Recently in Health news Category

Think what you're doing is healthy?

This slideshow shows several things we think are healthy, but aren't.

I was shocked at some of the stuff on the list.

My co-worker, Nikki, forwarded me this NY Times piece on how teen girls are defending Chris Brown and even saying Rihanna may have brought the beating on herself.

It's interesting stuff in the years where women have made many great strides, including holding one of the top spots in Congress, being CEOs of Fortune 500 companies and making strides for equal pay.

But an issue like domestic violence still divides women, and what is sadder is that our young girls seem to be harboring older "blame" attitudes that one would think went out with leg warmers and fingerless gloves.

The idea that a woman somehow "deserved" a beating she received is not a new one. Often, abusers tell their victims it is THEIR fault that they got hit.

Abused women start to believe it. However, it's even worse when other women, abused or not, blame the victims.

I'm glad that Oprah came out on her show and told young girls it is never OK for someone to hit them, no matter what the circumstances.

This is probably not going to be a politically correct entry, so those who are easily offended may want to stop reading now.

"Grey's Anatomy," helped me put my thoughts together about how much I despise cancer.

The show, which has become increasingly annoying in this season, had three, count them, three cancer storylines packed into one terminally ill episode.

This was probably not the episode for a woman who recently lost her mother to cervical cancer to watch.

Izzy Stevens, also known as the "TV doctor who gets on my last nerve," just found out she has brain cancer. A family of three, way-too-pretty siblings also are trying to decide if they should remove their stomachs to avoid their relatives fates of a horrible death to an aggressive stomach cancer.

Let the whining of the beautiful people begin: "I don't want to die, what about the trips I've planned. . . blah, blah, blah. My hair is way too shiny for me to die. . .blah blah blah."

Anywho, my favorite part was the sibs detailed descriptions of their relatives painful cancer deaths. They went into the weight they lost, how they couldn't eat and how much pain they were in. They talked about watching them waste away and being helpless to do anything about it.

I hated them for describing such a devastatingly personal experience that was so close to home.

I hate cancer.

Personal trainers at Lifestyles Fitness will hold free, 45-minute, outdoor fitness boot camps in parks in York and Hanover the week of March 30.

The "team" training program includes fun exercises, hikes and team relays designed to burn calories and tone the body. It is for all ages and fitness levels. The boot camp also offers motivation and support to make lifestyle changes.

An ongoing, three-day-a-week boot camp program will be offered April through November at 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. in York and Hanover.

For details, call 650-6537 or visit their Web site.

This just in from "Friends: The Salon" in York:

Several stylists and customers took the weight loss plunge together a few weeks ago and all seem to be succeeding!

Friends' owner Rhon Friend said the crew is using a herbal supplement that has really changed their lives and weights.

He estimates that at least 10 of the salon's customers and staff members, are succeeding on the plan. The salon is also selling the supplement at the shop at 101 N. Newberry Street in York.

On client, Aliecia Chin, lost 80 pounds with the bee pollen plan, and is shown here in her before and after photos.

So, here's a shout-out and a congrats going to the Friends salon folks for their weight-loss efforts, and wishing them the best of luck as they continue their work to be healthy.

To learn more about Friends, go to the salon's Web site at www.friendsthesalon.com.

(I've never taken the supplement, so I can't personally testify about it. If anyone tries it, let me know how it goes for you. I'll post your results here. I have, however, had my hair done there, and they do an excellent job.)

I was going really strong.

I thought I could last without Pepsi.

Apparently, I could not. I made it until Sunday, and then was hell-bent on getting some soda.

It's like it was calling to me. I was seeing Pepsi trucks everywhere. I think I even followed one. (Like I was going to stop the driver and club him for his wares - yes - the craving was that bad.)

I feel like a failure. Who can't give up soda for more than 48 hours without caving?

It's interesting, because I once gave soda up for about six months. So, it can be done.

But can I do this thing again?

Let's see - why did I cave?

Because I really, really wanted some soda. I tried subbing tea for it, but had no luck. I drank more water, but it's just not the same.

What can I do?

Try, try again. That's what I'll do.

Set the soda counter back to 0 days again.

It's been 24 hours since I last had a soda.

I am dying for one.

Just a sip.

Just a taste.

I want the cool, refreshing taste of a Pepsi. It is my favorite soda and comfort. It's my personal reward for any and everything.

Had a good day? Have a Pepsi.

Worked out like I was supposed to? Have a Pepsi.

Went to the evil grocery store? Have a Pepsi.

It's Monday? Have a Pepsi.

No more.

The soda is one of the things making me fat. So, I had to let it go.

It is not easy. I miss it already.

But I am sticking to this. I have a goal. I have discipline.

And lots of iced tea.

(P.S. - I'm doing the spring "Biggest Loser," 12-week challenge. Stay tuned.)

