presented today (Aug. 29) at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Paris.

Is Drug Testing Welfare Applicants Unconstitutional? (BLOG)

(TIME)Under a new Florida law, people applying for welfare have to take a drug test at their own expense. If they pass, they are eligible for benefits and the state reimburses them for the test. If they fail, they are denied welfare for a year, until they take another test.

Mandatory drug testing for welfare applicants is becoming a popular idea across the U.S. Many states - including Alabama, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Louisiana - are considering adopting laws like Florida's. At the federal level, Senator David Vitter, a Louisiana Republican, has introduced the Drug Free Families Act of 2011, which would require all 50 states to drug-test welfare applicants. (See photos inside Colorado's marijuana industry.)

And the focus isn't even limited to welfare. In July, Indiana adopted drug tests for participants in a state job-training program. An Ohio state senator, Tim Grendell, recently said he plans to introduce a bill to require the unemployed to take a drug test before they receive unemployment benefits.

Drug-testing the needy has an undeniable populist appeal. It taps into deeply held beliefs about the deserving and undeserving poor. As Alabama state representative Kerry Rich put it, "I don't think the taxpayers should have to help fund somebody's drug habit."

But as government policy, drug testing is being oversold. These laws do not do what their supporters claim. And more importantly: they are likely to be unconstitutional. (See a TIME feature on your right to privacy.)

Drug testing proponents like to argue that there are large numbers of drug users going on welfare to get money to support their habits. The claim feeds into long-standing stereotypes about the kind of people who go on welfare, but it does not appear to have much basis in fact.

Several studies, including a 1996 report from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, have found that there is no significant difference in the rate of illegal-drug use by welfare applicants and other people. Another study found that 70% of illegal-drug users between the age of 18 and 49 are employed full time.

Drug-testing laws are often touted as a way of saving tax dollars, but the facts are once again not quite as presented. Idaho recently commissioned a study of the likely financial impact of drug testing its welfare applicants. The study found that the costs were likely to exceed any money saved.

Read why drug tests do not always work.

That happens to be Florida's experience so far. A Florida television station, WFTV, reported that of the first 40 applicants tested, only two came up positive, and one of those was appealing. The state stands to save less than $240 a month if it denies benefits to the two applicants, but it had to pay $1,140 to the applicants who tested negative. The state will also have to spend considerably more to defend the policy in court.

Given that cost-benefit reality, it is hard to escape the suspicion that what is really behind the drive to drug-test benefits applicants is a desire to stigmatize the needy. The fact is, there are all sorts of people who benefit from government programs. Businessmen get state contracts, farmers receive crop subsidies and retired state workers receive pensions. The pro-drug-testing movement, however, is focusing exclusively on welfare recipients - an easy target. (Read about ER doctors testing for drugs without a patient's consent.)

Policies like Florida's will almost certainly end up in court - and there is a good chance that they will be struck down. The Fourth Amendment puts strict limits on what kind of searches the state can carry out, and drug tests are considered to be a search. In 1997, in Chandler v. Miller, the Supreme Court voted 8-1 to strike down a Georgia law requiring candidates for state offices to pass a drug test.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, writing for the majority, said that the drug testing was an unreasonable search. The state can impose drug tests in exceptional cases, when there is a public-safety need for them (as with bus and train operators, for instance). But the Fourth Amendment does not allow the state to diminish "personal privacy for a symbol's sake," the court said. (Read whether schoolteachers should be drug-tested.)

Drug testing welfare applicants does not seem to meet the Chandler test since there is no particular safety reason to be concerned about drug use by welfare recipients. In 2003, the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals struck down Michigan's drug testing of welfare applicants as a Fourth Amendment violation.

If Florida and other states are really concerned about drug use, they should adopt stricter laws and better enforcement policies aimed at the whole population, not just the most vulnerable. But these laws are not really about drug use. They are about, in these difficult economic times, making things a little harder for the poor.

Porn film shoots voluntarily halted after HIV case (BLOG)

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Pornography film shoots across the United States have been largely shut down after an industry trade group called for a moratorium because an adult-film performer tested positive for HIV, officials with the organization said on Tuesday.

The temporary moratorium recommended by the Los Angeles-based Free Speech Coalition comes as public health advocates escalated calls for greater enforcement of laws requiring porn stars to wear condoms on the set.

The Free Speech Coalition said it learned on Saturday that a porn film performer who has not been publicly identified had initially tested positive for HIV. It called for an industrywide moratorium on Sunday.

