Calling the Sugar Plum Fairy Fat and Other Ways To End Up on the Naughty List!

Back in the mid 1990's I first began getting interested in public health. One of my first areas of interest was around eating disorders, especially among female athletes. Many of you may remember the book that sparked my interest, "Little Girls in Pretty Boxes".

This book focused on body weight/image pressures among female athletes in elite gymnastics and figure skating. The book is heartbreaking, following several athletes along paths of injury and disordered eating...many of which lead to permanent injury or death. Even though the book is almost 15 years old, I sometimes wonder if we've even learned anything from those stories.

On NBC's Today Show this morning, Jenifer Ringer was a guest. She is a New York City Ballet principal dancer, currently playing the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker. Her name has been all over the blogosphere in the past week after a critic for The New York Times Dance Section wrote that "she looked as if she'd eaten one sugar plum too many".

In response to the outrage over his comments, the critic (Alastair Macaulay) published a second editorial five days later called "Judging the Bodies in Ballet". His primary argument- judging the body is fair game in ballet. "If you want to make your body irrelevant to criticism, do not choose ballet as a career". And I would assume that he would argue that the same goes for gymnastics or figure skating, where the body is actually part of the art form. But if that is true, how does the cycle of pressure and expectation ever get broken? Are you asking for criticism if you choose to participate in one of these sports?

In public health, we often make much more headway by changing laws/policies versus changing any one individual's opinion. In that spirit, there have been some systemic changes that have made these types of sports safer for young female athletes. For example, a minimum age limit for Olympic competition was enforced (even though some countries have cheated), hoping that it will help with wear and tear on young bodies that can not yet handle the intense training. Changes have been made to make the equipment safer. For example, after many serious injuries occurred on the women's vault in gymnastics, their pommel horse was replaced with a "vaulting table" that was more appropriately sized and padded.

So minimum ages and safer equipment are wonderful, but what will help with the unrealistic body image problem? In her Today Show interview, Jenifer shared that the New York City Ballet has all types of bodies on the roster, including hers that is more "womanly". I guess that's a good start. If ballet companies can model variety and acceptance and strength for their audiences (including aspiring ballerinas), that can begin to change perceptions of what is "normal". And the outrage shown by readers of the critic's comments. I guess that's a good start too.

Shame on you Mr. Macaulay for picking on the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Should Public Health Professionals "Give A Shit" About MTV's New Campaign?

Has anyone else seen #giveashit on Twitter in the past few days? MTV has launched the "Give a Shit" campaign to increase civic engagement and encourage people to voice their concerns for any issue about which they are passionate. Many are voicing concerns about important public health issues like access to clean water. Great way to engage young people, right? Using a play on words. Using foul language. But the question remains- what are the goals of the campaign? Will the campaign actually improve public health?



The primary strategy for messaging about the campaign is a YouTube video featuring Nikki Reed (of Twilight fame). The tone of the two-minute video is hard to classify. In some ways it appears to be a parody of a real PSA (e.g., it simulates Nikki on the toilet so she can use that time to "give a shit"). But then it seems to have genuine moments when it motivates people to join a movement- any movement. Nikki tells viewers that all they have to do is "give a shit". It doesn't matter if they don't actually DO anything...if they CARE, then the world's problems will cease to exist.



As you can imagine, I take issue with this premise. So much of what we know in public health is based on evaluation data that has shown us that "knowledge" does not equal behavior change. "Increasing awareness" about pregnancy does not eliminate unprotected sex. Having the "intention" to stop smoking does not help when someone is addicted to nicotine. Therefore, it is unclear to me how just caring about an issue like access to clean water will result in positive change.



Next, the video goes on to say that once you care about the issue, you should alert your social networks. It shows images of posts to Twitter like, "I just gave a shit about global warming". So I went into Twitter to see if it is actually happening, and it is. The #giveashit hash tag is alive and well and users are reporting that they care about children with special needs, animal cruelty, etc. But again, I'm still at a loss as to how this "caring" and "twitter posting" actually leads to an increase in positive civic engagement. I tried to look for additional information on their website: www.give-a-shit.org but the site is not currently functioning. That is a problem as well. If the goals of the campaign are already unclear, it does not help that users cannot access information beyond the YouTube video. Several advocacy websites offer a brief overview of the campaign that may be helpful in the absence of a functioning website.



