Май
7th
The Common Cold: Children’s Leading Source of Discomfort
This article talks about how people are prone to different infections, most especially children. This article focuses on the common cold, its signs and symptoms, its causes, and the ways to prevent viral contamination. As an illness, the common cold is one of the major reasons for feelings of discomfort not only among children but for adults as well.
Keywords:
headache, common cold
Our body is always prone to different infections, sickness, and illnesses that may harm our health. It is necessary for each person to take enough vitamins and minerals to increase our body’s protection from harmful bacteria and viruses that cause illness. Vitamin supplements are usually given to children who need more protection against illnesses. A change in the weather, how they go about their outdoor playtime activities, and what they eat and drink affect chilren’s state of health.
Among the many illnesses contracted by children, perhaps there is none more common that the common cold. The common cold is a highly contagious viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. It is one of the most common reasons why children visit doctors and become absent from school. From having headaches to sniffles and sneezes, to a sore throat and irritating cough, having this particular infection usually catches up with us or our children when our body’s immune system is no longer able to stave off viral attacks.
The first few symptoms of a common cold are often felt in the throat, a symptom that is characterized by a somewhat tickling sensation. A runny or stuffy nose can also occur when dealing with the common cold, which also includes the annoying sneeze. Children with colds may also experience sore throat, cough, headache, mild fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite. A child that is sick with the common cold is likely to have a watery to thick yellow or green discharge from their nose.
How do we get the cold virus? Rhino viruses are invisible droplets in the air we breathe or on things we touch. This specific virus is the main cause of a common cold, and can penetrate through the protective lining of a child’s nose and throat, provoking an immune system reaction which are really shown as cold symptoms. A common cold is most contagious during the first two to four days after symptoms appear, and can still be contagious for up to three weeks. Catching a cold is easy, since this can be done through contact with another person, or by breathing in virus particles that were spread in the air through sneezing or coughing. Touching the mouth or nose after touching another surface that is contaminated with the rhino virus can also spread the disease. The whole duration of this kind of infection depends on the treatment or the child himself. Common cold symptoms generally appear two or three days after exposure to the said infection. Most of the colds that we experience lasts for up to one week, but some clears up in as early as two weeks.
In order to prevent your children from getting this common infection, it is advisable to stay away from anyone who smokes or is currently having colds, since its virus particles can reach up to twelve feet when someones sneezes or coughs. After blowing their noses, it is good if children wash their hands thoroughly and frequently. It is also good to teach them how to cover their noses or mouths when coughing or sneezing to prevent the infection from spreading out. Since the virus from a common cold is contagious, it is better for people, especially the children, to not use or share towels, eating utensils, and drinking glass. As they always say, prevention is better than cure.
Май
7th
Teeth Whitening kits
Dentists have been using teeth whitening gels to whiten teeth for decades. These teeth whitening gels are also called carbamade peroxide gels. In the past time periods, lime chloride was the main source for teeth whitening.
Keywords:
Teeth Whitening, Teeth Whiteners, Tooth Whitening, Tooth Whiteners, Professional, Teeth Whitening, Professional Tooth Whitening, Teeth Whitening Gels,
Dentists have been using teeth whitening gels to whiten teeth for decades. These teeth whitening gels are also called carbamade peroxide gels. In the past time periods, lime chloride was the main source for teeth whitening. Nowadays, carbamide peroxide is the main source for teeth whitening. The new bleaching chemical, carbamide peroxide, removes the stains left on teeth within minutes after applied. Carbamide peroxide is used by dental professional and at home people all around the world. Another popular teeth whitening chemical is hydrogen peroxide, which is similar to carbamide peroxide but has been around for over a century. Teeth whiteners have been around for over a century but since the early 1990’s, teeth whitener kits have become a phenomenon. Carbamide peroxide has become more popular for at home use since the early 1990’s. There are many types of forms of carbamide peroxide. Concentration levels for the carbamide peroxide vary from 10% to 36%. The most popular of the concentration levels are the 22%. This teeth whitener provides little to no sensitivity to the teeth while whitening the teeth at a good pace. The teeth whitening process is called oxidation which eliminates the stains from the teeth without harming the enamel in the mouth. The teeth whitening process makes the teeth lighter by eliminating the colored tooth. The teeth whitening process is very simple to do at home. It involves placing the carbamide peroxide inside thermoforming mouth trays. Each thermoform mouth tray is placed inside the mouth for up to 30 minutes daily. The longer it is placed inside the mouth the better the teeth whitening results. Results can form as quick as 5 to 6 hours.
