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Childhood obesity: Survey says parents don't see hazards

Karen Hawthorne — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:21:00 -0700

Despite public attention to rising obesity, parents don’t appear to recognize the long-term outcomes of childhood obesity and the need to take action. A Perspectives on Pediatric Obesity report released by Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics in Kansas City shows that more parents would find it “very important” to seek medical care for a child with diabetes symptoms, asthma or a learning disability than a weight problem. Survey authors say parents need help connecting the dots between having an overweight child and what their future health consequences may be.

Protect your child from RSV – respiratory syncytial virus

Karen Hawthorne — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:14:00 -0700

Although its symptoms are like the common cold, RSV – respiratory syncytial virus – can be deadly. RSV is a highly contagious childhood infection that’s responsible for one out of every 13 visits to a pediatrician and one of every 38 trips to the emergency room, a 2009 study from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry found. Premature infants and those with compromised heart, lungs or immune systems are at heightened risk for serious complications. Because there is no treatment, prevention is key.

Painful sex during menopause? Know your options

Karen Hawthorne — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:10:00 -0700

Results from a recent HealthyWomen survey show that the vaginal and sexual symptoms of menopause can have a negative impact on postmenopausal women’s sexual health, yet women are generally too embarrassed to address the symptoms with their doctor or partner. There are treatment options – women can enjoy sex without discomfort. Here’s our Q&A with survey consultant Dr. Michael Krychman from the Southern California Center for Sexual Health and Survivorship in California.

Body of Proof star Dana Delany launches Women Move the World campaign

Karen Hawthorne — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:37:00 -0700

Caltrate calcium and vitamin D supplement brand has created a Facebook page, inviting women to share inspiring stories and get behind the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure to support breast cancer research and honor the strength of race participants. One inspirational woman will be chosen to be featured in next year’s advertising to show how real women move the world. ABC’s Body of Proof star Dana Delany is the spokeswoman for the Caltrate campaign. Here’s our Q&A with Delany.

Acromegaly: Support network for people with this rare disease

Karen Hawthorne — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:26:00 -0700

For years, Wayne Brown gained a lot of weight, developed an underbite and became so tired he could only work a few days a week. He was referred to specialists, only to be told he was a hypochondriac. Then a tumor was found on his pituitary gland – he had a rare disease called acromegaly. Now he’s written a book and started an online support group. Here’s our Q&A with Brown, author of Alone in My Universe: Struggling with an Orphan Disease in an Unsympathetic World.

Borderline personality disorder: Warning signs

Karen Hawthorne — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 17:50:00 -0700

Recent headlines about Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall have drawn attention to a condition known as borderline personality disorder . Marshall, known for his temper on and off the field, and an alleged stabbing by his wife earlier this year, revealed that he has suffered from BPD throughout his five-year NFL career. What is BPD and how do you spot the signs?

Kids health: Tips to avoid digital eye strain

Karen Hawthorne — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 08:38:00 -0700

We all want our kids to be tech-savvy, but there are risks that come with all that digital screen time: headaches, backaches, blurry vision and poor concentration. These symptoms can affect our children’s learning and productivity, but there are ways to prevent digital eye strain, commonly called computer vision syndrome .

Bikini-friendly fitness tips

Karen Hawthorne — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:20:00 -0700

Warm summer weather should get us outside for a run or laps in the pool, but often we’d rather lounge on a deck chair and sip -- soaking up the vitamin D is good for us, right? The trick is finding strategies to keep our exercise on track while enjoying the heat. Here’s how to torch some calories in bikini season – without slogging away on the treadmill at the gym.

Anti-aging therapy with bioidentical hormones

Karen Hawthorne — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:45:00 -0700

For many women, menopause comes with hot flashes, low energy and mood swings. Chalk it up to declining hormone levels. Biodentical hormone therapy is gaining popularity as a treatment to balance hormones and guard against the effects of aging. Here’s our Q&A with Dr. Michael Gross, medical director of the Active Center for Health & Wellness in Hackensack, New Jersey, who specializes in preventive medicine.