So while the play on words is "cute" and I appreciate a campaign that aims to combat the apathy that can be rampant regarding serious public health issues...I don't understand how this campaign will actually change behavior. And no- I don't agree that just caring about an issue will make all problems go away. If it did, we in public health would be out of a job.

4 steps to reduce air pollution at home

Protecting our environment starts at home. The following recommendations are designed to reduce air pollution through simple steps you can implement in your home.


Change the lights

Replace the five most frequently used lights in your house with light bulbs with energy star seal thus use less energy and do your part to reduce pollution from power plants. There are over 40 products with the label, including lights, electronics, air conditioning and heating appliances.

Cool your home intelligently

Improving the performance of your air conditioning system. Contact a licensed contractor for annual maintenance and remember to clean or replace air filters regularly. Use a programmable thermostat Energy Star certified

Seal your home

The windows and doors with slots, cold walls or ceilings and high energy bills are symptoms of air leaks (usually in the attic and basement) and poor thermal insulation. Seal air leaks, add insulation and choose ENERGY STAR qualified windows when replacing old windows. Thereby improve the comfort and durability of your home, save energy and help protect our environment.

Spread the word

Talk to your friends or relatives, colleagues or members of the association of parents of school. Discuss how energy efficiency is good for their homes and good for our environment. Let them know five people and together we will help our homes help us all.

Exercise your body in the style of Gwen Stefani

On Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, reheating the next day, New Years Eve, the first day of the year, the thread of kings ... and then follow. When you put such festivities the result, inevitably for most, is an explosion of fun accompanied by lots of calories.
But do not worry we have a solution for you exercise in the style of Gwen Stefani and regain your normal weight, plus you can look shapely and firm figure. The singer regained her figure after her second child with the help of coach Katie Barnes who shares with us some of the exercises he used the famous.
"Gwen is very disciplined, even when tired she forced herself to train because he knows the benefits that this brings you physically and mentally. Gwen focuses on these results, not tired, why not help being distracted by thoughts we all have as best I do it another day, now I can not because I'm busy, children, work, etc. Karti ...", says Barnes.
"It's easy to convince ourselves and find a thousand reasons why not to exercise, so you have to focus the mind on the reasons why we do need to exercise them. Even a few minutes a day is better than nothing," adds other famous coach who teaches Pilates in Meridian's Bodies in Motion in LA Lifelong Pilates and Santa Monica, in addition to private sessions.
Follow the routine below>>>
Squat with arm band for biceps:
* With a band under feet and right stop, stretch the band at the waist.
* Low in a squat as you bend your arms to your chest.
* Keep the tension on the belt, keeping your elbows at your side.
* Bend your knees keeping heels down and your weight behind them.
* Low squat while keeping your hips to knee level.
* Return to starting position keeping your abs in and back straight throughout the exercise.

In form, 'sexy' and sensual

WeFitFor2 is a new exercise program that aims not only to get fit, but closer to your partner. The routines of physical strength and cardiovascular consist of making your partner a part of your "team" exercises and forget the weights and machines. The concept of "society" or partnering, as they call it, is to use your weight against the weight of your partner and get results, while establishing intimacy with your loved one.

This new technique was developed by Dean Graham and the DVD shows more than 30 years of physical strength and cardiovascular diseases that can be adjusted to each pair, plus 12 mini circuits for training from head to toe without the need of equipment. The routines are designed to burn calories and fat and increase endurance. It's a great satisfaction to see how both improve their physical condition, while sharing time together.

A potential challenge presented is that both people WeFitFor2 must be committed to it seriously, opportunities to burst into laughter as too many movements are learned. But other benefits are improved communication and the development of trust, sensitivity and patience.

