There is a lot of media these days covering Obama’s proposed plans for healthcare reform.  And, equally, there are advocates and opponents who agree on a main component to optimal health: prevention.  They argue that without a sensible focus on preventative care for Americans, any healthcare reform would fail.  With the fact that most chronic illnesses are preventable with early diagnosis, regular exercise and a sensible diet, there is much validity to this argument. But, influencing behavior change isn’t always as easy as posting a health message via television ad, flyer, or community health fair. Sometimes policy changes can be most effective in influencing mass behavioral change, not just in the health arena.  In 2007, former New York City Health Commissioner Tom Frieden set policies that made New York City the first city to ban smoking and the use of trans fats in chain restaurants. Likewise, Obama stated in an interview with Men’s Health Magazine that he is considering placing a specialty tax on sodas and other sugary beverages. “It’s an idea that we should be exploring,” the President said. “There’s no doubt that our kids drink way too much soda. And every study that’s been done about obesity shows that there is as high a correlation between increased soda consumption and obesity as just about anything else.” As an avid Coca-cola drinker, who vacillates between quitting cold-turkey and enjoying the cool refreshment of an ice cold cherry coke with extra ice, I am deeply sadden by this news and slight imposition on my often daily fix BUT, as a public health advocate, this type of legislation is reasonable and has worked in the past to fund good community programs (the GA state lottery began in 1993 and funds HOPE scholarships for college students and Pre-K programs for children).

According to the New York Daily Post, Obama acknowledged that the idea could lead to charges that Uncle Sam is trying to dictate personal diets, but he hinted the benefit may be worth it. “Look, people’s attitude is that they don’t necessarily want Big Brother telling them what to eat or drink, and I understand that,” Obama said. “It is true, though, that if you wanted to make a big impact on people’s health in this country, reducing things like soda consumption would be helpful.”

Source: New York Daily Post

A popular discussion topic today is the photo that appears on page 194 of this month’s issue of Glamour magazine. The photo shows 20-year-old model Lizzi Miller sitting in her underwear with a smile on her face and a “belly that looks…wait for it…normal “. The magazine has been overrun with letters from readers appluading the magazine’s audacity to showcase a normal, size 12-14 woman. A woman that our society considers plus-size by her measurements, but normal by the average female waistline. The response from the editor is a great read.  You can view it here.

The photo made me smile and feel even more confident in my post-baby body.  Ground breaking indeed. I am sure a lot of women across the country had breakthroughs looking at this photo as well.

As a follow-up to my previous post, I want to put to test the validity of the simplest weight loss advice. Also, by posting it on this sight, it will also keep me accountable to this regimen.  Its been said by those NOT invested in fad diets or get-rich-quick regimens that weight-loss is a lifestyle.  All you need to achieve it is regular diet and exercise. Simple. From a technical standpoint, this includes counting calories and participating in cardio exercises 3-5 times per week for at least 30 minutes. According to weightloss.com:

“In order to lose weight, you must create a calorie deficit. It is easier and healthier to cut back your calorie intake a little bit at a time. Every 3,500 calories is equivalent to one pound. So, if you cut back 500 calories a day, you should lose about one pound per week. Add this to the fact that 80-90% of chronic illnesses can be prevented by making lifestyle changes like regular exercise and a balanced diet (Deepak Chopra, CNN 8/18/09) and its a wonder why most people don’t at least give this a try.  I believe that most diets fail due to the restrictions.  Its just not realistic over the long-term. But, it takes discipline and responsibility to be able to plan for snacks and treats while still managing the overall goals for a healthy lifestyle. That being said, If you exercise to burn off 500 calories a day you should lose approximately one pound per week. Do both, and … you get the picture. Ideally, you should do a combination of both, (such as cut back 250 calories; burn an extra 250 calories). A healthy weight loss goal is to lose .5 to 2 pounds per week. Losing more than 2 pounds per week will mean the weight is less likely to stay off permanently. Never cut back to fewer than 1,200 daily calories without medical supervision. With careful review, you will find ways to cut back those 250 calories a day: the milk in your cereal … the can of soda you drink daily … the butter on your toast. Making little changes like these will really add up in the long run.Becoming more active will knock the remaining 250 calories out. For example, a 180-pound person who walks at a brisk 3 mph will burn just over 250 calories in 45 minutes.”

