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Friday, October 12, 2012

U.K and U.S. Studies Show Pregnant Mothers and New Parents Drinking More

The British study, released by 4Children, found that parents in the U.K. are drinking 17% more after their first child and that 40% of those polled are making no attempt to cut down on their drinking.

The U.S. study, done by the Centers for Disease Control, is equally concerning.  It found that 14% of pregnant women in the U.S. between the ages of 35-44 admit to drinking at least once in the previous 30 days.  The CDC recommends total abstinence for women who are pregnant, are considering becoming pregnant, or could possibly become pregnant due to the risk of permanent disability to the child.

It's important to note that these studies are looking at British and U.S. populations separately, but it could be that the studies' findings are related to increased acceptance of drinking among certain demographic groups.

Links:  http://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2012/10/new-parents-admit-to-drinking-more/ and http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/20/us-usa-health-pregnancy-idUSBRE86J03B20120720

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Students Balk at New Meal Guidelines for School Lunches

Students are not accepting the new, more healthy school lunch guidelines put forward by the Department of Agriculture.  The lunches have less meat and dairy, and more fresh fruit and vegetables.  The meals also have less fried and sugary content.

As someone who has almost always taken my own lunch to school I welcome these improvements.  If they had come about when I was younger I might have even bought them.  Instead, I will hopefully get to encourage my kids to try the new lunches.

Unless they raise the quality to match the nutrition, I don't think these changes will be liked by anyone though.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/06/nyregion/healthier-school-lunches-face-student-rejection.html


Mini-Counseling Sessions by Primary Doctors shows promise for Problem Drinkers

Brief Interventions, or mini-counseling sessions by primary doctors may help problem drinkers, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Link: http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/09/25/161764546/mini-counseling-sessions-can-curb-problem-drinking?sc=17&f=1001

New Movie Out this Weekend Tackles Problem Drinking

The movie is called, "Smashed," and it looks pretty good!

New Genetic Test Available to Determine Success of Excercising

Responding well to exercise is dependent on a number of factors - one of which is genes.  A New York Times blog post (link below) describes a relatively new way individuals can find out whether they will be successful achieving positive health outcomes through exercise.  In my opinion, the test should be taken only after an exercise and diet regimen has been tried first.

Link: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/10/are-you-likely-to-respond-to-exercise/

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Caffeine Withdrawal to be Listed as Disorder in DSM-5

Johns Hopkins University has announced that caffeine withdrawal will be included in the list of addiction disorders in the upcoming edition of the main handbook used by clinicians in diagnosing and treating psychological disorders, the DSM-5.

Is caffeine a harmful drug?  I think that this depends on the individual.  It definitely in known not to be good for young people, but it has many benefits for adults.  One major harm, however, is dependence or abuse, as with any substance, which can lead to health problems from its overuse.  These problems may include sleep disruption and possibly weight gain related to caffeinated drinks which contain sugar or milk products.

Link:  http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/press_releases/2004/09_29_04.html

To find out if you might need to cut down on your intake of caffeine, visit:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine/NU00600

Friday, October 5, 2012

Teen Smoking, Despite Quitting, Linked to Shorter Lifespans

Well, this is bad news for those of us who used to be smokers.  A new study has found that even among people who quit smoking by the time they were in middle age, their lifespans were shorter.  The study also found, however, that among the individuals who did give up the habit - it was beneficial.  Take away point: it's never to late to quit but it's better not to take it up in the first place.

Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/04/us-teen-smoking-idUSBRE89310J20121004

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer affects an extraordinary 1 in 8 women, and is the second-leading cause of cancer death among women.  Finding out about the risks which are related to breast cancer as well as getting a mammography can help diagnose and treat the disease and improve health and mortality outcomes.

In Wisconsin, eligible women who lack insurance can get a breast exam through the Well Women Program: http://www.cityofmadison.com/news/view.cfm?news_id=3470


Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Study: Moderate of Alcohol Use May Cause Arrhythmia for People with Heart Disease, Diabetes

This rather large study in Canada has found a link between alcohol use in even small amounts and arrhythmia, a fatal heart condition, among people with heart disease or diabetes.

Link: http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/drinking-may-increase-arrhythmia-risk-in-adults-with-heart-disease-1.978675#ixzz287H6W1Uk