http://1.usa.gov/nDrXOa

In 1997 the United States federal government opened the floodgates for direct-to-consumer marketing of pharmaceuticals by relaxing previous restrictions and legislation.^[1] Just one year prior, reports indicated pharmaceutical sales advertising expenditures ranged around just over half a billion dollars. By 2009, that amount had skyrocketed to nearly five billion dollars, just in direct-to-consumer advertising alone, not including advertising to physicians and clinicians. ^[2]

With the dawn of DTC advertising, consumers were able to see for themselves the plethora of prescription drugs available to them for any and every type of ailment and illness. Until that time, the average consumer was relegated to blind faith in their physician, and his advice to, “Take two of these and call me tomorrow.” A report by AARP from 2010 indicates 90% of Americans aged 18 and over have heard or seen a pharmaceutical advertisement. ^[3]

There are three basic recognized direct-to-consumer ad campaign types: product claim ads, help seeking ads, and reminder ads.^[4] These marketing types fall under various policies and laws, and are not all regulated by the FDA. Their focus on certain drugs goes from unmistakable and deliberate, to mere presumptions of knowledge about a product on the part of the consumer. 

• Product claim advertising has the most restrictions put upon it since it does mention a specific drug. Per the Food and Drug Administration, this type of marketing must make clear what the drug is for, how it can help, and what the risks are in taking it. 
•  Reminder ads, while still considered advertisements for specific drugs, are not under such stringent requirements, since they do not specifically say what conditions they treat. They are not required to list all the possible side effects and risks. Although still regulated by the FDA, the advertisements cannot portray either visually or audibly what the drug is for. Further, there are certain drugs that cannot be advertised by way of reminder advertisements because their side effects are too serious, and therefore must be mentioned, according to the policies of the FDA. 
• Help seeking ads are regulated by the Federal Trade Commission because they do involve trade policies and laws, but there is no oversight by the FDA. Help seeking ads are designed to bring consumers’ attention to such conditions as asthma and erectile dysfunction. However, the marketing does not advertise any specific drug in any way. The ads will sometimes have a phone number and the name of a pharmaceutical company where consumers are invited to call to get more information about certain conditions and their treatments.

Pro-activists for the direct-to-consumer cause tout the benefits of more knowledge on behalf of the individual patient. Such knowledge, they say, allows consumers to make more informed choices, along with their physician, as to the best course for their care. Physicians have reported a more active role on the part of the patient, which leads to a better quality of care in most instances. Patients being more informed about their own medical conditions and having and informed understanding of their healthcare could quite possibly play a very important role in provisional quality care in the United States with all the upcoming changes to healthcare laws regulations.

The question arises as to whether or not the ideals of the stronger physician/patient relationship actually work in retrograde. Naysayers point to the many physicians reporting a more aggressive approach on the part of some patients, who insist they need a certain type of medication or procedure, when it would not, in fact, be beneficial to them. Doctors report a feeling on the part of patients that the doctor is withholding something from them, when in fact the doctor simply wants not to over-diagnose or over-prescribe. Physicians describes incidents where they have had to “fire” patients due to the patients’ refusals to cooperate with what the doctor wants to prescribe for a course of treatment.

With the enactment of laws to prohibit drug companies from overstating the benefits of drugs while understating the risks and side-effects, the pharmaceutical industry has been forced to re-evaluate how it presents its products to the consumer. A 2010 report from Reuters tends to suggest it is somewhat of a cat-and-mouse game, with the FDA constantly trying to stay up-to-date on the most recent hard advertising push by ‘Big Pharma’.^[5]   

As insurance premiums and prescription prices increase, the pharmaceutical industry will have no choice but continue to push sales to stay in the market. There will have to be an eventual understanding between the physician, the patient and the regulating bodies as to how patients are informed of all their treatment options. Until then, it is ultimately up to the consumer to make informed educated choices about their health, while remembering to take into consideration the opinions of the physicians, who are, ultimately, the final authority on what treatments and prescriptions are appropriate to each situation.

Credit: BigStockPhoto.com

When it comes to getting health information online consumers have to be careful. Inaccurate information isn’t just wrong. It can be downright dangerous — even deadly. Yet it seems that every John and Jane Doe is willing to spout their advice online on blogs, in forums, and on other sites about everything from weight loss products to natural cures. Sometimes they’re compensated to write glowy reviews of health products they don’t actually believe in, sometimes the information that’s true for one person could have serious risks for others, and sometimes they’re just wrong.

