Living Well

Health News: Brains Size May be Linked to Anorexia

2013-09-02T06:41:00.003-07:00

There is now conclusive evidence that teens that have anorexia nervosa also have bigger brains than teens that do not suffer with the disease. Scientists have found that specific areas of the brain – the insula and the orbitofrontal cortex – are larger in anorexics. The insula is the region of the brain that activates when food is tasted and it is also responsible for integrating a person’s body image. This function could possibly contribute to a person’s false perception of being overweight despite the reality of being underweight. The orbitofrontal cortex is responsible for signaling satiety and telling a person when to stop eating. Researchers now believe that the larger-than-average brain volume in these key regions of the brain is the reason that some individuals are able to successfully starve themselves.

Current statistics report that approximately eight million Americans suffer from eating disorders and about one out of every 200 woman is anorexic. Experts agree that anorexia and other eating disorders are oftentimes triggered by environmental factors. But the findings of the recent studies show that there is a possible biological component to the disease, as well. Thus far, no definitive cause-and-effect relationship between brain size and anorexia has been established. But researchers are studying the possibility that brain size may, in fact, predispose some people to anorexia and other eating disorders.

References:

Friederich HC, Walther S, Bendszus M, et al. Grey matter abnormalities within cortico-limbic-striatal circuits in acute and weight-restored anorexia nervosa patients. NeuroImage. 2012;59:1106–1113

Kaye WH, Wagner A, Fudge JL, Paulus M. Neurocircuitry of eating disorders. Curr Topics Behav Neurosci. 2011;6:37–57

Are You Allergic to Wine?

2013-08-24T17:43:00.008-07:00

It's official. Drinking a moderate amount of wine can be a healthy choice. Not only does a good wine pair nicely with beef and fish, but wine is chock full of heart-healthy antioxidants. But it's still not for everybody. Researchers in Germany have discovered that there is a large population of people that have a subclinical intolerance to red wine. And there is a smaller population that exhibits full-blown allergic symptoms.

Allergy vs. Intolerance

Out of 950 participants in the study, 25% were determined to have a full-blown allergy to red wine. Reported symptoms were along the lines of hot, flushed skin, moderate to severe diarrhea, and abnormally runny nose. About 75 people in the allergic group reported more serious symptoms like intestinal cramps, shortness of breath, and vomiting.

Those who were deemed intolerant had much milder symptoms such as headache, mild muscle pain, and slight sinus inflammation
.
What Causes an Allergic Reaction to Red Wine?

Scientists don't know for sure what causes a person to be allergic to red wine, but they suspect a certain protein called lipid transfer protein - a recognized allergen present in the skin of grapes. Another theory involves a protein that is produced by grapes as a defense mechanism against fungal infections. Still other researchers suspect that the proteins that are produced by the fermentation process itself could be the culprits.

Interestingly, most people who exhibited allergic symptoms or did not tolerate red wine well did not have any problem when they ate any variety of whole grapes.

The study did have some good news for wine lovers though. It seems that many people in the study who were intolerant began to develop a tolerance the more they drank red wine. The other bit of good news is that even most of those who were severely allergic to red wine were able to tolerate white wine well.
References:

Wigand, P., Blettner, M., Saloga, J., and Decker, H. 2012. Prevalence of wine intolerance: results of a survey from Mainz, Germany. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International 109 (25): 437-444.

How Paula Deen Lost Over 30 Pounds

2013-08-10T11:00:00.001-07:00

The news has been abuzz over Paula Deen's weight loss recently. And there is good reason for that. The celebrity chef has lost a ton of weight and improved her health - despite being diabetic and in her mid 60's. All in all, she is truly an inspiration for those who struggle with their weight. But how did she do it? According to Paula, it was relatively small lifestyle changes that made the biggest difference.

Paula Deen, famous for her use of butter and bacon in the kitchen, was diagnosed with type II diabetes in 2008. At first she admits that she was in denial, but in the last couple of years she has come to grips with the disease and made the decision to tweak her lifestyle in order to improve her health. And she has done just that.

Deen's plan is based on common sense and involves the use of moderation. She says she still eats comfort food, but not all she wants and not every day. In a nutshell, she has replaced her "all you can eat" philosophy with the healthier "eat a normal-sized portion" philosophy. And by changing the architecture of her plate at meal times, she has been very successful. Half of her plate is filled greens or other veggies and the other half consists of a fistful of protein and a fistful of carbs. Paula says that one of the hardest things that she has had to do without is her beloved sweet tea (southerners can identify with this.)

