“It’s a simple project: Run one mile for every soldier killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom.”

That’s the idea behind Run for the Fallen, a cross-country running relay to honor those killed in Iraq.

Jon Bellona, director and founder of the event, came up with the idea to organize a team to run the length of America from California to Arlington National Cemetery — dedicating each mile to a different soldier who never came home.

Bellona was inspired to create this mobile memorial while coping with the loss of his best friend and former college roommate, 1st Lieutenant Michael J. Cleary who was killed in Iraq in 2005 — 10 days before he was due home.

Regardless of your feelings about the military, the conflict in the Middle East, or politics in general, this two-month marathon is a moving story — one that illustrates the very personal loss exacted on those whose sons, brothers, fathers, daughters, sisters, mothers, and friends were killed in action.

Sadly, the scope of personal tragedy gets glossed over in news reports of felled troops half a world away. It gets tainted by political views. And it gets overshadowed as people grow desensitized to the losses caused by this distant-seeming war.

So this Fourth of July weekend, if you see a runner planting an American flag with a soldier’s story by the roadside, give them a wave.

Spend time with friends and family. Grill those burgers, hop into that pool and bite down into that crisp, cool, watermelon.

But when it comes time for fireworks, take a moment to reflect on how very lucky we are to be enjoying these pleasures. And acknowledge how grateful you are to those who volunteered to leave these comforts and loved ones behind because they felt they could, they felt they should, help make the world a better place.

Editor’s Note: Run organizers encourage everyone to go out and run a mile or more in their communities on the final day of the event, August 24.

At the time this article was published, 4,635 soldiers have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. And counting.

For more info on the event, and how you can support the cause, see www.runforthefallen.org.

Technorati Tags: Run for the Fallen, 1st Lieutenant Michael J. Cleary, Operation Iraqi Freedom, killed in action, Jon Bellona, Michael Cleary, Hamilton College, Dallas Pennsylvania, Fourth of July, 4th of July, honor soldiers, cross-country relay race, memorial, Arlington National Cemetary, Taji, Iraq, watermelon

Photo Credits: Run For the Fallen and iStockPhoto

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Motorists in California and Washington must heed a new driving law — one that’s expected to save hundreds of lives.

As of July 1, the youngest teen drivers in California may not use their cell phones at all while driving, and other motorists (18 and older) must switch to a headset or hands-free device if they wish to talk and drive.

In Washington, drivers on cell phones must first break another law before officers can cite them for also talking on their cell phones while committing those infractions.

Cell phones are an undisputed distraction while driving. A study published in Experimental Psychology examines just how actions like talking and listening on a phone can actually interfere with visual tasks like driving. And a recent report from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration says that 25% of all accidents are caused by distractions including talking on cell phones.

These western states are not the first to mandate new standards. New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Utah have already jumped on the “banned” wagon. The new laws are a measure to help cut down on avoidable accident-related injuries and deaths by keeping drivers’ hands on the wheel, and eyes on the road. Other states are likely to follow suit with their own versions of these laws.

California has been preparing drivers for this switch for more than a year — through road-side messaging and media. But what’s curious about this law they want people to take seriously, is the almost laughable fines.

While Washington offenders will have to cough up $124 for a ticket, drivers busted for blabbing with their phones to their ears in California will be fined $20 — less than a parking ticket, a non-moving violation with little risk of injuring other drivers. A second offense moves up to $50, and subsequent fines can go higher than that.

But drivers on the whole are a betting lot. They’re betting the odds that they won’t get caught running that red light, rolling through that stop sign, speeding, and now, using their cell phones inappropriately while driving.

So if the states mean business, they should drive home this point with more stringent punishment that doesn’t tempt drivers to risk it, but teaches them how to do it legally, and safely, in the first place.

Technorati Tags: hands-free cell device, ban on cell phones, new driving law California, car accidents, California driving law, Washington driving law, GlamFit

Photo Credits: iStockPhoto

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Just when you thought is was safe to go back to your BBQ favorites…

This summer seems especially plagued by food recalls. The recent salmonella scare kept our salads and burgers tomato-free for weeks.

And now, the Centers For Disease Control has confirmed another outbreak — this time of e. coli found in burger meat that’s sickened more than 30 people in Michigan and Ohio.

Fortunately, this outbreak is more contained than the recent tomato trials. And officials have pinpointed the source of the contaminated meat to products sold at Kroger’s grocery stores in Michigan and Ohio between May 21 and June 8th.

Kroger is voluntarily recalling all ground beef products sold with the Kroger label in Michigan and select Ohio locations, those locations and is working with officials to determine how the contaminated meat made it onto their shelves.

So check your fridge and freezer. If still have ground beef from Kroger’s purchased within those dates, you can return it for a refund. Otherwise just toss it.

Symptoms of e. coli include stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Many cases will resolve themselves, but in extreme cases, patients require hospitalization.

But as the 4th of July weekend rolls around, don’t let these food scares minimize your menu. Experts remind you that undercooked meat can lead to some illnesses. So if you’re unsure, buy a meat thermometer and heat meat to at least 160-degrees. And remember that just because meat is brown, it might not have reached the temperatures needed to kill harmful bacteria.