I have heard that this is easier than we all may think. It will take some discipline, but it certainly is a lot cheaper than buying books, joining a weight loss program, etc. I have started keeping a food diary (8/1/09, with a short break due to a bought with bronchitis) and have committed to at least 30 minutes of daily cardio.  I will spare myself the embarrassment by not posting my startng weight, but I will definitely keep you posted on my progress….Happy counting!

Source: Weightloss.com

This is an interesting topic that I hope generates discussion and that I hope to be able to talk about often on this blog.  Although, I am not as ’skinny’ as I was in college (I have since gained 20+ pounds, but wear it well), I am not considered overweight by any means. I have fluctuated in my BMI range in these past few years and currently stand confidently (let quietly) at the top of that range.  So, am I technically one donut away from being obese? But, I don’t look it, at least I don’t think so…The point is that my wait gain and fluctuations are all a result of poor diet and exerise habits. I know, I know, I profess to be a health advocate and I am. But, we all have struggles….mine are cherry coke and candy. MMMMM. To train myself to have a better, more disciplined lifestyle, I have gone back to the basics. Counting calories and exercising (cardio) daily. Simple formula, burn more than you take in. I have been keeping a food diary and am finally putting this elliptical from Sears to work (I moved it to a more central location in my house). I will keep you posted on how this goes

Interestingly, I have always had an affinity for weight watchers, evidenced by the fact that I have joined and cancelled twice Its just an online food diary that sets a daily limit (via points, mine was 22) and you are able to track your balance as you eat, exercise, and - beautifully - cheat occassionally. I love the concept that it lets you eat what you want (in theory), but you are forced to see how much currency unhealthy foods have.  Why spend 3 points on a cherry coke when I can have all the strawberries and grapes that I want? I am able to stay full longer, have more energy and still have extra points to use later in the day or week. It credits your points against exercise activity points (ingenious). This is not an ad for weight watchers, but it is a system that makes sense.  How many people fail these fad diets that are restrictive? I just don’t think those solutions are realistic for the long-term and that they set a person up to binge. MSNBC had an interesting article encouraging people to cheat if they want to lose weight. Their tips:

1. Snack smart - eat early and eat often, particularly 100-200 calorie snacks that are high in protein and fiber.
2. Eat the right way- avoid emotional or stress eating, particularly if you are only seeking oral satisfaction (comfort). Having healthy snacks on reserve (like popcorn, celery, or even gum) may work.
3. Hit the hors’doeuvres - many people bank their calories all day in anticipation of a meal later on and easily pack in 900 - 1200 or so calories at one sitting, from starvation I presume. Eat a real lunch or have a light snack before the large meal.
4. Add an appetizer - Studies found that people who ate a large 100-calorie salad (romaine, iceberg, celery, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a little low-fat cheese) as an appetizer consumed 12 percent fewer calories of their main course than those who didn’t.
5. Have a drink - something stong, not mixed that will force you to sip and savor.
6. Go out for dinner - choose one temptation and stay clear of the others (pasta, but no bread or dessert).
7. Go ahead and eat bread - Check the label on a loaf of bread to make sure that it has at least 3 grams of fiber,  each of which should range between 80 and 100 calories. When staring down the restaurant bread basket, reach for the darkest piece with visible grains or seeds, which usually signal it has more fiber [than white bread].
8. Ask for refills - Fiber and water go together like peanut butter and chocolate — only they’re good for a diet, not bad. They create a sense of fullness. Also, green tea and oolong tea have been found to increase metabolism.
9. Yes, you can have dessert - When you have a sweet tooth, you need a plan (e.g. inulgent cake on the weekends, with only fruit and veggies during the weekday) . (Great advice! I try to keep snacks to under 100 calories and, when I have a specific craving, I plan for it by adding that into my total calorie allotment)

Source: MSNBC

This story isn’t sensationalism, by far, but it is a sad revelation about a common (and often preferred) convenience. Flip Flops. How many woring women keep a cheap pair of flip flops in the car to relieve tired feet from a long work day or around the house to do household chores? What does the flip flop industry bring in every year, particularly during peak season (Spring and Summer) - everyone owns at least one pair.

