You've likely heard of National Depression Screening Day, or read that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could soon be used to predict risk for Alzheimer's and other disorders. You may even have seen ads for services that promise to evaluate your risk for many disorders -- including schizophrenia -- based on a saliva sample you mail them. It's comforting to think of simple, reliable tests for mental illness; early detection and treatment would prevent much suffering. But how close are we to that point?
Is it really possible to spot mental illness in the DNA from your saliva?
Chantix – Mixed Reviews
by Lori Sciame February 18th, 2011 | Addiction, Medication
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
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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