Search Weight Loss Topics:

Page 1,500«..1020..1,4991,5001,5011,502..1,5101,520..»

How New Drone Rules Will Keep China’s Airports Safe – Sixth Tone

Posted: June 24, 2017 at 11:43 am

This is the final article in a series about drone regulation in China. Parts one and two can be found here.

Illicit drone flights have caused no shortage of problems, with the issue largely stemming from a combination of rapid technological advances in the field and a failure on the part of regulators to keep pace. In accordance with the belief that the person who broke it should fix it, problems that arise from technology require technology-based solutions.

DJI, the drone-manufacturing powerhouse that controls over half the Chinese market, has published a series of posts on its website outlining its concerns and thoughts on the matter. Its unclear whether any of the various local governments that have issued drone-related regulations and notices consulted DJI beforehand. What is clear is that manufacturers, governments, and the military are beginning to agree on the significance of the problem of illicit black flights, and that they are starting to come to a consensus about how to handle the issue.

In an article titled Some Thoughts on Domestic Drone Safety Technology, DJI argued that innovations in geofencing technology, early warning and monitoring systems, and electronic jamming could give China more powerful and accurate tools for controlling drones. Geofencing makes use of a drones GPS chip, checking the drones location against a database of restricted airspaces. It automatically prevents drones from being used in such locations, while not interfering with their use in areas where they can be safely flown. By hard coding the location of governmental buildings, military bases, airports, nuclear power stations, and dams into a list of restricted airspaces, manufacturers can effectively control where drones can fly.

DJI claims that drone regulation should draw on the lessons learned from regulating ground vehicles and handheld radios. Any regulatory system should involve keeping the relevant records, training registrations, and flight plans on file. It should be clear which organization is in charge of hearing disputes and what the limits of its authority are. Drones should only be allowed to fly after receiving proper authorization, and after the flight, operators must submit a report including the drones actual flight path and whether anything out of the ordinary occurred.

Furthermore, the company continues, an annual review system should be implemented to ensure a given drones hardware has not been compromised and that it can still be flown safely. This annual assessment should also include updating drone operator records, with those who broke or violated regulations being subject to loss of license. Mandatory insurance requirements should also be instituted to cover any injuries or property damage incurred while the drone is in flight.

Currently, according to a notice from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, local government bodies responsible for overseeing the civil aviation industry are required to notify all civilian drone manufacturers under their jurisdiction that they must submit company and product information to the government, and to monitor these companies to ensure their compliance. They must also familiarize themselves with the overall state of the drone industry.

In addition, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) issued a document requiring civilian drone manufacturers and owners to open an account with them that requires real-name registration for all drones with a maximum takeoff weight of 250 grams or more. The CAAC also approved its first batch of data on restricted airspaces over civilian airfields. As the steady stream of new regulations continues, experts believe that a drone supervision system will gradually start to take shape.

In the past, there were reports of companies advertising their drones as being able to fly into restricted airspace. Given the dangers involved in such activity, low-altitude radar must be installed to quickly identify such threats, and it should be used in conjunction with electronic jamming equipment to force any errant drones from the sky. If necessary, military equipment can be used to shoot them down.

After Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport in eastern China experienced drone-related disruptions early this year, the authorities installed electronic jamming equipment capable of grounding all drones within 15 kilometers. According to media reports, in March, the Qingdao-based company Digitech announced Chinas first complete civil anti-drone system, combining monitoring and warning systems, electromagnetic interference and drone capture capabilities, and the ability to trace a drone to its source. According to the companys own description, the device was used as part of the security measures during the 2017 New Years celebrations on the Bund in Shanghai, where it kept more than 10 drones out of the sky, reducing security risks.

Drone safety is a recent issue, one that has proven difficult to solve. The rising number of drone-related incidents in China has given the matter an unprecedented level of importance, with new regulations released all the time in an attempt to strengthen controls on their use. However, we need to be careful about adopting a one-size-fits-all approach to regulations on drone flights and real-name registration systems.

While registration requirements can have an impact in the short term, if we fail to adapt to the realities of the current drone market, or to confront suspicions of lax government oversight, then it will be difficult to achieve real results in the long term. This, in turn, will influence the production and use of drones in daily life, as well as research and development in the field, and will ultimately have a negative impact on the drone market as a whole.

Translator: Kilian ODonnell; editors: Lu Hongyong and Matthew Walsh.

(Header image: A young man practices flying a drone near Shangjie Airport in Zhengzhou, Henan province, Sept. 19, 2015. Wen Jun/VCG)

Link:
How New Drone Rules Will Keep China's Airports Safe - Sixth Tone

LIVE BLOG: Michigan 1-Day Elite camp – Landof10.com

Posted: June 24, 2017 at 11:43 am

ANN ARBOR Michigan starts off an important recruiting weekend Friday as it hosts its 1-Day Elite camp. That will be followed on Saturday with the Big Man Big House camp.

Fridays 1-day Elite Camp is expected to draw several big names from the 2019 and 2020 recruiting classes, while Saturdays Big Man Big House camp is designedsolely foroffensive and defensive linemen.

Land of 10s Rachel Lenzi and Kevin Goheen will be on hand both days to bring you updates on recruits for the 2018 class and beyond.

7:04 p.m.: Jim Harbaugh spoke with reporters after a thorough meet-and-greet with players and parents. Here are some of the highlights of his discussion:

All 19 players in the freshman class who werent January enrollees are expected to be on campus by Saturday. A few such as DT Aubrey Solomon, DE Luiji Vilain, S Brad Hawkins and WR Nico Collins arrived a week or more ago.

Theyve got to be here tomorrow when orientation starts, Harbaugh said. Say a prayer that all the cars and planes operate effectively. God willing theyll get here safely.

