Did you know that antioxidants in apples, red onions, and tea boost exercise endurance?
An apple a day not only keeps a doctor away, but also improves exercise endurance. Quercetin, found in red apples, cabbage, berries, red onion, broccoli, and green and black tea, was found in one study to fight inflammation and promote cell energy activation. Researchers at the University of South Carolina tested quercetin on healthy college students. The study participants rode stationary bikes. They were able to ride 13% longer when taking a supplement of quercetin. Researchers commented that the findings suggest quercetin "may be important in relieving fatigue that keeps people sedentary." -International Journal of Sports Medicine and Exercise Metabolism.
Recent Tips Did you know that you could shave off 10 years of your biological age by being physically active?
British scientists surveyed 2,400 adult twins about their physical activity, smoking, and health, and measured the length of their telomeres (chromosome tips). Telomeres become shorter every time cells divide, making them a possible marker of aging.
This study showed that physically active people have longer telomeres than sedentary people regardless of age, sex, smoking, body mass index, or socioeconomic status.
The telomere length difference "suggests that inactive subjects may be biologically older by 10 years compared with more active subjects," the researchers write. Since the study did not prove that, we can’t be sure what impact on logevity and aging telomeres have. However, it has been well established that regular physical activity improves health, thus may have impact on one’s longevity.
After checking with your health care provider, follow these physical activity recommendations of CDC:
Get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (such as brisk walking) at least five days per week or get at least 20 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity (such as jogging) at least three days a week.
Did you know that the kind of rice you eat may affect your risk of diabetes?
According to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, eating 5 or more servings of white rice a week was associated with 17% increased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes compared to eating white rice less than once a month.
The process of refining brown rice into white rice strips away nutrients and fiber, while increasing its glycemic index. Based on the study’s results, researchers estimated that replacing just 50 grams (about 1/3 of a serving) of white rice daily with brown rice would lower the risk of diabetes by 16%. Switching from white to brown rice entirely could decrease risk of diabetes by as much as 36!
Did you know not every sunscreen lotion is safe?
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) says that not every sunscreen is created equal. Some sunscreens containing vitamin A may in fact accelerate the development of tumors and lesions.
Did you know that obese children are more likely to be bullied?
According to a study of 821 boys and girls ages 8-11 years at the University of Michigan, obese children in grades three through six are more likely to be bullied by their classmates. The researchers found that the odds of being bullied were 63% higher for an obese child compared to thinner peers.
Obese children who are bullied experience depression, anxiety, and loneliness that might have a life-long effect. Since prevention is the best medicine, take steps to prevent your child’s weight and self-image problems.
Did you know breastfeeding may have a protective effect on a mother’s heart health?
A scientist at the University of Pittsburgh examined data on almost 140,000 postmenopausal women and found that women who had breastfed were 10% less likely to have had heart disease, a heart attack, or stroke. The reduction in the risk due to breastfeeding was not large. However, the heart disease among women is very prevalent and any increase of the risk counts. If more women breastfed, we might see more healthy women!
Did you know there might be natural relief for asthma?
An Egyptian study found that three supplements help relieve asthma symptoms in children. In a group of 60 kids, of an average age of 8 years old, researchers tested 1,000 mg of fish oil, 15 mg zinc, and 200 mg of vitamin C daily as individual supplements and a combination of all. Each supplement provided improvement of symptoms. However, all supplements combined provided the greatest benefits.
Did you know that certain nutrients prevent rashes in kids?
According to a Korean study of more than 400 5-year-old children, children who had sufficient vitamin E, beta-carotene, folic acid, and iron in their diets are less likely to suffer from dermatitis (itchy, red, and dry skin).
It is important that your child eats a variety of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Do you have a picky eater at home? Give him or her a daily multivitamin.
Did you know that moms may be able to prevent the development of allergies in their children?
By avoiding certain foods in pregnancy, mothers who already have children with food allergies can reduce the likelihood of food allergies in their future children, especially to peanut and egg.
Researchers at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Australia reported that the avoidance of certain foods during the third trimester of pregnancy, during breastfeeding and into the second year of life leads to a lesser sensitization to food allergens in children.
Did you know that metabolic syndrome and obesity are linked to many cancers?
The American Heart Association defines metabolic syndrome as a combination of abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, high cholesterol and blood pressure.
The two main components of metabolic syndrome, abdominal obesity and insulin resistance, are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. High blood pressure and cholesterol are associated with an increased risk for heart disease. In addition, obesity is being associated with certain cancers.
In one study of over 1.2 million women in the United Kingdom, cancer risk was significantly increased in the presence of obesity for 10 out of 17 different types of cancer. Cancers linked to obesity included endometrial cancer, esophageal cancer, colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, and leukemia.
Prevention can go a long way: keep your weight down by eating healthy and engaging in daily physical activity.
Did you know that many cancers are contributed to body weight?
Studies report that overweight and obesity increase the risk of the following cancers: breast, prostate, colon, esophagus, brain, liver, thyroid, ovarian, leukemia, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Keeping a healthy weight will keep your risk of cancer low. Losing weight, if you need to, is a logical step in keeping your risk of cancer low.
Since childhood obesity is on the rise, parents need to step up and teach their children healthy lifestyle habits, such as healthy eating and regular physical activity, to keep their risk of cancer low.
Did you know your adolescent might not be getting enough sleep?
Adolescents function at their best when they sleep at least 9 hours a night. But do they? According to a CDC study, about 8% of high school students reported enough sleep.
Being a teenager imposes a lot of demands: homework, extracurricular activities, keeping up with friends, etc. It is a parent’s job to teach a teen time management and how to set priorities such as adequate sleep.
Did you know kids who are exposed to media are far worse off than those who are not?
After examining 173 studies done over 3 decades, scientists at the National Institute of Health and Yale University concluded that there is an overwhelming association between exposure to media and violence, obesity, educational attainment, sex, and smoking.
We live in the 21st century and media, such as television and Internet, is an integral part of our lives. However, parents need to limit children’s exposure to the media and supervise viewed content.
Dr. Hillary is a pediatric nurse practitioner with a doctoral degree in health promotion and risk reduction. She has worked with children for well over a decade. To send her an email, click
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
Lactose Free Restaurant Menus