According the the New York Daily News, flip flops are a bacteria magnet. Dennis Kinney, PhD, manager of the microbiology lab at EMSL Medical, and his team tested two pairs of flip flops. Here is what they found:

“The sandals took a trip on the F, A, C, G, 2 and 3 trains, went on walks through Prospect Park, out to bars in the West Village, to a Cyclones baseball game in Coney Island and rode the Cyclone [New York]. Twice. They even waded through a murky public restroom at the Coney Island subway station. The results? Pretty heinous. The $3.50 flip-flops harbored approximately 18,100 bacteria of the five most prevalent varieties found. (Unsurprisingly, the pair that made the trip to Coney Island and stopped off in the public restroom had roughly 13,900 more bacteria.) And that’s what accumulated in just four days. “If you wear shoes for three months, 93% have fecal bacteria and 20% have E. coli,” says Dr. Charles P. Gerba, professor of microbiology at the University of Arizona. While some of the bacteria found were common, non-disease-causing staphylococci, more dangerous offenders lurked underfoot. Aerococcus viridans and Rothia mucilaginosa, bacteria that normally reside in the mouth, were present. “It’s not a good sign,” says  Kinney. “It means that people are spitting. If someone were sick and spitting on the ground, you could pick something up.” Not to mention the worst offender, Staph aureus. Worst-case scenario: It enters your bloodstream, goes untreated and you die. But even mere contact with the skin can yield nasty results.”

And interesting follow-up, NBC’s today show conducted their own study in conjunction with a laboratory from the University of Miami.  Their study did onsite testing of pedestrian’s flip flops on a Miami walkway - the worst offender, Pete from Philadelphia, owned his flops for 6 years. Upon testing, they were found to be covered with infestious germs like pseudomonas and the bacteria that causes yeast infestions and diaper rash. SMH.

My advice? People please buy several pairs of flip flops and recylce them often. They are virtually sponges for our feet - these findings are proof positive that they soak up any and every thing and they could pose a dangerous threat to a person’s health.
Source: New York Daily News, Today Show

Dr. Conrad Murray made his first public statement to the public on Tuesday (8/18) via a video posting on YouTube.  My first response, in all honesty, is that I did NOT expect his accent. What? From the photos plastered in the media, he looks like a burly, musculary man with a baritone voice.  This superficial observation totally threw me off for a minute. SMH. Once I got my bearings and focused, my next thought was, “Why did not not send his condolences to the Jackson family?” What was he trying to accomplish? Clearly a PR move…I am a Godly individual, the truth will prevail, yada yada yada.  Its just sad - he is in the midst of a big firestorm and its pretty certain that he will be indicted soon - someone will have to pay for Jackson’s death and, unfortunately, many will make sure that is is him. Again, just sad.

Watch the video statement here.

Source: CNN

Actress, Comedian, and author of Skinny Women are Evil and Skinny Cooks Can’t be Trusted,  Mo’Nique has lost 40lbs and wants to lose more. Currently at 220lbs, she is lawded as an ambassador for plus-size women. Case in point, she hosted a beautfy pageant on the Oxygen network entitled, Monique’s Fat Chance. In addition to the obvious health benefits, Monique lost wait for an added incentive:

“The sex is better! I have so much more energy. I can move around better, and that’s what it’s all about. I want to lose more, so I’ll just keep eating better and exercising, and the weight will come off. It took time to put in on, and it will take time to take it off. It’s still okay to be big, but let’s be big and healthy. I had to lose some weight to get healthier because I want to be around for a while. I have twin sons who are 3 and a son who is 19, and I want the opportunity to meet their children.”

Congrats Monique - may this be an encouragement to women everywhere, of all sizes!

Courtesy: Washington Times

WASHINGTON — President Obama’s nominee for surgeon general has worked part-time for one of the corporations keeping the youth of America fat — and not from behind the counter. According to financial disclosures, Dr. Regina Benjamin has received $10,000 since last year to serve on a Burger King scientific advisory board. The documents didn’t say on what issues Benjamin has advised the fast-food chain, but company officials said she served on a nutritional advisory panel “to promote balanced diets and active lifestyle choices,” . You know, kind of like Big Tobacco funding cancer research — dead customers don’t pay. She advocated for lower sodium and for nutritional information on packaging, according to Department of Health and Human Services spokeswoman Vicki Riva-Vazquez, and she would resign her seat on the panel upon confirmation, as well as recusing herself from any party matters involving Burger King for the next two years. In recent years, Burger King has taken a couple of healthy steps, like stopping its use of trans fats and offering fake french fries made of skinless apple slices.

