Join Me In the “30 Rule” Challenge

I don’t care if you want to do this for one day or the entire week with me, just join in and see what you experience. Post a reply to this message if you are “on board” so I know whose posts I am looking for when we start the challenge… might as well go [...]

Another Obesity Opinion Piece: Nature vs Nurture

I’m hitting the op-ed jackpot today! Here’s an interesting obesity opinion piece that cites a study investigating if genetics or lifestyle plays a more important role in whether or not a child will become obese.
This is an area where I think the scientific knowledge and public awareness is growing – genetics plays a major role [...]

Obesity Op-Ed: Costs of Obesity and What to Do About It

I love reading opinion pieces. They are like old school blog posts! From time to time I get lucky and find one about health or physical activity.
Here’s an opinion piece by Daniel Engber at Slate “Shut Up About the Costs of Obesity”.  Essentially, he is challenging the notion that we could save money by reversing [...]

Obesity Prevention Toolkit Available

Thanks to the California Medical Association (CMA) Foundation for creating these toolkits for physicians and allied health professionals.
The purpose of the CMA Foundation’s Obesity Prevention Project is to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and their families. The Obesity Prevention Project will carry out its purpose by giving physicians access to and assistance [...]

30 Minutes a Day, 5 Days a Week

That’s the amount of time (at a minimum) you should devote to exercise, according to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Actually, one hour of activity is recommended for kids.
Up to the challenge? Register for the 2008 President’s Fitness Challenge online individually or as a team and you can log daily activity, set [...]

In the UK, Traffic Lights Move to Restaurant Menus

While the FDA sits on it laurels regarding sound approaches to food labeling claims, the UK has been testing the red-yellow-green “traffic light” system for grocery store food items. Now, restaurants are voluntarily getting into the game.
The UK Food Standards Agency has reported the Yo! Sushi will be the restaurants to use its traffic [...]

Obesity Business is Booming

The economy and housing market may be tanking, but there is one space that is growing… and growing… and growing. The market for obesity.
 I know, I know. Surprise… big whoop, right? But I think it’s worth a look at the numbers.  In case you are wondering what will fuel the growth, it’s mostly prescription drugs. Two [...]

Announcment: I’m Running It Again!

 March 25, 2008 is America Diabetes Alert Day, a one-day health observation meant to inform the American public about the seriousness of diabetes. Use this day to learn how to prevent and control diabetes, its complications, and take steps towards better overall health.

So, in honor of this day, I wanted to take a minute to [...]

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

I’m spending a week working in an oupatient setting with the bariatric services team. I’ve been looking forward to this opportunity for so long. Coming from a family yo-yo dieters, the psychosocial component of poor nutrition behaviors and obsession with food is all too familiar to me. So I’ve wondered if bariatric surgery is all it’s [...]

What to Do With Leftover Easter Eggs

From time to time I have been posting tips from the Biggest Loser Million Pound Matchup. I liked their tip for leftover easter eggs, but I think I can one-up them.
First I’ll give you their tip then I’ll tell you why they are wrong and lastly I will give you a few other ideas for [...]