Courtesy WebMD:

The older a mother is when she gives birth, the higher her child's risk of autism, new data show.

A smaller effect also is seen for the age of the father, but only when the child is born to a father over age 40 and a mother under age 30.

The new findings come from a comparison of reported autism cases in California to state singleton birth records from 1990 to 1999. Over that time, there were about 5 million births and more than 12,000 autism cases.

The results:

Women over age 40 are 77% more likely than women under age 25 to have a child with autism.
Women over age 40 are 51% more likely than women aged 25-29 to have a child with autism.
Women aged 35-39 are 31% more likely than women aged 25-29 to have a child with autism.
Women aged 30-34 are 12% more likely than women aged 25-29 to have a child with autism.
Women under age 25 are 14% less likely than women aged 25-29 to have a child with autism.
Men over age 40 are twice as likely as men under age 25-29 to have a child with autism, but only if the mother is under age 25.

It's tempting to think that the trend for women to delay childbirth is behind the continuing rise of autism. But that's not the case. This trend accounts for less than 5% of the autism increase in California over the decade 1990-1999, calculate study researchers Janie F. Shelton, Daniel J. Tancredi, PhD, and Irva Hertz-Piccioto, PhD.

So what's going on? That isn't clear. Older parents' genes can undergo changes caused by aging and by the environment.

Read more

Are you looking for answers to your questions about vision loss? On Friday, February 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Braille Institute will host a free seminar on understanding vision loss and ways to adjust and cope with sight loss. The event will be held at Braille Institute, located at 70-251 Ramon Road in Rancho Mirage.

The two hour seminar will cover the basics of blindness and visual impairment and specific skills related to assisting people who are blind and visually impaired.

Techniques for The Business of Living will be addressed along with how to continue Getting Around Town safely once vision is fading. We will also discuss the emotional impact of sight loss and how to cope with the changes in lifestyle. All of your questions will be answered. Please RSVP by calling 760-321-1111. If you would like additional information about this event or any of Braille Institute's other free programs and services, please contact Lisa Jimenez, Rancho Mirage Regional Director, at 760-321-1111, Ext. 6103.

Braille Institute is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to eliminate barriers to a fulfilling life caused by blindness and severe sight loss. Through educational training, programs and services, Braille Institute helps tens of thousands of people each year regain and maintain their independence. Thanks to generous donations, Braille Institute services are available free of charge. More information can be found at www.brailleinstitute.org.

Courtesy WebMD:

H1N1 swine flu is no longer widespread in any state, but new infections continue and the death rate remains high, the CDC reported today.

A Harvard poll shows that about half of Americans believe the H1N1 swine flu outbreak is over, and only a third remain concerned. That may explain why three in four U.S. residents still haven't been vaccinated against the pandemic virus, despite now-plentiful vaccine supplies.

CDC figures clearly show that the fall/winter wave of H1N1 swine flu has long passed its peak. The number of people seeing a doctor about flu symptoms has for three weeks hovered just below epidemic levels.

Yet for the same three weeks, deaths from pneumonia and influenza have been above what CDC calculates to be the seasonal "epidemic threshold."

While flu isn't the cause of all these deaths, this figure -- and reports of nine new pediatric swine flu deaths in the last week of January -- are troubling reminders that H1N1 swine flu continues to infect, sicken, and even kill susceptible people.

"This virus is still around," CDC respiratory disease chief Anne Schuchat, MD, said at a news conference. "People are being hospitalized and are dying. ... The virus is still spreading and those not who have not been vaccinated still are vulnerable."

Schuchat admits that there may not be another huge wave of H1N1 swine flu infections. But she noted that ongoing spread means cases "really can add up over time."

A CDC survey conducted in the last week of January found that about 70 million U.S. residents -- 23.4% of the population -- have been vaccinated with the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. Extensive data on the first 61 million doses administered indicate that the vaccine is safe.

The Harvard poll, conducted Jan. 20-24, shows that over half of parents either got their children vaccinated or plan to do so by the end of February.

However, the CDC survey shows that only 37% of children who got a first dose of the vaccine got their second dose. Without a second dose, a child remains unprotected.

"I urge parents to take their kids back for their second dose," Schuchat said. "It would be tragic for you to go so far to do the right thing and then have your child get sick."

Since vaccine distribution began, 124 million doses of the vaccine have been shipped around the U.S. At least 155 million doses will be made available in the U.S., which has enough bulk vaccine to make 229 million doses.

Spot a lady in red today, and chances are she isn't making a fashion statement - it's part of a health movement.

