Category Archives: Health Facts

Antibiotics Instead of Surgery for Appendicitis?

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Greg Asseff

A surgical procedure is by far the most common approach to treating appendicitis, however, it does not have to be according to a recently published appendicitis antibiotic treatment study conducted in the United Kingdom.

The researchers behind the study concluded that antibiotics may be effective in lieu of removing the appendix entirely, potentially eliminating the need for surgery altogether.

The appendix is similar to a small pouch and is shaped like a small finger. The appendix is located on the right side of the abdomen and is connected to the colon. In addition, to this day, medical experts are unsure of what the actual purpose of the appendix is. Appendicitis is defined as a condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed, swollen, and filled with fluid (pus).

Posted in Health, Health Facts, Medical, News, Studies | 26 Comments

3 Scientifically-Proven Ways to Curb Children’s Soda Consumption

Posted on April 6, 2012 by Greg Asseff

With today’s lifestyles tending to be fairly hectic and busy, it’s hard for many individuals to find the time to complete all of the items, chores, and responsibilities related to being a parent that is present, involved in their children’s daily lives, and still find the time for rest and relaxation.

Included in this is the challenge of routinely preparing healthy and nutritious meals for not only your children, but yourself as well. This can be witnessed by the fact that both childhood and adult obesity has drastically risen over the past 20 years.

There are two primary reasons for this increase in obesity: the lack of regular physical activity and dietary habits that are filled with consistently consuming high calorie processed foods that are high in fat.

This being said, as a concerned parent, you’ve probably given thought to ways in which you can consistently prepare healthier meals and eliminate the various foods and beverages that are nutritionally deficient and calorically prohibitive. One such beverage that you have probably considered is soda pop. After all, soda for kids consists of little more than sugar, artificial flavorings and empty calories, and its caffeine content can make children hyperactive during the day and irritable as bedtime approaches.

Posted in Diet, Food, Health, Health Facts, News, Nutrition, Parenting, Studies | 2 Comments

Berries Reduce Parkinsons Risk in Men and Women

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Greg Asseff

There has been countless reports detailing the health benefits of what are being defined as superfruits – exotic fruits such as gogi berries, acai berries and pomegranates that contain extremely high levels of antioxidants. However, antioxidants are not the only beneficial compounds that are found in berries.

Berries also contain flavonoids. Flavonoids are defined as plant-based compounds that contain powerful antioxidant properties which support reductions in inflammation, promote healthy arteries, and assist in combating the effects of aging by preventing and repairing cellular damage.

According to a newly published study, flavonoids may assist in, among several of health and wellness benefits, reducing the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease in both men and women.

The researchers behind the study believe that flavonoids, found in red wine and certain types of tea in addition to berries, may provide significant benefits to overall human health.

Posted in Diet, Food, Health, Health Facts, Medical, Men, Mental Health, News, Nutrition, Studies, Women | 2,549 Comments

CDC: Most Americans Get Plenty of Vitamins and Minerals

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Greg Asseff

Although obesity and malnourishment continue to be important issues in the U.S., a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has some good news: most Americans receive sufficient levels of essential vitamins and minerals, despite the fact that our diets can be questionable overall. In fact, the report states that less than 10% of individuals are deficient for the vast majority of nutrients.

At the same time, CDC researchers warned that deficiency rates vary according to a number of factors, including ethnicity, gender and age. Christine Pfeiffer, one of the lead researchers behind the recently published study conducted by the CDC National Center for Environmental Health, said that the medical community needs to increase their effort to reign in the highest nutrient deficiency rates.

Posted in Diet, Food, Health, Health Facts, Medical, News, Nutrition, Studies | 14 Comments

Carcinogenic Chemical Isolated in Smokeless Tobacco

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Greg Asseff

It’s long been known that chemicals in smokeless tobacco (aka “chewing tobacco,” “snuff,” “dip” or “chew”) can lead to oral cancer, but until recently, it was unclear as to exactly which were specifically carcinogenic.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota has changed this. The researchers believe that they’ve isolated the primary carcinogen in smokeless tobacco, a chemical known as (S)-NNN, or (S)-N’-nitrosonornicotine.

Silvia Balbo, the lead cancer researcher behind the study, said that her study officially confirms that (S)-NNN is the only known carcinogenic chemical present in smokeless tobacco. Future studies will determine whether additional chemicals in snuff are carcinogenic as well.