CDC Says 4 States Have a High Level of Flu Activity
By Daniel J. DeNoon
WebMD Health News
Don't put off your flu shot any longer: The winter flu season has arrived.
While only four states have high levels of flu activity, the seasonal illness is widespread across 11 states. And there's evidence of outbreaks in several U.S. cities.
Sadly, four children died of flu in the first week of January, the latest week for which CDC data is available. So far, the 2010-2011 flu season has claimed the lives of eight children. There were 282 U.S. pediatric deaths during last year's flu pandemic, 133 in the 2008-2009 season, and 88 in the 2007-2008 season.
Hospitals in 122 U.S. cities report that deaths from "pneumonia and influenza" -- a statistic that reflects flu activity -- are at the epidemic level. They've been on the upswing since just before Christmas.
While the CDC data show that flu definitely has arrived, they do not predict where, when, or even whether the disease will flare up or die down. In states with high flu activity, flu may be limited to one or two large cities. And in states with widespread flu activity, there may be few if any hot spots.
Unlike Europe, where high flu activity is mainly due to the 2009 H1N1 flu bug, the U.S. flu epidemic is mixed. Most of the flu is type A, with the old H3N2 flu bug predominant but with a good bit of 2009 H1N1 activity. About one in four cases are type B flu.
Happily, nearly all the flu cases have been caused by flu viruses included in this year's three-in-one seasonal flu vaccine.
This year, the CDC is tracking a new flu statistic: the percentage of hospitalized flu patients who have certain underlying conditions. So far this year, among people hospitalized for flu:
* 30.1% of adults have a metabolic disorder such as diabetes or thyroid dysfunction.
* 22.5% of children and 21%of adults have asthma.
* 23.7% of adults and 7.5% of children have heart or artery disease.
* 16.9% of adults are obese.
* 16.9% of adults have kidney disease.
And the CDC is also linking to a new indicator of flu activity: Google searches for flu-related topics. According to the Google/CDC indicator:
* Overall, U.S. flu activity is on the high side of moderate, and is showing a plateau after an upward trend.
* Florida has high flu activity
* Cities with high flu activity include Miami; Tampa, Fla., and Jacksonville, Fla.
But according to the CDC's more traditional tracking of the number of people seeking medical care for flu-like illness, flu activity is high in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
And according to state epidemiologists, flu is geographically widespread in 11 states: Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
It's not uncommon for the flu season to have several peaks before the season ends in the spring. Only one thing is for sure: A lot more Americans will get the flu before the season ends -- unless they get the flu vaccine.
Source: webmd.com
Second Breast Cancer: 3 Lifestyle Risks
Study: Obesity, Drinking, and Smoking May Make a Second Breast Cancer More Likely
By Miranda Hitti
WebMD Health News
Being obese, drinking seven or more alcoholic beverages per week, and smoking may make a second breast cancer more likely, a new study shows.
The study, published in the advance online edition of the Journal of Clinical Oncology, focused on women with estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) breast cancer. Most breast cancers are ER-positive, which means the tumors grow when exposed to the hormone estrogen.
Data came from more than 1,000 Seattle-area breast cancer patients, including 365 women who developed a second breast cancer in their opposite breast.
The women were interviewed about their smoking and drinking; their BMI (body mass index) was noted in their medical records.
The odds of developing a second breast cancer in the opposite breast were greater for obese women, for women who drank at least seven alcoholic beverages per week, and current smokers.
"We found that obese women had a 50% increased risk, women who consumed at least one alcoholic drink per day had a 90% increased risk, and women who were current smokers had a 120% increased risk of developing a second breast cancer," researcher Christopher Li, MD, PhD, says in a news release.
Li is an associate member of the public health sciences division of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. He and his colleagues recently published a separate report about tamoxifen and the odds of developing a second breast cancer.
Li's new paper doesn't show the absolute risk of developing a second breast cancer in the opposite breast, and it doesn't include women with ER-negative breast cancer. It also doesn't prove that losing weight, quitting smoking, or cutting back on alcohol would have made a difference.
However, extra weight and alcohol use have been linked to breast cancer risk in other studies. Smoking hasn't been firmly established as a breast cancer risk, but Li's team calls that biologically plausible.
Li and colleagues also found that among women who drank at least seven alcoholic beverages per week, the odds of developing a second breast cancer in the opposite breast were about seven times higher if those women were current smokers.
An editorial published with the study asks, "So does this mean that women should be advised to lose weight and avoid alcohol and smoking after breast cancer diagnosis in order to reduce the risk of a second primary breast cancer?"
The editorialist -- Jennifer Ligibel, MD, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School -- points out that losing extra weight and quitting smoking are healthy changes to make. But Ligibel says that because moderate alcohol use may have heart health benefits, it's "premature" to advise breast cancer patients to quit drinking entirely.
Source: webmd.com
By Miranda Hitti
WebMD Health News
Being obese, drinking seven or more alcoholic beverages per week, and smoking may make a second breast cancer more likely, a new study shows.
The study, published in the advance online edition of the Journal of Clinical Oncology, focused on women with estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) breast cancer. Most breast cancers are ER-positive, which means the tumors grow when exposed to the hormone estrogen.
Data came from more than 1,000 Seattle-area breast cancer patients, including 365 women who developed a second breast cancer in their opposite breast.
The women were interviewed about their smoking and drinking; their BMI (body mass index) was noted in their medical records.
The odds of developing a second breast cancer in the opposite breast were greater for obese women, for women who drank at least seven alcoholic beverages per week, and current smokers.
"We found that obese women had a 50% increased risk, women who consumed at least one alcoholic drink per day had a 90% increased risk, and women who were current smokers had a 120% increased risk of developing a second breast cancer," researcher Christopher Li, MD, PhD, says in a news release.
Li is an associate member of the public health sciences division of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. He and his colleagues recently published a separate report about tamoxifen and the odds of developing a second breast cancer.
Li's new paper doesn't show the absolute risk of developing a second breast cancer in the opposite breast, and it doesn't include women with ER-negative breast cancer. It also doesn't prove that losing weight, quitting smoking, or cutting back on alcohol would have made a difference.
However, extra weight and alcohol use have been linked to breast cancer risk in other studies. Smoking hasn't been firmly established as a breast cancer risk, but Li's team calls that biologically plausible.
Li and colleagues also found that among women who drank at least seven alcoholic beverages per week, the odds of developing a second breast cancer in the opposite breast were about seven times higher if those women were current smokers.
An editorial published with the study asks, "So does this mean that women should be advised to lose weight and avoid alcohol and smoking after breast cancer diagnosis in order to reduce the risk of a second primary breast cancer?"
The editorialist -- Jennifer Ligibel, MD, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School -- points out that losing extra weight and quitting smoking are healthy changes to make. But Ligibel says that because moderate alcohol use may have heart health benefits, it's "premature" to advise breast cancer patients to quit drinking entirely.