Nowadays, teeth whitening have become a great phenomenon to do at home. With prices at a fraction of the costs compared to dental offices, many have chosen to do it at home. Teeth whitening will continue to be the number one source to whiten teeth for the decades to come.
Май
6th
Realistic Expectations And Skin Care Product Reviews
Skin care product reviews might make it seem like the effects are instantaneous and miraculous, but the reality is quite different. Consumers should exercise caution when checking out skin care products, especially the ones that have idealistic “before and after” pictures.
Keywords:
skin care product reviews
Whenever one goes surfing on the Internet, or just by looking at the pictures used to advertise the services of some skin care product, you would most likely see “before and after” pictures. Skin care product reviews often have these pictures as well, often showing dramatic change occurring after use of the advertised or reviewed product. In concept, these things are good ideas because they advertise the positive effects of the treatment while also giving consumers a better, more visual look than what typical skin care product reviews give. However, in practice, there might be a problem or two with this concept. This is especially true in the modern world and on the Internet, where technology can easily be used to manipulate the presentation.
For starters, these pictures only show what the condition was before the skin care treatment and what happened after using it. Take note that there is no set time interval listed between these two, and most skin care product reviews don’t really mention it either. The truth here is that, contrary to the impression that the pictures might give, using any sort of skin care product is unlikely to produce “instant and immediate results.” The pictures show the effects, but conveniently ignore the time interval that the medication needs to achieve the effect shown in the picture. It is best to keep one’s expectations of the effects realistic, and not jump to conclusions about what the drug can do and in what time it can be done in.
Another thing to keep in mind is that pictures can be doctored, with everything being produced, edited, and exhibited on a digital level nowadays. All one really needs is a computer, the original picture, the right software, and a little bit of know-how. There are several programs out there that are designed for the specific purpose of manipulating pictures, and not all of them are expensive pieces of software like Adobe Photoshop. Less-than-honest businesses and skin care product reviews sites can easily slip in a doctored photo into the “after” section, making the treatment look more effective than it actually is. Another tactic is to put a doctored picture in the “before” section, with the picture modified to look much worse than the actual condition of the skin. This can make it so that the positive effects of the medication are exaggerated.
Pictures that are used in these advertisements or infomercials, even if they aren’t doctored or manipulated, are taken from the best case scenarios of the product. That means that the pictures may not necessarily reflect the average user of the product, who might not have had results as good as the pictures would lead consumers to believe. It is natural to show pictures of the best results, of course, because it wouldn’t make marketing sense to do so otherwise. However, people tend to take these pictures as representations of the typical result, which leads to them feeling misled and disappointed when expectations aren’t fulfilled. One should keep in mind that different bodies may react to medication differently, and how effective a drug is for one person does not always reflect how effective it would be for someone else.
Finally, while it is a relatively simple matter to fake pictures or use various tricks to make the product more appealing, not all skin care product reviews and dermatologists resort to this sort of “false advertising.” While it is prudent to always exercise caution and not get caught up in the pictures, there is always the chance that the pictures are real and reflect what the treatment is capable of.
Май
6th
Dehydration: The Silent Killer
Dehydration is a major health concern that is often taken for granted by many.It may deplete the body of electrolytes and other necessary nutrients. Intense dehydration may cause serious health ailments and even death. People should remember to drink lots of water to avoid this health condition.
Keywords:
treatment, diet, nausea and vomiting
The human body is made up of about 70 percent water. Under normal conditions it loses some body water through sweat, tears, urine and stool. Water also evaporates from the skin and leaves the body in the form of vapor when people breathe. Because of these facts, dehydration becomes a major health concern among many individuals. Dehydration is a condition in which the body lacks water and electrolytes. Electrolytes are substances which contains free ions that are used by the body in important cellular activity. This condition may lead to serious ailments and even death if not given proper attention.
