Optimizerx Blog - Personal Health & Medicine

2010-04-27T11:01:00.001-07:00

New post: Unhealthy behaviors cut 12 years off life: study (AFP) on http://ping.fm/wCPvL

2010-04-26T23:00:00.001-07:00

New post: US food companies join officials in anti-salt drive (AFP) on http://ping.fm/rl5Df

2010-04-26T18:00:00.003-07:00

New post: Charity slams EU-India trade talks over generic drugs access (AFP) on http://ping.fm/zB8VO

2010-04-26T18:00:00.001-07:00

New post: Bad habits can age you by 12 years, study suggests (AP) on http://ping.fm/0Uoxz

2010-04-26T16:56:00.001-07:00

New post: Charity slams EU-India trade talks over generic drugs access (AFP) on http://ping.fm/0yWjg

2010-04-23T17:34:00.001-07:00

New post: Corrected: WellPoint routinely targets breast cancer patients (Reuters) on http://ping.fm/BlGiQ

2010-04-23T17:00:00.003-07:00

New post: Cat Allergy Doesn't Have to Mean Giving Up Kitty (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/FY1EK

2010-04-23T17:00:00.001-07:00

New post: WellPoint routinely targets breast cancer patients (Reuters) on http://ping.fm/PgHC2

2010-04-23T11:00:00.003-07:00

New post: China warns of anthrax, rabies in quake zone (AFP) on http://ping.fm/GR5Yc

2010-04-23T11:00:00.001-07:00

New post: Allergy-Linked Mouth Breathing Spells Trouble for Kids (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/RGVLA

2010-04-22T17:00:00.001-07:00

New post: Pre-term babies face lifetime lung trouble: study (Reuters) on http://ping.fm/89fvz

2010-04-22T12:00:00.003-07:00

New post: Exclusive: WellPoint routinely targets breast cancer patients (Reuters) on http://ping.fm/w8TpD

2010-04-22T12:00:00.001-07:00

New post: Traffic Seems to Make Kids' Asthma Worse (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/NKsms

2010-04-22T05:02:00.001-07:00

New post: Sierra Leone polio shots delayed by volcanic ash (AP) on http://ping.fm/vtfum

2010-04-21T23:00:00.001-07:00

New post: Pre-term babies face lifetime lung trouble (Reuters) on http://ping.fm/1ciM4

2010-04-21T18:54:00.001-07:00

New post: Study Finds Patients Breathe Easier After Weight-Loss
Surgery (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/Q0VWP

2010-04-20T17:00:00.001-07:00

New post: Too much salt: Report urges FDA to force rollback (AP) on http://ping.fm/ymx3d

2010-04-20T05:00:00.001-07:00

New post: Tanning bed usage may be addictive, study warns (AFP) on http://ping.fm/8sNDH

2010-04-19T23:00:00.001-07:00

New post: Tanning bed usage may be addictive, study warns (AFP) on http://ping.fm/8Zi87

2010-04-19T17:00:00.001-07:00

New post: Can you become addicted to tanning beds? (Reuters) on http://ping.fm/F3Xo1

2010-04-16T11:00:00.001-07:00

New post: 'Off-the-Charts' Pollen Counts Bring Misery to Millions (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/5t7GU

2010-04-16T05:00:00.001-07:00

New post: WHO says falling volcano ash would be health risk (AP) on http://ping.fm/3c8mI

2010-04-15T17:04:00.001-07:00

New post: Health Highlights: April 15, 2010 (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/3KI0j

2010-04-15T08:40:00.001-07:00

New post: Iceland's volcanic ash halts flights across Europe (AP) on http://ping.fm/mCE7f

2010-04-14T17:01:00.005-07:00

New post: Legal battle looms over Nebraska abortion restrictions (AFP) on http://ping.fm/D9vKp

2010-04-14T17:01:00.003-07:00

New post: Legal battle looms over Nebraska abortion restrictions (AFP) on http://ping.fm/0KiJI

2010-04-14T17:01:00.001-07:00

New post: Artificial Pancreas for Type 1 Diabetes Moves Closer to
Reality (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/GzSKL

2010-04-14T05:00:00.001-07:00

New post: Democrats seek to extend jobless benefits by month (AP) on http://ping.fm/JpdFm

2010-04-12T17:22:00.001-07:00

New post: Temporary fix helps patients around drug allergy (AP) on http://ping.fm/hWU26