The performer received a preliminary positive result for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, at a health facility outside of California. The San Fernando Valley suburb of Los Angeles has long been a leading hub of the porn industry.

Further diagnostic testing was needed to confirm the performer was HIV positive, the trade group said.

Diane Duke, executive director of the trade group, said she believed porn productions had largely been shut down nationally as a result of the moratorium, and that she was unaware of any companies that were refusing to comply.

"The industry has had a successful system of health and safety self-regulation since 1998, despite any misinformation being spread by our opponents," the Free Speech Coalition said in a statement.

In 2010, another porn performer, Derrick Burts, tested positive for HIV, which also prompted a temporary shutdown of porn productions.

A number of other porn stars have been infected with HIV over the years, said Brian Chase, assistant general counsel for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which was organizing a petition drive for a Los Angeles municipal ballot initiative to require porn performers in the city to wear condoms on set.

Supporters said local authorities were best suited to enforce such a measure.

California law and federal workplace safety rules require the use of condoms for porn stars exchanging bodily fluids through sex, but the industry has largely ignored those mandates, Chase said.

Porn companies have resisted efforts to compel condom usage by arguing it would force productions to go underground or outside the United States, increasing health risks.

The porn industry continues to operate in a legal gray zone, Chase said. "When you've got a situation like that, you've got a lot of industry participants who feel they don't need to follow the law," he said.

Until recently, many porn performers had been regularly tested for HIV at a private clinic in Los Angeles run by a private outfit called AIM Medical Associates. But the clinic closed in May as it filed for bankruptcy and dealt with lawsuits against it.

Since the closure, the Free Speech Coalition has developed a health and safety program to take its place, and it was in the process of signing up performers, producers and agents to participate, the trade group said.

Hospital garb harbors nasty bacteria, new study says (BLOG)

60 percent of uniforms tested positive. Should workers wear duds outside?

They might look quite clean, but the white coats, pastel uniforms and colorful surgical scrubs worn by doctors and nurses actually may harbor a host of nasty, potentially dangerous bacteria, a new study finds.

More than 60 percent of health workers’ uniforms sampled by researchers tested positive for pathogens, including the germs that can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections and drug-resistant infections such as MRSA.

That’s according to a study of hospital attire published today in the American Journal of Infection Control. Israeli researchers collected samples from the sleeves, waists and pockets of 75 registered nurses and 60 doctors at a busy university-based hospital to confirm the germs.

Half of the samples tested positive for one or more pathogens; potentially dangerous bacteria were isolated from at least one site on 63 percent of the uniforms. Of those, 11 percent of the bugs were resistant to multiple front-line antibiotics.

“These data suggest that personnel attire may be one route by which pathogenic bacteria are transmitted to patients,” concluded the researchers, led by Dr. Yonit Wiener-Well of the Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem.

To be sure, the study doesn’t verify a link between the germy garb and actual patient infections, the authors say. But it does raise enough questions to reignite conversations about the ick factor of hospital uniforms and scrubs — especially when health workers wear them in public: out to grocery stores, say, or to sandwich shops.

“I do cringe,” said Ramona Conner, a registered nurse and manager of standards and recommended practices for the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses. “We do know that antibiotic-resistant organisms have been found to survive for extended lengths of time on hospital materials including clothing and linens.”

Workers shouldn't wear scrubs home
AORN is among several groups and hospital systems that seek to limit potential infection by suggesting rules for hospital workers' attire. AORN guidelines say that hospitals should provide laundry services for surgical doctors and nurses to ensure proper cleaning and that health workers should be barred from wearing scrubs outside of their hospitals.

“Since we know these pathogens are present on attire, our job is to reduce exposure to as low a level as we can,” Conner said.

At the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, N.Y., hospital policy calls for staff to don only scrubs laundered at a hospital-owned facility and to refrain from wearing them outside the premises, said Ann Marie Pettis, director of infection prevention.

"The compliance with the policy, however, is less than perfect, unfortunately," Pettis admitted in an e-mail.

Previous studies in Britain and the United States have suggested that hospital worker attire — including neckties, long-sleeved shirts or coats, and watches, rings and other jewelry — could harbor bacteria that might be passed on to patients.

But other infection experts say that there are some contamination sources that are far more worrisome than clothing or accessories.

“Uniforms could be a source of contamination, but there is more concern about other surfaces around the patients,” said Russell N. Olmsted, president of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.

“What we don’t want to do is direct a lot of energy to sterile attire,” he added.

