Author: Peggy Rowland

Things are certainly getting confusing if you own a Toyota. Unfortunately, my husband drives a 2006 Toyota Tacoma. We received a letter last year about the recalled floor mats. Toyota issued the recall because they believe that “an unsecured or incompatible driver’s floor mat” can “interfere with the accelerator pedal and cause it to get stuck in the wide-open position.” I have my doubts about the floor mat being the real issue here, but that’s another topic.

With the more recent massive pedal recall, the floor mat recall is getting ignored. For sure, I want all Toyota autos to be fixed. And it’s not consumer-friendly that when I call the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331, I’m only able to hear a long message, essentially repeating what’s on their website regarding the floor mat recall. Then, the recorded voices tells me to go to the website if I still have questions. When the recall first hit the news last year, I called my local dealer and they were pretty much speechless about the whole thing, saying they just found out too.

While several models are involved in both the gas pedal and the floor mat recalls, there are some models, like the Tacoma, that are still just involved with the floor mat recall. And the owners are waiting. A long time.

The floor mat recall involves the following models: 2005-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 Camry, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2008-2010 Highlander, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2004-2009 Prius, 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2007-2010 Tundra, 2009-2010 VENZA.

According to toyota.com, “Owners of vehicles covered by the floor mat recall should take out any removable driver’s floor mat and not replace it with any other floor mat until they receive the vehicle-based remedy.”

OK, but your phone message told me Toyota will get around to this on a “rolling basis” throughout 2010. What will the floor look like by then?

Toyota.com also says: “The shape of the accelerator pedal will be reconfigured to address the risk of floor mat entrapment.” Some models will also receive a brake override system.

So, like many consumers, I’m left with a vehicle that scares me, and I’ll get a fix “on a rolling basis.” Toyota issued a safety advisory regarding the floor mats in September of 2009. This is February, and some owners involved with the floor mat recall are likely to wait several more months.

I understand the whole wait in line principle. Yes, the gas pedal recall is more serious, but when you sell a lot of autos, you need to be able to fix a lot of autos, quickly. However, according to a recent CNN article, Toyota had to be pressured to issue the gas pedal recall. Confidence draining…

My thoughts: Toyota should pay owners of recalled autos fair market value for their cars and let us start over with someone else.

(Image via stock.xchng)

Post from: Blisstree

What about the Toyota Floor Mat Recall?

Excessive Internet use has been associated with depression, but it’s a chicken and egg question. Do depressed people use the Internet too much, or do people become depressed from excessive Internet use?

“What is clear, is that for a small subset of people, excessive use of the Internet could be a warning signal for depressive tendencies,” said Dr. Catriona Morrison from the University of Leeds.

Morrison is the lead author of a new study examining the link between Internet usage, depression and addiction. It’s the first large-scale study of Western young people to take up the subject. Researchers found that people who spend excessive amounts of time surfing the net are more likely to exhibit depressive symptoms.

Most people using the Internet aren’t addicted, so don’t worry too much! Only 1.2% or 18 people in the study were found to be addicted to the Internet. However, that percentage is enough to raise brows regarding mental health issues relating to overuse of the Internet. When Internet usage regularly takes the place of real, in-person interaction, that’s a cause for concern.

Morrison noted that the research findings reinforce previous public speculation that overusing social networking sites and chat rooms in a manner that replaces normal social function could be associated with disorders like depression and addiction.

In the study, younger people were more likely to be addicted than middle-aged Internet users. The average age of the addicted group was 21. Study participants included 1,319 people aged 16-51. Study findings will be published next week in the journal Psychopathology.

Do you think you know an Internet addict?

(Image via stock.xchng)

Post from: Blisstree

Too Much Internet Linked with Depression

I can count on just one hand the number of containers of air fresheners I’ve bought in the last decade. I avoid them because they frankly just make my nose want to run away. Air fresheners are supposed to smell good, right?

In December, I told you about some simmering pot recipes to introduce a nice, natural scent into your air via the stove top. That doesn’t get rid of scents that are far away from your kitchen.

I introduced a new, apparently smelly kitten into my home recently. He likes to drop some stink bombs, so it was time for me to look into air fresheners once again. I knew I wanted something natural and quick-acting. Eeeek. Wafting kitten BM isn’t something you want around when you have company. (Yes, I scoop right away.)

