"Puzzled researchers call it the ''Hispanic Paradox'': On average, U.S. Hispanics lead longer lives than non-Hispanics, despite having less access to healthcare and higher rates of poverty."
There are many possible reasons for this to be the case, including inaccurate census data, but my favorite hypothesis espoused is that of the benefits of "simpatia" (which I would probably refer to as "cariño"). Latinos are more outwardly loving and affectionate to one another, and that produces health and psychological benefits. There's a somewhat poorly written article in the Miami Herald here . It's not the New York Times, but in NYC I don't think you're going to see many cariñoso people.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
The Usual Stuff About US Healthcare
Although healthcare cost increases have slowed, they still outpaced both wages and inflation. This is not a conversation that will be going away anytime soon. Read here to learn more about the recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
"Almost all employers with 200 or more workers provided health insurance for employees in 2006, but fewer than 50% of employers with three to nine workers provided health coverage, the report finds (Kaiser Family Foundation/HRET/Health Affairs joint release, 9/26)."
"Almost all employers with 200 or more workers provided health insurance for employees in 2006, but fewer than 50% of employers with three to nine workers provided health coverage, the report finds (Kaiser Family Foundation/HRET/Health Affairs joint release, 9/26)."
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
The Gym of the Future??? (It's actually pretty obvious)
As I began reading this article, I figured the gym in question would likely be located in Mountain View or Sunnyvale, CA. It's in Mountain View, land of computer engineers, technological advances, and my brother, Brendan. Read the article here.
"Walk through the malls and high school halls in America, and you'll quickly notice that kids in the US could use a few good workouts. A new fitness center opening this Saturday hopes to lure kids in with a combination of a "fitness arcade," traditional workout equipment, free WiFi, a study center, and a cafe."
Hopefully this can be a component of the solution to the nation's childhood obesity epidemic. If that's what it takes...
"Walk through the malls and high school halls in America, and you'll quickly notice that kids in the US could use a few good workouts. A new fitness center opening this Saturday hopes to lure kids in with a combination of a "fitness arcade," traditional workout equipment, free WiFi, a study center, and a cafe."
Hopefully this can be a component of the solution to the nation's childhood obesity epidemic. If that's what it takes...
Monday, September 25, 2006
Eating for One
Men's Health has great resources available on its website, as I have pointed out before. My brother is my roommate, so I have always said that it is much easier to go food shopping than if I were to live on my own, as many of my friends do.
Men's Health has a wonderful shopping and meal list that even accounts for leftovers to be taken into work (in a different form so as to lessen boredom). I just printed it out myself. It's great and incorporates easy-to-prepare items such as rotisserie chicken, frozen shrimp, rice, and beans. Check it out here.
The article points out that the average amount spent on eating out at cheap restaurants is $85/week, whereas this articles suggested fare costs $47.96. That's pretty easy math.
Men's Health has a wonderful shopping and meal list that even accounts for leftovers to be taken into work (in a different form so as to lessen boredom). I just printed it out myself. It's great and incorporates easy-to-prepare items such as rotisserie chicken, frozen shrimp, rice, and beans. Check it out here.
The article points out that the average amount spent on eating out at cheap restaurants is $85/week, whereas this articles suggested fare costs $47.96. That's pretty easy math.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Drug-Mart
I can't imagine many people haven't heard that Wal-Mart will start offering generic prescription drugs for 4$/30-day supply. The program will begin in South Florida and then be expanded to other parts of the country next year. Some are skeptical. Read about it on usatoday.com.
More on the Benefits of Weight Training
From SparkPeople.com:
The top 10 reasons everyone should strength train (and LOVE every minute of it):
1. Strength training preserves muscle mass during weight loss.
According to a University of Michigan research study, at least 25% to 30% of weight lost by dieting alone is not fat but lean tissue, muscle, bone and water. However, strength training helps dieters preserve muscle mass while still losing weight.
2. Strength training elevates your metabolism.
Starting in their twenties, most people (especially women) lose half a pound of muscle every year if they aren't strength training to preserve it. After age 60, this rate of loss doubles. But regular strength training can preserve muscle throughout the lifespan, and rebuild the muscle lost.
3. Strength training helps you lose weight more easily (or eat more without gaining weight).
Since muscle is active tissue (unlike fat, which is inert), it requires energy to maintain. The more muscle you have, the more you can eat without gaining weight. Strength training can provide up to a 15% increase in metabolic rate, which is helpful for weight loss and long-term weight control.
For every additional pound of muscle you gain, your body will burn about 50 more calories each day. A study by Wayne Westcott, Ph.D., from the South Shore YMCA in Quincy, Massachusetts, showed that a woman who strength trains two or three times a week for eight weeks gains 1.75 lbs of muscle and loses 3.5 lbs of fat.
