Month: December 2010

New Device Seeking Approval in Fight Against Obesity

As many as twelve million Americans may soon be eligible to have surgery to implant a small and flexible stomach band into their abdomens in order to help them lose weight. The Food and Drug Administration is still examining the efficacy and side effects of such an implant, and is scheduled to reach a final decision within the next few months.

Lap-Band, as it is known, is a product produced by Allergan Inc. It is already being used by about 100,000 people a year who are considered morbidly obese, and has been shown to help them lose about 50 pounds or more on average.

On Friday a panel of FDA advisors decided to recommend the expansion of the use of the device to patients who are less obese, deciding in an 8-2 vote that the benefits of offering this device to less overweight patients outweighs the risks.

J&J Antacid Recall Announced

MylantaJohnson & Johnson has added additional products to its list of recalls for this year: twelve types of Mylanta and one Alternagel antacid. The wholesale and retail level recall, which affects as many as 12 million bottles of Mylanta and 85,000 bottles of Alternagel, was not initiated because of consumer safety concerns, Johnson & Johnson explained, but because an internal review within the company showed that the bottles had failed to make note of the alcohol content in some flavoring agents.

“Certain flavoring agents contribute small (less than 1 percent) amounts of alcohol,” J&J explained on the Mylanta website. “It is unlikely that use of these products will cause either absorption or alcohol sensitivity related adverse events.”

The health care product company has already instituted more than six recalls this year, most notably the April 30 recall of over forty types of children’s pain and allergy medications, which included children’s liquid Tylenol, Benadryl, and Motrin. The FDA termed that recall the “largest” in children’s medicine history.

The Health Benefits of Horseback Riding Part I

Horse-back-ridingHorseback riding is a popular tourist attraction and is often considered to be a fun, relaxing activity. People who use horses as part of their daily routine, however, know that riding is actually incredibly beneficial for our bodies. The Japanese recognized this fact years ago, and created an exercise machine with simulates the different motions of a horse.

While riding, the core muscles are strengthened in a way that can only be achieved through certain exercises. The back, arms, thigh and stomach muscles work to control balance and movement throughout the length of the ride. Posture can also be greatly improved, as the correct riding position requires the person to sit with a straight spine and shoulders back. While riding at a fast pace, like a canter, the blood receives more oxygen, breathing is extended, circulation is improved and metabolism is increased.

Riding also often exposes a person to more fresh air. The animals in the stable can help boost the immune system. Even the grooming of the horse before and after a ride exercises ones’ muscles.

The Importance of Exercise During the Winter

The never-ending urge to stay in bed for the whole of the winter can make it nearly impossible to stick to your exercise routine. You figure you’ll catch up when you regain your energy. This attitude is very incorrect. In fact, exercise is especially important during these months! That lazy, depressed feeling will only worsen if left stagnant. Also, during the winter months people are generally less active, as the weather does not really allow for walks and fresh air, while the boredom and slow feeling increases their appetites. The best and healthiest way to keep your energy levels up, your weight down and to eliminate that constant fatigue is by boosting your exercise schedule.

Make a real effort to increase your heart rate at least once a day. Try jumping rope, using a treadmill or elliptical trainer, or even going for a jog if the weather allows it. Sweating is incredibly healthy. Not only will the activity help you stay in shape for bathing-suit season, but it will improve the condition of your skin, your mood, and your entire day. Physical activity boosts your immune system, which can actively help you avoid winter illnesses like the flu, skin diseases and other inconvenient, insufferable conditions. The exercise will also increase the production of “happy” hormones, which will make it easier for you to deal with the weather and do what needs to get done during the day.

Great Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipe

Meat-LoafHere is the last recipe for the extra stuffing from Thanksgiving called “Stuffing Meat Loaf with Marmalade Glaze.”

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (preferably chuck)
• 2 cups cooked stuffing, roughly chopped
• 1 large egg, beaten
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1/4 cup orange marmalade
• 1/4 cup whole-grain mustard
• 10 ounces baby arugula (about 6 cups)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Directions

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the beef, stuffing, egg, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Transfer the mixture to a rimmed baking sheet and form it into a 9-inch loaf (about 2 1/2 inches thick). Bake for 30 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, combine the marmalade and mustard. Spread on the meat loaf and continue to bake until cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
4. Divide the arugula among plates. Drizzle with the oil and vinegar. Serve with the meat loaf.