A glimmer of hope: U.S. obesity may have reached a plateau.

Centers for Disease control investigators found that during 2009-2010 the prevalance of obesity among adult women and men did not significantly change when compared to 2003-2008. On an equally hopeful note, the prevalance of obesity among children and adolescents remained about the same during 2003-2010. All is not well, though. Almost 36% of adults and 17% of children and adolescents in the U.S. are obese--not just overweight. Sadly, there is no indication that obesity is declining.

PositiveTip: Regular physical activity along with consistent healthful dietary choices empowered by God's Grace are the best weapons against this epidemic.

Adolescence and adult exposure to secondhand smoke increases risk of hearing impairment

Second hand smoke (SHS) associated hearing losses of 15 dB or greater in adolescence is found to be proportional to the level of exposure. In adult former smokers SHS exposure risk, of at least a 25dB impairment, increased 30% and 40% for low/mid and high frequencies, respectively. Never smokers hearing impairment risk increased by 14% for low/mid frequencies.

PositiveTip:  Avoid smoking and second had smoke to prevent tobacco smoke related hearing problems.

Snacks account for 25% of daily calories in adults over 19 years old.

Between 1977 and 2006 the percent of adult Americans that snack rose from 71% to 97%, while the number of snacks per day, snack size, and caloric density per snack all increased also. Total snack calories per day now average of 579 calories per day. For adults the per snack average is 263 calories!

PositiveTip: Concerned about your weight? Set regular times for meals and stick with them!

The more health issues you have the greater the risk of dementia.

After following over 7200 participants for 10 years, investigators with the Canadian Study of Health and Aging examined 19 different health problems such as hearing difficulties, vision problems, arthritis, denture fit, skin issues, stomach health and more.  Findings showed that each problem reported increased dementia risk by 3.2%.  Individuasl with 8 and 12 health problems had a 30% and 40% risk, respectively.

PositiveTip:  Treasure every aspect of your health and choose to preserve it for as long as possible.

Physical exercise may increase non- exercise calorie metabolism

Exercise researchers working with overweight and obese adults found that moderate and high intensity walking exercise increased the burning of calories during nonexercise periods.  Interestingly, this thermogenesis effect did not show up until 48 hours after the initial exercise period

PositiveTip: Be more active! It control weight by reducing stress, improving our sense of control, balances hormone levels, and burns calories preventing them from being stored as fat.