Are Eggs Healthy for Weight Loss?

A new study in the online journal entitled Risk Analysis reports that eating one egg a day accounts for less than 1 percent of the risk of heart disease, the leading killer of American men and women. This, in my opinion, helps deflate the myth that all eggs are always bad for you and can never be included in a heart-healthy meal plan.

The researchers cited lifestyle factors, such as a poor diet, smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle as chief contributors (30 to 40 percent) of someone's heart disease risk, with men having higher risks than women. Risk factors that could be potentially treated, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, accounted for a whopping 60 to 70 percent of the risk. In this light, a single egg doesn't seem so big a threat.

Eggs have gotten a lot of bad press of late. There seems to be a constant drumbeat, perhaps in the media, about eggs being off-limits if you want to keep your heart healthy. (Just today, I was seeing a patient of mine with young children and, coincidentally, one of his daughters asked me, "Are eggs bad for you?")

Instead of worrying about an egg a day, I think we should turn our attention to the potential risks of stress (especially chronic stress), physical inactivity, and poor overall diet choices (like diets high in junk foods and low in fruits and vegetables).

This research, which was (full disclosure) funded by the Egg Nutrition Center, serves to further substantiate the premise that healthy adults really can eat (whole) eggs without upping their heart disease risk significantly. And what's more, the authors noted that their analysis did not adjust for all the health-promoting benefits of eggs, which might decrease some heart disease risk.

What is it about eggs that could actually help your heart?

• Eggs are high in choline, an organic, water-soluble nutrient that's usually grouped in with the B vitamins. They are also high in betaine, a nutrient related to choline. Together these 2 are associated with lower levels of homocysteine (an amino acid that studies has shown to be related to a higher risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease). It's good to keep homocysteine levels under control because high homocysteine levels usually suggest chronic inflammation, a process that has been linked with heart disease, as well as to Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Treatment of a high homocysteine level usually involves supplementation of the B vitamin folic acid—but don't take more than 1,000 micrograms—1 gram—a day, or it can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Eggs are a great source of high-quality (or high biological value, HBV) protein; in fact, they are considered to be the best overall source of protein.
• Eggs provide 13 essential vitamins/minerals, including riboflavin, an important B vitamin needed to help your body get energy from food. Eggs also contain vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin lacking in the diet of many Americans. People who are overweight and/or have diabetes are at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency.
• Eggs also help you feel full, since your body produces a hormone called PYY when you eat high-protein foods. PYY tells your brain you're no longer hungry, so if you're trying to lose some pounds, opting for a high-protein snack like a boiled egg can really help you feel full (and it's only 75 calories). I personally like the organic eggs high in omega 3 fatty acids (the healthy fats), from chickens raised without hormones or chemicals. These eggs are higher in omega 3s because of the healthier feed given to the chickens. The high-omega-3 eggs add another possible benefit to a balanced diet.

However, if, for whatever reason, you want to keep the fat and cholesterol content in your diet low, eat the egg whites and skip the yolk, since all the protein (and virtually none of the fat) is in the whites. There are even cartons of pure egg whites in the grocery store that make it easy. Or you could separate the eggs at home by discarding the yolks, or at least a few of them. This study, however, seems to be suggesting that even the egg yolk isn't anywhere near the health risk people have perceived it to be for all these years. They're also a very affordable source of protein, a big plus in today's economy!

Bottom line: If you really like whole eggs, and your doctor or dietitian thinks they're fine for you, then go ahead and enjoy them, yolks and all!

credit: http://health.yahoo.com

Can Twitter and Facebook Help Fight Breast Cancer?

Twitter and other social media sites are often perceived as the ultimate navel-gazing tools. Seemingly a narcissist’s dream, many think that Facebook status updates and the 140-character Twitter messages (known as “tweets”) are really just boring play-by-plays of daily life—I had granola for breakfast! I’m stuck in traffic!

But Laurie Brosius, 31, isn’t buying it. Brosius, a business analyst in Dallas, used Twitter to raise $6,000 for a walk for breast cancer research in 2008. “Fifty percent of that came from online strangers,” she says. She was able to reach those people in part because her Twitter followers re-tweeted her messages.

In 2004, Brosius started blogging about her upcoming wedding. But after she married, she felt a key person was missing from the happy picture—her husband’s mother, who had died of breast cancer at age 48 when her husband was 20 years old. “I felt like I missed out on having her in my life,” says Brosius. “I felt cheated.”

She wanted to raise money for breast cancer research, so she participated in a three-day walk and fund-raiser, but felt she could do more. She had used Twitter to raise a small sum for that first walk, but for the second walk she relied mainly on tweets to direct people to the donation website.

(Anyone can see breast cancer–related tweets by typing #breastcancer into Twitter’s search field.)

Brosius still blogs and says that breast cancer organizations’ websites are great places to donate. However, Brosius says, they only reach a specific crowd—those already interested in the topic.

“[Social media sites] are reaching people who might not be specifically looking for that kind of information,” she explains. “They’re reaching everyone.”


credit: http://www.health.com/health/condition-article/0,,20294300_1,00.html

Fitness (biology)

Fitness (often denoted w in population genetics models) is a central concept in evolutionary theory. It describes the capability of an individual of certain genotype to reproduce, and usually is equal to the proportion of the individual's genes in all the genes of the next generation. If differences in individual genotypes affect fitness, then the frequencies of the genotypes will change over generations; the genotypes with higher fitness become more common. This process is called natural selection.

An individual's fitness is manifested through its phenotype. As phenotype is affected by both genes and environment, the fitnesses of different individuals with the same genotype are not necessarily equal, but depend on the environment in which the individuals live. However, since the fitness of the genotype is an averaged quantity, it will reflect the reproductive outcomes of all individuals with that genotype.

As fitness measures the quantity of the copies of the genes of an individual in the next generation, it doesn't really matter how the genes arrive in the next generation. That is, for an individual it is equally "beneficial" to reproduce itself, or to help relatives with similar genes to reproduce, as long as similar amount of copies of individual's genes get passed on to the next generation. Selection which promotes this kind of helper behavior is called kin selection.