Since I’ve enjoyed other Method products, I decided to try their non-aerosol Vanilla Apple Aroma Spray. I purchased it at Target for around $4.

I know this doesn’t matter that much, but I love the top loop handle design. There’s no stupid lid to remove, yet the bottle doesn’t look naked. The contents include a fragrance oil blend and purified water. According to Method, the aroma spray is made of essential oils and is free of phthalates. As usual, there’s no animal testing for Method.

The Method aroma spray doesn’t attack my nose at all. I feel like it really does help remove odors, rather than just cover them up. It’s a good thing to have around to take a big edge off stinky odors. The aroma spray also comes in several other scents, though I don’t see them listed at Method Home.

In short, the aroma spray from Method is a big breakthrough in my mind. I’ll be going back for more when this can is up.

Have you tried Method aroma spray?

(Image via MethodHome.com)

Post from: Blisstree

Vanilla Apple Aroma Spray

During American Heart Month, treat your heart right by taking care of your gums. At the end of January, I reminded you about Wear Red Day (Feb. 5) and all the widely discussed risk factors for heart disease. However, another risk factor may be lurking inside your mouth. The good news is that it can be taken care of.

A large number of Americans have some form of gum (periodontal) disease. If it isn’t treated, it may possibly lead to heart disease. Researchers believe that if you have periodontal disease, you may be twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease compared to people without periodontal disease. Managing gum disease may help reduce the risk for heart disease.

New guidelines, part of a consensus paper published in the American Journal of Cardiology and the Journal of Periodontology, encourage cardiologists to perform oral health exams. Periodontists are also encouraged to ask about patient heart health and family history of heart disease.

“There’s no longer any question about the strong relationship between the two diseases, and patients with one condition should be checked immediately for the other,” says Dr. Edgard El Chaar, DDS, MS, a periodontist based in New York City. Dr. El Chaar specializes in the prevention and treatment of gum disease, and he’s an advocate for educating patients about the perio-cardio connection and the new treatment guidelines.

It’s not known exactly how gum disease can lead to heart disease, but researchers have a couple of theories. Inflammation from gum disease increases plaque build-up and may contribute to swelling of arteries. Also, bacteria in the mouth can enter into the blood stream, attach to fatty plaques in the heart blood vessels, possibly paving the way for a heart attack after clot formation. Read more at perio.org.

Dr. El Chaar says that heart disease isn’t the only area of concern when it comes to your gums. He notes that researchers have linked gum disease with respiratory conditions, premature births and diabetes from bacteria traveling throughout the body.

If you have symptoms of gum disease (bleeding, tender or receding gums or persistent bad breath), Dr. El Chaar encourages you to not only consult a periodontist, but also consider discussing your symptoms with a primary care physician.

(Image via Dr. El Chaar)

Post from: Blisstree

Gum Disease Bad for Heart

It’s difficult for me to imagine any cat lover not enjoying First Person Cat by Jacque Heebner.

Even if cats aren’t your first love, you may still like the book and get to know felines better in the process. First Person Cat is an easy, entertaining read that will keep you wondering as any mystery novel should.

What sets First Person Cat apart is that it’s told entirely from a cat’s point of view. The cat in this case is Tiffany, a regal tortoise-shell Persian kitty who both grieves and falls in love (with a certain detective).

You learn early on that poor Tiffany’s human mommy is murdered. Even though she can’t speak, Tiffany is determined to help the humans around her understand what happened.

In addition to seeing the world from a cat’s point of view, readers get a glimpse into life in Beverly Hills – the power, money and celebs.

Author Jacque Heebner is a Los Angeles socialite, designer, animal rights activist and former Daily News journalist. She said that Tiffany is a combination of at least 12 cats she’s owned over the years.

Part of the proceeds from book sales will go to CATS, Inc. and Dream Street Foundation.

I admit that I had my doubts about being able to suspend my disbelief enough to get into a cat sleuthing novel, but it happened. And Tiffany is a charming kitty to lead you through First Person Cat.

(Image via Peppertree Press) Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of First Person Cat for review.

Post from: Blisstree

Book Review: First Person Cat

A new site focused on user-generated surveys and answers is on the scene. It’s theSkinnyScoop.com, and it’s tailored to women who want to know (and women who want to share).

