Diet, Weight, and Physical Activity
Could Green Coffee Bean Extract Help You Lose Weight?
Dr. Oz and others are strongly encouraging use of green coffee bean extract. Is this just another weight loss gimmick? It turns out there’s actually some research to back up the hype. Read More
Artificial Sweeteners: Are They Helping You Lose Weight or Gain it?
Artificial sweeteners have become popular weight loss tools. However, research suggests that low-calorie sweeteners may not actually help people lose weight. Learn why diet soda isn’t necessarily helping your diet. Read More
Are Bisphenol A (BPA) Plastic Products Safe?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used to make plastics. It is frequently used in sports equipment, water bottles, medical devices, as a coating or lining in food and beverage cans, and in credit card receipts. It leaches out of plastic into liquids and foods, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found measurable amounts of BPA in the bodies of 93% of the U.S. population studied. While early concerns about BPA’s health effects were based primarily on animal studies and research on cells, there is increasing evidence from studies in humans that BPA can cause serious harm, such as increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and sexual dysfunction. Read More
Red Meat: The News is Not Good
Red meat has been found to increase cholesterol and risk of cardiovascular disease, but now new research is linking it to cancer and increased mortality. Read More
Can Children Get Exercise through Video Games (“Exergaming”)?
Today, “exergames” market themselves as a way to get off the couch, get active, and stay healthy. While the concept is exciting—and the games themselves can be a lot of fun—new research suggests that giving your family access to these games alone might not actually benefit their health. Read More
Not-Quite-Everything you Need to Know about Lap-Bands
Lap-Bands help many people lose weight rather dramatically – some lose 50-100 pounds in the first 6 months or year. Are Lap-Bands a lasting solution to obesity? Not necessarily. Are they safe? Often they aren’t Read More
Kids Talk about Healthy Eating
Find out what kids have to say about eating healthy! Read More
Guide to Healthy Eating: The New Food Pyramid
The new USDA Food Pyramid, which helps provide a guide to healthy eating, looks different from previous models. The old “building block” approach (see below on the right) has been replaced with stripes going from the base to the top, emphasizing the goal of including all types of foods in our meals. Read More
How Do I Get My Child to Eat Healthier Foods?
Between parents’ work schedules, after school activities, homework, and chores, you may find it impossible to make time for healthy meals that your kids actually want to eat. The challenge is even greater when kids get hooked on the pizza, soda, and chips provided at friends’ houses, activities, and parties. Even the most conscientious parent may find it hard to avoid the temptation of fast food and favorite snacks. But there are solutions! Read More
Ten Easy Tips to Get Your Family Eating Healthy
Does switching to healthier foods seem like an impossible chore? It doesn’t have to be! Change your habits gradually with these 10 simple tips. Read More