Kick food cravings with a protein-rich breakfast

Karen Hawthorne — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 17:41:00 -0700

You already know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day to jumpstart your metabolism and boost your energy. Now there’s even more reason to rev your metabolism with a morning meal – your waistline. University of Missouri researchers have found that eating a protein-rich breakfast improves appetite control and reduces overeating later in the day. Here’s how a high-protein breakfast can help you kick food cravings.

Birth control campaign: Let’s Go There

Karen Hawthorne — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 17:26:00 -0700

Actress JoAnna Garcia Swisher, known for her TV role as Reba’s teenage daughter on Reba, is taking a stand for young women. She has teamed up with Merck, manufacturer of the Nuvaring, to launch a social media campaign for young women to talk about birth control options. The campaign is the culmination of a survey of 2,000 U.S. women, ages 20 to 39, which found that women are confident in their relationships and career, but may not be taking the same initiative when it comes to birth control. Here’s our Q&A with Swisher.

Bladder control surgery

Karen Hawthorne — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 07:55:00 -0700

Shawna was only two miles into running a 10-mile road race when she realized she was soaked. She crossed the finish line feeling embarrassed about her bladder control issues instead of feeling proud of her accomplishment. A surgical procedure – MiniArc Precise – has put an end to her bladder leakage and has given her the confidence to run a half-marathon this September.

Late bedtimes lead to weight gain

Karen Hawthorne — Mon, 30 May 2011 12:57:00 -0700

Late Night with Conan O’Brien may be entertaining TV and a good match for a bowl of buttered popcorn or M&Ms, but if you’re regularly staying up late and sleeping in the next day, you could be at risk for putting on the pounds, a new study says.

Safety information on Infant and Children’s Tylenol

Karen Hawthorne — Fri, 20 May 2011 10:45:00 -0700

The makers of Tylenol are rolling out new packaging for its infants’ and children’s products to make dosing the medication easier and safer. Overdosing of the active ingredient – acetaminophen – in the products can lead to liver damage.

Teri Hatcher's mystery illness: Frozen shoulder

Karen Hawthorne — Fri, 06 May 2011 08:14:00 -0700

Desperate Housewives star Teri Hatcher is battling a debilitating and rare condition that has rendered her left arm practically useless, she told Extra TV. Now the actress wants to spread awareness about the problem and let people know it’s not slowing her down on a charity project to fight child hunger.

Moderation Nation: Balance is key for health

Karen Hawthorne — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 10:45:00 -0700

There’s no need to spend hours in the gym every week or put a lock on your refrigerator door to stop you from snacking after dinner. You can have chocolate, now and then, and take up an activity you enjoy to get yourself off the couch. A national initiative, in collaboration with the American Dietetic Association and the American Council on Exercise, wants you to achieve a healthy lifestyle through moderation.

Diet tips to manage irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Karen Hawthorne — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 10:02:00 -0700

Are you bothered by frequent constipation, gas, bloating and diarrhea? These are symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome , a disorder of the digestive tract. Most people, however, don’t realize they have it, but it affects a fifth of the population and is more severe in women. Researchers now suggest making dietary changes is the best way to manage symptoms and feel better.

Tricks to turbocharge your metabolism

Karen Hawthorne — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 16:39:00 -0700

Conventional diet and exercise plans recommend exercising 60 to 90 minutes five days a week and the need to eat five small meals a day. But a new program breaks those rules to help people boost metabolism and get lean with lifestyle changes that work for hectic schedules. Here’s more on “turbocharging” your metabolism by not dieting nor exercising.

5 Bedroom tips for better sleep

Karen Hawthorne — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:21:00 -0700

Hectic schedules, stress and a growing to-do list can keep you tossing and turning at night. But a sound sleep is more than a luxury; it’s important to help re-energize and cope with day-to-day challenges. Try these simple changes to make your bedroom a haven for rest and relaxation.

Hoarding: When messiness causes stress

Karen Hawthorne — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:24:00 -0700

Have you watched the TLC show Hoarders and felt like it hit too close to home because of your messy office or overflowing closets and storage nooks? The need to save and stash items is more common that you might think. But taking steps to sort and organize can decrease your stress and even empower you.