Julie's Health Club

Yes, you can train your child's brain

Tempo — 2009-11-20T20:17:23-06:00

Neuroscientist Lise Eliot (left) writes about what’s nearest and dearest to her heart: Her children and their malleable brains. The result is a compelling perspective on parenting, one that challenges conventional notions of sex differences. Yes, little boys reach for...

Movie theater popcorn under attack

Tempo — 2009-11-19T12:06:26-06:00

Is there a good way to eat popcorn? Last month, Prevention magazine irritated die-hard popcorn fans by naming microwave popcorn to its list of "7 Foods That Should Never Cross Your Lips." Now the Center for Science in the Public...

New Facebook group: End the AAFP-Coke partnership

Tempo — 2009-11-18T15:13:02-06:00

In the wake of the announcement that the American Academy of Family Physicians has partnered with Coca-Cola to educate consumers on healthy beverage choices, several prominent health experts signed and sent a letter of opposition to the AAFP. More than...

Foot pain? Get free advice here

Tempo — 2009-11-17T13:58:07-06:00

A health-care bargain Can Skechers "Shape-ups" shoes really help reduce stress on knee and ankle joints? Should diabetics see a podiatrist? On Wednesday, members of the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association will promptly answer these and other foot-care questions at no...

Exposure to chemical may feminize boys' play

Tempo — 2009-11-16T08:15:32-06:00

Researchers look at whether phthalates can alter brain development Preschool boys exposed in utero to high levels of certain chemicals called phthalates (prounounced "thal-lates") may be less likely to play with male-typical toys and games, such as trucks and play...

Should kids strength train?

Tempo — 2009-11-13T00:00:00-06:00

It's more than lifting weights Jaxon Khanna (left) has been lifting his foam-coated dumbbells since he was 3 years old. Now 5, he can plop down on the bench and complete six or seven presses, using what his father calls...

Health claims: Vitamin E

Tempo — 2009-11-12T11:44:23-06:00

Part of an ongoing series looking at the reality behind health claims THE CLAIM: Can help prevent heart disease and cancer. BUYER BEWARE: Experts no longer believe supplementing diets with Vitamin E might protect against heart disease and cancer after...

Plastic: An essential part of the holidays?

Tempo — 2009-11-11T14:08:53-06:00

Perhaps to shift attention away from the new study showing that exposure to high levels of the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) is linked to sexual dysfunction in men, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) is promoting its “Plastics Makes it Possible” campaign....

How to pick healthy chocolate

Tempo — 2009-11-10T15:04:07-06:00

Drinking skim milk with flavanoid-rich cocoa--better known as chocolate milk--may reduce inflammation, something that could potentially reduce your risk of developing atherosclerosis, according to a new Spanish study. Researchers have previously shown that chocolate can help improve blood flow, lower...

The Silk soy milk switcheroo

Tempo — 2009-11-10T10:40:24-06:00

I didn't notice for months. Did you? Almost a year ago, Dean Foods quietly removed the word "organic " from the popular blue White Wave Silk Vanilla Soymilk carton and replaced it with the words "all natural." The price didn't...

Health Claims: Bioidentical hormones

Tempo — 2009-11-10T00:00:00-06:00

Part of an ongoing series looking at the reality behind health claims THE CLAIM: Bioidentical hormones are a natural way to boost energy, mood and libido and prevent menopause symptoms. BUYER BEWARE: Despite what Suzanne Somers says, doctors currently advise...

Study: Sugary cereal ads target children

Tempo — 2009-11-09T16:19:29-06:00

Kellogg's is pulling immunity claims from its boxes of Cocoa Krispies and Rice Krispies. And thankfully, the Smart Choice logo, which was placed on cereal that had some of the worst nutrition ratings, will be phased out. But parents still...

Bad cereal choices for kids

Tempo — 2009-11-09T16:01:00-06:00

Is it a candy bar or cereal? The least healthy cereals are the ones most marketed to children, according to this report from the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University. The scores, which range from 0...

Health Claims: Resveratrol capsules

Tempo — 2009-11-06T13:42:16-06:00

Part of an ongoing series looking at the reality behind health claims THE CLAIM: Slows the aging process and may help prevent heart disease and cancer. BUYER BEWARE: The evidence is mixed on resveratrol, a chemical that is found in...

Health Claims: Flu fighters

Tempo — 2009-11-04T00:00:00-06:00

Part of an ongoing series looking at the reality behind health claims THE CLAIM: Supplements, pills, inhalers, lozenges, vitamins, air sterilizers, ultraviolet lights, etc., ward off swine flu. BUYER BEWARE: Only two prescription antiviral drugs, Tamiflu and Relenza, are approved...

Recalled supplements may contain steroids

Tempo — 2009-11-03T20:57:59-06:00

Bodybuilding.com, an online forum and store for bodybuilders, has recalled 65 dietary supplements that may contain steroids, according to this press release issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The products in question may contain ingredients that are currently...

Illinois hospital C-section rates released

Tempo — 2009-11-03T14:38:24-06:00

Three of every 10 women have C-sections Cesarean sections are more common than ever in the U.S. But the rate of C-sections varies dramatically between hospitals—and can be as high as 35 percent--according to the 2008 Illinois Department of Public...

Health claims: Full-body CT scans

Tempo — 2009-11-03T00:00:00-06:00

Part of an onging series looking at the reality behind health claims THE CLAIM: Computed tomography (CT) scans, or three-dimensional pictures of the inside of the body, can help detect a disease early enough to be managed or cured. BUYER...

Health claims: Brain trainers

Tempo — 2009-11-02T00:00:00-06:00

Part of an ongoning series looking at the reality behind preventive health claims THE CLAIM: Brain-training software and books can help keep your noodle young and prevent memory loss. BUYER BEWARE: The more active your brain is, the better. Puzzles...

Health claims: Abdominal trainers

Tempo — 2009-11-01T00:00:00-05:00

Part of an ongoing series looking at the reality behind health claims THE CLAIM: Prevents belly bulge by strengthening ab muscles. BUYER BEWARE: Strong abs can help prevent injuries, ward off back pain and improve your posture. But no exercise...