Stand-Up Advice for Preventing Back Pain


SUNDAY, Nov. 30, 2014 (HealthDay News) — Age-related wear and tear of the spine is a common cause of back pain, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk of back injury and discomfort, an expert says.


“Many people with lower backaches say symptoms disrupt their daily routines; however, everyday habits may be the factors causing the pain,” said Dr. Michael Gleiber, an orthopedic spine surgeon and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons spokesman.


“It’s important to identify some of those behaviors, avoid them and adapt healthy ones,” he said in an academy news release.


Do regular exercise to strengthen your back and core muscles. If you have acute back pain, don’t do strenuous exercise, but get up and move around, Gleiber said. Being in bed or inactive for too long could cause your back pain symptoms to get worse.


Try to avoid lifting heavy objects. If you have to do heavy lifting, use proper technique. Do not bend over. Keep your back straight and bend at your knees, he advised.


Maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight or obese places added stress on your lower back, research shows.


Watch your posture. Your ears should be in line with the top of your shoulders, and your shoulders in line with your hips. Your upper arms should hang relaxed and close to your body, and your hands should be in line with your lower arms.


More than 65.8 million American adults reported having low back pain, according to a 2012 National Health Interview Survey.


More information


The U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion has more about preventing back pain.














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Holiday Overindulgence Risky for People With Type 2 Diabetes


SATURDAY, Nov. 29, 2014 (HealthDay News) — Overindulging in holiday food can pose serious risks for people with type 2 diabetes, an expert warns.


“If you are someone who is not in good control of your diabetes throughout the year, the holiday season can really make your situation worse,” Dr. Laila Tabatabai, an endocrinologist with Houston Methodist Hospital, said in a hospital news release.


“If you are not mindful, eating foods with too many carbohydrates or sugars can send your blood sugar levels into a dangerously high range,” she cautioned.


There are a number of ways that people with diabetes can prevent their blood sugar levels from soaring during the holidays.


“Try to eat two or three special things that you only see during the holiday season, like grandma’s dressing or your aunt’s special dessert, and avoid sampling everything,” Tabatabai said. “If you have to bring a dish, fix something healthy that you like. This way you know there will be at least one healthy thing for you to eat.”


It’s a good idea to avoid “white” carbohydrates such as pasta, bread, rice and potatoes, according to Tabatabai. Healthy substitutes include whole grains, brown rice, fruits and vegetables. It’s also important to limit portion sizes.


“For those who choose to drink alcohol, a few adult beverages are OK if you alternate your drinks with water, seltzer, diet soda, etc. Be aware of mixed drinks because many contain juices or high sugar additives that you might not realize and they could cause a spike in your blood sugar levels,” Tabatabai said.


She added that family and friends are likely to be accommodating about your food choices if you’re open and honest with them about your diabetes.


“There is no reason for a person with type 2 diabetes to miss out on the joy of eating around the holidays,” Tabatabai concluded. “Planning ahead and being smart with your choices will give you the chance to eat the foods you want while maintaining healthy glucose levels.”


More information


The U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has more about diabetes management.














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Too Few Seniors Check Their Medical Records Online



FRIDAY, Nov. 28, 2014 (HealthDay News) — Too few American seniors go online to check their health records, a new study suggests.


Many doctors offer patients online access to certain parts of their electronic medical records, including immunization records, lab results, safe and correct use of medications and reminders for visits and screenings.


However, this study suggests that older Americans are being left behind when it comes to the benefits of electronic medical records.


University of Michigan researchers analyzed data from the long-running Health and Retirement Study at the university, and found that less than a third of adults aged 65 and older use the Internet for health information, and barely 10 percent of those with a low level of health literacy — the ability to navigate the health system — go online for health-related matters.


The findings were published recently in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.


“In recent years we have invested many resources in Web-based interventions to help improve people’s health, such as electronic health records designed to help patients become more active participants in their care. But many older Americans, especially those with low health literacy, may not be prepared for these new tools,” study author Helen Levy, a research associate professor at the university’s Institute for Social Research, said in a university news release.


“Our findings suggest that there’s a digital divide when it comes to health care. Older adults with low health literacy especially represent a vulnerable population that’s at high risk of being left behind by the advance of technology,” she added.