For most of the week, she doesn't eat fried food at all and replaces decadent desserts with sugar-free ice cream or fruit. However, Paula still reserves one day a week to cook and eat whatever she wants. As far as exercise goes, she has made a habit of walking for 30 minutes a day. Sounds easy, right? Well, Paula admits that her new found lifestyle took some getting used to. But as we all know, "the proof is in the pudding." Not only has she lost roughly 40 pounds to date, but her husband and two sons have also lost significant amounts of weight by following her lead. And Paula is quick to encourage others to take control of their health, as well. As Paula says, "If the Deens can do it, anybody can."

Healthy Recipes: Pasta with Parsley Walnut Pesto

2013-08-10T10:50:00.002-07:00

This easy pasta dish uses parsley pesto for sauce instead of the traditional basil pesto. And did you know that parsley is chock full of healthful nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K? Give this easy recipe a try and see if it doesn't become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients:

16 oz. thin spaghetti
1 bunch flat-leaf parsley, cut from stems
1/4 cup toasted walnuts (pecans or almonds can be substituted)
1/4-1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
5 cloves of garlic, peeled
Salt to taste
1 or 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

Instructions:

Prepare pasta according to package directions.
In a food processor, process parsley, salt, walnuts, lemon juice and garlic.
With food processor running, drizzle in olive oil until mixture is the consistency that you like.
Serve over hot pasta.

Healthy Recipes: Cucumber Basil Lemonade

2013-08-10T10:48:00.001-07:00

Need a way to beat the summer heat? Try this instantly refreshing beverage using seasonal produce that is easily found in local supermarkets.

Ingredients:
1/4 to 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1 cup sugar (you can use sugar substitute or honey if desired)
4-6 lemons, juiced
1 large cucumber, juiced
Cold water

Instructions:

Heat about a cup of water to boiling and pour over basil leaves.
Let basil steep until cool. Strain.
Juice 4-6 lemons and 1 large cucumber into a pitcher.
Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
Add cooled basil tea and stir.
Pour in cold water as needed to adjust for strength and sweetness.

Healthy Recipes: Watermelon Lemonade

2013-08-10T06:19:00.004-07:00

Here in Houston, it's just hot! So why not take advantage of the beautiful ripe produce flooding the grocery stores and farmer's markets and make some refreshing watermelon lemonade?

While it may have a little sugar in it, watermelon lemonade is pretty healthy. All red fruits like watermelon, tomatoes, and pink grapefruit contain lycopene - a phytonutrient that is important for cardiovascular health.
Lemon juice, too, has many health benefits. For starters, it is very high in vitamin C. It's important to get vitamin C daily because our bodies cannot store it. In addition, fresh lemon juice purifies the blood, cleans the kidneys, and help clear out the digestive tract.So let's get started with that refreshing watermelon lemonade:

Ingredients:

1 4-5 pound watermelon
3 cups water (add more or less as needed)
1 cup sugar (adjust for sweetness as necessary)
1 1/2 cups lemon juice (you will need about 6-8 lemons)

Directions:

Cut the watermelon up into cubes.
Run through a juicer. Alternatively, you can blend up the fruit and strain to get the juice.
Put sugar and water in a saucepan. Stir to dissolve sugar. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Let cool completely.
Juice lemons.
Combine watermelon juice, lemon juice, and cooled syrup in a large pitcher.
Stir well and serve ice cold.

Taking Care of Aging Hair

2013-08-10T06:07:00.000-07:00

As you add decades to your life, your hair does a number of strange things. Fluctuating hormones, the environment, and normal aging can cause your hair to become dryer and grayer. It can even change texture, becoming finer or more coarse. Here are a few tips that can help you retain shiny, bouncy, youthful-looking hair:

Protection from the sun. Just like other parts of your body, your hair needs to be protected from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Use a product that is infused with sunscreen like John Masters Organics Natural Mineral Sunscreen for hair.

Vitamin therapy. Yes, the vitamins you take affect your hair and skin and you definitely should take a multivitamin every day. But topical application of vitamins is important to hair, as well. Choose hair cleansers that are rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E. And your shampoo should not contain sulfate which strips hair of natural oil. Try Burt's Bees Super Shiny Mango Shampoo.

Caffeine for thinning hair. It's normal to lose up to about 100 strands of hair a day. But as people age, they begin to see more hair loss. The solution? Topical applications of caffeine have been shown to reduce hair loss and help hair grow back quicker. Why not give Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo a try?