Source: webmd.com
10 Home Remedies for the Flu
By David Freeman
WebMD Feature
Flu symptoms can cause a world of misery, from fever and cough to sore throat, nasal congestion, aches, and chills. But there are ways to feel better.
Prescription antiviral medications may help ease symptoms of both seasonal and H1N1 flu when taken shortly after you get sick. In many cases, however, simple home remedies may be all you need for relief of mild to moderate flu symptoms.
WebMD asked experts to suggest 10 natural remedies for flu:
1. Drink up. The flu can leave you dehydrated, especially if fever is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea. So be sure to get enough fluids. Water is fine. So are fruit juices, soda, and electrolyte beverages. You may want to stay away from caffeinated drinks, because caffeine is a diuretic. Herbal tea with honey can soothe a sore throat. If you feel nauseated, try taking small sips of liquids -- gulps might cause you to throw up. How can you be sure you’re getting enough fluid? Your urine should be pale yellow, almost colorless.
How about drinking alcohol? No way. “When you have the flu, the last thing you want to do is drink alcohol,” says William Schaffner, MD, chairman of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tenn. “It makes you sleepy, and flu does that already.”
2. Sip some soup. For generations, caring parents have been serving chicken soup to kids with colds and flu. But was mom right? Possibly. A 2000 study published in the journal Chest showed that chicken soup may help relieve symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.
“I believe that chicken soup does help with symptoms,” says Reid B. Blackwelder, MD, professor of family medicine at the James H. Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University in Kingsport. But not all doctors agree that chemistry alone explains the soup’s apparent benefits. “When you lean over a bowl of hot chicken soup and the vapor gets up your nose, you feel better,” says Schaffner. “But some [of the benefit] is clearly emotional. It just makes you feel better having someone make soup for you.”
3. Be a couch potato. The advice may be clichéd, but it’s sound: Listen to your body. If it’s telling you not to exercise, don’t. If it’s urging you to spend all day in bed, do. Don't press on with daily responsibilities even in the face of severe cold or flu symptoms. Rest is “another way of supporting the body’s ability to fight infection,” says Blackwelder.
And don’t skimp on nighttime sleep. “Good sleep cycles help the immune system work well, so it’s important to get your full eight hours of sleep each night,” says Schaffner.
4. Humidify. Breathing moist air helps ease nasal congestion and sore throat pain. One effective strategy is to indulge in a steamy shower several times a day -- or just turn on the shower and sit in the bathroom for a few minutes, inhaling the steam. Another is to use a humidifier. Clean it regularly to make sure it’s free of mold and other impurities.
5. Pitch a tent. Need a quick way to open clogged airways? Bring a pot of water to a boil and remove it from the heat. Drape a towel over your head, close your eyes, and lean over the water under the “tent,” breathing deeply through your nose for 30 seconds. David Kiefer, MD, clinical instructor of family medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, recommends adding a drop or two of peppermint or eucalyptus oil to the water for extra phlegm-busting power. Repeat this as often as necessary to ease congestion. People with asthma should not use this method of decongestion.
6. Try a warm compress. On the forehead and nose, a warm cloth is a great way to relieve headache or sinus pain.
7. Be a sucker. Cough drops, throat lozenges, and hard candy can be surprisingly effective at easing a cough or sore throat. Some doctors, including Kiefer, swear by lozenges containing slippery elm. Others recommend zinc lozenges to help shorten cold symptoms -- though Schaffner is not convinced of their effectiveness. “If there is an effect [against colds and flu], it’s a small one,” he says. “I wish their effect were as good as their taste is bad.”
8. Swish and spit. Gargling with salt water helps get rid of the thick mucus that can collect at the back of the throat, especially after you've been lying down. It can also help ease stuffy ears by opening clogged eustachian tubes, Kiefer tells WebMD in an email.
9. Try nasal irrigation. To ease stuffiness and post-nasal drip -- and perhaps cut the risk of developing a sinus infection -- some doctors recommend nasal irrigation. You can buy a neti pot in natural foods stores and some drugstores, or opt for a saline squeeze bottle. You pour salt water into one nostril and let it run out the other, clearing out your nasal passages. You can buy pre-made saline solution or make it by mixing salt and lukewarm water.
10. Line up a caregiver. A caregiver can’t lower your temperature or cure a sore throat, but “having someone to tuck you into bed and bring you fluids is very comforting,” says Blackwelder. If a friend or family member offers to help, even if it’s only to stop by and check in on you, count your blessings -- and take them up on it.
Source: http://www.webmd.com
WebMD Feature
Flu symptoms can cause a world of misery, from fever and cough to sore throat, nasal congestion, aches, and chills. But there are ways to feel better.
Prescription antiviral medications may help ease symptoms of both seasonal and H1N1 flu when taken shortly after you get sick. In many cases, however, simple home remedies may be all you need for relief of mild to moderate flu symptoms.
WebMD asked experts to suggest 10 natural remedies for flu:
1. Drink up. The flu can leave you dehydrated, especially if fever is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea. So be sure to get enough fluids. Water is fine. So are fruit juices, soda, and electrolyte beverages. You may want to stay away from caffeinated drinks, because caffeine is a diuretic. Herbal tea with honey can soothe a sore throat. If you feel nauseated, try taking small sips of liquids -- gulps might cause you to throw up. How can you be sure you’re getting enough fluid? Your urine should be pale yellow, almost colorless.
How about drinking alcohol? No way. “When you have the flu, the last thing you want to do is drink alcohol,” says William Schaffner, MD, chairman of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tenn. “It makes you sleepy, and flu does that already.”
2. Sip some soup. For generations, caring parents have been serving chicken soup to kids with colds and flu. But was mom right? Possibly. A 2000 study published in the journal Chest showed that chicken soup may help relieve symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.
“I believe that chicken soup does help with symptoms,” says Reid B. Blackwelder, MD, professor of family medicine at the James H. Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University in Kingsport. But not all doctors agree that chemistry alone explains the soup’s apparent benefits. “When you lean over a bowl of hot chicken soup and the vapor gets up your nose, you feel better,” says Schaffner. “But some [of the benefit] is clearly emotional. It just makes you feel better having someone make soup for you.”
3. Be a couch potato. The advice may be clichéd, but it’s sound: Listen to your body. If it’s telling you not to exercise, don’t. If it’s urging you to spend all day in bed, do. Don't press on with daily responsibilities even in the face of severe cold or flu symptoms. Rest is “another way of supporting the body’s ability to fight infection,” says Blackwelder.
And don’t skimp on nighttime sleep. “Good sleep cycles help the immune system work well, so it’s important to get your full eight hours of sleep each night,” says Schaffner.