“Health information technology promises significant benefits, but it also comes with the risk that these benefits won’t be shared equally,” study senior author Dr. Kenneth Langa, a professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School and research investigator at the Center for Clinical Management Research at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, said in the news release.


“The Internet is becoming central to health care delivery, but older Americans with low health literacy face barriers that may sideline them in this era of technology. Programs need to consider interventions that target health literacy among older adults to help narrow the gap and reduce the risk of deepening disparities in health access and outcomes,” Langa said.


More information


HealthIT.gov has more about information health technology.














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3 Ways to Pamper Your Feet When Wearing Heels

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Whether you’re breaking out sky-high stilettos or over-the-knee boots, survive holiday heel season sans agony with these pampering essentials.


Shock absorber


Ultra-thin insoles keep pressure off the ball of your foot so you can dance and mingle on your feet all night and still be able to walk normally the next morning (Dr. Scholl’s DreamWalk High Heel insoles, $8; walmart.com).


Soreness soother


Rub on Sole Serum’s blend of essential oils (antibacterial tea tree, cooling peppermint and anti-inflammatory lavender) and painkilling 4 percent lidocaine to ease discomfort for up to two hours (Sole Serum, $10 for 5ml, $30 for 15ml; soleserum.com).


Blister blocker


Like the sports sticks that runners use to help prevent chafing during a 10K, this balm—in a lipstick-size applicator—is a purse-friendly way to avoid blisters from shoes that dig or rub (Sole Goddess, $19 for 0.3 oz.; amazon.com).


RELATED: 10 Exercises for Healthy Knees








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4 Crazy Eyebrow Trends: Bleach, Transplants, and More

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It’s no secret that bold brows are having a moment. If you’ve got ‘em, you flaunt ‘em. If you don’t, then you’re likely trying and buying whatever it takes to fake a naturally lush pair. But are these recent trends taking it too far? We’ll let you decide.


The trend: Bleached brows


The gist: A throwback to the ’90s grunge days, bleached brows have recently been spotted everywhere from the runway to the Red Carpet to the street. Celebs such as Cara Delevigne, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, and Kim K have been photographed with whited-out arches. One thing these ladies all have in common (besides the need for attention): They sport the look for a short time to make a statement, then back to dark they go. Why? “The reason is simple—it’s not flattering,” says celebrity brow stylist Joey Healy, “Stripping your brows of color takes away definition around the eyes and weakens the appearance of bone structure. Not to mention, the regrowth period is awkward.”


Skip if: You’re 99.9% of the population. It’s a trend that flatters very few women. “Bottom line: this is a time for the bold and it has never been easier to embrace the dark side,” Healy says.

OTC alternative: If you’re looking to soften your hue, use a tinted brow gel a few shades lighter than your natural color instead. Try: Ramy When Hairy Met Sealy Brow Gel ($20; walgreens.com).


RELATED: 18 Fashion and Makeup Mistakes That Age You


The trend: Brow extensions


The gist: That’s right, faux arches are a thing. How do they work? Similar to lash extensions, single synthetic fibers are glued on to natural brow hairs to temporarily add bulk. “The fibers are so fine they provide a natural-looking effect,” says Vanita Parti, owner of Blink Brow Bar in New York City. “And they can be customized to meet your individual needs, from adding volume to simply filling in sparse spots.” Some maintenance is required: Softly blend a tinted powder through brows to camouflage glue and be careful when washing your face as the fibers can dislodge. Extensions last about two weeks and will cost anywhere from $60 to $170 a treatment.


Skip if: You’ve got barely-there brows; extensions require natural hairs to stay put. Also skip if you work out regularly or have oily skin. “The fibers will loosen up if constantly saturated with sweat and oil.”

OTC alternative: A brow gel with synthetic fibers can help you add bulk and will wash out at the end of the day. Try: Benefit Gimme Brows ($22, sephora.com).


RELATED: 10 Foods for Thicker Hair and Stronger Nails


The trend: Brow transplants


The gist: Eyebrow restoration is a permanent solution to severe hair loss or thinning in the brow area, resulting from over-plucking, genetics, and aging. The process, performed by a doctor, usually involves 300-500 hairs being individually relocated from the scalp (typically the nape of the neck or above the ear) to your arches. Extreme? Yes. Effective? Yes, reports Healy. “The outcome in most cases is a naturally fuller appearance.” Full results are visible six to nine months post-surgery.


