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Starbucks targeted by consumer group

Wednesday, June 21st, 2006

A consumer advocacy group recently announced it would be targeting the Starbucks Corp,. charging that some of the chain’s popular beverages and deserts are high in calories and fat, which can cause an increase of obesity, heart disease and even cancer.

The group, The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), made similar claims against KFC’s parent company Yum brands, Inc. and has even filed a lawsuit charging that the popular chicken chain failed to inform consumers of the trans fat content in its fried chicken and of the possible health risks. CSPI says it has not ruled out taking similar legal action against Starbucks.

Starbucks does post nutritional information in brochures in its cafe and on its website, but the CSPI says such efforts are not enough. Instead, the group says the information should be posted on the menu board.

There is little dispute that some of the coffee chain’s drinks and snacks are high in fat and calories. According to Starbucks own website, a 20-ounce “Venti” Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino with whole milk and whipped cream has about 720 calories and 15 grams of saturated fat, as compared with a McDonalds Big Mac which has 560 calories and 10 grams of fat, according to the burger chain’s website. Nutritionists suggest the average person only needs to consume 2,000 to 2,500 calories a day.

But for its part, Starbucks issued a statement saying it is actively researching alternatives to high-fat ingredients and pledged it will eliminate trans fat from its seasonal baked goods by the fall.

Considered dieters should also note that Starbucks offers a small version of its beverages called a “short” that is not always advertised on the menu, but is usually available. Something to consider when you have a craving for a Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino but don’t want all the calories.

By David Plowman

Posted in General, Health, Dining | No Comments »

Safe fun in the sun

Wednesday, June 21st, 2006

Sunburn can not only ruin your day in the sun but the effects of sunburn can last days, putting a damper on your outdoor plans.The best way to avoid getting sunburn is to stay out of the sun completely, but of course that is almost impossible; so here are some basic tips to allow you a great day at the park or beach without the redness and pain of too much sun:

Follow the shadow rule Primetime for the sun’s harmful effects are between 10am and 4pm. To find out the amount of UV rays you may be exposed to, look at your shadow on the ground. If your shadow is longer than you, your exposure to harmful UV rays is low. If your shadow is shorter than you, your risk of absorbing the sun’s harmful rays that could cause painful sunburn and possible skin disease is increased.
Use sunscreen The most important factor in choosing a sunscreen is the SPF factor. Use at least a sunscreen that has an SPF factor of 30. If you will be in the sun for a long period of time or in very intense sun, a higher SPF is recommended. Sunscreens that indicate “broad spectrum” will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.
Reapply Make sure you apply sunscreen every two to three hours throughout the day to ensure you are protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
Waterproof If you will be around the water, use a sunscreen that specifies “waterproof” on the label. This protection allows you to splash around for about 40 minutes before you need to reapply.
Consider blocking it If your skin is highly sensitive to the effects of the sun, try a sun blocker. Unlike sunscreens, a blocker, such as Zinc Oxide, completely blocks out the sun’s effects.
Dress appropriately Your summer attire is also in important factor is preventing sunburn. When taking in outdoor activities, you should wear sunglasses with UV protection, a hat with a wide rim to protect your face and neck and loose-fitting tightly woven clothing that will cover any exposed areas.

Following these simple rules will allow you to have a great time outside this summer!

By Chuck Charles

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Soft Drinks Make for Soft People

Monday, May 8th, 2006

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, an effort headed up by the William J. Clinton Foundation and the American Heart Association, has brokered a deal with beverage manufacturers that will limit the amount of calories that school children consume on a daily basis. The new Healthy School Beverage Guidelines have set a 100 calorie per bottle limit on beverages that are sold in schools. School vending machines will now exclusively feature water, milk, juice, sports drinks, and diet sodas. These new standards will take effect in 75 percent of the nation’s schools by 2008-2009.

Soft drinks are known to cause obesity, because of their high concentration of sugar. Most sodas have absolutely no nutritional value. Liquid sugar, artificial colors, caffeine and preservatives do not make for a healthy cocktail. The high sugar content of most sodas can stimulate the production of insulin, and cause your body to store fat rather than burn it. Heavy soft drink consumption can lead to largeness, diabetes, and heart disease.

The initiative appears to condemn soft drinks entirely, but according to beverage industry leaders, soft drinks can be a part of a healthy diet.

