This book summarizes the findings of scientific research studies to provide readers with straightforward information on a wide variety of healthy habits and the factors that may make them difficult to follow. How can taking a yearly vacation serve to improve your health? Is there any scientific proof that skipping breakfast is detrimental to one's health? Americans are constantly bombarded with health tips from magazines, television, the Internet, and other media, but much of this information can be inaccurate. The 50 Healthiest Habits and Lifestyle Changes provides authoritative, research-based information on habits that are important for everyone, but especially teens and young adults. This easy-to-read book highlights 50 habits for promoting physical as well as mental/emotional and social health. Each entry describes a healthy habit, explains the benefits of that habit, and examines the supporting research and statistics. The book also provides information on major barriers and problems related to each habit and discusses how habits are formed and maintained, covering topics such as positive and negative reinforcement, reward loops, and brain chemistry. Each entry has a section of references and resources that enables readers to conduct their own follow-up research.

This book presents research findings about 50 foods that are commonly touted as healthy and educates readers about the medical problems they purportedly alleviate or help prevent. It is always in the best interest of those who market foods to make grandiose claims regarding their nutritional value, regardless of whether actual scientific proof exists to support such a claim. Even diligent and educated consumers often have difficulty discerning facts from mere theory or pure marketing hype. As the incidence of childhood obesity in the United States continues to increase at an alarming rate and food costs skyrocket, this book arrives at a perfect time for health-conscious consumers, providing an authoritative reference for anyone looking to make wise eating decisions at home, work, school, or in restaurants. Healthy Foods: Fact versus Fiction is the result of a collaborative effort between a medical doctor and an award-winning journalist and author on nutrition. This book provides actual research findings to shed light on the true benefits of the most popular health foods-and in some cases, debunk misconceptions surrounding certain foods. Includes 50 topics covering the most popular health foods, such as blueberries, buckwheat, and capers Comprises the exhaustive research of a physician and an acclaimed independent scholar and writer 50 photographs are provided to illustrate each type of food A glossary containing hundreds of entries explains common terms such as "protein" and "antioxidant" as well as medical terminology like "gastric dysrhythmia"

Used in moderation, many oils can be beneficial to one's diet and lifestyle. This book presents accurate information on more than two dozen oils, examining the health claims associated with popular oils along with the clinical research findings. In the past, consumers were warned to avoid eating foods made with coconut oil, but more recently opinions about this oil have shifted. Many people now consider olive oil to be the most healthful-but is there truth behind this idea? Today's consumers are constantly bombarded with claims regarding consumption of oils, yet references to the scientific studies assumedly behind these statements are rare. This book dispels the common myths about oils, examines the health claims associated with popular oils and fats, and presents useful information backed by scientific findings. The book's 47 entries cover common oils such as canola and olive oil to less commonly used oils, such as argan, avocado, and krill oil. The research results are gathered from international, peer-reviewed journals, providing readers with information from credible sources. An ideal resource for nutritionists, nutrition students, and anyone seeking scientifically backed information about the health benefits of oils, Healthy Oils: Fact versus Fiction serves as an indispensible tool for making informed health decisions. Presents an easy-to-read, broad introduction to the entire field of healthy edible oils Provides up-to-date information derived from the latest research that will empower readers to make wise choices about including moderate amounts of oils in their diet Includes endnotes, online and print references and resources, and a glossary of key terms

Consolidating unbiased, peer-reviewed information from many sources, this book provides a one-stop resource on the use and health benefits of 50 different herbs. While the use of herbs and herbal supplements seem an attractive alternate to man-made therapies, such use is often inspired by anecdotal evidence rather than sound clinical research. Healthy Herbs: Fact versus Fiction examines the health claims associated with 50 popular herbs and coalesces the clinical findings on these natural substances. This useful resource examines the history and use of herbs and will ultimately help readers make informed decisions regarding these natural therapies. The findings in the book are culled from credible sources such as international, peer-reviewed journals, providing nomenclature, history, common usage, effectiveness, and additional suggested reading on selected herbs and herbal supplements. Rather than advocating for or against alternative medicine or herb use, the book provides authoritative, unbiased, and evidence-based information so the health conscious can make informed decisions for themselves. Each entry contains a concise bibliography of resources and references

