Food Label Flaw

In this entry I wrote about the new food labels. I wrote, "After all the FDA is changing the already confusing Food Labels and it can go either way. A 20 oz. of soda becomes a serving just to show you the calories in an entire bottle? My guess is someone who drank a six-pack will continue to consume a six-pack!


All they did is cut out the Servings per container, because most people can't do the math, apparently according to their actions. I do like the Vitamin D label because I live in a cold northern state that lacks sunshine in the winter."


At this time the main flaw is that there isn't an established intake for sugar. Since it is established that the major cause for obesity is sugar, there is no dietary reference intake (DRI) for sugar. How much is too much?


We should also note that most obese people really don't even look at food labels. Maybe that is another flaw!

Health Journal 5

Obesity is now the No. 1 cause of death in the US. Although we are seeing a slight decline among preschoolers, obesity may still reach epidemic proportions. Obesity, much like smoking, leads to other health problems which can range from diabetes to cancer.

I find it shocking that there are those who are shocked that heart-attack and stroke victims don't change their habits. I've seen many that continue to smoke while hooked up to oxygen. It has also been found that sugar may be a major factor for heart disease and strokes.

The debate over which is the healthier water, bottled or tap, continues. The result is that health wise they are equal. Bottled water uses plastic bottles and costs money. Tap water can taste better with a filter, but is otherwise practically free. Speaking of beverages, get to know your best bets.

My time at the gym is well spent these days. Of course, I may have to change a few routines since they are a complete waste of time. While I'm at it, I'm also going to start working on the exercise myths I have adhered to all this time.

Sleep is key to a healthy lifestyle. We should get at least 7 hours a night to be in optimal health. Here are sleep tips for seniors that can benefit us all. Sleep health is an important factor to leading a healthy lifestyle. Find more about sleep, sleep remedies and problems here, here, here, and here. See if you're getting enough quality sleep by taking this quiz.

Nutrition labels should be to help the consumer, but are still a confusion of loopholes that benefit the manufacturer. I will continue to give the heads-up any time I receive new information such as this on the deceptive labels.

The Killing Fields

In case you missed it, the American Medical Association(AMA) has classified obesity as disease. Although many welcome the news, it still is not without controversy. I believe obesity is more of an epidemic. We all know that smoking will lead to problems in life, but we don't seem to be getting the message when it comes to obesity.

In a new study, loneliness is deadly. Social isolation is deadlier than obesity. Though there are no simple answers, there are things one can do to beat social isolation. Here's more advice.

Basically an unhealthy lifestyle will lead us to our graves. There are too many variables that are the  causes of an unhealthy lifestyle, but it has to do with our nutrition, fitness and vices.

The Price Of Health

I have this preconceived notion that we are in youth.becoming a healthier society than we were 20 years ago. After all, I wasn't in the best of shape back then and feel I've come along way to get where I am today. Now I found out that obesity is on the increase. As many of us know, obesity leads to other ailments and diseases.

This is why people must start embracing a healthy lifestyle and doing what they can to get active. Most know the benefits of physical activity, but we can all learn something. The major obstacles in exercising is getting started and staying with it. Here are some tips.

The American Heart Association makes recommendations for adult activity. The important thing is to get moving. You can also track your progress.

Here are AHA's links to lead a healthy lifestyle. With obesity on the rise, there is cause for concern since healthcare will be on the rise. If you add smoking and inactivity, one will see their health deteriorate fast. And problems aren't starting at middle age, but rather are increasing at a younger age.

Smoking has been talked to death...literally! Smokers rationalize, deceive, lie, and even find ways to smoke where they aren't allowed. Many smokers have tried everything to quit. From cold turkey to hypnosis, and everything in between, and most go back to the cigarettes. I'm going to keep it simple-one can't quit, unless one WANTS to quit.

There is so much that must be changed nutrition wise for a healthy diet. We have to change what we eat and how we eat. Nutrition is another area that one has to find their niche as to what works for them. It would depend on where you are now and what you want to become. If you give your body the right fuel, everything else will eventually fall into place. Perhaps a topic in upcoming entries, but here are some healthy recipes.

The price of health is costly in that it requires commitment and it takes a lifetime. One area will affect the other eventually. It's OK to fall back, just don't stay there because it gets tougher to get back with age. It gets tougher to splurge during holidays and special events and lose the extra weight as you get older.

HFCS

Although most added sweeteners to our foods can cause obesity and diabetes, High Fructose Corn Syrup is the leader. Now found in most foods, it may be the major reason why obesity is increasing in this country. Beware that the name is changing, because of its bad reputation.

Of course, you have the Corn Refiners Association giving their propaganda, as they twist and spin. HFCS may not be any worse than sugar, but high consumption due to it being found in foods, puts it in the lead. Their stats paint a rosy picture, but this pretty much gives the reality. No doubt that the corn refiners are making a lucrative profit off their product, and will fire back with more twist and spin. Check for yourself,  all the reputable studies that the Corn Refiners Association tries to debunk.

Although the negativity grows, the refiners are relentless in their propaganda. I have signed both these petitions, and I encourage others to do the same.

You can see who else has interest in HFCS as the article names its biggest user by name...
The letter was signed by the president of the Corn Refiners Association and also by a cardiologist/professor with a university affiliation. It did not disclose the cardiologist's conflicts of interest, but a Medline search revealed that he has received research funding and consulting fees from PepsiCo, one of the biggest users of HFCS in the world.

At the very least, you have to wonder why the corn refiners are pushing for the name change of such a reputable and safe product. They even put up their "experts" and "doctors" against the JAMA, which shows a slight sense of desperation.

7) The Importance Of Weight Loss And Weight Management

Walking should be a must do exercise for all people of all ages. The benefits can prevent anything from cancer to diabetes to depression, just to name a few. A walk after dinner may reduce your diabetes risk. Weight loss can also beat depression, and yes there is a link according to Dr. Michael Craig Miller, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He suggests to start small by walking 15 minutes a day.

You should invest in a pedometer and your goal should be 10000 steps a day which equals 5 miles. It's a small price to pay for your health, and can save you a gym membership. Future entries will tell you how to avoid the gym altogether.

The best nutrient for both weight loss and management is fiber. So here are some fiber rich foods. Here are either already mentioned or new high fiber foods. Knowledge is power and the more you know the better you can develop a plan that works for you.

Beer bellies are a myth since the calories come from the alcohol. Make no mistake, alcohol may contribute to the belly, but it's the caloric intake as a whole that gives the belly.

Get to know your BMI(Body Mass Index). Learn what your weight means and where you are. Obesity creates as many health problems as smoking.