http://www.trackpads.com/forum/ Discussions about about health, exercise, fitness and more. en Mon, 06 Sep 2010 09:14:30 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.trackpads.com/forum/images/misc/rss.png http://www.trackpads.com/forum/ http://www.trackpads.com/forum/health-fitness/943895-smoking-pot-may-ease-chronic-pain.html Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:55:57 GMT Study: Smoking pot may ease chronic pain By... Study: Smoking pot may ease chronic pain
By Amanda Gardner, Health.com
August 30, 2010 8:27 a.m. EDT

(Health.com) -- People with chronic pain who aren't getting enough relief from medications may be able to ease their pain by smoking small amounts of marijuana, a new study suggests.

Marijuana also helps pain patients fall asleep more easily and sleep more soundly, according to the report, one of the first real-world studies to look at the medicinal use of smoked marijuana. Most previous research has used extracts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in the cannabis plant.

"This is the first time anyone has done a trial of smoked cannabis on an outpatient basis," says the lead researcher, Mark Ware, M.B.B.S., the director of clinical research at McGill University's Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, in Montreal.

Health.com: Medicinal marijuana, state by state

The study included 21 adults with nervous-system (neuropathic) pain stemming from surgery, accidents, or other trauma. Fourteen of the participants were on short-term disability or permanently disabled. All of them had tried marijuana before, but none were current or habitual smokers.

"They were not experienced marijuana users," Ware says. "They came because they had severe pain that was not responding to any conventional treatment."

Each patient in the study smoked four different strengths of marijuana over a period of 56 days. The THC potency ranged from 9.4 percent -- the strongest dose the researchers could obtain legally -- to 0 percent, a "placebo" pot that looked and tasted like the real thing but was stripped of THC. (By comparison, the strongest marijuana available on the street has a THC potency of about 15 percent, Ware estimates.)

Health.com: Medical marijuana may help fibromyalgia pain

The participants -- who weren't told which strength they were getting -- were instructed to smoke a thimbleful (25 milligrams) from a small pipe three times a day for five days. After a nine-day break, they switched to a different potency.

The highest dose of THC yielded the best results. It lessened pain and improved sleep more effectively than the placebo and the two medium-strength doses (which produced no measurable relief), and it also reduced anxiety and depression.

The effects lasted for about 90 minutes to two hours, according to the study.

The results were published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Health.com: 8 natural remedies to help you sleep

Though small, the study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that cannabis has painkilling properties that may be useful in medicine, perhaps in addition to other treatments. THC extracts have been shown to help ease cancer pain and the nausea associated with chemotherapy, while a few small studies in hospital populations have found that smoked marijuana can help relieve neuropathic pain.

But medical marijuana isn't ready to become a mainstream chronic pain treatment, says Andrew McDavid, M.D., director of the division of pain management at Scott & White Healthcare, in Temple, Texas.

"The studies out there show some decrease in pain, but it's not alarmingly or shockingly great," says McDavid, who was not involved in the new research. "Although it may have some use, it's probably going to need to be used with something else, if it's approved."

As the study notes, the pain relief the patients experienced from marijuana was modest compared to that seen in studies of analgesic medications such as gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica).

Health.com: 6 mistakes pain patients make

Christopher Gharibo, M.D., an anesthesiologist at the New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases, in New York City, points out that the study didn't address whether marijuana enabled the patients to perform everyday activities without pain -- the best test of a chronic pain treatment.

"I'm not convinced [marijuana] helps from a functional standpoint," he says. "I'm not even impressed by the pain reduction. We have analgesics that do much better."

The potential long-term side effects of habitual marijuana use could prove problematic as well, Gharibo adds. Over time some patients may experience weight gain, a generalized feeling of sedation, and even changes in mood and cognitive function, he says.

Health.com: Can psychedelic drugs treat depression?

The study participants did report some minor side effects, including coughing, dizziness, headache, and dry eyes. Few reported feeling "high" or euphoric, however, which suggests that abuse or addiction is not a major concern with amounts as small as those used in the study.

"We had a total of three single episodes where patients felt a little bit high," Ware says. "So it was extremely rare. The possibility that one would become addicted is low."

Still, if marijuana were to become a more common pain treatment, it's possible that some patients might overdo it, McDavid says.

"We saw the problem with narcotics. You can't ever predict which people, when prescribed, will abuse it or not. Obviously there needs to be more research."