The concept is particularly difficult to understand and frequently misunderstood; J.B.S. Haldane when discussing it with John Maynard Smith is reported to have described it as "a bugger".

credit: www.wikipedia.org

Divorce takes toll that remarriage can't heal

Divorce causes more than bitterness and broken hearts: The trauma of a split can leave long-lasting effects on mental and physical health that remarriage might not repair, according to new research.

full story

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/

Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (pronounced /ˌdaɪ.əˈbiːtiːz/ or /ˌdaɪ.əˈbiːtɨs/; /mɨˈlaɪtəs/ or /ˈmɛlɨtəs/)—often referred to simply as diabetes—is a disease in which the body does not produce enough, or properly respond to, insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas. Insulin is needed to turn sugar and other food into energy. In diabetes, the body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't use its own insulin as well as it should, or both. This causes sugar to accumulate in the blood, often leading to various complications. The American Diabetes Association reported in 2009 that there are 23.6 million children and adults in the United States—7.8% of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 17.9 million in the US alone have been diagnosed with diabetes, nearly one in four (5.7 million) diabetics are unaware that they have the disease.

Many types of diabetes are recognized: The principal three are:

• Type 1: Results from the body's failure to produce insulin. It is estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. Presently almost all persons with type 1 diabetes must take insulin injections.
• Type 2: Results from a condition in which the body fails to use insulin properly, combined with relative insulin deficiency. Most Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Many people destined to develop type 2 diabetes spend many years in a state of Pre-diabetes: Termed "America's largest healthcare epidemic, a condition that occurs when a person's blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. As of 2009 there are 57 million Americans who have pre-diabetes.

• Gestational diabetes: Pregnant women who have never had diabetes before but who have high blood sugar (glucose) levels during pregnancy are said to have gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women. It may precede development of type 2 (or rarely type 1).

• Many other forms of diabetes mellitus are categorized separately from these. Examples include congenital diabetes due to genetic defects of insulin secretion, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, steroid diabetes induced by high doses of glucocorticoids, and several forms of monogenic diabetes.

All forms of diabetes have been treatable since insulin became medically available in 1921, but there is no cure for the common types except a pancreas transplant, although gestational diabetes usually resolves after delivery. Diabetes and its treatments can cause many complications. Acute complications including hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, or nonketotic hyperosmolar coma may occur if the disease is not adequately controlled. Serious long-term complications include cardiovascular disease, chronic renal failure, retinal damage, which can lead to blindness, several types of nerve damage, and microvascular damage, which may cause erectile dysfunction and poor wound healing. Poor healing of wounds, particularly of the feet, can lead to gangrene, and possibly to amputation. Adequate treatment of diabetes, as well as increased emphasis on blood pressure control and lifestyle factors such as not smoking and maintaining a healthy body weight, may improve the risk profile of most of the chronic complications. In the developed world, diabetes is the most significant cause of adult blindness in the non-elderly and the leading cause of non-traumatic amputation in adults, and diabetic nephropathy is the main illness requiring renal dialysis in the United States.

source: www.wikipedia.org

Health

At the time of the creation of the World Health Organization (WHO), in 1948, Health was defined as being "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity".

This definition invited nations to expand the conceptual framework of their health systems beyond issues related to the physical condition of individuals and their diseases, and it motivated us to focus our attention on what we now call social determinants of health. Consequently, WHO challenged political, academic, community, and professional organisations devoted to improving or preserving health to make the scope of their work explicit, including their rationale for allocating resources. This opened the door for public accountability.

Only a handful of publications have focused specifically on the definition of health and its evolution in the first 6 decades. Some of them highlight its lack of operational value and the problem created by use of the word "complete." Others declare the definition, which has not been modified since 1948, "simply a bad one." . More recently, Smith suggested that it is "a ludicrous definition that would leave most of us unhealthy most of the time."

In 1986, the WHO, in the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, said that health is "a resource for everyday life, not the objective of living. Health is a positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities." Classification systems such as the WHO Family of International Classifications (WHO-FIC), which is composed of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) also define health.

Overall health is achieved through a combination of physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being, which, together is commonly referred to as the Health Triangle.

Read More....

credit :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health

World Breastfeeding Week

Fast Facts

NOWHERE is “immune” to an emergency. They can happen anywhere in the world. Whatever the emergency – from earthquake to conflict, from flood to flu pandemic – the story is the same: breastfeeding saves lives.

In emergencies, infants and young children are especially vulnerable to malnutrition, illness and death.

·Total mortality rates for infants aged under one year in emergencies are much higher than at ordinary times, ranging from 12% to 53%.

·In a large-scale therapeutic feeding programme in Niger in 2005, 95% of the 43,529 malnourished cases admitted for therapeutic care were children less than two years of age.

·During the first three months of conflict in Guinea-Bissau in 1998, the death rate amongst 9 to 20-month-old non-breastfed children was six times higher than amongst breastfed children of the same age-group.

Even in non-emergency situations, optimal infant feeding can mean the difference between life and death:

·Sub-optimal breastfeeding practices are responsible for 1.4 million deaths of children under five in low-income situations worldwide.

·For these children, breastfeeding support tops the table of life-saving interventions: 13% of under–5 deaths could be saved through exclusive and continued breastfeeding until age one.

·One-fifth of neonatal deaths could be prevented by early initiation of exclusive breastfeeding (breastfeeding within the first hour).

Myth vs fact

MYTH: “Malnourished mothers cannot breastfeed.”

FACT: They can. Moderate maternal malnutrition has little or no effect on milk production. In fact, the mother will continue to produce milk, at the expense of her own body stores. Extra food and fluids are needed to replenish the mother’s own reserves, and micronutrient supplementation may be needed.

MYTH: “Stress prevents mothers from producing milk.”

FACT: Stress does not prevent production of milk, but may temporarily interfere with its flow. Breastfeeding mothers have lower stress hormone levels than non-breastfeeding mothers.

MYTH: “Once a mother stops breastfeeding, she can’t restart.”

FACT: A mother can restart breastfeeding – there is no time limit. In some contexts, grandmothers have breastfed their grandchildren.

MYTH: “HIV positive mothers should never breastfeed.”

