FDA Approves New Tool for Detecting Bird Flu in Humans

Avian influenza, or “bird flu,” has ruffled quite a few feathers lately. The disease is usually limited to birds, poultry, ducks, and pigs, but there have been a growing number of human cases in recent years. Health experts also are concerned that the most common and most dangerous strain of the virus, H5N1, could transform itself and spread to humans.

 

While there is no vaccine yet, the battle against bird flu got some reinforcement this week with the approval of a new test for humans by the FDA. The test can detect the H5N1 strain in less than 40 minutes. If people have flu-like symptoms, a simple nose or throat swab can check to see if they are infected.

 

So far, human cases of bird flu have occurred primarily in Asia and Africa. Most infections happened after direct contact with poultry that were carrying the virus. Other ways of getting bird flu may include consuming poultry that isn’t thoroughly cooked or by coming in contact with another infected person.

Symptoms of bird flu are similar to signs of the regular flu, such as sore throat, fever, and muscle aches. The disease can make some people very sick or even be life-threatening.

Toughest Cities for Those with Asthma Revealed

Air is not created equal. For people with asthma or severe allergies, certain cities pose less of a breathing hazard than others. While this group of sufferers may have their own list of preferred places to live and visit, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) set out to discover which cities actually were the worst offenders.

 

Looking at factors such as air quality, public smoking laws, and pollen counts, the AAFA ranked 100 U.S. cities according to the comfort level of a resident with asthma. The top 10 worst cities for asthmatics are:

1. St. Louis
2. Milwaukee
3. Birmingham, Alabama
4. Chattanooga
5. Charlotte
6. Memphis
7. Knoxville
8. McAllen, Texas
9. Atlanta
10. Little Rock, Arkansas

 Cities found to be the least challenging for those with asthma were:

1. Cape Coral, Florida
2. Seattle
3. Minneapolis
4. Colorado Springs
5. Portland, Oregon
6. Palm Bay, Florida
7. Daytona Beach
8. San Francisco
9. Portland, Maine
10. Boise City, Idaho

 So, what can you do if you live in a city that is not asthma-friendly? Work with your doctor to create an asthma action plan. Take any necessary medications and follow other guidelines outlined by your doctor. Also, if your city does not have a ban on public smoking, get involved and encourage local leaders to take an important step in cleaning your city’s air.

ACSM Encourages Adults to Get Out and Play

Bored with your workout? Tired of being stuck indoors on the treadmill? Now that it’s spring, head outside and play.

 

To add some fun to your normal workout, recall your favorite activities from childhood. Did you look forward to dance class? Sign up for some hip-hop or aerobic dance classes at a local dance studio or gym. If you enjoyed playing on a school sports team, join an adult recreational league. Were you a restless kid that liked to explore and seek out adventure? Try rock climbing or going for a hike.

 

Experts from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) say adults need regular playtime as well. Taking a break can be good for your body and mind. For instance, instead of spending your lunch hour checking email or trying to get more followers on Twitter, grab some co-workers and head to the park. Play a game of catch or hang around on the monkey bars at the playground. Even 10 to 15 minutes of play can help you feel reenergized and ready to tackle the rest of your day.

 

FDA Warns Consumers to Stop Eating Pistachios

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a consumer alert today for pistachios and all food items that may contain pistachios, such as pudding or ice cream. These products should be avoided until further notice due to a possible salmonella contamination.

 

Food safety experts say there may be an official recall of specific products, much like the recent recall of peanut butter and related items. The suspected company, Setton Pistachio in California, has voluntarily recalled any pistachios processed during the past year and also has shut down operations. The FDA is working with the pistachio industry to see how large of a recall will be necessary and will provide any new details as they become available. An updated list of recalled items is available on the FDA’s site. A searchable database lets you look by brand name, product type, or UPC code.

 

Salmonella is the most common cause of foodborne illness. It can cause fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. However, it can be life-threatening for some groups, including older adults, young children, and those with chronic medical conditions.

 

A Child’s Growth Spurt Might Lead to Having a Sweet Tooth

Cookies. Candy. Cupcakes. Ah, childhood was filled with yummy desserts and goodies. New research suggests that children’s growing bones could be the reason they crave sweet treats.

 

In the study, children growing at a rapid rate had more of a sweet tooth than those developing at a slower pace. Researchers say that the findings are preliminary but may offer some insight into the fight against childhood obesity.

 

So how can you satisfy your little one’s sweet tooth? Fruit is a great option. It’s good for kids and has few calories but contains natural sugar. If your child doesn’t like eating whole fruit, consider making a smoothie, buying dried fruit, or chopping up fruit to put on toast or cereal. Other choices include using fruit spread on whole-grain bread or crackers or topping veggies with a sweet sauce or fruit-flavored vinaigrette.

 

If your child resists any of these new alternatives, keep trying. Experts say children often have to be offered a new food up to 15 times before they will try it.

 

Get on the Road to Healthy Eating with MyPyramid

Just like gas fuels a car, we need calories for energy. But we don’t come with a gas tank and can sometimes struggle with finding the right balance for our optimal performance.

 

According to a recent survey, 85% of adults did not know how many calories they should be eating each day. Your exact calorie need depends on several factors such as your age, activity level, and height.

 

Luckily, the USDA saves us from having to do math and figures out everything for us at http://www.mypyramid.gov/mypyramid/index.aspx. After plugging in some basic information and stats, you receive a personalized profile which includes your ideal number of calories, a breakdown of the food groups and your target servings, and helpful hints on hitting those targets. The site also offers other useful tools such as a meal planning worksheet, games and coloring pages for kids, and a more detailed assessment of your diet and physical activity level called the MyPyramid Tracker.