If a player wants to participate in another sport as well as football, Harbaugh is all for it.

Incoming freshman LB Jordan Anthony also played baseball at IMG Academy and has expressed interest in joining manager Erik Bakichs team.

Very much we would embrace it., Harbaugh said. He is an elite football player and an elite baseball player. When theyre elite at two sports, right when football season is over, well let them go to another sport.

Harbaugh stressed that a player couldnt go play another sport if he was just going to another player. The player needs to be, Harbaugh said: elite-elite.

He mentioned WR Oliver Martin as another possible two-sport athlete. Martins second sport, however, would be swimming.

[Martin]s that elite-elite. Jordan Anthony is elite-elite. We may have somebody who wants to wrestle, too. Thats a possibility, Harbaugh said.

We feel that the athletic reps that they get when theyre competing in the other sports are really valuable, and we encourage it.

Senior fullback Khalid Hill and sophomore offensive lineman Michael Onwenu were put on notice this offseason that they needed to lose weight before the start of training camp. Hill was listed at 263 pounds and Onwenu 350 pounds on last seasons roster. Offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Tim Drevno mentioned in April that Onwenu was up to372 pounds.

Harbaugh said Friday that each is getting to their weight goals (which are being kept in-house) but theyre not there yet.

As a coach youd like to see it happen faster but I think they understand now that things have amped up, Harbaugh said.

There could be some roster subtractionsby the time camp begins on July 31 but Harbaugh isnt ready to what those possible attritions would be.

Its been my experience that those usually happen right before [camp], Harbaugh said. They usually happen, historically, the day before winter conditioning starts and the day before training camp starts. I usually sit at my desk by my phone and wait for it to ring.

5:01 p.m.: Michigans 1-day elite camp has officially closed, and Jim Harbaugh has bid the campers farewell. But before he left, he gave them some advice:

Avoid the fun stuff! Harbaugh said. If something looks fun, dont do it. Say no. For every three nos, say one yes.

Watch more here:

3:29 p.m.: Get a closerlook into Michigans 1-Day Elite Camp here:

1:01 p.m.: Theyre about to return from lunch at todays camp; about an hour ago, Michigan passing game coordinator Pep Hamilton offered the campers some good advice:

During the lunch break, several of Michigans current players and incoming freshmen and early enrollees discussed offseason workouts. Josh Metellus, who will play at safety this fall, said his experience playing at the Viper position in the Orange Bowl prepared him for playing safety.

It got me comfortable and showed me that I can play with the best guys in the country, Metellus said.

11:48 a.m.: Among the confirmed campers today is 2019 running back Noah Cain of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. Allen Trieu of Scout.com reported that Cain is making his first visit to Michigan.Camp is about to break for lunch in the next 15 minutes.

11:03 a.m.: Some of Michigans players are coaching at todays camp. Heres offensive lineman Ben Bredeson leading drills.

And heres incoming freshman Cesar Ruiz.

10:24 a.m.: Cant start a camp without warming up. Jim Harbaugh had his bullhorn working as he led players through sprints. Little by little, he was engulfed.

9:16 a.m.: And heres a first look at the inside of Michigan Stadium, where Jim Harbaugh opened the camp.

9:15 a.m.: Heres a first look at the 1-Day Elite Camp attendees, taken about an hour before the start of the camp.

Continue reading here:
LIVE BLOG: Michigan 1-Day Elite camp - Landof10.com

Nitrate poisoning – Journal Advocate

Posted: June 24, 2017 at 11:43 am

Quick facts:

Death loss from nitrate is an occasional problem in cattle consuming certain annual forages, particularly sorghum hybrids.

Cattle producers should be concerned if rations contain over 5,000 ppm nitrate on a dry matter basis.

Avoid poisoning with good management practices.

A qualitative check called the diphenylamine test can be used to screen forages for potential harm.

High nitrate forages can be used if diluted with other feedstuffs and supplemented with energy.

Brian Kailey Logan County Extension agent

Nitrate toxicity is sometimes a lethal problem for livestock especially during the fall. The amount of nitrate accumulated within the plant depends on two factors: the rate of uptake by the plant from the soil, and the rate the plant reduces it. If uptake exceeds the rate of reduction, large amounts of nitrate can accumulate. If the rate of reduction equals the rate of uptake, there is no accumulation.

Nitrate accumulation usually results from plant stress, such as drought, and is accentuated by excessive soil nitrogen. Most nitrate accumulates in plant stems rather than leaves, and concentration tends to be highest in immature forage. A characteristic symptom of nitrate toxicity in the animal is a chocolate-brown color to the blood.

Use good management practices to avoid poisoning. Fertility programs consistent with plant needs and growing conditions minimize the problem. Test potentially dangerous forage before feeding. Often hay containing excessive nitrate can be fed safely when diluted with other feed, particularly concentrates.

Nitrate accumulation

Nitrate is the primary nutrient form of nitrogen in most soils and is a normal constituent of plants. Normally nitrate is assimilated so rapidly following absorption from soil that its concentration in plant tissues is low. Occasionally, excessive levels in plants occur. In Colorado, the most notorious accumulators of nitrate are the sorghums. Other annuals that less frequently accumulate nitrate are small grains (wheat, oats, rye and barley) and millet.

Some perennial grasses (fescue and johnsongrass) and weeds (pigweed, mustard, kochia, nightshade and lamb's quarters) also can contain dangerous levels. The corn may be safe but weeds harvested with it may be poisonous. Stinging nettle, elderberry, burdock and Canadian thistle are a few of the known nitrate accumulators. In fact, some of these will accumulate nitrate to such a high concentration that they literally explode when burned - nitrate is explosive.