Still, the Web should make it easier to find health-related information, right? And fortunately there is a lot of reputable health information available online. Here are ten tips that can help you separate the credible sources of health information from the less-than-reputable.

10 Tips to Help You Identify Reputable Sources of Health Information on the Web

1. Look for government health agencies. A .gov extension on the website address means it’s a government site in the U.S. Different countries might use slightly different extensions or the same tied to their country-specific extension.
2. Look for well-known health organizations (like the American Heart Association) that specialize in certain health areas. They usually use a .org extension in their site address. But note that a .org extension alone doesn’t make a site reputable.
3. Look for health information from educational institutions such as well-respected medical schools. In this case a .edu extension in the site name can help you sort the real institutions from sites simply trying to appear like one.
4. 

   Credit: BigStockPhoto.com

   See what products / services the sites are selling or promoting. Is there a blatant conflict of interest? Having advertising doesn’t always mean a site’s information is untrustworthy. But if the whole site seems to be set up around promoting a specific product, that’s a big red flag.

5. Always look for author credentials for health articles online. Was the article written by a doctor? Just a health writer? Someone else? How credible is the actual author?
6. Look for credentials of interview sources if the author isn’t a medical professional. There’s nothing wrong with getting information from health writers. They’re specialists in their own right. But if that’s the case, you need to look at their sources. They should be including interviews from medical professionals if they don’t have those credentials themselves.
7. How old is the information? You should always look for the most up-to-date health information as new findings come out and recommendations are changed all the time.
8. Read the “About” page for background on the site. Who runs or funds it? Is it an unbiased source? Are there ulterior motives you should know about such as studies funded by drug manufacturers? (Note that these studies aren’t necessarily untrustworthy. These companies are sometimes the only ones that can afford to do the research, and it’s often better to have the research done by them than not at all. That said, you should be aware of it when you decide how trustworthy that information is to you, since there still is bias in the information if they sell pharmaceuticals and supplements.)
9. Look for contact information. If you can’t find out where a site owner is located, they’re less credible than a respected organization with an address, phone number, email address, etc. all available. Location information is important, especially with health information where there are different rules regarding pharmaceuticals and medical treatments depending on where you (and the information provider) are.
10. 

    Credit: BigStockPhoto.com

    Make sure statistics and claims actually cite sources like studies conducted by reputable institutions. If someone just throws statistics at you with no source, be skeptical. It might be a made up number, or a misunderstanding of the facts. No one should cite statistics, medical ones or not, without source citation. It’s plagiarism at best and dangerous misinformation at worst.

No matter how much you trust a website’s health information, it’s always a good idea to check multiple sources for confirmation. And please, contact your doctor or other healthcare professional if you have questions about your specific condition or circumstances. Online health information is not a substitute for medical care.

Credit: BigStockPhoto.com

Most people spend a lot of time at work. What happens there can affect our general health and wellness fairly significantly. We can catch an illness for example or become so stressed out that we can’t function properly. Today let’s put the focus specifically on office jobs and what you can do to create a healthy workplace either for yourself or your employees.

Here are five things you can do to maintain a healthy workplace in your office:

1. Keep the office, and your desk area, clean and clutter-free.

Cleanliness is obvious, so we won’t go into detail about that. But clutter is a bit different. You can generally control the clutter of your own area (or as an employer, you can control clutter in shared areas like break rooms or file rooms). Clutter might not be unhealthy in the sense that it can make you sick, but it can increase an employee’s stress level while at work. And too much stress is not only unhealthy, but it can hurt productivity.

Credit: BigStockPhoto.com

2. Make sure water is always available.

If your office doesn’t have a break room with a sink where employees can at least get tap water, install a water fountain or a water cooler. Staying hydrated is important for your employees’ health, and water is a healthier option than having them rely on coffee all day every day. If you’re a worker, you can also bring your own water with you in a thermos or bottle if your employer doesn’t provide enough safe drinking water.