4. Humidify. Breathing moist air helps ease nasal congestion and sore throat pain. One effective strategy is to indulge in a steamy shower several times a day -- or just turn on the shower and sit in the bathroom for a few minutes, inhaling the steam. Another is to use a humidifier. Clean it regularly to make sure it’s free of mold and other impurities.
5. Pitch a tent. Need a quick way to open clogged airways? Bring a pot of water to a boil and remove it from the heat. Drape a towel over your head, close your eyes, and lean over the water under the “tent,” breathing deeply through your nose for 30 seconds. David Kiefer, MD, clinical instructor of family medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, recommends adding a drop or two of peppermint or eucalyptus oil to the water for extra phlegm-busting power. Repeat this as often as necessary to ease congestion. People with asthma should not use this method of decongestion.
6. Try a warm compress. On the forehead and nose, a warm cloth is a great way to relieve headache or sinus pain.
7. Be a sucker. Cough drops, throat lozenges, and hard candy can be surprisingly effective at easing a cough or sore throat. Some doctors, including Kiefer, swear by lozenges containing slippery elm. Others recommend zinc lozenges to help shorten cold symptoms -- though Schaffner is not convinced of their effectiveness. “If there is an effect [against colds and flu], it’s a small one,” he says. “I wish their effect were as good as their taste is bad.”
8. Swish and spit. Gargling with salt water helps get rid of the thick mucus that can collect at the back of the throat, especially after you've been lying down. It can also help ease stuffy ears by opening clogged eustachian tubes, Kiefer tells WebMD in an email.
9. Try nasal irrigation. To ease stuffiness and post-nasal drip -- and perhaps cut the risk of developing a sinus infection -- some doctors recommend nasal irrigation. You can buy a neti pot in natural foods stores and some drugstores, or opt for a saline squeeze bottle. You pour salt water into one nostril and let it run out the other, clearing out your nasal passages. You can buy pre-made saline solution or make it by mixing salt and lukewarm water.
10. Line up a caregiver. A caregiver can’t lower your temperature or cure a sore throat, but “having someone to tuck you into bed and bring you fluids is very comforting,” says Blackwelder. If a friend or family member offers to help, even if it’s only to stop by and check in on you, count your blessings -- and take them up on it.
Source: http://www.webmd.com
Where You Live Is a Factor in Hypertension
Study Shows High Blood Pressure Incidence Is Linked to Location, Gender, and Race
By Katrina Woznicki
WebMD Health News
Race, place, and gender appear to be strongly associated with high blood pressure, a major risk for heart disease and stroke, according to new data.
A 20-year study involving more than 3,400 young, initially healthy adults in four urban areas found that the risk of developing high blood pressure was higher in the South compared to the North; hypertension rates were highest in African-American women and lowest in white women.
Understanding which regions and populations are at greatest risk could help experts target better interventions for these groups.
Researchers led by Deborah A. Levine, MD, MPH, assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, analyzed data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. This study included information on black and white men and women who were between the ages of 18 and 30 during 1985 and 1986, when the study began, and who lived in Birmingham, Ala.; Chicago; Minneapolis, Minn.; or Oakland, Calif.
The participants were followed for the next 20 years to see who developed high blood pressure. The groups were matched for race, gender, and initial health status.
Even after taking account many of the lifestyle factors that are known to contribute to high blood pressure -- such as obesity, smoking, family history, and physical activity -- geography, race, and gender were still independently associated with a higher incidence of high blood pressure.
Tracking Blood Pressure by Geography, Race, and Gender
Among the researchers’ findings:
* High blood pressure was more likely to affect African-Americans compared with whites, and the highest rates were seen in African-American women. By the end of the study, 37.6% of African-American women and 34.5% of African-American men had developed hypertension, whereas the rates were lower in white men at 21.4% and lowest among white women at 12.3%.
* Birmingham, Ala., had the highest incidence of hypertension at 33.6% and Minneapolis, Minn., had the lowest at 19%. High blood pressure incidence was 27.4% in Oakland, Calif., and 23.4% in Chicago.
The results are published in the January 2011 issue of Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association.
Cardiovascular disease-related deaths dropped by 65% between 1968 and 2006. Heart disease, however, remains the most common cause of death, and there are pockets of the U.S. as well as certain groups of people in which the risk for cardiovascular disease remains high. According to the American Heart Association, based on 2006 data, more than 81 million people in the U.S. have one or more forms of cardiovascular disease; more than 73 million have high blood pressure.
Researchers have questioned whether socioeconomic factors play a role in cardiovascular disease risk and why disparities in cardiovascular disease rates exist between geographical regions and groups of people. Levine and her colleagues note that high blood pressure may account for up to 44% of the cardiovascular disease disparity between whites and African-Americans.
“Where you live, your race, and your gender strongly influence your risk of developing high blood pressure as you move from young adulthood into middle age -- and hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke,” Levine says in a news release. “The gaps may be widening, particularly for blacks. The reasons for the variations are not clear.”
Until more is known, Levine says, “People at higher risk can benefit from close monitoring of their blood pressure and paying attention to risk factors such as obesity and [lack of] physical activity.”
Source: webmd.com
By Katrina Woznicki
WebMD Health News
Race, place, and gender appear to be strongly associated with high blood pressure, a major risk for heart disease and stroke, according to new data.
A 20-year study involving more than 3,400 young, initially healthy adults in four urban areas found that the risk of developing high blood pressure was higher in the South compared to the North; hypertension rates were highest in African-American women and lowest in white women.
Understanding which regions and populations are at greatest risk could help experts target better interventions for these groups.
Researchers led by Deborah A. Levine, MD, MPH, assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, analyzed data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. This study included information on black and white men and women who were between the ages of 18 and 30 during 1985 and 1986, when the study began, and who lived in Birmingham, Ala.; Chicago; Minneapolis, Minn.; or Oakland, Calif.
The participants were followed for the next 20 years to see who developed high blood pressure. The groups were matched for race, gender, and initial health status.
Even after taking account many of the lifestyle factors that are known to contribute to high blood pressure -- such as obesity, smoking, family history, and physical activity -- geography, race, and gender were still independently associated with a higher incidence of high blood pressure.
Tracking Blood Pressure by Geography, Race, and Gender
Among the researchers’ findings:
* High blood pressure was more likely to affect African-Americans compared with whites, and the highest rates were seen in African-American women. By the end of the study, 37.6% of African-American women and 34.5% of African-American men had developed hypertension, whereas the rates were lower in white men at 21.4% and lowest among white women at 12.3%.
* Birmingham, Ala., had the highest incidence of hypertension at 33.6% and Minneapolis, Minn., had the lowest at 19%. High blood pressure incidence was 27.4% in Oakland, Calif., and 23.4% in Chicago.
The results are published in the January 2011 issue of Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association.