Skip if: You don’t want to spend big bucks on your brows (transplants can run anywhere from $6000 to $8000) and can work with what you’ve got. “This is a last-ditch effort, but the results are realistic,” notes Healy.

OTC alternative: Opt for a peptide-driven serum to kick-start the anagen growth phase of brows. Try: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Enhancing Serum Advanced ($38, sephora.com).


RELATED: 21 Reasons Why You’re Losing Your Hair


The trend: Brow tattoos


The gist: Does the thought send shivers down your spine? Okay, us too. But hear it out: “Eyebrow tattooing is the basic concept of permanent makeup—inserting dyes or pigments into the first layer of skin,” explains Dominique Bossavy. And while a stencil-filled look is an option (not recommended—actually, just don’t), there are much more subtle techniques. Bossavy practices realistic hair simulation, very light and strategically placed strokes of pigment (not ink) that imitate real hairs. “When applied in harmony with the natural shape and direction of each individual brow, this option offers an instantly fuller appearance without the risk of harsh lines of demarcation if your brows change shape,” says Bossavy. Proceed with caution: Results are opaque and for the most part, permanent.


Skip if: If you have very little brows to start with (think fine, wispy and light), as the tattoos will sit there like stickers, says Healy. Also skip if you have a commitment problem or needle-phobia.

OTC alternative: Using light feathery strokes, fill in brows with a pencil or powder. Then brush through with a spoolie brush to blend pigment. Try: Joey Healy Luxe Brow Powder ($28, joeyhealy.com). Or consider a brow tint; color lasts a few weeks.


RELATED: 29 Expert Beauty Tips Every Woman Should Know








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Holiday Eating Tips for People With Diabetes



FRIDAY, Nov. 28, 2014 (HealthDay News) — People with diabetes face a number of challenges over the holidays, but careful planning can help keep you healthy, an expert says.


“With the holidays coming, take some time to think about how you’ll deal with the events, the family you’ll be visiting and all of the to-dos,” Joan Bardsley, president of the American Association of Diabetes Educators, said in an association news release. “By planning ahead. you can enjoy the fun and still be healthy.”


One idea is to make a healthy eating contract with yourself. Before a big meal, think carefully about how you will eat that day and write down some goals. Sign and date the contract and post it on your refrigerator.


Then plan your meal plate. Half of it should include vegetables, like carrots, green beans or broccoli. A quarter should have starches (carbohydrates), like sweet potatoes, mashed or baked potatoes, rice pilaf or quinoa. The other quarter is for lean meat, like turkey or chicken. Try to avoid dark meat and remove any skin from your meat. If gravy is a must, use just a little, Bardsley advised.


She also recommended limiting or avoiding alcohol. Check with your doctor to find out if alcohol will interfere with any of your medications. If it’s safe for you to drink, do so in moderation. Limit yourself to a glass of wine per party, or have a wine spritzer. Avoid mixed drinks, which have more carbohydrates. Be sure to eat when drinking alcohol in order to prevent low blood sugar.


Be sure to be physically active over the holidays. If you can’t maintain your normal exercise routine, get the family out for walks, fun runs or games of flag football or tag, Bardsley suggested.


If you’re traveling, bring extra medications with you. For example, if you plan to be gone for a week, pack two weeks’ worth of diabetes medications and supplies in case of travel delays or other problems. Carry a prescription from your doctor for insulin or oral medication in case of an emergency.


When traveling by air, keep your medications and supplies with you at all times, Bardsley said.


More information


The American Diabetes Association offers holiday meal planning tips.














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How to Help Someone Grieving in the Holiday Season



FRIDAY, Nov. 28, 2014 (HealthDay News) — Holiday joy can be lost on someone grieving the death of a loved one. But supportive family and friends can help the bereaved cope with this difficult period, experts say.


“One of the best ways to help those who are grieving during the holidays is to let them know you care and that their loved one is not forgotten,” J. Donald Schumacher, president and CEO of National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, said in a news release from the group.


Here are some suggestions from the organization:


Be supportive of how the person chooses to approach the holidays. While some may wish to continue traditions, others may want to avoid them and do something new.


Offer to help with holiday activities such as decorating, baking and shopping. These tasks can seem overwhelming for someone who is grieving.


Invite the person to your home during the holidays, or ask them to attend a religious service or to volunteer with you. Doing something for others — such as working with children or helping at a soup kitchen — may help the bereaved feel better about the holidays.


Be willing to listen, and never tell someone that they need to get over the death of their loved one. Stay in touch through phone calls, visits and cards, and remind the bereaved that you’re thinking about them and their loved one who died.


“Lending an ear and holding a hand can be one of the greatest gifts we can give,” Schumacher said.


More information


The U.S. National Institutes of Health has more about coping with grief.














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Best to Be Honest About Your Relationship With Your Boss



FRIDAY, Nov. 28, 2014 (HealthDay News) — Your job performance will be better if you and your boss have the same opinion about your relationship, even if it’s a bad one, a new study finds.


Researchers interviewed 280 employees and their bosses separately so that neither knew what the other said. The workers ranged from cashiers to senior managers in a number of industries, including automotive, retail and financial services.


The researchers found that employees were less motivated at work when they believed they had a good relationship with their boss, but the boss had a different opinion, or if the reverse was true.


Worker motivation was higher when the employee and boss had the same opinion about their relationship, even if it was poor, said the study published recently in the Academy of Management Journal.


“Seeing eye-to-eye about the employee-supervisor relationship is equally, if not more, important than the actual quality of the relationship,” lead investigator Fadel Matta, a management researcher at Michigan State University’s College of Business, said in a university news release.


“Some people would say it’s better to fake it, but our results indicate that the opposite is true,” Matta said. “At the end of the day, it’s better for everyone to know where they stand and how they feel about each other.”


More information


The American Psychological Association offers tips for dealing with difficult bosses.














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5 Party-Ready Hair Accessories

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Whether your cut is short or long, add one of these accessories to up the wow factor.


1. Metallic band


Yep, it’s a headband! Just position it about 2 inches back from your hairline, keeping a few strands loose in front of your ears. (Gina Made It leather band, $32; ginamadeit.com)


2. Ponytail rings


Make a low pony and secure it with the attached elastic. Swoop hair through the metal clasp and voilà: instaglam. (Mia Beauty Tony Pony metal hair rings, $8 each; at CVS)


3. Vintage pins


Art-deco bobbies complement any style, from cascading waves to a chic chignon. Tuck into hair so only the crystals peek through. (Chloe + Isabel Celestial Frost hairpin duo, $22; chloeandisabel.com)


4. Cluster clip


For a gorgeous retro effect, create a deep side part and use this jeweled pin to pull back hair on the opposite side behind your ear. (Ban.do Crystal Crush bobby pin, $25; amazon.com)


5. Bun crown


Take your knot up a notch: Slip this clip into the side of a lowish bun, or place it atop a higher one. (Kitsch Crystal bun pin, $24; mykitsch.com)


RELATED: 16 Hair Myths You Need to Stop Believing








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3 Ways to Skinny Up Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

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It’s Thanksgiving, so by all means, go ahead and splurge. You can snap back on track come Black Friday. “Your Thanksgiving meal will be classic comfort food, of course, but your leftovers lend themselves to creativity,” says star chef Marcus Samuelsson, author of the new cookbook Marcus Off Duty ($25, amazon.com). Here, his ideas for turning what remains of your feast into healthy things you can munch on for days.


Turkey lettuce wraps


Top shredded white meat with red onion, shredded carrots, chopped peanuts and cilantro, and wrap in whole lettuce leaves.


Turkey, squash, and vegetable soup


In a stockpot, sauté chopped onion with oil. Add a few cups of vegetable broth and white and dark meat turkey, plus chopped veggies like carrots, celery and squash; bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until veggies are tender.


Chilled quinoa salad with green beans


After stuffing yourself with stuffing, swap in some healthy grains in the days after. Mix leftover green beans or any roasted veggies with cooked, chilled quinoa and fresh herbs like parsley and basil for a lean but filling treat.


RELATED: 20 Filling Foods That Help You Lose Weight








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Expert Shares Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Tips



THURSDAY, Nov. 27, 2014 (HealthDay News) — Thanksgiving meals can pose a challenge for people who have to eat a gluten-free diet, an expert says.


Many traditional Thanksgiving dishes — such as turkey, corn, sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce — are gluten-free, but “when it comes to pies, stuffing, gravy, etc., gluten-free substitutes may need to be considered,” Dr. Anca Safta, director of the Gluten and Allergic Digestive Disorders program at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in North Carolina, said in a center news release.


“For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), it’s never a good time to cheat. But removing gluten from a Thanksgiving menu doesn’t have to take the joy out of the holiday,” she said.


People with celiac disease or NCGS need to educate their family and friends about their condition. Most people don’t mind going gluten-free for one meal if they understand the harm — such as pain and intestinal damage — that gluten can cause to people with celiac disease or NCGS, according to Safta.


Look for the gluten-free (GF) label on foods. In most cases, gluten-free alternatives to gluten-containing grains, condiments, sauces and dishes can be bought at a store or made at home.


Gluten-free doesn’t mean taste-free. In fact, a gluten-free version of a dish may actually taste better than the original. Experiment beforehand to test and perfect gluten-free recipes, Safta suggested.


“What’s a Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie and macaroni and cheese? Well, there’s no need to find out,” she said. “Make the pie crust with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs, and find gluten-free elbows. No one will have to give up his or her favorite dish, just certain ingredients.”


More information


The American Academy of Family Physicians has more about celiac disease.














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Turkey Fryer Mishaps Can Cause Serious Burns



THURSDAY, Nov. 27, 2014 (HealthDay News) — Celebration can quickly turn to tragedy if popular turkey fryers are misused on Thanksgiving Day, experts say.


Over the last decade, more than 141 serious fires and hot-oil burns have occurred while people were using turkey fryers, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.


“I have actually cared for a patient who tried to deep fry the turkey indoors, which absolutely should not be done in any circumstances,” Dr. Arthur Sanford, a burn surgeon at Loyola University Health System, said in a university news release.


“And I cannot stress enough that the turkey must be moisture-free. A frozen turkey in hot oil is a recipe for tragedy,” he added.


Sanford offered a number of other safety tips for people using turkey fryers:



  • Purchase a newer fryer that has a sealed lid to prevent oil spills.

  • Place the fryer in an open area away from all walls, fences or other structures. Never use the fryer in, on or under a garage, carport, porch, deck or any other structure that can catch fire. Keep the fryer in full view while the burner is on and keep children and pets away from the cooking area.

  • Do not cook in short sleeves, shorts or bare feet. Cover all bare skin when dunking or removing the turkey. Wear goggles or glasses to protect your eyes.

  • Make sure the turkey is fully thawed and dry when placed in the hot oil. Water can cause the oil to spill over, triggering a fire or explosion. Be careful with marinades.

  • Don’t overfill the fryer with oil. Slowly raise and lower the turkey to reduce hot-oil splatters and to prevent burns. Turn off the fryer immediately if the oil starts to overheat.

  • If the turkey fryer catches fire, do not use water to try to douse it. Have a fire extinguisher appropriate for oil fires with you when using a turkey fryer and familiarize yourself with the extinguisher beforehand.

  • If you or someone else suffers a burn, get immediate medical aid.

  • Don’t drink alcohol before or while using a turkey fryer. Wait until dinner to have a drink.


More information


The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers tips for the safe preparation of your holiday meal.














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Don’t Let Chronic Heartburn Spoil Your Thanksgiving Feast


THURSDAY, Nov. 27, 2014 (HealthDay News) — Planning on seconds at Thanksgiving Day dinner this year? If you suffer from chronic heartburn — clinically known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — a few steps may help minimize the aftereffects.


Dr. Jordan Josephson, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, offers up these tips to help manage GERD on Thanksgiving:



  • Pace yourself. Rather than have one big meal, have at least two small meals throughout the day. It’s also a good idea to have a healthy snack of veggies before the main course is served.

  • Don’t eat just before bedtime. Bigger meals should be eaten at least three hours before going to sleep to avoid an acid reflux flare-up.

  • Opt for water. Rather than soda or wine, drink water to avoid aggravating your symptoms. Drinking plenty of water will also aid in digestion and help you stay hydrated.

  • Limit certain foods. Do not overindulge on carbohydrates like bread, pasta and rice. It’s also a good idea to avoid spicy or tomato-based foods as well as foods high in fat.

  • Avoid caffeine. To prevent a flare-up of GERD symptoms, pass on the coffee or other caffeinated beverages.

  • Don’t smoke. Smoking irritates the lining of the stomach, esophagus, nose and sinuses.

  • Leave the belt at home. Tight or restrictive clothing or accessories can increase heartburn-related discomfort.

  • Walk. Taking a stroll before or after Thanksgiving dinner can aid in digestion and boost metabolism.

  • Gargle with salt water. At the end of the day, gargling with salt water can help remove acid and soothe stomach irritation.


More information


The U.S. National Institutes of Health provides more information on GERD.














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Want Kids to Eat Better? Get Them Cooking


By Alex Kramer

HealthDay Reporter


THURSDAY, Nov. 27, 2014 (HealthDay News) — Getting kids involved in the kitchen, through cooking classes or at home, may make them more likely to choose healthy foods, according to a recent review.


Cooking programs and classes for children seem to positively influence children’s food preferences and behaviors, according to the new research. And, although the review didn’t look at long-term effects of such programs, the findings suggest that such programs might help children develop long-lasting healthy habits.


“It is important to expose children to healthy foods in a positive way,” said Derek Hersch, the lead author of the study who also works with a cooking education program called Food Explorers at the Minnesota Heart Institute Foundation. “Creating habits and behaviors at this age is the most important part of it.”


This research comes at a time when childhood obesity rates have been rising rapidly. More than one-third of adolescents in the United States were obese in 2012, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This trend has been caused, at least in part, by a significant decrease in the amount of meals that people consume at home since the 1980s, according to background information in the study. People are more likely to eat at restaurants, where meals are more calorie-dense and less nutritious, the study noted.


Sara Haas, a spokesperson with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, noted that time is a factor. “It has a lot to do with eating more convenience foods because parents are lacking time, and may not have learned to cook healthy meals,” she said.


Cooking education programs, such as Food Explorers, teach children about new healthy foods and how to prepare them. They also stress the importance of eating five fruits and vegetables every day. A volunteer parent explains a new food to the group, and the kids make something based on the lesson, such as fruit skewers or spinach salad. Depending on the program, kids may be sent home with information about healthy foods to bring to their parents, the review explained.


“If you get them involved in cooking, they are 100 percent interested and want to do more — it’s amazing,” said Haas, who is also a chef.


Hersch and his study team reviewed eight other studies that tested different types of cooking education programs. Children in these classes were between 5 and 12 years old, according to the review. Hersch’s goal was to learn more about developing an efficient program to encourage healthy food choices that last a lifetime.


“We found that it is particularly important to expose kids to healthy foods on a number of occasions,” Hersch said. “This makes them feel comfortable with the new foods, which helps them build healthy habits.”


Because each study included in the review was designed somewhat differently, it was difficult for the researchers to make any strong conclusions. However, some of the trends the researchers saw included increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and dietary fiber, a greater willingness to try new foods and increased confidence in the ability to prepare foods.


Hersch and the study authors recently published their findings in the CDC’s Preventing Chronic Disease: Public Health Research, Practice and Policy.


Both Hersch and Haas emphasized the importance of getting parents involved in their children’s eating habits. Parents who are unable to enroll their kids in a cooking class can achieve similar benefits by having their kids help them while they prepare meals at home, Hersch noted. Children are more comfortable at home, which makes them more receptive to new foods because they will make the connection to a positive experience, according to Hersch.


While reviewing this topic, Hersch found that there is a lack of research in this area. There has not been a long-term study to see if children who take these courses are more likely to choose fruits and vegetables as adults. There also haven’t been studies to see if children who participate in cooking programs are less likely to become obese.


None of the current studies looked at whether or not the classes had an impact on the children’s attitudes towards unhealthy foods, such as foods laden with fat and sugar, according to Hersch. He explained that these limitations likely result from the fact that cooking programs want to focus their limited resources on their children, rather than publishing their research.


“From personal experience, I just know that kids really enjoy it,” Haas said. “You can take the most introverted kid and they just come alive when you get them involved in cooking.”


More information


There are more tips on helping kids eat better at the Academy of Dietetics and Nutrition.














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