Fitness Trends for 2012

 So you do not miss anything ...
There is no doubt that to achieve the desired weight and a toned body, the change must be part of your training program. Whether modifying the duration of the activity, intensity, type of device you use, the class you attend, the number of repetitions and / or time off. Every four weeks at most, you must change something in your routine.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, the ten most popular trends or objectives for 2011 in terms of fitness are:

1) Professionals Search more educated and experienced in the field of physical training. That is why before hiring your next personal trainer, notice that it has a degree in exercise physiology, kinesiology, physical education and / or any similar study, further certifications are best known organizations such as ACSM, NSCA and ACE between others, which require the highest standards of education in the industry. The experience and chemistry to do with this person are also essential. Also, make sure that these certifications are current, as it must be renewed periodically.
2) Physical training for seniors. And every time there are more studies that prove that the true fountain of youth is exercise regardless of age and / or physical condition prior. If you want to fend for yourself, feel full of energy and prevent a number of diseases, so be sure to exercising daily.

5Share3) Lift weights. This is definitely my favorite. If you want to actually change your body, regardless of whether the goal is to tone up, lose weight or increase muscle mass and strength, you do weights two to three times a week. And sure, that cost you the last repetition. Do not fear the weight! There is nothing wrong to believe that you're going to put "muscular" lifting weights and therefore you should always do 20 repetitions with weights three pounds. Sometimes you need to do 8 to 10 reps with 15 lbs. You can!
4) Programs to combat obesity in children. This percentage continues to rise and that even if your child is not obese but physically active is at risk of developing health problems later without loss of psychological benefits that exercise brings. Is an example and a daily activity plan with your children that involves exercise. This need not be a structured program, just help with the housework is a way to keep more active than being in front of a computer.
5) Personal Training. If there is a "luxury" that should be on your list of New Year is the power for a few months to hire a good personal trainer. Once you create the habit and learn the basics, you get the most out of your particular training and you could check your program every two or three months if you can not keep a regular personal trainer. Just remember: read, option 1 before hire.
6) Core training. Abdominal training and core stability all the body is important not only to achieve that slender waist, also to prevent injuries and to get the most out of any other activity you do. Yoga and pilates are excellent training methods to develop a strong body center while working flexibility. However, there are exercises such as squats, lunges of the dead weight to the push-ups that work the abdominal area perfectly.
7) Exercise and weight loss. This will remain the goal of many, but if you focus on some of the objectives mentioned above (lifting weights, for example) you will achieve your goal naturally.
8) Boot Camp. This style of workout is excellent combination of power, strength and endurance it imposes. Furthermore, studies prove that the group exercise where somehow competes with others, the greater the likelihood of adherence to the training program. However, make sure that the boot camp has a clear objective and that the instructors are certified. Additionally, it is important to check the physical level they require. In general, I recommend you do weights and cardio activity for one to two months on a regular basis before starting a boot camp. In this way, diminish the risk of injury and you'll actually most of your class.
9) Functional Training. The idea that the muscles work together and not the individual is the basic principle of this type of training programs. There is no doubt that we stand a few times doing a bicep curl static, most likely, is that we win a bag while we walk, so then a lunge with a bicep curl simultaneously would be much better. This will not only help us to perform our daily activities with less effort, will also increase the caloric burn and allow you to move much faster metabolism, more effort because a muscle in just one year.
10) More doctors prescribe exercise. This is just wonderful. A recent study found that people would exercise more if you hear from your doctor what to do Fortunately, more and more doctors are talking about weight training, pilates and even cross fit and not just the traditional 20-minute walk years ago used to prescribe .