Feb. 5 is National Wear Red Day, when women across the U.S. are encouraged to don a red article of clothing to help build awareness for heart disease, the No. 1 killer of adult females.

Each year nearly half a million women die from heart disease, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), which sponsors the event.

The campaign to educate women about their risks began last year, when the first Wear Red Day was held on Feb. 6, 2009. According to the AHA, the day is a wake-up call to alert women that age, family history and race can't be changed, but healthy choices can be made to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The movement goes beyond simply wearing red: People who go to goredforwomen.org can download a Wear Red Day "kit" that includes downloadable flyers, posters, e-mail campaigns, fundraising tips and more.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2010/02/05/2010-02-05_women_across_the_us_raise_awareness_for_heart_disease_on_national_wear_red_day_.html#ixzz0egP1LbaS

Welcome to America, the land of the free. There are people in many places that dream about the soils that we live on. In their heads, visions of all the freedoms and choices that Americans have will dance endlessly for hours. Whether it is the big car or the fancy house, or even just the chance to not have to wake up each morning to a chorus of sound, America is believed to be a place where we can take full advantage of the heartbeat we possess.

So why is it then that we live in a place where more than 65 percent of the people that live here our obese or overweight, but at the same time, national surveys will report that American citizens will claim that they spend more than thirty minutes a day exercising? How come we have a life expectancy that is up to 76 years old but at the same time more than 600,000 people will die from heart disease in the United States this year? Why can we see a 50-year-old man run farther and lift heavier weights than ever before, yet the average American man that is 50 will spend $6,000 dollars each year on health care? It could be the food, but anthropologists suggest that Paleolithic men consumed an average daily intake of 5000 calories per day, while current consumption is about 2200 daily. So what gives?

There is an obvious disconnect somewhere. We live in a place that is showing the healthiest and most physically fit people of all time, yet we have more and more people dying of preventable diseases each year. It isn't that we aren't aware that we have issues. Do a Google search for "fat loss" and in .20 seconds you will receive 36,200,000 search results. It isn't that they're aren't options. The American Dietetic Association has reported many than 31,000 diets. SO WHAT IS WRONG?

It could easily be that the American culture is too mechanical. Think about that Paleolithic man for a moment. When he told his cavewoman, that he has going out to get dinner, he grabbed his club and chased down the cheetah. Nowadays, we grab our car keys and chase down the closest BIG MAC. There are so many major differences in last twenty years. You can sit in front of your computer screen and visit the world and never have to move a muscle. The simple act of having to hop in your car and head to the mall is replaced by the pointing and clicking of the mouse. Even things like rolling down your car window are mechanical. Heck, I have spoken with many teachers who claim that they don't even need to teach students handwriting because all the kids do is type.

Its true that we can't do without our advances in technology. We must do a better job at using the specialized world that we live in. We can do many simple things each day to help slow down and reverse our obesity epidemic.

Here is some simple math. There are 3500 calories in a pound of fat. That means if you consume 3500 extra calories, you will gain a pound of fat. Consider this then; if you can find a way to spend 100 more calories or consume 100 less calories each day, you could save yourself almost 10 pounds per year. That's as simple as standing instead of sitting for about an hour each day or cutting out a piece of cheese each. Think about this; if you cut just one soda everyday, you would lose about 15 pounds!

Again, the problem is that it is a lifestyle change and that takes a commitment people don't really understand. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, more than 50 percent of people drop out of their fitness programs within a year. Its because to get in shape, sometimes we need to breath hard, we need to sweat, we need to be uncomfortable, and we need to be patient for to see our rewards. People want to do that; it is just a difficult change when you consider where the average American is starting. They really have a hard time, staying motivated through all the challeges that are presented.

So I say, use our specialized world better. Health and fitness is a growing industry. There are many people who dedicate their lives to helping our communities become healthier. Join a Zumba class, train for a marathon, get yourself into a Yoga studio, and set your personal best bench press record, but do so with a good coach, trainer or teacher. Surrounding yourself with someone that possesses that knowledge and drive to help you push through the physical and psychological challenges that it takes to get healthy and fit, may be the best choice you ever make.

If you have seen Jerry McGuire, then you should know that the human head weighs between 8 to 10lbs. That makes up about 8% of a persons total body mass resting out top of their neck. This is an extraordinary amount weight for a small group of muscles to hold but goes relatively unnoticed by a person who has a perfect postural alignment. By that is not the case for most people these days, particularly women and the result can be EXCRUCIATING HEADACHES. For every inch that the head moves the weight of the head feels as if it has doubled. So that means, one inch of a forward head carriage makes the head feel like 20 lbs and two inches feels like 40lbs! The result is a great deal of tension in the upper trapezius and cervical spine decay, ultimately meaning HEADACHES.

