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Posted on May 26, 2016 May 26, 2016

Americans are fatter than ever, CDC finds

By Carina Storrs, for CNN

Updated 6:11 PM ET, Wed May 25, 2016

(CNN)The results are in from the one of the largest and broadest surveys of health in the United States. And although many of the findings are encouraging — more Americans had health insurance and fewer smoked cigarettes in 2015 than in previous years — the gains were overshadowed by rising rates of obesity and diabetes.

Every year since 1957, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been asking Americans 18 and older about their health and the health of their family members as part of the National Health Interview Survey. The new report contains data from the 2015 survey, which included more than 100,000 people.

https://www.cnn.com/2016/05/25/health/americans-health-obesity-diabetes/index.html

Posted on May 14, 2016 May 14, 2016

Gluten-free diet could damage health of people without coeliac disease, expert claims

Sarah Knapton, science editor

13 MAY 2016 • 2:25PM

Gluten-free diets could be damaging to the health of people who do not have coeliac disease, raising the risk of obesity, diabetes and malnutrition, an expert has warned.

The diet, which excludes all food containing grains like wheat, barley and rye, such as bread and pasta, have been popularised by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow who claims cutting out gluten boosts health and aids weight loss.

Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic, said it helped propel him to World No 1. while Victoria Beckham claims it is how she keeps her trim figure.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2016/05/13/gluten-free-diet-could-damage-health-of-people-without-coeliac-d/

Posted on February 3, 2015 February 2, 2015

Celebrate National Heart Health Month with these Heart-Healthy Treats

Celebrate National Heart Health Month with these Heart-Healthy Treats
February 3,2015

Ridgewood NJ, The National Retail Federation reports that the average person will spend $142.31 on Valentine’s Day in 2015, up $8 from last year. With February underway, people everywhere are beginning to plan and find something special for their loved one – but it’s not about the amount of money you spend.

Kings Food Markets encourages you to give from your heart, rather than your wallet, in honor of National Heart Health Month this February with these heart-healthy treats hand-selected from Nutritionist Shari Bilt Boockvar, MS, RD.:

· Chocolaty Banana Crepes

o Dark chocolate has more antioxidants than milk chocolate and the cinnamon may help with decreasing your risk of high blood pressure.

· Chocolate Peanut Pomegranate Treat

o The peanuts and peanut butter provide beneficial unsaturated fats while cacao powder provides antioxidants, magnesium and fiber. By adding Greek yogurt, you get the benefits of both protein and calcium.

· Fruity Nutty Tortilla Pizza

o Choose whole wheat tortillas to provide additional fiber and enjoy berries that add a source of additional fiber and antioxidants. The unsaturated fats in almonds are also beneficial for heart health.

HEART-HEALTHY RECIPES FOR VALENTINE’S DAY:

Chocolaty Banana Crepe (Makes 1)

Ingredients:

· 2 Egg Whites (from 2 Kings Organic Cage Free Eggs)

· 3 Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Kisses, chopped

· ½ Banana, sliced

· 1 Teaspoon Sugar

· Cinnamon

· Vegetable Spray (such as Pam)

Directions:

· Spray small pan and pour in egg whites. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side to form a crepe.

· Place on plate and top half with banana slices and chopped chocolate

· Fold over other half to cover and then sprinkle top with cinnamon and sugar

· Wait about 1 minute until chocolate is melted

Chocolate Peanut Pomegranate Treat (Makes 1)

Ingredients:

· 1 Container Vanilla Greek Yogurt

· 1 Tablespoon Natural Peanut Butter

· 1 Teaspoon Crushed Peanuts

· 1 Tablespoon Cacao Powder

· ¼ Cup Pomegranate Arils (fresh or frozen)

Directions:

· Mix yogurt, peanut butter and cacao powder until blended well.

· Top with pomegranate arils and crushed peanuts

Fruity Nutty Tortilla Pizza (Makes 1)

Ingredients:

· 1 Whole Wheat Tortilla (La Tortilla Factory)

· ¾ Cup Mixed Berries (Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries)

· 1 Tablespoon Chocolate Syrup

· 1 Tablespoon Sliced Almonds

Directions:

· Lay tortilla on flat surface and top with berries

· Toast for 2 minutes in toaster oven

· Drizzle with chocolate syrup and top with sliced almonds.

· Slice into 6 pieces

Posted on February 3, 2015 February 2, 2015

Take Care, Take Heart February is American Heart Month

Take Care, Take Heart February is American Heart Month
Feb 2,2015 9:00 AM EST
Valley Health System

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — February is American Heart Month, the perfect time to be reminded to take care of your heart. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women,” says Gerald Sotsky, M.D., Chair of Cardiac Services, Valley Medical Group. “But there is good news,” he says, “heart disease is largely preventable and controllable.”