Enter to win a monthly Room Makeover Giveaway from MyHomeIdeas.com - Decorating, Entertaining, Outdoor Living, and Remodeling - Products, Shopping, and Resources - MyHomeIdeas.com

Study: Smoking pot may ease chronic pain - CNN.com ]]> Health and Fitness Jacklou59 http://www.trackpads.com/forum/health-fitness/943895-smoking-pot-may-ease-chronic-pain.html http://www.trackpads.com/forum/health-fitness/943464-acai-berry-diet-exposed-miracle-diet-scam.html Sun, 29 Aug 2010 01:41:02 GMT Acai Berry Diet Exposed: Miracle Diet or Scam?... Acai Berry Diet Exposed: Miracle Diet or Scam?
As part of a new series: "Diet Trends: A look at America's Top Diets" we examine consumer tips for dieting during a recession

Acai berries are the latest weight loss fad. These so called Super Foods that you take as a supplement to lose weight have been getting a lot of international attention. And like you have probably already seen; they are all over the internet in blogs and success stories of people who have apparently used the pills and lost a ton of weight. But we here at News 6 are a little skeptical and aren‘t sure that we‘ve seen any real proof that these pills work for weight loss. So we decided to put these products to the test. What better way to find out the truth than to conduct our own study?

To get started, I volunteered to be the guinea pig. I applied for a bottle of the Acai Weight Loss. While there are ton's of Acai berry ads online, Acai Weight Loss is one of the most credible and trustworthy suppliers on the market. It included the Free bottle of the product with coupon and it did not try to fool me into agreeing to additional hidden offers. Another reason why I chose Acai Weight Loss is because it is the most concentrated and purest acai products on the market. This would give me the most accurate results for my test.

Here is what Acai Weight Loss claimed on their website...

* 4 Times More Weight Loss Than Diet And Exercise
* Boosts Energy
* Rich in Antioxidants
* Promotes Cardiovascular and Digestive Health

Were pretty skeptical, but wanted to find out for ourselves if this product could actually do everything that it claimed. Most of the success stories talk about combining Acai berry with colon cleansing products to achieve maximum weight loss. I decided to do the same. The idea behind combining the products is that while the Acai Berry encourages weight loss and increases energy, the colon cleanse helps rid your body of toxins and allows your body to work and burn calories more efficiently. I chose Nature's Colon Detox to test.
Here is what Nature's Colon Detox claimed on their website...

* Helps Eliminate Bad Toxins that have Built Up Over the Years
* Removes ‘Sludge‘ from the Walls of the Colon
* Helps Get Rid of Gas and Bloating
* Helps to Regulate the Metabolism

And the Nature's Colon Detox, like the Acai Berry, had a Free trial with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and had no hidden offers.
Putting Acai to the Test

Both the Acai Weight Loss and Nature's Colon Detox arrived within 4 days of having placed my order online for the Free bottles with coupon.

The bottles I received held a month‘s worth of pills which worked out perfect as I was to follow the supplement routine for 4 weeks time and document my progress throughout
My Test 4 Week Acai Berry Diet: Acai Weight Loss + Nature's Colon Detox

* Take one Acai Weight Loss pill per day
* Take one Nature's Colon Detox pill per day

My Results

Week One

After one week on the diet using both products I was surprised at the dramatic results. My energy level was up, and I wasn‘t even hungry, an apparent side effect of the Acai Berry which curbs the appetite.

I honestly felt fantastic.

And I didn‘t even change anything about my daily routine. On day 7 I got on the scale and couldn‘t believe my eyes. I had lost 9 lbs. But I still wasn‘t convinced as they say you lose a lot of water at the beginning of any diet. I wanted to wait and see the results in the upcoming weeks. But it sure was looking up! I now weighed under 140 pounds for the first time in years!

Week Two

After two weeks of using both supplements, I started the week off with even more energy and was actually sleeping more soundly than before. I was no longer waking up during the night and tossing and turning because my body was actually able to relax (this is a result of getting rid of the toxins I think). Plus I still managed to lose another 7 pounds, putting me at an unbelievable 16 lbs of weight loss, in just 2 weeks.

I must admit that I‘m starting to believe that this diet is more than just a gimmick.

