You’re likely watching more TV than usual during Christmas vacation. Is that horrible? SEED magazine explores whether TV is really totally evil for your health. Sure, you need exercise, but how does TV fit into the equation? Is some TV good for us? See what SEED thinks in their article, TV’s Unintended Consequences.

Are you looking forward to Christmas so much you might experience disappointment on December 26? Call it the “let down effect.” Psychology Today offers some tips on avoiding the let down effect and potential sickness after the holidays in their article, When the Good Times Make Us Sick.

Is that “healthy food” really healthy? Maybe low-fat dressing isn’t the best choice. And perhaps egg yolks aren’t the horrible things we think they are. Experience Life magazine encourages you to reconsider some of your seemingly wholesome dietary choices in their article, 6 “Healthy” Eating Choices to Rethink.

Maybe you don’t have time for a full hour of yoga during the holidays, but you can still get in a few poses that count! Yoga Journal gives you some practical tips on four quick poses to fit into your busy day in their article, Every Move You Make. Yes, you do have time for a pose or two, especially one called “happy baby pose.”

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Post from: Blisstree

Five Fab Health Reads as the Turkey Roasts

Specifically, Martin, a social researcher, is giving you 10 simple tips for helping to maintain sanity in stepfamilies during the holidays. Martin has appeared as a stepparenting expert on NPR, the BBC Newshour, Fox News and NBC Weekend Today. Her newest book, Stepmonster, is a finalist in the parenting category of the “Books for a Better Life” award. The author is also a regular contributor to Psychology Today.

Martin, stepmother for nearly a decade, lives in New York City with her husband and two sons. Her stepdaughters are young adults. Visit Martin’s website to learn more.

Stepfamily Sanity this Holiday Season
By Wednesday Martin, Ph.D.,
Author of Stepmonster: A New Look at Why Real Stepmothers Think, Feel, and Act the Way We Do

When you think of holidays, you probably think of family.

And that’s what makes holidays so tough for stepfamilies. At this time of year, couples in a remarriage with children might be feeling . . . imperfect. For example, they might be polarized — he misses his kids, while she hopes they won’t treat her like the maid when they show up. She wants to buy her 25-year old’s plane ticket to come for a holiday visit — he thinks she spoils her kids and young adults should pay their own way.

Even if they’re on the same page about their step/kids, both members of the couple likely find themselves facing plenty of misunderstanding from friends and family as visions of sugarplums dance in our collective heads. “His kids won’t be here for the holidays? How come?!” “I can’t believe they’re going to spend only Christmas Eve with you.” “You’re not doing holidays with his ex? How come? Isn’t that the best thing for the kids?”

In the face of all the pressure and misunderstanding, take heart. Here are ten simple tips for stepfamily sanity this holiday season.

1. Give up on “blending.” Stepfamilies come together in their own ways, and in their own time — experts say four to 12 years! Particularly at holiday time, stepkids of any age may feel their loyalty binds more acutely (”Dad’s remarried but mom’s not so I should spend the whole holiday with her”). And sometimes in spite of a stepparent’s best efforts, a stepchild may keep his or her distance, taking a “stand” at holiday time. Don’t expect your stepfamily to resemble an eggnog smoothie during the holidays and you’ll spare yourself and your marriage a lot of aggravation.

2. Let your stepfamily be what it is. One family I interviewed put up two trees every year, because it mattered that much to them all to honor their own traditions. Respecting those differences can help everyone come together in their own way.

3. Know that you and your spouse will probably argue. From deciding how much to spend on gifts for her kids, to reopening old wounds about how the stepkids behaved during holidays past, couples in a remarriage with children are under extraordinary pressure this season. Arguments aren’t signs of failure — they’re opportunities to communicate. Find communication formulas and tips that work for you in Stepmonster and other books for couples with stepchildren.

4. Keep it normal. Whether they’re five or 50, what kids want post divorce and remarriage is a sense of belonging. So skip the red carpet welcome and think “inclusive” and “normal.” Give mom or dad some time alone with his or her kids, and then do the things you do every day and every holiday, inviting the kids to join. Let older and adult stepkids help with holiday meal planning and prep, serving and clean-up. Little ones can make place cards or holiday art for guests. This helps them feel like family, not guests. And when they’re pitching in and happy, stepmom/stepdad won’t feel as depleted or de-centered by their visit.

5. Choose side by side activities. Puzzles, stringing popcorn, baking, and watching a holiday movie all let you spend time together without interacting “head on,” which experts like Patricia Papernow tell us can be more stressful for “steps.”

6. Know your limits. Don’t do or give in a way that will increase your resentment. If your stepkids habitually forget to bring anything for you, or have a history of not writing thank you notes, don’t go overboard with extravagant gifts and efforts. Let them be your guide to avoid martyr syndrome (”I do and I do for them!”) during (and after) the holidays.