The Skinny Scoop allows you to post engaging questions on just about any topic from health to sex. The community (which is free to use) allows women to share their life’s expertise with each other. Here’s an example of a recent poll on Valentine’s Day at the Skinny Scoop:

45% of women said their ideal Valentine’s Day gift would be to spend a night at a hotel or another getaway destination.

20% said they would like their partner to do something homemade and personal (put together photo album, write a poem, etc).

65% of women believe it’s the man’s job to do something special for Valentine’s Day (I disagree with this one, how about you?).

One member at the Skinny Scoop said,

“I am all about women being equal so maybe this is a double standard but…I really wish my husband would take the lead on Valentine’s Day. In reality we women usually do the bulk of kiddie stuff as well as plan most of the social calendar even if we work full-time. So this is a nice one to take off our shoulders.”

It seems that these poll results and comments should be shared with men too! Here are some more juicy tidbits from the Valentine’s Day poll:

• 57% of women feel they are obligated to have sex on Valentine’s Day
• 93% of women said that if they were to make a 2010 sex resolution, it would be to have more sex
• 79% would rather have a massage than sex
• 77% have had sex on a first date

I’ll end with this comment from one member at the Skinny Scoop: “A foot massage is an orgasm and then some!” Hmm… fetish?

(Image via stock.xchng)

Post from: Blisstree

Ask the Skinny Scoop: Valentine’s Love

Of course you don’t want to get bitten by either a dog or a cat, but which is worse?

The answer may depend on how you look at it. Dogs are much more powerful, but cats have piercing teeth. Large dogs may exert as much as 450 pounds of pressure per square inch during a bite. Since dog teeth are dull, the injuries are more often crushing in nature, but the trauma from the bite can be severe. Dog bites may involve tearing of the skin, as well as crushed tissue, which can be prone to infection.

As mentioned, cat teeth are much sharper, so you’re more likely to experience a puncture wound. That’s not good. Due to the bacteria in cats’ mouths, you’re in danger of getting an infection from a cat bite that may introduce nasty stuff deep into tissue.

So, while dog bites do more damage, cat bites are more likely to become infected. Neither option is good, so be sure to seek medical attention if the bite is severe, especially if the animal isn’t vaccinated against rabies. Immediately clean wounds with soap and warm water, apply antiseptic solution and cover with a bandage. (Source: LSU School of Vet Medicine)

(Image via flickr.MelB)

Post from: Blisstree

Cat vs. Dog Bite

I caught the Kong Hugga Wubba cat toy on sale for about $4 at my local pet store. Choco, my older cat hasn’t thought much about it, but Oscar, my sweet yet wild kitten, loves it. I’d say that the Hubba Wubba is his favorite toy. Even if Oscar is asleep, he’ll come running if I pick up the toy.

The durable, catnip-filled Hugga Wubba toy makes a jangling rattle noise when struck, and springs back via the cord if held from above. The shape reminds me a bit of an octopus. Several colors and styles are available.

Although the Hugga Wubba is safe, durable and attracts Oscar, it has a few downsides. The plastic stick unscrews in the middle for easier home storage and display in the store. The problem with that is that the stick may become unscrewed while you’re playing. No big deal, it’s just annoying. Another thing I’m nervous about is that Oscar tries to bite the string in half. I have to keep it hidden from him when I’m not around to supervise. I suppose the string is fairly strong as he’s nibbled on it a few times now and it’s still whole.

Overall, though, I’m very happy I bought the Hugga Wubba. It allows me to play with my kitten while keeping my hands safe from scratches and he looks very adorable hugging the toy. Please click through the image gallery to see Oscar in action with his toy.

(All images by Peggy Rowland)

Post from: Blisstree

Review: Kong Hubba Wubba Cat Toy

Back in September, I reviewed the Tetra Water Wonders aquarium kit. In case you’re not familiar, it’s a 1.5 gallon tank. I’d usually not get one so small, but I was looking for a home for a single Betta fish. And I wanted a tank with a cover so that my cat wouldn’t make his fish entertainment into lunch.

One challenge in dealing with the smaller tank was finding a heater tiny enough for it. After reading several reviews, I purchased the Tetra Submersible Heater for 2-15 gallon tanks. They’re available at stores like Petco and Walmart, and you can enter your ZIP at Tetra to find a dealer.