Healthy Halloween: Nix the Candy and Start a New Tradition

2012-10-27T09:14:00.001-07:00

Halloween trick-or-treating is an annual activity that children of all ages enjoy. But sugar consumption in our society is at an all-time high and many parents are concerned about the health effects of consuming large quantities of candy. Why not start a new tradition and replace candy with these alternatives?

Stickers

What kid doesn’t love stickers? Not only are they very inexpensive, but you can find them in nearly any store in an array of different designs. They can also be purchased in large quantities from online suppliers. Large pages of stickers can be cut into smaller sections so that they fit neatly into Halloween treat bags.

School Supplies

For a useful Halloween treat, try packing your trick-or-treater’s bags with school supplies. Halloween-themed pens, pencils, and erasers are a practical alternative to sugary candy. Even if they are not Halloween-themed, supplies such as glue sticks, small notepads, and crayons make great treats.

Party Prizes

Candy and sweets need not be the focus at Halloween. It’s easy to replace unhealthy snacks with fun toys such as vampire teeth, spider rings, cans of spray web, bouncy balls, glow bracelets, and bottles of bubbles.

Books

Books are always a great gift. Buy a box of miscellaneous seasonal, coloring, and activity books and let the kids pick out which one they want.

Puzzles

Look for small puzzles at discounted prices at drug stores and supermarkets throughout the year and give them out at Halloween.

This Halloween explore some creative options for treats that fall outside of the conventional candy offerings. You’ll feel much better knowing that you are part of starting a new, healthier Halloween tradition.

Foods That Prevent Flu

2012-09-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

The Center for Disease Control says that up to 20% of the population comes down with colds and the flu every year. And about 200,000 of those have to be hospitalized. Fortunately, nature has provided us with many foods that can decrease your chances of getting the flu in the first place.

The Importance of a Good Immune System

Unfortunately, many viruses associated with the flu cannot be treated with antibiotics. The best weapon against the flu virus is the body's own immune system. That's one reason why it's important to maintain a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables. Here are some foods known for their ability to build immunity:

Garlic. Like onions, shallots, chives and leeks, garlic contains a powerful compound known as allicin which has powerful medicinal properties. Adding garlic to your everyday cooking can help build your immune system in a substantial way.

Spinach. This is a true super food. One cup of spinach gives you 377% of your vitamin A requirements, as well as supplying you with vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc. In addition to adding a handful to salads, you can also use it instead of lettuce on sandwiches.

Red Bell Pepper. Talk about vitamin C! Red bell pepper more than any fruit. On top of that, it is rich in vitamin A, as well. Eat them on salads, sandwiches, or lightly saute them and add them to fajitas.

Green tea. Less processed than its black tea cousin, green tea is brimming with antioxidants. Studies show that drinking green tea builds immunity and fights the cold and flu viruses that might be lingering.

September is "Better Breakfast Month"

2012-09-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

September is the time for a lot of things. It's usually when the kids go back to school. The weather starts to cool down. And it's the start of NFL football, as well. But did you know that September is "Better Breakfast Month"?

There have been numerous studies done touting breakfast as the most important meal. In fact, a quarter of our daily calorie allotment should be taken in at breakfast time. A good breakfast should consist of a carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fat.

Breaking the fast

When we sleep at night, our bodies use up the carbohydrate reserves from the previous day. Upon waking, we need to eat. If we don't eat breakfast, we are forcing our bodies to break down our existing muscle tissue for energy.

Here are some ideas for a simple and delicious breakfast:

Whole wheat waffles with peanut butter and a small bowl of blueberries.
Oatmeal topped with fresh fruit and 8 oz. of low-fat, low-sugar yogurt.
A bagel with cream cheese and a banana.

Healthy Recipes: Crispy Microwave Potato Chips

2012-08-20T04:15:00.000-07:00

Even though potato chips are classified as junk food, this recipe is one of the healthiest ways to make them. To get your chips crisp in the microwave, slice your potatoes very thinly. The key to getting your potatoes sliced very thinly is to use a mandolin. You don’t need an expensive one – a basic model costs about $40. But be sure and get one with a guard to protect your fingers.

Typically you would use russet potatoes, but sweet potatoes work just as well.

Ingredients:

Potatoes

Spray oil

Sea salt

Pepper

Process:

Slice potatoes very thinly.

Wash with cold water; drain.

Dry potato slices on paper toweling.

