The New Nutritionist: Your Grocer

This article is about a food rating system being used by some grocery chains that is provided by a company called NuVal LLC that basically measures nutritional value. My first reaction was this could be good information for the average consumer but reading further into it, it seems some of the criteria used to establish the rating is pretty subjective. I am glad I don’t have a food product being negatively rated by these people. In my opinion, what is intended to help the consumer and simplify things is just confusing the issue even further. What’s yours?

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704229004575371010407610760.html?mod=ITP_personaljournal_0#printMode

Eating to Live or Living to Eat?

There is a lot here but some very interesting information describing how different areas of the brain affect our eating habits. This might help to explain some of the cravings we have, especially, in my case with sweets after eating a meal. Basically a concise, easy to understand account of what can be a very complicated subject for some of us non-medical “civilians”.

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704288204575363072381955744.html?mod=ITP_personaljournal_0

F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future 2010

It’s hard to believe with all of the media attention over the last couple years, but it appears the obesity issue in the US is getting worse instead of better. Obesity rates increased in 28 states year to year and decreased only in the District of Columbia. Most of us know intellectually that we need to monitor what we take in and increase our level of movement and exercise and yet reports like this one keep on coming. When and what will be the tipping point?

healthyamericans.org/reports/obesity2010/

In Summer’s Heat, Watch What You Drink

This New York Times article supplies some good information about really focusing on what we drink in the summer, not just for hydration purposes, as important as that is, but caloric also, as we need to be careful with what we choose to satisfy our thirst this time of year. As the article states, sugar-sweetened sodas are the single largest source of calories in the American diet, 7.1% so this is an important issue we can all learn more about.

www.nytimes.com/2010/06/29/health/29brod.html?pagewanted=print

4 Ways to Reach Your Ideal Racing Weight

Like the title, the first paragraph of this article refers to running performance and achieving optimum racing weight, but even if you are not a high level runner/athlete these four suggestions regarding our eating habits can be helpful to any of us. Try them out for thirty days and see the results for yourself.

www.active.com/running/Articles/4_Ways_to_Reach_Your_Ideal_Racing_Weight.htm?cmp=11-815&utm_source=sendible&utm_medium=feed&PageMode=Print

When to Come in From the Sun

I realize we have touched on this topic often recently but it is very important to address, especially this time of year. While these wrist bands have not been proven to be effective “scientifically”, many dermatologists think at the very least they are a good indicator of when we have been exposed to the sun too long and also a good teaching tool for kids.

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704324304575306730792757258.html?mod=ITP_personaljournal_0#printMode

When Patients Don’t Fill Their Prescriptions

In the past, doctors and pharmacists knew many patients didn’t complete the entire cycle of prescribed medications. Now, with more data available, is evidence many patients don’t even get some of their prescriptions filled.

This article from the NY Times has some explanations and ideas why. What is your personal experience and if you have left prescriptions unfilled, why? I’d like to hear your thoughts on this subject.

www.nytimes.com/2010/05/20/health/20chen.html?pagewanted=print

A Shade-Seeker Finds New Ways to Block UV Rays

Laura Landro of the Wall Street Journal brings us a lot more valuable information about the sun’s effect on our skin. Take a few minutes and check out her thoughts and those of dermatologists and other experts she talks to. A few minutes now can save us a lot of pain, now and in the future.

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704388304575202110726832690.html?mod=todays-us-personal-journal#printMode

Omega-3 fatty acids are key to a healthier life

Omega-3 fatty acids can benefit our health in many ways including treatment of many serious chronic illnesses. But how do we incorporate more Omega-3’s into our diets? Fish of course is the primary source most think of but this article from the Chicago Tribune offers some more options, some easier to access and less expensive than trying to eat fish on a regular basis.

www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-omega-3s-20100426,0,4096697,print.story

To Beat the Heat, Drink a Slushie First

Earlier in the week we discussed protecting ourselves from the sun, especially this time of year. As this article from the NY Times tells us, we also need to pay attention to the effect heat is having on our bodies when we are walking, running, biking or performing any personal or group workout outside. When I first saw this headline, I didn’t take it too seriously, but having read the article I think there is something to the idea of drinking a slushie before exercising in the heat and there are a few other good ideas too and some good information about how our bodies function in the heat. Cooling the body down before exercise is something I never considered but I am going to try, especially before going on long weekend runs as we get into the hot, humid summer days here in the Midwest. Let’s be safe out there.

www.nytimes.com/2010/04/27/health/nutrition/27best.html?ref=health&src=me&pagewanted=print

Next Page »