Though I wish I could adjust the thermostat on this heater, I’ve been happy with it overall for the four months I’ve used it. The heater keeps the water at a constant 78 degrees F, and that’s what it’s designed to do: automatically adjust your water temp to 78 degrees F. If you need some other temperature, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

The 50-watt heater is very easy to install and the suction device maintains a firm grip. You’ll be able to see when the heater is active by the presence of a red indicator light. The heater is only 6.25 inches tall, so it’s easy enough to hide, though it’s sort of prominent in my small tank. In case you’re wondering, that white stuff at the top of the heater is some kind of fish gunk-slim I need to clean. Oops!

Have you used the Tetra heater for smaller tanks?

(Images via Peggy Rowland)

Post from: Blisstree

Review: Tetra Heater for Small Tanks

You’ll hear lots of attention focused on the best hospitals, as rated by the U.S. News and World Report “America’s Best Hospitals” and the HealthGrades “America’s 50 Best Hospitals” and other groups.

Yet, do those ratings and all that attention really mean you’ll get better care?

According to new research in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, patients can achieve similar outcomes to top-rated hospitals at high-volume hospitals closer to home.

The new research is the first such study to tackle the very interesting and important question of whether surgical outcomes at highly rated hospitals are indeed better than the outcomes at other US hospitals. After accounting for hospital volume, researchers found that the hospitals ranked highest by U.S. News and World Report no longer had significantly lower 30-day mortality rates for four cardiovascular procedures (abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, coronary artery bypass, aortic valve repair, mitral valve repair) compared with that of other hospitals.

“Both the U.S. News and World Report and HealthGrades quality rating systems are frequently used for hospital marketing. Our study shows that current hospital ratings systems are no better in judging the quality of hospitals than are procedural volumes,” said Nicholas Osborne, MD of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Osborne noted that continued research is needed to find better ways to help consumers measure surgical quality. Researchers indicated that while current ratings systems may help patients identify good hospitals, relying too heavily on the ratings may mean that some patients pick hospitals or other facilities that are farther from their homes instead of equally performing, high-volume hospitals that are closer.

(Image via stock.xchng)

Post from: Blisstree

Is a Top-rated Hospital Always Better?

At Cafe Press, you can choose a sweet design and add your own custom message to a SIGG bottle! Plus, you can have your bottle customized with your own photo. It’s fun to try out as you can see your design in several different settings using the “preview your design” option at Cafe Press.

I added the “Choco-proof water” to the bottles I designed for fun. Choco is my black-and-white kitty who has been known to dip his paws in my water while I’m not looking. To me, water bottles are important since they’re safe from feline paws, as well as being better for the environment.

Play around at Cafe Press to design your own custom SIGG bottle ranging from $24 to $28.

If you’re stuck on a Valentine’s Day gift idea, here’s your chance to make it custom and green. Those of you with long memories may know that I was complaining about SIGG a few months ago when they revealed that their new liners were BPA free and the old ones weren’t. Yeah, I was upset as I had been drinking from an older SIGG for years thinking it was BPA free. However, since SIGG has apologized and made amends to customers by replacing older bottles with new BPA-free bottles, my feelings toward them have gradually softened.

Plus, I just had too much fun at Cafe Press to not pass along the idea to you. If you decide to design your own SIGG bottle at Cafe Press, please come back here to let everyone know how you liked your finished product.

(Images via Preview Option at Cafe Press)

Post from: Blisstree

Custom SIGG Water Bottles from Cafe Press

Many people have a fear of becoming what’s known as “middle-aged.” When I turned 35 last year, I kept wondering to myself, “So, am I middle-aged now?” Well, the whole fear of being middle-aged and of a mid-life crisis in particular may just be a whole lot of cheap baloney.

Yes, baloney. I’m not making it up to help anyone feel better. The concept of a mid-life crisis may just be a silly myth. Professor Carlos Strenger at Tel Aviv University is a co-author of an article on the mid-life crisis published in the Harvard Business Review last year. He says that “as people live longer and fuller lives, we have to cast aside that stereotype [of the mid-life crisis in mid to late 40s] and start thinking in terms of ‘mid-life transition’ rather than ‘mid-life crisis.’”

Strenger argues that the mid-life years are a time to make use of what you’ve learned to make the second half of your life even more fulfilling. Strenger believes that longer life expectancy, improved health practices and education, as well as an emphasis on emotional self-awareness and personal fulfilment have all combined to reduce the chances of something like a mid-life crisis.