FACT: Exclusive breastfeeding for six months is the safest option and gives the best chance of HIV-free child survival, unless total replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe (AFASS) – unlikely in emergencies. After six months, if replacement feeding is still not AFASS, continued breastfeeding with adequate complementary foods is the safest option.

Information sourced from the World Breastfeeding Week Action Folder, available to download in English and Chinese at www.worldbreastfeedingweek.org (look for it on the navigation bar on the left).

Events

·Breastfeeding in Emergencies

What: Interactive talks on breastfeeding and fun activities, centred on “Breastfeeding: A Vital Emergency Response. Are you Ready?”

Organised by Mothers-to-Mothers Peer Support (MMPS) and supported by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Healthy Campus.

Why: Learn more about how breastfeeding protects baby in vulnerable situations and how to re-establish interrupted breastfeeding as soon as possible. Take part in Q&A and quizzes, and take home thank-you tokens.

Who should attend: Breastfeeding mothers and babies, families, health professionals, relief organisation officers, and any interested party.

When: 9.30am to 1.30pm next Saturday, Aug 1

Where: Dewan Kuliah A, USM, Penang

How: Just turn up. For more information visit pgmmps.wordpress.com, or call Jeya (019 278 2728) / Sabrina (012 415 6446).

·One-Minute Simultaneous Breastfeeding

What: Annual global celebration of mother’s milk.

Why: Break a new world record by joining mums across more than 120 countries in a shared minute of breastfeeding.

Who should participate: Healthy mothers and happy babies

When: 10.30am next Saturday, Aug 1

Where: Throughout Malaysia

How: Get baby to latch on for at least a minute at 10.30am, then register your successful feed by sending an SMS to 016 4211 782 or 019 278 2728. Numbers will be tallied and announced at World Breastfeeding Week celebrations at USM, Penang.

Are you organising a health-related event the general public will benefit from? Email starhealth@thestar.com.my to let us know.

Aloe Vera Benefits, Uses and Information

The aloe plant and its derivative products have played a role in medicine and health care dating as far back as the 4th century B.C. when ancient Greek doctors obtained aloe from the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean. In the 10th century A.D., aloe was recommended to the British king Alfred the Great by the Patriarch of Jerusalem for its amazing remedial values. Muslims who have made the pilgrimage to Mecca are entitled to hang an Aloe plant over their doors as a talisman against evil.

Aloe is a lily-like, green, and sometimes spiny shrub with very little, if any, stem. It produces approximately 25 fleshy, gray-green leaves in a beautiful rosette display. In Europe, Aloe is used almost exclusively as a digestive aid and laxative. Elsewhere, including the United States, the gel from the inner aloe leaf is a popular ingredient in many skin preparations and cosmetics.

The laxative component of the plant works by preventing the absorption of water from the bowel, thus increasing the volume of its contents and hastening their passage. This component of Aloe also kills some bacteria and is believed to act against a variety of viruses including herpes, chickenpox, and flu.

Aloe Vera has been used to heal both internally and externally. It greatly speeds the healing of many skin injuries, including ulcerations, burns, hives and poison ivy and also acts as a laxative. Aloe latex is a powerful laxative, but because it can cause painful cramping, it is not used frequently for this purpose. Other milder herbal laxatives such as cascara sagrada and senna are usually recommended first.

Aloe use has also been suggested in connection with diabetes, ulcers, and other conditions. However, presently no conclusive clinical studies have supported this assertion.

There are a number of user submitted aloe vera product reviews and ratings available at NutritionalTree.com.

Dosage and Administration

For constipation, a single 50-200 mg capsule of aloe latex can be taken each day for a maximum of ten days.

For minor burns, the stabilized aloe gel is applied topically to the affected area of skin three to five times per day. Treatment of more serious burns should only be done under the supervision of a healthcare professional. For internal use of aloe gel, two tablespoons (30 ml) three times per day is used by some people for inflammatory bowel conditions, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (see precautions below). For type 2 diabetes, clinical trials have used one tablespoon (15 ml) of aloe juice, twice daily. Using aloe in connection with diabetes should only be done under the supervision and recommendation of a qualified healthcare professional.

Possible Interactions

It is recommended not to combine Aloe with other medications that are used to flush water and potassium from the body, including diuretics such as Lasix and Diuril, steroid drugs such as prednisone, and herbal licorice root.

Since potassium plays an vital role in regulating the heart, depleting it through continued use of laxatives may affect the action of certain heart medications. The effects of drugs such as digitalis and digoxin (Lanoxin) may be increased via long-term supplementation of aloe.

Supporting Literature

Duke J. Ginseng: A Concise Handbook. Algonac, MI: Reference Publications, 1989, 36.
Syed TA, Ahmad SA, Holt AH, et al. Management of psoriasis with Aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic cream: a placebo-controlled double-blind study. Trop Med Int Health 1996;1:506-9.
Bensky D, Gamble A, Kaptchuk T. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica. Seattle: Eastland Press, 1993, 358-8.



source:http://www.nutrasanus.com/aloe-vera.html

Lung cancer risk from radon in homes found

Even low exposure to odorless gas could be dangerous, report suggests

VIENNA - New studies have found direct evidence of a lung cancer risk from the presence of colorless, odorless radon gas in many homes, a United Nations committee said in a report released Tuesday.

Officials on the U.N. Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) said the finding provided the first quantifiable evidence of the risk in homes from radon, long seen as a potential health risk.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and other agencies were revising recommendations on maximum levels of radon in homes and workplaces based on the 20 studies involving tens of thousands of lung cancer patients in North America, Europe and China.

"(Up to now) radon has been a typical health risk no one wants to accept or take note of," Wolfgang Weiss, UNSCEAR's vice chairman, told a news conference.

He said the report was significant because previous estimates of radon risks to the public were extrapolated from studies of uranium miners exposed to high levels of the gas.

"In the meantime we've done 20 studies in homes where concentrations are very low, and there we can see a risk, it is small, but it is certainly there," said Weiss.

"You can avoid smoking by just taking personal decisions," he said, referring to the leading cause of lung cancer.

"(But) radon is everywhere. So (you need to) develop strategies to avoid the influx of radon into houses ... It's very simple to seal basements, for example with plastic foil.

