BE THOUGHTFUL ABOUT WHAT YOU SAY TO YOUR DOCTOR

5 things to never say to your doctor By Amber Brenza Published February 26, 2016. 

You probably have a long list of things you'd rather do than see your doctor. We feel you; doctor's appointments can be incredibly stressful. But here's the thing: They don't have to be. One way to make your annual checkup or urgent care visit go more smoothly is to clearly communicate your questions and concerns, but how much talking should you really do-and what, if anything, is off-limits? We talked to some top doctors to find out which phrases they don't want you to utter-and what you should say instead.  DON'T say: "I'm sure it's... We all love Dr. Google. But most doctors cringe when they hear you say, "I looked up my symptoms online, and..." said Dr. Elizabeth Lyster, a California-based OB-GYN. Not only could you freak yourself out by reading all the super-scary things that might be wrong with you, but you might actually make your doctor's job harder, said cardiologist Suzanne Steinbaum, DO, director of women's heart health at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and Go Red for Women physician spokesperson. "Whatever you researched online, keep it to yourself," Steinbaum said. Doctors have a certain protocol they go through in order to determine a diagnosis-they consider your symptoms, family history, any medications you're on-and sharing your self-diagnosis could muddy the waters.  DON'T say: "It's probably just stress. Sure, stress can make you sick, but if you downplay your symptoms, your doc is less likely to take them seriously. You'll also want to avoid phrases like "but it might just be in my head," advised Steinbaum. "If you say, 'I have headaches, but I might be anxious' or 'it might be stress,' all the doctor hears is that you have headaches caused by stress," Steinbaum said.  DON'T say: "I'm sorry I wasted your time. It's your doctor's job to take care of you, and there's nothing wrong with leaving a checkup-or even the emergency room-with a relatively clean bill of health. If something doesn't feel right, get it checked out. It's better to go to the ER with chest pain (or just a feeling that something isn't right ) and come out with heartburn meds than to stay home and have a heart attack, Steinbaum said. DON'T say: "Surely you've heard of... It's totally fine to come to your appointment armed with questions about that arthritis medication you saw advertised on TV or a new study you read about, but don't assume your doctor is as looped in as you are. "Sadly, doctors aren't always the most up-to-date on things because they just don't have the time," Lyster said. If you want to discuss an article you read, take a moment to print it out and bring it to your appointment. Heard about a new drug that just hit the market? Bring along a one-page write-up about it (copy and paste from the Internet-you don't have to write it yourself). "You've got to have a way to get the information to a doctor in a quick fashion," Lyster said. DON'T say: "Aren't you the expert? News flash: Doctors are human, too. Yes, they went to medical school and treat patients every single day, but putting all of your faith in one person can be dangerous. "It's a tricky balance between respecting the doctor and not thinking that they have all the answers on earth," Lyster said. And while we hope your doctor is competent, you still need to take an active role in your health. If she suggests a regimen you'll never realistically stick with or a medication you're allergic to, speak up ASAP. Medical professionals deserve your respect-but they should respect your input as well. "If you don't feel like you can talk to your doctor, you need to get another doctor," Steinbaum said. 

WHAT KIND OF BREAD ARE YOU EATING

Is gluten-free, carb-free 'cloud bread' actually good for you? By Kathleen Mulpeter Published February 27, 2016.  

If you hadn't heard of "cloud bread" yet, you were bound to soon. This grain-free, low-carb bread alternative is taking the Internet by storm: The hashtag #cloudbread generates more than 2,000 images on Instagram, and Pinterest ranked it among the top ten trends of 2016.  The recipe-which was popularized by food bloggers like Momables and The Big Apple Mama -calls for just three ingredients: eggs, softened cream cheese, and cream of tartar. Some people add a little honey for sweetness. It has a crispy texture when it comes out of the oven, then becomes soft and chewy when stored overnight in a plastic container.  But is it actually good for you? As an occasional treat, cloud bread is fine, says Health 's contributing nutrition editor Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD . But it's definitely not a good idea to eat it instead of whole grain bread, in an effort to clean up your diet or lose weight, she says.  "Just because a recipe is grain-free or low-carb doesn't automatically make it healthy, or mean that portions don't matter," Sass explained. "In cloud bread, the grain flour is primarily replaced with eggs and cream cheese, and the latter isn't a food I recommend upping your intake of," she said, since cream cheese is high in saturated fat. Moreover, while cloud bread may have fewer calories than whole grain bread (about 40 calories per slice versus 80), it lacks many of the nutrients in the real deal-like fiber, which has been shown to help lower blood sugar, cut cholesterol, and reduce colon cancer risk. Whole grains offer a slew of other health benefits, too. They deliver essential minerals and vitamins, aid digestion, help reduce belly fat, even protect your teeth and gums.  However, there are other alternatives more nutritions than cloud bread, Sass said. She recommends bread made with flour that comes from pulses, like chickpeas, or starchy vegetables, like potatoes. And if you're thinking about cloud bread as part of a no-carb diet, you may want to rethink the diet altogether, Sass said. Carb-free diets often backfire, she explains, because they tend to leave people hungry. And when you're hungry, you're more likely to turn to unhealthy fats-which can prevent weight loss, or worse, trigger weight gain. "Aim to cut back on carbs instead of completely eliminating them," she said. "If you're craving bread, choose one with nutrient-rich, whole food ingredients, rather than processed ingredients. And stick to one slice rather than two. 