He says that a longer life expectancy means people need to spend time planning the many “high-quality adult years” ahead. Strenger also suggests taking time to think about the career path and personal abilities that please you, not what your parents may have had in mind for you. A career change isn’t an “unreasonable move” says Strenger. In fact, he says, it may be very worth it.

Strenger’s newest book, Critique of Global Unreason: Individuality and Meaning in the Global Age, will be published this year.

Do you believe in the mid-life crisis?

(Image via flickr.ZekeSneaker)

Post from: Blisstree

Don’t Dread Mid-Life

If you bought a Disney “The Princess and the Frog” necklace for your little girl from Walmart, it’s time to clean house. Yes, you have to take the necklace away. They’ve have been recalled for excessive levels of cadmium, which is toxic if ingested. In fact, it may be time for a complete jewelry box raid, but more on that in a bit.

Around 55,000 of the “The Princess and the Frog” metal necklaces were sold for $5 at Walmart between November 2009 and January 2010. The recalled pendants, made in China, are shaped like a crown or a frog, and they’re on a metal link chain necklace in a crown-hinged box.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall on Friday. You should immediately take the jewelry away from children. It maybe returned to Walmart for a refund or exchange.

This recall brings up the whole issue of cheap metal jewelry for kids. It’s just a very bad idea. Sure, it’s difficult to explain to kids while they can’t have the $5 necklace that looks like a favorite cartoon character, but it may save their lives.

You may not have heard of cadmium since high school chemistry class, but it’s been in the news lately since the CPSC chairman said in an unprecedented announcement to avoid buying and throw out cheap metal jewelry for kids. Cadmium has been used as a lead substitute, but it’s also very dangerous. It’s a known carcinogen, after all. Plus, it can interfere with brain development. Read more about the CPSC announcement at The Smart Momma.

Alternatives to metal jewelry for kids can include an investment in a nicer gold or silver necklace from a jewelry store or a handmade necklace of another material that’s age-appropriate.

Have you cleaned house of cheap metal jewelry?

(Image via CPSC)

Post from: Blisstree

Clean Your Kid’s Jewelry Box Today

There’s no doubt that salt is useful, but if you make an attempt to cut your salt intake, even by just a bit, it could make a big difference in your health.

We’ve touched on some of the problems associated with a high salt intake (osteoporosis, high blood pressure, kidney stones and even obesity risk) in my post on World Salt Awareness Week, which starts tomorrow.

A new salt study, published earlier this month in the New England Journal of Medicine, supported the dramatic health benefits of eating less salt. Eating less salt rivals the advantages you get from not smoking, lowering your cholesterol and maintaining a healthy weight.

Specifically, researchers concluded that if Americans had just one half teaspoon less of salt each day, there would be up to 99,000 fewer heart attacks each year and up to 92,000 fewer deaths!

Can you reduce your salt intake that much?

If you want to reduce your sodium intake, take a long look at the processed foods you consume. And start paying more attention to what you’re eating while dining out.

The research was conducted among a group of scientists from University of California San Francisco, Stanford University Medical Center and Columbia University Medical Center.

In their report, the scientists noted that 75 to 80% of the salt in US diets comes from processed foods rather than from salt added during food consumption or prep. American laws may one day better regulate salt in processed foods, but it’s up to consumers to be more careful until then.

(Image via stock.xchng)

Post from: Blisstree

Big Benefits of Cutting the US Salt Habit

Earlier this month, we discussed how serotonin is important for keeping away wintertime blues (or anytime blues). If you missed that, check out the post with diet tips to help you maintain a good mood: Serotonin Diet for Winter Blues.

The topic of serotonin is especially important during the winter as many people suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Over at Healthbolt, Marijke is documenting her own personal experiment with using light treatment for SAD: One Week into the S.A.D. Light Experiment.

Today, I have a guest article for you from the authors of The Serotonin Power Diet. It explains exactly what serotonin is and how it can help you to lose weight. Don’t worry. The pretzel image will make sense in just a minute.