Lay out potato slices in one layer on a microwave-safe plate that has been sprayed with oil.

Spray the top of potatoes with oil as well.

Cook in small batches on high for about 2 minutes.

Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper.

Are Diet Sodas Making You Fat?

2012-06-28T06:49:00.001-07:00

Americans consume a lot of high-sugar beverages, so you would think that replacing those beverages with non-caloric diet drinks would help people lose weight. Not so according to nutrition experts. In fact, many studies show that diet drinks have the opposite effect.

Recent studies published in Diabetes Care and Obesity show that diet soda drinkers have a substantially higher risk of becoming obese, developing type 2 diabetes, and suffering from the complications caused by metabolic syndrome.

At the end of a 10-year study conducted by the University of Texas, researchers found that the waist circumference of diet soda drinkers was significantly larger than subjects who abstained from diet drinks.

These aren’t the only studies highlighting the risks of sugar-substituted drinks. Other studies have positively correlated a daily diet soda habit to a higher risk for stroke and heart attack. And UK researchers recently found that diet sodas can dull the taste buds which, in turn, cause people to crave even more sweets.

Switching to diet drinks has not proven to be a good weight loss strategy. In fact, studies indicate that habitually consuming sugar-substituted drinks can lead to abnormal weight gain.

Original Articles. Constant-Content.

Healthy Recipes: Strawberry Watermelon Cooler

2012-06-22T15:15:00.003-07:00

Here in Houston, the temperatures are starting to climb along with the humidity. In that kind of weather, it's very important to keep your body cool and hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids is the key. You don't, however, have to resort to high-sugar carbonated drinks to fit the bill. There are plenty of healthy options for drinks that include fresh fruit and even vegetables. You can easily dress up plain water with slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber for an extra refreshing beverage. Here is another great beverage that is sure to be a hit:

Strawberry watermelon cooler

Ingredients:

2 cups organic strawberries, washed and stems removed
1 cup organic watermelon, seeds removed and cut into chunks
1 cup crushed ice
2 tablespoons stevia
splash of ginger-ale
fresh mint for garnish

Preparation:

In a blender, combine strawberries, watermelon, ice, and stevia. Puree until smooth. Pour into glasses and top with a splash of ginger-ale and a twig of mint. Enjoy!

Original Articles. Constant-Content.

The ABCD's of Skin Cancer Detection

2012-06-13T05:48:00.001-07:00

Now that it's summer, it's time for tanks, tees, shorts, and sundresses, but it's also time to examine your body for blotches and blemishes that may not have been there last season.

Early detection of skin cancer is one way to arrest it in its early stages. Oftentimes, a dermatologist can remove a malignancy on the skin it has not spread with no further complications.

So how do you know if the mole that’s been there forever is malignant? The American Cancer Society has set forth some guidelines that you can use to determine if you should be worried. Take a closer look at the spot in question and apply these criteria:

The letter A stands for asymmetry. An asymmetrical spot is a red flag. Some dermatologists recommend taking a marker and drawing through the center of your mole and examining both sides. If each side looks the same they are symmetrical. If they don’t, make an appointment.

The letter B stands for border. Can you tell definitively where your freckle begins and ends or are the borders blurry and ill-defined. Most skin cancers have irregular borders.

The letter C stands for color. Benign moles are usually only one color. If you detect a multicolored spot that has various shades of red, black, or brown, plan to have it looked at soon.

The letter D stands for diameter. If the size of your spot is the size of a pencil eraser or has grown over the last year or so, see your dermatologist.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

2012-06-01T03:09:00.000-07:00

As the weather heats up, this light summer salad is perfect for lunch or supper.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

¼ cup sugar

½ cup olive oil

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon minced onion

1 10 oz. bag fresh spinach

1 quart strawberries, cleaned and hulled

Red onion, cut into rings (optional)

Preparation:

Whisk together everything but the spinach, strawberries, and red onion. Set dressing in the refrigerator to chill for about an hour. In a large bowl, toss together strawberries, spinach, and dressing. Arrange red onion rings over top, if desired.

Tip: An easy way to mince onion is to use a grater.

Food as Medicine: Farmer's Markets inside Houston Hospitals

2012-04-13T12:32:00.001-07:00

Many hospitals and clinics have pharmacies in their facilities, but how about a farmer’s market?Apparently, some doctors are catching on to the idea that good nutrition is as important as medicine.
The Harris County Hospital District that serves Houston and the surrounding areas is one of a handful of health organizations across the country that has integrated farmer’s markets into their facilities.
Partnering with, Veggie Pals, a non-profit organization, doctor’s offices and hospitals can offer .......

