California Coffee Shops Must Post Cancer Warnings
https://ift.tt/2pRKYzq Friday, March 28, 2018 -- Coffee sellers in California must post warnings that coffee may pose a cancer risk, a judge ruled Wednesday. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Elihu Berle's verdict came after an eight-year legal battle between a small nonprofit group and the coffee industry, the Associated Press reported. The Council for Education and Research on Toxics sued to force the industry to either remove a known carcinogen called acrylamide from coffee or to warn consumers about the chemical that's produced when coffee beans are roasted. The industry argued that the level of acrylamide in coffee isn't harmful and that any risks are outweighed by benefits, the AP reported. In his ruling, Berle said the coffee industry didn't make a strong enough case. "While plaintiff offered evidence that consumption of coffee increases the risk of harm to the fetus, to infants, to children and to adults, defendants' medical and epidemiology experts testified that they had no opinion on causation," Berle wrote in his proposed ruling. "Defendants failed to satisfy their burden of proving ... that consumption of coffee confers a benefit to human health," he stated. The defendants, which include Starbucks and 90 other companies, have a few weeks to challenge the ruling before it is final. Many coffee shops in California have already posted warnings saying that acrylamide is cancer-causing chemical found in coffee, the AP reported. The coffee companies have said it's not feasible to remove acrylamide from coffee without affecting taste, but the lawyer who led the lawsuit said that's not true. "I firmly believe if the potato chip industry can do it, so can the coffee industry," said Raphael Metzger said, the AP reported. "A warning won't be that effective because it's an addictive product." Potato chip makers were forced to remove acrylamide after the Council for Education and Research on Toxics sued them years ago. While there is no firm evidence on whether coffee is good or bad for you, the World Health Organization removed coffee from its "possible carcinogen" list in 2016, the AP reported. Research shows that coffee is unlikely to cause breast, prostate or pancreatic cancer, and it may lower the risk of liver and uterine cancers, according to the WHO. There is not enough evidence to ascertain the relationship between coffee and dozens of other types of cancer. Health via WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/ March 30, 2018 at 10:31AM
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10 Cool and Comfortable Sneakers Every Workout Fanatic Needs - All From Nordstrom
https://ift.tt/2uoFDVH Tired of running in your old, worn-out sneakers? You're not alone. This Spring, treat yourself to a pair of comfortable shoes that will help motivate you to book a new gym class or sign up for your first marathon. We made it easy and did the shopping for you. We looked to Nordstrom because this megaretailer carries all your favorite brands in one place. From Nike to Adidas and Puma, we found some seriously cool finds that you can rock even when you're not working out. Take a look and find your perfect match ahead. Health via POPSUGAR Fitness https://ift.tt/2mWxwLI March 27, 2018 at 12:20PM
U.S. Opioid ODs Cluster in Centers of Poverty
https://ift.tt/2GbtgSA MONDAY, March, 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Poverty may be fueling America's opioid crisis, a new study suggests. Of the more than 515,000 Americans who have died from drug overdoses since 2006, most lived in poor areas where there were few job opportunities, researchers discovered. It turns out that economic and social conditions appear to be driving the geographic differences in overdose rates, with some parts of the country bearing heavier burdens than others, said study author Shannon Monnat, an associate professor of sociology at Syracuse University in New York. "The drug epidemic is a pressing concern among policymakers, but the media portrayal of the drug overdose epidemic has largely been that it is a national crisis, with the common refrain that 'addiction does not discriminate,' " Monnat said. Although this is technically true, some places in the United States have much higher drug death rates than others, she said. "Failure to consider the substantial geographic variation in drug-related mortality rates may lead to failure to target the hardest-hit areas," Monnat added. John Auerbach, president and chief executive officer of the Trust for America's Health, agreed that until poverty and lack of job opportunities are recognized as risk factors, the drug epidemic will continue unabated. "There is a strong correlation between drug use and overdoses and social and economic factors in the lives of people," said Auerbach, who wasn't connected to the study. "As we grapple with opioids, we have to think about more than just treatment and overdose, we also need to think about the social determinants of drug addiction and overdose." According to the new report, the overall rate of overdose deaths in U.S. counties was nearly 17 deaths per 100,000 people. But the rate varied widely, depending on county. In some counties, deaths from drug overdoses topped 100 deaths per 100,000, Monnat found. Places where deaths were highest included clusters in Appalachia, Oklahoma, parts of the Southwest, and northern California. The lowest death rates were seen in parts of the Northeast, the Black Belt in Alabama and Mississippi, Texas, and the Great Plains, Monnat said. Health via WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/ March 27, 2018 at 12:04PM
Most With Very High Cholesterol Missing Right Meds