Cardiovascular disease-related deaths dropped by 65% between 1968 and 2006. Heart disease, however, remains the most common cause of death, and there are pockets of the U.S. as well as certain groups of people in which the risk for cardiovascular disease remains high. According to the American Heart Association, based on 2006 data, more than 81 million people in the U.S. have one or more forms of cardiovascular disease; more than 73 million have high blood pressure.
Researchers have questioned whether socioeconomic factors play a role in cardiovascular disease risk and why disparities in cardiovascular disease rates exist between geographical regions and groups of people. Levine and her colleagues note that high blood pressure may account for up to 44% of the cardiovascular disease disparity between whites and African-Americans.
“Where you live, your race, and your gender strongly influence your risk of developing high blood pressure as you move from young adulthood into middle age -- and hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke,” Levine says in a news release. “The gaps may be widening, particularly for blacks. The reasons for the variations are not clear.”
Until more is known, Levine says, “People at higher risk can benefit from close monitoring of their blood pressure and paying attention to risk factors such as obesity and [lack of] physical activity.”
Source: webmd.com
Artificial Sweeteners and Diabetes
Is it possible for someone with diabetes to eat sweets? The answer is "yes." Artificial sweeteners for diabetes patients is one strategy you can use. But which artificial sweeteners are OK? How should you use them?
What Is an Artificial Sweetener?
You may hear many names for sweeteners: sugars, reduced-calorie sweeteners, low-calorie sweeteners. Only some of these sweeteners are "artificial." Use this list to compare sweeteners:
* Sugars are naturally occurring carbohydrates. They contain calories and raise your blood glucose levels -- the level of sugar in your blood. Examples are brown sugar, cane sugar, confectioner's sugar, fructose, honey, and molasses.
* Reduced-calorie sweeteners are sugar alcohols. These sweeteners have about half the calories of sugars and are considered a separate type of carbohydrates. They can raise your blood sugar levels, although not as much as other carbohydrates. Examples include isomalt, maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol. You'll often find these reduced-calorie sweeteners in sugar-free candy and gum.
* Low-calorie sweeteners are "artificial." This means they were created in a lab rather than found naturally. Low-calorie sweeteners are considered "free foods." They have no calories and do not raise your blood sugar levels.
Types of Artificial Sweeteners for Diabetes Patients
What are the best artificial sweeteners for diabetics? The FDA has approved these low-calorie sweeteners for diabetic nutrition. It considers them to be safe for use by the general public. The American Diabetes Association also recommends their use.
* Saccharin can be found as Sweet 'N Low and Sugar Twin. You can use it in both hot and cold foods. Avoid this sweetener if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
* Aspartame is found as NutraSweet and Equal. You can use it in both cold and warm foods. It may lose some sweetness at high temperatures. People who have a condition called phenylketonuria should avoid this sweetener.
* Acesulfame potassium or acesulfame-K is found as Sweet One, Swiss Sweet, and Sunett. You can use it in both cold and hot foods, including in baking and cooking.
* Sucralose is found as Splenda. You can use it in hot and cold foods, including in baking and cooking. Processed foods often contain it.
Finding Artificial Sweeteners for Diabetes Patients in Prepared Foods
No sugar, low-sugar, naturally sweetened, no added sugar -- the list of what you encounter on products while shopping can be overwhelming. Use this "cheat sheet" to identify which products are sweetened the way you want them.
* No sugar means the product does not contain sugar at all. It may contain sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners.
* No added sugar means that during processing, no extra sugar was added. However, the original source might have contained sugar such as fructose in fruit juice. Additional sweeteners such as sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners might have been added.
* Sugar free means that the product contains no sugars. It may contain sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners, however.
* Dietetic can mean a lot of things. It's likely that the product has reduced calories.
* All natural simply means that the product does not contain artificial ingredients. It may contain natural sweeteners, such as sugars or sugar alcohol.
When in Doubt, Read the Nutrition Label
To know for sure what kind of sweetener a food product contains, check the Nutrition Facts label. Under the Carbohydrate section, you can see how many carbohydrates the product contains. You can also see how much of these carbohydrates are in the form of sugar or sugar alcohol.
For even more information on diabetic nutrition, read the Ingredients list. It should indicate any added sweeteners, whether they are sugars, sugar alcohols, or artificial.
Remember Your Goal for Using Artificial Sweeteners for Diabetes Patients
By understanding more about artificial sweeteners and diabetes, you will be able to make better food choices. Artificial sweeteners give you another strategy to help you balance pleasure from eating with good blood sugar control.
Source: webmd.com
What Is an Artificial Sweetener?
You may hear many names for sweeteners: sugars, reduced-calorie sweeteners, low-calorie sweeteners. Only some of these sweeteners are "artificial." Use this list to compare sweeteners:
* Sugars are naturally occurring carbohydrates. They contain calories and raise your blood glucose levels -- the level of sugar in your blood. Examples are brown sugar, cane sugar, confectioner's sugar, fructose, honey, and molasses.
* Reduced-calorie sweeteners are sugar alcohols. These sweeteners have about half the calories of sugars and are considered a separate type of carbohydrates. They can raise your blood sugar levels, although not as much as other carbohydrates. Examples include isomalt, maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol. You'll often find these reduced-calorie sweeteners in sugar-free candy and gum.
* Low-calorie sweeteners are "artificial." This means they were created in a lab rather than found naturally. Low-calorie sweeteners are considered "free foods." They have no calories and do not raise your blood sugar levels.
Types of Artificial Sweeteners for Diabetes Patients
What are the best artificial sweeteners for diabetics? The FDA has approved these low-calorie sweeteners for diabetic nutrition. It considers them to be safe for use by the general public. The American Diabetes Association also recommends their use.
* Saccharin can be found as Sweet 'N Low and Sugar Twin. You can use it in both hot and cold foods. Avoid this sweetener if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
* Aspartame is found as NutraSweet and Equal. You can use it in both cold and warm foods. It may lose some sweetness at high temperatures. People who have a condition called phenylketonuria should avoid this sweetener.
* Acesulfame potassium or acesulfame-K is found as Sweet One, Swiss Sweet, and Sunett. You can use it in both cold and hot foods, including in baking and cooking.
* Sucralose is found as Splenda. You can use it in hot and cold foods, including in baking and cooking. Processed foods often contain it.
Finding Artificial Sweeteners for Diabetes Patients in Prepared Foods
No sugar, low-sugar, naturally sweetened, no added sugar -- the list of what you encounter on products while shopping can be overwhelming. Use this "cheat sheet" to identify which products are sweetened the way you want them.
* No sugar means the product does not contain sugar at all. It may contain sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners.
* No added sugar means that during processing, no extra sugar was added. However, the original source might have contained sugar such as fructose in fruit juice. Additional sweeteners such as sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners might have been added.
* Sugar free means that the product contains no sugars. It may contain sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners, however.