This accessibly written book examines the most commonly used substances and techniques for managing pain, exploring why they work (or don't), their risks and benefits, and key research findings regarding their use. No one is a stranger to pain. From sudden injuries to post-operative discomfort to nagging aches and stiffness, pain is an unwelcome but familiar part of life. There are numerous methods for managing pain, but it can be difficult to know which is the best fit and to separate truth from hype. Pain Management: Fact versus Fiction examines 30 well-known options for combating pain, whether acute or chronic. Utilizing a standardized structure, each entry discusses a particular substance or technique's origins and underlying principles, how and in what context it's used, and its advantages and disadvantages. Summaries of key research studies are included to help readers better determine which treatments may be a good choice for them. Introductory materials give readers a foundational understanding of what pain is, how it's categorized and measured, and the impact it can have on individuals' physical and psychological well-being. A Further Reading section at the end of each entry points readers toward additional resources to expand and deepen their knowledge. Provides unbiased, evidence-based information to help readers make better decisions about how to manage their pain Summarizes and contextualizes key research findings in easy-to-understand language Utilizes a standardized structure to make it easy for readers to find the exact information they're looking for Covers allopathic therapies as well as complementary and alternative treatments

You can never have too many vitamins, until they kill you. Eat meat, but avoid beef, chicken, turkey, and pork. Packaged foods are more efficiently preserved than they were 100 years ago--but should we actually eat the stuff? Consumers are besieged with conflicting messages about food and nutrition, making it difficult for the average customer to know what to believe. Is anything safe at McDonald's? Do carbohydrates cause obesity? This provocative new resource explores 15 common controversies in the field of food and nutrition.

The authors explain the varying opinions and underlying issues that surround these debates, shedding new light on tensions over popular diets, fast food, and vegetarianism. Readers will gain a better understanding of these arguments and learn of the controversies surrounding lesser known topics as well, such as food irradiation, organic and imported food, vitamin supplementation, animal growth hormones, and more. Hot topics such as mad cow disease, high-protein diets, food allergies, and genetic modifications are clearly presented. This resource is perfect for high school and college students, as well as the general public.

What are the most prevalent sports injuries for male teenagers? How should a guy protect himself from injury or disease while enjoying outdoor activities? Is it normal for a teenager to feel depressed? Answers to these questions and others often asked by adolescent boys can be found in this straightforward guide written specifically for them. Goldstein, a physician who specializes in care for adolescents, provides examples from his own practice to explain the most common ailments of this age group, as well as to provide boys with the choices they can make to help keep themselves healthy.

Arranged topically, each chapter covers a different aspect of mind and body. Readers will discover what physical changes they can expect at their age, as well as the most common physical ailments. They can also find out what psychological changes they may be experiencing and why, along with ways to get help for serious problems like drug and alcohol abuse or suicidal tendencies. The many topics covered include: nutrition, sports, injuries, sexuality, suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, and cross cultural issues. Written with an emphasis on wellness, advice is given on how to prevent injuries and disease, as well as how to care for one's body through good habits like eating well and getting enough sleep. Boys are encouraged to take care of themselves and to develop open and honest relationships with their physicians to help insure a happy and healthy adolescence.

From the medical use of marijuana to organ donations to animal testing, the medical profession is rife with controversial issues. Students and teachers can now use this reference resource to explore all sides of these issues. Narrative chapters, each one devoted to a specific topic, encourage students to consider all the facts surrounding the various controversies. Case studies and first-person accounts bring the issues to life and concluding questions for each chapter challenge students to use their critical thinking skills to draw their own conclusions.This collection provides historical as well as contemporary contexts for an examination of government structures in the United States and the states of the former U.S.S.R. Throughout, the contributors look at federalism at both local and national levels, and they try to assess how and why the two systems developed as they did.