One major cause of dehydration is insufficient consumption of water. Coupled with intensely hot weather, insufficient water intake may lead to severe dehydration or heatstroke (severe form of heat illness). In addition to these factors, other causes of dehydration may include intense workouts and other excruciating physical activities. These activities may cause excessive sweating and deplete the body of electrolytes and other necessary nutrients. Other causes of dehydration can be digestive problems caused by defects, illness or reaction to gastric bypass or other surgeries on the stomach. Health ailments like nausea and vomiting or diarrhea are other causes of dehydration. Too much alcohol and coffee consumption may also cause dehydration.
Some signs of dehydration may include dizziness, sunken eyes, rapid heartbeat, dry mouth, fatigue, and irritability. It is important to give emphasis on the treatment of dehydration because untreated and extreme dehydration can cause shock. This happens when there are insufficient water in the brains and other important organs.
It is important to learn the signs of dehydration and treat them quickly before they worsen. If possible, individuals should try not get dehydrated in the first place. The aim in treating dehydration is to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Plain water is the best option in the first three hours. Health specialists encourage the use of sports drink and other alternative drinks with electrolytes. These products may replenish lost nutrients faster than ordinary water.
Here additional remedies that can be done to reduce the development of dehydration:
* Reduce or eliminate the consumption of dehydrating beverages like coffee, tea, and sodas. These drinks contain caffeine may increase the risk for dehydration.
* If drinks with caffeine are consumed, it is advised that more water than the normal daily total. The dehydration caused by these drinks can be compensated by drinking additional water.
* Include lots of fruits and vegetables in a diet. These foods have high water content and may increase the body’s water content.
* The sense of thirst is not a reliable dehydration indicator. Individuals may need water long before the sense of thirst is felt.
Many cases of dehydration can be prevented by keeping the body cool and by avoiding hot environments. It is a preventable condition that can result to death if left unattended. Extreme care should be taken to prevent dehydration especially during sports activities and intensely hot weather. Home treatment is usually that is needed to treat mild dehydration. However, intense exhaustion and sever dehydration may need immediate medical attention. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and possible treatments for dehydration may enable many individuals to be conscious of their water intake and improve their health.
Май
6th
On Weight and Beauty
The article deals with the importance of beauty, especially among women. Several types of beauty modifications or surgical procedures are seen as solutions to beauty problems. Another alternative is the use of weight loss pills. The article also describes the functions and potential risks involved in the use of weight loss pills.
Keywords:
Weight Loss Pills, Side Effects
Beauty is what most, if not all, people want to have. In fact, billions of dollars are spent every year just to attain the elusive dream of physical perfection. Surgical procedures have been designed to improve and alter the nose, chin, mouth, and even the entire face and body of a person who would be willing to spend for it. Of course, not everyone can afford these highly expensive medical procedures.
Manufacturers of beauty products offer a cheaper alternative through the various brands and concoctions they feed to a large market. Beauty soaps, astringents, lotions and a host of other beauty products are packaged and sold to an eager army of customers. These products all “promise” to make a woman’s skin more soft, smooth, and silky.
These products are not only limited to toiletries and tabletop skin cleansing preparations. It extends to a wide range of pharmaceutical items as well. Some of these pharmaceutical products include acne pills, growth pills, and slimming pills.
While it is true that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” — society has already set some standards on what constitutes beauty. People have differences in terms of what is beautiful in terms of skin, hair color, shape of the eyes, or the fullness of one’s lips. Still, most people agree on one thing: the shape of a woman’s body. For this reason, weight loss pills are among the most bought beauty products in the market.