Three workout mistakes that slow down your metabolism

Exercise is the most effective way to burn calories. Make sure that these errors did not detract from your workout.
Error # 1: You're in a rutWhen you do the same activity day after day, week after week, your mind is not the only one who gets bored, your muscles as well. Whether you take the same route on your walk or do the same reps with the weights, after a while your body ceases to be challenged and you stuck in your progress.
Improved Go and weekend excursions, look for another series of moves to train with weights, try a new activity with the help of a DVD or online program. The changes do not have to be drastic, alternate adding new moves or disciplines. Keep your routine interesting for both you and your body will benefit.
Mistake # 2: You're slave to cardioWhile aerobic exercise is good for body and spirit, if not strengthening exercises are ignoring a very important component. Resistance training with weight lifting, are the best way to build muscle and lose those love handles. This is especially important as the years add up.
When you reach 30, women lose 1 / 2 pound of muscle per year, men are usually fare better, but muscle loss dramatically accelerates them at 60. Since muscles burn calories even at rest, the muscles will not develop your metabolism slower.
A Skidmore College study found that people with a combined cardio strengthening routine lost more than half of their body fat in 12 weeks, compared with those who only followed a regimen of cardio.
Improvement: Replace a few sessions of cardio endurance and strength exercises. Lift weights at least twice a week, try to exercise all major muscle groups of your body.
Mistake # 3: In the gym the treadmills, ellipticals and stair climbing have the option to 'burn fat' or 'fat burning zone'. The idea is that the body uses less intensity a greater percentage of stored fat for strength. The idea sounds great, do not work as hard to burn fat.
But it's not as easy as it looks. At a lower level of intensity, the body will burn a higher percentage of fat instead of carbohydrates, but fewer calories overall. For example, a 150 pound woman walking on the treadmill at 3 miles per hour (20 minute mile) burns 112 calories in 30 minutes. With this moderate, half of those calories are from fat, about 56. If you were to increase your pace to 4 miles per hour (15 minute mile), calories from fat would be 40%, but it'll burn about 170 calories total in the same half hour, which translates to about 68 calories from fat .
Improved: Burn more calories and uses those calories from fat to increase your overall effort. A good way to accomplish this is with intervals, periods of high intensity, followed by a slower pace of recovery.

Kim Kardashian is a Spokesperson (Again) for a Public Health Issue...Will the Public Buy In This Time?

This afternoon I saw a tweet from Kim Kardashian that read "Recognizing Ovarian Cancer is the 1st step in fighting Ovarian Cancer- please watch and share this video". So my first thought was- "I wonder if this campaign will be more successful than her last?" As you may remember, in December 2010 I blogged about Kim and other celebrities that staged their digital deaths in order to raise money for World AIDS Day. In addition to my concerns about the campaign's design (which included a less than clear cue to action for the audience), its "success" was also questionable because it ended up taking much longer than intended to reach their 1 million dollar goal. So I was quite intrigued to view Kim's newest PSA on YouTube.

The event called "Super Saturday Live" is a collaboration between QVC and the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF). On Saturday, July 30, 2011- designer clothes sold on QVC will be 50% off and the net proceeds will be given to OCRF. The PSA informs the audience that this money is necessary because there is currently no good early detection test for ovarian cancer.

I was pleasantly surprised by the PSA. It didn't feel too long (94 seconds). It kept my interest with minimal and appropriate statistics. For example, instead of scaring the audience, the music was upbeat and focused on the positive- a 92% 5-year survival rate when the cancer is detected early. The PSA also had information presented through both audio and visual channels. Finally (and most importantly)- as an audience member, I knew exactly what I was supposed to do. The cue to action was clear. I was to share the video- "like" it, post it, forward it. And finally, I should tweet about #supersaturday. This way the "trend" can get ahead of ovarian cancer.

In addition to the look and feel of the PSA, I think it is important to discuss the strength and popularity of the chosen spokesperson. Just as I mentioned in December, Kim Kardashian is an obvious choice if you are looking for a huge reach. As of tonight, she had 8,380,553 followers on twitter. The PSA already had 5,965 views on YouTube. However, I have my concerns about her genuine interest in this public health issue. Does she have a personal connection or does she just jump on the bandwagon (like in December) for any way to promote her "brand"? I ask because I have concerns due to how she behaves on her E! show- Keeping Up with the Kardashians. For example, just a few weeks ago on the show, Kim had her butt x-rayed to "prove to the media" that it was real (without butt implants). I watched this episode while on the elliptical machine at the gym and felt enraged. First of all, what type of terrible physician allows his time and resources to be taken up with such nonsense? Also, what type of terrible physician agrees to expose Kim, his patient, to needless radiation to help her prove this point? And how much extra time does she (and her sisters) have on their hands to participate in this silly trip to the doctor? If I were the Executive Director of OCRF, even with her extensive popularity, I doubt that I would choose her for a spokesperson.

So let's all check out Twitter on Saturday, July 30th...let's see if #supersaturday is trending and if Kim's "quantity" of followers can help balance out her sometimes lack of "quality" as a spokesperson.

In Honor of World AIDS Day: Can Celebrity "Digital Deaths" Prevent Real Deaths from HIV/AIDS?

