Thursday, December 22, 2011

Toddlers Hear Their Own Words Differently, Says Study

Ever wonder why toddlers just can’t seem to get the pronunciation of some words just right? Science may now have an answer. People subconsciously monitor their voices to ensure the sound they are producing is the one that is intended. If it is different, we... Read more

Ashley Koff: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, What Will Hit (in 2012) and What Will Fall

Ashley Koff: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, What Will Hit (in 2012) and What Will Fall

As we close the door on 2011, nutrition and wellness -- the pursuit of optimal health -- continues to lead the country as an issue and major challenge. Looking ahead, there is much to be hopeful about, and a few things to watch out for.

1. Bye Bye Calorie Counting, Hello Nutrient Balance

This trend began in the last few years with professionals like myself explaining the multiple benefits (energy, satiety, body composition) of learning to nutrient balance (blend of carbs, protein and fats) when you eat vs. just counting calories. It's picked up momentum with national brands, including weight loss programs touting the benefits as well. This trend will continue to gain support in 2012, gaining momentum with people who got bored with calorie counting as well as those who've experienced the benefits (which include less deprivation) of nutrient balance. So while 100 calories may be the "it" number, more people will be reading labels and asking whether the 100 calories provide a balance of nutrients.

2. We Have Got a Right to Know -- Is Our Food A GMO?

With an election year including a president up for re-election, many eyes, ears and mouths are focused on campaign promises that were made... but not kept. In the food realm, Obama's prior promise to require labeling of GMOs (genetically modified organisms) in our food supply stands out as organizations like the NonGMOProject.org and the Right2Know.org, as well as the Just Label It campaign conclude an exceptionally impactful year raising awareness for the multiple reasons to label GMOs compared to the singular reason (the GMO manufacturing companies don't want to) to not.

3. Squeeze it, Blend it, Mix it, But PLEASE Pour Me Some (Veggie) JUICE!

No we aren't talking about your breakfast OJ -- and in fact, fruit juice will likely continue to fall in favor unless paired with its veggie friends -- we ARE talking about the exponentially increasing popularity of veggie juices. The year 2012 will mark the introduction of the Starbucks/Evolution Fresh juice venture, bringing NYC and LA's juice shop trend all over America. Veggie juices are the bottled water or vitamin water trend of previous years, and with it carries the same cautions. Not all veggie juices are created equal -- know your juice ingredients, where they came from and how they are processed... and please oh please don't leave a plastic juice bottle in the car to be consumed "later."

4. Seeds of Change

From chia to hemp to Sacha Inchi to sesame, sunflower and pumpkin, this year will continue to see the power of seeds coming to a store or restaurant menu near you. With nut allergies prolific to the point that several schools and gathering places becoming "nut-free," seeds have swooped in to showcase their health benefits. From hemp's complete amino acid ("complete protein") and balanced essential fatty acid profiles, to chia as the "fiber solution," to once-maligned seeds like sunflower regaining popularity, seeds will be everywhere in their whole form, isolated oils and as "seed butters."

5. Oh Oh Organic... The Right Stuff

With barely a month going by without a new study raising concerns or identifying definitive harm of one or more of the numerous chemicals known to be used in industrial agriculture, moms and moms-to-be will continue to lead the battle cry (via the power of the purchase) for more organic food options. It's news to the organic food sector that we are in an economically challenged time as it continues to grow with continued loyalty from organic buyers as well as new consumers flirting with organic food consumption in categories from baby food to breakfast food to dining out and even airplane options.

6. Tablets, Capsules and Pills Move Over, Liquid and Powder Dietary Supplements Have Arrived

Whether you believe the argument that they are more easily absorbed, find the ease of use compelling or just can't seem to find your favorite blend in a tablet or capsule anymore, chances are if you take supplements you are taking -- or in 2012 -- will be taking at least one liquid or powder product. There is truth in the absorption issue for many nutrients, but there's also a strong word of caution -- make sure your supplement isn't just like taking a swig of soda -- regular or diet -- or dipping into the candy bowl. That's right, some liquid and powdered supplements include ingredients like high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners, or use unnecessarily high amounts of straight up sugar to cover the taste of the nutrients in the supplement.

7. "I'm Not Just a Hair Club for Men User, I'm the President"

In an age where word of mouth travels at the speed of light and can make or break a product's popularity, concern will continue to develop over who's feeding that mouth. Is that blogger, dietitian, athlete, musician, actor, anchor and even company founder just a fan of X new product or are they receiving any benefit from promoting this product? The year 2012 is unlikely to be the year that the FDA or other government entity will come down on those promoting products, especially via social media without disclosures. BUT, growing consumer cynicism will begin to make such endorsements less meaningful... unless of course it's an endorsement by your favorite actor, ball player, musician or blogger that you've come to trust... net net, not much should change in this arena in 2012.

