My Choices News Update

MARCH IS NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH “ORLANDO, FL – The Florida Department of Health in Orange County encourages the community to make informed food choices and develop healthy eating and physical activity habits during March, which is National Nutrition Month®. This year’s theme, “Fuel for the Future,” which focuses on eating with sustainability in mind, is a tasty way to nourish ourselves during every phase of life (https://www.eatright.org/). A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist can assist you with creating healthy habits that are sustainable and celebrate your unique needs.” Exercising Just Once a Month Can Help Keep Your Brain in Shape, Study Finds “You don’t have to be a marathon runner or a triathlete to keep your mind in tiptop shape as you get older. In fact, a new study shows that being physically active even once a month, compared to being inactive, is associated with higher brain functions later in life.” Online mindfulness therapy improves sarcoidosis-related fatigue “Twelve weeks of online mindfulness-based cognitive therapy better alleviated sarcoidosis-related fatigue than standard care, according to study results published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.” Keto-like diet may be associated with elevated risk of cardiovascular events “The ketogenic or “keto” diet, which involves consuming very low amounts of carbohydrates and high amounts of fats, has been gaining popularity. However, a new study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session Together With the World Congress of Cardiology suggests that a “keto-like” diet may be associated with higher blood levels of “bad” cholesterol and a twofold heightened risk of cardiovascular events such as chest pain (angina), blocked arteries requiring stenting, heart attacks and strokes.” Go ahead and sigh. According to a new study, it’s good for you “CNN —Sighs — those long, exhales of breath often accompanied with a bit of a whimper — have long been seen as a sigh of melancholy, frustration or even despair, leading us to ask the sighing person, “What’s wrong?” A recent study turns that notion on its head. Instead of seeing sighs as sadness or exasperation, recognize them for what they accomplish — stress relief, said Dr. David Spiegel, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and director of the Center on Stress and Health at Stanford University School of Medicine.” A Guide for Parents Distinguishing Non-Impairing Health Anxiety from Illness Anxiety Disorder “Since 2020, children have been exposed to media about the rapid spread of a virus that can lead to unpredictable health issues. In the context of a global health crisis, it is more important now than ever to be mindful of your child’s mental health and to understand and be aware of early indicators of an anxiety disorder. It’s important for parents to recognize the differences between two common forms of anxiety: Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD) and non-impairing health anxiety.” What an expert says about taking magnesium for sleep “When people struggle to fall asleep, it’s no surprise they seek solutions. Options can range from prescription medications to sleep therapy, good habits and an abundance of supplements. Taking magnesium for sleep is something some say has real benefits, but does it really?” WHO Chief: Too Much Salt Can Kill You “GENEVA — Sodium is essential for the smooth functioning of muscles and nerves and maintaining the proper balance of water and minerals. But too much sodium in the diet can kill. “Almost 2 million deaths each year are associated with excessive sodium intake,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization.” Mediterranean, MIND diets linked to fewer Alzheimer’s signs in brain, study finds “People who follow a Mediterranean or MIND diet may have fewer signs of Alzheimer’s disease in their brain tissue, according to a new study. Published Wednesday in the online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, the study found those who follow these plant-focused diets may have fewer amyloid plaques and tau tangles in their brain than people who don’t eat this way.” Study explores how community engagement can help improve clinical trial diversity “COLUMBUS, Ohio – Despite racial and ethnic minority groups making up nearly half of the United States population, underrepresentation in clinical trials remains a critical challenge. In an effort to improve clinical trial diversity, researchers at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, College of Medicine and College of Nursing partnered with The African American Male Wellness Agency, Genentech Inc. and Pfizer, Inc. to engage with almost 450 community members in 25 states and five countries to create solutions to barriers of access, awareness, discrimination and racism and workforce diversity.” Bring your kids into the kitchen during National Nutrition Month “OKLAHOMA CITY – National Nutrition Month is observed in March to encourage healthy eating habits. An easy way to get children excited about nutrition is by preparing healthy meals together.”