* Dietetic can mean a lot of things. It's likely that the product has reduced calories.
* All natural simply means that the product does not contain artificial ingredients. It may contain natural sweeteners, such as sugars or sugar alcohol.
When in Doubt, Read the Nutrition Label
To know for sure what kind of sweetener a food product contains, check the Nutrition Facts label. Under the Carbohydrate section, you can see how many carbohydrates the product contains. You can also see how much of these carbohydrates are in the form of sugar or sugar alcohol.
For even more information on diabetic nutrition, read the Ingredients list. It should indicate any added sweeteners, whether they are sugars, sugar alcohols, or artificial.
Remember Your Goal for Using Artificial Sweeteners for Diabetes Patients
By understanding more about artificial sweeteners and diabetes, you will be able to make better food choices. Artificial sweeteners give you another strategy to help you balance pleasure from eating with good blood sugar control.
Source: webmd.com
Sitting for Too Long Is Bad for Your Health
Taking Even Short Breaks From Sitting Is Good for Your Heart, Waist
By Siobhan Harris
WebMD Health News
We all know that regular exercise is good for our health and too much sitting isn’t ideal. Now a new study suggests it’s not just the length of time we spend sitting down but the number of times we get up during that time that can influence our health.
The study, published online in the European Heart Journal, examined the total length of time people spent sitting down and breaks taken in that time, together with various indicators of risk for heart disease, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, and inflammatory processes that can play a role in the blocking of arteries.
It suggests that plenty of breaks, even if they are as short as one minute, seem to be beneficial.
Take a Break to Slim Your Waist
The Australian research found that long periods of sitting down, even in people who did a lot of exercise otherwise, were associated with worse indicators of cardio-metabolic function and inflammation, such as larger waist circumferences, lower levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol, and higher levels of C-reactive protein (an important marker of inflammation) and triglycerides (blood fats).
However, the study also found that even in people who spent a long time sitting down, the more breaks they took during this time, the smaller their waists and the lower the levels of C-reactive protein.
Genevieve Healy, MD, from the University of Queensland led the study.
“The most significant differences were observed for waist circumference," she says. "The top 25% of people who took the most breaks had, on average, a 4.1 cm smaller waist circumference than those in the lowest 25%."
The dangers of being too big around the middle are well-documented.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, high-risk waist circumferences are:
* Over 40 inches for men.
* Over 35 inches for women.
Healy and her colleagues analyzed earlier U.S. data from nearly 5,000 people aged 20 and over.
The participants wore a small device called an accelerometer, which monitored the amount and intensity of walking or running.
It gave researchers information on sedentary time and breaks in sedentary time.
Small Changes Help
"The potential adverse health impact of prolonged sitting (which is something that we do on average for more than half of our day), is only just being realized," Healy says. "Our research highlights the importance of considering prolonged sedentary time as a distinct health risk behavior that warrants explicit advice in future public health guidelines.”
The study suggests even small changes could help, like standing up to take phone calls, walking to see a colleague rather than phoning or emailing, and centralizing trash cans and printers so you have to walk to them.
Amy Thompson, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation, says in a statement, “This study was a very interesting read and adds to well established evidence that long periods of inactivity are not good for the heart.
“If you’re sitting for long periods it’s really important you take regular breaks by getting up on your feet. Regular physical activity is essential to protect cardiovascular health.”
Source: http://www.webmd.com
By Siobhan Harris
WebMD Health News
We all know that regular exercise is good for our health and too much sitting isn’t ideal. Now a new study suggests it’s not just the length of time we spend sitting down but the number of times we get up during that time that can influence our health.
The study, published online in the European Heart Journal, examined the total length of time people spent sitting down and breaks taken in that time, together with various indicators of risk for heart disease, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, and inflammatory processes that can play a role in the blocking of arteries.
It suggests that plenty of breaks, even if they are as short as one minute, seem to be beneficial.
Take a Break to Slim Your Waist
The Australian research found that long periods of sitting down, even in people who did a lot of exercise otherwise, were associated with worse indicators of cardio-metabolic function and inflammation, such as larger waist circumferences, lower levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol, and higher levels of C-reactive protein (an important marker of inflammation) and triglycerides (blood fats).
However, the study also found that even in people who spent a long time sitting down, the more breaks they took during this time, the smaller their waists and the lower the levels of C-reactive protein.
Genevieve Healy, MD, from the University of Queensland led the study.
“The most significant differences were observed for waist circumference," she says. "The top 25% of people who took the most breaks had, on average, a 4.1 cm smaller waist circumference than those in the lowest 25%."
The dangers of being too big around the middle are well-documented.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, high-risk waist circumferences are:
* Over 40 inches for men.
* Over 35 inches for women.
Healy and her colleagues analyzed earlier U.S. data from nearly 5,000 people aged 20 and over.
The participants wore a small device called an accelerometer, which monitored the amount and intensity of walking or running.
It gave researchers information on sedentary time and breaks in sedentary time.
Small Changes Help
"The potential adverse health impact of prolonged sitting (which is something that we do on average for more than half of our day), is only just being realized," Healy says. "Our research highlights the importance of considering prolonged sedentary time as a distinct health risk behavior that warrants explicit advice in future public health guidelines.”
The study suggests even small changes could help, like standing up to take phone calls, walking to see a colleague rather than phoning or emailing, and centralizing trash cans and printers so you have to walk to them.
Amy Thompson, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation, says in a statement, “This study was a very interesting read and adds to well established evidence that long periods of inactivity are not good for the heart.
“If you’re sitting for long periods it’s really important you take regular breaks by getting up on your feet. Regular physical activity is essential to protect cardiovascular health.”
Source: http://www.webmd.com
Brain & Nervous System Health Center
Gabrielle Giffords' Brain Injury: FAQ
Can Giffords Recover From Point-Blank Gunshot to Head?
By Daniel J. DeNoon
WebMD Health News
Although Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords remains in critical condition, it appears she may survive a point-blank gunshot wound to the head.
How is this possible? What can surgeons do? What are Giffords' chances of recovery -- and what will recovery mean?
To answer these and other questions, WebMD consulted prominent medical experts with experience in dealing with brain injuries, including gunshot wounds. None of these experts is treating Giffords, and none has access to her medical records.
These experts include:
* Eugene S. Flamm, MD, professor and chairman of the department of neurological surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center in New York.
* Keith L. Black, MD, professor and chairman of the department of neurosurgery and director of the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
* Nina Zeldis, PhD, a specialist in rehabilitation medicine, formerly of Tel Aviv University in Israel, now in private practice.
* David Langer, director of cerebrovascular research at Cushing Neuroscience Institute in Great Neck, N.Y.
* Alan Manevitz, MD, a family psychiatrist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. He has worked with many disaster victims, including those involved in Hurricane Katrina and the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
What part of Gabrielle Giffords' brain was injured?