Technorati Tags: e.coli, salmonella, food-borne illness, food recalls, Centers for Disease Control ( CDC) GlamFit,

Photo Credit: iStockPhoto

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If you’re a milk-drinker, you probably already know that calcium is good for you. But a recent study highlights the importance of Vitamin D — both in helping us absorb calcium for strong bones and teeth and now, to prolong your life.

 The report published in the June 23, 2008 edition of the Archives of Internal Medicine claims that people with the lowest levels of Vitamin D were about twice as likely to die in the next 8 years, than those with sufficient levels of the vitamin.

It’s important to note that the average age of participants in the study was 62 years-old. And also that the findings do not suggest consumers rush out to pump up on D. In fact, high doses of vitamin D, can actually be dangerous.

But the findings do offer interesting insight for researchers as to the importance of Vitamin D and its relationship, in particular, to healthy heart function and a healthy immune system. So regardless of how you get it, Vitamin D earns an ”A” when it comes to your health.

Technorati Tags: cardiac arrest, prolong your life, health benefits of Vitamin D, GlamFit, milk

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Americans have hit a new high. And this time it’s not at the gas pumps.

A study released yesterday sets a new record for life expectancy in this country. And while the US still lags behind numerous other countries in terms of how long we stick around, we’re taking a step in the right direction.

The preliminary stats from CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics cite that life expectancy from birth is about 78.1 — the first time Americans have broken the 78 barrier. Overall, women have higher life expectancies than men with white women living longest — 81 years. Black women are next at 76.9 years, followed by white and black men (76 years and 70 years respectively.)

Talking about increases in life expectancy by fractions of a year probably doesn’t sound terribly impactful to the average reader. But in order to get these statistics, the CDC had to look also at what’s killing us. And there’s where the best news lies.

One of the primary reasons we’re living longer, is because the top causes of death are on a slow decline. The flu, pneumonia, lower respiratory diseases, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, liver disease, and cirrhosis are all down 3% or more, according to the study. And while the report doesn’t theorize as to why that is, it’s safe to say that improvements in treatment, patient education, and access to care are probably the reason.

As the boomer generation ages, findings like these will becomes increasingly important — for the mental and physical well-being of everyone they touch. So if we’re trending up, if the medical profession continues to make advances in fighting disease and educating patients, and if we take proactive responsibility for our own health, there’s no reason we can’t catch up to the countries that are outliving us.

Technorati Tags: aging, baby boomers, life expectancy, CDC, aging population

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They’re an icon of casual, cool. They’re a sign that summer-time, pool-time or beach-time is just around the corner. They’re found in households across all socioeconomic lines. And they just might be putting you at risk for foot and leg injury, according to a new study from the American College of Sports Medicine.

Flip-flops, with their trademark fwip-fwap, fwip-fwap might sound cute and innocent. (And they certainly look the part). But researchers have discovered that the way you walk in a flip-flop is biomechanically different from the way you walk in street shoes with more support. And the way your foot strikes in a flip-flop can add to foot and leg pain, and even injury.

So what’s a gal to do now that summer’s here? Hide her perfectly painted peds behind closed-toe shoes?

Not to worry. Though flip-flops lack the desired support for your foot, according to Justin Shroyer, the lead expert for this study, you can still slide into them for short distances. Just don’t wear them as your primary shoe, or if they’re old and worn.

Technorati Tags: Flip-flops, American College of Sports Medicine, GlamFit,

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The FDA has recently announced an outbreak of salmonella food poisoning linked to raw tomatoes.  If you Google  “tomatoes salmonella” you’ll get search results back that highlight articles about this outbreak as well as reported oubreaks from 2006, 2005 and more.

This particular strain, the Saintpaul strain, is especially rare, experts say. And due to the cases reported from Arizona to Wisconsin, they believe the tainted tomatoes could have nation-wide distribution.

Since mid-April, more than 140 people from 16 states have tested positive for the Saintpaul strain, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Symptoms of salmonella, one of the most common culprits of food-borne illness include fever, cramping and diarrhea.

On the heels of multiple food recalls (most recently cataloupe and spinach) this tomato fix has people asking what’s going on with our produce? Are food gathering and shipping standards slipping? Are diseases growing stronger or more clever? Is this ruse the master plan of the canned food lobby? Or does the FDA — the main body responsible for regulating healthy food standards — need a better system of checks and balances?

Well, until they figure that one out, don’t worry. You don’t have to toss those tomatoes if they meet the requirements outlined below — not from the FDA, but from the CDC.

It’s probably ok to eat:

• Cherry Tomatoes
• Grape Tomatoes
• Tomatoes with the vine still attached
• Home-grown tomatoes

But if you’re planning on eating Roma, red plum, and round red tomatoes, best to make sure they come from one of the sources listed at: http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes.html*.

Furthermore, the CDC recommends all consumers:

• Refrigerate within 2 hours or discard cut, peeled, or cooked tomatoes.
• Avoid purchasing bruised or damaged tomatoes and discard any that appear spoiled.
• Thoroughly wash all tomatoes under running water.
• Keep tomatoes that will be consumed raw separate from raw meats, raw seafood, and raw produce items.
• Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and counter tops with hot water and soap when switching between types of food products.

