It’s the dieter’s tug-of-war: the need to lose weight versus the urge to eat high-calorie foods. Scientists say the easy availability of sweets and other treats has made the desire for them stronger over time. Couple that with a sedentary lifestyle that burns fewer and fewer calories, and battling the bulge is that much harder.… read on >
People with sleep apnea have higher chances of developing gout, a new study suggests. Researchers analyzed data on nearly 16,000 people with sleep apnea and more than 63,000 people without apnea who were followed for a median of nearly six years. (Half were followed longer, half for less time.) Overall, 4.9 percent of sleep apnea… read on >
The inviting blue waves of a swimming pool can be deadly for a curious youngster. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 1 to 4, the American Academy of Pediatrics says, citing U.S. government statistics. The academy offers these pool-fencing suggestions: The fence should be at least four feet high… read on >
For years, nutritionists have warned Americans to minimize dairy in their diets, especially high-fat dairy products. But new research involving 24,000 U.S. adults suggests milk and milk-derived products don’t pose the dire health risks suggested by prior research, and maybe those old warnings should be relaxed. “In light of the protective effects of dairy products,… read on >
Everyone worries about drug abuse among children, but a hidden danger for some kids rests in prescription medicines intended to help them, a new study warns. Some children and teenagers who are prescribed multiple medications are at risk of drug interactions that could literally stop their heart, according to the report. “We found that about… read on >
Weight loss depends on eating fewer calories than your body uses up. But when you eat those calories could make a difference that you’ll see on the scale. An Italian study found that you can boost weight loss by about 25 percent just by eating 70 percent of each day’s calories between breakfast and lunch,… read on >
Children need nutritious lunches to help them stay healthier, concentrate in school and play sports. The FDA suggests how to pack a healthier lunch: Plan your meals for the entire week. Fill your child’s lunchbox with foods that contribute to healthy growth and weight maintenance. Encourage your child to help pack lunch. This will help… read on >
Pregnant women and newborns are more vulnerable to foodborne illness than others, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says. Here are the agency’s suggestions for pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid foodborne illness: Clean hands and surfaces often. Separate foods to avoid spreading contamination. Cook foods to proper temperature. Use a meat thermometer when appropriate. Chill… read on >
Want to help your kids succeed at school? Watch what they eat. Research shows that children who have a nutritious breakfast have better concentration, more energy and do better in school, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Some schools provide breakfast. If your kids’ school does not, make sure they eat a breakfast… read on >
One sleepless night might tip the body’s metabolism toward storing fat while depleting muscle, new research suggests. Many studies have linked poor sleep — whether from insomnia or working the night shift — to weight gain and health conditions like type 2 diabetes. But that type of research leaves open the question of whether sleep… read on >