Serotonin: What It is and Why It’s Important for Weight Loss
By Judith J. Wurtman, PhD and Nina T. Frusztajer, MD,
Authors of The Serotonin Power Diet: Eat Carbs — Nature’s Own Appetite Suppressant — to Stop Emotional Overeating and Halt Antidepressant-Associated Weight Gain

Serotonin is nature’s own appetite suppressant. This powerful brain chemical curbs cravings and shuts off appetite. It makes you feel satisfied even if your stomach is not full. The result is eating less and losing weight.

A natural mood regulator, serotonin makes you feel emotionally stable, less anxious, more tranquil and even more focused and energetic.

Serotonin can be made only after sweet or starchy carbohydrates are eaten.

More than 30 years ago, extensive studies at MIT carried out by Richard Wurtman, M.D., showed that tryptophan, the building block of serotonin, could get into the brain only after sweet or starchy carbohydrates were eaten. Although tryptophan is an amino acid and found in all protein, eating protein prevents tryptophan from passing through a barrier from the blood into the brain. The reason is simply numbers: Tryptophan competes for an entry point into the brain with some other amino acids. There are more of those other amino acids in the blood than tryptophan after protein is eaten. So in the competition to get into the brain, tryptophan is at a total disadvantage and very little gets in after a protein meal like turkey or snack like yogurt.

But carbohydrates tip the odds in tryptophan’s favor. All carbohydrates (except fruit) are digested to glucose in the intestinal tract. When glucose enters the bloodstream, insulin is released and pushes nutrients such as amino acids into the cells of the heart, liver and other organs. As it does this, tryptophan stays behind in the bloodstream. Now there is more tryptophan in the blood than the competing amino acids. As the blood passes by the barrier into the brain, tryptophan can get in. The tryptophan is immediately converted to serotonin, and the soothing and appetite controlling effects of this brain chemical are soon felt.

Our studies with volunteers found that when people consumed a pre-meal carbohydrate drink that made more serotonin, they became less hungry and were able to control their calorie intake. Volunteers whose drinks contained protein — so that serotonin was not made — did not experience any decrease in their appetite.

Most of us have experienced the carbohydrate-serotonin effect on our appetite even though we were not aware of the connection. Have you ever munched on rolls or bread while waiting for the main course to be served in a restaurant? By the time dinner is served, twenty minutes or so after you ate the roll, your appetite has been downsized. “I don’t even feel that hungry” is a common response when the plate is put down on the table.

This blunting of appetite is not because you may have eaten 120 calories of roll. It is caused by new serotonin putting a brake on your appetite.

Successful weight loss depends on the power of serotonin to control food intake.

The carbohydrate-serotonin connection has a direct impact on our emotional state, too. Drugs that increase serotonin activity have been used for several decades as a therapy for mood disorders. However, our studies showed that natural changes in serotonin could have a profound impact on daily fluctuations in mood, energy levels and attention. In one of our early studies, we found that our volunteers became slightly depressed, anxious, tired, and irritable around 3 to 5 pm every day. At the same time, they experienced, in the words of one volunteer “a jaw-aching need to eat something sweet or starchy.” Several studies later, we were able to state that late afternoon seems to be a universal carbohydrate-craving time, and people who experience this craving use carbohydrates to “self-medicate” themselves. Carbohydrate cravers who consume a sweet or starchy snack are increasing serotonin naturally.

We carried out careful clinical studies to measure the effect of carbohydrates on mood and to make sure that the effect was not just due to taste or the effect of taking a break from work. Volunteers, all carbohydrate cravers, were given a carbohydrate or protein- containing food or drink that had identical tastes. Their moods, concentration and energy were measured before and after they consumed the test beverages. The carbohydrate serotonin-producing beverage improved their moods but the protein-containing beverage had no effect on either their mood or their appetite.

Eating carbohydrates allows serotonin to restore your good mood and increase your emotional energy.

Eating low or fat-free, protein-free carbohydrates in the correct amounts and at specific times potentiates serotonin’s ability to increase satiety. You will eat less, feel more satisfied and lose weight.

Here are five tips to get serotonin working for you:

1. Eat the carbohydrate on an empty stomach to avoid interference from protein from a previous meal or snack. Wait about 3 hours after a meal containing protein.
2. The carbohydrate food such as graham crackers or pretzels should contain between 25-35 grams of carbohydrate. The carbohydrate can be sweet or starchy. High-fiber carbohydrates take a long time to digest and are not recommended for a rapid improvement in mood or decrease in pre-meal appetite. Eat them as part of the daily food plan instead for their nutritional value.
3. The protein content of the snack should not exceed 4 grams.
4. To avoid eating too many calories and slowing down digestion, avoid snacks containing more than 3 grams of fat.
5. Do not continue to eat after you have consumed the correct amount of food. It will take about 20-40 minutes for you to feel the effect. Eating more carbohydrates during the interval is unnecessary and may cause weight gain.