In the new study, the bacterial burden detected on the sleeves, waists and pockets of the uniforms was apparent, but also fairly low, serving mostly as a warning of possible worse contamination nearby, Olmsted said. For instance, there were 89 isolates of Acinetobacter, a potentially nasty bug, with between one and 36 potential colonies, the study found.

“There are surfaces around the person that have a higher bacterial load. There could be 100 colony-forming units to 1,000 units on a bedrail, for instance,” said Olmsted, an epidemiologist in infection prevention and control services at St. Joseph Mercy Health System in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Experts said the germs detected on the uniforms likely reflected poor hand-washing practices, an intractable problem at most hospitals, where between one-third and one-half of health workers fail to follow good handhygiene, studies have shown.

The Israeli researchers found, not surprisingly, that contamination increased the longer health workers wore their garb. The rate of contamination with multi-resistant organisms was 29 percent on attire changed every two days, compared with 8 percent in uniforms changed daily, the study found.

They recommended that health workers change into clean uniforms daily, boost their hand hygiene practices and use plastic aprons for messy jobs that may involve splashing or contact with bodily fluids.

That’s good advice, agreed Olmsted and Conner, who both said that decreasing the opportunities for bacteria to hitch a ride on hands, clothing or other objects is the key to infection control.

“Our first response to everything is to err on the side of caution,” Conner said.

msn

Walk-to-School Programs Put Kids' Fitness First (BLOG)

(HealthDay News) -- Saying "no" to the school bus and walking kids to school instead could be a step -- or more -- toward boosting children's activity levels, a new study shows.

Texas researchers split a group of 149 fourth-graders from eight schools in Houston into active commuters -- those who walked to and from school up to five days a week -- and a control group who were driven by bus or car. At the beginning of the study, both groups had logged similar amounts of moderate to vigorous activity, about 46 to 49 minutes per day.

But over the next five weeks, the kids who walked to school upped their activity slightly -- an average of 7 extra minutes per day of moderate to vigorous exercise. In contrast, those who got driven to school actually lowered their daily activity over the study period, to an average of 41 minutes daily.

While the activity increase for walkers may seem modest, study author Dr. Jason Mendoza said that even small amounts of exercise are meaningful in a country with a 17 percent obesity rate for kids under age 19. About a third of adult Americans are obese, and another third are classified as overweight.

"It's not like they're going to the gym to work out," said Mendoza, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. "It's something they can build into their days without a lot of extra effort or equipment."

The study is published in the September issue of the journal Pediatrics.

Because of a "car-centric" society that favors wider roads and fewer sidewalks -- as well as a heightened fear of abductions by strangers -- far fewer kids walk to school than was the case four decades ago. According to study authors, 42 percent of children actively commuted (walked or biked) to school in 1969-70, compared to only 13 percent in 2009.

Because of the brevity of the study period, Mendoza's team did not compare differences in the children's body mass indexes (BMIs) over that time, so it's impossible to say that the intervention caused the kids to lose (or at least not gain) excess weight. But all participants came from low-income districts with high numbers of ethnic minorities, groups that tend to have higher levels of childhood obesity.

Study staff members took the helm of "walking school bus" groups of up to a dozen kids or more, Mendoza said, some of whom were also accompanied by parents who wanted to participate in the effort.

Programs like this are supported by the Safe Routes to School National Partnership, a national organization that advocates for safe walking and bicycling to and from schools.

However, walking school bus programs are still not exceptionally common, said Dr. Silva Arslanian, chief of the weight management and wellness center at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

"The results aren't surprising," she said. "The real question is what happens once you stop the activity. The important thing is to sustain a behavior, and that's always been the difficulty in obesity prevention or treatments programs."

Arslanian wasn't impressed by the fact that only 26 percent of the families who were approached for the walking school bus study decided to participate.

"A 75 percent refusal for any study is extremely high. So, are people averse to the idea of walking?" she said. "Parents are not interested because they themselves are heavy, or have other burdens. It all boils down to role modeling and expectations in your child."

Of course, walking to school versus being driven does require a bit more time -- the study showed a 38 percent jump in relative commuting time between the two groups. But Mendoza believes that parents can make "walking school bus" programs feasible by approaching them as a community endeavor.

"Usually walking school buses split up days, like carpools, so it should save parents time if they get other parents to help," he explained. "There are parents who've decided to leave the car at home and take turns walking the kids to school. It might take a little longer to do it, but they build it into their day. It's good for them and good for the kids."