Week Three

After 3 weeks all my doubts and skepticism had absolutely vanished! I am down, 2 full dress sizes, after losing another 6 pounds. And I still have a ton of energy. Quite often, around the third week of other diets, you tend to run out of steam. But with the Acai Weight Loss and Nature's Colon Detox diet my energy levels don‘t dip, but remain steady throughout the day. I no longer need that cat nap around 3pm in the afternoon! And I am even noticing that my stomach is digesting food so much better. No bloating or embarrassing gas after I eat!

Week Four

After the fourth week, my final results were shocking. I lost an unbelievable 25 lbs since starting the Acai Weight Loss and Nature's Colon Detox diet! Actually everyone at News 6 is kicking themselves for not having volunteered to be the guinea pig. Using the Acai Weight Loss and Nature's Colon Detox in week 4 I lost 3 more pounds. But to be honest I really didn‘t have much more than that left to lose. And I am definately going to continue taking the Acai Weight Loss afterwards because it has so many antioxidants and vitamins that makes my skin look unbelievable.
I couldn‘t be any happier with the results.
I Lost 25lbs in 4 Weeks, No Special Diet, No Intense Exercise

Conclusion Like us, here at News 6, you might be a little doubtful about the effects of this diet, but you need to try it for yourself; the results are real. After conducting our own personal study we are pleased to see that people really are finding success with it (myself included :) ). And you have nothing to lose. Follow the links to the Free bottles with special coupon program that I have provided and know that you are getting a quality product that works; no strings attached!

Good Luck with your weight loss

Julia Miller

Click Here To Get A Free Bottle Of Acai Weight Loss
Special coupon program. Pay only $1.94 shipping by using coupon code "THIN"

Click Here To Get A Free Bottle Of Nature's Colon Detox
Special coupon program. Pay only $1.94 shipping by using coupon code "THIN"

Free Trials Expire: undefined, August 29, 2010

Would you like to share a consumer tip for next week? If so, please send us an email. julia@LosAngeles-Gazette.com

Consumer Reporter Today - Diet Trends: A look at America's Top Diets ]]> Health and Fitness Jacklou59 http://www.trackpads.com/forum/health-fitness/943464-acai-berry-diet-exposed-miracle-diet-scam.html http://www.trackpads.com/forum/health-fitness/943236-parents-do-you-know-what-these-texts-mean.html Fri, 27 Aug 2010 06:44:38 GMT Parents, do you know what these texts mean? ... Parents, do you know what these texts mean?

(CNN) -- Do you know what this means: %*@:-( ?

Or this: ~~#ZZZZZZ ?

If the answers are no, you're not a teenager who uses alcohol or drugs.

'Boy am I old'

Six years ago, Ryan Jones didn't know what the above terms meant either -- but that was before he became an expert in the shorthand teens use to communicate about their illicit activities.

It all began in 2004, when Jones, a software engineer, received some odd instant messages at work, using terms such as "idk" and "lyk." It was all Greek to Jones.

Jones, a computer programmer in Allen Park, Michigan, quickly realized the messages weren't from his boss -- they were from his boss' children who were hanging out at the office with their father for the day. As a joke, they'd gone into their dad's AOL account and sent silly, innocent instant messages to everyone in the office, and none of the adults could understand the shortcuts and slang.

He later learned "idk" means "I don't know" and "lyk" means "like."

"It was a real 'boy am I old' moment," Jones remembers. "But then it occurred to me the slang was actually really creative and saved time and keystrokes. I was talking to some of the other programmers, and we thought it would be a cool idea to start a website that had translations of the slang that kids use."

Jones created noslang.com in 2005, and as more readers have submitted terms related to drugs and sex, what started out as a fun little lexicon of innocuous shortcuts has become a valuable educational tool for parents to learn about what their children are up to.

Hate letters from teens

Children across the country are heading back to school, and new research from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America shows that a third of parents are concerned computers and texting make it harder to communicate with media-engrossed teens about sex, drugs, alcohol and other risky behaviors. This is a particular concern for many parents, especially considering another new report, from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, finds 5.7 million public school students attend gang and drug-infected schools.

Jones has now made it his mission to help parents detect when their children are discussing dangerous activities online.

In his online dictionary, there are thousands of slang terms related to drugs and sex (there are 88 drug shortcuts beginning with the letter "a" alone). "A- boot," for example, means someone is under the influence of drugs, "cu46" means "see you for sex," and "gnoc" means "get naked on cam," meaning a webcam.

