Health Briefs TV the Calorie Count during the Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is a favorite American event which most people enjoy. What people eat during this fan event is astounding. Health Briefs TV takes a look at the calorie count during the Super Bowl.

A recent study states that the amount of food bought and consumed during the week of the event adds up to 6,000 calories per U.S. household. That’s the highest amount for one week in the year. The second highest calorie consumed week is the week before the Super Bowl. That’s more than people eat during Thanksgiving, another feast event.

This report does not include the amount of food purchased in bars and restaurants or from food delivery services. The data was taken from a study of more than 200 buyers in New York who shopped in the grocery store. While most people try to eat healthier meals and snacks, the Super Bowl is one day where all caution is thrown into the wind. The study does not include the amount of calories from alcoholic beverages.

Health Briefs TV suggests making and taking a healthier dish to a Super Bowl party. Hosts might want to set up a buffet style table and let guests put their offerings on it. Walk around the table first and plan what to put on a plate. Then choose a smaller plate instead of larger ones. Here’s hoping your favorite team wins this year.

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Heath Briefs TV with Important Facts about the Measles

The measles virus is spreading rapidly from children who caught it at Disneyland. Children in five states and in Mexico are sick from the disease. And all of this could have been prevented. Health Briefs TV shares important facts about the measles and how to prevent it.

It is infectious. Ninety percent of people who are not vaccinated against the measles will get it from someone who is nearby. Babies are most vulnerable because they are too young for the vaccine.

It can kill people of any age who have not been vaccinated.  Complications from the measles such as pneumonia and encephalitis are two such complications that can take a life.

One dose of the vaccine is 95% effective in the prevention of measles.  Two doses is 99% effective. If it is possible that someone was near a person with measles who has not been vaccinated, get a vaccination now. It reduces the change of developing an infection and is certainly more effective then not getting one. Side effects from the measles-mumps-rubella or MMR vaccine are rare, and are not a valid reason to avoid the vaccine. It is the “scare factor” which prevents parents from getting their children vaccinated. Health Briefs TV asks: which is most important—the very minor possibility of the side effects of the MMR vaccine, or a child fighting for its life in the hospital after getting measles from someone who was sick with it? #measles #vaccination #vaccines #children

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Health Briefs TV Warns Readers about E-Cigarette Dangers

Quitting smoking is one of the most difficult things to do. Breaking that nicotine habit is hell. There is no other way to describe it. Today, there are nicotine patches, nicotine lozenges and e-cigarettes to help people who want to quit smoking. As many could guess, some of these helpers are not all that good for you.  Health Briefs looks at the dangers of e-cigarettes.

Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes are a popular option for people who are trying to quit smoking. Shaped like a long cigarette, the item can be loaded with flavored vapors and a heavy dose of nicotine. Newer models of the e-cig allow the user to adjust the level of nicotine they get. But along with that comes a higher amount of formaldehyde, which is a probable human carcinogen. Health Briefs TV notes that cigarettes also contain formaldehyde. Researchers found that the higher the voltage chosen on the e-cigarette, the higher amount of formaldehyde. They also note that people who vaped three milliliters of e-liquid per day would inhale 14.4 milligrams of formaldehyde. This can possibility increase the risk of cancer up to 15 times.

While there are many options today to help the smoker kick the nicotine habit, our best suggestion is to ask a doctor. Most of the products on store shelves are expensive. But quitting sure beats the high cost of healthcare that a cancer diagnoses will eventually bring.

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Health Briefs TV Reports on Safer Chicken to Eat

The U.S. Agriculture Department is proposing new regulations to make the chicken we love to eat safer. Health Briefs reports on what is being done to reduce the rates of salmonella and campylobacter in the breasts, legs and wings we consume.

One of the ways to better protect consumers from getting ill from bacteria found in chicken is to ensure that chicken farms practice better sanitary procedures and farm owners keep a more aware eye on the flocks. The federal agency’s proposal would require poultry owners to reduce the rates of salmonella from an estimated 24% now to less than 16 percent. It also suggests sampling should be taken over a longer period of time.

Health Briefs TV suggests consumers curb the possibility of bacterial illness by following safe handling of the meat. This can be done by wiping down the chicken parts before cooking, washing the cutting board or counter where chicken is prepared and thorough hand washing after handling raw chicken.  This may seem like much to do before cooking America’s favorite bird, but it beats how sick one can get if not done.

The USDA would also like to make public the list of companies which adhere to the standards and which do not, which might force more poultry ranches and farms to comply.  And that would be a good thing for Americans who like chicken.

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Health Briefs TV with More Good Reasons to Enjoy Coffee

There are many good reasons to enjoy a good cup of coffee: it helps wake you up, it keeps you going through a long day at work, and even provides good wellness benefits. Health Briefs learns that there are more good reasons to enjoy that cup of joe.

Coffee and its antioxidants are well-known to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, depression, liver disease and early death.  Now, the results of a new study are published from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute showing coffee can lower the risk of certain skin cancers. The study focused on 447,000 non-Hispanic whites who were at a higher risk of skin cancer. Results from the research found that those who drank four or more cups of coffee per had a 20% lower risk of developing malignant melanoma than those who drank less coffee. Health Briefs TV also learns that decaf coffee had no effect on lowering the risk.  There have been many reports from respected researchers on the overall good health benefits of java. Add this as one more positive reason to head for the coffee maker, coffee urn, or coffee shop.  Kick up the flavor without adding to fat and calories by adding a scant teaspoon of cocoa powder in your cup or mug. Mix well and enjoy. Cocoa is another anti-oxidant which is known to increase overall health. Bottoms up.