8. More vs. Better Energy

With sales of energy bars, drinks, supplements, food products and exercise programs continuing to soar, it is in line with the soaring number of Americans complaining about their lack of energy. Overheard anywhere in America, every day: I can't wake up, I crash midday, I don't have the energy to workout, I don't have the energy to do my work, I am out of steam... 2012 will see many more products launched to provide more energy, several of which may indeed deliver more energy. However, 2012 will also be the year for many in which better eating of better quality foods and drinks will lead to better health via better energy. The year 2012 will be the year that in which the difference between more and better energy comes to the forefront.

Follow Ashley Koff on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@ashleykoff


Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

Noisy Toys Might Harm Kids' Hearing

THURSDAY, Dec. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Some toys at the top of children's Christmas wish lists could pose a hearing threat, according to researchers. Click here to read the rest

Stay Fit Over The Holidays: Celeb Trainers Share 9 Secrets

Stay Fit Over The Holidays: Celeb Trainers Share 9 Secrets

"The holidays are stressful as it is, but we instinctively choose the exact opposite of what we really need to reduce that stress," says Tony Horton, who created the P90X fitness system and is known for training classic-rock icons like Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen. He's referring to sedentary holiday activities and diet-busting food traditions. "In reality -- the thing that makes the holidays more fun and relaxing is healthy living." Horton sees the holidays as an opportunity to use physical activity not just for weight loss, but for better mental health. And that means we can't stay curled up on the couch -- we've got to get out and get moving. "When you move physically, you sleep better," says Horton. "And when you sleep better, you're less stressed, so your cortisol levels are lower and you are less likely to eat high-fat, high-sugar foods as a result. And when you sleep better, you're less stressed, so your cortisol levels are lower and you are less likely to eat high-fat, high-sugar foods as a result. And when you eat better, you sleep better too -- it's a cycle." While a couple of days off is fine, Horton advises clients to work out regularly during any remaining holiday time. Since schedules are particularly crunched during the busy holiday season, he says it's okay to go for shorter workouts that last 20 or 30 minutes rather than a full hour. "Something is always better than nothing," he says.

"The holidays are stressful as it is, but we instinctively choose the exact opposite of what we really need to reduce that stress," says Tony Horton, who created the P90X fitness system and is known for training classic-rock icons like Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen. He's referring to sedentary holiday activities and diet-busting food traditions. "In reality -- the thing that makes the holidays more fun and relaxing is healthy living."

Horton sees the holidays as an opportunity to use physical activity not just for weight loss, but for better mental health. And that means we can't stay curled up on the couch -- we've got to get out and get moving. "When you move physically, you sleep better," says Horton. "And when you sleep better, you're less stressed, so your cortisol levels are lower and you are less likely to eat high-fat, high-sugar foods as a result. And when you sleep better, you're less stressed, so your cortisol levels are lower and you are less likely to eat high-fat, high-sugar foods as a result. And when you eat better, you sleep better too -- it's a cycle."

While a couple of days off is fine, Horton advises clients to work out regularly during any remaining holiday time. Since schedules are particularly crunched during the busy holiday season, he says it's okay to go for shorter workouts that last 20 or 30 minutes rather than a full hour. "Something is always better than nothing," he says.


Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

Self Help Guide into Eating Right

Self Help Guide into Eating Right

Every conscious individual has been keeping their life in balance. For improving their self help, one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from these diseases is to eat a healthy diet Whether or not you have a family history of cancer, diabetes, heart disease or stroke, what you eat – and how much you eat – can help reduce your risk. As a matter of fact, if you are one of the many Americans who do not smoke, eating well – along with being active and maintaining a healthy weight – is your best defense against disease.

Ask your selves these questions for proper self help guidelines and to measure of you are doing good in your daily life’s activities.

  • How to live healthier?
  • What do I have to do to eat right?
  • What are the food that I can eat?
  • Will I feel better if I eat right?

You should also be able to follow your eating plan correctly. There are many benefits to adopting a healthy eating plan. Healthy eating can help reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. It also makes it easier to reach and maintain a healthy weight.


Source: www.fitnessmindbody.com

A Cruise Ship Bug Takes To The Skies

A Cruise Ship Bug Takes To The Skies

By Katherine Harmon
(Click here for the original article and podcast)

Holiday travel is a recipe for infection. And recent studies have shown how easily the infamous cruise ship bug, norovirus, can be transmitted on planes.

After a passenger puked on an Air New Zealand flight, crew members tidied up, then clocked out after the plane landed. “Not only did the crew that cleaned up the mess get sick, but on every successive flight at least one or more crew members got sick with typical symptoms of norovirus.” David Freedman, of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, at the recent meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

In fact, almost half of all crew members that worked the plane over the next five days picked up the virus. Planes aren’t scrubbed thoroughly between flights, and norovirus can linger on surfaces for days. But “in looking at the typical disinfectants that are used by airlines, none of the routine disinfectants would be considered effective against norovirus.”

So, when traveling, wash your hands often. And keep your fingers crossed.

[Flickr/Wikimedia] photo by ksuyin.

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Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

Kenya HIV families torn between health or food

Kenya HIV families torn between health or food

photo Rosalia Adhiambo won't take the free anti-HIV drugs that would prolong her life. The spiraling price of food in Kenya means she can't afford to feed both her grandniece and herself.



Source: news.yahoo.com