Kim Kardashian, Ryan Seacrest, and Lady Gaga are all dead! No, not really...but they are considered "Digitally Dead" for today- World AIDS Day (December 1st). These celebrities and many more joined forces with a charity co-founded by singer Alicia Keys called Keep a Child Alive. The charity provides treatment, love, and support to families affected by HIV/AIDS.

For today's campaign, celebs were pictured in coffins, featured in "last video testaments", and pledging to stay digitally silent on their social media accounts (i.e., on Facebook and Twitter) until their lives were "bought back" by donors reaching a minimum of one million dollars total. Although the images of celebs in coffins were a little creepy, Keep a Child Alive co-founder Leigh Blake says:

"We're trying to sort of make the remark: Why do we care so much about the death of one celebrity as opposed to millions and millions of people dying in the place that we're all from? Its about love and respect and human dignity."

It is an interesting concept for a health communication/advocacy campaign. Usually when campaigns advocate via social media, it is done by bombarding their followers with messages and links to donate or sign up to assist the cause. Here, the campaign is trying to motivate donors by having an ABSENCE of the celebrities' voices. How powerful is that absence? Will the public really miss reading celebs tweets and facebook status updates? Apparently so. As of tonight on Twitter, Kim Kardashian had 5,467,107 followers and Ryan Seacrest had 3,683,658 followers. So whether we like it or not, the voices (and silences) of these celebrities matter in our communities.

While I do think the campaign will have large reach, I will say that their coffin posters left room for improvement. I've analyzed health communication campaigns on this blog before, and the key is always- "What is the cue to action? Does the audience know what they are supposed to do after seeing the poster/brochure/PSA?" Well- when I first saw this poster of Kim Kardashian, I had no idea what it was about. I had to Google and read the narrative about the World AIDS Day campaign for Keep A Child Alive. For this blog post, I had to blow the image up over 100% to read the text on the bottom of the poster. It reads,

"Kim sacrificed her digital life to give real life to millions of others affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India. That means no more Facebook or Twitter until we buy her life back". Then the charity website and text number were provided to accept donations. In future campaigns, they would want that text to be much bigger. It should not take the audience several minutes, a Google search, and a magnifying glass to figure out what they are supposed to do to help poor Kim get out of that coffin.

Overall, I give this campaign a B+ for creativity in using the "absence" of social media messages and targeting celebrities with a huge following and reach to potential donors.

Chiropractic to relieve pre-menstrual syndrome

Headaches, nausea, back pain, weakness and irritation are some symptoms of Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS). Instead of pills, have you ever considered that these illnesses could be controlled with chiropractic?
PMS in some women may be linked to nerve interference. The nervous system controls every cell, fiber, tissue and organ in the body system. When the female reproductive system is not working properly, menstruation can become a nightmare.
"The nervous system is protected by the spine, which consists of vertebrae and discs. The brain sends messages to all structures of our body through the umbilical cord. In each vertebra out a pair of nerves that connect to all parts of the body. If a misaligned vertebra producing nerve interference or subluxation, which prevents this communication and, therefore, the proper functioning of the body, "said Frances chiropractic Columbus.
Dr. Colon indicates that these do not necessarily cause nerve compression pain, but appear to affect the function of the body. Nor are triggered by a particular event, but throughout life. "This interference begins when we are children. From birth - by the pressure in the neck and back, passing through the birth canal, sleeping face down, carry heavy loads, falls and sports injuries. The dolamas of adulthood begin in our children, "he said.
In most cases the SPM 1-5 lumbar vertebrae and the sacrum are involved, since they control the lower abdomen, lower back and legs. Adjustments not only relieve the condition or discomfort, but also improve the functioning of the body in general.
"When it takes the pressure off a nerve by means of adjustments, that nerve is sending messages from the brain to the body correctly, thus facilitating the reinstatement of the different structures of our system. The adjustments are not limited to relieving PMS but the reproductive system in general, including infertility and menopause and other body areas, "said professional practice in Miami.
Chiropractic is an alternative to drugs such as diuretics, hormone therapy, and even anti-depressants to relieve the discomforts associated with PMS. The drugs not only treat the cause, but can cause side effects and affect other organs or body functions.
Many people associate chiropractic with trauma, pain and injury, but also to offer an alternative solution for PMS Dr. Columbus indicates that it is relief to conditions like asthma, ear infections, fibromyalgia and migraine. "The ideal patient is one that comes without pain, but prevention. He understands that your system may work best. The spinal adjustments can help restore harmony and balance the nervous system and help it function normally."