2010-04-09T19:51:00.003-07:00

New post: Nicotine Withdrawal Can Complicate Hospital Care (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/WxPYZ

2010-04-09T19:51:00.001-07:00

New post: Impossible to separate Gaza-born conjoined twins: doctors (AFP) on http://ping.fm/Kol4j

2010-04-09T18:00:00.001-07:00

New post: Schools Near High-Traffic Areas Increase Kids' Asthma Risks (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/zatBC

2010-04-09T05:00:00.001-07:00

New post: Achoo! Pollen at its worst in years in many areas (AP) on http://ping.fm/Q76n6

2010-04-08T11:09:00.001-07:00

New post: First Generic Versions of Cozaar and Hyzaar Approved (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/bqYFz

2010-04-07T16:37:00.001-07:00

New post: Study links dogs, not cats, to kids' asthma risk (Reuters) on http://ping.fm/x1ew9

2010-04-07T10:59:00.001-07:00

New post: 'Electronic Nose' Sniffs Out Asthma (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/KsDXl

2010-04-06T17:19:00.003-07:00

New post: Study: Riskier surgeries for back pain raise costs (AP) on http://ping.fm/Z1Fc3

2010-04-06T17:19:00.001-07:00

New post: Long-Term Methotrexate Won't Help Kids With Juvenile
Arthritis (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/H4tQZ

2010-04-06T11:21:00.005-07:00

New post: Prescription Drug Abuse Sending More to Hospitals (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/qGGX1

2010-04-06T11:21:00.003-07:00

New post: Clinical Trials Update: April 6, 2010 (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/gummd

2010-04-06T11:21:00.001-07:00

New post: Dust, fumes harm many asthmatic workers' breathing (Reuters) on http://ping.fm/HUJbZ

2010-04-05T17:10:00.003-07:00

New post: Your Social Network Affects Your Drinking Habits (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/Fcs4p

2010-04-05T17:10:00.001-07:00

New post: Online Brazilian Diet Pills Can Be Addictive (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/NUIZM

2010-04-01T11:43:00.001-07:00

New post: Pregnancy linked to lower rheumatoid arthritis risk (Reuters) on http://ping.fm/UIpkm

2010-04-01T05:09:00.001-07:00

New post: Job exposure to chemicals 'boosts breast cancer risk' (AFP) on http://ping.fm/iLNr6

2010-03-31T11:31:00.001-07:00

New post: Asclera Approved to Treat Varicose Veins (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/WjzoD

2010-03-30T14:36:00.003-07:00

New post: Bodies of 15 infants found in China river: report (AFP) on http://ping.fm/SQf3j

2010-03-30T14:36:00.001-07:00

New post: Bodies of 21 infants, foetuses dumped in China river (AFP) on http://ping.fm/qzSrT

2010-03-29T19:01:00.001-07:00

New post: Acupuncture May Ease Anxiety Over Dental Work (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/cylzC

2010-03-29T05:01:00.001-07:00

New post: Junkies and junk-food addicts share craving mechanism (AFP) on http://ping.fm/KPPsH

2010-03-28T23:06:00.001-07:00

New post: Junkies and junk-food addicts share craving mechanism (AFP) on http://ping.fm/8YID1

2010-03-28T17:28:00.005-07:00

New post: Junkies and junk-food addicts have same craving mechanism (AFP) on http://ping.fm/GwBHT

2010-03-28T17:28:00.003-07:00

New post: Junk Food 'Addiction' May Be Real (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/DqvJm

2010-03-28T17:28:00.001-07:00

New post: Taiwan scientist unveils rapid, low-cost TB test kit (AFP) on http://ping.fm/LcO4p

2010-03-28T17:27:00.001-07:00

New post: Health overhaul likely to strain doctor shortage (AP) on http://ping.fm/inhO6

2010-03-27T11:22:00.001-07:00

New post: Some Allergy Sufferers Can Skip the Sneezing Season (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/RlPFN

2010-03-26T13:06:00.001-07:00

New post: Experts debate merits of breast cancer screening (AP) on http://ping.fm/sqUOC

2010-03-26T11:01:00.005-07:00

New post: Rheumatoid arthritis increasing in white women (Reuters) on http://ping.fm/xrdOO