Weight loss pills contain different chemicals and ingredients that either reduce a person’s appetite or prevent the absorption of fat in the body. For example, ephedra is still being used as an ingredient in some weight loss pills. Ephedra is a botanical product widely used to enhance alertness and as a weight loss aid. It is actually a low stalky shrub with jointed green to brown stems and tiny unnoticeable leaves. It is the source of ephedrine alkaloids and has a long history of medical use in China. Reported adverse effects led the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban ephedra-containing products in the United States in 2004, although it can still be legally sold as tea. Despite the ban, many ephedra products are still being sold over the Internet. The main slimming effect ephedra is appetite reduction. Possible side effects of long-term ephedra use include high blood pressure, heart rate irregularities, sleeplessness, seizures, heart attacks, strokes, and even death. Other weight loss pills uses different kinds of chemical contents. Some dietary pills block the absorption of dietary fat, which is relatively safe, but can cause constipation, bloating and other stomach ailments. Other weight loss pills reduce body fat and builds up muscles. These products are relatively safe.
Green tea extract is also used for slimming purposes. The extract increases calorie and fat metabolism and decreases appetite, although there is limited evidence to support the claim. However, long term use of green tea extract can cause vomiting, bloating, indigestion, and diarrhea.
With all these weight loss pills easily available on the market, one can easily think of a “dieter’s dream” where every single fat-burning product is within reach. Dietary supplements and weight loss aids are not subject to the same rigorous standards applied in the regulation of prescription drugs or medications sold over-the-counter. Thus, they can be marketed with limited proof of effectiveness and safety. Vendors can make health claims about products based on their own review and interpretation of the studies without the authorization of the FDA, however the FDA can pull a product off the market if its proven dangerous.
A persons scrutiny and curiosity would be their best protection. Reading labels and consulting doctors or pharmacists about the dietary supplement they are taking or considering taking is advised.
Май
5th
The Dark Cloud of Depression
Everyone feels overwhelmed by difficult emotions or situations at some point in their lives. Depression is affecting the way a person thinks and feels about the situation he or she is in. While most people can pull through their problems with determination and hope, some would simply resort to suicide or antidepressant overdose.
Keywords:
antidepressant overdose
After the initial shock, we have somehow gotten used to the news of celebrities taking their own lives by way of suicide and drug overdose. Some of them are lucky enough to survive but others have succumbed to their attempts to end their life…and their suffering. It only goes to show that fame and fortune are not enough to make a person happy and contented.
Most people who commit suicide or drug overdose may be suffering from depression. Depression is a condition that leads people to focus on their failures and disappointments in order to understate their own capabilities or self-worth. Evidences such as suicide notes and family statements of intentional ingestion of extra pills usually make the diagnosis of antidepressant overdose quite obvious.
Depression is like a dark cloud that veils a person’s mind, thus, affecting the way a person thinks and feels about the situation he or she is in. It distorts the thinking process. This is the reason why people who feel suicidal may not even realize that they are depressed. They do not recognize that it is the depression, and not the situation that influences them to see things negatively.
Everyone feels overwhelmed by difficult emotions or situations at some point in their lives. While most people can pull through their problems with determination and hope, some would simply resort to suicide or antidepressant overdose.
When people try to end their lives or attempt suicide, it’s to escape feelings of rejection, hurt, or loss. It could also be about anger, shame, and guilt that forced them to believe that life is not getting any better for them. Still others might feel being worthless and a burden that dying seemed to be the only way out.
Aside from celebrities, so-called ordinary people with alcohol and drug problems are at high risk for suicidal thinking and behavior due to the substances that cause depressive effects on their brain. Celebrities are prone to substance abuse because of their environment and lifestyle. Abuse of these substances can definitely bring on serious depression. But as the records show, even average individuals who do not have fame and fortune are as prone to depression as movie stars, rock icons, and other famous people.
The problem is, when people are depressed (and sometimes they are not aware of it), they turn to alcohol to drown out their problems or get hooked on drugs to have an escape without realizing that the depressive effects of alcohol and drugs have on the brain will only intensify their depression even more.
Alcohol and drugs can also alter a person’s rational judgment by interfering with their ability to assess risk, make good choices, and come up with solutions to problems. That is why most suicides happen when people are under the influence of alcohol and drugs, or when they get an antidepressant overdose.