3. Open a window and bring nature indoors.

While many offices have decent air circulation through the ventilation system, some (especially smaller offices) might not. “Stale” air can become unhealthy. Keep it circulating and refreshed with new air, especially during times when employees are sick. Opening a window (when the weather calls for it) can help. Adding live plants can also help to refresh the air around your office, keeping it cleaner and healthier.

4. Offer ergonomic office equipment.

From keyboards to chairs, many different pieces of office equipment and office furniture come in ergonomic options these days. If you want to create a healthier work environment in your office, consider investing in some for your employees. You could help them decrease back strain (and back injuries risk putting them out of work for a while), and you can help them avoid things like carpal tunnel syndrome if they type a lot.

Ergonomic seating - Credit: BigStockPhoto.com

5. Encourage healthier habits.

While you can’t control everything your employees choose to do, you can make an effort to encourage healthier choices when at work. For example, you can ban smoking within the office building as well as immediately outside of the doors (so nonsmoking employees aren’t walking through the second hand smoke). You could also avoid installing vending machines stocked with junk food, and opt for healthier snack options instead — either also through vending machines or by bringing in healthy snacks periodically. Some companies take it even further by offering on-site gyms, walking paths outside of the office, or in extreme cases even providing bikes for employees to get to work (as much in favor of “going green” as improving employees’ health).

What kinds of things do you do to keep your office healthier, or to stay healthy in a not-so-healthy office environment that’s largely out of your control? Leave a comment and tell us about it.

Pour yourself a cup

Right after water, the most popular beverage in the world is tea. It’s been known for centuries that tea is good for you. A thousand years before the birth of Christ, the Chinese were already letting the leaves steep in a pot, patiently waiting for their brew to be ready. But with all the different types and varieties on the market, which one is best for you? The answer is a firm, resounding…it all depends. Let’s take a look at some of the teas available to you.

• Green tea– Perhaps the most widely-known type for its purported medicinal abilities, green tea has the least amount of caffeine, usually less than 30 percent. It has even garnered attention from the austere American Cancer Society. Although noting controlled, randomized clinical trials are needed to determine the effectiveness of green tea, the Society does offer an interesting comment. Cancer cells continue to grow and multiply when other cells die. But green tea contains chemicals known as polyphenols. Found in abundance in the tea are catechins, which in turn cause cancer cells to die much like normal cells.

• Black tea– Since it’s usually used in iced tea, it’s the most widely consumed in the USA. Black tea is the most highly oxidized so it fights free radicals that can cause aging of the skin, wrinkles, arthritis and other problems in the human body. It also holds its flavor longer than any other tea. Some of its many benefits include preventing diarrhea, skin infections, pneumonia and cystitis. It also lowers the glucose level in the body so it’s beneficial to diabetics, increases metabolism so it help you lose weight, and helps blood to course more freely through the body. Have some black tea and start getting in shape. And you won’t be called color blind if you look closely and see black tea is crimson colored; that’s why the Chinese aptly have named it, you guessed it, crimson tea.

• Oolong tea– Also called “brown tea,” this variety is a cross between green and black tea. China and Taiwan produce some of the finest wu long or oolong tea. Probably because it only accounts for 2 percent of all tea consumed around the world, not as much research has been done on oolong tea’s health benefits. But controlled studies have shown that flavored or unflavored oolong tea helps with skin disease, reduces blood pressure and improves heart health. And perhaps to the chagrin of dentists everywhere, it retards the effects of bacteria called streptococci. What does that mean? Drinking the stuff can help prevent tooth decay.

• White tea– With an inherent sweetness, this tea has only recently found its way to the USA. Some of the reasons for its followers? How about inhibiting the growth of fats cells and helps smash apart existing ones. Want more? It reduces cell damage experienced from too much exposure to the sun, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, has antioxidants that help in different types of cancer. Bone health, reduction of blood sugar levels and recovery from illness as it boost the body’s immune system. The fact is, white tea is the least processed, so it likely is the healthiest. And for these reasons, white tea may soon dethrone green tea as the reigning champ.

• Herbal teas—Did you know these teas aren’t actually teas at all? They don’t come from the same plant as the others listed above. That said, less research has been done to see if they actually work. However, they’re accessible and are gaining popularity. Produced for specific reasons such as relieving insomnia, relaxation, sore throats and calming an upset stomach, they also come in caffeine free, low calorie and organic varieties, too. Try peppermint for digestive aid, chamomile for nighty-night, ginkgo biloba to help you concentrate and rosemary tea for relief from a killer headache.

