Summary for HealthiNation’s Spare Tire Tip

Hosted by: Nancy Snyderman, MD

You’ve heard men jokingly refer to that excess weight around their middle sections as their “spare tires,” “beer gut” or “love handles”--but that’s where the joke ends. That spare tire may be a symptom of something more serious. That fat around the waist can be an indicator of a more dangerous fat that lies inside your abdomen. It’s the excess fat stores that are linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and even cancer. And for those women out there who think they’re immune—the “spare tire” syndrome can affect you too. In fact, this type of fat is more dangerous than the fatty deposits on your hips or thighs. This risk is made even worse if you smoke or have a family history of heart disease.

Author: Mr. Brendan Anderer
Host Reviewer: Dr. Nancy Snyderman
Last Review Date: January 12, 2011
Reviewed by: Dr. Preeti Parikh

Sources:

1. Obesity and Cancer: Questions and Answers. Bethesda, MD.: National Cancer Institute. (Accessed February 24, 2010 at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/obesity)
2. Belly Fat in Men: Why Weight Loss Matters. Rochester, MN.: Mayo Clinic, 2009. (Accessed February 24, 2010, at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/belly-fat/MC00054.)

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Summary for HealthiNation’s Muscle Foods

Hosted by Dr. Paul Knoepflmacher, Internal Medicine

There are a number of foods that you can add to your diet to supplement your workout routine and help build muscle. These foods include:

• Eggs. Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein – six grams in each one – and contain all nine of the essential amino acids that your body needs. They also have a more available form of vitamin B12, which may assist in muscle contraction and tissue repair.
• Yogurt. With a good balance of carbohydrates for quick energy and protein to promote muscle recovery after exercise, yogurt is a great workout fuel. A cup of plain low fat yogurt contains 12 grams of protein.
• Almonds. When you leave the gym, considering snacking on almonds. They can boost your levels of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that may protect your cells against damage from free radicals released into your body during strenuous exercise.
• Beans. All types of beans are loaded with fiber and also contain protein.

While you are working out, do not forget to stay adequately hydrated! Your body is composed of about 60 percent water and it is important to replace what you lose. Drink plenty of water before and after you exercise. In combination with a good diet, this will help keep your muscles in great shape.

Author: Mr. Brendan Anderer
Host Reviewer: Dr. Paul Knoepflmacher
Last Review Date: January 12, 2011
Reviewed by: Alexandra Adler
Reviewed by: Dr. Holly Atkinson and Dr. Preeti Parikh

Sources:

1. Report sets dietary intake levels for water salt, and potassium to maintain health and reduce chronic disease risk. Washington, DC: NAS, 2004. (Accessed February 17, 2010 at http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=10925)
2. The egg: It’s a healthy food. Washington, DC: Agricultural Research Service, 2009. (Accessed February 13, 2010 at http://www.ars.usda.gov/News/docs.htm?docid=18963)
3. USDA National Nurition Database for Standard Reference. Washington DC, USDA. (Accessed February 17th, 2010 at http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/SR17/wtrank/sr17a203.pdf)
4. Protein: The Bottom Line. Boston, MA: Harvard School of Public Health. (Accessed February 17, 2009 at http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/protein/)
5. Protein. Boston, MA: Children’s Hospital Boston, 2009. (Accessed February 13th, 2010 at http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/protein.html)
6. Almonds boost vitamin E intake and lower cholesterol, new research. East Sussex, UK: Medical News Today, 2005. (Accessed February 13, 2010 at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/21089.php)

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Summary for HealthiNation’s Tip Stress and Love

Hosted by: Dr. Nancy Snyderman

Has stress affected your love life? When your partner is angry, frustrated, worried or depressed, it changes the dynamics between two loving people. Stress does not mean that your partner loves you less, but it is important to do something about it. Your partner may not know where to turn, which means you need to work together. But remember, stress is not a reason to throw a good relationship away.

Author: Mr. Brendan Anderer
Host Reviewer: Dr. Nancy Snyderman
Last Review Date: January 12, 2011
Reviewed by: Alexandra Adler
Reviewed by: Dr. Holly Atkinson

Sources:

1. Inhibited Sexual Desire. Bethesda, MD: US National Library of Medicine, 2010. (Accessed on June 4, 2010 at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001952.htm).
2. Managing Stress. Bethesda, MD: US National Library of Medicine, 2010. (Accessed on June 4, 2010 at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/managingstress/hp069102.pdf).

HealthiNation offers health information for educational purposes only; this information is not meant as medical advice. Always consult your doctor about your specific health condition.

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Summary for HealthiNation’s Erectile Dysfunction Tip

Hosted by Dr. Paul Knoepflmacher, Internal Medicine

It’s a common stereotype that all men think about is sports and sex. But what if one actually made the other one better? Medical research shows that healthy living – exercise, plus a healthy diet – can actually help prevent erectile dysfunction.

Many cases of erectile dysfunction are caused by health problems like diabetes and blockages of the arteries. In fact, in some cases, erectile dysfunction may be a sign of heart disease. Smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and drinking too much alcohol can also contribute to erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction is difficult to talk about, but it is more common than you may think, affecting 30 million men in the US. There are good treatments available, so don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor. Remember, a healthy sex life is important to maintaining healthy relationships.

HealthiNation offers health information for educational purposes only; this information is not meant as medical advice. Always consult your doctor about your specific health condition.

Author: Ms. Courtney Kline
Host Reviewer: Dr. Paul Knoepflmacher
Last Review Date: January 12, 2011
Reviewed by: Alexandra Adler

Sources:

1. Erectile Dysfunction. Bethesda, MD: The National Insitutes of Health, 2009. (Accessed on July 6, 2010 at http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/ED/)
2. Erectile Dysfunction. Bethesda, MD: US National Library of Medicine, 2010. (Accessed on July 6, 2010 at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003164.htm).