Monthly Archives: September 2014

Caffeine-Infused Underwear and 7 Other Bizarre Weight Loss Products

Posted on September 30, 2014 by Greg Asseff

Let’s face it: weight loss is hard. Diet and exercise takes time, commitment and willpower. And with so many people trying to lose weight, it’s no surprise that marketers have been trying to sell people shortcuts for years. Most people know that weight loss products as crazy as say, tapeworms, are way too dangerous and ineffective to attempt using (although it still happens in rare cases). However, there have been tons of bizarre weight loss products over the years that have been less risky but no more effective. Even just this week, the Federal Trade Commission had to put a stop to two companies that were manufacturing caffeine-infused underwear such as leggings, bras and girdles. The companies, Norm Thompson Outfitters and Wacoal America, were charged with deceptive advertising, as they promised “slimming and firming” within a month but had no evidence to backup those claims. Customer refunds will total around $1.5 million.

Posted in Diet, Exercise, Food, Health, News, Nutrition, Weight Loss | 8,004 Comments

Varicose Vein Treatment: Top Three Methods Equally Effective

Posted on September 25, 2014 by Greg Asseff

Anyone suffering from varicose veins knows how annoying and painful they can be. The twisted, enlarged veins often develop in the legs and feet, usually appearing as blue-green cords that bulge beneath the skin. Varicose veins are merely a cosmetic issue for many people. For others, however, the veins can cause pain, especially when standing or walking. While they’re rarely considered life-threatening, they are occasionally associated with complications including vein inflammation, venous eczema, blood clots, skin ulcers and leg swelling. Varicose veins aren’t uncommon either; in fact, according to the University of Maryland medical center, up to 60 percent of U.S. citizens suffer from them. Luckily, many varicose vein treatment options are available. But which ones are most effective? According to a new study, it might not make much of a difference.

Posted in Health, Medical, News, Skin and Beauty, Studies, Women | 15,741 Comments

Job Insecurity and Asthma: 8 Ways To Cut Job Stress and Stay Healthy

Posted on September 23, 2014 by Greg Asseff

Everybody knows that stress can wreak havoc on a person both mentally and physically. According to Stress.org, anxiety and stress can lead to high blood pressure, digestive issues, headaches, migraines, panic attacks, heartburn, sleep problems and even heart attacks. And those are just physical consequences – behavioral issues caused by stress can include irritability, depression, lack of focus, eating disorders, substance abuse and social withdrawal. While there are countless possible causes of stress – divorce, illness, traumatic events and financial issues, just to name a few – one of the leading causes is job trouble. And with 9.6 million people still unemployed in the U.S., workers have a lot to be worried about. Unfortunately, a new study has found a link between job insecurity and asthma, a condition that isn’t usually first on the list of stress-related maladies.

Posted in Health, Medical, Mental Health, News, Studies | 4,183 Comments

Cutting Belly Fat: 6 Essential Tips For Treating Abdominal Obesity

Posted on September 18, 2014 by Greg Asseff

Americans keep getting bigger around the middle, and it’s definitely cause for concern. Abdominal obesity, also called central obesity, belly fat, beer belly or pot belly, is one of the most dangerous forms of obesity. Associated health risks include type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and asthma. Abdominal obesity is also a symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome and Cushing’s syndrome. While the obesity statistics have been high in America for years, a recent report in The Journal of the American Medical Association states that the problem is now as dire as it’s ever been. Get ready for this: over half the U.S. population now has abdominal obesity. To be exact, 54.2 percent of Americans suffer from the condition – up from 46.4 percent about a decade ago. This is in spite of the fact that overall obesity levels have generally leveled off. Also, the average American waist size went from 37.6 inches at the turn of the millennium to 3.8 in 2011-2012.

Posted in Diet, Exercise, Food, Health, Medical, Nutrition, Weight Loss | 10,358 Comments

Study Finds Link Between Baldness and Prostate Cancer

Posted on September 16, 2014 by Greg Asseff

Are you a man over the age of 45? Are you going bald? If so, a prostate exam should be one of your top health priorities according to a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The study suggests a significant link between male pattern baldness and prostate cancer, which is the most common form of cancer that American men are diagnosed with apart from skin cancer. In fact, prostate cancer is so prevalent that one in seven men will get it. Out of those, one in 36 will die because of it. As far as cancer deaths go, prostate cancer is second only to lung cancer regarding the amount of men it claims. At the same time, however, prostate cancer does have a generally high survival rate. If male pattern baldness and prostate cancer truly go hand in hand, it might at the very least give some men a warning sign that can lead to early treatment.