7. Strategize ahead of time. Stepfamilies aren’t first families. There may be tensions, and that’s normal. Spouses might have to plan out activities and time alone ahead of time. “I think I’m going to need a break tomorrow. How about a long walk together first thing in the morning?” This is not a failure — just a constructive way of adapting.

8. Remember stepfamily members bond best one-on-one. All-together-now activities can activate stepkids’ anxieties about who’s an insider and who’s an outsider. Give parent and stepparent plenty of one-on-one time with kids and stepkids — and with each other. And don’t forget about yourselves as a couple. You need one-on-one time, too.

9. Get out of the house. For stepmothers especially, there can be extraordinary pressure to create that Norman Rockwell aura over the holidays. Before the pressure gets to be too much, get out to see friends and your own family. Take time to pamper, whether it’s a spa visit or a coffee with pals who understand and don’t judge. Getting out of your own home, away from your stepkids and even your spouse, isn’t a sign of failure. It’s a necessity, rejuvenating you and helping prevent stepparental burnout.

10. Let go of the guilt. Remember that even first families struggle with unrealistic expectations during the holidays. If things don’t go perfectly — if there are squabbles or hurt feelings — have faith that this is normal and won’t damage the kids or your marriage irreparably. Stepfamily members are bound to have differences and even blow-ups. By showing your stepkids that people can argue and then move on, you are modeling the kind of resilience that will serve them well for a lifetime. That might be the ultimate holiday gift.

©2009 Wednesday Martin, Ph.D., author of Stepmonster: A New Look at Why Real Stepmothers Think, Feel, and Act the Way We Do

(Image via flickr/iwona)

Post from: Blisstree

Stepfamily Sanity During Holidays

The advisory panel recommended extended statin usage primarily based upon results from the Jupiter trial, which was funded by AstraZeneca — the people who make Crestor. Am I the only one who feels statins are so poplar mainly because there’s money to be made? Yes, I know that drug companies don’t have the same funding issues as other sources of research funding. And I’m aware of the research supporting statin usage to prevent heart attacks and strokes, but I’m not convinced the benefits outweigh the risks for everyone.

The potential price of taking statins

Most people who have considered the idea of taking a statin for high cholesterol know that the drugs aren’t risk free. They may lower cholesterol, but sometimes at the cost of some serious side effects. And now people with normal cholesterol might take statins too? I’m not a scientist, but it seems like we all need to take a deep breath and get a little less excited about these drugs. They aren’t vitamins, after all.

Some statin side effects impact quality of life. According to Mayo Clinic, muscle pain is the most common side effect reported. It can be tough to put up with muscle pain for the sake of lowering cholesterol if you’re otherwise heart healthy. Some people taking statins may also experience digestive issues. I tried a 40 mg Zocor generic and could barely move from the stomach cramps. Days later, I still felt like my stomach had been used as a punching bag.

In addition to the merely annoying side effects, statins can actually kill you. Rarely, muscle pain can signal a very serious and sometimes deadly side effect of statin use: rhabdomyolysis, muscle damage which may lead to kidney failure and liver damage. It’s this rare, but life-threatening side effect that makes me scratch my head at the thought of taking this serious drug if you don’t have to.

According to Mayo Clinic, you’re at greater risk of experiencing side effects from statin usage if you’re female, have a small body frame, suffer from type 1 ot type 2 diabetes, take multiple cholesterol-lowering medications, or if you’re age 65 or older.

Read more about this issue at CNN: FDA considers statin use for those with normal cholesterol.

Do you think the FDA should approve the use of statins for people without high cholesterol?

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Post from: Blisstree

Statins Aren’t Vitamins

My Cat’s Resolutions for 2010 (in his words):

1. Stop being afraid at the veterinarian’s office and hissing at the nice doctor.
2. Become friends with fishy the Betta. (So, I can eat him.)
3. Warm to the idea of sharing my domain with another cat. (Maybe.)
4. Give up on trying to eat carpet, string, floss and anything plastic. (Just kidding, I can’t.)
5. Vomit only on easy-to-clean surfaces like tile instead of carpet. (I sleep on the carpet.)
6. Stop being passive aggressive with my pee-aim around the litter box.
7. Ease up on waking owners at 2:30 am just cause I’m bored and want some scratchy.
8. Continue being the cutest cat on my block.
9. Learn some tricks so my owners don’t start talking about getting a dog.
10. Figure out how to eat wet food without getting it under my tag.

If you’d like to share your pet’s New Year resolutions, please do so in comments!