Radon is a hard-to-detect radioactive, noble gas that comes from natural decay of uranium. It can accumulate in buildings, seeping in from the ground through cracks in cellars, and may also be emitted by spring waters and hot springs.

Weiss said UNSCEAR's findings had caused a rethink at the WHO and other health policy agencies. "There will be consequences in regulation through the lowering of recommended levels of radon in workplaces and homes."

Some developed countries like Switzerland and Germany have conducted surveys or drawn up maps identifying radon-prone and low-radon regions, but many others provide no such information.

The report said radon concentrations in indoor air were lowest in the Middle East and highest in some European nations, where uranium is highly present underground.

UNSCEAR was set up in 1955 and reports to the U.N. General Assembly. Its research helped bring about the 1963 treaty that banned atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons, and underpins global standards on radiation protection.

Also in msnbc.com Health

3 Fat Burning Foods For Faster Weight Loss

In this article, we'll look at a couple of the healthiest foods that you can incorporate into your diet to start burning body fat faster and eat healthier. I'm confident that once you start to incorporate healthy foods on a daily basis, you'll not only look better, feel more energy, but also lose fat easier.

1. The first food that helps to burn body fat and lose weight permanently is any type of raw nuts. Although most people view nuts as a "fatty food", nuts contain so many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that they help to keep your body functioning properly.

Raw nuts are better for you than roasted nuts because the roasting oxidizes some of the healthy fats in the nuts and destroys some of the nutritional value. Raw nuts on the other hand help to preserve the vital nutrients that aid in giving your body what it needs to maintain proper fat burning hormone levels and appease your appetite. The end result -- faster weight loss by eating these healthy fats.

2. The second food I want to mention that can help you burn fat and lose weight faster is whole eggs. I say whole eggs vs egg whites because despite popular belief, the egg yolks actually contain the majority of the nutrition in the eggs in terms of vitamins and minerals and trace nutrients. The nutrition of egg yolks actually accounts for over 90% of the vitamins and minerals in whole eggs.

Whole eggs contain protein that's vital to building lean muscle throughout your body, which increases your metabolism to aid in weight loss. It's important to note that the egg yolks contain amino acids that make the protein of the whole eggs more bioavailable compared to just egg whites.

The combination of the high quality protein along with the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals helps to control your appetite for longer periods of time to prevent overeating. They also keep your body functioning at peak levels to help with long term weight loss.

3. The third type of food that can help long term weight loss is berries. In the first two foods above, I talked about good sources of healthy fats and proteins, so with this example, we'll talk about a quality healthy carbohydrate source -- berries.

Berries (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, acai berry, goji berry) are such a good quality source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and even fiber, that they help to control blood sugar and cravings. Try to eat several servings a day of any type of berries to make sure you're getting optimal nutrition for weight loss. Berries have a higher fiber to sugar ratio than most fruits so can be more conducive to healthy weight loss compared to high sugar fruits.

I could talk about dozens more healthy foods that help to burn body fat and aid with weight loss, but I hope these 3 examples will help you for now.

To discover over 27 specific secrets for losing body fat and getting a lean flat stomach, see the unique workouts and nutrition tips at: http://www.AbdominalFat101.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maureen_Kurman

Vitamins May Help Fight Hair Loss

Loss of hair or baldness is often referred to as alopecia. Alopecia totalis means loss of all the scalp hair, while alopecia unviersalis means loss of all body hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes. If hair falls out in patches, it is termed alopecia areata. This condition is temporary and does not usually lead to baldness. Heredity, hormones, and aging are all factors that are involved in hair loss. Researchers have not yet determined the exact cause of hair loss, but some scientists believe the body’s immune system mistakes hair follicles for foreign tissue and attacks them. On the other hand, many suspect that hair loss is simply a genetic component.

A less dramatic, but much more prevalent type of hair loss is androgenic alopecia (AGA), which is also known as male pattern baldness. AGA is extremely common in men. As the name implies, a genetic or hereditary predisposition to the disorder and the presence of androgens, which are male sex hormones, are involved in this condition. Research has shown that the hair follicles of individuals who are susceptible to AGA may have receptors that are programmed to slow down or shut off hair production once they are influenced by androgens.

Women can also experience the same type of hair loss. However, it is usually not as extensive and most often does not occur until after menopause. All women experience some form of hair thinning as they grow older, especially after menopause. With some, it begins as early as puberty. Additionally, most women lose some hair two or three months after having a baby since hormonal changes prevent normal hair loss during pregnancy.

Demodex follicularum, a species of tiny mite, may be the cause of, or at least a contributing factor, to balding. These mites are present in almost all hair follicles by the time a person reaches middle age. In most cases, these mites cause no harm. Researchers believe that the difference between people who lose their hair and those who do not may be in how the scalp reacts to the presence of these mites. If the body initiates the inflammatory response as it tries to reject the mites, this can close down the hair follicles, which in turn, kill the mites and also kill the hair.

Additionally, hereditary factors that promote hair loss include poor circulation, acute illness, surgery, radiation exposure, skin disease, sudden weight loss, high fever, iron deficiency, diabetes, thyroid disease, drugs such as those used in chemotherapy, stress, poor diet, ringworm and other fungal infections, stress, chemicals such as hair dyes, and vitamin deficiencies.

The following nutrients are considered to be very important for dealing with and preventing hair loss: essential fatty acids, raw thymus glandular, vitamin B complex, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, vitamin E, zinc, coenzyme Q10, DMG, and kelp. Additionally, the following nutrients are helpful in dealing with hair loss: copper, grape seed extract, l-cysteine, MSM, and silica. The following herbs can also help prevent and deal with hair loss: apple cider vinegar, sage tea, ginkgo biloba, horsetail, green tea, pygeum, saw palmetto, and tea tree oil.

With proper diet, nutrition, and dietary supplements, one can rule out whether hair loss is dietary verses hormonal or fungal. Some supplements like evening primrose and omega-3 can help regulate inflammation hormones and hormones that can affect the immune system and hair follicles. Your local or internet health food store can better help you select the right products for each persons hair needs.