Another advantage of the program is decreased traffic congestion around schools, where carpool lines can pose dangerous circumstances for kids getting into or out of cars, Mendoza noted.

"I'm hoping policy makers and public health officials consider supporting these programs," he said. "It's a broad-based way to get our children to be more physically active. We could say it's an old-fashioned idea, but what's old is new again. We're adapting it to the reality of today."

Seven Subtle Signs That You’re Healthy (BLOG)

It’s a fact of digital life that every time you’re hit with a twinge of pain or a pang of discomfort, the natural impulse is to immediately google your symptoms, which will lead you to reach the eventual (and sensible) conclusion that you probably have cancer.

Relax! The good news is that you probably don’t have cancer. Or AIDS, dengue fever, Lyme disease, Ebola, leprosy, or any of the other terrifying illnesses that keep WebMD in business. In fact, you may be even healthier than you think. Random pains can be distressing, but if your body displays these subtle signs of health, chances are good that you’re actually doing just fine.

1. Relatively Clear, Copious Urine
If you’re peeing a few times a day and it’s pale yellow—not cloudy, dark, or super-concentrated—that means that you’re adequately hydrated and your kidneys are healthy. Completely colorless urine, however, indicates that you may be over-hydrated, and while that’s not as problematic as being dehydrated, it could mean that you’re losing valuable salts and electrolytes.

2. Regular, Well-Formed Bowel Movements
Yes, it all comes down to poop. Normal feces comes in many different shapes, sizes, and colors, but as long as yours isn’t bloody, loose, or painfully hard, you’re probably okay. Being regular is another good indicator of relative health; when your body is processing solid waste quickly and efficiently, it shows that there’s adequate fiber in your diet and your digestive system is working properly.

3. Stable Weight
Assuming you’re not grossly underweight or morbidly obese, a relatively stable weight is a sign of good health. Significant unexplained gains and losses or yo-yoing back and forth on diets are causes for concern.

4. Quick Wound Healing
If you find that small cuts, scrapes, or burns take a very long time to heal or if you experience unexplained bruising from light pressure, see a doctor. If you don’t, congratulations! Your blood is clotting normally, your white cells are carrying away bacteria, and your blood vessels are healthy. You’re doing alright.

5. Healthy Hair and Nails
The integumentary system (which includes hair and nails) is often the first place that a serious vitamin deficiency shows up. This shortage can cause weak, deformed fingernails and toenails and hair that falls out in clumps. If your hair’s biggest problems are frizziness or split ends, then it’s more or less healthy.

6. Regular Menstrual Periods
Regular periods with normal premenstrual symptoms are one of the best indicators that your reproductive system is healthy. Irregular, painful periods and excessive or prolonged bleeding are symptoms that should be checked out by a doctor.

7. Decent Sleep
True, most of us don’t get quite as much sleep as we should, and occasional insomnia is considered normal. But as long as you’re sleeping through the night on a regular basis and not experiencing night sweats or being awakened repeatedly by the urge to urinate, you’re probably hitting all the necessary sleep rhythms. And if you’re generally waking up feeling at least moderately refreshed, things are looking good.

It should go without saying that the absence of these signs can mean hundreds of different things and can signify dozens of different problems—or sometimes nothing at all—and a doctor is the only one who can say for sure. And that means a real doctor—because sometimes WebMD just doesn’t cut it.



divinecaroline

Why is celiac disease on the rise? (BLOG)

Nearly five times as many Americans have celiac disease today than in the 1950s, a recent study of 9,133 young adults at Warren Air Force Base found. Another recent report found that the rates of celiac disease have doubled every 15 years since 1974. The debilitating digestive disease is now estimated to afflict about 1 in 100 Americans. Why is exposure to gluten--a protein in found in barley, wheat, rye, and possibly oats, as well as other everyday products, including some brands of lipstick, vitamins and lip balms—making more people sick than ever before?

To find out more about celiac disease and the health effects of gluten-free diets, I talked to Christina Tennyson, MD of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University in New York City.

What is celiac disease? A debilitating digestive disorder, celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten. When people with the disease eat foods that contain gluten, a damaging reaction occurs in the lining of the small intestines, blocking its ability to absorb certain nutrients. This can lead tovitamin deficiencies and malnutrition, even if the person is eating a seemingly healthy diet.

What are the symptoms? One reason why this autoimmune disease often goes undiagnosed for as long as 10 years is that symptoms can vary from person to person. Among the more common warning signs of celiac disease are abdominal pain, bloating, gassiness, diarrhea, constipation, lactose intolerance, nausea and fatigue.