(Image via Peggy Rowland)

Post from: Blisstree

My Cat’s Resolutions for 2010

There’s a cool and free way to find local buyers online. Kijiji is eBay’s no-charge, family-friendly local classifieds website. It’s easy to post your free ad. According to a recent survey by Kijiji, 24% of respondents are getting rid of unused household items to make room for guests and new gifts this holiday season. The same percentage of people plan on selling those items to make extra cash.

Kijiji also makes it easy to shop. Perhaps you’re looking for a used guitar? To search for items to buy at Kijiji, enter your ZIP code and click on specific options under bigger headings like pets, housing, jobs, cars and vehicles, services and community. There’s also a general “for sale” option including musical instruments, antiques, appliances, tools and more.

While searching under my ZIP at Kijiji, I found lots of items in my community up for grabs. Some popular items to buy used include fish tanks, furniture, automobiles, musical instruments, bicycles and movies. However, nothing’s perfect! Remember to exercise caution when buying from individuals via Kijiji or by any means. Don’t give out too much personal information, and avoid deals that sound too good to be true.

Have you used Kijiji to buy or sell items? If so, how was your experience?

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Post from: Blisstree

Ring in New, Get Rid of Old with Kijiji

However, Dr. Bradley Bale, co-founder of the Bale/Doneen Method, has taken up the cause of healthy giving with his article below. And he has also explained the science behind some of his picks. Most of these gifts can be arranged or bought in a snap, so check your last-minute gift list.

Top 5 Healthy Holiday Gifts for the Ones You Love
By Dr. Bradley Bale,
co-founder of the Bale/Doneen Method and the Heart Attack & Stroke Prevention Center

Make certain your family and friends start the year off healthy. These gifts are an easy way to give the gift of health in 2010!

1. Gym Membership
Put an extra spring in someone’s step. Offer to cover a friend or family member’s gym membership for a month or a year. According to The Mayo Clinic, individuals who exercise daily find it helps maintain consistent sleep patterns, a consistent body weight, and mental alertness. Check out your local gym for yearly and monthly membership packages.

2. Offer to Attend a Doctor’s Appointment with a Loved One
It can be overwhelming for people to visit the doctor, especially older folks who may have multiple health issues. Use your knowledge about the latest diagnostics and treatments for prevalent conditions to make sure your loved one is getting the best possible care. For example, the PLAC Test is relatively new and goes beyond traditional risk factors in identifying risk for heart attack and stroke. By accompanying your loved one on their next doctor’s visit you can be sure to ask about this test, among others, that might not come up otherwise.

3. Healthy Cookbook
Compile or buy a book of your favorite healthy recipes. Kathleen M. Zelman of WebMD.com recommends Fit Food – Eating Well for Life by Ellen Haas, Healthy Homestyle Cooking by Evelyn Tribole and The Phytopia Cookbook by Barbara Gollman and Kim Pierce for healthy cooking.

4. A Monthly Bottle of Red Wine
Sign up to have a monthly bottle of wine sent to your loved one. According to the Yale-New Haven Hospital, drinking one four-ounce glass of red wine a few times a week can reduce blood clotting, boost HDL (good cholesterol) and reduce LDL (bad cholesterol).¹ Please keep in mind one or more alcoholic beverages a day does increase cancer risk in women.² Also there is evidence individuals who harbor the apoE 4 genotype may have a worsening of their HDL and LDL with daily alcohol.³ Visit wineinsiders.com to find 3 month, 6 month and 12 month wine packages. Or visit wine.com and click on wineclubs for prices.

5. Fruit Basket
What’s healthier than mother nature’s wide variety of desserts that are chock full of antioxidants that help ward off diseases like cancer?

¹ “A glass of red wine a day keeps the doctor away”. March 10, 2005. http://www.ynhh.org/online/nutrition/advisor/red_wine.html
² Allen NE, Beral V, Casabonne D, et al. Moderate alcohol intake and cancer incidence in women.J Natl Cancer Inst 2009; 101:296-305
³ ApoE genotype information. Berkeley HeartLab, Inc. www.bhlinc.com

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Post from: Blisstree

Doctor’s Choice for Holiday Gifts

One of my favorite stories on Petcentric right now is about Walking Your Cat. Yes, it’s possible for cats to get very comfortable walking on a leash. I’ve even witnessed one cat who loved the leash so much you’d think she was a dog. The kitty walked right into the animal hospital lobby and started exploring while her owner chatted.

On to the prizes!

One winner will receive a large Snoozer Pool & Patio Dog Bed in Black Rain Floral. It’s made of water-resistant fabric that also resists fading. Can you picture your sweet dog lounging on it this summer?

Another winner will receive an EveryDay with Rachael Ray tote bag filled with pet goodies, such as toys and brushes. It will be like a second Christmas for your pet!