Accumulation usually is triggered by some environmental stress where plant growth is restricted but absorption of nitrate from soil continues. The most common stress of summer annuals is drought. Lack of moisture, together with excessive soil nitrogen for existing growing conditions, is a frequent cause of toxic levels of nitrate in sorghums. Other stress factors that favor buildup are reduced sunlight from cloudiness or shading, frost, certain herbicides including 2,4-D, acid soils, low growing temperatures, and deficiencies of essential nutrients like phosphorus, sulfur and molybdenum.

When more soil nitrogen is present than needed for maximum growth, some plants tend to accumulate nitrate even without environmental stress. This response is particularly true with hardy soil feeders like sorghum, noted for "luxury consumption" of certain nutrients.

When accumulation occurs, the concentration of nitrate is greater in stems than leaves. Seeds seldom contain significant amounts. Rate of uptake diminishes with maturity; mature plants usually contain less nitrate than immature ones. Differences in potential for accumulation exist among species and varieties.

Toxic Levels of Nitrate

The level of nitrate that causes toxicity in ruminants varies depending on rate of intake, diet, acclimation to nitrate and nutritional status. As a rule, forage containing less than 5,000 ppm NO3 on a dry matter basis is safe. Forage containing 5,000 to 10,000 ppm NO3 is considered potentially toxic when provided as the only feed. Forage containing over 10,000 ppm NO3 is considered dangerous but often can be fed safely after proper dilution with other feeds.

Various methods of reporting nitrates in feed are used by laboratories. Use the formulas in Table 1 to convert nitrate reporting to a common basis.

Table 1: Formulas for converting methods of reporting nitrates.

Potassium nitrate:

= Nitrate x 1.6

= Nitrate nitrogen x 7.0

Nitrate:

= Potassium nitrate x 0.6

= Nitrate nitrogen x 4.4

Nitrate nitrogen:

= Potassium nitrate x 0.14

= Nitrate x 0.23

The effects of feed and water levels are additive. Consider both in avoiding or assessing nitrate problems. Common causes of high nitrate levels in water include shallow wells contaminated with surface water, water containing animal wastes, and surface runoff from heavy rain after fertilization with ammonium nitrate. Water containing more than 200 ppm NO3 is potentially toxic, especially when feed also contains an excessive level.

Laboratories report nitrate content of feed and water in different forms. Consider the form for expressing nitrate levels to avoid errors in determining the potential for toxicity. Table 2 should aid in interpreting laboratory results.

Although the term "nitrate toxicity" is commonly used, the toxic principle is actually nitrite. Nitrate is converted to nitrite in the rumen. Nitrite is absorbed from the rumen and converts blood hemoglobin to methemoglobin. Methemoglobin cannot transport oxygen to body tissues, so animals die from oxygen insufficiency.

The first symptom to appear is a grayish to brownish discoloration of nonpigmented skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, eyes and vulva. This discoloration results from the chocolate-brown color of the blood, a distinct characteristic of nitrate toxicity that persists several hours after death. As the syndrome progresses, a staggering gait, rapid pulse, labored breathing and frequent urination develop, followed by collapse, coma and death. Symptoms often occur rapidly, within one-half to four hours after ingestion of a toxic dose. Some animals exhibit symptoms but recover spontaneously and completely. Pregnant animals may abort a few days later.

Treatment of nitrate poisoning with 4 percent methylene blue at the rate of 100 cubic centimeters per 1,000 pounds live weight (intravenously) is effective if administered soon after symptoms appear.

Table 2: Equivalent levels of nitrate.

Potassium nitrate (KNO3)

%

.0326

.815

1.63

*parts per million

Preventing Nitrate Poisoning

Problems with nitrate toxicity can be avoided with proper management of forage and livestock. Nitrate accumulation can be minimized by analyzing soil and using a balanced fertility program consistent with plant needs and moisture conditions. For sorghum hays, split nitrogen into two or three applications, with a maximum of about 50 pounds of actual nitrogen applied per cutting. In situations where tests indicate soil is laden with nitrogen, reduce rates accordingly.

Use of true sudans or sudan-sudan hybrids instead of sorghum-sudan or sorgo-sudan hybrids may be warranted to reduce potential for accumulating nitrate. Usually the potential for problems is only reduced, not eliminated. Do not ignore differences in yield, quality, drought tolerance and insect and disease resistance.

Take extra care when moisture stress occurs in sorghums before harvest or grazing. Test samples of plants from different areas of the field, particularly those showing the most stress, for nitrate content. If the level is dangerous, delay harvest until rain comes and the plant increases in maturity. Occasionally forage that is questionable as hay can be grazed safely when forage is abundant, because animals tend to select leaves and refuse stalks. Silage also may be a good alternative since appreciable reduction in nitrate levels occurs during ensiling. Forages that are high in nitrate will normally lose 40 to 60 percent of their nitrate content during fermentation.

Testing for Nitrates

Avoid poisoning by routinely testing any forage pasture, hay or silage suspected of containing excessive nitrate. A qualitative check called the diphenylamine test can be used to screen forages for potential harm. Positive results indicate more than 5,000 ppm NO3 and possible danger.

If results of the diphenylamine test are positive, send forage samples to a laboratory for quantitative analysis.

When forage is collected for analysis, it is essential that representative samples be taken. Although samples often are pooled for other laboratory analyses like moisture and protein, nitrate tests often are required on individual bales or from specific areas of a field to accurately assess the potential for toxicity. To illustrate this point, an evaluation of 15 large round bales of sorghum hybrid hay from one cutting showed considerable variation from bale to bale, with nitrate levels ranging from 17,500 to 39,000 ppm.

Diphenylamine Test

This is a qualitative test to evaluate forages (hay, pasture, silage) for nitrate levels that are potentially dangerous to ruminants.