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Health Briefs TV Explains Why a Short Walk is Better than No Walk

A recent study from Cambridge University reports that a short daily walk is better than no walk at all. Health Briefs TV explains why a little daily exercise can prolong life.

Researchers studied nearly 300,000 people and found that a brisk 20 minute daily walk can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. The study also found that this short bout of activity is better for longevity than body weight. People that walk or do some other form of physical activity daily increase blood to the heart, raise their energy levels and the exercise improves mood. In contrast, someone who is sedentary can become lethargic, cranky and is at risk for becoming obese and suffer from the consequences. Those who work at jobs which require sitting all day should take breaks to move. Head outside for a quick walk, take the stairs instead of elevators and escalators and park farther from the office building. The Health Briefs TV show strongly encourages readers to add some kind of daily activity to their regular routine. The extra energy, health benefits and longer longevity that comes from daily exercise makes one feel physically better and stronger. Plus, it can lower health insurance rates .Get up and move now.

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Health Briefs Explores Ways to Pay a Medical Bill

Medical bills can be very high and very hard to pay.  But there are innovative ways to pay them when money is tight. 

Health Briefs has found some good suggestions to help readers manage hefty bills for medical procedures.

Keep in mind that these kinds of bills are negotiable. While it may not be reasonable to think that almost half the bill can be dickered away, one can get some of the charges removed.

It is reported that almost half of all medical bills have errors. The more extensive the treatment or procedure, the more likely there will be mistakes on the bill. Take time to review each line item. If there is charge for something suspicious, highlight it and call the doctor’s billing manager about it.

Go online and look up the cost of a medical procedure to be sure that an overcharge was not made. If the line item on the bill is more than what is found online, mark down the difference to discuss with the billing manager.

Health Briefs TV suggests reviewing the explanation of benefits from the health insurance company and comparing it to the bill. Call and ask the medical professional’s billing person for an appointment to go over all the charges. Be prepared before going in with the above items in hand. Keep in mind that persistence can pay off. Keep at it respectfully and perhaps the bill will be reduced.

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Health Briefs TV Offers Tips for Back Pain Sufferers

Back pain affects one in four adults. It is second complaint after the common cold on why adults visit the doctor. Back pain is also one of the most stubborn medical concerns to manage. Health Briefs TV offers some tips for readers with back pain.

Back strain and sprains can be pretty simple to handle at home. But longer-lasting back pain is not. Factor in spinal and nerve problems and soon the pain becomes unbearable.  There are some at-home treatments to try before making an appointment with a healthcare professional.

Heat therapy often helps ease back pain. A hot bath, warm towels, heating pads, wraps and gels all work well on a sore back. Add in ice bags or reusable cold packs throughout the day.

Try an OTC. Over the counter drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen cab relieve pain and relax muscles a bit. Give these a try before calling the doctor.

If the above at-home treatments do not work over a period of several weeks, or if the pain is too intense, Health Briefs TV believes it’s time to call the doctor. Pain that shoots past the knees, any numbness below the knee, fever, nausea or abdominal pain should be signs it is time to get an appointment today. Take care of the back. It helps hold you up.

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Health Briefs TV on the Flu

The flu is widespread across America and there are many questions about it and the flu vaccine. Health Briefs finds and shares the answers.

Some people with the flu are contagious before they feel any symptoms. But for the most part, adults are considered contagious about 24 to 72 hours after contracting the virus and remain that way for up to five days after the onset of symptoms. Kids and people with compromised immune systems can be contagious to anyone around them for up to two weeks.

Flu symptoms are: headache, fever, chills, runny nose, muscle aches, sore throat, warm, flushed skin and watery eyes. The virus is spread when respiratory moisture droplets from an infected person are spread through sneezing, coughing, touching common surfaces and clothing.

Health Briefs suggests keeping a good supply of tissues in the home or classroom and making a visit with a healthcare professional if flu symptoms seem to be apparent. The flu vaccine is helpful in prevention of catching the virus, even though this year’s strain is not the same strain in the vaccine. Stay well.

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Health Briefs TV on How to Break the Nicotine Habit One Day at a Time

Some smokers we know have said quitting smoking is the easiest thing they ever have done – because they have done it so many times. Now that the New Year has begun, there may be readers who committed to break the nicotine habit once and for all. Health Briefs TV applauds you and shares some suggestions which might help make the commitment stick.

Whichever way you choose to quit, announce it to everyone you know. Post is on social media.  The more support you have behind you, the more successful you will be.

Replace the bad habit with a good healthier one. If the urge to light up strikes right after dinner, take a pleasant walk outside with a family member, spouse, and even the family dog.

Get rid of everything in the home that reminds you of smoking. This means all ashtrays, lighters and hidden cigarettes. Health Briefs suggests throwing them all in the trash and then throw that bag in the Dumpster. Out of sight out of mind.

If stopping at a favorite gas station or convenience store, just say no when the clerk automatically hands you a pack of your regular brand. The power of saying “no thanks I quit” will make you feel like you can quit for good.

If stress is trigger, if social drinking is a trigger or if there are any other triggers, find a placement for them. Take a 10 minute break from work and go outside and walk. Order a different drink at the bar and sit where no smoking is allowed.

Check out the timeline below to see how not smoking approves overall health:

• After 20 minutes, your heart rate and blood pressure drops.
• After 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
• After two weeks to three months: your circulation improves and your lung function increases.
• After 1 to 9 months: coughing and shortness of breath decreases and lung functions improve.
• After on year: chances of heart-related illnesses are cut in half.

Quitting smoking is not easy. Get support from everyone you know. Take it one day at a time. After three months, the habit itself is broken.

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