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"Kids meals" not kid friendly
Created on 8/22/2008
The Center for Science in the Public Interest recently completed a review of "kids meals" available at the some of the largest chain restaurants in the nation, and their findings are startling. While some healthy choices are available, the majority of "kids meal" options have too many calories, are high in saturated and trans fat, and contain far too much sodium / salt to be good for our children. In addition, the most common drink offered in combination with "kids meals?" You guessed it - soft drinks like soda.
We're all busy, and eating out is now less a treat than it is a less stressful way to get through the day and still feed our familes. But the healthiest meals come from our homes. When you do take the children out for a meal, read the nutrition information that is now commonly found in association with specific kids meals. It's okay to let the kids splurge on occasion, but a steady diet of restaurant fried foods or macaroni and cheese, as examples, is cl
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How much salt / sodium?
Created on 8/8/2008
Recommendations to gently increase dietary potassium intake are typically paired with advice to lower sodium intake. P asks just how much daily sodium is medically acceptable? Most experts recommend no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, but some are expressing the need to reduce this number closer to 1,500 mg per day, perhaps even lower. Since the majority of dietary salt intake comes from processed foods, reading food labels is extremely important to maintaining safe sodium intake. Speak to your doctor about your own unique circumstances, because the presence of certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or heart failure, typically mandates attention to lowering your sodium intake.
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High Blood Pressure and Potassium
Created on 8/5/2008
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension suggests that if most of us get a little more potassium in our diets by eating more fruits and vegetables each day we might be able to prevent hypertension (high blood pressure). In addition, for those of us who do have high bloood pressure, taking in adequate potassium can help treat it. In general, recommendations to increase potassium intake are paired with another recommendation, that being to lower salt (sodium) intake. Together these dietary manipulations could have a significant impact on your health. Remember, though, the data focus on eating foods high in potassium and not taking over-the-counter potassium supplements. To be safe, talk with your doctor first before making big changes in your diet, and avoid over the counter potassium supplements.
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When medications cause harm
Created on 8/1/2008
Recent data suggest some sobering realities about medications - not only can they be very helpful to us, but when taken incorrectly they can often cause significant harm. The most recent research focused on medication mistakes in the home, but not long ago data showed that medication mistakes were occurring in healthcare facilities, too (we're all human, and though we're all trying to do our best, mistakes do occur). The best thing we can do is try our best to stay well so we don't need medications! Beyond that, if we do have health challenges and are supposed to take prescription or non-prescription aids, it's important that we act as our own healthcare advocates by becoming well-informed about the medications we're to take, and to use them responsibly. Your doctor and your Harris Teeter pharmacist are invaluable partners in this regard.
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