1. Prepare the test solution by mixing 0.5 grams diphenylamine with 20 milliliters of distilled water, then bringing the total to 100 milliliters with concentrated sulfuric acid. Caution: The solution contains a strong acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Store in a cool dark place. Do not add water or any other material to the solution.

2. Carefully place a drop of the solution at various locations on the inner tissue of the plant stem; repeat for several stems in each sample.

3. If an intense blue color appears in a few seconds, the forage contains potentially dangerous levels of nitrate.

4. If the results are positive (blue color), send the forage to a laboratory for quantitative analysis before feeding.

5. Occasionally, false positive reactions occur. However, any sample resulting in a positive reaction should be tested in the laboratory.

6. Avoid contaminating the solution in the bottle with plant tissue or other material. Discard any solution that is not clear.

Feeding High Nitrate Forages

In most instances, hay high in nitrate can be fed safely with adequate laboratory testing and good management. The best alternative is to dilute dangerous forage with feeds low in nitrate, preferably concentrates. Unfortunately for many producers, proper dilution makes it necessary to grind and mix. Gradual acclimation to questionable feed is a good practice to minimize risk. Animals should be healthy, on a good nutrition plane, and filled with low nitrate feed before they are allowed access to nitrate-containing forage. With respect to supplementary rations, those containing urea result in less toxicity than soybean meal, and the presence of readily available carbohydrate (corn, sugar, etc.) offers a considerable degree of protection. This may be due to lower pH in the rumen that facilitates reduction of nitrate.

Nitrates have been reported to increase the need for vitamin A in the ration. Recent information indicates that a relationship of this kind may not be of practical importance under most feeding conditions. Formulate rations to be adequate in vitamin A as well as other nutrients. Excessive vitamin A fortification does not appear to be needed.

Hay, straw or fodder suspected of being high in nitrate should not be fed when damp. Damp feed seems to be more toxic. The probable explanation is that some of the nitrate is converted to the more toxic nitrite before being consumed.

Chemical Formulas

NO3- = nitrate ion

NO2- = nitrite ion

NH3 = ammonia

NH4+ = ammonium cation

Summary

Nitrate poisoning can be a serious problem for livestock producers if not considered in their management plan. Drought, excessive soil nitrogen, shade, frost, certain herbicides, acid soils, low growing temperatures and nutrient deficiencies can contribute to high nitrate levels in plants. Stems usually have higher nitrate content than leaves. Do not overlook the nitrate content of water when a nitrate problem arises. Avoid poisoning by routinely testing any forage suspected of containing excessive nitrate. High nitrate forages can be used by diluting it with other feedstuffs and supplementing it with energy.

*J.C. Whittier, Colorado State University professor, department of animal sciences. 9/92. Revised 6/11.

Read more:
Nitrate poisoning - Journal Advocate

Why people like Khloe Kardashian need to stop talking about the term ‘revenge body’ – INSIDER

Posted: June 24, 2017 at 11:42 am

facebook pinterest email copy link

The revenge body may be doing more harm than good. Getty/Alberto E. Rodriguez

Breakups are tough. When we're wronged or feel rejected by an ex, many people may try to improve themselves, while others strive to get their former partner back. Sometimes, they might try to do both at the same time by aiming for a "revenge body."

A "revenge body" refers to when a person loses weight after a breakup as a way to make their ex jealous whether intentionally or not. The term is generally seen as a positive act of self-improvement or a way to "get over" your former significant other.

And while it's been used to describe everyone from Jennifer Aniston to Janet Jackson, most recently Khloe Kardashian has embraced the term. She shed some weight after her split with Lamar Odom and suddenly that's all people could talk about. Kardashian's body and Odom's betrayal were directly linked it even spawned the E! show "Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian."

On the show, people who go through breakups or hardship are challenged to lose weight quickly to enact a sort of "revenge" against the person who had wronged them. People took to it so much that it's been renewed for season two. Kardashian took the term "revenge body" that was being thrown at her by tabloids and branded it to be about empowerment.

Body-positive activists take issue with the term for many reasons, health coach Beth Clayton told INSIDER, including the idea that your body or any physical factors can be altered in such a way to manipulate someone into wanting to be with you again.

"If you are changing your body for someone else, you are the one that loses in the end because you are still letting that person dictate your life and your body and you are doing it for their approval," body positive coach Michelle Elman told INSIDER. "So what happens when you don't get it? Despite the person being it for whatever reason, they remain the focus of your life and it also sends the implicit message that the reason they should've stayed with you is for your appearance, which I believe should never be the sole reason you are with someone."

A "revenge body" instills an idea that the person who left the relationship wouldn't have if the other person had just been smaller or more traditionally "attractive." It makes weight and physical appearance a scapegoat for the problems in a relationship, implying that your fat or larger self was inherently flawed and that weight loss has made you better.

"Whenever we are using our bodies as a currency for love or validation, or to prove our own worth to ourselves, we are playing a game that will never end with our winning," health coach Beth Clayton told INSIDER. "We are making decisions out of fear of not being enough rather than genuine desire to be loving toward our bodies and ourselves."

If you want to get healthy, do it for you.ND300/Shutterstock

Breakups or other traumatic experiences that people emerge from with "revenge bodies" are extremely stressful life events. Stress can make people lose weight in an unhealthy way and even signal the presence of a mental illness. Weight loss is not always a positive thing, and assuming that it is can have dire effects on someone's physical and/or mental health.

Even if you mean it as a compliment, commenting on someone's weight if they have an eating disorder can be a huge trigger. If you praise someone for losing weight but they've lost it because they've been too depressed to eat, that may trigger them to go another day without food in an effort to get even more exterior validation.