Placenta, an excellent treatment for burns

The amniotic membrane (MAH), which is adjacent to the placenta and is used for patients who have burns, those with diabetic foot to eye injuries, and much more.


The membrane consists of a single layer of cuboidal cells and basement membrane resting on a layer of connective tissue close to the chorion, and helps in:

Its use in ocular surface facilitates healing with minimal inflammation and scarring by combining mechanical protection to biological factors.

Facilitates migration of epithelial cells, promotes epithelial differentiation, reinforces adhesion of epithelial cells and prevents apoptosis. It also contains anti-inflammatory proteins, growth factors and inhibiting factors of fibrosis.

It is postulated that the oxygen permeability and epithelial hydration may explain the effectiveness of human amniotic membrane transplantation.

The MAH placentas obtained from cesarean mothers from donors seronegative for human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and C and syphilis, gener

Vaccine for cocaine addiction

Scientists in California have discovered a vaccine that neutralizes the cocaine in mice, and now prepare a human version could also work with other addictive as nicotine and methamphetamine.

"Our very dramatic results show that we can protect mice from the effects (addictive) of cocaine, and we believe that these outcomes are very promising in the fight against addiction in humans," said lead researcher Ronald Crystal.


How does the vaccine?

The vaccine produces antibodies that neutralize the effects of cocaine addiction created, ie, suppresses the stimulatory effects of the drug before it reaches the brain.

In the laboratory model, the vaccine provided immunity to mice for a period of 13 weeks.

This new finding would be extremely useful for the treatment of cocaine addiction crack, which has the highest rate of relapse among patients in treatment for your addictions.

Drug addiction in the U.S.

According to the Institute of Health USA, in 2008 about five million 300 thousand Americans over age 12 had used cocaine 'crack' at least once in previous months. It is considered that the 'crack' is one of the most addictive version of cocaine, whose consumption is prohibited in the country.

The expersos know it will be a long way to go before the vaccine can be marketed, but hope that one day his discovery is very important to combat addiction in humans.

Laugh more and help your body heal

 If laughter is so delicious, why do not we do more often? And even when we are sick, laughter should accompany, rather than allowing ourselves to fall for a depressive state. See why laughter is so healthy, a new study has shown that laughter can help a speedy recovery, since it is induced by the flow of blood around the body, which accelerates the healing process.

Leeds University conducted a study that lasted five years, and in it, the researchers observed a group of patients with leg ulcers. What was observed was that laughter increased the speed of recovery of people, and that this was more effective than high-tech treatments such as ultrasound therapy is often used in these cases.

'Forget about the technology. The best prescription for patients with venous leg ulcers is the good care and an occasional laugh, "says the study published in the British Medical Journal.

Venous insufficiency (poor circulation in the veins) can cause stasis ulcers on the skin. This skin condition is due to the accumulation of fluid (swelling) under the skin. Symptoms of venous ulcers are:

- Darkening of the skin
- Itching or pain in the leg
- Sores
- Swelling of the legs or ankles

To help manage venous insufficiency:

- Avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods. Even moving your legs slightly will help the veins return blood to the heart.

- Use compression stockings to decrease chronic swelling.

- Be careful if there are any wounds or broken skin infection.

