Monthly archive

The amount of TV preschoolers watch seems to contribute to what their waist size and athletic abilities will be when they reach fourth grade, researchers report.

The study, from researchers at the University of Montreal and Sainte-Justine Mother and Child University Hospital in Canada, found that every hour of TV children aged 2½ to 4½ years old watched not only added to their waistline but also affected their ability to perform in sports.

Metabolic syndrome is a condition that includes the presence of a cluster of risk factors specific for cardiovascular disease. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), metabolic syndrome significantly raises the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and/or stroke.

If you, your parents, or your parents' siblings had a heart attack before age 55 and you have a child, this advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) might surprise you: Have your child's cholesterol tested.

Under certain circumstances, the AAP says, cholesterol-lowering diets, under a pediatrician's supervision, are safe for children.

Which children need testing?

Whether you are getting together with friends and family for the holiday at the park, lake, or in the backyard, chances are grilling out is on agenda.  Before you head out to the grocery store and stock up, remember there are important considerations when preparing food on the grill.  Follow these steps to help avoid foodborne illness from becoming the center of attention at the party.

Today the Supreme Court upheld most elements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), particularly the individual insurance mandate at the heart of the law.

The Supreme Court also ruled that the federal government cannot withhold current Medicaid funds if a state chooses not to participate in the Medicaid expansion. Lovelace Health System is a major provider for Medicaid patients. We will wait for the Governor’s decision on how to proceed and work with the state on continuing to offer high-quality health care to the Medicaid population.

It seems it doesn’t take long for the heat to take its toll.  Once the thermometer tops 100 most of us experience a change in our general attitude, including a heightened agitation.  The inconvenience of the dog days of summer are setting in and you begin to hear people complain about it, if you aren’t already yourself.  However, regardless of your age and overall health, extreme heat is something everyone should heed with caution.

That is a bold question, but one being addressed by researchers today.  According to recent trials, the answer could be yes.  With heart disease being the number one killer in our country, responsible for 25% of US  deaths every year, wiping out heart attacks is a substantial consideration to the health of our nation.