2010-03-26T11:01:00.003-07:00

New post: FDA Advisers Urge Stricter Regulation of Tanning Beds (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/9Z3JJ

2010-03-26T11:01:00.001-07:00

New post: Study doubts breastfeeding benefit for eczema (Reuters) on http://ping.fm/OdWre

2010-03-25T11:49:00.003-07:00

New post: FDA Panel Weighs New Restrictions on Tanning Beds (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/YuMbz

2010-03-25T11:49:00.001-07:00

New post: Moderate drinking may slow arthritis progression (Reuters) on http://ping.fm/SaSgx

2010-03-22T11:00:00.001-07:00

New post: Health Tip: Understanding Gout (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/EMBgz

2010-03-22T02:34:00.001-07:00

New post: US Congress passes historic health care bill (AFP) on http://ping.fm/VtcY1

2010-03-21T02:26:00.001-07:00

New post: Boy receives pioneering stem cell surgery (AFP) on http://ping.fm/Tfwqx

2010-03-20T06:18:00.001-07:00

New post: Obama to drum up support for health care votes (AFP) on http://ping.fm/9x5S9

2010-03-20T05:41:00.001-07:00

New post: Obama to drum up support for health care votes (AFP) on http://ping.fm/wtGuJ

2010-03-19T23:00:00.001-07:00

New post: British boy receives pioneering stem cell surgery (AFP) on http://ping.fm/WVugm

2010-03-19T17:54:00.003-07:00

New post: Most Americans see healthcare benefiting the needy (Reuters) on http://ping.fm/LIWsD

2010-03-19T17:54:00.001-07:00

New post: Doctors, AARP support new health overhaul bill (AP) on http://ping.fm/mUGCm

2010-03-19T17:53:00.001-07:00

New post: Vitamin D helps fend off flu, asthma attacks: study (Reuters) on http://ping.fm/FeCAB

2010-03-19T02:00:00.001-07:00

New post: Asthma relief in Pakistan salt mine (AFP) on http://ping.fm/0h20O

2010-03-18T11:00:00.001-07:00

New post: Prenatal Stress May Boost Baby's Asthma Risk (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/ksqDF

2010-03-18T05:01:00.005-07:00

New post: Asthma relief in Pakistan salt mine (AFP) on http://ping.fm/9PEXK

2010-03-18T05:01:00.003-07:00

New post: Asthma relief in Pakistan salt mine (AFP) on http://ping.fm/xA4XQ

2010-03-18T05:01:00.001-07:00

New post: WHO suspends Shan5 combination vaccine (AFP) on http://ping.fm/ltLp2

2010-03-17T17:28:00.003-07:00

New post: Light, flat shoes may be best for arthritic knees (Reuters) on http://ping.fm/6JeCA

2010-03-17T17:28:00.001-07:00

New post: Rheumatoid arthritis tied to pregnancy complications (Reuters) on http://ping.fm/LicTs

2010-03-17T11:42:00.001-07:00

New post: Rehab Program Gets Back Pain Patients Back to Work Sooner (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/xJh44

2010-03-16T11:28:00.001-07:00

New post: Asbestos victims demand worldwide ban (AFP) on http://ping.fm/PceKu

2010-03-15T17:00:00.001-07:00

New post: Heart-shock device may disrupt quiet hospice death (AP) on http://ping.fm/uIj26

2010-03-15T11:04:00.001-07:00

New post: Combination Treatment May Help Depressed Alcoholics (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/PE4JP

2010-03-14T17:17:00.001-07:00

New post: Psychopaths wired to seek reward at any cost: study (AFP) on http://ping.fm/1YCqg

2010-03-11T10:49:00.001-08:00

New post: Peanut allergy linked to worse asthma in kids (Reuters) on http://ping.fm/Dx2IS

2010-03-10T16:06:00.001-08:00

New post: Scabies pill also works against resistant lice: study (AFP) on http://ping.fm/xbN9g

2010-03-10T10:37:00.001-08:00

New post: Alcoholics' Relapses Better Understood (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/e6DL1

2010-03-10T01:00:00.001-08:00

New post: WHO: Korean cooperation boosting health in north (AP) on http://ping.fm/sF89U

2010-03-09T16:00:00.001-08:00

New post: Medication fears lead to worse side effects (Reuters) on http://ping.fm/MiYTn

2010-03-09T10:00:00.001-08:00

New post: Brazil's Silva quits smoking after 50 years (AP) on http://ping.fm/J6p06

2010-03-08T11:00:00.001-08:00

New post: World could soon shield "most newborns" from HIV (AFP) on http://ping.fm/if2mN

2010-03-06T10:51:00.001-08:00

New post: Electromagnetic Pulses May Stem Arthritic Knee Pain (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/kYRPU

2010-03-05T16:12:00.001-08:00

New post: Blacks Less Likely to Abuse Alcohol (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/ip3VU

Nutrition Tips for an Older You!