Myths and realities of coconut water

 Coconut water is fashionable. Many say they have healing properties and slimming. Bottled coconut water available in the market is not cheap, is it worth the investment?
Some say ... Speeds up metabolism
The truth: There is no research to support the belief that coconut water helps you lose weight. Another myth that goes to the extreme is that fat. This bad reputation is because people confuse coconut water with coconut milk, made from coconut meat and may contain about 445 calories per cup, mostly of saturated fat. Coconut water, the fluid inside, contains only 46 calories per cup. For 0 calories, consume tap water. >> Food to speed up metabolism
Some say ... It is the natural sports drink
The truth: It's a good drink after a workout, but not enough for athletes who train with intensity. When you exercise is dismissed sodium and potassium through sweat, which must be replaced after a one hour session for the muscles to contract properly. Coconut water contains about 600 milligrams of potassium, about 175 mg more than a banana and 13 times more than the average sports drink. The problem is that it only contains about 30 mg of sodium per cup and is not sufficient even to recover after a long session. Those who need more intensive training with a more even ratio between sodium and potassium. Those who exercise more light can be used coconut water or H2O. >> What to take after exercise
Some argue ... Help a hangover
The truth: We suffer from dehydration the next morning after a night of drinking. This can cause nausea and headaches. Like any other drink, coconut water helps restore hydration of your body, but that trick he does regular water. If the taste of coconut water helps lift the spirits, consume them, but tap water is just as effective without the high cost and calories. >> Recipe for a hangover
Some argue ... It makes you look younger
The truth: Coconut water contains cytokinins, plant hormones have been shownslows the aging process in plants and fruit flies, according to a study in the journal Molecules. These advantages have not been tested in humans. >> Is there an anti-aging diet?
Some argue ... Protects the heart
The truth: Diets high in potassium may help lower blood pressure and improve heart health. Coconut water is a good source of that mineral, but is more effective to obtain solid foods such as vegetables (spinach, sweet potatoes) and low-fat milk, which adds nutrients to your heart as fiber and vitamin D. >> Ten ways to strengthen the heart

Guide to eliminate bad breath

A mind is only a temporary solution. This guide will help you deal with problems with your breath more effectively with very simple and accessible remedies.
Water
How it works: Bad breath can occur when the bacteria on the tongue breaks down protein in mucus and food, especially in the sugar and dairy products and that can cause the odor of sulfur bacteria dismissed. The result is bad breath. But oxygen is the enemy of bacteria, found in saliva. By drinking water produces more saliva, which helps neutralize the odor.
Tip: Some medications such as anti-depressants, blood pressure medications and antihistamines can dry your mouth. If you take, you want to increase your water consumption.
Vegetables
How they work: high-fiber vegetables like celery and cucumbers, promote production of saliva, which removes the bacteria that cause bad breath from your mouth. Holding a cucumber wheel for 90 seconds against the roof of your mouth will help limit the bad smell. Crunchy vegetables also help to remove plaque from teeth and gums where bacteria can grow.
Tip: The parsley has the same neutralizing effect than vegetables.
Green tea
How it works: A study from the University of British Columbia in 2007 found that green tea polyphenols temporarily limit the sulfur compounds in the mouth. Try to drink it without sugar or milk because this will increase the bacteria you are trying to control.
Tip: Peppermint tea also has a great neutralizing power, especially with the garlic.
Tea Tree Oil
How it works: This oil contains anti-bacterial products. Apply a few drops directly on your toothbrush and brush your tongue and gums, spit out the excess, the oil will kill the bacteria that causes odor.
Tip: How homeopaths are not sure what effect the essential oils can cause pregnant or lactating women, they should avoid this drug.
Chewing gum, sugar-freeHow it works: The key remains the saliva. Chewing gum increases saliva production. But try to be chewing gum or sugar-free sweeteners such as xylitol or sorbitol. Trident Vitality Test. Sugar free mints also stimulate saliva production and hide the odor temporarily.
Tip: If you are accustomed to chewing gum, sugar-free starts slowly, some people may experience gas, bloating and discomfort.
Mouthwash
How it works: According to the American Dental Association mouthwash does more than leave a mint-scented breath. The mouthwash contains antiseptic to help reduce and prevent gingivitis Square, which can cause bad breath. Test Invigorating Crest Pro-Health Rinse Clean Multi-Protection. If the rinse "burn" your cheeks and tongue, try a free version of the regular alcohol or diluted with water.
Tip: Using mouthwash after brushing and flossing at bedtime can help prevent bad breath morning. Gargle for at least 30 seconds to kill the bacteria that builds up in your throat and the back of your tongue

Alternative therapies for depression, anxiety and insomnia

A new reader survey, published in the September issue of Consumer Reports, found that three in four adults use some form of alternative therapy for your overall health. Readers rated the prescription and over who most helped for most of 12 health problems, but chiropractic massage, deep muscle, and yoga, dominated the charts useful alternative treatment for nuisance conditions such as back pain, neck pain and osteoarthritis.