How serious is it? Because celiac disease robs the body of vital nutrients, people who have it are at increased risk for anemia and osteoporosis. People who have celiac disease and don’t eat a gluten-free diet also face a higher threat of bowel cancer and intestinal lymphoma. The Air Force Base study found that during 45 years of follow-up, those with undiagnosed celiac disease were four times more likely to die.

What causes it? Although the cause isn’t fully understood, two genes are known to play a role, says Dr. Tennyson.

Why are rates rising? One theory is that today’s grain-based foods contain more gluten than they did in the past. Another is that kids are exposed to gluten at an earlier age, contributing to increased risk. A frequently proposed explanation is the “hygiene hypothesis,” the theory that we are too clean for our own good, resulting in weaker immune systems because we’re not exposed to as many diseases.

Does a gluten-free diet help people lose weight? Many gluten-free foods are actually higher in calories than their gluten-containing counterparts and therefore lead to weight gain, reports Dr. Tennyson. “One of the pitfalls is that these foods are often highly processed and high in fat. Some ingredients that are used are low in fiber, such as white rice flour, tapioca and corn starch, causing constipation.” To avoid these problems, people with celiac disease should work with a nutritionist, she advises.

Does a gluten-free diet have any health benefits if you don’t have celiac disease?Possibly. In a randomized study in which neither the researchers nor the participants knew if the foods they were eating contained gluten or not, 68 percent of people who thought that a gluten-free diet improved their GI symptoms reported worsening of their symptoms when they were fed gluten-containing foods without their knowledge. However, the study only looked at 34 patients. Use of gluten-free diets for other conditions, such as autism, is highly controversial.

How trustworthy is gluten-free labeling? While products as diverse as lipstick brands to chocolate and many types of groceries carry gluten-free labeling, right now, there are no legal standards that have to be met in the US. In 27 other countries, food labeled as gluten-free food can’t have more than 20 parts of gluten per million. Nearly three years after the FDA’s deadline for a rule to define “gluten-free,” the agency is finally getting serious about tackling the dangerous risks people with celiac disease can face due to misleading labeling.

What’s the treatment? Although there’s no cure, symptoms can be effectively controlled through dietary changes to avoid all foods with gluten. However, if you think you might have celiac disease, don’t start a gluten-free diet until you’ve been tested for the condition, since eliminating gluten can cause misleading test results, cautions Dr. Tennyson. Because the disease can also spark vitamin andmineral deficiencies, patients may also need supplements. For people with severe small intestine inflammation, doctors sometimes prescribe steroids.




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Surprising New Uses For Common Remedies (BLOG)

1-Antacid tablet
When minor medical issues crop up, chances are your medicine cabinet already contains some effective—and surprising—fixes for what ails you. Here are 10 common household items that all do double duty, saving you a trip to the pharmacy—and cash in the process.

It's for: Heartburn
The effervescent type with sodium bicarbonate helps neutralize the acid that causes painful heartburn symptoms.

But try: Soothing insect bites

"Antacid formulations such as Alka-Seltzer contain aspirin, an anesthetic that can help ease the sting and itch of insect bites," says Howard Sobel, MD, a clinical attending physician in dermatology and dermatologic surgery at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City.

He recommends making a paste with a crushed Antacid tablet, a pinch of oatmeal (also a skin soother), and water and applying it to the skin. Results are immediate—and this DIY formula has a healing bonus that other anti-itch salves lack. "Calamine lotion contains zinc oxide, which can be drying to the skin," Sobel explains. "Effervescent Antacid tablets provide quicker relief from pain and itching—without the dehydrating side effects."


2-Mouthwash
It's for: Freshening breath
"Both types of mouthwash—with and without alcohol— contain antimicrobial properties that reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth," explains Edgard El Chaar, DDS, a clinical associate professor of periodontology and implant dentistry at NYU College of Dentistry.

But try: Preventing athlete's foot

If you have switched to an alcohol-free version (such as Tom's of Maine or ACT Fluoride), don't throw away the old bottle: Use the alcohol mouthwash to keep your feet and toenails pristine. To prevent athlete's foot, soak a cotton ball with the liquid and swab the bottoms of your feet and between toes after every shower. According to Sobel, the high alcohol content of traditional mouthwash helps ward off fungal infections.


3-Baking soda
It's for: Tooth whitening
Many dentists recommend baking soda to help remove superficial stains from enamel, making teeth appear whiter. It also prevents bad breath and gets rid of plaque embedded in the area between the teeth and gums.

