For myself, I don’t know that I would blog in the future. I think that blogs are an excellent way to get your ideas out there and if you are somebody who has something they want to share I think this is an excellent tool. For me I cannot think of anything in particular I would like to blog about in the future. However, if there were something I decided I wanted to share, I think a blog would be an excellent choice and way of sharing myself and my ideas.

Children’s networks seemed to be the biggest culprits when it comes to advertising food, especially on Saturday between 7 and 10 am, a popular time for children to watch television. The most popular commercials for children’s television shows were sugary cereals, high fat foods, convenience foods and fast foods. Children’s networks featured 76% more food commercials per hour then other networks. As you can probably deduce, this is a dangerous trend for the health of our country. Childhood obesity can cause problems such as cardiovascular disease, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems. As our young people grow, their lifestyles, habits, and diets are being shaped; these habits will follow them through their life. It is a common known fact that an individual who is obese in childhood is more likely then others to become obese as an adult. Adult obesity is also a major problem in the United States. In 2008 64% of the American population was overweight or obese, and 26% were obese. Adult obesity is associated with problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis.

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Another very interesting association made in the article was in regards to walking to school. Surprisingly walking to school was associated with higher body mass index. This is attributed to food bought either going to or from school. Many of the food options offered in these low income areas are unhealthy options for children. To prevent this the researcher, Kristine Madsen, MD, even went as far as to suggest healthy zones in the vicinity of schools.

In the future the researchers wish to further study what contributes to students enjoying their physical education classes. This way new curriculum can be established to promote involvement in these classes.

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This advertisement also utilizes a visual argument. The visual argument is that this type of body can be achieved, and you can achieve it. The advertisement is of a very fit, very tan man, who is representing the ideal male form. Something that many men work very hard to try to achieve. This advertisement is arguing you too can become the ideal shape with the use of their product. By using the cut out to “try on” they are also further encouraging you to imagine yourself that way.

Losing weight by eating cookies? It may now be possible with the Cookie Diet. The diet was developed by Dr. Siegal and is gaining popularity across the country. To follow the diet you eat the 6 prepackaged cookies and one meal a day. The diet promises up to 10 pounds of weight loss in a month. There have been approximately 500,000 clients who have lost weight. Dr. Siegal refuses disclose the ingredients in his cookies. He only promises that it is full of protein, fiber and other nutrients that help satisfy hunger and sustain the body. He also included a multivitamin to insure you are receiving all of your vital nutrients.

The diet, however, is also gaining much controversy. The diet only provides the body with between 800 to 1,000 calories a day. It recommended that any person get below 1,000 calories, it can be very damaging to the body. It has also been argued that diets like these, which deprive the body, are abusive and short lived. Other such diets include the grapefruit diet and the Atkins diet. Harmful side effects of these diets include deficiencies, heart palpitations, dizziness, and weakened organs. Ofcourse the traditional lifestyle change to lose weight is still recommended; even though it may not be the easiest it is the best for you and most likely to give lasting results.

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“Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food” -Hippocrates

Hippocrates was an ancient Greek scientist and theologian. He is especially respected for his work in the field of medicine, he is known today as the “father of medicine”. Many on the outside will realize his great foundations and discoveries in the field of nutrition. They value him for first scientifically approaching health, thought about the bodies humors, and writing the Hippocratic Oath. However, Hippocrates did so much more then this. He was the first to believe there was a rational explanation to illness, rather then just superstition. He also believed the body was a whole and should be treated with care. In his theory he also stressed the importance of a proper balanced diet in contributing to a healthy being. As well as the importance of rest, diet, and cleanliness in preventing and recovering from illness. He knew that food had an important impact on health and that it should be examined closely. In his practice he used different foods like liver, garlic, and ginger to help heal the body. In this way he was very much the first nutrition scientist.

Yogurt can be helpful in preventing disease because of the bacteria it contains. Yogurt contains active cultures which promotes good bacteria in the stomach, bacteria that will protect against harmful bacteria in the GI tract. Eating yogurt can even be as beneficial as taking a probiotic supplement. Garlic is also helpful in fighting harmful bacteria and infections. Other superfoods are oats and barley which help to keep your body clean. Oats and barley promote quick and effective digestion which helps to keep viruses from spreading. Another food commonly  used when you are ill is chicken soup, however few know why this food can be effective in clearing disease. Chicken soup is actually full of amino acids which helps to reduce inflammation, the salt in chicken soup also helps to clear the throat. The last super food mentioned in the article was sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are full of beta-carotene and vitamin A (other foods that contain beta-carotene and Vitamin A are mangos, papaya, carrots, squash and leafy vegetables). Vitamin A is important because it is important for metabolism and helps to protect your body.

Again these foods will not guarantee against disease, but if incorporated into a healthy diet may help to promote a healthier self.

I think we all need a reminder this time of year about steps we need to be taking to keep ourselves in top shape, as well as protect against disease for those around us. We all know the common precautions to take. We must remember to wash our hands, and not share our germs. And you can never be to careful when it comes to keeping yourself germ free.

As far as diet there are some other things we should look at. While there is no proof that a daily dose of vitamin C will prevent you from getting sick you do need to make sure you are getting lots of fruits which contain vitamin C. It is proven, however, that getting the proper sleep at night will boost your immune system and keep you from getting ill. Also that a proper balanced diet will keep you body healthy and strong and prevent against disease. Just one more reason to eat your vegetables, exercise, sleep, get lots of fluids and follow your food guide pyramid