10.05.2009

1 in 100 Children Have Autism

Two new government studies indicate about 1 in 100 children have autism disorders – higher than a previous U.S. estimate of 1 in 150.

The new estimate would mean about 673,000 American children have autism. Previous estimates put the number at about 560,000.

President Barack Obama has made autism a priority for research, Insel said. Federal stimulus money has been earmarked for autism, and a 2006 law pumped millions of dollars of new federal money into autism research, screening and treatment.

American Academy of Pediatrics

10.01.2009

Why We Eat to Much

1. You're Not Getting Enough Sleep
Fix It-When we're exhausted, we hunger for just about everything in sight, especially if it's sugary or high in carbs. That may be because these foods give us both an energy boost and comfort (since lack of sleep is a stressor). To quell the urge for fattening foods and still get the energy kick you need, reach for a combination of complex carbs and protein.

2. Stress
Fix It-Sure, real-life pressures can put you in nonstop-nibble mode. But working stress- reduction techniques into your busy days can really help. Yoga, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises are powerful tools that keep tension in check. And spending 20 minutes doing progressive muscle relaxation--alternately tensing and relaxing muscle groups--significantly lessens stress, anxiety, and cortisol, according to a study published in the International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders.

3. You've got fatty foods (literally) on the brain
Fix It-Pay attention to what you're thinking when temptation strikes. Once the brain is activated [by a craving], having that inner dialogue of, 'No, I shouldn't have that,' only increases the wanting. Instead, focus on something you want more than that slice of cheesecake--from being healthier for your kids to feeling less winded when you walk to work.


Things to Keep in Mind:
-Lack of sleep affects hormones that control appetite and satiety: leptin and ghrelin
-For a food-free way to perk up during the day, take a 10-minute walk outside.
-Cortisol, together with insulin, causes your body to store more visceral fat
-Your brain forms long-term memories of the experience of fat-rich foods


www.cnn.com

EAT-October

What's Fresh: October
squashes
cabbage
apples
pears
wild mushrooms
plums
lettuces
artichoke
beets
broccoli
sweet corn
edamame
eggplant
pumpkins
tomatoes