ARE "POT BELLIES" DANGEROUS?

Yes, they are!  Are you aware that a waist larger than 40 inches in men or 35 inches in women actually doubles the risk of dying of a heart attack or stroke?  Dr. Elizabeth Klodas, a cardiologist in Minneapolis, stated, "Abdominal fat changes the way our bodies work in profound ways."  Abdominal fat is different than the fat that just collects under the skin.  Excess abdominal fat sits deeper and hugs organs, produces hormones and other substances that increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, and dementia.  Dr. Klodas continues by saying, "This type of fat accumulation is a health emergency."  The experts suggest a good start on de-jellying the belly is to avoid empty calories from sodas, sports drinks, and beer.  I'm sure you have heard the term, "beer belly."  Guess what; research shows that beer lovers' nightly drinking really does cause a big unhealthy belly.

Personal notes:

1. Digestive problems can and do cause a large waist.  As most of my readers know, I have had serious digestive problems for many years.  This in itself is need for medical treatment!  I have often had a large middle that is hard as a rock.  That is not fat but should be under the care of a good gastroenterologist.  I have actually had major bowel surgery and woke up with thick bandages and still my waist was smaller than when I went in for surgery.  Digestive problems are another matter from the above but definitely need medical attention.
2. The above article mentions empty calories.  There are extensive articles on this site regarding empty calories and active calories.  One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to read these articles and be sure you are eating active calories everyday if not every meal!

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DIABETICS AND FOOD

Today's post is a quote from diabetic specialist Richard K. Bernstein, M.D.  Dr. Bernstein stated, "Just because you're diabetic doesn't mean you can't eat well.  In fact, you are likely to eat better than the average person who hustles a bagel or donut for breakfast, scrounges fast food for lunch, then does whatever for dinner."  I so agree with Dr. Bernstein!  In fact I titled my diabetic blog, "Diabetic Enjoying Food," because I do enjoy food.  I grew up in Southern Indiana farm country.  One thing I have always loved is good food.  Yes, I have had to make adjustments to my diet now that I am a diabetic but through much research I have found that I can eat healthy and it still tastes good.  In fact, often things taste even better prepared the way I do things now.  So if you are a newly diagnosed diabetic, take heart.  You have not been condemned to a lifetime of tasteless awful meals.  If you want some good recipes, please check out my above-mentioned blog at http://diabeticenjoyingfood.blogspot.com

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PROTECT AGAINST SKIN CANCER

Yes, I know this post has nothing to do with the kitchen and/or food, but it is always timely advice. I lost a friend last year to skin cancer and have another friend who has been in a real battle for months fighting this deadly disease. The thing is skin cancer can so easily be prevented by taking precautions when in the sun. I have never had skin cancer, thank God, but I have survived both breast and colon cancers and currently have an incurable type of leukemia. I strongly encourage you to do everything you can to prevent cancer of any type.

According to researchers in Australia who followed more than 1,600 adults for over a decade, one could reduce the risk of getting melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 50% by using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 16 daily on the head, neck, arms, and hands.

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IS YOUR CHILD'S STIFF NECK MENINGITIS?

Hearing about meningitis in their child's school can be very frightening for parents. Here is some advice from doctors for parents in that situation.   Doctors warn you should go to the ER immediately if your child complains of a stiff neck, headache, and has a high fever.  While meningitis is rare it is very serious.  Most children today are vaccinated against the disease but while doctors used to think the vaccine lasted 10 years, they now believe it lasts only 5 years.  Dr. Sandra A. Fryhofer, past president of the American College of Physicians, stated that one minute you think you kid has the flu; the next she's comatose."  Dr. Ari Brown, a pediatrician in Austin, Texas added, "But if your child can look up at the ceiling, down at his toes, and isn't bothered by light, he probably does not have meningitis."  Dr. Fryhofer added that any child can get meningitis but high school and college students are most likely to get it as they share everything including drinks, kisses, clothes, etc.

It is a good idea to check shot records to be sure your child's vaccination is up-to-date and if they are in school or college, chances are it is.

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WEIGHT LOSS AND VEGGIES

This is a weight loss tip that is very easy. One of the easiest weight loss tips is to eat more vegetables! However, there is more to that tip. We are talking raw, steamed, lightly sauteed etc. Drenching in butter, frying in unhealthy oils, etc can ruin the process.

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DON'T SKIP MEALS

Many people think that when dieting or going to a party or big dinner where they will want to eat more than usual, they should skip a meal.  This is so wrong.  Eat regular meals every day.  Skipping meals invites craving and binges.  When you skip a meal, you will be more hungry and less able to control your eating at special occasions.  Skipping meals can also cause drops and spikes in your blood sugar. You also need to eat regularly to keep your metabolism revved up and working properly.

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FOODS YOU CAN EAT UNTIL FULL - PART 2

Previously I posted a list of foods that are "negative calorie foods."  In other words, you use up more calories digesting these foods than they contain.  Remember this though, when you add fats, sugars, etc, you change the calorie count.  However, most of these foods are good without adding anything.  Here are some additions to the previous list:

•  Bananas
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Cherries
• Grapefruit
• Grapes
• Melons
• Oranges
• Spinach

 Add these raw foods to your diet when you try to lose those holiday pounds. Bananas are an example.

FOODS YOU CAN EAT UNTIL FULL

Are you constantly watching how much you eat, always on a diet, and always hungry?  Well take heart, there are foods you can eat until you are full without gaining weight.  In fact, most vegetables, fruits, grains, etc fall into this category.  Now remember, we are talking foods eaten raw, steamed, or prepared without added fat, frying, etc.  The following is a partial list of what are known as negative calorie foods; foods that you can eat without adding calories and thus weight gain to your body.  In other words, your body uses up whatever calories it takes in just to digest these foods.

• apples (not apple pie; raw apples!)
• black beans
• broccoli
• carrots
• celery
• cucumbers
• grapes
• kidney beans
• lettuce
• oatmeal
• whole-grain pasta
• pineapple
• brown rice
• tomatoes

Again, this is a partial list but I'm sure you get the idea.

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MIGRAINES ARE NOT 'JUST A HEADACHE'

 As any migraine sufferer can tell you, a migraine is more than just a headache. Anyone who's never had one wouldn't understand how awful one can be. According to Dr. Lawrence C. Newman, director of the Division of Headache at NYU Langone Health in NYC and chair of the American Migraine Foundation, "A migraine is a valid neurologic condition and can last anywhere from a few hours to three days." Dr. Newman suggests that because the migraine brain is so sensitive to change that sufferers should try to establish regular sleep cycles and avoid sleeping in on weekends. They should sleep the same number of hours each day. If you have a severe headache, it should be checked out by a physician as it may be a migraine or other serious condition.

AVOCADOS ARE HIGH IN POTASSIUM

If you need to increase the potassium in your diet, you may want to eat more avocado. In addition to its' other benefits, most are surprised to learn that avocados have more potassium than bananas.

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