Today, “exergames” market themselves as a way to get off the couch, get active, and stay healthy. While the concept is exciting—and the games themselves can be a lot of fun—new research suggests that giving your family access to these games alone might not actually benefit their health.
Read More »Diets, Weight & Physical Activity
Examining the Safety of Natural Supplements
In their quest for health and beauty, half of all American adults take natural supplements to solve all sorts of problems. But do these products really work, and how much do Americans know about their safety? Not as well as one may think, and not nearly enough.
Ultimately, it is unwise to trust the claims that manufacturers of dietary supplements make about either the effectiveness or safety of their products. Let the buyer beware.
Can Eating Fish Be Dangerous? The Facts About Methylmercury
Mercury is a mineral that exists naturally in the environment. Bacteria and natural processes can transform mercury into the organic mercury compound methylmercury, which is a poisonous substance. Unfortunately, this toxin is in the fish we eat.
Read More »Eating Habits That Improve Health and Help with Weight Loss and BMI
More and more research studies are confirming the importance of keeping body mass index (BMI) and waistline measurements under control in order to reduce the risk of disease and premature death. Keeping track of calories and fat percentages can be confusing, and the nutrition labels on the foods we buy aren’t always that helpful. How are consumers supposed to figure out which diet advice is just hype – that ultimately don’t contribute to better health – and which advice offers good, medically sound information?
Read More »Alli: The FDA’s First Over-the-Counter Diet Drug
Alli is the first FDA-approved over-the-counter weight loss pill. The active ingredient in Alli inhibits the absorption of certain fats in the intestine. The subsequent excretion of these unabsorbed fats helps patients lose weight.
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