Barrack Obama Diet Plan

We are already familiar with Barack Obama’s diet, but I was not sure if he can actually cook. It seems he can cook and in style. Check out that tie, I guess if you are the most powerful man in the world, you have to wear a tie to a barbeque.

Barack Obama’s diet plan, at least during a recent Father’s Day, consisted of grilled ribeye steak with grilled corn and probably some coleslaw. Looking at the picture, the ribeye steak does not appear to have any marinade on it, but it does have a pretty good amount of fat. Hopefully, it is a grass-fed steak – if it is – its fat content is healthy.

As for Barack Obama’s diet plan on other days, the guy has a personal chef, so I am pretty sure he eats well. One notable thing, however, is that he likes burger runs. See, even the POTUS cannot follow a strict diet all the time. [source: Life and Style]

The Fastest Way to Burn Body Fat

Thank goodness the holidays are over, and the new year is here.
But are you finding that holiday celebrations have resulted in a new "you" as well?
As a personal trainer, I hear the same thing every year after the holidays: "Stefan, I gained fat over here," and "Stefan, I gained fat over there."
Be honest. Are you really surprised by the change in your body composition due to your calorie intake over the last few months?

You shouldn't be.

First, understand that your body's metabolism slows down 2 percent for each decade of your life after age 20. This means that your body burns calories more slowly with each passing year.


As a result, you should also be more careful with your calories as you get older. How much more careful? You can figure it out with the simple calculation below that will give you your basal metabolic rate, or BMR:
-Take your desired weight in pounds.
-Multiply this number by 11 if you are a woman, 12 if you are a man.
-Subtract 2 percent of this total for every 10 years after age 20.
-Add 10 percent. This represents the calories you need to maintain your daily life functions.

The number you end up with is your minimum daily calorie intake.
So say you are a 50-year-old man who would like to keep your weight at a trim 140 pounds. Here's how you would calculate your BMR:

Desired weight = 140
140 × 12 = 1,680
1,680 - 3(1,680 × .02) = 1,57 9
1,579 + 158 = 1,737 calories per day

Now keep in mind that some of you are more active than others. Hence, you should add on 180 calories per hour of housework (or if your house is already clean, feel free to come by and help me!), 650 calories per hour of cycling, 800 calories for every hour of running, and 1,200 calories per hour for cross-country skiing.

If you want to lose body fat, however, calorie control is only one side of the equation. The question you still need to ask is: "How do you burn the most calories and, best, the most fat calories?"

Interval training! Yes, you need to push yourself. You need to vary your training intensity between 65 percent of your total capacity to 85 percent and 95 percent. This approach will help you to lose the most calories from fat.

Stefan Aschan is a fitness consultant in New York City.

Swimming For Heart Health

Swimming is an aerobic exercise due to the relatively long exercise times, requiring a constant oxygen supply to the muscles, As with most aerobic exercise it is believed to reduce the harmful effects of stress.

Because the density of the human body is approximately similar to water, the body is supported by the water and less stress is therefore placed on joints and bones. Furthermore, the hydrodynamics resistance against movement depends heavily on the speed of the movement, allowing the fine tuning of the exercise according to ones ability. Therefore, it is frequently used as an exercise in rehabilitation after injuries or for the disabled.

While aerobic exercises usually burn fat and help with losing weight, this effect is limited in swimming, even though being in cold water burns more food energy to maintain body temperature.

The reason that it does not significantly reduce weight is still poorly understood, but seems to be related to the better heat conduction of water. A number of reasons are suspected.

• First, water cools the body much faster than air, and most researchers believe that subsequently the body aims to maintain a layer of fat under the skin for insulation.
• Secondly, it is believed that appetite decreases as your body temperature increases, as for example during exercise. However, during a swim the body is cooled down almost instantly as the surrounding water is usually cooler than the body temperature, and some researchers believe that this may actually increase the appetite. This assumption is not yet proven by research.
• Finally, some researchers also believe that the metabolism of the body increases at higher body temperature, burning more food energy. Again, during swimming the body is cooled down by the surrounding water, reducing the metabolism, and subsequently the amount of food energy burnt. This assumption is also not yet proven by research.

When you swim you exercise almost all muscles in the body. Usually, the arms and upper body are exercised more than the legs.

Swimming and Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Americans, with 23 million people diagnosed and nearly 1 million deaths annually. That means that approximately 2,500 people die each day from heart disease.

Physical fitness plays a key roll in preventing heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, “Most beneficial effects of physical activity on cardiovascular disease mortality can be attained through moderate-intensity activity (40% to 60% of maximal oxygen uptake, depending on age). The activity can be accrued through formal training programs or leisure-time physical activities.”

When You swim regularly as part of your fitness routine, combined with proper diet, is an excellent way for you to get the cardiovascular benefits of exercise and can help you avoid heart disease.

Styles On the Breast

• Front crawl: is the fastest style
• Trudgeon: is similar to the front crawl, except it is swum with a scissor kick
• Trudgen Crawl: Similar to the trudgen, but with a flutter kick between the scissor kicks
• Double Trudgen: Similar to the trudgen, but the sides of the scissor kick alternate
• Double Trudgen Crawl: Similar to the double trudgen, but with a flutter kick between the scissor kicks
• Dolphin Crawl: Similar to front crawl, but with a dolphin kick. One kick per arm or two kicks per cycle. This style is often used in training.
• Catch up stroke: A variation of the front crawl where one arm always rests at the front while the other arm performs one cycle.

Breaststroke

Heads-Up Breaststroke: Similar to the breaststroke, but the head stays out of the water. This style is very popular for recreational and also for rescuers approaching a victim.