And John Hopkins researchers found that while aerobic exercise burns more calories at the time you are exercising, your metabolism returns to normal about 30 minutes after you finish your workout. Individuals who perform strength training, however, elevate their metabolisms (burn more calories) for two hours after their workouts end.
4. Strength training increases bone density.
A study conducted by Miriam E. Nelson, Ph.D. of Tufts University found that strength training increases both muscle mass and bone density. Dr. Nelson’s research showed that women who lifted weights did not lose any bone density throughout the study, and actually gained an average of 1% more bone mass in the hip and spine. Non-exercising women lost 2% to 2.5% of bone mass during the same period of time.
Another University of Arizona study showed a 3% increase in spine and hip bone mineral density after an 18-month strength training program among women, ages 28 to 39.
5. Strength training counteracts depression.
In a study of 32 men and women who suffered from chronic depression, Nalin Singh, M.D. and Tufts University associates divided the individuals into two groups. They directed half to perform strength training while the other half received health information. After three months, 14 of the 16 members who lifted weights felt better and no longer met the criteria for depression.
A Harvard study also showed that 10 weeks of strength training reduced clinical depression symptoms more successfully than standard counseling alone.
6. Strength training reduces sleep difficulties.
Ten people in Dr. Singh’s strength training group (see reason 5, above) also reported sleep difficulties at the start of the study. After 12 weeks, six of the 10 reported they no longer had trouble sleeping—they fell asleep more quickly, slept more deeply, awakened less often and slept longer.
7. Strength training reduces your risk of diabetes.
Adult-onset (Type 2) diabetes is a growing problem, with over 14 million Americans suffering from the condition. Research shows that strength training can increase glucose utilization in the body by 23% in just four months. As muscles contract and relax during exercise, they use sugar for energy. To meet this energy need, your body uses sugar supplies in your blood, reducing your blood sugar levels.
8. Strength training lowers your blood pressure.
The University of Arizona study (see reason 4, above) also showed resting blood pressure (RBP) levels were impacted by strength training. Strength training participants shifted from the high-normal RBP category to normal RBP levels. Regular exercise, including strength training, strengthens the heart, allowing it to pump more blood with less effort. The less your heart has to work, the less force (or pressure) is exerted on your arteries.
9. Strength training helps you age more gracefully.
As you age, muscle mass decreases (if you're not working to preserve it), which can cause skin to sag in not-so-pretty ways. By strength training, you can fight age-related muscle loss and maintain a more youthful physique.
10. Strength training improves your quality of life.
Building muscle allows you to get more out of life. Everyday activities, such as lifting children (or grandchildren), carrying groceries, and working in the yard are much easier when you’re not struggling with the effort. Being in shape also makes you more confident, helps you stand taller and makes you feel great about yourself. And what’s better than that?
The top 10 reasons everyone should strength train (and LOVE every minute of it):
1. Strength training preserves muscle mass during weight loss.
According to a University of Michigan research study, at least 25% to 30% of weight lost by dieting alone is not fat but lean tissue, muscle, bone and water. However, strength training helps dieters preserve muscle mass while still losing weight.
2. Strength training elevates your metabolism.
Starting in their twenties, most people (especially women) lose half a pound of muscle every year if they aren't strength training to preserve it. After age 60, this rate of loss doubles. But regular strength training can preserve muscle throughout the lifespan, and rebuild the muscle lost.
3. Strength training helps you lose weight more easily (or eat more without gaining weight).
Since muscle is active tissue (unlike fat, which is inert), it requires energy to maintain. The more muscle you have, the more you can eat without gaining weight. Strength training can provide up to a 15% increase in metabolic rate, which is helpful for weight loss and long-term weight control.
For every additional pound of muscle you gain, your body will burn about 50 more calories each day. A study by Wayne Westcott, Ph.D., from the South Shore YMCA in Quincy, Massachusetts, showed that a woman who strength trains two or three times a week for eight weeks gains 1.75 lbs of muscle and loses 3.5 lbs of fat.
And John Hopkins researchers found that while aerobic exercise burns more calories at the time you are exercising, your metabolism returns to normal about 30 minutes after you finish your workout. Individuals who perform strength training, however, elevate their metabolisms (burn more calories) for two hours after their workouts end.
4. Strength training increases bone density.
A study conducted by Miriam E. Nelson, Ph.D. of Tufts University found that strength training increases both muscle mass and bone density. Dr. Nelson’s research showed that women who lifted weights did not lose any bone density throughout the study, and actually gained an average of 1% more bone mass in the hip and spine. Non-exercising women lost 2% to 2.5% of bone mass during the same period of time.
Another University of Arizona study showed a 3% increase in spine and hip bone mineral density after an 18-month strength training program among women, ages 28 to 39.