"Whether you're a parent, teacher, law enforcement officer or simply a concerned friend -- it's important to stay up to date on the latest drug-related slang terms," Jones writes on the website.

You won't find every drug- and sex-related term on Jones' website. While readers have submitted thousands of examples of slang, he refuses to include ones that are just too disgusting.

"You should see the things I reject on a daily basis," he says. "Some of this stuff is pretty vulgar."

After they read through his dictionary, parents appreciate the education, Jones says. "Parents write me thank you notes all the time, and I occasionally get hate letters from teens," he says.

Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden agrees that parents need to wise up to what their kids are saying to each other online. His office has made more than 100 presentations about understanding teen online communications.

'A huge disconnect'

"There's a huge disconnect between parents and kids," says Wasden, who makes presentations to parents and teens about how to communicate safely online. "For parents, there is a mystique about technology, but texting is the standard way [teens] communicate with one another."

To demystify electronic communications among teens, Wasden suggests keeping an eye on your child's texts and online communications, whether it's via instant messages or Facebook.

You'll be in good company if you do. According to a recent study from the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project, 64 percent of parents look at the contents of their child's cell phone.

This may seem overbearing, but remember: Looking at what your child says online could keep your child out of a dangerous situation.

"I'm the parent," Wasden says. "If I have to choose between having my child upset with me or having them be victimized, I'm going to chose for them to be upset with me every time."

Of course, it doesn't help to read what they write if you can't understand it.

"There's a broad range of terms that even vigilantly monitoring parents may not recognize," says Ernie Allen, president of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. "Kids are developing their own language and don't want anyone to know what it is."

If you see terms that are unfamiliar to you, go to one of several translators and dictionaries that help parents decipher the terms that teens use in chat rooms, text messages and instant messaging boards.

You can find teen lingo translators from the state of Idaho, noslang.com, teenchatdecoder.com, netsmartz411.org and 1337Talk.com.

Groups such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Parents. The Anti-Drug, the Partnership for a Drug-Free America and the Office of National Drug Control Policy have lists of street terms and slang, including those specific to drug or sexual activity.

Once you get the hang of the language, you can try your hand at translating a real message found by Susan Shankle and Barbara Melton, co-authors of the book "What in the World Are Your Kids Doing Online?"

The message reads:

"1 w45 50 j4ck3d up |457 n16h7. 1 5c0r3d 50m3 cr4ck 47 7h3 p4r7y 50 1'd h4v3 17 f0r 70n16h7 4nd 70m0rr0w, 4nd 7h3n J1mmy 700k 0ff w17h 17, 7h3 455h0|3! 1 4m 4|| j1773ry 4nd n33d 70 m337 up w17h y0u 70n16h7 4f73r my p4r3n75 7h1nk 1 4m 45|33p. c4n y0u m337 m3 47 b0j4n6|3'5 47 m1dn16h7 ju57 f0r 4 f3w m1nu735? 1 ju57 n33d 4 |177|3 4nd 1 c4n p4y y0u b4ck 0n m0nd4y, 1 pr0m153."

Translation:

"I was so jacked up last night. I scored some crack at the party so I'd have it for tonight and tomorrow, and then Jimmy took off with it, the [expletive]! I am all jittery and need to meet up with you tonight after my parents think i am asleep. Can you meet me at Bojangle's at midnight just for a few minutes? I just need a little and I can pay you back on Monday, I promise."

Parents, do you know what these texts mean? - CNN.com
Photo slide ]]> Health and Fitness Jacklou59 http://www.trackpads.com/forum/health-fitness/943236-parents-do-you-know-what-these-texts-mean.html http://www.trackpads.com/forum/health-fitness/942838-suffering-back-pain-how-you-can-end.html Sat, 21 Aug 2010 01:33:47 GMT Suffering back pain? How you can end it ARA) -... Suffering back pain? How you can end it

ARA) - Has your back pain caused you to suffer for far too long? Does it seem like you've tried everything and you still have pain? Wouldn't it be great if you could alleviate that pain? With new spinal surgery options, you might finally live the pain-free life you want.

The Minimally Invasive Spine Institute (MISI), with 6 clinics in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, is one of the most advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities for back and neck pain as well as spinal disorders in the United States. Patients from around the country have gotten their lives back thanks to MISI's state-of-the-art, minimally-invasive laser procedures.