Some people plan and orchestrate a suicide in advance. They even write letters or notes to say their last words. However, there are many cases when suicide attempts happen impulsively without notice. Situations such as a breakup, a big fight with a parent, an unintended pregnancy, or being sexually victimized or abused can make someone feel desperately upset. Such eventuality, on top of an existing depression, could serve as the final straw.
Some people who attempt suicide really want to die. But some who attempt to take their own lives only use this as a means to express their anger, frustration, and loneliness. It can even be considered a desperate call for help. A suicide attempt is just a way to attract attention; a cry for help; a way to express deep emotional pain. They can’t say how they feel, so, for them, attempting suicide feels like the only way to get their message across. Unfortunately, many people who really didn’t mean to kill themselves end up dead or severely damaged by antidepressant overdose.
Consulting professional counselors and therapists for advice can help provide depressed individuals the emotional support they need. Through therapy sessions, suicidal individuals can get help in developing coping skills. Joining a support group with people who are going through the same problems can help provide a caring environment where one can talk freely about problems with people who share the same concerns.
Category : Health
Title : The Dark Cloud of Depression
Summary : Everyone feels overwhelmed by difficult emotions or situations at some point in their lives. Depression is affecting the way a person thinks and feels about the situation he or she is in. While most people can pull through their problems with determination and hope, some would simply resort to suicide or antidepressant overdose.
Keyword : antidepressant overdose
Research Box : Monch Bravante is a writer and advertising practitioner with special interest in public health issues. Choose Variety of High Quality Medicines at Online Medicines Enjoyed Reading this article? More here: Pharmacy Articles
After the initial shock, we have somehow gotten used to the news of celebrities taking their own lives by way of suicide and drug overdose. Some of them are lucky enough to survive but others have succumbed to their attempts to end their life…and their suffering. It only goes to show that fame and fortune are not enough to make a person happy and contented.
Most people who commit suicide or drug overdose may be suffering from depression. Depression is a condition that leads people to focus on their failures and disappointments in order to understate their own capabilities or self-worth. Evidences such as suicide notes and family statements of intentional ingestion of extra pills usually make the diagnosis of antidepressant overdose quite obvious.
Depression is like a dark cloud that veils a person’s mind, thus, affecting the way a person thinks and feels about the situation he or she is in. It distorts the thinking process. This is the reason why people who feel suicidal may not even realize that they are depressed. They do not recognize that it is the depression, and not the situation that influences them to see things negatively.
Everyone feels overwhelmed by difficult emotions or situations at some point in their lives. While most people can pull through their problems with determination and hope, some would simply resort to suicide or antidepressant overdose.
When people try to end their lives or attempt suicide, it’s to escape feelings of rejection, hurt, or loss. It could also be about anger, shame, and guilt that forced them to believe that life is not getting any better for them. Still others might feel being worthless and a burden that dying seemed to be the only way out.
Aside from celebrities, so-called ordinary people with alcohol and drug problems are at high risk for suicidal thinking and behavior due to the substances that cause depressive effects on their brain. Celebrities are prone to substance abuse because of their environment and lifestyle. Abuse of these substances can definitely bring on serious depression. But as the records show, even average individuals who do not have fame and fortune are as prone to depression as movie stars, rock icons, and other famous people.
The problem is, when people are depressed (and sometimes they are not aware of it), they turn to alcohol to drown out their problems or get hooked on drugs to have an escape without realizing that the depressive effects of alcohol and drugs have on the brain will only intensify their depression even more.
Alcohol and drugs can also alter a person’s rational judgment by interfering with their ability to assess risk, make good choices, and come up with solutions to problems. That is why most suicides happen when people are under the influence of alcohol and drugs, or when they get an antidepressant overdose.
Some people plan and orchestrate a suicide in advance. They even write letters or notes to say their last words. However, there are many cases when suicide attempts happen impulsively without notice. Situations such as a breakup, a big fight with a parent, an unintended pregnancy, or being sexually victimized or abused can make someone feel desperately upset. Such eventuality, on top of an existing depression, could serve as the final straw.