While lots of research still needs to be done to prove all the medicinal claims, the fact remains—tea is good for you. So choose your favorite and enjoy.

What type of tea do you prefer?

Who says you have to settle for dinner and a movie?

If you have a date coming up, who says you need to head to a pizza parlor and order fat, greasy food? And why sit down afterwards in your food coma state for a movie? There are many, many alternatives to the stereotypical (and unhealthy) “dinner and a movie.” Here are a few ways to make your date night a healthy one.

• Take a hike– Whether it’s around the neighborhood, at a resort or through the woods to commune with Mother Nature, using your legs can be just plain fun. Bringing along some healthy snacks like trail mix or nuts can satisfy any hunger cravings you and your friend might experience. And you can burn a few hundred calories along the way while you converse with your date. What’s not fun about that?

• Jump in the lake– Swimming can be a great way to spend an evening. It can be at the lake, the ocean, a swim club—basically anywhere with water. A few leisurely laps, some water treading, and maybe even some water wrestling. Your date will have a blast. Just make sure you bring your swimsuit or else things could get really embarrassing.

• Kick some sand– Go to the beach and check out the seashore. Bring along a couple of shovels and pails (yeah, that’s right!) and have a contest to see who can build the tallest, most ornate, longest, or whatever-other-criteria-you-want-to-employ sandcastle. Cap off the evening’s event with a stroll along the shoreline. At the end of the night, make your way back to the castles you built and smash them to bits. Romantic yet playful.

• A night at the museum—Not feeling the outdoors? Then head over to a museum. Perhaps ancient artifacts can be explored, or information on local history can be learned. Either way, it’s a fun, educational kind of thing to do. And don’t rule out visiting an aquarium if one’s nearby. Whichever you choose, your brain will be churning and your feet moving. Mentally and physically healthy.

• Dance the night away– Hear the tunes? Just gotta get down? Check out local clubs that feature dancing areas and let your feet go wild. Keep away from the drinks and you can walk out a wee bit lighter than when you walked in. If you’d rather not go for the club atmosphere, consider enrolling in a dance class together.

• Hit the gym– Invite your date to your gym and work out together. You can have conversation while on the treadmill or take an instructional class together. Yoga could really help you relax, or you could go for something more exhilarating like spin class. Just make sure you both stretch well before you hit the cardio.

• Froze fun– Dig out those ice skates and go to a local arena with your date. Mutual support while making your way around the cold environment may be necessary, but hey, it’s a date, isn’t it? And besides, a few bumps and bruises is totally worth the snuggling that the cold atmosphere demands.

What have you done in the past to make date night more healthy?

When it comes to Big Tobacco, what we have are lies, lies, and still more lies. The myths about tobacco abound in all shapes and sizes. But being aware of these untruths can make you a better and healthier (non)consumer. More importantly, being knowledgeable about these myths can even save you life. Here are seven myths coupled with the cold, hard truth about tobacco use.

Myth #1

Light Cigarettes Are Better for You

The words light, low, mild or similar terminology denotes a tobacco product that is less harmful than regular cigarettes. Don’t fall for it. Simply stated, smokers using light cigarettes do not reduce their risk of developing smoke related cancer and other diseases. Of course, the tobacco companies would love for you to believe otherwise. But as of June 22, 2010, federal law prohibits manufacturers from labeling their products using these or similar descriptive terms. You know that hurt the big boys when it passed.

Myth #2

Go Smokeless So You Don’t Get Cancer

Some people turn to smokeless tobacco under the false assumption that if you don’t inhale it, it can’t hurt you. While it might not give you lung cancer, smokeless tobacco has been shown to cause cancer of the mouth, decay in exposed tooth roots, gums to recede from teeth and sores in the mouth that can lead to cancer. This is a classic situation of picking your poison. No matter what you choose—poison is still poison.

Myth #3

Smoking uplifts your mind

Similar to alcohol use, there is sometimes a temporary feeling of relaxation. But, when the immediate effects wear off the body can plunge the user into a lower feeling than previously experienced. Some studies have shown that smoking can lead to full-blown depression and anxiety. Clear thinking is not a benefit of using tobacco products.