The President of Coca-Cola North America, Donald R. Knauss, said, “Our broad product portfolio offers great taste, refreshment, hydration and nutrition, and we’re pleased to use that portfolio to join the Alliance in helping to reduce calories and increase nutrition in our schools.”

Dawn Hudson, the President and CEO of Pepsi-Cola North America, said “We’re delighted that our products are part of the equation.” Gil Cassagne, president and CEO, Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages, said that his company was “pleased to offer consumers a wide variety and choice of great tasting products that can fit into a balanced lifestyle.”

The American Beverage Association also took the opportunity to defend the healthy qualities of soft drinks.

We believe soft drinks can be an appropriate beverage choice of young people who are following a balanced diet. Yet, we recognize this initiative is about the unique school environment and not the products. It’s about giving students the skills to balance calories in with calories out.

With the entire soft drink industry coming under fire, steps had to be taken to place sodas in a favorable light. As the harmful effects of soft drink consumption were being discussed, industry leaders maintained that their products could be healthy if consumed correctly.

Sodas haven’t been banned from school altogether. Students will still be able to purchase diet sodas. Diet sodas have lower calories, but they also contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin.

Aspartame and saccharin have been the subjects of conflicting health studies.

The Feingold Association, an organization “dedicated to helping children and adults apply proven dietary techniques for better behavior, learning and health,” has said that aspartame “is reported to cause a variety of neurological effects from headache to seizures and brain tumors.” The National Health Federation has called aspartame a “neurotoxic artificial sweetener.” Organizations like the FDA, American Heart Association, and the National Cancer Institute have all approved the substance, and have found no links between aspartame and cancer. For every negative study released about aspartame, you will find three more studies exonerating the artificial sweetener as a totally harmless substance.

Views on saccharin are equally mixed. Canada banned the artificial sweetener after a 1977 study reported increased rates of bladder cancer in rats that consumed saccharin. This study has since been discounted. Sources at saccharin.org have said that:

Concerns over saccharin’s safety were first raised twenty years ago after a flawed study that administered huge quantities of the sweetener to laboratory rats produced bladder tumors in rats. New and better scientific research has decisively shown that the earlier rat studies are not at all applicable to humans.

So while there’s conflicting evidence as to the health risks posed by artificial sweeteners, the majority of studies conducted show that there is very little health risk to humans. The initiative’s primary concern is to curb obesity, so diet sodas will be presented as a lower-calorie alternative to traditional soft drinks.

Soft drinks make for soft people. That much is indisputable. The ban on sodas in schools will be good for the future of children’s health. Many student stores use soda sales to raise funds for student body activities, and they will now have to find alternate sources of revenue. That’s a small price to pay for reducing the waistlines of young Americans. Although students will find alternative means to get their soda fix on, the school ban on sodas is a step in the right direction for a nation that’s getting way too soft for its own good.

By Christopher Stout

Posted in Health | 2 Comments »

Acupuncture: Ancient Medical Wisdom or Placebo Pins?

Monday, May 8th, 2006

Acupuncture is a system of healing that tries to stimulate the flow of chi in your body. In traditional Chinese culture, Chi is the energy that exists in everything. It is a metaphysical force that binds together everything in the universe, and regulates the day to day operation of mind, body, and spirit. According to traditional Chinese medicine, disease and physical illnesses are directly attributed to the suspension of free flowing chi in your body. Traditional Chinese medicine employs a variety of methods, including the use of herbs and massage, in order to adjust the circulation of bodily chi.

In acupuncture, slender metallic needles are inserted into the skin at specific bodily locations, in order to balance and redirect the flow of energy in your body. This process is believed to create conditions that are conducive to natural healing. According to acupuncture proponents, the process works because when your body’s energy is in harmony, and not blocked up in certain areas, you’re more likely to activate your body’s natural tendency toward healthy equilibrium, and you can better thwart illness and infection.

If you choose to use Acupuncture, keep in mind that it is best used in conjunction with Western medicine. If you have a nagging ailment or acute condition, then acupuncture could be particularly useful in restoring balance to your body. If you have a major medical condition, it’s best not to rely solely on alternative medicine as the solution. So if you’re stressed out, you want to quit smoking, or you have a problem with headaches, acupuncture could provide a painless method for rewiring the imbalance of energy in your body. But if you have cancer, broken bones, or some other serious ailment, then you can’t expect acupuncture to work miracles (although some studies have shown that acupuncture can greatly reduce the risk of nausea for chemotherapy patients).