Butterfly stroke

• Slow Butterfly (also known as ''Moth stroke''): Similar to butterfly, but with an extended gliding phase, Breathing during the pull/push phase, return head into water during recovery. This style uses four kicks or more per cycle.
• Dog paddle: face over water and paddling alternatingly with the hands.
• Human Stroke: Similar to the dog paddle, but the arms reach out more and pull farther down.
• Survival Travel Stroke: Alternating underwater arm stroke, one cycle for propulsion, one for lift to stay on the surface. This style is slow but sustainable.
• Snorkeling: on the breast using a snorkel, usually in combination with masks and fins. Any stroke on the breast can be used, and there is no need to lift or turn the head for breathing.
• On the Back

Backstroke

• Elementary Backstroke: Both arms move synchronized with a small synchronized kick. This is also sometimes known as the
• Lifesaving Kick
• Inverted Breaststroke: Similar to Elementary Backstroke, but with a breaststroke kick.
• Inverted Butterfly: Similar to Elementary backstroke, but with a dolphin kick. This is often used for training.
• Back Double Trudgen: Similar to the Backstroke, but with a scissor kick to alternating sides.
• Flutter Back Finning: Symmetrically underwater arm recovery with flutter kick.
• Feet First : A very slow stroke on the back where a breaststroke movement with the arms propels the body forward feet first. This is often used for training.

On the Side

• Side stroke: Lying on the side with alternating underwater recovery and a scissor kick
• Overarm Sidestroke: Similar to the side stroke, but with a over water recovery of the top arm

Other

• Corkscrew : Alternating between Front crawl and backstroke every arm. This leads to a constant rotation of the swimmer. The stroke is used mainly for training purposes
• Underwater : any style with underwater recovery can be swum under water for certain distances depending on the need for air. Underwater swimming on the back has the additional possibility of water entering the nose. The swimmer can breathe out through the nose or wear a nose clip. Some swimmers can close their nostrils with the upper lip.
• Gliding: The swimmer is stretched with the arms to the front, the head between the arms and the feet to the back. This streamlined shape minimizes resistance and allows the swimmer to glide, for example after a start, a push off from a wall, or to rest between strokes.
• Turtle stroke: on the breast, extend right arm then pull, after pushing with the left leg (while opposite limbs are recovering), then opposite limbs repeat this process, i.e. left arm pulls after right leg pushes. Uses muscles of the waist. Head can easily be above or below water: this is a slow but very sustainable stroke, popular with turtles and newts.

Starting a Routine

If you are overweight, or have not participated in a regular fitness program in quite some time, you should consult your doctor before beginning. Your doctor can advise you of any precautions you should take based on your general health, age, and weight, and may suggest a guideline to get you started on your exercise program.

If you are a poor swimmer or do not know how to swim, many parks and recreation departments offer lessons at reduced or no cost to city residents. Some health clubs offer lessons to their members.

Locations

Depending on where you live and the seasonal climate, your choices may be limited.

Most health and fitness clubs have pools available to members. Many health insurance plans offer partial or complete reimbursement of health club membership fees.

You can swim outdoors at a local beach or lake is an enjoyable alternative to a pool.

Tips

You should try not to swim alone. When you swim with a friend it is like having a spotter when you are weight lifting. If you don’t have a partner, swim in a location that has at a life guard on duty. Before entering the water, always be aware of the depths you are about to swim in.

If you swim in a pool, know where the nearest ladder and steps are. Wear goggles to avoid eye irritation from pool chemicals, and showering after a swim will help to keep your skin from becoming dry or irritated.

When you swim at a beach, lake, or pond, familiarize yourself with any drop-offs or underwater obstacles that may result in injury. Try to swim at times when there are fewer people in the water to avoid interruptions to your routine and possible injury. Be mindful of tide changes, undertow and wave height when you swim.

Air quality and health

Key facts

• Air pollution is a major environmental risk to health and is estimated to cause approximately 2 million premature deaths worldwide per year.
• Exposure to air pollutants is largely beyond the control of individuals and requires action by public authorities at the national, regional and even international levels.
• The WHO Air quality guidelines represent the most widely agreed and up-to-date assessment of health effects of air pollution, recommending targets for air quality at which the health risks are significantly reduced.
• By reducing particulate matter (PM₁₀) pollution from 70 to 20 micrograms per cubic metre, we can cut air quality related deaths by around 15%.
• By reducing air pollution levels, we can help countries reduce the global burden of disease from respiratory infections, heart disease, and lung cancer.
• The WHO guidelines provide interim targets for countries that still have very high levels of air pollution to encourage the gradual cutting down of emissions. These interim targets are: a maximum of three days a year with up to 150 micrograms of PM₁₀ per cubic metre (for short term peaks of air pollution), and 70 micrograms per cubic metre for long term exposures to PM₁₀.
• More than half of the burden from air pollution on human health is borne by people in developing countries. In many cities, the average annual levels of PM₁₀(the main source of which is the burning of fossil fuels) exceed 70 micrograms per cubic metre. The guidelines say that, to prevent ill health, those levels should be lower than 20 micrograms per cubic metre.

Background

Air pollution, both indoors and outdoors, is a major environmental health problem affecting everyone in developed and developing countries alike. The 2005 WHO Air quality guidelines (AQGs) are designed to offer global guidance on reducing the health impacts of air pollution. The guidelines first produced in 1987¹ and updated in 1997² had a European scope. The new (2005) guidelines apply worldwide and are based on expert evaluation of current scientific evidence. They recommend revised limits for the concentration of selected air pollutants: particulate matter (PM), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2), applicable across all WHO regions.

Key findings in 2005 Air Quality Guidelines:

• There are serious risks to health from exposure to PM and O3 in many cities of developed and developing countries. It is possible to derive a quantitative relationship between the pollution levels and specific health outcomes (increased mortality or morbidity). This allows invaluable insights into the health improvements that could be expected if air pollution is reduced.
• Even relatively low concentrations of air pollutants have been related to a range of adverse health effects.
• Poor indoor air quality may pose a risk to the health of over half of the world’s population. In homes where biomass fuels and coal are used for cooking and heating, PM levels may be 10–50 times higher than the guideline values.
• Significant reduction of exposure to air pollution can be achieved through lowering the concentrations of several of the most common air pollutants emitted during the combustion of fossil fuels. Such measures will also reduce greenhouse gases and contribute to the mitigation of global warming.

In addition to guideline values, the AQGs give interim targets related to outdoor air pollution, for each air pollutant, aimed at promoting a gradual shift from high to lower concentrations. If these targets were to be achieved, significant reductions in risks for acute and chronic health effects from air pollution can be expected. Progress towards the guideline values, however, should be the ultimate objective.