Obviously, not all weight loss is bad. Kardashian was public about how she found an escape and a type of therapy in going to the gym and the weight loss started to follow from there. Other people develop better eating habits out of a relationship because they're not cooking for two or they're less busy. But it's important to keep why you're doing it in mind, not just the how.

"I think stereotypically when you are in a relationship you have less time than when you are single so it's understandable to not only have more time for workouts but to use the gym to get out negative feelings around the breakup," Elaman told me. "But to twist that motivation into 'revenge' is what's the problem and to associate working out with simply appearance based results."

If you're looking to get healthier and weight loss happens to be a factor in that, then great! There is nothing saying that can't be a part of your healing after a breakup. But comparing yourself to an ex's new fling or the people on "Revenge Body" (which has been criticized for showing an unrealistic portrayal of weight loss) is not a healthy way to go about it.

And using the term to describe someone else's body can have even worse consequences.

So the next time you feel the need to praise someone on their "revenge body," think twice about using that term. Try a compliment that gives them ownership of their own body like "you look so radiant/happy/strong" instead.

Or better yet, just keep your mouth shut unless they ask for your opinion.

Like what you see here? Subscribe to our daily newsletter to get more of it.

Excerpt from:
Why people like Khloe Kardashian need to stop talking about the term 'revenge body' - INSIDER

Diets that Work | Hormone Health Network

Posted: June 23, 2017 at 3:53 pm

Are you confused by all the weight loss diets out there?

It can be hard to know what works and whats healthy. Everyone wants a diet that promises to take weight off quickly. But the best kind of weight loss is slow and steadyabout 1/2 to 2 pounds a week. Youll want to find an eating plan you can live with for the long-term and that keeps the pounds off permanently.

This resource is about three diets that have been proven to work:

Are you ready to lose weight?

The Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating thats common in Greece, Spain, southern Italy, and southern France. Traditional foods in those areas include fish, vegetables, fruits, beans, breads high in fiber, whole grains, and healthy fats such as olive oil or canola oil. Nuts are part of the diet as well.

The Mediterranean diet is low in red meat, cheese, and sweets. Many of the meals are vegetarian. A moderate amount of wine can be included daily. This type of diet can help lower your risk for heart disease, prevent type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and lower cholesterol. Some researchers also claim that this diet can prevent depression, dementia, and Parkinsons disease.

Sample Dinner Menu

A Moderately Low-Carbohydrate Diet

This diet, similar to the South Beach diet, promotes the use of lean protein foods and high-fiber, nutrient-rich carbohydrates, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. The diet also includes some types of fat (healthy unsaturated fats) and low-fat dairy products. It excludes white flour products and most starchy carbohydrates like potatoes, rice, and pasta. In general, this type of diet is healthy and can result in weight loss. You dont need to count calories or do other complicated calculations to follow this diet. Nor do you need to deny yourself regular meals. Cooking for this diet is fairly easy. You can also modify the food choices if you are vegetarian or vegan.

Sample Dinner Menu

A Vegetarian or Vegan Diet

A vegetarian diet generally excludes animal products. But some vegetarians do eat small amounts of animal products; for example, some vegetarians eat milk and eggs along with fruits, vegetables, and grains. Other vegetarians might include fish but no meat. A vegan diet is a diet that excludes all animal products. People who follow a vegan diet need to take vitamin B12 supplements and include protein, such as nut butters, beans, and nuts, to make sure they get all the nutrients they need. Most vegetarians eat fewer calories than non-vegetarians. A vegetarian diet can help fight heart disease and high blood pressure.

Sample Dinner Menu

Vegetarian

Vegan

What should I do to get started with weight loss?

First, answer the questions above. Think about what works for your family or the people you live with. Then, meet with a registered dietitian for personalized advice. Seeing a dietitian will help you reach your weight-loss goals. If you have a medical condition, be sure to check with your doctor before starting any kind of diet or exercise program.

How can I keep the weight off?

Once youve lost weight, try these quick tips to keep the weight off:

Questions to ask your doctor

Read more:
Diets that Work | Hormone Health Network

ShopRite of Milford Offers Free Registered Dietitian Services – WTNH Connecticut News (press release)

Posted: June 23, 2017 at 3:53 pm

MILFORD, Conn. (WTNH) After 75 years of enjoying all that life has to offer, including food, Howie Blau realized he needed to make a few changes.

Whats made me want to come to see Kristen is the same thing thats made me want to lose weight for the last 20 years, but I needed somebody who was really special to help me do it, Blau said.

That special person is Kristen Haight, ShopRite of Milfords registered dietitian.

My dietitian services here at ShopRite are free, Haight explained. People can come meet with me for one-on-one consults for diabetes, weight loss, any kind of issue that you need to see a dietitian for.

When Blau first met Haight six months ago, he was struggling to control his high blood pressure and cholesterol with medication.

Usually about 10 percent of weight loss is all some people need to get off of some medications, Haight said.

But on his own, the weight loss didnt come easy for Blau.

He was frustrated because in the past he tried diet after diet and nothing was really working so that was kind of the first step when he came in here I said I dont believe in diets, Haight recalled. I just believe in kind of tweaking how youre eating right now and your lifestyle.

We worked out a plan where I ate in moderation but I never felt deprived, and I would report in every week, Blau said.

Haight also took Blau through the store to talk nutrition.

We went up and down all the shelves stuff to eat between meals, stuff to thwart off hunger that would be a nice little snack between meals but wouldnt be so full of calories, Blau said.

We would look at nutrition labels together and just make sure he was choosing the healthier option of things, making sure hes looking at fiber and protein and especially the calories in the items hes choosing, Haight said.

After six months, Blaus hard work paid off. Hes lost 35 pounds and is now off all of his meds.