While there have been several medical studies to determine acupuncture’s ability to cure, the results have been varied. Some have hailed the ancient practice effectiveness; others have dismissed the procedure as a hokey means of tricking the mind into healing the body, while other studies have found results could not wholly endorse or dismiss its effectiveness.

Although there might be something to the “placebo pins” theory, the track record and longevity of the practice of acupuncture has to count for something. The fact that acupuncture has a noticeable effect on the body’s nervous system cannot be ignored, even as the mystery surrounding acupuncture’s overall effectiveness still remains.

In November 1997, the National Institute of Health issued a Consensus Development Conference Statement on the subject of acupuncture. The NIH found that, “the data in support of acupuncture are as strong as those for many accepted Western medical therapies.” The NIH recognized the difficulty in assessing the overall usefulness of the practice, especially when the practice is examined using Western standards of medical and scientific know-how. As the NIH said, “the issue is further complicated by inherent difficulties in the use of appropriate controls, such as placebos and sham acupuncture groups.”

As difficult as the assessment process was, the NIH concluded that “there is sufficient evidence of acupuncture’s value to expand its use into conventional medicine and to encourage further studies of its physiology and clinical value.” It appears that the practice of acupuncture will never be fully shunned or fully embraced by the practitioners of Western medicine.

Acupuncture isn’t for everyone. Although it’s painless, it’s still too much for some people to deal with. If the thought of long needles being inserted into your skin makes you squirm with nervousness, you might not be comfortable enough to enjoy the process. If you think acupuncture’s a whole bunch of mumbo-jumbo, then you have to wonder why it’s been around for thousands of years. If you just feel like you need some balance in your life, you might want to give it a try. It could still be just a placebo, but if you’re a true believer in the power of acupuncture, chances are you’ll see results.

By Christopher Stout

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What the bird flu means to you

Thursday, May 4th, 2006

Bird flu has been making headlines lately. Influenza that primarily affects birds is called avian flu. Although there is not yet cause for widespread alarm, it’s important to understand what avian flu is all about.

In 1997, 18 people were infected in Hong Kong by a strain of avian flu known as H5N1. This influenza strain, scientifically known as “highly pathogenic avian influenza virus type A of subtype H5N1,” is commonly revered to as “bird flu.” Birds that are infected with H5N1 transmit the virus through their blood, saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. It is believed that the people who first contracted the virus, did so because of their close living proximity to infected poultry. After six people died in Hong Kong in 1997, the entire poultry population of that country (an estimated 1.5 million birds) was slaughtered within three days. This drastic reaction may have avoided an all out pandemic.

What makes H5N1 so dangerous is it’s ability to mutate into other more virulent strains. Other viruses can mutate the genetic structure of H5N1, so a bird infected with two types of avian flu can brew up another, more easily transferable strain of the virus, and possibly create a strain that is more easily transferable to humans. There are concerns that typical strains of human influenza can interact with animal variations to create a new, more deadly variant of the common flu. Such a concern is not without president. The 1918 “Spanish Flu” outbreak that killed more than 20 million people in one year is believed to have avian origins.

H5N1 is known to acquire genes from viruses that affect other animal species. If bird flu mutates with other animal viruses, it could cause infections in humans. If human are infected with the new mutation, then they may become more susceptible to being infected by the original bird flu or other viruses that had previously only affected animals. This is the biggest concern—an animal virus that mixes with other animal viruses, infecting humans, and causing us to then be susceptible to animal viruses that we were previously immune to.

The United States has already spent billions researching H5N1 in an effort to prepare for the possibilities of a bird flu pandemic. Over 200 million birds have been slaughtered worldwide in efforts to contain the virus. Many experts in the US are concerned that migratory birds could introduce the virus to our domestic fowl. But because there is little human contact with poultry (and poultry secretions) in this country, officials believe the US more guarded against the virus than the Third World countries that have already been the most affected.

The episodes in which human beings have been infected by avian flu have only been recorded in areas where close contact to infected poultry has been documented. The virus does not currently transfer from person to person.

Even as the US has banned imports of birds and bird products from countries that have found evidence of infection, researchers are continuing to devise ways to safeguard the public from this potentially dangerous illness.

