The FDA is finally wising up about serving sizes!

It’s taken a long time, but maybe, just maybe, the FDA is realizing what I’ve said for years-many food companies are basically con artists when it comes to reporting serving sizes accurately and in a way that truly represents the product. This article explains it: half a muffin is a serving size; six potato chips…really!? They count on consumers looking at the calories and not paying attention to the serving size, and unfortunately, in many cases that’s exactly what happens.

This is not to say that the consumer is without responsibility–we should be more educated and less willing to be duped. But less face it, if we were more disciplined, we wouldn’t be one of the most overweight nations in the world.

Regardless, accurate, realistic packaging should be mandatory! A whole muffin, an entire bottle of juice, a bowl of chips or ice-cream–THIS is a serving size and should be labeled as such, with the calories reflected right on the package. Perhaps when we see what we’re actually eating, not what we wish we were, or would like to pretend we are, we’d stop being one of the most overweight countries on the planet!

Turn the TV off…seriously, you might die!

This study finds that for every hour a day you watch TV, you increase your risk of dying–from any cause–by 11%. For dying from cardiovascular disease, the increased risk was 18%. The study goes on to say that when they compared people who watched less than two hours of TV a day to those who watched more than four, the four-hour watchers had an 80% greater chance of dying from cardiovascular disease.

OK, that’s scary! But the issue is not about TV exactly…it’s about NOT moving your body! The more TV you watch, the more likely you are to be sedentary, the more likely you are to NOT be healthy. You get it, right. So…turn off the TV and take a walk….or some day someone may find you kicked-off in front of the TV, having breathed your last breath. Wouldn’t that be ironic!

Beware of weight-loss spam!

It’s interesting, but this new study shows that young adults and teens are more likely to be suckers for purchasing the products you receive in weigh-loss spam!! Don’t do it. No matter how bad you feel about your body in that moment (or the email makes you feel it), this stuff at best likely doesn’t work and at worst is bad or DANGEROUS for you. This includes supplements, liquids, and detoxification products. All of these can make your heart beat too fast and throw off your electrolytes–both of which can cause a heart attack, resulting in death–yup, really!

Stick with traditional, healthy weight loss techniquest–the kinds that come from your doctor or a well-balanced diet and exercise. Sorry!! There really are no quick fixes, expecially when it comes to your health. So make sure you hit the delete button, quickly.

TV contributes to toddler violence

A new study finds that toddlers who watch TV are more likely to be violent! This study controlled for MANY other factors, such as mom’s depression, spanking, and living in an unsafe neighborhood. As a parent it is critical that you be aware that the TV and other media (movies, internet, video games) are not benign influences on your child–especially at young ages.

Limit exposure, and most of all pay attention to ratings. However, even during otherwise appropriate shows, the commercials may not be wholesome enough for younger viewers. For example, on Nick, during the most wholeome ‘Full House’, tantalizing ads for the super-racy ‘Degrassi’ are being shown to young kids who shouldn’t yet know about sex, sexting, drugs and other teen topics, let alone be having them role-modeled on TV. They’re already being primed to watch these shows as young as they can nag you into letting them, so be ready!

step by steps for how to tell others you’ve lost your job

Dr. Bartell tells the Wall Street Journal’s website filife what to do when you’ve lost your job: be honest, stick with those who are supportive and those who aren’t…leave them in the dust!

Office pranks…not that funny

Dr. Bartell gives her opinion to the the N.Y. Post about when it’s okay to prank your office mates and when it’s not. Mostly it’s not…unless everyone’s laughing, save the prank for another time.

Cyber-snooping on your partner–yes or no?

The internet can be used for many things, including snooping on your partner if you think they may be cheating on you. But what if they find out you’re snooping and they’re not cheating?

This article in The NY Daily News, gives you the pros and cons to snooping (check out my viewpoint in the article on this timely topic!)

The truth is, that if you are questioning the trust in your relationship, talking to your partner is much healthier than snooping. But if you think that snooping is the only way to pry honesty out of them (and you really, really want to know the truth!), then brace yourself and start snooping. Just read the article and be forewarned of the possible consequences!

Workplace wellness works!

Research is now showing that companies that utilize wellness programs can save anywhere fromf $3 to $15 for every $1 they spend on wellness! In addition, aside from savings and productivity, great wellness programs will attract better employees and increase morale. Important factors in a great program include targeting: smoking cessation, stress reduction, nutrition, early detection/weight management, workplace safety and disease management.

Help your child banish boredom!

Dr. Bartell gives quick tips to “Parenting” magazine for moments of nag,  nag, nag!

Less Stress for Back to School Success

the transition of going back to school can cause anxiety and be a bit scary for kids…and parents. Parents and kids can have less stress for back to school success by following the tips in this article: http://bit.ly/POPTg. Have a great start to the school year!