Health Expert The HealthGal shares health management news and commentary at HealthCentral.com. HealthCentral.com is one of the top health destinations on the Web, with more than 35 condition-specific, wellness and general health Web properties. http://www.healthcentral.com/profiles/c/59238/index http://www.healthcentral.com/profiles/c/59238/rss self application/xml en-us 15 120 19 http://www.healthcentral.com/images/hc_logo_sm.gif http://www.healthcentral.com/profiles/c/59238/index http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/59238/153201/america-waistline Tue, 22 May 2012 15:58:11 -0400 The HealthGal The facts: Heavier individuals are forcing US hospitals to swap out wall-mounted toilets for sturdier (and larger) floor models. Heavier individuals are forcing the Federal Transit Administration to test buses and make sure that they can handle an impact with the extra weight on board. Heavier individuals are burning an extra billion gallons of gas this year in cars and other usages, compared to last year. Healthcare costs related to... http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/59238/153201/america-waistline http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/59238/153166/chubby-toddler Mon, 21 May 2012 13:46:18 -0400 The HealthGal Most of us are immediately attracted to pinch the pudgy cheeks of delicious toddlers.  The problem seems to be that currently there are too many “very pudgy” toddlers walking the streets of an average US city.  And moms do not seem to be able to discern the difference between healthy pinchable cheeks and a developing and serious toddler weight issue. Before I get to this recent study, let me offer some self... http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/59238/153166/chubby-toddler http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/59238/152980/california-school Tue, 15 May 2012 13:07:37 -0400 The HealthGal About five years ago a critical decision was made in California, independent of the discussions about possible mandates nationwide to combat childhood obesity.  The California legislature passed initiatives meant to crackdown on specific food items being offered in school vending machines and school lunch programs.  Over ten years ago, soft drinks in California elementary schools were banned, and shortly thereafter, they were also... http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/59238/152980/california-school http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/59238/152877/overeat-full Fri, 11 May 2012 20:33:40 -0400 The HealthGal Leave it to Italian researchers to uncover science that suggests that  regardless of how full we feel after a big meal, the human body may be hard-wired to chemically induce over-eating, because of the chemical reward we feel from certain kinds of foods.   The Italian researchers coined the term “hedonic hunger" from this small study involving 8 participants.  And though only a few participated, the researchers believe the... http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/59238/152877/overeat-full http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/59238/152797/government-drops Tue, 08 May 2012 20:43:25 -0400 The HealthGal In the political war on obesity which side wins? A Chicago Tribune special report offered the following answer, "the side with the biggest wallets." And in this case that would be? The food and beverage industries, again and again. In fact, according to the article, they have never lost a significant political battle in the US, despite the increasing data suggesting that unhealthy food and the marketing efforts that highlight its mouthwatering... http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/59238/152797/government-drops http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/59238/152648/coverage-expands Thu, 03 May 2012 17:20:53 -0400 The HealthGal Certain states across the nation have begun to air creative commercials and bulletins highlighting all aspects of childhood obesity. Clear Channel Media and Entertainment has now joined the movement, teaming up with The Advertising Council to run a series of radio ads on 850 radio stations nationwide, targeting this health danger.   The ads will be delivered in both English and Spanish and tries to use humor and specific tag lines like... http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/59238/152648/coverage-expands http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/59238/152570/parents-fueling Tue, 01 May 2012 14:16:35 -0400 The HealthGal In the world of dieting there are certain basic truths:   (a) Knowledge does not necessarily translate to action(b) Your exercise effort cannot outpace overeating(c) Parents are often in denial despite obvious signs of excess weight in their children(d) Parents tend to underestimate their child's calorie intake and overestimate their physical activity(e) Despite parents being overweight, struggling with weight, they do not necessarily... http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/59238/152570/parents-fueling http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/59238/152362/obesity-offspring Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:38:38 -0400 The HealthGal Current research suggests that obesity, which is now classified as a disease, can also cause other diseases or at minimum put you at risk of a number of illnesses. Some of the recognized associated risks include: Risk of hypertension Risk of heart disease Risk of osteoarthritis Risk of certain cancers Risk of diabetes Risk of hypercholesterolemia We also know that when women become pregnant, excess weight already present at the time... http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/59238/152362/obesity-offspring http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/59238/152222/drinks-disease Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:42:47 -0400 The HealthGal Imagine sitting in an airport waiting for a plane. What will you typically see these days? Parents feeding their children airport food and snacks and more than likely soda will be a part of the meal. I recently witnessed soda being poured into a baby bottle and sippy cups, so that wee ones would not be denied the opportunity of fully participating in a pre-vacation celebratory moment. And if this was a special one time experience, then fine, as... http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/59238/152222/drinks-disease http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/59238/152164/bride-feeding Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:46:19 -0400 The HealthGal I was a bride once. It was quite a long time ago, but I still remember how I was driven to look perfect for my wedding day. It inspired portion controlled eating, daily exercise and a host of skin treatments sure to help me glow on that special day. I had three months to lose weight, and I remember that wonderful feeling you get when you see yourself in the dress for the final fitting, and your waist has whittled, and your hip area no longer... http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/59238/152164/bride-feeding