All the News That's Fit to Eat
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By Joanne Eglash
eDiets Healthy Lifestyle Columnist
Chatty Cathy
Do you have a young daughter at home who seems to spend endless hours in her room, at friends' houses, and on the phone talking about various problems? Their seemingly innocent "girl talk" may not be so harmless, according to research conducted by Missouri University psychologists. As part of the study, the psychologists analyzed the result of chatting excessively about problems. The adolescent girls in the study group were more apt to exhibit symptoms of anxiety and depression.
The researchers noted that dwelling on problems by talking repeatedly about them makes the situations seem more important than they are. The group who were evaluated included third, fifth, seventh and ninth grade students. The boys who were analyzed did not respond in the same way. The psychologists theorize that while girls tend to internalize their problems and blame themselves, the boys put the blame for their problems on others.
Students who talked about their problems to their friends, however, did benefit in that they felt closer to their friends. The advice to parents from the experts: make sure that your children enjoy social activities such as sports.
The Ideal Combo for Protecting Yourself From Skin Cancer? Try Jogging to a Coffee Cafe
Peculiar as it may seem, drinking beverages with caffeine such as coffee and tea and regularly exercising may be the magical combination for lowering your risk of UV-induced skin cancer, judging by research just completed at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Just drinking caffeine or only exercising didn't do the same trick. The study involved hairless mice, who are particularly vulnerable to experiencing sun damage. The group of mice who exercised and sipped caffeinated water came out as the winners in terms of protection from skin cancer caused by UV rays. However, the researchers did note that it remains to be seen whether humans can experience the same benefits.
As for me, I'll stick with exercise - and a moderate amount of coffee.
"Safe" Natural Health Products May Not Be So Innocent
When my doctor asks me what my current medications are, I usually provide the name of my prescription hypertension medication. Occasionally I mention that I take calcium and other vitamins, and he casually nods. I never even considered telling him that I also dabble with natural health products such as valerian tea for insomnia. I figured that all natural health products were "safe."
A recent medical study conducted in at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, however, has given me cause to rethink my cavalier attitude. The researchers discovered that although multiple adverse effects can result from using prescription drugs with natural health products, they are rarely reported by physicians, pharmacists, and other health care providers. As a result, both consumers and health care professionals may not realize the extent of the potential risks.
To conduct their study, the medical researchers analyzed existing literature on the topic and surveyed pharmacists. Although nearly 50 percent of pharmacists stated that they had encounters with patients who experienced adverse effects from combining prescription medications and natural health products, only 1.5 percent had actually reported those negative reactions to a federal agency.
The study was co-authored by the University of Toronto, University of Alberta, and Health Canada.
Got a Favorite Makes-Dieting-Easy Food or Beverage?
I'm working on an article for Glee Magazine about foods and beverages that make dieting easy. If you have a favorite one, I'd love to know! Please email me at healthylifestylescoach@yahoo.com with the details.
Comment: Friday, August 17, 2007 3:58:00 PM - 
said...
I'm not quite sure what the obsession is with appearance. Seems to be unavoidable. However after reading some comments I've learned some things. No matter how much it makes overweight people feel better by saying that flat stomachs are "unnatural", I'd have to say I disagree. Eat right. Don't consume more calories than you burn. Excersising is a plus. Don't be lazy! That's about it. I mean it's going to vary from person to person. But still, the natural anatomy of our bodies is underneath the fat! We are contoured a certain way. A healthy, fit body is more attractive. As far as tummys, the "flat" stomach is an abdomin area that is exposing the natural muscles that we have. Proud to say I have one too. Naturally.
Comment: Sunday, August 19, 2007 8:08:00 PM - said...
I think that being overweight is unnatural. That excess body fat is a cover up of emotional issues that we as fat people tend to use food to compensate. I have been fat and thin, now I'm heading back to the smaller sizes I have come to realize that emotional eating is not the way. I have alot of body fat hanging and not sure how to rid myself of it especially arm and stomach fat. I would appreciate any comments that would help resolve this issue. Thankyou.
Comment: Wednesday, August 29, 2007 4:24:00 PM - said...
The unfortunate truth is, the first place you put on weight is the last place you take it off....just keep going with exercise, watching what you eat and doing something everyday that makes you relax. You will get there.
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