Heart health can be easier to achieve than you might think. It doesn’t require hours of grueling exercise or giving up all of your favorite foods. A few simple lifestyle changes can make all the difference. Here are some tips to get you on your way:
• Exercise 30 to 60 minutes a day on most days of the week. This can be as simple as taking a daily walk.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Quit or don’t start smoking.
• Eat a diet that’s low in saturated fat, cholesterol and salt.

It’s equally important to be alert to the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, which can include:
• uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest;
• pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach;
• shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort;
• nausea, lightheadedness, or breaking out in a cold sweat; and
• chest pain or discomfort.

If you have any of these signs call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital right away.

Symptoms of a heart attack in women can be less distinctive than they tend to be in men. “Both men and women can experience the typical chest pain, pressure or discomfort, but women are somewhat more likely than men to experience more subtle symptoms, such as shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness, pressure or pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen, or extreme fatigue,” says cardiologist Benita Burke, M.D., Medical Director of Valley Medical Group’s Heart Care for Women medical practice.

Even if you have no symptoms of heart disease, Dr. Sotsky suggests that an evaluation by a cardiologist may be appropriate if:
• you have a family history (mother, father, siblings) of coronary artery disease, aneurysm, and/or sudden death before age 50; and/or
• you have significant risk factors for heart disease,, which include high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, poor diet and inactivity.

Everyone should be aware of their personal risk factors for heart disease. To raise awareness of the cause, symptoms, and prevalence of heart disease The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ, has established the Men’s Heart Center and the Heart Care for Women Screening Program. Both offer free comprehensive heart risk assessments to individuals between the ages of 20-79. Learn more about Valley’s free heart risk assessment for men and women:

Posted on January 20, 2015 January 20, 2015

Vitamin D deficiency can affect seasonal depression, study says

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Vitamin D deficiency can affect seasonal depression, study says

JANUARY 20, 2015 LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2015, 1:21 AM
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Low vitamin D may be a culprit in winter depression

Vitamin D deficiency might impact mental health and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a depression linked to changes in the season, according to research recently published in Medical Hypotheses.

Seasonal depression, or SAD, is believed to affect up to 10 percent of the population, depending upon geographical location.

Based on researchers’ findings, vitamin D was likely to be a contributing factor in seasonal depression in that vitamin D levels fluctuate in the body seasonally, in direct relation to seasonally available sunlight.

Vitamin D is also involved in the synthesis of serotonin and dopamine within the brain, both chemicals linked to depression, according to the researchers.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/health-news/vitamin-d-deficiency-can-affect-seasonal-depression-study-says-1.1228057

Posted on January 19, 2015 January 19, 2015

Today is ‘saddest day of the year’ — and there’s a ‘Blue Monday’ equation that ‘explains’ why

Today is ‘saddest day of the year’ — and there’s a ‘Blue Monday’ equation that ‘explains’ why

Wintry weather. Post-holiday debt. Failed New Years resolutions. And everyone back in the office after taking time off.

Those things added together amount to what is believed to be the most depressing day of the year for many: today, January 19, dubbed “Blue Monday.”

https://www.myfoxdc.com/story/27884109/today-is-saddest-day-of-the-year-and-theres-a-blue-monday-equation-that-explains-why

Posted on August 13, 2014 August 13, 2014

Apple Wants To Be ‘A Hub Of Health Data’ And Is In Talks With Top Hospitals

Apple Wants To Be ‘A Hub Of Health Data’ And Is In Talks With Top Hospitals

CHRISTINA FARR, REUTERS

AUG. 12, 2014, 5:53 AM

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Apple Inc has been discussing how its “HealthKit” service will work with health providers at Mount Sinai, the Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins as well as with Allscripts, a competitor to electronic health records provider Epic Systems, people familiar with the discussions said.

While the talks may not amount to anything concrete, they underscore how Apple is intent on making health data, such as blood pressure, pulse and weight, available for consumers and health providers to view in one place.

Currently, this data is being collected by thousands of third-party health care software applications and medical devices, but it isn’t centrally stored. Apple also hopes physicians will use this data to better monitor patients between visits – with the patient’s consent — so the doctors can make better diagnostic and treatment decisions.

Read more: https://www.businessinsider.com/r-exclusive-apple-prepares-healthkit-rollout-amid-tangled-regulatory-web-2014-12#ixzz3AGJaI2Bt