I feel Im healthier now than Ive been in the last 20 years and I owe it to Kristen, Blau said.

Proving its never too late to turn your health around.

When working with ShopRites dietitian, you can also work with their pharmacist to talk about medications, check your blood pressure and more. For more information, visit ShopRite.com.

Like Loading...

Excerpt from:
ShopRite of Milford Offers Free Registered Dietitian Services - WTNH Connecticut News (press release)

Animal Visitation Programs Can Raise Infection Risks In Health Care Facilities – MedicalResearch.com (blog)

Posted: June 23, 2017 at 3:53 pm

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Linder

Deborah Linder, DVM, MS, DACVN Research assistant professor Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine Tufts University and Associate director of the Tufts Institute for Human-Animal Interaction

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: In our experience with our own therapy animal program, Tufts Paws for People, we have seen facilities and organizations put animals and people at risk by not following rigorous health and safety policies, and this certainly was confirmed by the results of our study. Lax health and safety policies typically arent intentional but occur as a result of enthusiasm for therapy animal programs without being aware of potential risks and what questions to ask. Also, its not just obvious problems that can occur, such as bites or allergies. It also can be an animal spreading infections due to diet or inadequate grooming, or unwanted stress on the animal.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Response: To us, the most important findings are that while most facilities allowed therapy animals to visit, they didnt always have strong policies in place to ensure programs that were safe and effective for both the people and the animals. Many facilities assume that a friendly animal or any therapy animal organization will have liability insurance, strong training and testing programs, and rigorous health and grooming requirements. But this study shows that this is not always so. Since there are no national requirements for therapy animal organizations or programs, its incumbent on facilities to carefully think through policies for animal visitation!

MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report? Response: Ask questions! You cannot assume that any program is safe without asking about the health and safety policies, insurance coverage, and rigorous training and evaluation of therapy animals. We recommend people be aware and follow the expert guidelines that are out there. Some therapy animal organizations have standards that can address the important issues, but this study shows that you cant assume that all organizations do. We register our therapy animal teams through the national organization Pet Partners because they currently have the most rigorous guidelines and policies for therapy animals (www.petpartners.org).

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: There are many benefits of animals and we certainly dont want to discourage facilities from developing animal visitation programs. However, the most important thing that a facility can do is ask questions and create policies that safeguard themselves, their residents, and the animals participating. There are two guidelines available and weve created a free manual that walks facilities through developing a program including what questions to ask: http://hai.tufts.edu/paws/download-the-manual/. I think the next step for research would be to assess outcomes of animal-assisted interventions, particularly cost-effectiveness studies to determine the optimal role of human-animal interaction in healthcare settings when done safely.

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add? Response: We were very surprised about a relatively new pet food trend of feeding raw meat-based diets that is without any documented health benefits and can have serious health risks to animals and to people. This includes the risk of bacterial infection since up to 48% of raw meat based diets can be contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella. This is a serious risk in the general population, but especially in healthcare facilities where residents can be immunocompromised. Unfortunately, our study showed that 70% of therapy animal organizations allowed animals eating raw meat-based diets to visit facilities. Most facilities dont think to ask about the diet of animals visiting their facilities.

(Disclosures: Deborah Linder, Megan Mueller, Lisa Freeman and Debra Gibbs are registered animal handlers of Pet Partners [whoever is doing interview], and Lisa Freeman is a member of the Human-Animal Bond Advisory Board for Pet Partners.)

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

Linder, D., Siebens, H., Mueller, M., Gibbs, D., Freeman, L. Animal-Assisted Interventions: A National Survey of Health and Safety Policies in Hospitals, Eldercare Facilities, and Therapy Animal Organizations. American Journal of Infection Control, 2017 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2017.04.287

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

. Bookmark the

.

Originally posted here:
Animal Visitation Programs Can Raise Infection Risks In Health Care Facilities - MedicalResearch.com (blog)

This Is Your Gut Bacteria. And This Is Your Gut Bacteria On Bourbon – 89.3 WFPL

Posted: June 23, 2017 at 3:53 pm

Take a shot of bourbon.

Likely, youll feel an immediate burn in your mouth and throat. Give it a few seconds. Your body temperature starts to rise. Your cheeks flush.

If you take another drink, there might be some dizziness, too.

There are effects of drinking alcohol that you can feel pretty much immediately. But theres an entire field of study that takes a harder look at the effects of alcohol under the surface specifically when it comes to the bacteria in our guts.

And you should care what happens to your gut bacteria because disturbing it could lead to short- and long-term health problems,from digestive issuesto tissue damage.

Thats where Louisville doctor Craig McClain comes in. His NIH-designated Alcohol Research Center at the University of Louisvilleis one of only 20 in the country. There, he conducts research assessing how food and drink can impact our intestinal microbiome, or gut bacteria.

And his work, he and others hope, could lead to new treatments for liver disease associated with alcohol consumption.

So, I am a gastroenterologist, and normally we think of the gut as having a bunch of different functions, McClain says. The stomach starts to break down food, has a lot of acid in it and the small intestine does mainly absorptive functions, so thats where most of your nutrients are absorbed. And then the colon kind of regulates water absorption.

But something McClain says many people dont realize is that this entire tract is lined with bacteria. Lots and lots of bacteria.

There are more bacteria in our GI tract than we have cells in our body, he says. There are more genes in the bacteria a hundred times more than we have genes in our body. So in a way, we are just kind of a receptacle for our gut bacteria.

You might hear the term bacteria and think of something dirty or sickness but McClain says our gut bacteria are totally natural, and theyre even helpful. They play an important role in the immune system, make critical nutrients like vitamin K, maintain gut barrier functions.