MISI was the first in Texas to perform endoscopic spine surgery with an incision as small as 3 mm. At MISI, you'll work with fellowship-trained spine surgeons, the highest level of specialized training for spine doctors, who use innovative laser techniques that allow for:

Less anesthesia
Due to the size of our incisions and our ability to use lasers to treat the source of your pain, very little anesthesia is needed and usually only locally.

Less recovery time
Patients often walk out of the surgery center in as little as 2 hours after the procedure.

Less trauma
Pioneering laser spine techniques without muscle damage that often require no stitches.

Less blood loss
Less blood loss and less trauma often means a much quicker recovery for you and your body.

Less scarring
Often, the minimally invasive procedures used by MISI leave you with virtually no scar tissue so you can enjoy an active lifestyle once again.

Imagine being able to run around with your children or grandchildren, waking up in the morning and feeling no pain, or running, riding a bike and enjoying life like you used to. It's possible, thanks to advancements in spine surgery and amazing doctors who tailor procedures to each patient's specific condition.

"Four years ago this month, you performed surgery for spondylolisthesis on my back. The results have been exceptional," says Heidi Dorr, an MISI patient. "My determination to heal and my willingness to follow your instructions helped me through and I came out on the other side better than I've ever been. I exercise faithfully at least 5 days a week doing both aerobics and calisthenics with weights. It is with great pride that I report I rode in a 252-mile bike ride through the rolling hills of Iowa over four days last month!"

You can get a free review of your existing MRI report by specialists from MISI when you visit Texas Minimally Invasive Laser Spine Surgery For Back & Neck Pain, Spine Surgeon, Back & Neck Doctors, Scoliosis Surgery Specialist Plano, Dallas Texas and fill out a brief from. It's the first step toward healing and living life the way you want to, without pain.

Sponsored content provided by Spine Institute. Copyright ARAnet, Inc.

Spinal surgery with minimal pain? Find out more ]]> Health and Fitness Jacklou59 http://www.trackpads.com/forum/health-fitness/942838-suffering-back-pain-how-you-can-end.html http://www.trackpads.com/forum/health-fitness/942837-americas-healthiest-pleasures-10-vices-good-you.html Sat, 21 Aug 2010 01:31:18 GMT America's healthiest pleasures: 10 'vices' that are good for you
By Susannah Felts and Jeannie Kim, Health.com
August 20, 2010 8:10 a.m. EDT

(Health.com) -- Permission granted: You can officially stop feeling guilty about those little "bad-for-you" habits you can't seem to break. Turns out, many of life's greatest indulgences bring big health benefits -- helping you stay slim, fight off the blues, and kick disease to the curb.

And we've got the 10 best right here, conveniently ranked by Health magazine's expert panelists. Start at the top of the list to get the most bang for your healthy buck, and keep moving on down to learn how to boost your well-being in the most decadent ways possible.

Pleasure No. 1: Getting your zzz's: Our experts unanimously agreed: Sleep is free and has virtually zero health drawbacks, making it the one treat no one should skimp on. Pillow time gives you energy, bolsters your immune system, boosts your memory, and even helps you get (or stay) slim.

Cut slumber short, and you'll find it harder to make decisions (no surprise to anyone who's struggled through a workday after a too-late bedtime). Plus, you'll increase your risk for anxiety and depression.

"Lack of sleep has also been associated with hypertension, glucose intolerance, and belly fat -- all risk factors for heart disease," says Nieca Goldberg, M.D., medical director of the New York University-Langone Women's Heart Program.

Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep a night, the amount that studies show is ideal. If you're up-and-at-'em on less, don't sweat it: Some people are just wired that way, Goldberg says. But if you have trouble falling or staying asleep, or can't seem to drag yourself out of bed on a regular basis, talk to your doctor about possible underlying causes, such as anxiety or sleep apnea.

Health.com: 8 factors that could be keeping you awake at night

Pleasure No. 2: Playing hooky: There's a reason it's called a mental-health day. Studies confirm that time off -- whether on a trip out of Dodge or a 24-hour staycation -- relieves stress, lowering your blood pressure and your risk for heart disease.

It also promotes creative thinking (attention, bosses!). And women in a 2005 study who took two or more vacations per year were less likely to be depressed than women who took one every two years.

Can't swing more than a few days away? No problem: The length of a vacation had no bearing on how happy it made people, according to a recent study in the journal Applied Research in the Quality of Life.

What's more, the biggest thrill came before the vacation. So spread around the joy of that sweet anticipation by planning short jaunts throughout the year instead of one big blowout trip.