Continue reading on Examiner.com Food as medicine: Farmer's markets inside Houston hospitals - Houston life coach | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/life-coach-in-houston/food-as-medicine-farmer-s-markets-inside-houston-hospitals?cid=db_articles#ixzz1rwzDSs1F

Lowering Blood Pressure Naturally

2012-04-11T05:51:00.002-07:00

We’ve all heard that lower blood pressure is better. And most people correctly associate high blood pressure with an increased risk for heart attack or stroke. But most people don’t realize that high blood pressure is also a major risk factor for kidney damage, Alzheimer’s disease, and congestive heart failure. Yes, there are medications that can lower blood pressure, but they can have serious side effects that can be quite troubling. It pays to know how to lower blood pressure naturally.

The obvious advice to lower your blood pressure numbers has to do with diet: eat more fruits and vegetables and lower your salt intake. Here are a few other things to keep in mind for naturally lower blood pressure:

Reduce your

.................read more

Black Bean, Raspberry Chipotle Salsa

2012-02-02T09:53:00.000-08:00

Using already prepared ingredients, this recipe is a snap to put together and makes a delicious and nutritious dip for chips or topping for tacos.

Ingredients:

1 15 oz. can of black beans, drained

1 15 oz. can of whole kernel corn, drained

1 12 oz. package prepared pico de gallo (found in the produce section)

2 Tablespoons raspberry chipotle sauce (can most often be found with the marinades in grocery stores)

Additional fresh jalapeno, chopped (optional)

Process:

Simply combine all ingredients in a large bowl. You won’t believe how simple and delicious this dish is. It’s versatile as well. Use it to top omelets, in cold rice or pasta salads, or serve as an appetizer on endive leaves or romaine lettuce spears.

Who Benefits From You Lowering Your Cholesterol Levels?

2012-02-01T07:42:00.000-08:00

How surprised would you be to find out that people with higher cholesterol levels live longer? After you get over the initial shock of this seemingly absurd statement and clear your mind of the societal brainwashing that has taken place, maybe you can begin to understand the integral role that cholesterol plays in human health.

A Few Facts about Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a substance that belongs to a group of chemical compounds known as lipids. Throughout the human body, cholesterol is used in many capacities such as building cell membranes and insulating nerve tissue. It is also needed to produce hormones that act as regulators for specific biological functions such as digesting fat. Cholesterol is manufactured in the liver and a person need not consume food containing cholesterol for the body to produce what it requires. Interestingly, the body regulates its cholesterol levels automatically. If a diet high in cholesterol-containing foods is consumed, the liver produces less. If a person ....read more

Low-Carb Portobello Pizza

2012-01-31T11:25:00.000-08:00

Portabello mushrooms are often used as a meat substitute, but in this recipe they are used in place of the pizza crust. If you like mushrooms, this is a great way to eat pizza the low-carb way.

Ingredients:

Large portobello mushrooms

Spaghetti or pizza sauce

Mozzarella cheese

Oil or Italian dressing

Garlic salt

Pizza toppings (hamburger, pepperoni, olives, onions, etc.)

Garlic Salt

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wipe mushrooms with a paper towel and remove stems with a sharp knife.

Brush gill side and cap side of mushroom with Italian dressing or oil. Sprinkle with garlic salt. Place on lightly greased baking pan and bake gill side down for about 8-10 minutes.

Remove from oven. Flip mushrooms over so that the cap side is down. With a spoon, spread desired amount of sauce on mushroom. Top with your favorite pizza topping and cheese.

Return to the oven and broil for about a minute or until cheese is bubbly.

What's Wrong with Size 10?

2012-01-23T09:43:00.000-08:00

What’s Wrong With Size 10?

“Everybody is unique. Compare not yourself with anybody else lest you spoil God’s curriculum.” — Baal Shem Tov

What do you think of the size and shape of your body? If your answer is less than positive, you are in good company. Upwards of 85% of women of all sizes think they should be smaller. And women aren’t the only ones with poor body image. About 45% of men are not satisfied either. One of the culprits in this growing body image epidemic is the unrealistic portrayal of the perfect body by the media. And due to technological advances, we are now able to digitally slim, airbrush, or otherwise alter people’s looks in photographs and videos, making the idealistic body even more mythical and impractical for the average person to obtain.