Posture means everything when it comes to injury prevention. When concerned with headaches, as trainers we look at the alignment of the upper body, and particular attention to the relationship between the ear and the shoulder. Typically what we will find is called an upper-crossed syndrome. This is characterized by the shoulders and neck rolling forward. Occupation certainly influences, as it is commonly seen from people who sit behind a desk squinting at a computer screen for hours each day or by someone who drives for many miles. Gender plays a huge difference as well.
Women fall victim to headaches at a much higher rate than men. This is largely due to some obvious morphological differences between males amd females. Because of the fact women have breast and men do not, women are likely to show a upper-crossed syndrome, particularly if you have carried a baby. Combine this with the weight of your hair on your head, and you are now adding quite a load to your cervical muscles.
So what can you do? You could start by shaving your head and quiting your day job! (JOKE!)

You definitely dont have to just sit and take it, there is something you can do. You should start by getting a POSTURAL ANALYSIS, to look for common distortion patterns. This way you can learn how learn some corrective exercise techniques to LENGTHEN and SHORTEN appropriate muscles. Stay tuned, in the near future I will put up a corrective stretching routine that will help address many common tight areas for females.

Jeremy McCann has a degree from Cal Poly Pomona in exercise science and is an International Sports Sciences Personal Trainer. He is also a National Academy of Sports Medicine Performance Enhancement Specialist and a Corrective Exercise Specialist. He has his own fitness company GETFIT951.com.

by Patty James

It's a new year and you are full of hope. This is the year you will claim or reclaim your good health! If you have a little feeling of dread in the back of your mind because this same scenario happens every year, have no fear. Big changes are often daunting and hard to fold into your everyday life; they are simply not sustainable. Try a new healthy habit a week. These are small changes that can make a big impact on not only your health, but the environment's health as well. Tape these easy tips to your refrigerator and read weekly. Feel free to skip ahead and to go back.

1. Drink 8 glasses of pure water a day.

2. Get rid of any junk food in your house. If it's not there, don't go get it.

3. Limit your caffeine intake: 1-2 cups of coffee a day.

4. Plan your weekly meals on your day off.

5. Spend 30 minutes twice a week cutting up fresh veggies to have them ready at all times.

6. Keep seasonal fruit at home and eat it when you're hungry or when a sweet tooth strikes.

7. Substitute raw nuts and seeds for processed granola bars.

8. Don't drink alcohol on an empty stomach; it's hard on your stomach and burns up B vitamins.

9. Eat raw vegetables every day. Raw veggies contain important enzymes that can be lost when they're cooked.

10. Purchase as much of your food organic as you can. Your body will appreciate it as will our planet.

11. Next time you make cookies or cake, substitute half of the butter with applesauce, pumpkin or prune puree. Less fat; more nutrients.

12. Get at least 8 hours of sleep a night.

13. Vary your food; if you eat it today, don't eat it for 4 days.

14. Different colored food has different nutrients, so eat from the rainbow. Red peppers, orange carrots, green kale, etc.

15. Thicken soups with pureed beans. Delicious and added nutrition.

16. Don't drink water from plastic bottles. Polycarbonate water bottles (labeled #7) contain bisphenol A (BPA), which leaches from the plastic and has been linked to chromosome damage and hormone disruption.

17. Start your day with a glass of fresh lemon water. 1/2 to 1 juiced lemon in water. Your liver loves it.

18. De-stress. Find out what works for you. Warm baths? Exercise? Reading? Yoga? Walks in the woods? Find out what calms and soothes you and practice daily.

19. Move daily. Find the movement that moves your body and eases your mind and make it a part of who you are. If you enjoy it, you will do it.

20. Eat at a table, cloth napkin on your lap and chew well. Be thankful.

21. Next time you want scrambled eggs (or tofu), sauté some veggies first, then add eggs. Try eating your veggies all day!

22. Dry brush your skin before you shower in the morning. It's good for your lymphatic system and your skin will be so much softer and healthier.

23. Have at least one day a week without meat. Meatless Monday perhaps.

24. Eat more beans! They're high in protein, dietary fiber, and taste so good.

25. Use whole grain flour in your baking instead of white flour. Whole-wheat pastry flour is a fine grind and much healthier than the white stuff.

26. Remove white sugar from your diet or at least limit it. Use maple syrup, honey, agave or stevia instead.

27. Don't eat fake food! No artificial anything!

28. Don't eat out as much. Cook more.

29. Exercise your mind! Learn a new dance, read a good book. Learn a new language. Keep your mind moving as well as your body.