There is no evidence that avian flu can be contracted by eating cooked poultry, so of you love fried chicken, there’s no reason to give it up quite yet. But as a word to the wise, if you’re observing migratory birds, try not to touch them or their secretions.

There’s no reason to panic about the bird flu yet. But it’s just to remain cautious a wise idea to stay away from migratory bird secretions and so forth.

By Christopher Stout

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NutriSystem packs healthy diet friendly meals

Monday, May 1st, 2006

NutriSystem is an interesting new diet fad that is being embraced by many Americans. The NutriSystem plan is a weight-loss program that delivers pre-packaged “heat and eat” meals, straight to your front door. With a convenient delivery system, memorably goofy ads, and low calorie meals, NutriSystem might be a diet plan worth considering.

Founded in 1972, NutriSystem originally featured low-cal protein shakes as the cornerstone of their dieting program. At one point the company operated 1500 dieting centers throughout the country, but by the mid-nineties, the company was bankrupt.

According to Business Week, in 2002 Michael J. Hagan, with the help of an investor group, purchased a 58 percent stake in the company for $10 million. Hagan shifted the focus of NutriSystem from on-site dieting centers, (where dieters would go to purchase diet shakes and consult with weight-loss experts), to online distribution (where dieters could order diet food online and have it delivered straight to their homes). Counselors are also available online and over the phone, although many current NutriSystem subscribers to not take advantage of this aspect of the program.

NutriSystem’s primary appeal is the convenience factor. People who want to lose weight don’t necessarily want to join a support group or travel to a weight-loss center in order to pick up their meals. NutriSystem has a variety of pre-packaged foods that are delivered to your doorstep and are prepared in no time. For less than $300, you’re sent a month’s worth of food to eat. Busy people that don’t have the time to focus on nutrition (or people that just don’t like to cook) will appreciate how easy it is to have a meal ready in just a few moments.

NutriSystem’s goofy commercials are a primary reason why the diet program has become so popular. About a year or two ago, one NutriSystem commercial featured a woman wearing high heels and a bikini while attending her mock wedding. Another commercial featured a woman shopping in the supermarket wearing only her undergarments.

In more recent commercials, the connection between sex and NutriSystem is touted in a less subtle manner. Grown men make testimonials about how NutriSystem has improved their sex life. If nothing else, these “dieting improved my prowess” commercials are memorably ridiculous, and therefore remarkably effective. If you laugh when you remember how absurd a NutriSystem commercial was, you still end up recognizing the brand, and so the advertisement has succeeded.

For those dieters that follow the strict low calorie routine, the results will be very noticeable. Dieters are permitted to consume only 1200-1500 a day. The NutriSystem diet allows dieters three meals and two snacks everyday. The pre-packaged food contains carbs that break down slowly in your body and stabilize your blood sugar. Meals are packed with protein and light on fat. Dieters are encouraged to incorporate additional fruits and veggies, and add their favorite spices in order to personally customize the prepackaged meals.

Some people swear by the NutriSystem diet, while others have been less pleased by the program. If you hate to cook, you’ll love it. If low-sodium meals are your thing, then NutriSystem is not for you. The biggest complaint you’ll hear is that not all the meals are very tasty. It’s best to customize you’re order based on foods that you think you’ll enjoy. Try not to experiment with the foods you select. You’ll likely be disappointed, and you don’t want to have to ship meals back.

If you like the food, and you’re serious about eating healthier, then NutriSystem might just be for you. If you’re the time of person who doesn’t eat frozen food, and doesn’t like a salty finish to your food, then you might want to explore other dieting options.

By Christopher Stout

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Socially Conscious Investing

Tuesday, April 25th, 2006

One of the fastest growing segments in the Asset Management world today is Socially Conscious Investing. Many investors are wielding their dollars toward supporting a socially conscious agenda. It’s not just the little guy either - major endowments, foundations, and even some institutional investors have built social screens into their investment decision process.

While this is both noble and increasingly less restrictive (as more and more socially conscious investment products are developed), the real question remains - are these investors actually “doing the right thing”? After all, does socially conscious investing really advance an agenda of ideas and values, or does it simply pour dollars into the latest marketing trick in the investment world?

I would argue strongly that it’s the latter. Socially Conscious Investing is at best an imprecise strategy that is more about drawing dollars into a cleverly marketed investment product than it is about prudent investing or even right and wrong. Put more simply – socially conscious investing is almost an oxymoron. The purpose of investing is simple – to make money. It’s a mutually exclusive concept from social activism and to attempt to blend the two makes very little practical sense.