Now, when the bacteria gets altered inappropriately, called dysbiosis, then you can have big problems, he says. Nutrients play a critical role in happy bacteria, and our whole focus is looking at kind of alcohol-nutrition interactions with a focus on the GI tract.

While alcohol has calories bourbon has about 145 per serving McClain says alcohol has no critical nutrients in it, but that doesnt mean it cant affect our gut bacteria.

Too much alcohol can disrupt your normal bacterial homeostasis, so you get overgrowth of bacteria and not enough good bacteria, he says. And the tight junctions in the GI tract that keep bad stuff out get leaky, and junk goes across.

According to McClain, this leaking might explain some basic things like some hangover symptoms. But learning more about how the bacteria respond to alcohol can have bigger health effectsas well.

In a paperhe co-wrote in 2015, McClain found that liver diseases resulting from chronic alcohol consumption and excess fat in the diet are also associated with changes in the intestinal microbiome.

For example, alcoholism seems to change the composition of the intestinal microbiome to include bacterial species that produce more alcohol, plus other toxic compounds, that can cause inflammation and tissue damage.

This is a new area of study that may lead to new treatments for liver damage that results from alcoholism and excessive dietary fat.

We actually have a study looking at people with alcoholic liver disease where theyre randomized to either get a placebo or probiotic, good bacteria for the GI tract, McClain says. And so were part of an NIH trial looking at that right now.

For now, the study is still underway. In the meantime, McClain saysaccording to current research, moderate drinking has no real effect on the microbiome, so you can safely raise an occasional glass to gut health.

Excerpt from:
This Is Your Gut Bacteria. And This Is Your Gut Bacteria On Bourbon - 89.3 WFPL

Is Kombucha Really Good for You? Here’s What You Need to Know – The Cheat Sheet

Posted: June 23, 2017 at 3:53 pm

Your yoga teacher drinks it and youve seen every color and flavor of it under the sun at Whole Foods yep, were talking about kombucha. If youve ever picked up a bottle of the stuff, you might be mystified by its appearance. What is this cloudy, mystical beverage all the health nuts cant stop raving about? Is it glorified sparkling water with a $5 price tag? Luckily, were here to guide you through fact and fiction so you can decide whether to add some booch to your diet.

Kombucha is a type of fermented tea not exactly what youll be drinking from a bottle of Lipton. WebMD explains its made by adding bacteria to green or black tea. From here, the concoction ferments into a tart and vinegary mixture, and juice is then added in for flavor. This process makes the beverage highly acidic, but the additional flavorings and sugar can actually make it quite delicious. Many are divided on the taste, though it has a very love-it-or-hate-it quality thats has been as highly debated as the flavor of IPAs and cilantro.

So, now that you know what everyones putting into their bodies, its time to figure out if its actually worth the hype. Heres what we know so far.

We all could use more probiotics in our diet. These good bacteria, Mayo Clinic explains, are similar to whats already in your body, and youre probably not getting enough of them naturally. By taking a supplement or eating probiotic-rich foods like kefir, kimchi, or yogurt, you can repopulate your gut with the good bacteria necessary for proper digestion and a healthy immune system.

Many types of commercially-available kombucha claim theyre chock-full of probiotics. But heres the thing not all probiotics are the same, and only some really provide any benefits. Everyday Health explains, for this beverage to have probiotics that actually help you, they need to be of a particular strain and able to survive past a certain shelf life. Otherwise, despite what the kombucha company may say, the drink doesnt offer any benefits from the bacteria.

Heres the thing about brewing your own kombucha many people do it safely and successfully, but there is a chance your homemade concoction can make you seriously ill. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminds us of two women in who were drinking kombucha they made from the same base for two months straight in 1995. One of these women fell seriously ill, and the other died. Though its not totally clear if the tea was completely to blame here, let this serve as a cautionary tale.

Lifehacker explainsthe fermentation process used in making kombucha that allows the good bacteria to grow can also be a haven for nasty microbes. The good news is your highly acidic end product makes it hard for the bad bacteria to live. Still, there have been multiple reports of illnesses, so you might want to stick to the store-bought stuff.

If youre a soda drinker looking for a healthy alternative to your everyday indulgence, kombucha may have caught your attention. Theres even a company that offers root beer- and cola-flavored products to make you feel like youre not missing out on your favorite fizzy drink. But you might not realize some brands contain quite a few grams of sugar. Most flavors ofKombucha Wonder Drink, for example, contain up to 24 grams of sugar per bottle thanks to the addition of cane and fruit juices. Thats a little less than the amount of sugar found in six Oreos.

There are a lot of brands that do contain 5 grams of sugar or less per bottle, like GTs Organic Kombucha drinks. Just make sure you read the labels before buying.

You probably have that one friend who guzzles kombucha like water but you dont want to follow in their footsteps. While drinking the fermented tea from time to time isnt likely to give you any issues, WebMD warns you can experience an upset stomach if you drink too much of it thanks to its high acidity.

Its also worth noting there are traces of alcohol in kombucha. While it wont give you any type of buzz, you should certainly avoid the drink if youre sensitive or allergic to alcohol.

Its true a lot of people report feeling amazing after their glass of kombucha. Reporter Allison Young from Rodales Organic Life drank it every day for a week and said her cravings for Diet Coke were gone and her digestion improved. And the drink was particularly popular in the 90s among HIV-positive folks looking for an immune system boost. Most of its just hype, though. Andrea Giancoli, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, told NPR, Theres really very little evidence to support any kind of claims about kombucha tea.

Heres the upshot: Even if its not a magical elixir, it is a pretty tasty and refreshing low-calorie beverage that could possibly have benefits we just dont know about yet. And thats worth something.