Pleasure No. 3: Sexual healing: Getting frisky is, hands-down, the most pleasurable form of physical activity there is. Having sex releases feel-good endorphins and oxytocin, the hormone that promotes attachment.

"That component of feeling connected to another person really benefits mental health," says Alice Domar, Ph.D., the executive director of the Domar Center for Mind/Body Health.

Another plus: Subjects in one study who did it once or twice a week had higher levels of the antibody immunoglobulin A, which shields you from colds and other infections. Why doesn't sex rank higher on our list? It can bring unintended consequences, from sexually transmitted infections (especially if you're not currently monogamous and not practicing safe sex) to "oops!" pregnancies.

Health.com: 10 reasons you're not having sex

Pleasure No. 4: A daily chocolate fix: Our experts gave a hearty thumbs-up to nibbling a little chocolate every day -- as long as you stick to a square or two of the dark kind, to minimize sugar and fat intake and maximize the benefits. (The temptation to overeat this sweet treat accounts for it not making it into the top three.)

Dark chocolate and cocoa may help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of stroke, and provide other cardiovascular benefits, multiple studies have shown.

"Dark chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids, believed to improve the flexibility of blood vessels," Goldberg explains. "That can help lower blood pressure and also make blood vessels more resistant to plaque buildup."

Chocolate's rep as a go-to comfort food when you're upset has science behind it, too. A study published late last year found that eating 1.4 ounces of dark chocolate a day for two weeks reduced stress hormones in highly anxious people. Check for at least 75 percent cacao content to get the most bliss for your bite.

Health.com: America's Healthiest Superfoods for Women

Pleasure No. 5: Girls' nights out: A flurry of recent studies have shed light on how huge an impact our friends and family have on our behavior, from what we drink and eat to how much we weigh -- for better and for worse.

But there's little question that strong social ties can bring a host of benefits: fewer colds, better brain health, and a longer life, to name a few.

"Friendships are very good for you -- as long as you hang out with people with whom you have a well-balanced relationship and limit your time spent with people who are toxic for you," Domar says.

Pleasure No. 6: Full-fat dressing: For years we were trained to reach for low-fat everything, but there's no need to deprive yourself of the real deal. Full-fat foods not only taste better but also serve a real health purpose, as long as you get the right amounts of the right kinds.

Aim for at least 10 percent of your daily fat intake to come from monounsaturated fats (found in vegetable oils, avocados, and many nuts and seeds), says Keri Gans, R.D., a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.

These fats reduce your risks of heart disease and stroke -- a big deal, since coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death of American women. In fact, nearly twice as many women die of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases as from all forms of cancer.

Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish such as salmon and tuna, and in flaxseed and walnuts) also lower heart disease risk and may help decrease symptoms of depression, rheumatoid arthritis, and other ailments. Plus, "when you have a meal that includes a little fat, you tend to feel more satisfied, so you eat less," Gans says.

Still, no more than 30 percent of your daily calories should come from fat -- even the good kind.

Health.com: The 50 fattiest foods in the states

Pleasure No. 7: Your morning java: It's completely OK if you need it to pry your eyes open in the a.m. A wealth of research suggests that coffee doesn't just pick you up -- it fights heart disease and some cancers, and it may even help you push through harder, longer workouts.

Moderate coffee-drinking in middle age has been associated with lower risks for dementia and Alzheimer's. And a 2009 review of more than four decades of research found that for every additional cup of coffee you drink each day -- high-octane or decaf -- your risk of developing type 2 diabetes shrinks by 7 percent, possibly because chemicals in the beverage improve your body's insulin sensitivity and increase metabolism.

Enjoy up to two cups a day; more than that may leave you jittery or rob you of that precious number-one pleasure -- sleep.

Pleasure No. 8: Getting a rubdown: Don't ever feel guilty about shelling out for massages.

"In general, people who are touched regularly are healthier," Domar says. And if your budget doesn't include spa services, consider hands-on time with your honey.

Women in a 2008 study noted less pain, depression, anxiety, and anger when they were massaged twice a week by their partners -- and (bonus!) their partners reported better mental health, too.

Health.com: Which massage is best for you?

