Category Archives: Health

Almost Half Of Americans Believe Flu Vaccines Can Cause the Flu

Posted on December 10, 2014 by Greg Asseff

Influenza is a fairly common respiratory infection that often spreads during the winter months. Unlike the common cold, however, it must always be remembered that complications from the flu can be very severe and even life-threatening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu each year, and around 200,000 of those cases require hospitalization. Young children, pregnant women and the elderly have a much higher risk of severe flu complications. Despite the CDC’s insistence that flu vaccines are the best way to prevent infection, only 42 percent of adults got a flu shot in the U.S. last year. With this season expected to be more severe, getting vaccinated will be even more important. However, a surprising new study is shedding some light on why so many people avoid getting a flu shot.

Posted in Health, Health Facts, Medical, News, Studies | 16 Comments

Can a Mediterranean Diet Slow the Aging Process?

Posted on December 4, 2014 by Greg Asseff

The Mediterranean diet does not consist of a specifically defined diet plan. Instead, dieters attempt to emulate the eating habits of people who live in the various countries bordering the Mediterranean sea. The diets of people in these regions vary greatly, of course, so the Mediterranean diet ends up consisting of a few loosely defined rules. For starters, the diet is focused mainly on vegetables, fruits, bread, beans, potatoes, nuts and seeds. Red meat is consumed very rarely, and poultry and fish are eaten in low to moderate amounts. A staple of the Mediterranean diet is olive oil, which is used to replace unhealthier fats like butter. Herbs and spices replace salt, and red wine can be consumed in moderation if desired. Although the diet contains more fat than the AHA recommends, some people adopt it to prevent heart disease. Now, a new study suggests the diet could increase life expectancy.

Posted in Diet, Food, Health, Health Facts, News, Nutrition, Studies | 2,447 Comments

Toy-Related Injuries On the Rise

Posted on December 3, 2014 by Greg Asseff

With the Christmas season officially upon us and Black Friday being just days in the past, toy sales are no doubt experiencing a year-end surge. Of course, nobody would give a child a gift that’s obviously risky, but toy-related injuries do happen. Especially engaged parents can try keeping up with the latest product recalls to make sure the products and playthings their children use do not present a risk of injury. Toy recalls in particular certainly aren’t uncommon; for example, Toys”R”Us very recently issued a complete recall for the “Just Like Home” toy toaster set due to the possibility that the toy toast could break into small, sharp pieces that present laceration and choking hazards. Obviously, however, toys don’t necessarily have to be subject to a recall to present injury risks. Now, a one-of-a-kind study shows that toy-related injuries have gone up significantly over the past two decades.

Posted in Health, Health Facts, Medical, News, Parenting, Studies | 4 Comments

Smoking Rates in the U.S. Reach Historic Low

Posted on November 28, 2014 by Greg Asseff

A bit of good news for the health community today: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that smoking rates in America are the lowest they’ve been since the CDC began keeping records in 1965. Between 2005 and 2013, the amount of people who consider themselves to be “current cigarette smokers” dropped from 20.9 percent to 17.8 percent. This means that around 3 million fewer people are smoking now than were doing so in 2005. People who considered themselves “daily smokers” decreased from 16.9 percent to 13.7 percent during the same timeframe as well. According to the report, smoking continues to be more prevalent in males, adults aged 25 to 44, residents of the Midwest, those who live below the poverty line, and individuals who have lower levels of education. Despite the fact that this data came from self-reporting surveys, it’s still encouraging.

Posted in Health, Health Facts, Medical, News | 4,826 Comments

Calorie Counts Coming to Menus in Chain Restaurants, Movie Theaters

Posted on November 26, 2014 by Greg Asseff

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. and around the world. In terms of general public health, it’s clear that something needs to change. The what and how regarding that change is widely disputed, however. Now, in a move that’s sure to face future political and legal challenges, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued new rules that require calorie counts to appear in menus at restaurant chains, pizza parlors and movie theaters. This labeling requirement was actually made into law with the passing of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, but the regulations have taken years to enact due to tough opposition from the food industry establishments being affected by them. Regardless of your political leanings, it seems to make sense that calorie counts would lead to healthier food choices. But can businesses bear the cost?