https://ift.tt/2ujYktN By Robert Preidt HealthDay Reporter MONDAY, March 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Less than 40 percent of American adults with extremely high cholesterol levels get the medications they should, a new study finds. Researchers examined federal government data to assess rates of awareness, screening and the use of cholesterol-lowering statins among adults aged 20 and older with extremely high levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol. The investigators also looked at a subgroup of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder that causes extremely high cholesterol that increases the risk of early heart disease. Rates of cholesterol screening and awareness were high (more than 80 percent) among adults with definite/probable familial hypercholesterolemia and extremely high cholesterol, but only 38 percent of them took statins. Of those who took statins, only 30 percent of patients with extremely high cholesterol had been prescribed a high-intensity statin. Patients in the study least likely to be taking statins included those who were younger, uninsured, and without a regular source of health care. "Young adults may be less likely to think that they are at risk of cardiovascular disease, and clinicians may be less likely to initiate statin therapy in this population," wrote lead author Dr. Emily Bucholz, who's with the department of medicine at Boston Children's Hospital. "It is possible that lifestyle modifications continue to be prescribed as an initial treatment prior to initiating statin therapy," she added. The findings were published March 26 in the journal Circulation. "Markedly elevated levels of 'bad' cholesterol put you at increased risk of developing heart disease and developing it earlier in life," Circulation Editor-in-Chief Joseph Hill said in a journal news release. "If your 'bad' cholesterol is over 190, you should work with your physician regarding optimal drug treatment, in addition to lifestyle changes and management of other risk factors," Hill added. Health via WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/ March 27, 2018 at 12:04PM
New Moms Still Wary of Exposing Infants to Peanuts
https://ift.tt/2pJaabS FRIDAY, March 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Though doctors recommend an early introduction to peanuts, many new moms prefer to delay giving them to their babies, researchers report. Allergy experts now say that infants should be exposed to the allergen by the time they are 4 to 6 months old. "Food allergies are scary, so it's understandable that parents would hesitate to introduce a food they might see as dangerous," said study co-author Dr. Edmond Chan. He is director of the allergy clinic at BC Children's Hospital at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. "Parents should consult with their pediatrician to help walk them through the process of early peanut introduction for their infant," Chan said. For years, doctors instructed parents to delay exposing children to peanuts and other common food allergens, particularly those at high risk for peanut allergy. But this longstanding recommendation was reversed in 2017. Why? Mounting evidence showed that introducing peanuts to high-risk babies early in life could help lower their risk of developing a peanut allergy. The updated guidelines were endorsed by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). But the new survey of 1,000 pregnant women and 1,000 new mothers found that many are still hesitant to give their babies peanut products. "The new guidelines are a breakthrough for preventing peanut allergy," Chan said. "But we're still working on helping parents and pediatricians understand how important the guidelines are for preventing peanut allergies." The study, published March 19 in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, revealed that 53 percent of the women surveyed discounted the importance of the updated guidelines. Study lead author Dr. Matthew Greenhawt said, "Since early peanut introduction is a relatively new idea, we were not surprised to find that more than half of those surveyed said following the guidelines was of no or limited importance." Greenhawt is chair of the ACAAI's Food Allergy Committee, and also co-director of the Children's Hospital Colorado Food Challenge Unit. "We saw that, overall, 61 percent of respondents had no or minimal concern about their child developing a food allergy, and only 31 percent of respondents were willing to introduce peanut-containing foods before or around 6 months," he added in a journal news release. Health via WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/ March 27, 2018 at 12:04PM
Dolls May Comfort People With Alzheimer’s
https://ift.tt/2GdL0so Toy dolls can bring children comfort. And they may provide a similar perk later in life for people with dementia. Two women made news for giving baby dolls to people with different types of memory loss living in a Kentucky nursing home. As the pictures show, the residents seem to enjoy cuddling with their tiny bundles. The concept is not new. Researchers call it “doll therapy,” and it’s meant to help people with moderate to severe types of dementia. Experts say it has pros and cons. Word-of-mouth accounts suggest it might improve a patient’s mood, calm them when they’re agitated, and a give them a sense of companionship, says Ruth Drew, director of information and support services for the Alzheimer's Association. But some people could “become too attached to the doll and experience anxiety if the doll is misplaced, or become so involved in caring for their doll that it becomes a stressful chore for them,” she says. Also, some caregivers may have reservations about giving their adult loved one a toy. They might feel it’s patronizing or demeaning, Drew says. But if you’re open to the idea, it may be worth a try. “We encourage caregivers to explore activities that will best engage the person they are caring for,” she says. “People living with Alzheimer’s -- particularly in the later stages -- can respond to a variety of different interactions or stimuli.” “Though there may never be a robust scientific trial proving the benefits of doll therapy, for those who find comfort, it seems to be a safe way of improving the lives of people with Alzheimer’s,” says Neha Pathak, MD, a medical editor at WebMD. If a doll doesn’t seem like the right choice for your loved one, you could find out if they enjoy “music or art or pets -- even dance,” Drew says. The key is to “find activities that meet the person with the disease where they are in that moment, and help them enjoy life with dignity.” Health via WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/ March 27, 2018 at 11:50AM
Reading With Toddlers Boosts More Than Language