Tell me, is there really a "bad" french fry?

By nature, french fries are some of the yummiest things on the planet that are horrible for us.

Have you ever had french fries so good that you want to thank the man/woman who created this fried batch of culinary goodness?

I know I have. If my waistline is the judge - probably more than once.

Anywho, I found this story on french fries, and the ones with the most fat, calories, etc.

I was shocked by some of it, and not so much shocked by other parts.

Are your favorite fries on this list?

You really should check.

Another study has come out saying obesity can be "caught."

The study found that more than 30 percent of the obese adults who participated had a specific virus at some point in their lives.

Those with the virus were more likely to be obese.

So, the study says, you may catch obesity like the common cold, which is also spread by a virus.

Get out the fat disinfectant!

Confused about which popular diet works best?

Yeah, me too.

Before we throw in the towel, MSN comes to the rescue. The Web site pulled together this article on the country's top diets.

It sums them up in simple terms, and with the pros and cons of each diet. The list includes information about popular fare such as Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, the South Beach Diet, etc., and the experts' take on them.

Like most dieters, I've tried more than one of these. I wish I'd had this list BEFORE I spent my money.

Sigh.

Sharon Naomi Canty, 55, died Dec.23 at her home in Newport News, Va., after a brave battle with uterine cancer.

Born Dec. 3, 1953, in Norfolk, Va., she was the youngest daughter of Vernon and Naomi Blount.

Sharon was best friend and loving wife to Reginald McCoy Canty Sr. for almost four decades. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend and neighbor. Sharon enjoyed shoe shopping, reading romance novels and spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren and other family members.

Her two favorite holidays were Halloween and Christmas, times when she could decorate the house and front yard with lights.

She loved to cook and spent more than 20 years in the culinary arts as a chef at several kitchens at Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Va.

In addition to her husband, Sharon is survived by three daughters: Debbie A. Downs and her husband Bryan, of Newport News, Va.; Michele D. Canty, of York, Pa.; and Regina M. Foertsch and her husband, Rick, of Alexandria, Va.; her grandchildren, Jason, Aisha and Kaiya Downs; other close relatives, and her good friends and neighbors in Prince Court, Newport News, Va. She was preceded in death by her son, Reginald McCoy Canty Jr., in 2000.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Sharon N. Canty's name as a Gift in Memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or online by clicking here.

Her family would like to send its heartfelt thanks to all who have offered their support and condolences during this difficult time. They are humbled by the charity, and very grateful for all that has been done.

A study (yes, this is an entry about ANOTHER health study), shows a like between active transportation" and less obesity in 17 industrialized countries across Europe, North America and Australia.

The translation: If you walk, ride a bike or use public transportation, your country is leaner.

I found this next part to be just shocking! (Ok, not really - I can totally believe this.)

"Americans, with the highest rate of obesity, were the least likely to walk, cycle or take mass transit, according to the study in a recent issue of the Journal of Physical Activity and Health," the article states.

So, what can we do?

Take the train.

Walk to work.

Get a bike.

If other countries can do it, we can do, right?

You don't say.

Science is finally verifying what fat folks have known for a long time.

Sugar is addictive, and can be as bad as hard to kick as other addictions.

Again, you don't say.

I can't believe they needed a study to tell them this.

Have they ever talked to ANYONE who has been on a diet and had to cut out sugar?

It's hard, it sucks and it makes you grouchy.

Kind of like trying to kick a habit.

This would be our DUH! moment of the day.

For those trying to lose weight locally, Lifestyles Fitness and Weight Loss Studio is offering a Biggest Loser Challenge.

The 12-week program is open to male and females of all ages. The program is based on the NBC TV show "The Biggest Loser."

Personal trainers from Eckert Fitness Group will lead weekly group workouts and nutrition lessons.

Three free information sessions will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29, 9 a.m. Jan 3 and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5 at Lifestyles Fitness and Weight Loss Studio, 2820 Whiteford Road, Springettsbury Township.

For details or to register, call Chad Eckert at 259-1419 or e-mail chad@eckertfitnessgroup.com.

This could be something to blog about. Stay tuned for more.

Thanksgiving is a time to pig out, right?

No! says health experts. We should not use the holiday as an excuse to break our diets.

Does this mean we will stand on the sidelines, looking longingly at the food table and secretly coveting the plates of others?

No.

We can (and will) eat, but we should not overeat, health experts tell us.

NewsReleaseWire.com featured an article with the following holiday eating tips:

1. Call a friend a few days before the party to find out what they are serving.

2. Plan what you will eat before going to the party.

3. Under no circumstances go back for more food.

4. Talk more, eat less - Pick two new people at the party you would like to get to know more about. Introduce yourself!

5. Have fun. Enjoy your holiday favorites, but in moderation.

Whatever you do, have a good holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving.