Germ-Killing Oral Spray can combat Cold & Flu

Researchers have developed a new oral antiseptic spray which they claim can kill 99.9% of infectious airborne germs.

Researchers from the University Hospitals Case Medical Center after two separate studies developed Halo Oral Antiseptic, a first-of-its kind germ-fighting spray.

"Respiratory tract disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Halo is unique in that it offers protection from airborne germs such as influenza and rhino virus," Frank Esper, lead author of one of the studies, said.

Esper and his team used glycerine and xanthan gum as a microbial barrier combined with cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) as a broadspectrum anti-infective agent to fight respiratory illnesses . To test this, clinical strains of 2009 pandemic H1N1 were used as a prototype virus to demonstrate Halo's anti-infective activity in cell culture assays.

"The glycerine and xanthan gum prevent the germs from entering a person's system and the CPC kills the germs once they're trapped there," Esper said.

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Thirty Minutes of Daily Exercise Enough to Lower Weight

30 minutes of daily exercise provides an equally effective loss of weight and body mass as does a 60-minute routine, according to a Danish research.

Forty percent of Danish men are moderately overweight. 

For 13 weeks, a research team at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences of the University of Copenhagen followed 60 heavy but healthy men in their efforts to get into better shape.

Half of the men were set to exercise for an hour a day, wearing a heart-rate monitor and calorie counter, while the second group was to exercise for 30 minutes, the American Journal of Physiology reports.

Research results showed that 30 minutes of exercise hard enough to produce a sweat was enough to turn the tide on an unhealthy body mass index, according to a Copenhagen statement.

On average, the men who exercised 30 minutes a day lost 3.6 kilo in three months, while those who exercised for a whole hour only lost 2.7 kg.

The reduction in body mass was about 4 kg for both groups, reports Mads Rosenkilde, doctoral student from the Department of Biomedical Sciences.

Don't Spread Germs

Your mother's plea to cover your mouth when you cough was sound medical advice, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The agency suggests how to prevent the spread of germs:

• When you sneeze or cough, use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth.
• Always throw your used tissue in the trash.
• Sneeze or cough into your elbow (not your hand) if you don't have a tissue.
• Frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use a hand sanitizer if you can't wash with soap and water.

Keep Off the Weight You've Lost

Maintaining weight loss can be more difficult than losing it in the first place.

The American Council on Exercise suggests how to help maintain weight loss:

•  Weigh yourself every week.
•  Move as much as possible, walking frequently, watching less TV and even fidgeting while you're seated.
•  Stock your kitchen with plenty of nutritious treats.
•  Place your gym bag near the door, and keep any home exercise equipment where you can frequently see it.
•  Make exercise part of your social life.
•  Measure your waist once monthly and make changes to your diet and exercise routine if your waistline starts growing.

Signs that Baby is in Pain

Babies aren't able to communicate verbally, but they can let you know when they're in pain.

The University of Michigan Health System says parents should be on the lookout for these warning signs of infant pain:

•  Facial expressions, including grimacing, furrowing the brow, squeezing eyes shut, opening the mouth or having deep lines form around the nose.
•  A high-pitched, insistent cry that lasts longer than usual, although some very sick babies may be too weak to cry at all.
•  Stiffness throughout the body, or flailing and squirming. Some very sick or premature babies may appear limp.
•  Behaving irritably and not responding to comforting or feeding.
•  Not eating or sleeping.

Health Tip: Avoiding Gluten

People with Celiac disease should avoid eating gluten, a protein found in most grains, especially wheat.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics makes these suggestions for avoiding gluten:

•  Always read food labels. Look for gluten-free foods that are fortified with Iron and Folate.
•  Opt for whole grains that are naturally gluten free, such as buckwheat, quinoa, teff, millet, corn, flax and amaranth.
•  Carefully read restaurant menus and ask questions about ingredients.

What Constitutes 'Healthy Eating'?

When you commit to healthy eating, it means more than choosing fresh veggies over French fries. It's changing the way you eat, too.

The American Diabetes Association offers these guidelines for healthy eating:

•  Choose a variety of healthy foods, including lean meats, fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains and non-fat dairy products.
•  Limit portion sizes.
•  Avoid eating too much of the same type of food.
•  Eat meals regularly throughout the day at evenly spaced intervals.
•  Don't skip any meal.

Dealing with Stress

A key way to handle stress is not to avoid life's challenges, but to deal with them head-on, the Cleveland Clinic says.

The clinic offers these suggestions for women:

• Deal directly with challenging situations, instead of avoiding them.
• Accept and embrace change as an opportunity to learn.
• Focus on the present, rather than worrying about the future.
• Trust your instincts and listen to what your "gut" tells you.
• Honor and accept yourself.
• Don't be afraid to seek professional help when you need it.

Listening to Music Daily may Improve Health

Listening to music everyday could be a simple and effective way to enhance well-being and health as it may evoke positive emotions and reduce the listener’s stress levels, a new study has revealed.

The new doctoral thesis in psychology from the University of Gothenburg is based partly on a survey study involving 207 individuals, partly on an intervention study where an experiment group consisting of 21 persons listened to self-chosen music for 30 minutes per day for two weeks while an equally sized control group got to relax without music.

The results of the studies show that positive emotions were experienced both more often and more intensively in connection with music listening.

The experiment group did also perceive less stress and had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. The more the participants in the survey study liked the music, the less stress they experienced.

“But it should be pointed out that when studying emotional responses to music it is important to remember that all people do not respond in the exact same way to a piece of music and that one individual can respond differently to the same piece of music at different times, depending on both individual and situational factors,” said the author of the thesis Marie Helsing.

“To get the positive effects of music, you have to listen to music that you like,” Helsing added.

Dealing with Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is more than just uncomfortable. The American Dental Association warns that a lack of saliva to moisten your mouth also can lead to tooth damage.

The association offers these suggestions for people with dry mouth:
•    Chew sugar-free gum.
•    Suck on sugar-free hard candies.
•    Use an oral rinse.
•    Use an artificial saliva solution. Speak with your dentist first.
•    Discuss with your doctor or dentist any medications you are taking that could be causing dry mouth.

Are You Actually Hungry?

When your stomach growls, it's often hunger that's talking. Hunger is your body's way of saying it needs to be nourished.

But there are other things that may prompt you to seek a snack, even when you're not hungry. The American Academy of Family Physicians mentions these "false hunger" signals:

•  Being thirsty. Satisfy this by simply drinking a glass of water.
•  Craving or having an urge to eat a certain food.
•  Feeling emotional, including angry, lonely or sad.
•  Being at a social event.
•  Noticing that it's your normal meal time.

Useful Links: Tips to Minimize Nightmares

Tips to Minimize Nightmares

While parents can't prevent nightmares altogether, they can take steps to help foster sweet dreams.

The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions:

• Keep a consistent bedtime and waking schedule.
• Implement a calm, quiet, relaxing and consistent bedtime routine -- perhaps including a bath, book and some cuddle time.
• Make sure your child's bed is comfortable and cozy. Allow a favorite stuffed animal or blanket in bed.
• Don't let your child watch any frightening television shows before bed.
• Explain to your child that nightmares are only dreams, and that he or she can't be hurt during a nightmare.

Useful Links:  Physical Problems May Cause Insomnia, Exercise May Help You Sleep Better

Physical Problems May Cause Insomnia

If you often start your day exhausted because of a poor night's sleep, you may suffer from insomnia, a common sleep disorder.

The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute lists these common symptoms of insomnia:

•  Lying in bed awake for a long period of time before you're able to sleep.
•  Only sleeping in short bouts before waking.
•  Staying awake for most of the night.
•  Feeling exhausted, as if you had no sleep.
•  Waking very early in the morning.

Useful Links: Tips to Protect Kids Who Have Food Allergies

Exercise May Help You Sleep Better

A new study shows people who exercise regularly may sleep better. Researchers led by Oregon State University followed more than 2,600 adults who ranged from 18 to 85 years old.

Those who met national exercise guidelines -- 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes a week of vigorous exercise -- were 65-percent less likely to report frequently feeling sleepy during the day compared to people who got less exercise.

They were also less likely to report having trouble concentrating. Experts say exercise may lead to better sleep by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression levels. It also may help that exercise helps people lose weight, which can lead to improved sleep.

Tips to Protect Kids Who Have Food Allergies

Depending on your child's sensitivity, a food allergy can range from very mild to life-threatening. The American Dietetic Association offers these suggestions to help protect kids who have food allergies:

•  Always check food labels for potential allergens.
•  Make sure you inform all family members, teachers and caregivers about the severity of food allergies and symptoms to watch for.
•  Make sure your child is fully informed, so he or she can be proactive in preventing an allergic reaction.
•  Work with a registered dietitian to develop a healthy eating plan that excludes allergens.

Tips to Prevent Epilepsy

Epilepsy may be preventable in some situations, experts say. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mentions these potential opportunities for prevention:

•  Seek prenatal care during pregnancy to reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery.
•  Get all recommended immunizations to ward off serious infections.
•  Protect against traumatic brain injury. Use bicycle and sports helmets as appropriate, and take steps to reduce the risk of falls.
•  Manage risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol to reduce your chances of stroke.

Eating Healthy for Vegetarians

Vegetarians are no less susceptible than others to malnutrition. The key is to eat a variety of foods that ensure enough calories and proper nutrition, says the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The agency offers these suggestions for a healthy vegetarian diet:

•   Choose plant-based protein sources such as soy, nuts, peas and beans.
•   Get plenty of calcium through leafy, dark-green vegetables, calcium-fortified foods and dairy products.
•   Make peas and beans important staples of your diet, and make nuts a regular snack food.
•   Get plenty of vitamin B12 -- found naturally only in animal products -- by choosing fortified foods, such as cereals or soy products.

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Tips to add Flavoring to Popcorn without the Fat

Popcorn can be a healthy snack, but you need to skip the butter and salt. The American Dietetic Association lists these healthier alternatives to flavor your popcorn:

•  A sprinkle of spice, such as paprika, chili powder or pepper.
•  Garlic and basil seasoning.
•  Low-fat parmesan cheese.
•  A small amount of chocolate chips.
•  A little bit of peanut butter.

Operation could turn Brown Eyes Blue

A simple 20-second laser treatment procedure might turn brown eyes blue, a US doctor claims.

Dr Gregg Homer of Stroma Medical, a clinical equipment company primarily based in California, claimed his new "Lumineyes" treatment might be a permanent alternative to colored contact lenses.

The treatment uses a laser to remove melanin, the brown pigment, from the upper layer of the iris, leaving the blue color free to replace it within two to three weeks of the procedure.

But the process is irreversible because the melanin will not grow back and cannot be replaced.

Brown eyes, the most common type across the world, appear so because of the layer of pigment at the front of their eye.

People with blue eyes also have melanin, but it is concentrated at the back of the iris rather than the front, which means the eye absorbs longer wavelengths of light while reflecting shorter ones.

Dr Homer, a former entertainment lawyer, said the cosmetic operation would cost about £3,000 and could be available in countries outside America within 18 months, but the Daily Mail reported that clinical trials have yet to be completed.

He told KTLA Morning News: "A blue eye is not opaque, you can see deeply into it, while a brown eye is very opaque. I think there is something very meaningful about this idea of having open windows to the soul."

Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy

Your diet can play a significant role in the health of your teeth and gums. The American Dental Association suggests these dietary tips to help keep your mouth healthy:

•  Avoid sodas and fruit drinks sweetened with sugar.
•  Limit consumption of candies, cookies, pastries and other desserts with added sugar.
•  Eat nutritious snacks that are lower in sugar.
•  Brush at least twice daily and floss daily.
•  Drink water often.
•  Keep a food journal and review it for high-sugar foods. Compare your diet to the food pyramid recommendations.

Causes of Headaches in Children

Children are considered to be no less prone than adults to dull or throbbing pains of the head.

The Nemours Foundation suggests these common triggers of headaches in children:

•  Getting insufficient sleep, or rapidly changing the patterns of sleep.
•  Missing meals or becoming dehydrated.
•  Taking certain medications.
•  Being under stress.
•  Experiencing hormonal changes.
•  Spending too much time in front of the TV or computer.
•  Receiving a mild head injury or having an infection.
•  Spending a long time riding in the car.
•  Inhaling strong odors.
•  Smoking.
•  Consuming caffeine.

Tips to Reduce In-Flight Ear Pain

Flying can cause discomfort in the ears, and can be especially painful to children with an ear infection.

The Nemours Foundation suggests following ways to help alleviate a child's ear pain during takeoff or landing, when changes in pressure are most likely to trigger ear pain:

•  Offer plenty of water or other decaffeinated drinks.
•  Give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen about 30 minutes before takeoff or landing.
•  If your child is at least 3 years old, offer a piece of gum or hard candy.
•  Offer a baby a bottle or pacifier, or breast-feed.
•  Encourage your child to yawn often.
•  Keep your child awake during takeoff and landing, and encourage swallowing.

Eating Walnuts Reduces Breast Cancer Risk

Though they are hard to crack, walnuts have a handful of medicinal values from curing headache and preventing baldness to having some influence on fertility. Now, a new research has revealed that eating a modest amount of walnuts as a regular part of the diet might reduce a woman's chance of developing breast cancer.

The researchers at the Marshall University found that a daily dose of walnuts - equal to 2 ounces a day in humans - reduces the growth of breast cancer tumors in mice.

Lead researcher Elaine Hardman, Ph.D., of Marshall's Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, and colleagues studied the mice from the mother, through conception and throughout life. They then compared mice given walnuts to those fed a regular diet.

They found that the group whose diet included walnut at both stages developed breast cancer at less than half the rate of the group with the standard diet.  In addition, the number of tumors and their sizes were significantly smaller.

"These reductions are particularly important when you consider that the mice were genetically programmed to develop cancer at a high rate," Hardman said.

"We were able to reduce the risk for cancer even in the presence of a preexisting genetic mutation," she added.  Using genetic analysis, they researchers found that the walnut-containing diet changed the activity of multiple genes that are relevant to breast cancer in both mice and humans.

Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and phytosterols that may all reduce the risk of the disease.

"The results of this study indicate that increased consumption of walnut could be part of a healthy diet and reduce risk for cancer in future generations," she said. The study was funded by grants from the American Institute for Cancer Research and the California Walnut Commission. The study appears in the journal Nutrition and Cancer .  

Women Who Eat Faster More Likely to be Obese

A new research has found that Middle-aged women who are quick in downing their meals are much more likely to be overweight or obese than women who eat slower.

Otago University researchers analyzed the relationship between self-reported speed of eating and body mass index (BMI) in more than 1,500 New Zealand women aged 40 to 50, an age group known to be at high risk of weight gain.

Study principal investigator Dr Caroline Horwath said that after adjusting for factors such as age, ethnicity, smoking, physical activity and menopause status, the researchers found that the faster women reported eating, the higher their BMI, reported English.news.cn.

The study by the university's department of human nutrition could lead to new and more successful methods of treating obesity, the researchers say.