30. Learn to communicate better. Speak your mind, kindly, and be done with it. Don't hold grudges. Forgive yourself and others.

31. Make your own vinaigrette for your salads. Olive and/or flax oil, lemon juice or vinegar, a little Dijon mustard, a minced garlic clove and a little salt and pepper.

32. Use sea salt instead of the highly processed salt you find in many grocery stores.

33. Reduce salt intake. Use fresh herbs and lemon juice to boost flavor.

34. Try to stay off computers and away from anything electronic two hours before bed for a better night's sleep.

35. Use plain yogurt instead of sour cream.

36. Switch to whole wheat, corn or quinoa pasta (there are many selections) instead of pasta that uses refined flour.

37. Don't eat or drink any food with trans-fat. Watch those non-dairy creamers!

38. Add more leafy greens to your life-kale, chard, spinach, radicchio, etc. They are wonder foods! Steam the greens for a couple minutes, drain and set aside. In a pan sauté some onions, garlic and shitake mushrooms in olive oil for a few minutes. Add the kale back in, stir and serve. Yum.

39. Use less cheese in casseroles that call for cheese. Instead sprinkle grated cheese on top.

40. Begin each day with a good stretch and some deep breaths.

41. Try new ingredients. Buy a kohlrabi or something you've never tried before and go from there. Keep yourself inspired.

42. Don't reward yourself or your family with food.

43. Try to eat whatever food is in season; it's more nutritious and tastes better.

44. Don't go hungry. Eat healthy snacks so you don't overeat later.

45. Watch what you put on your skin. Many products are loaded with chemicals that you shouldn't rub into your skin.

46. Bake instead of frying your meats and fish.

47. Increase Omega 3 fatty acids in your diet. Sources include walnuts, flax seeds and oil and cold water fish such as salmon. Healthy fats are important to good health.

48. Increase your intake of legumes: lentil, beans and peas. They are good sources of protein, dietary fiber and blood sugar regulators. Try split pea or lentil soup for breakfast! Think outside the box.

49. Take supplements. Begin with a good multivitamin and speak with your health practitioner about others that may be needed for your optimum health.

50. Watch your portion sizes as well as your plate and utensil sizes. Some forks and spoons look like garden utensils. Try chopsticks and eat slowly.

51. Shop in the outside aisles of the grocery store. Most of the more processed foods are located in the middle isles.

52. Play! Everyone needs to have fun!

Patty is a Certified Natural Chef with a Master's degree in Holistic Nutrition and founder and director of the Patty James Cooking School and Nutrition Center, the first certified organic cooking school and nutrition center in the country. She created the Patty James Health Guide, a guide to life-long healthy eating and lifestyle. Patty is a frequent guest speaker in public and private schools around the US, the Clinton Foundation in New York, as well as to health practitioners and organizations. Patty runs Shine the Light On America's Kids, an organization whose mission is to shine the light on all aspects of kids health in America. She is the author of More Vegetables, Please!

Website: www.PattyJames.com and www.ShineTheLightOnKids.org

By Margaret Lewin, MD, FACP
Medical Director of Cinergy Health

Last year, 11,270 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed and another 1.2 million women will develop dysplasia, a condition which left untreated will turn into cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is a malignancy that develops in tissues of the cervix: the organ which connects the uterus to the vagina. It is preventable, slow-growing (so that it can be detected and cured early in its course), and is nearly always caused by infection from the human papilloma virus (HPV).

Cause: Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV - a highly contagious virus which can be transmitted easily by skin to skin and sexual contact.
• At least half of all sexually active Americans contract HPV during their lifetimes
• About 20 million Americans between the ages of 15 and 50 carry the virus.
• There are more than 100 types of HPV - of which more than a dozen (termed "high risk types") can cause cervical cancer.
• Most often, a person's immune system kills off the virus without intervention
• Exposure to high risk types of HPV is more likely to lead to cancerous changes of the cervix in women who smoke or whose immune system is impaired.
Prevention: Cervical cancer can be prevented by
• Having no intimate contact with either men or other women
• Obtaining the HPV vaccine - which can immunize against two high risk types of HPV (types 16 and 18), which cause about 70% of cervical cancers. It is given as a series of three injections over a period of six months. The vaccine is now FDA-approved for females and males between the ages of 9 and 26, although many physicians recommend the vaccine up to age 50 for sexually active women and men who have sex with men.
• Screening and treatment for early evidence of pre-malignant changes to the cervix

Screening: The "pap smear" (Papanicolaou test) is used to screen for cervical cancer as part of the gynecological examination. It can reveal early, pre-malignant changes to the cervix. It is done by gently scraping the cervix with a wooden or plastic spatula and then by inserting a very small brush into the opening of the cervix. The cells thus obtained are then evaluated by a commercial laboratory. For maximum accuracy, your provider should be submitting a liquid-based preparation (not the old-fashioned smear submitted on glass slides). The same cells can be evaluated for the presence of HPV.