Some people who attempt suicide really want to die. But some who attempt to take their own lives only use this as a means to express their anger, frustration, and loneliness. It can even be considered a desperate call for help. A suicide attempt is just a way to attract attention; a cry for help; a way to express deep emotional pain. They can’t say how they feel, so, for them, attempting suicide feels like the only way to get their message across. Unfortunately, many people who really didn’t mean to kill themselves end up dead or severely damaged by antidepressant overdose.
Consulting professional counselors and therapists for advice can help provide depressed individuals the emotional support they need. Through therapy sessions, suicidal individuals can get help in developing coping skills. Joining a support group with people who are going through the same problems can help provide a caring environment where one can talk freely about problems with people who share the same concerns.
Май
5th
The Cure For Toenail Fungus May Be In Your Medicine Cabinet
Home Remedy for Nail fungus-Hydrogen Peroxide and Ozone.
Keywords:
toenail fungus, toe nail fungus, nail fungus, fungal nail infection, fungus nails, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, athlete
First reported by Dr. T H Oliver in 1920, ozone and oxidative therapies have been used extensively by doctors to treat a wide range of health problems, such as vascular disease, cancer, viral diseases, ulcers, inflammatory bowel diseases and spinal disc problems. Additionally, these treatments are effective therapies for contaminated wounds, burns and infections. The use of oxygen to heal is based on the idea that it breaks down and eliminates toxins from the body by “burning” them through the process of oxidation. In the process of ozone and oxidative therapies white blood cell production is also encouraged, there is an increased delivery of oxygen to the cells, red blood cell flexibility is expanded and metabolism is also stimulated. Because of its ability to kill bacteria and fungus, many cities purify their drinking water with ozone. Ozone therapy can be received in one of several ways, including injection, inseffulation, ozone “bagging,” external use of ozonated olive oil, and autohemotherapy. Inseffulation is the process which consists of inserting a tiny tube into the infected area and up to half a liter of pure ozone in a humidified gas is introduces in less than thirty seconds. In order to fight nail fungus, the best delivery of ozone to the body is by bagging or the application of ozonated olive oil. Bagging is done by placing the infected fingers in a plastic bag and filling that bag with ozone. Ozonated olive oil, available in many natural health stores, is made by bubbling ozone through olive oil for several days until it solidifies. An effective way to reduce both the symptoms and prevalence of the infection is to apply ozonated olive oil to the affected nail several times daily until the fungus has died and the healthy nail has regrown. Oxidation therapy is commonly administered via hydrogen peroxide. Because the body
Май
5th
The Battle to Stop Smoking Begins With You
The ultimate decision to quit must still come from inside of you. For many smokers, the will power to quit smoking is driven more by a concern for other people in their lives than by concern for themselves.
Keywords:
smoking, quit smoking, stop smoking, quitting smoking, how to quit, quit, addiction, habit, smoke, smoker, cigarette, cessation, nicotine, tobacco
Summoning the will power to quit smoking is one of the most challenging tasks that many adults will face. Cigarettes are easily accessible and socially accepted, and that it can be hard to stay away from them. With other forms of chemical dependency addicts must remove themselves completely from the culture that supports their habit. When you can buy your drug of choice at the local supermarket though, this becomes a much greater challenge. Though there are stories of folks who were able to simply walk away, the more common tale is one of struggle and repeated failure.
Perhaps the most important thing that you can do if you have decided that you want to stop smoking is to enlist the help of a friend or family member to hold you accountable. Having someone there to provide encouragement along the way will be more valuable than any stop smoking product that you can buy. It is important to remember that smoking can be just as much an emotional addiction as it is physical. While different sides of the medical community try to argue either side, it is probably safe to conclude that both factors come into play. That is why you need to ensure that you’ll have great support around you to compliment the consumer products that you have chosen to help you quit smoking.
There are, of course, a number of consumer products on the market to help you stop smoking. Everything from chewing gum, arm patches, and hypnotic sessions claim to have the ability to curb your cravings for the next cigarette. Some smokers have found these products to be helpful in varying degrees, but it is important to remember that they are only tools. The ultimate decision to quit must still come from inside of you.