Stress may increase your need for serotonin and make it harder to control food intake. Prevent this by shifting protein intake to the early part of the day; i.e. protein for breakfast and lunch and switching to carbohydrates by late afternoon. Eating a carbohydrate dinner with very little protein increases serotonin sufficiently to prevent after dinner nibbling. And the soothing effect of the serotonin prevents stress from interfering with sleep.

Boost Serotonin to switch off your appetite and turn on a good mood.

©2009 Judith J. Wurtman, PhD and Nina T. Frusztajer, MD, authors of The Serotonin Power Diet: Eat Carbs — Nature’s Own Appetite Suppressant — to Stop Emotional Overeating and Halt Antidepressant-Associated Weight Gain

Author Bios
Judith J. Wurtman, PhD, co-author of The Serotonin Power Diet has discovered the connection between carbohydrate craving, serotonin, and emotional well-being in her MIT clinical studies. She received her PhD from George Washington University, is the founder of a Harvard University hospital weight-loss facility and counsels private weight management clients. She has written five books, including The Serotonin Solution, and more than 40 peer-reviewed articles for professional publications. She lives in Miami Beach, Florida.

Nina T. Frusztajer, MD, co-author of The Serotonin Power Diet counsels private weight management clients and is a practicing physician and certified professional life coach. She received her master’s degree in Nutrition from Columbia University and her medical degree from George Washington University. She lives in Boston, MA.

(Image via stock.xchng)

Post from: Blisstree

Serotonin for Weight Loss

Despite calls for breast milk donations for babies in Haiti, some rescue officials are saying that the donations aren’t needed. It’s a bit confusing.

The Human Milk Banking Association of North America, La Leche League International and other breastfeeding organizations, as well as parenting blogs, sent out the call to breastfeeding mothers that the donations were needed in Haiti. However, groups like the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders are saying they never asked for the milk. Meanwhile, sites like International Breast Milk Project are still asking for donations for Haiti as of today.

Read more about the breast milk donation confusion at msnbc: Call for breast milk donations in Haiti goes bust.

It seems that breast milk just doesn’t fare well in emergency situations, and formula is currently being substituted instead in Haiti when there’s a need. According to msnbc, donated breast milk that isn’t used in Haiti will be diverted back for use in the US and Canada.

Women wishing to donate breast milk for use closer to home can still donate to milk banks. Donated breast milk is helpful for premature infants and for infants of mothers who can’t breastfeed.

According to Human Milk Banking Association of North America, you should contact your nearest milk bank to find out if you’re eligible to donate breast milk. Milk donors are screened in a similar method as blood donors. Milk donors must be non-smokers.

For more information on donating breast milk (that will be used somewhere, if not Haiti!), please visit HMBANA.org.

(Image via stock.xchng)

Post from: Blisstree

Confusion on Breast Milk Donations to Haiti

Some people drink raw milk without problems, but the FDA warns that drinking raw milk is a dangerous habit.

What’s raw milk?

There’s some variation in raw milk, but it’s basically cow, sheep or goat milk that hasn’t been pasteurized. It’s usually filtered, cooled and bottled from cows fed green grass. Essentially, raw milk hasn’t been processed and may still contain microorganisms like Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria.

The FDA has addressed some myths floating around about pasteurized milk. They say that pasteurization doesn’t reduce the milk’s nutritional value, nor does it cause lactose intolerance or allergic reactions. The FDA also notes that pasteurized milk must still be chilled, despite beliefs it’s safe to leave it out of the refrigerator for an extended period.

What’s true about pasteurization of milk, says the FDA, is that it saves lives and kills harmful bacteria. Pasteurization, invented by Louis Pasteur in 1864, destroys bacteria by heating the liquid to a specific temperature for a set period of time.