Each of the fifteen chapters analyzes the pro and con arguments and current status of a specific controversy, illuminating the philosophical dilemmas faced by medical professionals as well as their patients and the general public as a whole. The Goldsteins present opposing arguments on the sources and nature of each controversy, providing readers with an understanding of the causes and effects of medical controversies. This basic introduction to these many different issues, including, among others, the arguments surrounding a need for national health insurance, the arguments surrounding the ethics of cloning, the arguments surrounding the needs and dangers of childhood vaccinations, and the arguments surrounding end-of-life issues will provide a starting ground for students interested in researching these topics further, while also encouraging them to begin dialogues with their peers to help them develop their ability to analyze complicated issues.

This accessibly written book examines the most commonly taken dietary supplements, exploring what they are and what they're purported to do, and summarizing key research findings regarding their potential health benefits and risks. Today, more than 50 percent of Americans take at least one type of dietary supplement regularly. But do these products actually work? How are they regulated? Are there any potential health risks? Dietary Supplements: Fact versus Fiction examines the most commonly used non-nutrient supplements (those that are neither vitamins nor minerals and not essential for human health). Using a standardized structure, each entry discusses a particular supplement's origins, purported benefits, potential risks, and common dosage. Summaries of key research studies are included to help readers make informed decisions about supplements' usefulness. Introductory materials give readers a foundational understanding of how supplements are regulated and labeled and offer practical information about how to read a Supplement Facts panel. For those interested in supplements for a particular health complaint (such as fatigue or pain), a topic finder has also been included. Provides unbiased, evidence-based information to help readers make their own decisions about supplementation Summarizes and contextualizes key research findings in easy-to-understand language Uses a standardized structure and topic finder to make it easy for readers to find the exact information they're looking for Offers practical information on how to read and understand the Supplement Facts panel found on all dietary supplements

Is any food safe? Will mad cow disease kill us all? How many calories are really in your restaurant Caesar salad? Modern consumers are besieged with conflicting messages about food and nutrition, making it difficult for the lay person to know what to believe. This no-nonsense resource explores the latest controversies in the field of food and nutrition, presenting readers with the varying opinions and underlying facts that fuel these debates. Fifteen chapters focus on hot topics like organic food, bottled water, and deadly bacterial outbreaks as well as lesser known issues such as food irradiation, vitamin supplementation, animal growth hormones, and more.

One of the few resources of its kind, this informative reference is perfect for high school and college students and the conscientious consumer. Since most books on food and diet approach the issues with a clear agenda, this work's unbiased tone and evenhanded treatment of information make it a particularly valuable tool. Features include a detailed index, 20 black and white illustrations, and a rich and deep bibliography of print and electronic materials useful for further research.

This accessible reference profiles the vitamins and minerals most important to human health, presenting information in an easy-to-use format and summarizing the findings of key research studies. Everyone knows that vitamins and minerals are nonnegotiable components of optimal health. But what exactly do these substances do in the body, and how much of each is needed? What happens if an individual ingests too little or too much of a particular vitamin or mineral? Which foods are the best sources of them, and are dietary supplements a safe alternative? Do certain vitamins and minerals offer protection against certain diseases and medical conditions? Vitamins and Minerals: Fact versus Fiction provides answers to these and many other questions in an accessible format, backed by summaries of key research findings. This book cuts through the confusion and hype that surround the nutrition and supplements industries to offer readers clear guidance founded on solid medical research. A standardized chapter structure and several appendices make the most important information readily available, while introductory essays explore fundamental topics-such as different types of intake recommendations and how they're determined-in greater depth. Utilizes a standardized chapter structure that makes finding specific information fast and simple Summarizes and contextualizes key research findings in easy-to-understand language Provides introductory materials to help readers build a solid foundation of knowledge, including how suggested vitamin and mineral intake amounts are determined and how dietary supplements are regulated Includes appendices that provide at-a-glance information about the best food sources for all vitamins and minerals covered in the book

Superfoods are nutritional powerhouses that can boost health and immunity when they're incorporated into your daily diet. In fact, eating a wide variety of superfoods is one of the best things you can do for your health. The ten superfoods profiled and recommended in this guide have the greatest amount of scientific evidence showing that they prevent and can even help cure cancer and other diseases.