The precise nature of Giffords' wound has not been made public. What is known is that a 9 mm bullet fired point-blank at the left rear of her head passed directly through the brain and exited the left front of her head.
That part of the brain controls vision, language, and the ability to move the right side of the body. All of these functions are at risk, notes Keith L. Black, MD.
"The physicians in Arizona indicated that the wound was away from these critical structures," Black says. "Based on those comments, that is a positive side for the congresswoman."
The bullet did not pass from the left side of the brain to the right side of the brain. That almost certainly would have done far more damage, Black notes.
How bad is Giffords' brain injury?
It's a very, very serious wound. About 90% of people shot in the head do not survive, David Langer says.
But there is much reason for hope in Giffords' case.
Giffords' neurosurgeon, Michael Lemole, MD, says his patient is able to understand simple commands -- such as "Show me two fingers," and "Wiggle your toes" -- and to perform these tasks.
This is heartening news, says Eugene S. Flamm, MD.
"The fact that she is being described as able to follow commands, when they lighten up on her medications, that is encouraging," Flamm says. "But I don't know whether this injury means she is paralyzed on the right side: That is a very important issue. If she is not moving her right side, that makes it hard to imagine good recovery."
Source: http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20110109/gabrielle-giffords-brain-injury-faq
Can Giffords Recover From Point-Blank Gunshot to Head?
By Daniel J. DeNoon
WebMD Health News
Although Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords remains in critical condition, it appears she may survive a point-blank gunshot wound to the head.
How is this possible? What can surgeons do? What are Giffords' chances of recovery -- and what will recovery mean?
To answer these and other questions, WebMD consulted prominent medical experts with experience in dealing with brain injuries, including gunshot wounds. None of these experts is treating Giffords, and none has access to her medical records.
These experts include:
* Eugene S. Flamm, MD, professor and chairman of the department of neurological surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center in New York.
* Keith L. Black, MD, professor and chairman of the department of neurosurgery and director of the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
* Nina Zeldis, PhD, a specialist in rehabilitation medicine, formerly of Tel Aviv University in Israel, now in private practice.
* David Langer, director of cerebrovascular research at Cushing Neuroscience Institute in Great Neck, N.Y.
* Alan Manevitz, MD, a family psychiatrist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. He has worked with many disaster victims, including those involved in Hurricane Katrina and the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
What part of Gabrielle Giffords' brain was injured?
The precise nature of Giffords' wound has not been made public. What is known is that a 9 mm bullet fired point-blank at the left rear of her head passed directly through the brain and exited the left front of her head.
That part of the brain controls vision, language, and the ability to move the right side of the body. All of these functions are at risk, notes Keith L. Black, MD.
"The physicians in Arizona indicated that the wound was away from these critical structures," Black says. "Based on those comments, that is a positive side for the congresswoman."
The bullet did not pass from the left side of the brain to the right side of the brain. That almost certainly would have done far more damage, Black notes.
How bad is Giffords' brain injury?
It's a very, very serious wound. About 90% of people shot in the head do not survive, David Langer says.
But there is much reason for hope in Giffords' case.
Giffords' neurosurgeon, Michael Lemole, MD, says his patient is able to understand simple commands -- such as "Show me two fingers," and "Wiggle your toes" -- and to perform these tasks.
This is heartening news, says Eugene S. Flamm, MD.
"The fact that she is being described as able to follow commands, when they lighten up on her medications, that is encouraging," Flamm says. "But I don't know whether this injury means she is paralyzed on the right side: That is a very important issue. If she is not moving her right side, that makes it hard to imagine good recovery."
Source: http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20110109/gabrielle-giffords-brain-injury-faq
BMJ Declares Vaccine-Autism Study 'an Elaborate Fraud'
1998 Lancet Study Not Bad Science but Deliberate Fraud, Claims Journal
By Nicky Broyd
WebMD Health News
The medical journal BMJ has declared the 1998 Lancet study that implied a link between the MMR vaccine and autism “an elaborate fraud.”
Fiona Godlee, MD, BMJ's editor in chief, says in a news release, “The MMR scare was based not on bad science but on a deliberate fraud” and that such “clear evidence of falsification of data should now close the door on this damaging vaccine scare.”
MMR-Autism Study
In 1998, the Lancet published a research paper by Andrew Wakefield, MD, and colleagues suggesting a connection between the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine and bowel disease and autism. It received worldwide media coverage and led many people, especially parents, to question the safety of the vaccine.
In 2004, 10 of the 13 authors of the research paper retracted their interpretation of their findings.
In January 2010, the UK's General Medical Council (GMC) ruled that Wakefield had acted “dishonestly and irresponsibly.”
The Lancet retracted the paper in February 2010, accepting that the claims made in it were false.
In May 2010, Wakefield was found guilty of serious professional misconduct by the GMC and was struck off the medical register.
Accusations of Fraud
In a series of three articles, the BMJ reveals what it says is the true extent of the scam behind the scare. The series is based on interviews, documents, and data collected during seven years of inquiries by award-winning investigative journalist Brian Deer.
Thanks to the recent publication of the General Medical Council’s hearings transcript, the BMJ was able to peer-review and check Deer’s findings and confirm extensive falsification in the Lancet paper.
Seven years after he first looked into the MMR scare, Deer shows how Wakefield was able to manufacture the appearance of a medical syndrome, while not only in receipt of large sums of money, but also scheming businesses that promised him more.
The first of the BMJ articles says Wakefield’s fraud “unleashed fear, parental guilt, costly government intervention, and outbreaks of infectious disease.”
Vaccination Levels
MMR vaccination rates in the United States were at 90% in 2009, according to the most current statistics from the CDC. These rates are still below the 95% level recommended by the World Health Organization.
Diverted Resources
In an editorial, Godlee, BMJ Deputy Editor Jane Smith, and leading pediatrician and Associate Editor Harvey Marcovitch conclude that there is “no doubt” that it was Wakefield who perpetrated this fraud. They say: “A great deal of thought and effort must have gone into drafting the paper to achieve the results he wanted: the discrepancies all led in one direction; misreporting was gross.”
Yet he has repeatedly denied doing anything wrong, they add. “Instead, although now disgraced and stripped of his clinical and academic credentials, he continues to push his views. Meanwhile the damage to public health continues.”
But they say perhaps as important as the scare’s effect on infectious disease is the energy, emotion, and money that have been diverted away from efforts to understand the real causes of autism and how to help children and families who live with it.
Wakefield Responds
Wakefield told CNN his work has been "grossly distorted" and claims he’s been the target of "a ruthless, pragmatic attempt to crush any attempt to investigate valid vaccine safety concerns."
Source: http://www.webmd.com
By Nicky Broyd
WebMD Health News
The medical journal BMJ has declared the 1998 Lancet study that implied a link between the MMR vaccine and autism “an elaborate fraud.”