First, the concept begs the question – where do you draw the line? Socially conscious money managers employ specific screens to rid their portfolio of “objectionable” industries such as alcohol, tobacco, or firearms. To me, this is an abstract and dangerous policy. Let’s say Company A is eligible for the portfolio because it is not in those types of industries. Let’s also say, for arguments’ sake, that Company A has the worst history of minority and female hiring in the market. Is Company A any more socially redeemable than Anheuser Busch? Or, is it much worse? What if Company B is in Health Care? No problem there – “welcome aboard” say the usual social screeners. However, closer inspection finds that Company B pollutes the environment and hasn’t given a penny to a single charitable cause in its history. Still think that company is in the socially conscious category? Starting to see my point? The truth is that unless an investment manager is going to look at every last variable, there is no way to draw the line and separate companies on the basis of social consciousness.

Next, consider the reality of how the investment world actually works. Major stock markets are extremely liquid. If one socially conscious dollar doesn’t buy the stock, there’s always another dollar that will. Thus, NOT investing dollars in certain companies has no adverse effect on those companies’ stocks. That’s just the reality of our highly liquid market, in which millions of shares are traded every day. So, if a goal of these investors is to punish certain companies for their behaviors or businesses, they are losing that battle in a big way. Admittedly, that’s not the real motivation here. These investors aren’t usually trying to punish companies; instead they are choosing not to support them with their own money. The problem with that simple choice is that it’s way too indirect – the net effect doesn’t really make a difference. If someone wants to make a statement with their money, it’s infinitely more effective to put those dollars directly toward a cause, charity, or organization than it is to withhold those dollars from buying a company’s stock.

Many socially conscious investors believe their portfolios have reduced risk because of the healthy nature of their businesses. Presumably, they mean the threat of lawsuits or legislation, but if the intent is to avoid these suits or rulings – does it work? Again, I say not a chance. Enron, WorldCom, Tyco, and Adelphia are all in industries that are free and clear from virtually any social investment screen. Needless to say, their behavior set new lows for corporate crime and each of their stocks has been decimated by legal woes, government intervention, and bankruptcies.

Perhaps the single best argument against socially conscious investing is the proverbial Bottom Line. In our society, SIN = PROFITABILITY. The evidence is overwhelming – just take a look at the balance sheets of Philip Morris (Altria), Molson Coors, Lockheed Martin, Las Vegas Sands, or Playboy Enterprises – safe to say these companies are making money hand over socially unconscionable fist. In fact, there is a mutual fund called Vice Fund which invests ONLY in gaming, alcohol, tobacco, aerospace & defense. The fund believes these industries are “recession proof” and the fund has returned 18.4% annually since its inception, including 27.5% over the last year. Ironically, my best advice to those of you who would like to be socially conscious investors is to put your money wherever you can make the most attractive rate of return, and then use your profits to directly execute some real change wherever you see fit.

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Lactose Intolerance

Monday, April 24th, 2006

Lactose is a type of sugar that is present in milk and other dairy products. People who are lactose intolerant lack the ability to manufacture lactase, an enzyme produced in the small intestine. Ordinarily, lactase breaks lactose down into simpler sugar forms called glucose and galactose. These simpler forms of sugar are easier for your body to absorb, because they can quickly make their way into your body’s bloodstream and be burned as energy.

Lactose intolerance afflicts both males and females in the same way, but some ethnic groups are more susceptible to the condition. Asian Americans, African Americans and Native Americans are among the groups that are the most likely to be affected by lactose intolerance. The American Dietetic Association estimates that between 30 and 50 million Americans are lactose intolerant.

If you experience stomach cramps, bloating, gas, diarrhea or just serious discomfort every time you consume dairy, you might just be lactose intolerant. Many people who are affected by lactose intolerance don’t even suspect that they have a problem digesting dairy products. Many people who think they have irritable bowl syndrome are actually feeling effects of their body’s inability to produce lactase.

If you’re not sure whether or not you are lactose intolerant, a simple hydrogen breath test can be administered by a doctor to get a clear diagnosis of the problem. When a person is lactose intolerant, they’re unable to break down lactase, which causes the enzyme to ferment (potentially causing uncomfortable gas and bloating) and creates abnormal levels of chemicals like hydrogen.