But try: Calming irritated skin

Used topically, baking soda takes the sting out of sunburn and minimizes the itch and discomfort caused by a variety of skin conditions (including eczema, prickly heat, and poison ivy). "Sodium bicarbonate is a mild alkaline compound that can help neutralize the pH balance of your skin," says Linda K. Franks, MD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University. "This 'buffering effect' may help quell the inflammation that occurs at the skin's surface, easing your soreness."

To get relief, place a cup of baking soda under a running bath tap so it dissolves completely, and then soak in the water for about 30 minutes.


4-Nasal spray
It's for: Easing congestion
The decongestants in it shrink blood vessels and swollen mucous membranes in your nose, making it easier for you to breathe.

But try: Stopping nosebleeds

Most nosebleeds can be stopped by simply pinching the nose for 10 to 20 minutes, but if yours persists, nasal spray may do the trick. According to Amy Sutton Peak, PharmD, director of Drug Information Services at Butler University, about two-thirds of people who visit an emergency room for a persistent nosebleed are successfully treated with oxymetazoline, the decongestant found in common drugstore nasal sprays such as Afrin and Mucinex.

To stop the bleeding, she recommends tilting your head forward and clearing your nose by blowing out any clots (this may increase bleeding for a few seconds). Next, inhale through your nose while spraying oxymetazoline into the affected nostril(s), and then pinch the soft part of your nose closed. Maintain pressure for 10 full minutes. If the bleeding hasn't stopped, continue pinching for another 10 minutes. If none of these measures works, see a health care provider for further treatment.


5-Witch hazel
It's for: Treating acne
This plant extract helps fight acne by drying out excess oil in the skin. Because it contains alcohol, witch hazel can help kill the bacteria that cause infection and lead to breakouts.

But try: Shrinking hemorrhoids

"Witch hazel is a natural astringent," says Sobel. "It works to contract the skin and surrounding blood vessels back to normal size." That's why it is a primary ingredient in many OTC hemorrhoid wipes and medicated pads, such as Tucks and Preparation H. "Alone, witch hazel may dry out delicate tissue, so also apply a cream, such as Vaseline or A+D original ointment, to moisturize the area," says Sobel.


6-Aloe vera
It's for: Soothing burns
Topical application of aloe gel can speed the healing of first- and second-degree burns.

But try: Eliminating canker sores

"Aloe vera contains vitamins as well as amino acids that help repair damaged tissues," says Irwin Smigel, DDS, president of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics. "Several compounds found in aloe vera work together to decrease or prevent inflammation and control pain." A research review found that canker sore sufferers who applied aloe vera gel healed about 50% faster than those who didn't.


7-Tea tree oil
It's for: Treating skin infections
Well-known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, tea tree oil is often applied topically for acne and athlete's foot.

But try: Getting rid of dandruff

People who used a shampoo with 5% tea tree oil reduced their dandruff 41% and significantly improved the itchiness and greasiness of their scalp, according to a study from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. "You can safely add a small amount of tea tree oil to your own shampoo to get a similar effect," says Sobel. "Just use sparingly, no more than a few teaspoons per bottle, to prevent overdrying of your scalp.


8-Yogurt
You eat it for: Digestive health
The probiotic bacteria it contains help foster healthy digestion and keep you regular.

But try: Preventing gum disease

Adults who consume 55 g of yogurt per day have significantly fewer markers of periodontal disease than those who don't include this food in their diets, according to scientists at Kyushu University in Japan. That's because the lactic acid in yogurt helps protect their gums from the harmful bacteria that cause this chronic condition.

9-Extra virgin olive oil
You eat it for: Lower cholesterol
Subbing it for butter keeps your cholesterol (and belly fat) in check.

But try: Boosting your vision

Studies show that the omega-3 fatty acids in olive oil help prevent age-related macular degeneration. People who ate the most olive oil (at least 100 ml, or nearly 7 tablespoons, per week) were about half as likely to develop late AMD as those who consumed less than 1 ml per week, according to researchers at the University of Melbourne in Australia.


10-Dark chocolate
You eat it for: Heart health
A few ounces weekly reduces risk of cardiovascular disease (and satisfies a sweet tooth).

But try: Protecting skin from sun damage

Dark chocolate may help protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, finds a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Researchers say minimally processed versions of the sweet treat are rich in flavonoids, antioxidants that could prevent wrinkles and cut the risk of skin cancer caused by exposure to sunlight.


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