Myth #4

Limited use of tobacco products is not harmful

Nicotine is addictive so it’s going to eventually lead to increased usage. More cigarettes means even greater addiction, and the cycle ever increases. With each cigarette you smoke, you increase your risk of related-diseases.

Myth #5

Smoking is only harmful to the smoker

Second hand smoke is actually just as dangerous to those who inhale as to the primary offender. Many times children are the ones that are most affected by this situation. And the residual effects of smoking are borne by all of society in increased medical costs. And more recently, third-hand smoke has come into question. Apparently, however you are exposed to it, it can be deadly.

Myth #6

I can quit any time

False. As noted earlier, one of the ingredients in tobacco is nicotine, an addictive drug. Shear will power alone usually cannot quell the urge to light up another cigarette. Often, assistance from a medical professional is required to break the smoking habit. If you are a smoker, ask your doctor what might be the best way for you to put down that pack.

Don’t let these myths trick you into smoking apathy. The facts are simple—smoking of any type will inevitably have a negative impact on your health. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying.

What other myths have you heard about smoking?

Pregnancy isn’t the time to start training for an ultramarathon, but a moderate amount of exercise can have many positive effects for future moms. The best benefit is the greater sense of calm and well-being, and exercise can also potentially decrease your risk of C-section, decrease fetal stress, and shorten your time in labor. Before you begin any exercise program, however, you should consult with your obstetrician, especially if you were living a relatively inactive life before you got pregnant. The main point to remember when exercising while pregnant is to listen to your body–don’t strain or overexert yourself. Here are some other tips to keep in mind:

• Avoid exercises where you are lying on your back for a prolonged period
• Stay hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day
• As your pregnancy progresses don’t do exercises that focus on balance
• Exercises that aren’t weight bearing will reduce your risk of injury

With those things in mind, here are four great, mild to moderate exercises that can help you stay fit while pregnant.

Basic Yoga Routine

Yoga is the perfect exercise for moms-to-be. Its focus on holding postures and deliberately controlling your movements is low impact and great for people trying to avoid any potential injuries. The mind-body aspect of yoga can also reduce the natural levels of stress that come with pregnancy and thoughts of the future. And studies have found that prenatal yoga leads to significantly less discomfort at the end of pregnancy, during weeks 38-40. Here is a basic yoga routine, though you should feel free to modify it, based on the poses you prefer.

• Mountain Pose
• Tree Pose
• Warrior Pose
• Standing Side Stretch
• Cat Pose
• Sage Twist Pose
• Corpse Pose

Kegel Exercises

Kegels help make labor easier, and they can also prevent bladder leaks and hemorrhoids, some common side effects of pregnancy. And, they’re one of the easiest exercises you can do. Simply contract the muscles of the pelvic floor, the same ones you use to hold your pee. Hold the muscles for three seconds, relax, and then repeat. A set consists of doing this contraction about 25 times; do 3-4 sets at a time, several times a day. The best thing about kegels is that you can do them anywhere– no one can tell what you’re doing! And strengthening your urethra, bladder, and uterus will help stave off incontinence later in life and make your orgasms stronger in the meantime.

Swimming

Swimming is the perfect cardio exercise for pregnancy. It’s completely low impact and has a low risk of injuries. You aren’t adding any weight to your already stressed out joints, and you’re unlikely to become overheated while in the pool. Many pregnant women love swimming because being in the water returns an ease of movement they haven’t felt since before they got pregnant. During the first and second trimester you can safely swim up to 30 minutes a day, or longer if you feel up to it. In the third trimester, the breast stroke can help align back and chest muscles that can get out of whack during pregnancy.

Walking

Yes, I know it’s not that exciting, but walking is a great way to stay active while you’re pregnant. The low-impact exercise gets your heart rate up, without the risk of knee stress or falling that comes with jogging and running. Make sure you’ve got good shoes, and some good music or podcasts to keep your entertained.

Joy Paley is a guest blogger for An Apple a Day and a writer on the subject of becoming a medical transcriptionist for the Guide to Health Education.

Photo credit: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=659 Salvatore Vuono

Your mind is racing. Your chest feels tight. You want to scream. You just don’t know how to deal with the anxiety. I don’t know a single person who hasn’t felt that way before. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to handle the everyday stress that results in those anxious feelings.