A LITTLE HUMOR FROM DAYS GONE BY

"Red Skelton's" RECIPE FOR THE PERFECT MARRIAGE

For you folks of a certain age who remember Red Skelton

 

1. Two times a week we go to a nice restaurant, have a little beverage, good food and companionship.

    She goes on Tuesdays, I go on Fridays.

 

2. We also sleep in separate beds.

    Hers is in California and mine is in Texas.

 

3. I take my wife everywhere, but she keeps finding her way back.

 

4. I asked my wife where she wanted to go for our anniversary.

    "Somewhere I haven't been in a long time!" she said.

    So I suggested the kitchen.

 

5. We always hold hands. If I let go, she shops.

 

6. She has an electric blender, electric toaster and electric bread maker.

     She said "There are too many gadgets, and no place to sit down!"

     So I bought her an electric chair.

 

7. My wife told me the car wasn't running well because there was water in the carburetor.

     I asked where the car was.

    She told me, "In the lake."

 

8. She got a mud pack and looked great for two days.

    Then the mud fell off.

 

9. She ran after the garbage truck, yelling,

    "Am I too late for the garbage?"

    The driver said, "No, jump in!".

 

10. Remember: Marriage is the number one cause of divorce.

 

11. I married Miss Right.

      I just didn't know her first name was 'Always'.

 

12. I haven't spoken to my wife in 18 months.

      I don't like to interrupt her.

 

13. The last fight was my fault though.

      My wife asked, "What's on the TV?"

       I said, "Dust!".

OH THE PAIN OF IT ALL

Today at 6:18 PM

How to avoid developing kidney stones By Dr. David B. Samadi Published February 24, 2016.  

A new study shows kidney stones are on the rise. What is surprising to doctors is not only the number of new cases of kidney stones, but that they are also developing in people who are not normally considered high risk, including children, women and African Americans. Kidney stone statistics: Kidney stones are one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract. Each year in the United States, people make more than a million visits to health care providers and more than 300,000 people go to emergency rooms for kidney stone problems. Kidney stones affect 19 percent of men and 9 percent of women by age 70. In a study done between 1997 and 2012, the frequency of kidney stones increased by 16 percent. More women under the age of 25 experience kidney stones than men. What is a kidney stone? Kidney stones are small, hard, crystallized deposits that are made up of mineral and acid salts which form inside your kidneys. Our urine excretes waste which is comprised of various chemicals including calcium, oxalate, urate, cysteine, xanthine and phosphate. When urine is too concentrated, meaning there is too much waste and too little liquid, crystals begin to develop. Gradually, the crystals can conjoin and form a large, solid stone. What causes kidney stones? There is no single cause for kidney stones, and often, there is no known cause. However, there are in fact many different types of kidney stones which can help determine the cause. For example, calcium kidney stones are the most common form of kidney stone. Oxalate kidney stones are made up of oxalate, which is a naturally occurring substance in food. Therefore, anything that increases oxalate levels can increase the risk of a kidney stone. And uric acid stones often form in people who do not drink enough fluids or eat a diet high in protein. How are they treated? The treatment for kidney stones usually depends on the size of the stone. If a kidney stone is smaller than four millimeters in diameter, a person can usually pass the stone through the urine on their own. Drinking lots of water (at least two to three quarts a day) and taking over-the-counter pain relievers can help when passing small stones. Larger stones are more difficult to pass and may require a more invasive treatment such as surgery or shock-wave lithotripsy. Shock-wave lithotripsy involves high-energy sound waves that break up the stone in to more easily passable pieces. Who is at risk? The risk factors for kidney stones include being over age 40, being male, ingesting too little water, too much/little exercise, obesity, weight loss surgery, digestive diseases, and consuming a diet high in salt, protein or sugar -- especially fructose. Having a family history of kidney stones can also increase your risk of developing them; furthermore, if you have already experienced kidney stones, you are at an increased risk of developing more. How can I prevent kidney stones? The best way to prevent kidney stones is through making dietary changes. It is important to always drink lots of water, at least six to eight glasses a day. This can significantly reduce your risk of developing kidney stones. Make sure you don't hold in your urine -- it is recommended to excrete about 2.6 quarts of urine every day. Eat less foods that are rich in oxalate such chocolate, soy products, okra, beets, sweet potatoes, tea and nuts. Also, eat less foods that are high in salt and animal protein. 

2 MORE GOOD RECIPES

Eggplant Pancake

1 medium eggplant, peeled and cut into small chunks 1 egg 1 to 2 tablespoons flour Salt and ground black pepper, to taste OR Cavendar's Greek Seasoning Grated parmesan cheese, optional Finely chopped onion, optional Butter, for frying Cook eggplant in a small amount of water until tender. Drain, squeezing out excess water, if needed. Beat egg with the flour, seasoning, cheese and onion, if using; mix with eggplant, blend well. Heat butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Drop eggplant mixture by spoonfuls into skillet. Cook on both sides until cooked through and browned. Delicious!  