Fiona Godlee, MD, BMJ's editor in chief, says in a news release, “The MMR scare was based not on bad science but on a deliberate fraud” and that such “clear evidence of falsification of data should now close the door on this damaging vaccine scare.”
MMR-Autism Study
In 1998, the Lancet published a research paper by Andrew Wakefield, MD, and colleagues suggesting a connection between the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine and bowel disease and autism. It received worldwide media coverage and led many people, especially parents, to question the safety of the vaccine.
In 2004, 10 of the 13 authors of the research paper retracted their interpretation of their findings.
In January 2010, the UK's General Medical Council (GMC) ruled that Wakefield had acted “dishonestly and irresponsibly.”
The Lancet retracted the paper in February 2010, accepting that the claims made in it were false.
In May 2010, Wakefield was found guilty of serious professional misconduct by the GMC and was struck off the medical register.
Accusations of Fraud
In a series of three articles, the BMJ reveals what it says is the true extent of the scam behind the scare. The series is based on interviews, documents, and data collected during seven years of inquiries by award-winning investigative journalist Brian Deer.
Thanks to the recent publication of the General Medical Council’s hearings transcript, the BMJ was able to peer-review and check Deer’s findings and confirm extensive falsification in the Lancet paper.
Seven years after he first looked into the MMR scare, Deer shows how Wakefield was able to manufacture the appearance of a medical syndrome, while not only in receipt of large sums of money, but also scheming businesses that promised him more.
The first of the BMJ articles says Wakefield’s fraud “unleashed fear, parental guilt, costly government intervention, and outbreaks of infectious disease.”
Vaccination Levels
MMR vaccination rates in the United States were at 90% in 2009, according to the most current statistics from the CDC. These rates are still below the 95% level recommended by the World Health Organization.
Diverted Resources
In an editorial, Godlee, BMJ Deputy Editor Jane Smith, and leading pediatrician and Associate Editor Harvey Marcovitch conclude that there is “no doubt” that it was Wakefield who perpetrated this fraud. They say: “A great deal of thought and effort must have gone into drafting the paper to achieve the results he wanted: the discrepancies all led in one direction; misreporting was gross.”
Yet he has repeatedly denied doing anything wrong, they add. “Instead, although now disgraced and stripped of his clinical and academic credentials, he continues to push his views. Meanwhile the damage to public health continues.”
But they say perhaps as important as the scare’s effect on infectious disease is the energy, emotion, and money that have been diverted away from efforts to understand the real causes of autism and how to help children and families who live with it.
Wakefield Responds
Wakefield told CNN his work has been "grossly distorted" and claims he’s been the target of "a ruthless, pragmatic attempt to crush any attempt to investigate valid vaccine safety concerns."
Source: http://www.webmd.com
5 Exercises for Better Sex
By Wendy C. Fries
Reviewed By Louise Chang, MD
Better sex: Infomercials promise it. Magazines, too. There are love universities for it, and more how-to videos than you can count. And, of course, it all comes at a price.
Wouldn't it be nice if it were easy to improve your sex life, for free? Actually, you can get more sizzle in sex, and all you have to do is get a little sweaty -- with exercise.
But wait, there's more!
You and your partner can actually double your sexual satisfaction. Though the following exercises for better sex are geared toward men, they work great for women wanting a sexy boost, too. So what are you waiting for?
All kidding aside, guys, some exercise really can give your sex life a lift. As a bonus, exercise also ramps up your muscle tone, strength, and sexual endurance. So which exercises can help put the vroom back in your bedroom?
5 Exercises for Better Sex
To "keep your sex life awesome," exercise physiologist Rich Weil, MEd, CDE suggests these top five "sexercises."
* Pushups. If you're going to pick just one exercise to do, this is the one to go for, Weil says, "for all the obvious reasons."
If you can’t do basic training-quality pushups at first, start with wall presses (essentially pushups done against the wall), aiming for 3 sets of 12-15 repetitions. When you're ready, progress to knee pushups on the floor, making sure to keep your back straight while you slowly touch your nose to the ground. Once you're ready to kick it up a notch, progress to traditional hand-and-toe pushups.
* Abdominals. After pushups, your abs are the next most critical sex-boosting body area, says Weil, director of the New York Obesity Research Center Weight Loss Program at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center, and an exercise and fitness expert on WebMD’s message boards. "After all, you have to use your abdominal muscles during sex."
Weil suggests starting your ab workout with good old-fashioned crunches. Lie on your back, hands supporting your neck, knees bent and your feet on the floor, then bring your body up just enough to get your shoulders off the ground. Do 3-5 sets of 15-20 repetitions.
For additional ab oomph, Weil suggests men and women also do bridges (lying on your back, knees bent, lift your hips up and down; 3 sets of 15 reps). Men can also try pelvic tilts (standing up or lying down, straighten your lower back and pull your belly button in until your lower back touches the wall or floor), while women can try Kegels (contract your pelvic muscles (the ones you'd use to stop the flow of urine); squeeze the muscles tight for 3 seconds, then relax for 3 seconds. Do 10-15 repetitions, three times a day).
* Deadlifts. This exercise will keep your back as strong as it can be, says Weil, and give your legs and torso a workout, too. Deadlifts, where you raise a weighted barbell or dumbbells from the ground, starting in a neutral bent-over position, is easy to do -- and easy to do wrong, so technique is important, according to the American Council on Exercise. Get some pro tips online or at your gym to be sure you're getting the most out of doing deadlifts.
* Torso side bends and twists. And to get the most from this exercise, as well as the next one, head to the gym. The effort is worth it, because torso side bends and twists will keep your upper body strong, says Weil, and give you stamina. "Do them on the cable crossover machine for maximum effect."
* Pushing or pulling exercise in the gym. While you're at the gym, rows, flyes and lateral raises on that same cable crossover machine will do a great job for your performance in the bedroom, says Weil. Remember to get a few quick tips from a pro on how to do these exercises most effectively.
OK, so great muscle tone, more endurance, and better sex: What's not to love? But wait, there really is more. If you want even more sizzle, exercise for 20 minutes right before sex and Weil promises "you’ll never do better!"
Yep, Even More Tips for Better Sex
If pushups, crunches, and deadlifts aren't your idea of a sweaty good time, you've still got plenty of exercise options to keep things steamy.
Pick your pleasure: Rather walk, swim, or jog? How about Pilates or yoga? Maybe you prefer biking or skiing? Great, because, barring any health problems, cardiovascular exercise of any kind is a great way to stimulate your sex life, says Paul Frediani, ACSM, certified fitness coach, and co-author of Sex Flex: The Way to Enhanced Intimacy and Pleasure.