https://ift.tt/2pLp6WY TUESDAY, March 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- All those hours spent reading bedtime stories may pay off for you and your little ones beyond language and brain development: New research suggests it's also good for social and behavioral skills. Evaluating prior studies on parent-child reading in children up to age 6, researchers in Hong Kong found positive effects for both sides in so-called psychosocial functioning, which includes mental well-being, emotions, behavior and relationships with others. "Now we feel more confident to say that reading to children is good for their social and behavior skills," said study author Qian-Wen Xie. She's a doctoral candidate in the University of Hong Kong's department of social work and social administration. "Reading with children is not only for having a smart child, but also for having a happy child and a good parent-child relationship as well," Xie said. Prior research had established a variety of benefits from parent-child book reading, particularly in the areas of language and literacy development. This activity in early childhood also strongly predicts children's brain development and later school achievement, according to the latest study. Xie and her colleagues analyzed 19 prior studies that included nearly 3,300 families. Study designs differed, but focused either on children aged 0 to 3, or 3 to 6. The amount of time children spent reading with parents wasn't factored into results. But all studies that were evaluated included comparisons between parent-child book reading intervention groups who received training, supportive materials or other encouraging services, and control groups that did not. Psychosocial functioning of children and parents was measured using tests of social-emotional adjustment, behavior problems, quality of life, reading interest, stress and/or depression, parenting competence and parent-child relationship, among others. "It involves people's ability to care for themselves or to work, [their] ability to make a positive evaluation of themselves and their lives, or [their] ability to [feel] well-being from meaningful relationships," Xie explained. U.S. experts said they weren't surprised by the findings. "I think it's pretty well-known that reading is one key intervention that can improve language development down the road, and this adds to that," said Dr. David Paul. He's chair of pediatrics at Christiana Care Health System in Wilmington, Del. Health via WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/ March 27, 2018 at 11:50AM
Aging Can Be Tough to Swallow
https://ift.tt/2pLYmF3 By Robert Preidt HealthDay Reporter MONDAY, March 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- It's thought that one-quarter of U.S. adults will develop a swallowing problem at some point. But researchers hope insight from a new study may help lead to improved treatment. Their study looked at the changes that occur in your ability to swallow as you age. The Johns Hopkins University team hopes the findings will help rehabilitation experts design exercises that could help prevent swallowing disorders in at-risk older adults, said Dr. Alba Azola, a Hopkins resident in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The study included 31 adults, ages 62 to 91, with no swallowing problems, and 33 healthy young adults, ages 18 to 28. Both groups underwent an X-ray video test that revealed the mechanics of their swallowing. The test showed how long the windpipe was closed off during a swallow, how long it took to close the airway, and how food was prevented from getting into the lungs. In the older adults, the swallow started later. This meant the food was getting to the throat later, and it took longer for the start of actions to prevent food from getting into the airway, the researchers said in a university news release. That puts older adults at higher risk of food getting into their lungs, which increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia, a condition that can lead to death, the investigators pointed out. While more common among older adults, swallowing problems (dysphagia) can affect younger adults, too. About half of patients diagnosed with dysphagia die within one year of diagnosis, according to Azola's team. Treatments include rehabilitative therapy such as swallowing exercises that include strength training. The findings were presented recently at the annual meeting of the Dysphagia Research Society, in Baltimore. Research released at meetings is generally considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed medical journal. Health via WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/ March 27, 2018 at 11:50AM
Dunkin' Donuts Sneakers Now Exist, Because America Really DOES Run on Dunkin'
https://ift.tt/2GhkH4k Y'all, I'm too freakin' excited about this announcement, so I'm gonna go ahead and cut to the chase: Saucony just teamed up with Dunkin' Donuts to release a colorful doughnut- and coffee-themed running shoe, and it's truly a sight to behold. Created in honor of the 2018 Boston Marathon, the Saucony x Dunkin' Donuts Kinvara 9 sneaker is totally decked out with one-of-a-kind designs that we've never seen on a running shoe before. For starters, the Saucony logos on the sides feature a coffee bean print detailing, and the insoles are covered in images of hot and iced coffees - so you're literally running on Dunkin', as the coffee chain's slogan goes. Orange and pink sprinkle-like accents are plastered on the sides of the shoe to match the brightly colored soles. Our favorite part of these limited-edition kicks? The heels feature a pink frosted doughnut illustration, so you can leave your fellow marathoners in the dust in style. Saucony's new Dunkin' Donuts sneaker is now available for preorder for $120. We suggest snatching up your own pair ASAP because the other doughnut-obsessed marathoners out there are sure to cause a quick sellout. Crack open those piggy banks and then read on to admire the fun kicks from all angles. Health via POPSUGAR Fitness https://ift.tt/2mWxwLI March 27, 2018 at 11:20AM
This Volleyball Star Reveals the Body Pressures of Being a Female Athlete
https://ift.tt/2pL2PYO Victoria Garrick is the libero and cocaptain of USC's women's indoor volleyball team. But when the now-rising senior joined the team her freshman year, the pressures of being an elite athlete soon took a toll on her mental health, leading to depression and an eating disorder. By sharing her story, Victoria hopes to help put an end to the stigma of mental illness and show other female athletes they're not alone. Health via POPSUGAR Fitness https://ift.tt/2mWxwLI March 27, 2018 at 11:03AM |
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