• Prepare- Nothing says “stress” like waking up at the last minute in a mad rush. Consider instituting a routine that places you awake and alert with plenty of time to get ready. Also, take a few minutes to prepare mentally for your day.

• Early Morning Exercise- Starting off your day with a workout gets your blood pumping. Working out not only gives you more energy, but it also puts you in a better mood. Never mind the fact that getting in shape just makes you feel better all around. However, try to stay away from end of the day workouts. The last thing you need is to rev up your engine right before bed.

• Yoga- Whether you believe in the inner peace stuff or not, it’s irrefutable that Yoga teaches you relaxation techniques. Yoga shows you how to breathe deeply and slowly, making you aware of each breath. It also teaches you slow moving stretches that relax your muscles. Eventually the movement and breathing techniques will translate into your everyday life, allowing you to remain calm during times of anxiety.

• Tea- The jury is still out on whether or not drinking tea actually reduces anxiety. While I’m not going to claim it does, I do see value in the ritual of drinking tea. Putting the kettle on, hearing it whistle, pouring a steaming glass of tea, and holding it in your palms while breathing deeply- there’s no anxiety in that scene. If you’re skeptical, give it a try and you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about.

• Ease Up on Coffee- I used to be one of those people that drank 2-3 cups of coffee before I even left the house in the morning. Needless to say, by the time I climbed behind the wheel, I felt jittery and ready to freak out on the first driver who even looked at me. While I never quit drinking coffee completely, cutting down to a one cup in the morning has drastically reduced the anxiety I feel on the road. So if you’re a coffee lover, remember “moderation.”

• Journaling- Even if you aren’t much of a writer, putting your thoughts on paper can help you sort out your feelings. That, combined with the alone time journaling requires, gives you the chance to really think about and your emotions and alter your reactions.

• Get Some Sleep- You can argue all you want, but you need your 8 hours. Anxiety proves much harder to deal with if your body is exhausted. Unfortunately, anxiety can also keep you awake at night. If that’s the case, try taking a hot bath before bed. Also avoid caffeinated drinks in the evenings. Establish a routine, such as journaling before bed, that helps you wind down. And turn the AC down a few degrees. The cool air will help.

Remember, if you think you have an actual anxiety disorder, you should see a professional.

What methods do you use to handle anxiety during your day?

Photo credit: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=809 Francesco Marino

I remember my younger days, seeing those otherwise skinny guys with the big pot bellies and remarking how I’d never be that guy. The guy looking like he swallowed a basketball and got it stuck in his stomach.

And then I discovered beer.

Fast-forward a few years and a few hundred beers and say hello to my growing beer-belly. Like millions across the world, I’d really love to tone up my midsection but realistically there’s no way I’m going to stop drinking beer. So in analyzing my options, I decided the only logical solution was to kiss the darker beers goodbye and begin exploring the world of light beer. Don’t get me wrong, it’s scary territory. I’m used to full-bodied beers packed with flavor and calories, like Fat Tire and Newcastle.

Here are a few beers I’ve tried on my light beer journey and how they rate in both nutrition and taste.

1. Budweiser Select 55- Let’s start with the good. At a mere 55 calories and 1.9 carbs, you’re practically drinking a club soda when you pop open a Bud Select 55. Unfortunately, you might actually think you’re drinking a club soda when you taste it. With only 2.4% alcohol per beer, you have to drink double the amount you normally would with light beers to obtain the same buzz. Why not just buy a regular beer and mix it with water? I’ll pass.

2. Budweiser Select- I remember when the original Bud Select came out and a few of my buddies raved about how it left no beer after-taste. My first thought was “Who wants to drink a beer that doesn’t taste like beer?” Anyway, I tried it and for 99 calories and 3.1 g carbs, it’s not bad. And with 4.3% alcohol, you don’t have to drink double like you would with the Select 55. I still don’t get the whole “no beer after taste” thing though…

3. Anheuser Busch Natural Light- The mention of “Natty Light” immediately sends me into college flashbacks. Why? Because it was one of the only beers we could afford. We didn’t really mind that it tasted like pee because we didn’t know any better at the time. What we didn’t realize was each can of Natural Light only contained 95 calories, 3.2 carbs, and 4.2% alcohol. As for me in my adult years, I’ll spend an extra few bucks on something with decent flavor.