Many people can drink kombucha without an issue, but there are certain circumstances that warrant opting for another beverage. WebMD suggests those who are breastfeeding or pregnant should stay away from it due to the bacterial content. And diabetics might also want to be careful, as kombucha can affect blood sugar levels.

While a lot of people drink kombucha in hopes for better digestion, you should also be careful with this idea. Those with IBS may experience discomfort due to the teas caffeine content, and drinking it when you have any kind of upset stomach certainly wont make you feel any better.

Read more here:
Is Kombucha Really Good for You? Here's What You Need to Know - The Cheat Sheet

Heart healthy diet as effective as statins, American Heart Association says – Baltimore Sun

Posted: June 23, 2017 at 3:52 pm

Replacing foods high in saturated fats with those that have unsaturated fats can reduce a person's chance of developing heart disease as much as cholesterol lowering drugs known as statins, according to new advice from the American Heart Association.

This would mean, for instance, swapping that steak for a healthier avocado, using canola oil instead of butter, and not eating carb-filled junk food.

The new guidance from the heart association is not a leap from past direction, but the group sought a fresh look at the evidence in light of some newer, less scientific studies and dietary fads that officials feared were confusing the public.

How the message about diet is received by patients will largely depend on their doctors' delivery.

While most physicians would agree that heart health depends on a good diet, some suggest there is a bit more wiggle room than the heart association advisory suggests. Other doctors and health care providers believe the advice does not go far enough in explaining what foods can truly protect their patients from heart disease, the nation's leading cause of death.

"This tries to put it all in perspective the view from 10,000 feet but sometimes food can still be controversial," said Dr. Michael Miller, director of the University of Maryland Medical Center's Center for Preventive Cardiology. He served on the heart association panel that made the recommendations published this month in the journal Circulation.

It's long been known that consuming less saturated fat lowers people's LDL, or so-called bad cholesterol, which clogs arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes. But the heart association finds that this is only the case when saturated fat is replaced with unsaturated fat and not refined carbohydrates that contain sugar but no fiber. Both unsaturated fat and fiber have been found to help lower cholesterol.

The group says some newer studies mucking up the healthy heart message didn't consider these dietary replacements.

The guidance should be useful to doctors in advising patients, said Miller, who is also a professor of cardiovascular medicine, epidemiology and public health in Maryland's School of Medicine. But he's not a stickler on eliminating all saturated fat. He advises moderation instead.

That means a small, fist-size steak once in a while, two egg whites for every one yoke and even a bit of coconut oil, a culinary darling of late that is mostly saturated fat.

"If you're good most of the time, allow yourself one unhealthy breakfast, lunch and dinner a week," he said. "But don't go nuts and eat a 24-ounce steak."

He also emphasizes making lifestyle changes such as adding regular exercise and reducing stress. He wrote a whole book on the subject called "Heal Your Heart."

Anne Butta credits a good diet, low in calories, salt and fat for the good health of her father, John Henry "Hank" Butta, who visited with Miller recently.

Butta, the former CEO of C&P Telephone of Maryland, now part of Verizon, and the great-great grandfather of four, is trim and quick witted at 89 years old.

The Highlandtown native said he grew up eating big Italian dinners and evolved into a "meat and potatoes" guy. He worked a lot and also spent time serving on advisory commissions for former Gov. William Donald Schaefer, as well as refereeing football games and playing golf.

In 2010, he needed triple bypass surgery. This led him to a diet low in calories, salt and fat, although, he still has the occasional treat at home or restaurant.

"One time a month," he said about how often he now eats a steak. A decade ago, it was "every other meal."

Miller approved of that schedule. He summed up the heart association advice this way:

Replacing 10 percent of calories from saturated fats (red meat, butter, palm oil) with polyunsaturated fats (safflower and corn oils, walnuts and salmon) reduces risk of heart disease by 50 percent.

Replacing 10 percent of calories from saturated fats with monounsaturated fats (canola and olive oil, almonds and avocados) reduces risk of heart disease by 30 percent.

Replacing 10 percent of calories from saturated fats with complex carbohydrates (whole grains, beans and vegetables) reduces risk of heart disease by 18 percent.

Replacing 10 percent of calories from saturated fats with simple carbohydrates (sugary foods and soft drinks) does not reduce the risk of heart disease.

Still, not all doctors think this is the right message.

Dr. Dana Simpler, an internal medicine doctor at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, said the consequences of a poor diet can be so dire that she believes the heart association report was a missed opportunity to warn people about how much all their food matters.

She joins other doctors who advocate for a whole-food, plant-based diet, for which she said there is evidence of reducing the chance of a first or recurrent heart attack close to zero.

That means eating foods that are not processed and have little to no sugar, salt or added oil.

"It continues to surprise me that the AHA makes such modest diet recommendations for preventing our number one killer heart disease," she wrote in an email. "Simply substituting saturated fats (bacon, red meat, butter) with unsaturated fats (vegetable oils) reduces heart attacks by 30 percent, but, what about the other 70 percent that still have life threatening heart disease?"

She conceded that a plant-based diet is not easy to follow, "and many people may decide it is too hard for them, but at least let the American public know that there is a diet that will prevent and reverse heart disease almost 100 percent."

Dr. Seth Martin, co-director of the John Hopkins Hospital's Advanced Lipid Disorders Center, said he'd like all his patients to eat so well but said "perfection" is tough to achieve. He encourages them to do what they can, from starting with one change or adopting the Mediterranean diet or the DASH diet, which both center on low-fat, whole-grain and plant-based foods.

The new heart association advice will help him steer patients to food they can substitute for what they should give up.

See the rest here:
Heart healthy diet as effective as statins, American Heart Association says - Baltimore Sun


Page 1,500«..1020..1,4991,5001,5011,502..1,5101,520..»