But you'll want to avoid the weekend warrior syndrome to get the most bang for your exercise buck, so aim for a workout five times a week for 30 minutes each time. Get your blood pumping regularly and the payoff is simple: endurance, more strength to hold positions, and the flexibility to hold them in comfort. Now that's sexy.
Bonus: Better Erections, Too?
Sure, we've already sold you on the benefits of exercise, but here's a bonus at no extra charge: Exercise may help beat erectile dysfunction, too. One study showed that in men over 50 years of age, physically active men had a 30% lower risk of erectile dysfunction than sedentary men. Studies also show a strong link between obesity and ED.
In fact, people who exercise often have a better body image than sedentary people, which can help them feel more sexually appealing. "One study found that 80% of men and 60% of females who exercised two to three times a week felt their sexual desirability was above average," Weil tells WebMD.
Want to have sex like you're 20 years younger? Weil cites a study that showed swimmers in their 60s have sex lives comparable to people in their 40s, while other research found that in men and women over 55, high levels of sexual activity were associated with higher degrees of fitness than in younger sedentary people.
"Although there can be many factors to exercise and sexual activity, what some studies suggest is that people who are fit and active have more sex than sedentary people." The bottom line? "Being strong and flexible with lots of endurance will put the spunk into sex for you and your partner," Weil says.
And don't forget to develop the most important muscle of all. "Sex begins with the muscle between the ears," says Frediani, "not the muscles in your abs, arms, or thighs. If you feel healthy and have a positive body imagine you will have a better sex life."
Source: http://men.webmd.com
Reviewed By Louise Chang, MD
Better sex: Infomercials promise it. Magazines, too. There are love universities for it, and more how-to videos than you can count. And, of course, it all comes at a price.
Wouldn't it be nice if it were easy to improve your sex life, for free? Actually, you can get more sizzle in sex, and all you have to do is get a little sweaty -- with exercise.
But wait, there's more!
You and your partner can actually double your sexual satisfaction. Though the following exercises for better sex are geared toward men, they work great for women wanting a sexy boost, too. So what are you waiting for?
All kidding aside, guys, some exercise really can give your sex life a lift. As a bonus, exercise also ramps up your muscle tone, strength, and sexual endurance. So which exercises can help put the vroom back in your bedroom?
5 Exercises for Better Sex
To "keep your sex life awesome," exercise physiologist Rich Weil, MEd, CDE suggests these top five "sexercises."
* Pushups. If you're going to pick just one exercise to do, this is the one to go for, Weil says, "for all the obvious reasons."
If you can’t do basic training-quality pushups at first, start with wall presses (essentially pushups done against the wall), aiming for 3 sets of 12-15 repetitions. When you're ready, progress to knee pushups on the floor, making sure to keep your back straight while you slowly touch your nose to the ground. Once you're ready to kick it up a notch, progress to traditional hand-and-toe pushups.
* Abdominals. After pushups, your abs are the next most critical sex-boosting body area, says Weil, director of the New York Obesity Research Center Weight Loss Program at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center, and an exercise and fitness expert on WebMD’s message boards. "After all, you have to use your abdominal muscles during sex."
Weil suggests starting your ab workout with good old-fashioned crunches. Lie on your back, hands supporting your neck, knees bent and your feet on the floor, then bring your body up just enough to get your shoulders off the ground. Do 3-5 sets of 15-20 repetitions.
For additional ab oomph, Weil suggests men and women also do bridges (lying on your back, knees bent, lift your hips up and down; 3 sets of 15 reps). Men can also try pelvic tilts (standing up or lying down, straighten your lower back and pull your belly button in until your lower back touches the wall or floor), while women can try Kegels (contract your pelvic muscles (the ones you'd use to stop the flow of urine); squeeze the muscles tight for 3 seconds, then relax for 3 seconds. Do 10-15 repetitions, three times a day).
* Deadlifts. This exercise will keep your back as strong as it can be, says Weil, and give your legs and torso a workout, too. Deadlifts, where you raise a weighted barbell or dumbbells from the ground, starting in a neutral bent-over position, is easy to do -- and easy to do wrong, so technique is important, according to the American Council on Exercise. Get some pro tips online or at your gym to be sure you're getting the most out of doing deadlifts.
* Torso side bends and twists. And to get the most from this exercise, as well as the next one, head to the gym. The effort is worth it, because torso side bends and twists will keep your upper body strong, says Weil, and give you stamina. "Do them on the cable crossover machine for maximum effect."
* Pushing or pulling exercise in the gym. While you're at the gym, rows, flyes and lateral raises on that same cable crossover machine will do a great job for your performance in the bedroom, says Weil. Remember to get a few quick tips from a pro on how to do these exercises most effectively.
OK, so great muscle tone, more endurance, and better sex: What's not to love? But wait, there really is more. If you want even more sizzle, exercise for 20 minutes right before sex and Weil promises "you’ll never do better!"
Yep, Even More Tips for Better Sex
If pushups, crunches, and deadlifts aren't your idea of a sweaty good time, you've still got plenty of exercise options to keep things steamy.
Pick your pleasure: Rather walk, swim, or jog? How about Pilates or yoga? Maybe you prefer biking or skiing? Great, because, barring any health problems, cardiovascular exercise of any kind is a great way to stimulate your sex life, says Paul Frediani, ACSM, certified fitness coach, and co-author of Sex Flex: The Way to Enhanced Intimacy and Pleasure.
But you'll want to avoid the weekend warrior syndrome to get the most bang for your exercise buck, so aim for a workout five times a week for 30 minutes each time. Get your blood pumping regularly and the payoff is simple: endurance, more strength to hold positions, and the flexibility to hold them in comfort. Now that's sexy.
Bonus: Better Erections, Too?
Sure, we've already sold you on the benefits of exercise, but here's a bonus at no extra charge: Exercise may help beat erectile dysfunction, too. One study showed that in men over 50 years of age, physically active men had a 30% lower risk of erectile dysfunction than sedentary men. Studies also show a strong link between obesity and ED.
In fact, people who exercise often have a better body image than sedentary people, which can help them feel more sexually appealing. "One study found that 80% of men and 60% of females who exercised two to three times a week felt their sexual desirability was above average," Weil tells WebMD.
Want to have sex like you're 20 years younger? Weil cites a study that showed swimmers in their 60s have sex lives comparable to people in their 40s, while other research found that in men and women over 55, high levels of sexual activity were associated with higher degrees of fitness than in younger sedentary people.
"Although there can be many factors to exercise and sexual activity, what some studies suggest is that people who are fit and active have more sex than sedentary people." The bottom line? "Being strong and flexible with lots of endurance will put the spunk into sex for you and your partner," Weil says.
And don't forget to develop the most important muscle of all. "Sex begins with the muscle between the ears," says Frediani, "not the muscles in your abs, arms, or thighs. If you feel healthy and have a positive body imagine you will have a better sex life."
Source: http://men.webmd.com
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