Keep Your Colon Healthy

From Health magazine

Do you realize that exercising regularly can cut your risk of colon cancer by as much as 40%? More than four in five Americans have no idea, according to a study from the Fox Chase Cancer Center.

Here, a few more tips to help you fight the third-leading cause of cancer deaths among women.

Quit. Women who smoke a lot hike their risk of developing colon cancer by 82%.

Up your D. People with high levels of vitamin D in their blood enjoy a 30 percent decrease in the risk of colon polyps—the precursors to cancer. Grab an extra serving of D-fortified milk (or yogurt).

Get checked sooner. A new study from Columbia University suggests that having a colonoscopy a decade earlier than usual (the average age is 50) may be worthwhile. Check with your doctor, and be sure to ask about the less-invasive virtual colonoscopy, now considered the equal of the traditional exam.

Last Updated: February 23, 2009
Filed Under: News You Need

How the Recession Hurts Women

More women feel superstressed during economic downturns—84% versus 75% of men—according to a new survey by the American Psychological Association. How do they cope?

Many women opt for unhealthy habits. Asked to identify what they do for relief, here’s how they responded.

Habit : Percentage
Shopping : 25%
Gambling : 4%
Eating : 39%
Drinking : 15%
Watching TV or movies more than 2 hours a day : 40%
Smoking : 17%

Last Updated: February 23, 2009
Filed Under: News You Need

Keep Your Colon Healthy

From Health magazine

Do you realize that exercising regularly can cut your risk of colon cancer by as much as 40%? More than four in five Americans have no idea, according to a study from the Fox Chase Cancer Center.

Here, a few more tips to help you fight the third-leading cause of cancer deaths among women.

Quit. Women who smoke a lot hike their risk of developing colon cancer by 82%.

Up your D. People with high levels of vitamin D in their blood enjoy a 30 percent decrease in the risk of colon polyps—the precursors to cancer. Grab an extra serving of D-fortified milk (or yogurt).

Get checked sooner. A new study from Columbia University suggests that having a colonoscopy a decade earlier than usual (the average age is 50) may be worthwhile. Check with your doctor, and be sure to ask about the less-invasive virtual colonoscopy, now considered the equal of the traditional exam.

Last Updated: February 23, 2009
Filed Under: News You Need

The Feel-Better iPhone

From Health magazine

The stylish gadget that seems to do it all can’t cure disease—yet—but a slew of health applications add to the phone’s allure.

Here are three we love (all available at Apple’s iTunes store):

White Noise
Choose from 36 sounds— like crashing waves, falling rain, or even a purring cat—to help you turn off your brain, fall asleep faster, and get the rest you desperately need. (99 cents; Tmsoft.com/iphone.html)

MMy Life Record
First your doc sends your full medical chart—including lab reports and X-rays, if applicable—to the company server by fax or computer. Then you access the records on your phone. (.99; MyLifeRecord.com)

Fertility Friend’s Menstrual Calendar
Just enter the date of your last period and the typical length of your cycle, and it’ll help you figure out the right time to make a baby or plan a period-free romantic getaway. (free; FertilityFriend.com)

Last Updated: February 23, 2009
Filed Under: News You Need
Also Tagged: fertility, health magazine march 2009, iPhone, sleep