Sure, some people who drink raw milk or eat cheese made from raw milk don’t get sick. However, the CDC says that more than 800 people have gotten sick from raw milk in the US since 1998. While raw milk products can be dangerous to anyone, they’re particular concerning for pregnant women, the elderly or people with weakened immune systems. However, most healthy people who develop an illness after consuming raw milk will recover quickly, with only a few developing severe symptoms.

Do you drink raw milk?

(Image via MorgueFile)

Post from: Blisstree

Safety of Raw Milk

Show your cat some love this Valentine’s Day with an eco-friendly cardboard cat condo from Caboodle. Inhabitots featured them recently as a kid-decorated kitty play structure for cat-loving families. (The one shown below hasn’t been decorated yet!)

Sometimes cats can accidentally show too much love. Mail Online has the story of a guy who almost died after his Burmese got a little too into the toast treat from her owner’s hand. Read: It happened to me: I nearly died after feeding my cat toast.

While you’re at Mail Online, check out the story about the cat who boarded a bus each day at the same time for four years! Casper, who had a deep fetish for riding on the bus, did it all without an owner present. Everything came to an end recently, but the story is interesting all the same.

What did dogs who love to surf have to do with Steve Jobs’ recent unveiling of the iPad? Find out at Paw Print Post.

When it comes to you and your pet’s vet, is it a match made in heaven? If not, or if you don’t have a vet (eek!), then read Blue’s excellent tips on finding the right vet.

(Image via Caboodle)

Post from: Blisstree

February’s Doggie & Kitty Links

World Salt Awareness Week is observed around the world — Australia, Barbados, Bulgaria, Canada, Cuba, Estonia, India, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Nigeria, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, UK and the US!

Why?

We’re all very aware of salt, it seems. However, we’re perhaps not aware in the right way for our health.

As you can tell from the poster above, salt affects us in many ways, and World Action on Salt & Health (WASH) is working to make sure we’re all aware of how dangerous this common ingredient can be.

Raised blood pressure from salt intake is responsible for thousands of stroke, heart failure and heart attack deaths each year. High salt intake can also lead to a weakening of the bones and increased risk for fracture.

Increased salt intake may also put you at risk of obesity. What? If your beverage of choice is sweetened sodas, you’ll likely drink more if you’re getting too much salt. High salt intake may also damage the lining of your stomach, putting you at increased risk of ulcers or stomach cancer. Reducing salt intake has also been shown to reduce the occurrence of kidney stones.

You can cut down on your salt intake by avoiding or limiting some foods that are often high in salt, including:

• Anchovies
• Bacon
• Cheese
• Coated chicken (nuggets)
• Ham
• Olives and capers
• Pickles
• Prawns
• Salami
• Salted and dry roasted nuts
• Sausages
• Smoked and cured meat and fish
• Soy and oyster sauce
• Stock cubes, bouillon
• Fast food
• Canned meat
• Yeast extract

(Source: WASH)

For more information on how salt can affect your health and for low-salt recipes, visit WASH.

(Image via WASH)

Post from: Blisstree

World Salt Awareness Week, Feb. 1-7

The question of when to stop getting a mammogram is tricky, if not controversial. According to the American Cancer Society, there’s no age limit for mammograms. That leaves women in their 70s and 80s or older to ponder if the screening is still relevant for them.

While women in their very senior years can still get breast cancer, it’s less common and grows more slowly. (Please forgive the humorous photo. I couldn’t resist using it.)

When helping older women choose whether to get the screening, doctors may consider the patient’s general health. If the patient isn’t in good health and likely wouldn’t survive treatment for breast cancer, there’s not much incentive for the screening. When life expectancy is shorten by a serious illness, mammograms aren’t usually recommended.

The American Cancer Society states that for as long as women are in good health and would be candidates for treatment, they should have mammograms. Many doctors follow that advice, and others may tell women 80 or older that mammograms aren’t necessary. There seems to be no absolute golden rule. Plus, breast cancer in older women hasn’t been studied as much as breast cancer in younger women.

One disadvantage of older women having mammograms is that many of them may be faced with follow-up procedures, such as more tests or biopsies. In many cases, no cancer will be found from that additional testing, but it can cause anxiety in patients. According to a 1998 study of 1,000 women ages 70 and older, only 10 cases of breast cancer were found after 81 of the patients underwent additional testing.

Do you agree that age shouldn’t be a factor in stopping mammograms?

(Image via stock.xchng)

Post from: Blisstree

When to Stop Mammograms