If it’s true that most women never acquire the pencil-thin figure of runway models and most men won’t ever achieve the muscle upon muscle look portrayed on the magazine covers, then why does that standard continue to permeate our society? That’s a good question and one worth examining.

Three Words – Large, Profitable Industry

The fashion industry, the cosmetic industry, and the diet industry are just a few of the commercial markets that profit from making people want what they probably won’t ever get. After all, if the media can shame you into believing that you are not the right size, then you might feel so bad about yourself that you.............read more

The History and Health Benefits of Flaxseed

2012-01-16T14:35:00.000-08:00

With health benefits ranging from fighting heart disease to certain types of cancer, flaxseed is fast becoming the newest wonder food.

The history of flaxseed

Purportedly, the oldest textile fiber used by humans was flax evidenced by 10,000 year old Turkish excavations and other architectural finds. The medicinal use of flaxseed also dates back thousands of years. Ancient Romans, Greeks and Egyptians used flaxseed as anti-inflammatory agents as well as for gastro-intestinal issues. In his encyclopedia of natural science entitled Historia Naturalis, Pliny the Elder (AD 23-79), a Roman naturalist, included thirty used for flaxseed.

Civilizations in Asia also held flaxseed in high esteem. Recordings in China indicate the use of flaxseed as a treatment for dry skin and constipation. Indian Ayervedic practitioners recommended flaxseed for the treatment of...........read more

Leftover Turkey Recipes

2012-01-04T09:18:00.000-08:00

Do you need a unique and super healthy way to use up that leftover turkey? These two recipes use bok choy, or Chinese white cabbage which is a delicious vegetable similar to celery that is rich in nutrients. As well as being filling and satisfying, bok choy is very high in a number of vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid and calcium.

Bok Choy and Turkey Stir-fry

Ingredients:

1 cup leftover cooked turkey or chicken, diced or cubed

1-2 Tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil

2 cloves minced garlic

1 Tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

Black pepper to taste

1 head of bok choy, chopped

½ cup chicken broth

¼ cup soy sauce

To prepare:

Heat the oil in skillet over medium heat.

Add ginger, garlic, pepper, turkey and bok choy and stir fry for a couple of minutes.

In another bowl, whisk together chicken broth and soy sauce. Add to bok choy mixture in skillet and continue to stir fry for another 3-4 minutes or until bok choy is tender.

Regular cabbage can be substituted for bok choy.

This recipe is delicious served hot over rice or noodles.

Crunchy Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

1 pound cooked chicken or turkey, diced or cubed

1 whole head bok choy

1 bunch of green onions

½ cup dried cranberries

Handful of cilantro

Handful of walnuts

Dressing:

Drizzle of olive oil or sesame oil

Juice of 1 whole lemon

1 tablespoon of honey

Fresh ginger to taste

Crushed red pepper to taste

Salt to taste

Coarse ground black pepper to taste

To prepare:

Dice turkey and chop bok choy and green onions very finely. Chop nuts and cranberries. Chop cilantro. Toss together in a bowl.

Put all .......read more

Houston doctor invents new technique for repairing injured rotator cuffs

2011-12-30T17:56:00.000-08:00

You don’t have to be an athlete to injure your rotator cuff. In fact, every year about 2 million people tear one of the four muscles located in the shoulder.

With conventional techniques of repairing rotary cuff tears, patients have about a 45% healing rate, but Dr. Marc Labbe, an orthopedic surgeon in Houston, has come up with a better technique for repairing rotary cuff tears that increases healing rates to about 85%. With his improved technique, Dr. Labbe uses a graft during surgery to add strength to the repaired muscle.

"It's kind of like patching the elbow on your coat or the knee on your jeans. We've got the normal repair, so you've got the tendon attaching to the bone, and then on top of that, we've got this extra patch of material," explains Dr. Labbe.

Dr. Labbe says that the grafting technique is ......read more

Natural Migraine Remedies: Exercise

2011-12-21T07:55:00.000-08:00

For a large portion of the population, a headache is not just a simple condition that can be remedied with a dose of over-the-counter pain medication - it's more of a nightmare that can last for days. While there are more and more migraine medications being developed each year, many people are looking for a more natural solution.

Exercise

Although doctors and other health experts have been recommending exercise for the prevention of migraines for a long time, there is now a study from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden that suggests that exercise may be just as effective as taking some medications at treating and preventing migraine headaches.

Exercise works to reduce tension and stress which are well-known triggers for migraines. Exercise is also responsible for the release of endorphins which act as a mild sedative.