Avatars on treadmill could encourage us to exercise

WASHINGTON – A study has found that watching a self-resembling avatar in action turns out to be an effective motivational technique to start exercising.

According to a Stanford University research project, participants who watched digital versions of themselves run on a treadmill ended up exercising …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Avatars on treadmill could encourage us to exercise.

5 years after Terri Schiavo case, few in US heed lesson and make end-of-life wishes known

5 years after Schiavo, few make end-of-life plans
MIAMI – Five years after the court fight over allowing Terri Schiavo to die, most Americans still don’t draft the legal documents that spell out how far caregivers should go to keep them alive artificially.
Schiavo’s life and death captivated the country and fueled conversations about the …. Source article  : 5 years after Terri Schiavo case, few in US heed lesson and make end-of-life wishes known.

Acupuncture can help calm highly anxious dental patients

WASHINGTON – A visit to the dentist provokes extreme fear and anxiety in many people. Now, a new study has suggested that acupuncture can prove helpful in the management of the uneasiness related to dental treatment.

The small study has been published in Acupuncture in Medicine.
The fear and anxiety ahead of the dental visit is a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Soon, cakes, frostings that won’t let you pile on the pounds

WASHINGTON – Thanks to an Indian-origin US scientist, yummy new cakes and frostings may one day contain less fat and fewer calories.

In experiments at her Peoria laboratory, Mukti Singh is formulating low-fat cake mixes and frostings with Fantesk-microdroplets of trans-fat-free cooking oil, encapsulated in cornstarch or wheat flour. Fantesk was developed in the 1990s by … Read more : Soon, cakes, frostings that won’t let you pile on the pounds.

Seven kids die due to mysterious disease in Bihar

PATNA – At least seven children have died and dozens fell ill due to an unidentified disease in Bihar’s Araria district, officials said Tuesday.

The children in Simaria village in Araria, about 400 km from here, suffered from high fever and a type of rash before they died, a district administration official told IANS.
Nearly half …. Original source  : Seven kids die due to mysterious disease in Bihar.

Chocolate bar a day cuts risk of stroke and heart disease

LONDON – Here’s some happy news for chocolate lovers: A bar of the sweet treat can slash your risk of heart disease and stroke by 39 per cent, according to an expert.

Dr Brian Buijsse believes a 50g treat has the greatest effect, reports The Sun.
To … Read more >>.

Swine flu probably originated in US, says Mexico

Mexico City, March 30 (IANS/EFE) A year after the outbreak of the deadly swine flu epidemic that killed over 14,000 people across the world, Mexico has said it suspects the disease originated in the US.

Public health officials in Mexico suspect the disease came from the US when Mexican tourists and emigrants were returning to their … Read : Swine flu probably originated in US, says Mexico.

From Victory Lane to surgery, Hamlin to have knee operation on Wednesday

Hamlin knee surgery set for Wednesday
MARTINSVILLE, Va. – Denny Hamlin originally planned to have surgery to repair the torn ACL in his left knee on Monday, but instead did some slicing and dicing on the track.

The doctors will get their chance on Wednesday.
“I was actually going to try to do it after the race, but …. Source  : From Victory Lane to surgery, Hamlin to have knee operation on Wednesday.

Survey: Economy keeps Americans focused on low-cost sports like running, yoga, kickboxing

Cash-strapped Americans still seek athletic value
A survey shows Americans are still looking for value when they exercise, choosing pursuits like running, yoga and kickboxing – three sports that don’t require much equipment.
The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association released its annual participation overview Monday and reported that running enjoyed a 6.7 percent increase in 2009. … Original source on Gaea Times at : Survey: Economy keeps Americans focused on low-cost sports like running, yoga, kickboxing.

Experts: Health premiums likely to rise 17 pct for young adults under new law

Health premiums could rise 17 pct for young adults

CHICAGO – Health insurance premiums for young adults are expected to rise about 17 percent once they’re required to buy insurance four years from now. That estimate is from an analysis by Rand Health.
Young people will need to carry more of the burden of health care under …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Experts: Health premiums likely to rise 17 pct for young adults under new law.