How to enter

You must have a US mailing address. Go to Petcentric and pick out your favorite story. Come back here and leave a comment with your pick. For a second chance to win, Tweet this contest and leave another comment telling me you Tweeted. Want a third chance to win? Become a Facebook fan of Petcentric and leave another comment.

To qualify to win, you must leave your comment by January 12, 2010 at 11 pm CST. The winners will have five days to respond to my request for a mailing address before a replacement winner is chosen. Please check your spam filter.

(Image via Snoozer)

Post from: Blisstree

Win a Large Pool & Patio Doggie Bed

When’s the last time a candy gave you anything?

Refresh is a new mouth moistening candy with advanced moisture action. It’s specially formulated to help moisten your mouth. In addition to relieving a dry mouth, HALLS Refresh is nice to your teeth as well. It’s sugar-free! HALLS Refresh is available in all the same stores where you usually find HALLS.

The new mouth moistening candy has only 6 calories and 3 grams of carbohydrates per drop. Refresh can be incorporated into the diet of diabetics, but you should consult with your doctor if you have concerns.

To enter, you must have a US mailing address. Leave a comment on this post telling me which flavor of Halls Refresh you would choose! I’m a strawberry gal myself. The three available flavors of HALLS Refresh include Juicy Strawberry, Tropical Wave and Refreshing Mint. Deadline to enter is 11 pm CST on January 4, 2010.

How to Enter More Than Once
Tweet this contest and let me know by commenting again for a second chance to win this great holiday giveaway. You may also become a fan of HALLS on Facebook for a third entry.

The randomly chosen winner will have five days to respond to my request for a mailing address. That means you should check your spam filter on January 5 if you don’t want to lose your prize.

Good luck and happy holidays!

(Images courtesy HALLS)

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Win a $100 AMEX from HALLS Refresh!

One of the best things about simmering good smells on the stove is that you probably don’t have to make a special trip to crowded stores to make it work. Most likely, you already have the tools you need to simmer some good smells on the stove. Plus, the added moisture in the air can be very welcome during the winter when the heater tends to reduce humidity in your home.

Simmering scents in a pot may not be as carefree as plugging in an air freshener, but with a little caution, you can make it work. Fill a pot with water and items like cinnamon sticks, cloves and apple peels. Let it simmer gently and re-check the water levels periodically (around twice an hour). Of course, this method won’t work if you’re not home as you shouldn’t leave the stove unattended.

In addition to cinnamon sticks (my favorite) and cloves, other items to use in simmering pot recipes include anise, nutmeg, rosemary, lavender and peels from fruit. Visit Tipnut for 13 Simmering Pot Recipes. Tipnut also recommends refrigerating leftover simmers for reuse up to one week.

Other smell-good tips

• If you want your clothes dryer (and clothes) to smell naturally nice as well, try putting some essential oil drops on a cloth and adding that to the dryer with a load of laundry.
• Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet and allow to sit before vacuuming.
• Eliminate smells from pet accidents by cleaning the area with vinegar. The vinegar smell dissipates, but if it bothers you when applying, there’s a simple way to tone it down. Add two or three drops of essential oil and some water to vinegar in a spray bottle. I’ve never had a problem with the essential oil damaging carpet, especially since it’s so diluted, but you may wish to test a small area of carpet first.

How do you freshen the air in your home?

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Post from: Blisstree

Add Natural Simmering Scent to the Holidays

A new study of more than 5,000 women has found that breast cancer patients who eat more soy are less likely to die or experience a cancer recurrence than women who eat no or few soy products. Yes, that’s a reverse from previous guidance on breast cancer and soy! Read more about the study at CNN: Soy may benefit breast cancer survivors, study says.

Too intimidated to exercise

Published in Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, study findings revealed information on attitudes about exercise. From an online survey, researchers at The George Washington University Medical Center learned that overweight people believed exercise improved self image and appearance more than individuals of normal weight. However, overweight survey participants felt more embarrassed and intimidated about exercising around other people, including young people or fit people. They were also more embarrassed around health club salespeople. Researchers believe that for overweight people, negative emotions surrounding health club exercise could be stronger in controlling regular exercise than intellectual facts, such as known benefits of exercise.

Obesity affects breast cancer outcomes

A study with a 30-year follow-up found that breast cancer patients with a high BMI had an increased risk of dying from breast cancer. Treatment also seemed to lose its effect more rapidly in obese patients. The study included data from almost 54,000 women in the Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group database. Researchers suggest that women should make an effort to keep their BMI under 25. The research findings were presented at the CTRC-AACR Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

(Image via flickr/SashaW)

Post from: Blisstree

Health Bits: Soy Benefits, Exercise Intent