Fittness and Weight loss News

This LAT article is representative of many articles this week that reports on a study issued by Trust for America's Health regarding how America is losing the battle against obesity, state by state.  The actual study can be found here on Trust for America’s website.  The site also has an interactive feature that shows state by state results and information.

The results show that Mississippi is the number 1 state in obesity with a whopping 30% of its residents classified as obese.  The District of Columbia holds the dubious position of number 1 for childhood obesity with 22.8 % of its children obese.

The LAT article quotes Jim Marks, a senior vice president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a healthcare philanthropy group that sponsored the study as follows:

“The report is a devastating indictment and the nation is in the middle of a public health crisis that is deteriorating rapidly, and we are treating it like an inconvenience.”

“These children could be the first generation to live sicker and die younger than their parents,"

“Obesity costs $117 billion a year in preventable healthcare expenditures and "is pushing the healthcare system to the breaking point.”

The LAT article also makes clear that the data is based on self reporting, hence the results are probably much worse and people do tend to understate their weight.

This report is no surprise.  America seems content to ignore the obesity epidemic.  But by ignoring it, we will pay as individuals and collectively as a society in higher health costs and a lower quality of life.

Cranberries, eaten fresh or dried or consumed through cranberry juice, are one of the best fruits to eat that promote good health.  The number of positive health impacts from cranberries is truly amazing.

Here is information extracted directly from the Cranberry Institute Web page.

“The majority of physicians and other health professionals believe there is a clear association between a diet high in fruits and vegetables and a low risk of chronic disease. Phytonutrients (naturally derived plant compounds), particularly antioxidants, are increasingly being shown to help optimize human health.

Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins (PACs) that can prevent the adhesion of certain of bacteria, including E. coli, associated with urinary tract infections to the urinary tract wall. The anti-adhesion properties of cranberry may also inhibit the bacteria associated with gum disease and stomach ulcers.

Recent scientific research shows that cranberries and cranberry products contain significant amounts of antioxidants and other phytonutrients that may help protect against heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

Rats fed diets supplemented with cranberries are put through a series of tests to evaluate their neural function compared to a control group. Preliminary results indicate that there will be compelling evidence that cranberry can help protect the brain from neurological damage.

Atherosclerosis, in the simplest terms, is the accumulation of low density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad cholesterol", in arteries resulting in restricted blood flow. In the advance stages of the disease blood flow may be decrease severely or cease completely resulting in angina (chest pain), a thrombosis (blood clot) and/or myocardial infarction (heart attack). Atherosclerosis is a primary cause of cardiovascular disease. Ongoing research continues to suggest that cranberries may offer a natural defense against atherosclerosis.

Researchers at the University of Western Ontario demonstrated, using an animal model, that human breast cancer cells showed significantly lower incidence of tumor development when the experimental group's diet was supplemented with cranberries. Although these results are very preliminary, compounds in cranberries may prove to be a potent cancer fighter.”

Here is more on the health benefits of Cranberries from WebMD.

“A plant compound, called proanthocyanidin A-1 is found in cranberries.  Herpes simplex-2 is one of the most common viral infections in humans. It causes genital sores or ulcers, as well as inflammation of the brain and infection of newborns and people with weakened immune systems.

Scientists' lab tests showed that proanthocyanidin A-1 helped combat herpes simplex-2: it interfered with the virus when it tried to latch onto and penetrate cells -- a necessary step for infection by the herpes virus."

 Buy a bag of Sweetened Dried Cranberries and keep it handy for snacks.  It’s one of the most healthful snacks you can consume.

Most people who struggle with their weight are probably well aware of the correlation between obesity and diabetes. It’s a slippery slope, the more overweight and out-of-shape one becomes, the better their chances for Type 2 Diabetes. The complications caused by diabetes like heart disease, retinopathy (leading to vision loss), kidney disease and nerve damage are openly discussed with doctors and in support groups.

What’s left unsaid -- is what most people are thinking about but rarely talking about -- with their doctors: sex. Yes, diabetes can have a dramatic effect on a person’s sex life and relationships. Beyond the extra pounds making locating the naughty bits a bit difficult, there are a slew of physical and mental problems that can arise.

Obesity can make it difficult locating the libido, but with diabetes also comes a higher risk of infections, nerve damage which decreases pleasure and sensation, limited mobility, erectile dysfunction, feeling unattractive due to excess weight, being tired from high glucose levels, and vaginal dryness, according to the American Diabetes Association.

“Being overweight causes anxiety and prevents you from enjoying your sexuality and sex life. Sex may not be enjoyable merely from the physical difficulty of having sex when you’re obese, or it could be related to nerve damage,” says eDiets’ Chief Nutritionist, Susan Burke. However, she wants everyone to take note that much of the pleasure from sex comes from between your ears -- not just between your legs.

Looking for support from people with similiar concerns and goals? eDiets offers an entire Community of more than 100 support groups.

Burke continues to say that, often times, people don’t know they have diabetes. Type 2 comes on slowly, so it can be hard to catch, gradually creeping into the bedroom and making a person too tired, feeling too unattractive and just not interested due to the problems they face between the sheets, not even realizing what’s caused this drop in desire.

“There are many complications of diabetes that may occur as a result of high blood glucose levels, high blood pressure and/or elevated blood fats. Neuropathy is known to cause sexual dysfunction in up to 75 percent of men and up to 35 percent of women with diabetes,” says eDiets Diabetes Expert, Christine Miller.

“Damage to the nerves in the sexual regions of the body can reduce or interfere with the ability to feel sexual sensations leading to difficulty with arousal and orgasm. Poor blood flow, especially in men, can mean an inability to achieve and sustain an erection,” Miller said.

Erectile dysfunction affects not only the man, but his partner as well. Because Type 2 occurs later in life, it could disrupt a previously normal sex life and could be attributed to weight gain and poor self image, instead of the real culprit, says Burke.

According to Burke, the best way to keep the lovin’ alive is to avert yourself from this uninformed road to ruin, “Get tested for diabetes,” is the best piece of preventative advice she can give. If you don’t know what the problem is, you can’t fix it.

Now that the problem’s been diagnosed, Miller explains, “Type 2s can often control their blood glucose by losing weight, exercising and when necessary, taking medications. But without making the lifestyle changes required to stay at a healthy weight, some Type 2s need insulin to control their blood sugars.”

“It’s all about prevention,” says Burke. “Controlling blood glucose levels by losing weight, eating properly and exercising.”

According to the American Diabetes Association, often times, women with diabetes viewed themselves as less attractive, less satisfied and less interested in sex. But don’t fret, if it’s too late for prevention, there are ways to get back in the saddle.

Try finding comfortable positions for sex, increasing strength through exercise, lube for dryness, focusing on what makes you attractive (you know your best qualities), and, for erectile dysfunction, there are pills, pumps and even surgery (all these should be discussed with a doctor) says the ADA.

Eat right, control glucose levels, exercise and discuss the effects of diabetes with your partner—so they know what’s going on, too. Don’t let diabetes sidetrack your sex life.

Shawn McKee graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a BA in Journalism and has written for The Broward and Miami New Times.

A wedding bell wake-up call motivated Bethany H. to join forces with eDiets.com. She knew she would remember her wedding for the rest of her life. She also knew that it would be a day of nonstop stares and a thousand photographs. While the vegetarian bride-to-be was ready to say "I do" to the man she loved, she also wanted to say "I won’t" to walking down the aisle weighing 183 pounds.

Bethany was ready to start making major changes. She had tried several other diets in the past, but none of them suited her well enough to become a lifelong plan. She wanted a diet she could really stick to for the long haul.

It was the simplicity and individual customization of the eDiets.com vegetarian plan that really sparked her interest.

“It was the ease of being able to log in and get the menu. When I checked out that it had a vegetarian plan, I knew it was right for me. It was the first diet I had ever seen that had a good, balanced plan for a vegetarian. It was just so easy,” Bethany tells eDiets.

While she had said goodbye to eating meat years ago, before signing up with eDiets.com she had never said hello to a nutritional vegetarian diet. Instead of heading toward health, she was constantly running for the border; that is, the Taco Bell drive-thru border, one of her favorite stops. She also had a weakness for pizza, lots of fatty snack foods and sweets.

“I think it was hard back then for me to find things that tasted good. It’s easy to forget, but just because it doesn’t have meat in it doesn’t mean that it’s healthy," Bethany says.

As soon as she started following eDiets' vegetarian meal plans, the pounds started melting off. It was a great motivator for her. Her energy started soaring, and she could feel herself gaining confidence.

Following her new, meat-free, nutritionally balanced diet was an absolute no-brainer. It was so simple and convenient that she felt comfortable with it from the get-go. It was the first time she had ever found a plan that gave her choices instead of taking them away. The eDiets.com recipes introduced her to a world of new vegetarian foods that she never knew existed.

“It was actually easier then any other meal plan I ever had in my life," Bethany raves. "I didn’t have to think about it. That, right off the bat, made it so much easier. I knew that I had to save the foods that were in the refrigerator, and that I couldn’t eat everything I bought at the grocery store because I had to save it for another meal later in the week. It really made me think about everything. I didn’t really know a lot about cooking tofu and things. The eDiets recipes showed me how to cook and make it taste good."

Once Bethany opened the door to eDiets.com recipes and meal plans, she realized there was much more to take advantage of on the site. She began using many of the tools on a daily basis. She enjoyed the comfort of knowing that she didn’t have to give up on her new diet, even when she was in a rush. She could simply go to the dining-out guide or substitution options and figure out what she could eat.

Bethany feels much more confident and happy in her new figure. She also enjoys a more active lifestyle. She now takes 30-minute walks every morning with her sweetie and also sets aside some time for strength training at least twice a week. Her ultimate health goal is to reach the maintenance program. She has welcomed eDiets.com vegetarian plan as part of her life.

Today, the happily married woman is looking forward to a lifetime of new memories and a future of good health.

Ready for one of our 24 personalized eating plans? If so, click here and take that first step for a brighter and lighter future.

By Brad Bahr

Stress is a normal and necessary response to life changes. It is something that everyone experiences as part of his or her everyday life. To better give you an understanding of the role that stress plays in life is to remember that stress is a perception. It only becomes a problem when it causes physical, emotional and psychological reactions that do not go away. When your stressors are channeled properly stress is actually what can lead you to your best outcome however when not channeled properly these same stressors can wreak havoc on your life. There are some ways to reduce the impact that stress has on your health and emotional well -being and to manage your stress to remain at a healthy level. Some natural or holistic approaches to stress management involve expressive therapies. Art therapy is one such method.

Art therapy in a clinical setting combines development, visual art, and the creative process with models of counseling and psychotherapy. An art therapist will most likely have you create something that expresses the feelings that you are having at the particular time. They will encourage you to discuss what your creation means. Art therapy can work in any medium and is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic expression can help people to develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, help to resolve conflict or problems, increase self esteem and self awareness, achieve insight and in turn these will help to reduce stress and goes a long way toward stress management. Art therapists are skilled in the application of several different modes of art including drawing, painting, sculpting, along with other media for assessment and treatment. While art therapy is its own field and therapists are master’s level professionals it is something that you can practice on your own, whenever and wherever you feel the need.

Many find that using art therapy is both cathartic and inspirational. Whether it is painting, drawing or some other method creating art can help you to manage or relieve stress in more ways than one. During the creative process you can take your mind of what it is that is stressing you, being in the moment and the flow of the art is very engaging and can bring you to an almost meditative state. The finished product is rewarding since it is something that you created. Having a hobby or something that you do for yourself can go along way toward bringing a sense of balance to your life and help with stress management. Often just putting your problems out there on paper, as a clay model or whatever making them external makes them easier to deal with and you have the emotional satisfaction of having created something that is all your own. Art is a window into human emotion, thought, expression and personality. Too much stress can cause you to lose touch with your true thoughts and feelings and artistic expression can help you to get them back. Art is a way of healing.

About the author: Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: Learn More

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