Lately, when and how often to screen has become controversial. Consensus among the various guideline commissions is still pending, but it is likely that recommendations will be as follows:
• The first Pap test should be done at Age 21, then repeated every two years.
• At Age 30, the Pap test and HPV screen (done using the same cells collected for the Pap) should be done; if both are negative and you've had at least three consecutive normal Pap smears, screening can be reduced to every three years.
If the Pap is normal but high risk HPV is present, Paps should be repeated at least yearly.

If the Pap is abnormal, further testing is necessary - starting with 'colposcopy'. This procedure starts like a regular gynecologic examination, with the speculum inserted into the vagina. The doctor then brushes a material on the cervix to highlight any abnormal areas. The 'colposcope' - a large microscope positioned about a foot away - shines light into the vagina so the abnormal areas can be seen through the microscope. These areas are then biopsied and evaluated by a special laboratory.
Note: You should continue to see your doctor at least yearly for general gynecologic check-ups, even though the Pap test might be done less frequently.
Of all cancers, cervical cancer is almost unique in that it is preventable. Ask your healthcare provider whether you should consider the HPV vaccine. Cervical cancer can be detected early, treated, and cured. Ask your provider how frequently you should be screened.

www.cinergyhealth.com

People with fat in their thighs and backsides may live longer because the fat traps harmful fatty particles and actively secretes helpful compounds, according to a report published on Tuesday.

According to a new study, people who have fat on their thighs and buttocks may live longer than people who do not have fat in these areas. Many studies have found that people whose fat deposits tend to gather around their abdomen and stomach are more at risk of death from heart disease. Now scientists have found that fat deposits in the thighs and backside trap harmful particles and secrete helpful compounds. Fat in the legs may also absorb fat from people's diets, researchers say, thus protecting the body from being overwhelmed by these compounds when people overeat.

Read the whole story

The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health has launched a preparedness and awareness campaign for the H1N1 flu. The program is designed to increase awareness on how it is transferred, how to avoid it and what to do if you contract the virus.

A new report from the American Cancer Society finds members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) populations are at increased risk for certain types of cancer. The data identifies both increased need for LGBT cancer research and targeted patient services.
The findings, published in California Cancer Facts & Figures 2010, marks the first time the Society has released information specific to the LGBT community within the publication. Published every year since 1988, California Cancer Facts & Figures provides detailed analyses of cancer trends and presents information on known risk factors for the disease, factors that influence survival, the latest data on prevention, early detection, treatment, and ongoing and future research. The publication is referenced by writers, public health experts, medical professionals, the media and members of the public.
       "The American Cancer Society is committed to saving lives in the LGBT community by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back against cancer," said Kay Coleman, chairperson, American Cancer Society California Division LGBT team and author of the report. "These findings will help the Society do this by opening the door for more in-depth discussions on improving cancer care for LGBT people."
       The report identifies social barriers associated with members of the LGBT community in seeking appropriate health care services and highlights increased risk of lung, breast, cervical, anal and liver cancers. Key statistics include: lesbians and bisexual women are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to smoke and gay men are 2.0 to 2.5 times likely to smoke.; lesbians are 2.3 times more likely to have never had a Pap test; and 35 in every 100,000 gay men develop anal cancer compared to less than one in every 100,000 heterosexual men.
       The study also recommends increased collection of sexual orientation/behavior data as a routine demographic variable in national, state and local health surveys as well as chronic disease surveillance systems to provide accurate incidence, prevalence and mortality data. In addition, the report highlights the increased need for health care providers to create an environment where LGBT patients feel safe and respected when discussing all maters that are pertinent to their health, specifically sexual orientation and sexual behavior, to accurately assess their health and cancer risks as well as to recommend appropriate interventions and cancer prevention programs.
        "To insure all people are granted access to quality medical care, health care providers need to be educated in greater depth about the issues facing the LGBT community," said Dr. Paul Coluzzi, spokesperson for the American Cancer Society and an oncologist in Irvine, Calif. "To save lives in the LGBT community there must be mutual respect between doctor and patient. Proper medical care can not be attained if there is not an honest and frank discussion regarding sexual orientation."
       The report is available online at www.ccrcal.org or a hard copy can be obtained by calling 1.800.227.2345.