5. Strength training counteracts depression.
In a study of 32 men and women who suffered from chronic depression, Nalin Singh, M.D. and Tufts University associates divided the individuals into two groups. They directed half to perform strength training while the other half received health information. After three months, 14 of the 16 members who lifted weights felt better and no longer met the criteria for depression.
A Harvard study also showed that 10 weeks of strength training reduced clinical depression symptoms more successfully than standard counseling alone.
6. Strength training reduces sleep difficulties.
Ten people in Dr. Singh’s strength training group (see reason 5, above) also reported sleep difficulties at the start of the study. After 12 weeks, six of the 10 reported they no longer had trouble sleeping—they fell asleep more quickly, slept more deeply, awakened less often and slept longer.
7. Strength training reduces your risk of diabetes.
Adult-onset (Type 2) diabetes is a growing problem, with over 14 million Americans suffering from the condition. Research shows that strength training can increase glucose utilization in the body by 23% in just four months. As muscles contract and relax during exercise, they use sugar for energy. To meet this energy need, your body uses sugar supplies in your blood, reducing your blood sugar levels.
8. Strength training lowers your blood pressure.
The University of Arizona study (see reason 4, above) also showed resting blood pressure (RBP) levels were impacted by strength training. Strength training participants shifted from the high-normal RBP category to normal RBP levels. Regular exercise, including strength training, strengthens the heart, allowing it to pump more blood with less effort. The less your heart has to work, the less force (or pressure) is exerted on your arteries.
9. Strength training helps you age more gracefully.
As you age, muscle mass decreases (if you're not working to preserve it), which can cause skin to sag in not-so-pretty ways. By strength training, you can fight age-related muscle loss and maintain a more youthful physique.
10. Strength training improves your quality of life.
Building muscle allows you to get more out of life. Everyday activities, such as lifting children (or grandchildren), carrying groceries, and working in the yard are much easier when you’re not struggling with the effort. Being in shape also makes you more confident, helps you stand taller and makes you feel great about yourself. And what’s better than that?
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
"D" Is for Disastrous
A recent study gives the U.S. health care system a score of 66 out of 100. Read about it on Forbes.com.
"The U.S. spends 16 percent of its gross domestic product on health care," Commonwealth Fund President Karen Davis said during a press conference announcing the results. "That's more than twice the average of industrialized nations."
"The U.S. spends 16 percent of its gross domestic product on health care," Commonwealth Fund President Karen Davis said during a press conference announcing the results. "That's more than twice the average of industrialized nations."
Monday, September 18, 2006
Sad Times for Popeye
In case you haven't heard the news, there is widespread E. coli contamination of U.S. spinach:
"The FDA reports that Natural Selection Foods of San Juan Batista, Calif., is recalling all its products containing spinach in all brands the company packs with "Best if Used by Dates" of Aug. 17, 2006 through Oct. 1, 2006.
"The FDA reports that Natural Selection Foods of San Juan Batista, Calif., is recalling all its products containing spinach in all brands the company packs with "Best if Used by Dates" of Aug. 17, 2006 through Oct. 1, 2006.
The recalled products include spinach and any salad with spinach in the blend. Products that don't include spinach aren't part of this recall."
The FDA is recommending that no one eat any fresh spinach at this time. Read the WebMD article here.Friday, September 15, 2006
Thursday, September 14, 2006
USPS
I'm not sure how common this knowledge is, but if you're moving, it's pretty easy to get your mail forwarded. The US Postal Service has a really good website, and you can change your address on line for $1 (charged to a credit card as verification):
https://moversguide.usps.com/mgservice/Home
I went on usps.com to check postage on something I was sending, and it dawned on me that I didn't do that during college, which was kind of stupid. I went by my old senior year apartment a couple of months after graduation to see if there was any mail for me still and it turned out there was a credit card fraud notice that was very important for me to see. It was luck that I received it, and I was able to clear up the problem.
https://moversguide.usps.com/mgservice/Home
I went on usps.com to check postage on something I was sending, and it dawned on me that I didn't do that during college, which was kind of stupid. I went by my old senior year apartment a couple of months after graduation to see if there was any mail for me still and it turned out there was a credit card fraud notice that was very important for me to see. It was luck that I received it, and I was able to clear up the problem.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
SAAAvings (the extra a's are for AAA)
I was kicking myself upon leaving the Ernest Hemingway house tour in Key West. It turned out that they had a AAA discount, and I am a member. It would probably make sense to just ask every merchant from whom you purchase something if they have a AAA discount, but it's at least a good idea to keep it in mind for some specific places and services:
Amtrak - 10% discount
Air Travel - I found an American Airlines ticket on AAA.com for $218 that would cost $224 on Orbitz and whose return trip was not even available if looking on AA.com (American Airlines site).
Airport Parking - Upon exiting the parking garage at Miami Airport, present your AAA card for savings of $1/day. At Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood Airport, a similar discount is available.