Decoding the Many Causes of Chest Pain

In Hollywood, chest pain is the classic heart attack symptom. The character grabs their chest before kneeling over with pain. In the real world, chest pain doesn’t necessarily mean you’re having a heart attack. In fact, a variety of conditions may be the culprit, including:

• Asthma
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Pneumonia
• Sore muscles
• Digestive problems—such as GERD, indigestion, gallstones, or heartburn

The term “chest pain” can be misleading as well. It can range from slight discomfort to pain and may be felt anywhere from your neck to upper abdomen, including your lungs, muscles, heart, ribs, and esophagus.

    If the pain was brought about by coughing, injury, or too much activity, you can try self-care—including rest, ice or heat, and acetaminophen. You can see if one of these causes is to blame by pressing the point of pain. If your chest wall feels tender or hurts a little, go ahead and use one of the self-care methods above. If you have asthma or another chronic health condition, regularly taking your medications and following your doctor’s recommendations can help avoid problems.

    You should contact your doctor if chest wall pain lasts longer than three to five days or you also have a fever or cough with yellow-green phlegm. However, seek immediate medical care if you have sudden crushing pain, tightening, or pressure in your chest or chest pain that will not go away. Also, get help right away if chest pain is accompanied by sweating, dizziness, shortness of breath, or nausea.

 

Texting May Help in Skin Cancer Fight

A new study from the American Academy of Dermatology finds that text messaging could play an important role in skin cancer prevention.

    Regular sunscreen use can decrease the odds of skin cancer but many people are still going sunscreen-free. To see if reminding people would help, researchers sent some study participants daily reminders via text to apply sunscreen. Those who received reminders were significantly more likely to slather on sunscreen each day than those who did not get notices. Almost 70 percent of participants said they would continue to use the reminder system.

    Although summer may seem a long way off, sunscreen should be worn every day rain, snow, or shine. For the best protection, choose a product that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and fights both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it about 30 minutes before heading outdoors and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Also, make sure you put on enough. Experts say you should use one ounce each time, which is about enough to fill a shot glass.

What’s the Big Deal About Omega-3s?

Yesterday we talked about heart-healthy diets. One way you can help your heart is by consuming more omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish.

     So how exactly do omega-3s help your heart? They can lower blood pressure, protect against irregular heartbeats, lower triglyceride levels, and prevent blood clots—which can lead to heart attack. Other health conditions that these fatty acids might protect you from include arthritis, diabetes, some types of cancer, and stroke.

     Read on to learn more about this newest nutrition darling.

 

Omega Is More than a Greek Letter

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids, which means they are needed for health but cannot be made by the body. Therefore, omega-3s must be obtained from food.

     Experts stress that it’s important to have both omega-3 and omega-6 (another essential fatty acid) in your diet. Also called polyunsaturated fatty acids, they work together to protect your heart, joints, pancreas, and stabilize your mood. These fatty acids also play a crucial role in brain function and normal growth and development. Most Americans get enough omega-6 fatty acids through their normal diet but fall short when it comes to omega-3 fatty acids.

      There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids:

·                  Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)

·                  Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

·                  Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

     EPA and DHA are the most important types of omega-3s, as ALA is converted into these acids to be better used by the body.

 

Get Hooked on the Benefits of Fish

Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. The best type are fatty, cold-water fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, halibut, sardines, and herring.

     Mercury concerns may have scared you away from eating fish. But the AHA says for most people, especially those with a risk for heart disease, the omega-3 benefits of eating fish probably outweigh any potential risks.

     The AHA recommends at least two, 3-ounce servings of fish (preferably omega-3-rich fish) each week. One serving is about 3 ounces cooked, or about the size of a checkbook.

 

Caution Advised for Pregnant Women

Pregnant women and young children are advised to restrict the amount of fish they eat to avoid the dangers of mercury and other toxins. But, omega-3 fatty acids have proven to be so beneficial for the developing fetus that pregnant women are encouraged to eat fish that’s safe for them.

     The FDA and Environmental Protection Agency offers these recommendations for women who might become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children:

·     Avoid eating shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish.

·     Limit intake of other fish to 12 ounces a week. Fish and shellfish that are low in mercury include shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, and catfish.

·     Canned albacore tuna has higher levels of mercury so eat no more than 6 ounces a week.

 

Make Room for More Omega-3s

Not a fish fan? Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids include:

·        Flaxseed and flaxseed oil

·        Dark green leafy veggies

·        Walnuts

·        Spinach

·        Some vegetable oils

·        Broccoli

·        Cauliflower

·        Soybeans.

     Increasing your omega-3 intake through food is preferred over supplements, according to the American Heart Association.

 

Put Your Heart into Your Diet

Earlier this week, the American Heart Association (AHA) encouraged all Americans to eat a more heart-healthy diet. In particular, the AHA is concerned about portion sizes, sugar consumption, and excess calories.

 

For an AHA-approved diet, try these tips:

• Opt for whole-grain and fat-free or low-fat dairy products when you can.
• Brighten up your diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and veggies have many important nutrients but also are high in fiber, which means you will feel fuller faster and may lose weight.
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. This means one drink a day for women and two for men.
• Go fish at least twice a week. Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids—including salmon, trout, and herring—offer the best heart protection.
• Select lean meats and poultry without skin if you eat meat.
• Read food labels carefully. Product claims can sometimes be misleading. For instance, a product marked low-fat may have more sugar or sodium than its counterpart. Also, avoid foods that have partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
• When eating at a restaurant, don’t be shy about asking for nutritional information or special preparation options.
• Watch your cholesterol and sodium intake. A good goal for cholesterol is less than 300 milligrams a day. A high-sodium diet is a big contributor to high blood pressure so limit your daily sodium intake to at least 2,300 milligrams. If you already have heart disease, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, you may need to eat even less. Check with your doctor to see what’s right for you.