The stark reality is clear:  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 46 million Americans, or 18 percent of the population under the age of 65, were without health insurance in 2007, and that number has continued to rise.  I remember seeing Michael Moore’s documentary, Sicko, and although it has its share of critics - the thought of people not having adequate or any insurance coverage to treat an illness is so dissapointing. I cannot imagine this, but I did personally witness a very dear friend who was unable to gain consistent teatment to manage her chronic illness, lupus, and who was always constantly in pain and in and out of emergency care. She did succumb to her illness, unfortunately, and I believe more than ever that everyone deserves the right to adequate health insurance coverage.  This is America. We spend the most for medical care in the world, but have some of the highest incidences of disease and mortality. Something is out of order.

In that stark reality is a ray of hope.  Organizations like Remote Area Medical (RAM) are making a difference, one patient at a time. The organization usually takes their free medical care to rural communities or developing countries, but this week, the group helped thousands of Los Angeles, California residents - the first time RAM has serviced a metropolitan area.

RAM volunteers started seeing patients on Tuesday (8/11) at the Forum in L.A. Thousands lined up for free medical care, dental work, or eye exams. Hundreds have been turned away each day, and told to line up early the next.

“I don’t mind waiting, to get seen, don’t mind waiting,” said Lisa Ewell, who doesn’t have dental insurance.

“I slept in the car in the parking lot,” said Rocky Kitchen. He says the wait, is worth it. “I see kids here so happy they can read! This one kid, he was looking down, reading stuff on the floor because he could see. He finally had glasses.”

A Godsend indeed. Change, one person at a time.

This is a continuation post. I recommend that you read Part 1 to get the full scope of the argument. Previously, I shared research sentiments from a noted scholar on race and health, Dr. Camara Jones. She has shown that racism may be one of the fundamental causes of racial disparities. Even further, she believes that internalized racism creates resignation and helplessness. Individuals will often engage in self-destructive health behaviors. I decided to write about this topic based on comments provided by Tameka Foster-Raymond on this very topic.

Check out what Tameka had to say:

“Often dark skinned women are considered mean, domineering and standoffish and it was these very labels that followed Michelle Obama during the campaign for her husband’s presidency and which she has had to work tirelessly to combat. I was appalled when I heard a Black woman refer to Michelle Obama as unattractive. The conversation turned into why President Obama picked her as his mate. No one in the witch-hunt made reference to the possibility that Michelle Obama was smart, funny, caring, a good person, highly accomplished or brilliant. Nor did they mention that she previously was President Obama’s supervisor. If she were fair skinned, petite with long straight or wavy hair, would the same opinions be linked to her? I seriously doubt it. It is believed that for the dark skinned, dreams are less obtainable. In fact, I have read similar comments about myself that I am “dark, aggressive, bossy and bitchy.” It has been stated that my husband should have been with a “younger, more beautiful” woman. Astoundingly, the majority of the remarks come from African-American women and are mimicked by others. Sadly enough, I don’t know nor have I met 99% of those making these assertions. Funny, how we can judge another without having personally seen, interacted with or experienced a person’s character. As I began to delve into further research on this topic, and the more I read, I concluded that many of our people do not like what they see in the mirror. Seeing one’s own reflection in another person and then to dissect it in an effort to destroy can only be the product of self-loathing. Why don’t we congratulate as opposed to hate? Reading magazines, social media sites, watching our music videos, and television shows feed our appetites for all things ‘beauty.” Rarely, however, do I see depictions of grace and elegance in the form of dark complexioned women. I Googled one of the more ethnic models, Alek Wek and I was saddened by the tone of what the bloggers wrote in reference to her complexion, features and hair texture. Ms. Wek’s escape from Sudan, her journey, philanthropy, and groundbreaking success as a supermodel in America is not only beautiful, but it displays her tenacity and character. African-Americans seem to have lost their eye for character.”

Well said, Tameka. That last sentence is a debate starter.  I believe that mainstream society has dictated what beauty is, at the cost of the self-perceptions of thousands. I am not sure as to a solution for this reality though….more to follow.