Sugar-Free Pecan Pie

6 tablespoons melted butter or margarine 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Dash kosher salt 3 eggs, beaten 1 (12-ounce) jar sugar-free honey (see note) 1 'cup' pecans, halves or chopped Pie crust, optional In a large bowl, combine the butter, vanilla, salt, eggs and sugar-free honey and mix well. Stir in pecans and pour into a pie plate that has been sprayed with Pam or lined with crust. Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes. Cool completely before serving. 

WATER WATER EVERYWERE AND PLENTY TO DRINK

5 more ways to stay hydrated By Tanya Zuckerbrot Published February 23, 2016.  

Having trouble drinking your recommended daily 'cup's of water? Our body systems depend on water to function properly. Water is essential for maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails, as well as aiding in controlling body temperature and our blood pressure. In addition, a study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that increasing water intake can aid in weight loss. Even so, staying hydrated can be challenging! Try out these tips and savor the feeling of hydration. Make the experience more enjoyable: Add in fresh fruit or citrus, such as berries or lemon slices, or fresh herbs like mint, to give your plain water an all-natural flavor boost. There are a multitude of possibilities when it comes to fruit and herb combinations, making drinking water more interesting. The benefits? No artificial sweeteners are needed and you can add an extra dose of vitamins and minerals to your day. Coconut water: You've heard this one before- and it's true. Coconut water is an excellent low-calorie, grab-and-go option that provides ample hydration and coconut water is chock full of valuable electrolytes which are important for several body functions such as regulating heartbeat, muscle contraction, and conducting nerve impulses. Make sure to stick to an unsweetened, natural, coconut water to get the most benefits without any of those added sugars. Bring on the FIZZ: Soda is a no-no but that doesn't mean you can't have a little bubbly action in your day. Seltzer water is cool and fizzy going down, and wonderfully hydrating as well. For added sweetness, add in sliced strawberries and lime for additional color and flavor, and avoid artificial sweeteners in the process. This one is a no brainer. Eat your water: A simple Google search will provide you with a list of the water content in some of your favorite fruits and veggies. Choose those with the highest water content for your daily menu and enjoy the benefits! Broccoli, strawberries, and celery all have a water content that is over 90 percent and they are naturally high in fiber, helping to keep you feeling full for longer. Create a new habit: While we each have our own set of healthy habits, all too often drinking water regularly is not one of them. Set yourself up for success by making an association between mealtime and "water time. How? Start or end every meal with a glass of water! We all grab a meal at some point in the day and this is a great way to get in your water as well.  

FRIED FOODS-ARE THEY GOOD FOR YOU OR NOT

The surprising new reason why eating fried foods may be good for you By MaryGrace Taylor Published February 22, 2016.  

Attention, French fry addicts: Your favorite food may not be so terrible for you after all. At least, that's the conclusion made by a recent study.  The study found that the antioxidant content of deep-fried potatoes, pumpkin, tomatoes, and eggplant was significantly higher than sautéed or boiled veggies. It's no secret among nutritionists that adding a fat source to vegetables-e.g., roasting them with olive oil or using full-fat salad dressing over the fat-free stuff-boosts absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. So it's not totally illogical that deep-frying could take things a step further: When vegetables are fried in a healthy oil (think extra virgin olive oil), antioxidant compounds called phenols in the oil are transferred to veggies, said Frances Largeman-Roth, RD, author of " Eating in Color ," who was not involved in the study. In other words, a hot oil bath doesn't just unlock nutrients already inside vegetables -it actually helps infuse them with more nutrients than they started with.  As for other greasy goodies like fried chicken, popcorn shrimp, and cheese curds, researchers don't know whether these foods soak up any phenols at all when fried. Largeman-Roth speculates that these foods have lower water content than vegetables, which doesn't allow them to soak up as much oil (and, consequently, phenols), if any at all. These findings, while exciting, don't give you a carte blanche to go crazy on those fried zucchini chips whenever you feel like it, though. All that oil-and batter if veggies are coated before fried, which most are-means major calories, which could spell a fast-track to weight gain, overconsumption, and other health problems. Also, researchers fried veggies in extra virgin olive oil, which is known for its sky-high levels of phenols. Frying in regular olive oil or refined vegetable oils prolific used by most restaurants might not have had the same effect, Largeman-Roth said. Even worse, some restaurant frying oils contain trans fat.  Oil temperature is also an issue. While frying in EVOO can imbue your veggies with more antioxidants, those benefits backfire if the oil gets too hot. "If you heat any oil past its smoke point, it starts to break down and release free radicals," Largman-Roth said. The study used a fry temperature of around 350 degrees, which is safely below extra virgin olive oil's 400 degree smoke point.  Of course, you can't control the type of oil or temperature used in a restaurant fryer, but you can at home. What to do? If you want to eat fried food as an occasional indulgence, stick to vegetables that you fry at home in high-quality oil, using a fry thermometer to make sure the oil doesn't go above its smoke point.