Pleasure No. 9: Basking in the sun: Bright days really do lift our moods -- sunshine is the ultimate natural antidepressant, triggering our bodies to nip production of the sleep-stimulating hormone melatonin so we're alert, energized, and ready to face the day. Exposing bare skin to the sun also triggers the synthesis of vitamin D, a hormone that may reduce your risks for cancer, heart disease, fragile bones, and other problems.

Still, many doctors feel that no amount of unprotected sun exposure is safe (that's the official position of the American Academy of Dermatology). So always wear sunscreen and, Goldberg says, take a D supplement if your levels are low; see your doc to find out.

Pleasure No. 10: Wine with dinner: The buzz on wine is about its heart-healthy properties, though researchers aren't entirely sure how it works its magic. Its antioxidants may keep blood vessels flexible, or alcohol could boost HDL (good) cholesterol.

Either way, the key is moderation: one 5-ounce glass a day. More than that can raise blood pressure and pack on pounds.

"Women who drink heavily also have higher rates of breast cancer," Goldberg warns.

More of a martini kind of gal? No problem: You can get similar perks from one liquor drink or beer a day. So go ahead -- raise a glass to the pleasures of the healthy life!

Enter to win a monthly Room Makeover Giveaway from MyHomeIdeas.com

Copyright Health Magazine 2010

America's healthiest pleasures: 10 'vices' that are good for you - CNN.com ]]> Health and Fitness Jacklou59 http://www.trackpads.com/forum/health-fitness/942837-americas-healthiest-pleasures-10-vices-good-you.html http://www.trackpads.com/forum/health-fitness/942828-another-distributor-recalls-eggs-salmonella-fears.html Sat, 21 Aug 2010 00:56:25 GMT Another distributor recalls eggs on salmonella... Another distributor recalls eggs on salmonella fears
By the CNN Wire Staff
August 20, 2010 8:15 p.m. EDT

The Egg Safety Center has a complete list of recalled eggs, their expiration dates, and brands. Check the situation in your state. Here are safety tips.

(CNN) -- The number of eggs recalled in a nationwide salmonella scare is growing.

Another Iowa egg producer, Hillandale Farms of Iowa, is voluntarily recalling some 170.4 million eggs distributed to stores and companies that service, or are located in, 14 states, a spokeswoman at the Egg Safety Center said on Friday.

The eggs were distributed under the Hillandale Farms, Sunny Farms, and Sunny Meadow brand names in six-egg cartons, dozen-egg cartons, 18-egg cartons, 30-egg packages, and five-dozen-egg cases, the website for the Egg Safety Center said.

Loose eggs, which could be repackaged by customers, were packaged under the Wholesome Farms and West Creek brands in 15- and 30-dozen tray packs, according to the Egg Safety Center.

The eggs affected by this recall either have plant number P1860 with date codes ranging from 099 to 230, or plant number P1663 and date codes ranging from 137 to 230, the website said.

The salmonella outbreak that has led to the recall of at least 380 million eggs was preventable and will likely grow, according to federal officials. It was not immediately clear whether the 380 million eggs figure includes the 170.4 million eggs recalled by Hillandale Farms.

The number of salmonella cases is expected to grow because infections after July 17 may not have been reported yet due to a two- to three-week lag between when a person becomes sick and when the case gets reported in the system, the CDC said.

The salmonella outbreak prompted Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa, which began recalling eggs last week, to increase its recall to 380 million eggs on Wednesday.

"We would certainly characterize this as one of the largest shell egg recalls in recent history," Sherri McGarry of the Food and Drug Administration said in a conference call Thursday.

On July 9, the FDA announced it had new safety rules for large-scale egg producers, but that came after the salmonella outbreak apparently began.

"The outbreak could have been prevented." McGarry said. "The egg safety rule is in a phase-in approach, but there are measures that would have been in place that could have prevented this if it [had] been placed earlier than in July."

The FDA's new rules cover refrigeration of stored and transported eggs, pasteurization, rodent control, cleanliness and they require a written Salmonella enteritidis prevention plan. The agency said "implementing the preventive measures would reduce the number of Salmonella enteritidis infections from eggs by nearly 60 percent."

Animal welfare groups have criticized conditions of farms operated by Wright County Egg, including the Maine Contract Farming facility in Turner, Maine.

Mercy for Animals, a nonprofit animal welfare group, conducted an undercover video investigation of the farm in 2009, and forwarded its findings to Maine animal welfare officials.