Hard Rock Cafe - 10% discount
Hertz Car Rental - 5-20% discount (depending on class of car)
LensCrafters - 30% discount
The list goes on. You should have AAA in case you need to be towed even once every couple of years. A membership in AAA South is only $60/year.
www.aaasouth.com
Amtrak - 10% discount
Air Travel - I found an American Airlines ticket on AAA.com for $218 that would cost $224 on Orbitz and whose return trip was not even available if looking on AA.com (American Airlines site).
Airport Parking - Upon exiting the parking garage at Miami Airport, present your AAA card for savings of $1/day. At Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood Airport, a similar discount is available.
Hard Rock Cafe - 10% discount
Hertz Car Rental - 5-20% discount (depending on class of car)
LensCrafters - 30% discount
The list goes on. You should have AAA in case you need to be towed even once every couple of years. A membership in AAA South is only $60/year.
www.aaasouth.com
401(k) Inertia
A Harvard-UPenn economists' study finds that automatic enrollment in 401(k) programs increases participation to 96% when the normal option to sign up yields only about a third of eligible enrollees.
Study co-author, professor David Laibson of Harvard, says that "since people aren't inclined to take action, very few of those who are signed up automatically will choose to drop out."
Read the article on CNNMoney.com.
Study co-author, professor David Laibson of Harvard, says that "since people aren't inclined to take action, very few of those who are signed up automatically will choose to drop out."
Read the article on CNNMoney.com.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Your Daughter's Sex Life
I might just be plugging her book because she's a Tufts graduate, but a young alumna named Amber Madison has just written Hooking Up: A Girl's All-Out Guide to Sex and Sexuality. This could be a first step in talking to one's daughter about sex. It's gotten good reviews and was featured on the front page of today's Boston.com. Her website is ambermadisononline.com.
Monday, September 11, 2006
8 Americas
Wow, that's even worse than what John Edwards was campaigning about.
A Harvard School of Public Health study compares longevity among different races, in different regions of the country. Read about it on boston.com (Boston Globe online).
"Where you live, combined with race and income, plays a huge role in the nation's health disparities, differences so stark that a report issued Monday contends it's as if there are eight separate Americas instead of one."
*All of a sudden, since my post, one must sign up for access to boston.com. If you don't feel like doing that, you may read a similar article on Forbes.com.
A Harvard School of Public Health study compares longevity among different races, in different regions of the country. Read about it on boston.com (Boston Globe online).
"Where you live, combined with race and income, plays a huge role in the nation's health disparities, differences so stark that a report issued Monday contends it's as if there are eight separate Americas instead of one."
*All of a sudden, since my post, one must sign up for access to boston.com. If you don't feel like doing that, you may read a similar article on Forbes.com.
Friday, September 08, 2006
MQOTD
Today's Motivational Quote of the Day from Nightingale-Conant:
"Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."
-The World Health Organization
"Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."
-The World Health Organization
Real Life Whealth Watcher
Today's CNNMoney.com has an article about a young woman who has heeded the oft-given advice to "save early and save often." Her mentality is exactly what we encourage among Whealth Watcher$. She thinks of saving as another bill to pay, and it is paying off. At age 23, she has about $70K saved up in her 401(k), Roth IRA, and short term savings account.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Are You a Hungry Girl?
I'm not, but I read about this in today's Miami Herald:
www.hungry-girl.com
It's quite popular. My favorite section is "Chew the Right Thing" where the author compares low-fat/calorie substitutes to their mainstream, less healthy counterparts. For all of you Weight Watchers members, she includes the number of Points each will cost you, as well.
www.hungry-girl.com
It's quite popular. My favorite section is "Chew the Right Thing" where the author compares low-fat/calorie substitutes to their mainstream, less healthy counterparts. For all of you Weight Watchers members, she includes the number of Points each will cost you, as well.
Mercury Falling
The FDA says that there is no significant risk, but my health-conscious cousin has warned against amalgam fillings for years. Also known as silver fillings, they are made up of about half mercury and half other stuff. Dentists use them because they are cheap yet durable. Make up your own decision about it. Here's an article from Reuters.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
FL Hospital Website
This is a new website from the Florida Hospital Association:
http://www.floridainformedpatient.com/
It's not the best resource in the world, but it has some tools such as checklists you can print out to evaluate hospitals and physicians.
http://www.floridainformedpatient.com/
It's not the best resource in the world, but it has some tools such as checklists you can print out to evaluate hospitals and physicians.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
"Cost of Treating Obesity-Related Health Problems Immeasurable"
"'We are not dealing with a scientific or medical problem. We're dealing with an enormous economic problem that, it is already accepted, is going to overwhelm every medical system in the world,' said Dr. Philip James, the British chairman of the International Obesity Task Force."
Read the article about the recent weeklong International Congress on Obesity here.
Read the article about the recent weeklong International Congress on Obesity here.
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