2010-03-05T10:24:00.000-08:00

It used to be that much of the nutrition advice dispensed to the "typical older American" was focused on chewing with dentures or preventing constipation. Today's older American is active and health-conscious, and many have already adopted a healthier lifestyle.

Nutrition tips for this new, healthier group of grandparents will still promote the importance of fluids and fiber but also will have a new spin on dietary balance and moderation:

Maintain a healthy body weight. Preparing well-balanced meals, eating in moderation, and including exercise in your daily activity can help you achieve or maintain a healthy weight.
Look for low-fat options. High-fat diets can lead to overweight, heart disease and some types of cancer. Substitute lower-fat options for your high-fat foods. Choose lean cuts of meat, remove the skin from chicken before you cook or eat it, and increase your fish intake. The healthiest food preparation methods are baking, broiling, roasting, and grilling.
Avoid the salt shaker. Just one teaspoon of salt contains 2400 mg of sodium, about the recommended daily amount for people whose blood pressure is normal. Limiting the sodium in your daily diet can help lower blood pressure and avoid unwanted fluid retention. Load up on fruits and vegetables, which are naturally low in sodium. Try using herbs and spices instead of salt to season your food. Avoid high-sodium foods such as processed meats, canned foods, and frozen or dry-packaged meals. Fresh is best!
Increase your fiber. Getting plenty of fiber in your diet can help lower your cholesterol and keep your bowels regular. High-fiber foods also tend to be low in fat and calories. Examples of fiber-rich foods include fresh fruits and vegetables (including edible skins), dried beans, split peas, lentils, oatmeal, figs, oat bran, and whole grains.

Meet your fluid needs. Fluid needs vary from person to person, depending on your medical history. In general, try to drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. Drinking enough fluids will help you avoid constipation and dehydration. You can also increase your fluid intake by having a popsicle, Jello, or pudding for dessert, and sipping on water, fruit juice, or low-fat milk or milkshakes between meals.

Source: Yahoo Health

March is Nutrition Month - Focus on fruits and vegetables

2010-03-05T10:15:00.000-08:00

The theme for National Nutrition Month 2010 is "Nutrition from the ground up." To improve your family's eating habits, the American Dietetic Association recommends starting with these basics:

Focus on fruits and vegetables. "Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks," says Toby Smithson, a registered dietitian and a spokesperson for the ADA.
Eat locally when you can. Try a CSA or visit a farmer's market--which makes for a fun family outing, too; let kids pick out some new foods to try.
Make calories count. If you're going to consume 200 calories, make sure you're getting some vitamins and nutrients out of the deal.
Test your taste buds. Mix it up by adding new foods to your meals and snacks. "Try a fish you've never eaten before or find a new vegetable recipe," says Smithson." By testing yourself, you might find new healthy favorites to add to your regular grocery list."
Treat yourself, healthfully. Eat when you're hungry. If you're craving something sweet, indulge; there are ways to do it without loading up on junk.

Source: Yahoo Health

2010-03-04T10:14:00.001-08:00

New post: People With Asthma More Likely to Be Depressed (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/WNCOk

2010-03-02T16:16:00.003-08:00

New post: KU, K-State ready for super Sunflower Showdown (AP) on http://ping.fm/nvaym

2010-03-02T16:16:00.001-08:00

New post: Cluster of Genes Tied to Alcoholism (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/uHubT

2010-03-02T10:17:00.001-08:00

New post: Asthma Rates Rising Across the U.S. (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/PqDh0

2010-03-01T16:24:00.001-08:00

New post: Studies confirm treatment may help peanut allergy (Reuters) on http://ping.fm/7KUHM

2010-03-01T10:13:00.001-08:00

New post: Global Warming Kicks Up Allergy Storm (HealthDay) on http://ping.fm/VJTc9