Jack DeCoster, who leads Wright County Egg, in June pleaded guilty to 10 civil counts of animal cruelty over his company's treatment of its chickens, said Dr. Donald E. Hoenig, state veterinarian. DeCoster and his company agreed to a $25,000 fine and made a $100,000 payment to reimburse the state for future monitoring of the facility.

Allegations included too many birds in case, injured chickens not being treated, dead animals not being promptly removed from cages and improper euthanization, Hoenig told CNN.

"Since then, the company ... has followed all of our requirements," he said.

"It's no surprise that these birds that are crammed together, basically defacating on top of other birds," said Dan Hauff, director of investigations for Mercy for Animals. "It's no surprise that this is the outcome, this type of outbreak."

Thoroughly cooking eggs kills salmonella bacteria within, but there is still risk of cross-contamination if a food preparer doesn't properly wash kitchen utensils, such as whisks or spatulas, that came into contact with the raw eggs. Undercooked food also leaves the consumer at risk of infection.

Salmonella, which is generally contracted from contaminated poultry, meat, eggs, or water, affects the intestinal tract.

Symptoms include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, which typically begin within 12 to 72 hours, according to the CDC. Vomiting, chills, headache and muscle pains also may occur, according to the Mayo Clinic. These symptoms last about four to seven days, and then go away without specific treatment in healthy people. Antidiarrheal medications may help with cramps, but they may also prolong the diarrhea, the Mayo Clinic said.

The elderly, infants, and people with impaired immune systems are at heightened risk for developing a more serious illness because of salmonella, the CDC said. Some people can develop life-threatening complications if the infection spreads beyond the intestines.
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Chickens can pass the bacteria to eggs because the eggs leave hens through the same passageway as feces, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service. Alternatively, bacteria in the hen's ovary or oviduct can get to the egg before the shell forms around it, FSIS said.

After the uptick in salmonella infections, the CDC and the FDA traced the source and determined it was most likely eggs from Wright County Egg. The company says it is working to determine how the shell eggs are being contaminated.

"Wright County Egg is fully cooperating with FDA's investigation by undertaking this voluntary recall," the company said in a statement. "Our primary concern is keeping salmonella out of the food supply and away from consumers. As a precautionary measure, Wright County Egg also has decided to divert its existing inventory of shell eggs from the recalled plants to a breaker, where they will be pasteurized to kill any salmonella bacteria present."

Krista Eberle, director of food safety programs at the Egg Safety Center, which is run by United Egg Producers, a cooperative of U.S. egg farmers, reiterated that only shell eggs are affected by the Wright County recall.

"From what we know they only do shell eggs, and if they did extra egg products, they are still considered to be safe," Eberle said. She added that egg products such as egg whites and dried eggs go through pasteurization and extensive heat treatment, so they're considered safe to eat and the Egg Safety Center is not concerned the other products might be sullied with bacteria.

Country Eggs, Inc. on Thursday said it is voluntary recalling specifically-dated shell eggs produced by Wright County Egg. Eggs were distributed to food wholesalers, distribution centers and food-service companies in California, Arizona and Nevada, according to a statement. Eggs were packaged under the Country Eggs, Inc. brand name in 15 dozen bulk pack with the identifying plant code of P 1946 and P 1026. Julian date codes are 216-221. Dates and codes can be found on the box label.

In addition, NuCal Foods, which, on its website, calls itself the largest distributor of shell eggs in the western United States, announced Thursday it was "voluntarily recalling specific ... dates of shell eggs produced by Wright County Egg and packaged by NuCal Foods because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella."

Wednesday's recall covers eggs branded as Albertsons, Farm Fresh, James Farms, Glenview, Mountain Dairy, Ralph's, Boomsma, Lund, Kemps and Pacific Coast and are marked with a three-digit code ranging from 136 to 229 and plant numbers1720 and 1942, the company said.

The earlier recall covered the Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph's, Boomsma, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps brands that were marked with with a three-digit code ranging from 136 to 225 and plant numbers 1026, 1413 and 1946.

The four-digit plant number begins with "P - " and is followed by the three-digit code.

Both recalls affect eggs packed in several different sized cartons, from a half-dozen to 18 eggs. Only shell eggs are affected by the recall, the company said.

Consumers are encouraged to return the eggs in their original packaging to where they were purchased for a full refund.

CNN's Elizabeth Landau, Caitlin Hagan, Val Willingham, Mark Morgenstein and Phil Gast contributed to this report

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