Particulate matter

Guideline values

PM2.5	PM10
10 μg/m3 annual mean 25 μg/m3 24-hour mean	20 μg/m3 annual mean 50 μg/m3 24-hour mean

The 2005 AQG set for the first time a guideline value for particulate matter (PM). The aim is to achieve the lowest concentrations possible. As no threshold for PM has been identified below which no damage to health is observed, the recommended value should represent an acceptable and achievable objective to minimize health effects in the context of local constraints, capabilities and public health priorities.

Definition and principle sources
PM affects more people than any other pollutant. The major components of PM are sulfate, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, carbon, mineral dust and water. It consists of a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles of organic and inorganic substances suspended in the air. The particles are identified according to their aerodynamic diameter, as either PM₁₀ (particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 µm) or PM_2.5 (aerodynamic diameter smaller than 2.5 µm). The latter are more dangerous since, when inhaled, they may reach the peripheral regions of the bronchioles, and interfere with gas exchange inside the lungs.

Health effects
The effects of PM on health occur at levels of exposure currently being experienced by most urban and rural populations in both developed and developing countries. Chronic exposure to particles contributes to the risk of developing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as of lung cancer. In developing countries, exposure to pollutants from indoor combustion of solid fuels on open fires or traditional stoves increases the risk of acute lower respiratory infections and associated mortality among young children; indoor air pollution from solid fuel use is also a major risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer among adults. The mortality in cities with high levels of pollution exceeds that observed in relatively cleaner cities by 15–20%. Even in the EU, average life expectancy is 8.6 months lower due to exposure to PM_2.5 produced by human activities.

Ozone (O₃)

Guideline values

O3

100 μg/m3 8-hour mean

The previously recommended limit, which was fixed at 120 μg/m³ 8-hour mean, has been reduced to 100 μg/m³ based on recent conclusive associations between daily mortality and ozone levels occurring at ozone concentrations below 120 µg/m³.

Definition and principal sources
Ozone at ground level – not to be confused with the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere – is one of the major constituents of photochemical smog. It is formed by the reaction with sunlight (photochemical reaction) of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NO_x) from vehicle and industry emissions and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by vehicles, solvents and industry. The highest levels of ozone pollution occur during periods of sunny weather.

Health effects
Excessive ozone in the air can have a marked effect on human health. It can cause breathing problems, trigger asthma, reduce lung function and cause lung diseases. In Europe it is currently one of the air pollutants of most concern. Several European studies have reported that the daily mortality rises by 0.3% and that for heart diseases by 0.4 %, per 10 µg/m³ increase in ozone exposure.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)

Guideline values

NO2

40 μg/m3 annual mean 200 μg/m3 1-hour mean

The current WHO guideline value of 40 µg/m³ (annual mean) set to protect the public from the health effects of gaseous NO₂ remains unchanged from the level recommended in the previous AQGs.

Definition and principle sources
As an air pollutant, NO₂ has several correlated activities:

• At short-term concentrations exceeding 200 μg/m³, it is a toxic gas which causes significant inflammation of the airways.
• NO₂ is the main source of nitrate aerosols, which form an important fraction of PM_2.5 and, in the presence of ultraviolet light, of ozone.

The major sources of anthropogenic emissions of NO₂ are combustion processes (heating, power generation, and engines in vehicles and ships).

Health effects
Epidemiological studies have shown that symptoms of bronchitis in asthmatic children increase in association with long-term exposure to NO₂. Reduced lung function growth is also linked to NO₂ at concentrations currently measured (or observed) in cities of Europe and North America.

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)

Guideline values

SO2

20 μg/m3 24-hour mean 500 μg/m3 10-minute mean

A SO₂ concentration of 500 µg/m³ should not be exceeded over average periods of 10 minutes duration. Studies indicate that a proportion of people with asthma experience changes in pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms after periods of exposure to SO₂ as short as 10 minutes.

The revision of the 24-hour guideline for SO₂ from 125 to 20 μg/m³ is based on the following considerations:

• Health effects are now known to be associated with much lower levels of SO₂ than previously believed.
• A greater degree of protection is needed.
• Although the causality of the effects of low concentrations of SO₂ is still uncertain, reducing SO₂ concentrations is likely to decrease exposure to co-pollutants.

Definition and principal sources
SO₂ is a colourless gas with a sharp odour. It is produced from the burning of fossil fuels (coal and oil) and the smelting of mineral ores that contain sulfur. The main anthropogenic source of SO₂ is the burning of sulfur-containing fossil fuels for domestic heating, power generation and motor vehicles.

Health effects
SO₂ can affect the respiratory system and the functions of the lungs, and causes irritation of the eyes. Inflammation of the respiratory tract causes coughing, mucus secretion, aggravation of asthma and chronic bronchitis and makes people more prone to infections of the respiratory tract. Hospital admissions for cardiac disease and mortality increase on days with higher SO₂ levels. When SO₂ combines with water, it forms sulfuric acid; this is the main component of acid rain which is a cause of deforestation.

WHO will assist the Member States in sharing information on successful approaches, on methods of exposure assessment and monitoring of health impacts of pollution.

3 Ways to Compare Fat Burners to Fat Blockers

1. How Fat Blockers Work

Fat blockers attach to fat in your digestive tract. Fats are normally absorbed through the walls of the intestine into the blood stream, but fat blockers stop this process. Fat blockers attach themselves to fat molecules. Once they have attached, they can no longer be readily absorbed through the walls of the intestines. Fats are then passed out of the digestive system and eliminated. Fat blockers advertise that you can eat the fat you want and still lose weight.

2. Fat Burners Use Stored Fat

There are many fat burners on the market. They are a popular diet supplement said to help burn the fat out of the food that you consume. Stacker and Slimquick are examples of fat burners. They are diet formulas that are designed to aid your body to burn fats better. Fat burners help your body use your stored fat for energy by breaking it down and metabolizing the fat in your body and the fat you take in. Both of these actions can help you lose weight and keep you from gaining more weight.

3. Find the Fat Burner or Fat Blocker That Works for You

Fat burners and fat blockers both have their positive and negative sides. Both can be effective in the battle to lose weight. Using either of these products combined with a changed diet and exercise plan can help you lose weight. They are diet aids. However, there are no miracle diet pills. These diet pills are only meant to be a supplement, and many people find that the fat blockers help them. They feel better and are more likely to change their eating habits. Others have success with fat burners. They lose the weight while increasing their energy level and metabolism. There is no one right method for everyone, so it's important to educate yourself in order to make an informed decision.

