From the category archives:
Research
by Wendy on April 30, 2009
The latest John Hopkins “health alert” reminds us of a study not too long ago that highlighted ten alternative reasons why most adults in this country are overweight. They go beyond calorie counting and less exercise and they may apply to you. Here they are:
- Less sleep - we’ve gone from an average of nine to seven hours of sleep a night. Sleep deprivation is linked to a more robust appetite.
- Pesticides and other chemicals in foods- These substances can change hormonal activity, which can boost body fat.
- Air conditioning and heating – we don’t sweat and shiver as much as our ancestors, so we don’t burn as many calories. [click to continue...]
by Wendy on April 16, 2009
by Wendy on March 24, 2009
In January, I wrote about the connection between menopause and incontinence and interviewed a physician who specializes in urogynecology about the factors that contribute to incontinence in women. She attributed the problem in part to weight gain that naturally comes with aging. The findings of a new study published in the current e-newsletter of the North American Menopause Society supports this. The study investigated obesity as a risk factor for both stress and urge incontinence and the researchers concluded that the higher the BMI (body mass index), the greater the odds of incontinence. Why does this happen? Here’s their explanation: [click to continue...]
by Wendy on February 26, 2009
Researchers at Harvard have confirmed what we’ve really known all along. If you want to lose weight, eat less! That’s it. Exercise helps too. You can pick any diet – Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Zone, South Beach, or Atkins. It doesn’t matter because, as the researchers concluded, any diet that reduces your caloric intake will work. [click to continue...]
by Wendy on October 18, 2008
When you’re having trouble sleeping – as most women in menopause are – it’s hard to believe that too much sleep can cause problems. I’d settle for a little too much sleep anytime. But new research suggests that too much shut-eye can raise your risk of stroke… and too little makes you vulnerable too. Where’s the sweet spot? [click to continue...]
by Wendy on February 13, 2008
Vitamin D is one of 13 vitamins our bodies need to function properly, according to the American Dietetic Association. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin that promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and helps deposit these minerals in bones and teeth to make them strong. It’s so important to our well-being that a group of prominent scientists have formed The Vitamin D Council, a non-profit organization with a mission to educate the public and professionals about Vitamin D deficiency and its numerous associated diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, depression). [click to continue...]
by Wendy on February 11, 2008
I mentioned several weeks ago that I had begun a daily regimen of Black Cohosh, Flax Seed and Fish Oil. I’m happy to report that the hot flashes that I had been experiencing for more than a year have completely stopped. Based on everything I’ve read, I attributed this to the Black Cohosh, while the Flax Seeds have undoubtedly benefited me in other ways. But a new study suggests that it could have been the flax seed after all. [click to continue...]
by Wendy on January 7, 2008
It happens just about every night. After reading for about a half hour, I’m finally sleepy and relaxed. I turn out the light and sink into my down pillows and high thread-count sheets. I’m just falling asleep when, wham – it happens. It feels like my body has been plugged into an electrical socket and… who turned up the heat? I throw off the covers, grab my fan and contemplate another sleepless night ahead. [click to continue...]