When a doctor tests to see if you’re lactose intolerant, you are instructed to breathe into a tube for an initial breath sample. Then, you eat dairy foods that contain lactose, and you wait about thirty minutes. At that time a second breath test is administered, and the sample is checked for levels of hydrogen.

An endoscopy can also be administered by your doctor. For this procedure a doctor will insert a tube (with a small camera attached to it) in to either your mouth or rectum. The doctor will then check out the live video feed coming from your intestines, and they can even take tissue samples to see what problems are affecting your digestive system. If you can, try the hydrogen breath test first, do so. It’s a much more comfortable method of diagnosing the problem.

If you’re diagnosed as lactose intolerant, it’s not the end of the world. There are plenty of ways that you can deal with the issue. For starters, don’t east any foods that you know contain lactose. Giving up dairy products might be too difficult for some. If you find that you can’t give up ice cream or cereal altogether, then consider taking Lactaid supplements. Lactaid, and other over generic, over the counter tablets can help you break down milk sugar so that you can still enjoy your favorite dairy foods. However, in order to be effective, you must take these supplements before consuming dairy products.

Read the labels of the food you’re consuming, so that you know ahead of time whether or not you’ll be eating lactose. It’s important that people with lactose intolerance get their calcium form other sources. Eat calcium-rich veggies like broccoli and spinach. Try to eat some tofu or drink soy milk. A lot of yogurts contain lactose that is easy to digest. Lactose-free milk can also be purchased. If you have to eat foods that contain lactose, be sure to eat those dairy products together with other foods so that your body will have an easier time digesting.

Lactose intolerance doesn’t have to slow your life down. With plenty of products on the market that cater to those who can’t digest lactose, there’s no reason why you can’t continue to enjoy variations of your favorite dairy foods. Stock up on supplements like Lactaid if you plan to continue eating foods that contain lactose. Lactose intolerance can only be dealt with if you know that you have it. If there’s any doubt in your mind, go see a doctor and get a hydrogen breath test. It might make your life a whole lot more comfortable.

Christopher Stout

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Understanding migraine headaches

Monday, April 24th, 2006

There’s nothing worse than a migraine headache. One side of your head (typically behind your eye) starts pounding. You start throbbing in pain, you’re sensitive to light and sound, your entire body starts constricting in weird ways. Migraines sufferers know that a migraine headache is not something that you would wish on even you worst enemy. When you have a migraine, time stands still—no, wait—time actually slows down so that each excruciating sensation can be felt in its timeless entirety. If you’ve never experienced the effects of a migraine first-hand, the feeling can best be described as a root canal of your head that activates pain in your entire nervous system.

Migraines have different effects on different people. Some women can experience migraines when there’s a sharp change in the estrogen levels in their body. Because of this factor, women are more likely than men to develop migraines.

Sometimes migraine suffers experience side effects to in addition to a splitting headache. These bonus side effects include: nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhea, blurred or spotty vision, sinus pain, a stuffy nose, a feeling hot and sweaty or feeling (or alternatively a cold and clammy feeling), neck pain, fatigue, and confusion as to why all this is happening to you. A migraine can cause increased activity to you sympathetic nervous system, the system that controls your body’s responses to stress and pain. The heightened activity of the sympathetic nervous system is what causes migraines to make your body act so strangely.

But what causes migraines themselves? Migraine headaches are caused in part by changes in your body’s serotonin levels. Serotonin, a monoamine neurotransmitter that plays many roles in your body, is believed to play a huge factor in regulating you mood, sleeping habits, appetite, and sex life. The chemical can have serious effects on your blood vessels. High serotonin levels cause blood vessels to constrict and shrink. When serotonin levels in your body fall, your blood vessels dilate and swell. This swelling sensation of the blood vessels in your brain is believed to be one of the main causes of migraines.

While there are many different triggers for migraines, but they fall into two main categories, Physical and psychological. The Physical triggers include: high stress levels, exhaustion, neck and head injuries, eye strain, toothaches, hunger, changes in sleeping patterns, sexual and hormonal change. Psychologically, migraines can be triggered by emotional anxiety, high stress levels, depression, shock, and excitement. Sensory overload can also lead to migraines. Migraines can also be triggered by certain foods.