DRY SKIN TREATMENT REMEDIES

Dry skin needs special care. You need to strike the perfect balance between cleansing, replacing lost moisture, and exfoliating the skin each day. Here are some DRY SKIN TREATMENT REMEDIES that will help you care for your skin.
Cleanse. The first step is cleansing your skin. You will need to choose two different cleansers- one for your face, one for your body and one for your feet Treat Look for a body wash that is creamy and contains extra moisture. For the face, cleansing milks and moisturizing cleansers work a lot better than harsh soaps. For an extra treat, choose a product that will also help cleanse and soften your feet. Wash your feet and body each time you shower and your face and neck twice a day, in the morning and at night. Exfoliate. Though exfoliating does strip the skin of moisture, getting rid of dead skin cells will make it softer and less dry in the long run. In general, you will want to gently EXFOLIATE your SKIN EVERY DAY. To exfoliate your body, use a dry bath brush (Spa Brush) on your dry skin and brush from the feet upward in a circular motion. Do not use this method to exfoliate your face.
A better DRY SKIN TREATMENT REMEDY for removing the dry skin cells in your face is an extremely gentle, non abrasive exfoliant. Check the package directions but a gently exfoliating ingredient is alpha hydroxy acid, especially when the product only has a low concentration of it.
Tone. A good toner will help replace any moisture lost during cleansing and will restore the proper PH balance. Choose one that contains ingredients that are beneficial to dry skin, such as rosewater. Check the packaging to make sure you can use the product on dry skin. You only need to do this step on your face and neck.
Moisturize. This is one of the most important steps. Cleansing and exfoliating can strip the skin of its natural moisture. A good moisturizer will help replace the natural oils in the skin. Different products in the moisturizer serve different purposes. You can find a moisturizer that will help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, eliminate dryness, and control break-outs. Make sure any product you choose is specifically tailored for dry skin.
To moisturize your body, look for a heavier formula that doesn’t contain as much water. Body butters work especially well. You can also use scented or unscented body oil. The eyes also need a special product because the skin is so delicate, you can’t put a moisturizer with harsh ingredients on it.
Masks. Using a face or body mask is optional, but worth the effort. You can either choose to make your own or purchase a product for dry skin. A good mask will help exfoliate, tone, and moisturize the skin. One of my favorite homemade masks is plain honey, applied to the face and neck. Honey helps exfoliate and is a humectant, which means that it draws moisture to the skin.

Fact you need to know about dieting

According to the ADA there has been a 39 percent increase in obese teenagers. This is due to many factors, although upbringing is a predominant influence. With two obese parents there is an 80 percent chance that a teen will be obese; with one parent, 40 percent; and with lean parents only a 10 percent chance.

Weight management is about long-term work with success that will last a lifetime. People who lose weight quickly by "crash" dieting or other extreme measures usually gain it all back or gain even more of the pounds they lost because they haven't changed their eating habits. The best weight management strategies are those that you can maintain.

Be aware of what you drink
It's amazing how many extra calories are in sodas, juices and other drinks. Cutting out soda completely can save you 360 calories or more each day. Avoid diet soda too, the artificial sweeteners tend to make some people hungry. Drink a lot of water. Switching from whole to nonfat or low-fat milk, soy milk or other sugar-free beverages is also a good idea.

Move your body
You may find that you don't need to give up calories as much as you need to get off your behind. Try a variety of activities, such as hiking, cycling or rowing until you find ones you like. Even the smallest lifestyle changes like walking to school or jogging up and down the stairs a couple of times before your morning shower can really make a difference. Your goal should be to work up to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least 3 to 5 times a week, but it's fine to start out by simply taking a few turns around the block before bed.

Start small
Drastic changes are much harder to stick with than small changes. Try reducing the size of the portions you eat and giving up regular soda for a week. Once you have that down, start gradually introducing healthier foods and exercise into your life.

Stop eating when you're full
Lots of teens eat when they're bored, lonely or stressed, or keep eating long after they're full simply out of habit. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to recognize how much is in your stomach, so if you slow down it will prevent you from eating more than you need. Take a break before refilling your plate for seconds, and avoid eating when you feel upset or bored.

Eat less more often
Many people find that eating a couple of small snacks throughout the day helps them to make healthy choices at meals. Stick a couple of healthy snacks (carrot sticks, a low fat granola bar, pretzels or a piece of fruit) in your backpack so that you can have one or two snacks during the day. Adding healthy snacks to your three squares and eating smaller portions when you sit down to dinner can help you cut calories without feeling deprived.

Five a day keeps the pounds away
Trash the junk food and buy lots of fruits and vegetables!

Avoid fad or prepackaged diets
If we were meant to eat from cans, they'd grow on trees. It's never a good idea to trade meals for shakes or to give up a food group in the hope that you'll lose weight. We all need a variety of foods to stay healthy. Avoid diet pills (even the over-the-counter or herbal variety) unless your doctor prescribes them.

Don't banish certain foods
Don't tell yourself you'll "never" eat your absolute favorite peanut butter chocolate ice cream or a bag of potato chips. Making these foods forbidden is sure to make you want them even more. Besides, you need to have some fat in your diet to stay healthy, so giving up all fatty foods all the time isn't a good idea anyway. The key to long-term success is making healthy choices most of the time. If you want a piece of cake at a party, go for it! But munch on the carrots rather than the chips to balance it out later in the evening.

Forgive yourself
So you were going to have one cracker with cheese on it and the next thing you know, the box is empty? Drink some water, brush your teeth and move on. Everyone who's ever tried to lose weight has found it challenging. When you slip up, the best idea is to get right back on track and don't look back. Avoid telling yourself that you'll get back on track tomorrow or next week or after New Year's. Start now.

Being healthy is really about being at the right weight for you. The best way to find out if you are at a healthy weight or if you need to lose or gain weight is to talk to a health care provider or registered dietitian, an RD. He or she can help you set realistic goals.