Cranky. Cravings. Constipation…and more. Anyone who has tried to quit smoking knows just how difficult the process can be. In fact, most smokers try seven times or more before they can kick the habit. This is because nicotine is a powerfully addictive drug. Chantix, one of seven prescription medications available to help smokers quit, has had mixed reviews concerning its safety and effectiveness.
The University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention (CTRI) explains that Chantix is a prescription-only medication that helps smokers quit in two ways. The medication blocks some
Raw Vs. Cooked Vegetables
by Louise February 14th, 2011 | Nutrition, Vitamins
Question: Is it better to eat vegetables when they are raw or cooked?
Simple answer: It is usually better to eat vegetables raw. It depends on the vegetable and the nutrients you're trying to get out of them.
More elaborate answer: There are some vegetables that, when cooked, "lock" in their nutrients, so your body isn't able to digest them, even you are taking it all in. For instance, broccoli is well known for containing sulforaphane, a compound which is thought to have anticancer properties, because it stimulates a body's detoxifying enzymes. Cooking broccoli causes the sulforaphane to take on a
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Simple answer: It is usually better to eat vegetables raw. It depends on the vegetable and the nutrients you're trying to get out of them.
More elaborate answer: There are some vegetables that, when cooked, "lock" in their nutrients, so your body isn't able to digest them, even you are taking it all in. For instance, broccoli is well known for containing sulforaphane, a compound which is thought to have anticancer properties, because it stimulates a body's detoxifying enzymes. Cooking broccoli causes the sulforaphane to take on a
Give Your Heart a Valentine
by Lori Sciame February 11th, 2011 | Diseases, Health Research, Heart Health
This Valentine’s Day, show your heart some love. Since 1963, February has been known as “American Heart Month.†Since heart disease is America’s number one killer, it makes sense to make your heart a priority, not only this month, but every month of the year.
Overview
In 2010, an estimated 785,000 Americans had a new coronary attack, and about 470,000 had a recurrent attack. About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about one every minute will die from one (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). In essence, heart disease touches all
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Overview
In 2010, an estimated 785,000 Americans had a new coronary attack, and about 470,000 had a recurrent attack. About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about one every minute will die from one (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). In essence, heart disease touches all
Making Smoothies
by Louise February 7th, 2011 | Diet
Smoothies can be both absolutely nutritious and spectacularly delicious. Smoothies are tasty and can be jam-packed with vitamins. They are perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert. All you need is a blender, liquid (milk, yogurt, or juice), ice, and some of your favorite fruit or other food for flavoring.
There is no recipe for the perfect smoothie; it all depends on personal preference. I start with a 1:1 ratio of milk and ice (usually about half a cup). You can add anything else you want: fruit, vegetables, spices (cinnamon or nutmeg), or even supplemental protein
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There is no recipe for the perfect smoothie; it all depends on personal preference. I start with a 1:1 ratio of milk and ice (usually about half a cup). You can add anything else you want: fruit, vegetables, spices (cinnamon or nutmeg), or even supplemental protein
Coughs in Babies Can Be Deadly
by Lori Sciame February 4th, 2011 | Children's Health, Illness
Parents of infants beware: Whooping Cough, or pertussis, an illness long thought conquered, has resurfaced across the country. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently warned that this bacterial infection is threatening young children, especially in California.
The CDC explains that “…the illness is most severe for babies; more than half of infants younger than 1 year of age who get the disease must be hospitalized. About 1 in 5 infants with pertussis get pneumonia (lung infection), and about 1 in 100 will have convulsions. In rare cases (1 in 100), pertussis can be deadly, especially in infants.â€
In order
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The CDC explains that “…the illness is most severe for babies; more than half of infants younger than 1 year of age who get the disease must be hospitalized. About 1 in 5 infants with pertussis get pneumonia (lung infection), and about 1 in 100 will have convulsions. In rare cases (1 in 100), pertussis can be deadly, especially in infants.â€
In order