While there is no way to avoid a migraine, there are some things you can do lessen your chances of getting one. For example, try to avoid the following:

Loud noises
Bright or flickering lights.
Strong odors.
Smoke-filled environments.
Drastic climate changes.
Certain foods such as chocolates, alcohol, cheese, yeast, coffee (and anything heavily caffeinated), artificial sweeteners, avocados, raisins, sauerkraut, beans, some nuts, figs, lentils, and some citrus fruits. Cigarette smoking can also lead to more migraines.

As of today, there is no cure for migraines, but there also is no shortage of ways to treat migraines. With so many different treatments available, it’s important that you try a few different remedies to try to lessen the impact of a painful migraine. Stick with what works best for you. If you feel a migraine coming on, do something about it. Try to take a nap if you can, or take some pain killers (either overt the counter or prescription strength.) Do your best to reduce your level of stress. When a migraine sets in, find a dark quiet room and try to lie down. Put a cold, wet towel over your head. Apply pressure to your scalp my massaging it firmly, and do the same with your temples.

If possible, stop whatever you’re doing and try to relax once the migraine kicks in. Don’t aggravate your migraine headache by continuing your day as usual. Many people are sympathetic to the plight of migraine sufferers. Let your boss or teacher know that your migraine has rendered you useless for the rest of the day. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and be sure to the thank people that understand your pain. Do what you can to avoid migraines, and when they hit, do all that you can to try to sleep and let the migraine pass.

If there’s one positive that can come out of a migraine headache it’s this: after it has passed you feel as if you’ve been born into a new world. Harness that good feeling and take steps to avoid the painful effects of future migraine headaches.

Christopher Stout

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Make exercising fun with a Pilates ball

Wednesday, April 5th, 2006

Some people are extremely good about exercising. Some dedicated folks go to the gym daily. Friends of mine get their exercise by getting involved in organized sports leagues. Another friend of mine jogs at least a mile every morning, rain or shine. But then there are the rest of us. We’re the ones who pay lip-service to exercise, but never really follow through. We buy the occasional exercise machine, and end up using it as a coat rack. We employ excuses like “I work too much,” “I never have any time,” and so on. We know that we need exercise in our lives, but we always end up finding a way to avoid it.

There’s hope for those of us who shy away from physical activity, and in comes in the form of a large inflatable ball. Call it what you want—a Pilates ball, an exercise ball, a stability ball, or a balance ball—the thing works. If it got me to exercise on a regular basis it’ll, work for anyone.

The stability ball works the core region of your body. Your core is your body’s center of gravity: your stomach, pelvis area, abs, and lower back. Whether you want to tone your limbs, trim your gut, or just work on your posture, the balance ball is an effective exercise tool.

Here’s why it works for me. I think there’s something fundamentally chore-like about exercising. I don’t exercise because I enjoy it; I exercise because I know I have to. I need an element of amusement if I’m going to workout consistently.

The Pilates ball accomplishes that for me. Much like a trampoline, the Pilates ball introduces a much needed goof-factor into your workout. As the silliness sets in, I shift from a mentality of work, to a mindset of play.

You begin by sitting on a large bouncy ball, trying to maintain your balance while you do some light stretching. Even while sitting and bouncing, you are working your core muscles in order to maintain balance on the ball. Once you get past the giggles, you start feeling the burn, and you begin thinking about all the ways in which you can use this contraption to work out different parts of your body.

You can squat while holding the ball, which targets your legs and thighs. You can sit on the ball and use weights to work your triceps and shoulders. Pretty much any exercise you can think of is maximized, because you are constantly using your muscles to remain balanced on the ball. Crunches, push-ups and bicep curls are more effective, because you are simultaneously targeting more muscles in your body with each rep.

As you are having fun exercising, keep in mind the following:

Be sure to warm up and cool down. You need to stretch your muscles before and after your workout.

Keep your thighs parallel and maintain proper posture on the ball. Your back should be flat and straight, your knees should be at a 90 degree angle.

Don’t hold your breath while doing the exercises, just breath normally.

In order to achieve maximum results, stiffen your core region while exercising. Brace your stomach as if someone is going to punch you in the gut.

Be consistent. If you dedicate your time to staying healthy, you will notice results.

Unlike most fitness fads, the stability ball is an affordable exercise option. Forget purchasing a massive video collection or the latest and greatest piece of exercise equipment. Go get yourself a big bouncy ball. All you need to do is add air, make space, and get ready to chuckle your way into a healthier lifestyle.

By Christopher Stout

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