The survey also suggests that meditation, deep breathing exercises and yoga are being used to treat a variety of conditions including anxiety, headaches and migraines, depression and insomnia. It also shows that physicians are more open to alternative therapies than most people assume.
Some highlights of the report:• Prescription drugs helped more for nine of the 12 conditions on which consulted Consumer Reports Health: allergies, anxiety, colds and flu, depression, digestive problems, headaches and migraines, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome and osteoarthritis.• Meditation and yoga proved equally effective for treating anxiety (42% and 46% respectively said that these therapies "helped a lot") and depression (36% and 35% respectively).• Results of yoga were as good as meditation for insomnia (21% and 24%) but significantly higher than for meditation and migraine headaches, and especially for back pain. For back pain, yoga, Pilates deep muscle massage and had the same qualifications as prescription drugs. Chiropractic therapy outperformed all other treatments. The meditation was useful for almost one third (29%) of the few who tried it (5%).• For respiratory problems like colds, flu and allergies, the survey found that very few readers tried deep breathing exercises and chiropractic treatment. Those who did, however, reported encouraging results.• Of the alternative treatments used for general health, vitamins and minerals were the most popular and widely used 73% of respondents consume. Approximately one in five reported using mind-body therapies such as yoga, or practices such as massage therapy.• With respect to inform their physicians about the use of alternative therapies, readers do so in different degrees. For example, 57% of people receiving Shiatsu massage, usually for back pain or neck pain, his doctors said they knew, and so did 81% of those receiving chiropractic treatment. 65% of those who practiced progressive relaxation that their doctors said they knew, and so did 68% of the readers who reported practicing meditation.
• A smaller number of readers said their doctor had recommended an alternative therapy first. 28% of readers who used deep muscle massage, usually for back or neck pain, said his doctor had recommended. So did 26% of people using deep breathing exercises and 21% of those who consulted a chiropractor.
The report includes a brief guide for the user to practice therapies and mind-body with an assessment of the evidence. Those who decide to try alternative treatments should talk to your doctor before to set realistic expectations of how they will help to improve. Many insurance plans cover acupuncture and chiropractic treatment, and some offer discounts to other treatments. In addition, some treatments can have flexible spending reimbursement of the consumer or a health savings account. Consumers should check the details with your health plan.

Drinking wine may protect your skin from sun damage

Now there's a delicious new way to protect against the dreaded UV rays that cause so much damage to the skin causing irritation and even cancer. Recent studies by the University of Barcelona and the Spanish National Research Council, shows that eating grapes or drinking wine may be an excellent method for controlling sunburn.

According to the study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers observed and assessed the chemical reaction of the skin when exposed to UV compared with the same exposure level after eating the fruit. Among its findings found that grape flavonoids has substances that stop the damage to skin cells helping to fight against the evils created by excessive sunlight.

Following this discovery is expected to soon begin creating companies based on grape products such as creams and pills to help stop the signs of aging skin, as has occurred after the publication of previous studies. The benefits have been attributed to wine in the past is helping the prevention of cholesterol, heart problems, diabetes and stomach ulcers, as well as extending the length of life.

Acid reflux: what foods to avoid and which consume

Acid reflux is no fun and is one of the main reasons that keeps millions of people awake at night. There are medications for this annoying condition, but you can also consume or avoid foods that relieve symptoms.

What to avoid:

• Alcohol

• Chocolate

• Carbonated beverages

• Mints (may be present in toothpaste)

• Citrus (although some people suggest that the lemon will relieve acid reflux)

• tomatoes (including spaghetti and seafood sauces like)

• Spicy food

• Coffee (including decaffeinated)

• Foods high in fat

• Dairy. Casein (a type of protein in milk) and lactose can cause digestive problems


Of course, each person is different, so that some foods may not pose problems for some. It's a matter of trying and see what affect them more.

Foods that help acid reflux:

• Papaya - The papain enzyme helps digest protein, which helps to reduce reflux.

• Pineapple - Rich in bromelain, aid digestion in the same way that the papaya.

• Protein - Any food rich in protein can increase the pressure on lower esophageal sphincter (the band of muscle that helps seal the stomach), stopping heartburn. Good sources of protein include lean meats, like powdered supplements.

• Fiber - People with diets high in fiber have been shown to suffer less damage to the esophagus than those who eat less. Many foods are rich in fiber, but the best are non-starchy vegetables and fruits such as fences.