For many smokers, the will power to quit smoking is driven more by a concern for other people in their lives than by concern for themselves. New parents decide that they don’t want their kids to grow up exposed to second hand smoke and grandparents decide that they want their grandkids to know them on into adulthood. These family ties are strong motivators and have been the key to success for many adults who have quit smoking.
If you do decide, preferably with the help of your doctor, to use one of the commercial products available to help you stop smoking, you should do plenty of research ahead of time so that you know what to expect. Familiarize yourself with the dosages, as some decrease gradually over time and others stay constant. You should also make it a point to be ready for any side effects that may occur.
In the battle to quit smoking, the responsibility ultimately land on you. While you can utilize the best products available and surround yourself with a strong network of support, none of that will help if you haven’t made a commitment to yourself to stop smoking. Take the first step. Decide that you won’t be a slave to addiction and that you will do what ever it takes to improve the quality of your life, and in turn, the quality of life for your loved ones.
Май
4th
Obesity – Not Everybody Agrees It Is An Epidemic
Obesity has become such an important topic in health and self-improvement circles that it deserves its own “News and Views” column. Here is the February, 2006 issue.
**Book claims obesity “epidemic” is a big lie
In his new book, “Fat Politics: The Real Story Behind America’s Obesity Epidemic”, writer Eric Oliver claims that the ramped up concern over obesity in the last ten years has been driven by the weight loss industry.
According to Oliver his research led him to…
Keywords:
obesity, child obesity, overweight
Obesity has become such an important topic in health and self-improvement circles that it deserves its own “News and Views” column. Here is the February, 2006 issue.
**Book claims obesity “epidemic” is a big lie
In his new book, “Fat Politics: The Real Story Behind America’s Obesity Epidemic”, writer Eric Oliver claims that the ramped up concern over obesity in the last ten years has been driven by the weight loss industry.
According to Oliver his research led him to conclude that, “Based on the statistics most of the charges saying that obesity caused various diseases or that obesity caused thousands of deaths were simply not supported.”
The writer does not dispute that the average American adult is between 8 and 12 pounds heavier today than in 1975. But he does dispute the significance of this weight gain to average health.
He claims that pharmaceutical companies and the diet industry have funded groups like the International Obesity Task Force whose objective has been to promote the dangers of obesity. According to Oliver, “nearly every prominent obesity ‘expert’ has been financed or supported in some way by the weight-loss industry.”
One important outcome of this effort was the successful lowering of the obesity standard in 1998. As Oliver says, “Suddenly tens of millions of Americans became ‘obese’ even though they hadn’t gained a pound.”
Oliver’s main contention is that “the scientific evidence is simply not there that most people who are either ‘overweight’ or ‘obese’ are in any danger directly from their weight.”
This flies directly in the face of current orthodoxy on the impact of obesity on health. Those who warn us about obesity say it greatly increases the likelihood of conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and even some cancers.
**Obesity in Children linked to lack of exercise facilities
In a study published in the February issue of Pediatrics, researcher Penny Gordon-Larsen of the University of North Carolina’s School of Public Health and Medicine looked at the correlation between overweight and availability of exercise facilities.
The researchers gathered statistics on the number of physical-activity facilities, the rate of overweight children, and the average physical activity levels for each area. Facilities included were schools, public recreation facilities, parks and YMCAs, as well as dance studios and private gyms.
Not surprisingly, the study concluded that “more disadvantaged communities have a great deficiency in terms of the number and types of exercise facilities available.”
**Link between “food insecurity” and obesity challenged
In another study conducted by researchers at Tulane University, the link between “food insecurity status” and obesity has been challenged.
Prior studies suggested that people not sure where their next meal was coming from might overeat when they got food, or possibly eat less-nutritious, higher calorie foods.
But in the study of nearly 17,0000 kindergarten children, kids in “food insecure houselholds” were found to be 20% less likely to be overweight.
The researchers concluded that some risk factors did contribute to overweight. These were low physical activity, watching TV more than two hours a day, high birth weight, being from a low-income family, and being either black or Latino.