4. Miller Lite- Beating out its rival, Bud Light, with only 96 calories and 3.2 grams carbs, Miller Lite offers the average light beer alcohol content of 4.2%. Chances are you’ve tasted it before and you either love it or hate it. This tends to be my beer of choice if I’m buying a case to stock up for a barbeque. It tastes pretty good cold, won’t make me feel like blubber after a few, and is relatively cheap for sharing.

5. Michelob Genuine Draft 64- I recently heard of this beer on a radio commercial where some guy chooses it over a small glass of vodka of equal caloric value, which seemed kind of stupid to me. If I’m going to the store to buy alcohol, I probably already know if I want either beer or liquor. The choice is between types of beer. At any rate, similar to Bud Select 55, you’re getting only 64 calories and 2.4g carbs per beer. You also only get 2.8% alcohol a bottle, which is about 1.5% less than most light alternatives.

6. Michelob Ultra Amber- Why is a beer with over 100 calories (110 to be exact) and 3.7 g carbs on this list? Because it’s good! For someone preferring darker beers, this “light amber” actually packs a flavorful punch. And with 5% alcohol, you don’t have to drink 10 of them to wind down after a hard day of work. So if you’re looking for a beer that won’t pack on the pounds but doesn’t sacrifice flavor, go buy a six-pack of Michelob Ultra Amber.

So those are the light beers I’ve come across so far. Even though I discovered Michelob Ultra Amber, my journey for the perfect light beer is never ending. Can you help me out with a low calorie beer I should add to this list?

Photo credit: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=987 graur razvan ionut

Have you ever heard the saying, “fish is great brain food”? Well, while there’s little solid evidence to support the aphorism, there’s no denying that eating fish positively affects your health. In fact, nutritionists generally agree that you should eat at least 2 servings of fish per week. Here are some of the biggest reasons you should add fish to your diet.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids- Many types of fish contain the magical oil known as omega-3 fatty acids. Ok, so it isn’t magic, but it offers your body many proven benefits. Perhaps the main benefits of omega-3 are that it plays a large role in keeping your arteries free of blockage and lowers your blood pressure. In turn, your risk of heart disease and stroke drops. They also help reduce inflammation in your body. As a result, you stand less of a chance of developing arthritis, diabetes, and cancer. Some even speculate that omega-3 might actually aid in brain development. Fish especially high in omega-3 are salmon, tuna, and trout.

• Low Saturated Fat- Good fat, bad fat- what’s the difference? The omega-3 found in some fish is a type of polyunsaturated fat, a good fat. On the other hand, saturated fat causes problems if you eat too much of it. While your body does need small amounts of saturated fat, you want to limit it to less than 10% of your caloric intake. Unfortunately for you carnivores, most meats are packed with high levels of saturated fats- but not fish. So when you choose fish over beef, you’re cutting out the artery clogging saturated fat.

• Vitamins- Many varieties of fish also meet daily vitamin requirements. One serving of salmon, for instance, gives you 100% of required vitamin D and 50% B12. Canned fish such as sardines contain soft, digestible bones that provide your body with much-needed calcium. Other fish like halibut provide you with almost a quarter of your daily dose of magnesium, which helps calm you and keep you regular.

• Protein Packed- Substituting fish into the rotation a few days a week allows you to get away from some of the more standard, fatty sources of protein like beef. Fresh fish contains complete protein sources with all the amino acids your body needs to maintain a healthy metabolism. With an up and running metabolism, your body will use the protein as fuel for weight loss.

• Versatility- Bake it, grill it, sear it- you can pretty much cook fish any way you want! You can even roll it up raw with rice- sushi anyone? Just do yourself a favor and stay away from the fryer. Frying fish counteracts the health benefits you want to obtain from your fish.

• Warning- While eating fish offers many benefits to your health, consuming fish in exorbitant amounts can lead to mercury poisoning. Luckily, you mainly only have to worry about mercury in larger fish such as shark and swordfish. Albacore tuna also presents a possibility for mercury poisoning and should be eaten in moderation. However, more common fish such as salmon, catfish, and canned light tuna have minimal levels of mercury, allowing you to indulge with little worry.

With so many health benefits, you can’t go wrong with fish. What type of fish do you prefer and how do you like it cooked?