So if you follow the advice above, don’t give up that homemade salsa, that caprese salad, or tomato-red shishkabob. Tomatoes (when fresh and healthy) are still a great way to nourish your body and enjoy the tastes of the season.

Technorati Tags: tomatoes, salmonella, CDC, FDA

Photo taken with Nikon COOLPIX S600

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Artichokes are more than your garden-variety thistle.  And while peak season has just ended, there are plenty of reasons to seek them out  in your local markets — both for their delicious taste and the nutritional punch they pack.

For centuries, artichokes have been revered by great civilizations. The Greeks and Egyptians believed the artichoke to hold special detoxifying powers as well as the ability to sooth indigestion.  And now, with the benefit of greater nutritional science, we know these delicious leafy layers are a great source of folic acid, magnesium, and potassium — to name a few. They’re also low in fat but high in fiber — another great reason to give this veggie the spotlight. 

So with all these benefits, why don’t more artichokes find their way into consumers’ grocery carts? Well, for one, they need some good PR.

Because they seem to wear an armor of outer leaves that give way to the pointy inner leaves, artichokes have a reputation as a more prickly form of produce. But don’t believe it. Artichokes are actually easy to prep and sure to please.

So branch out with these globes of goodness, and try a new recipe — like these low-fat suggestions below. 

 Grilled Artichokes 

Artichokes with Lemon and Dill

Artichoke Soup 

Photo taken with Nikon Coolpix S600 

Technorati Tags: Nikon CoolPix, Artichoke, healthy recipes, detox, detoxifying food, functional foods, indigestion relief

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It seems we’ve heard more than usual about celebrity illnesses in the last few weeks. News that Cynthia Nixon has battled breast cancer circulated around the media weeks before her Sex and the City premiere. Ted Kennedy was hospitalized and has just come out of brain surgery at Duke University Medical Center, proclaiming he “feels like a million bucks.” Patrick Swayze hit the headlines with news that he’s suffering from pancreatic cancer.

Not surprisingly, when news like this breaks, it’s followed by an avalanche of supportive emails posted on websites, left on message boards, and discussed across the blogosphere and corporate water coolers. Conversations range from reminiscing about the celebrity’s contributions, to sympathetic support and advice from those who’ve been touched by the same illness, to rallying cries for more research to beat this nefarious disease.

Also not surprisingly, the media follows these celebs, posting photos of them at public events – trying to voyeuristically assure us that these public figures are still with us, they’re living symbols of fighting what ails them, they’re human – just like us.

And while images of Kennedy sailing in his annual Memorial Day race the week he was released from the hospital and photos of Patrick Swayze courtside at a Lakers game are inspiring for many, they create an unrealistic view of illness, treatment and recovery to others.

Jan Hoffman recently published an article in the New York Times that examines this exact issue. “When Thumbs Up Is No Comfort,”

I personally believe that seeing public figures going public with their illness tends to have more benefits than not. It raises the public consciousness of disease. It makes people stop and think about how they’re taking care (or not) of their own bodies. It helps remind people that celebrities are actually real people, not demi-gods. And it reminds people that we’re all mortal.

But Hoffman’s article is something everyone should read. It raises the concept that just as there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy for dating, getting the right job, or raising your kids, there’s also no one way to support a loved one who’s sick.

It raises the point that while symbols of fighting disease and positive attitude can help one heal, there’s another side to the equation that’s equally important – allowing a patient to feel pain, frustration, even despair as they feel betrayed by their body and a life change they didn’t ask for.

So before you offer words you think are comforting to someone, read what Hoffman has to say. And take the time to ask your ailing friend, colleague or loved one how they’re feeling about things.

Some people don’t want a cheerleader when they’re sick. They just want someone who understands what they’re going through from their perspective.

Technorati Tags: Ted Kennedy, brain tumor, brain cancer, brain surgery, Duke, Duke University Medical Center, Patrick Swayze, Cynthia Nixon, Sex and the City, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, New York Times, Jan Hoffman, GlamFit

Photo Credits: Splash News, Splash News, iStockPhoto

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Chicago’s got the lake front, Seattle’s got mountains and forests, San Francisco’s got just about anything an exercise enthusiast could ask for, and Washington D.C.’s got plenty public park space for politicians who need an outlet.

So which major metropolitan city boasts the healthiest residents in the U.S.?

San Francisco, the city by the bay, squeaked by Seattle to earn the “fittest city” title from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the WellPoint Foundation.

With obesity and obesity-related ills on the rise, governmental and private entities are looking for better ways to educate people about how to live a healthier lifestyle. The ACSM, the largest exercise and sports medicine organization in the world, believes that researching the scope of the problem at the local level is the best way to create nation-wide programs to address them. That’s why they created the American Fitness Index (AFI) — the report that measures different eating habits, exercise habits and access to health care to rank our nation’s cities.

So what will come from San Francisco’s top-dog title? Researchers hope to analyze best and worst practices in all of the cities studied to help come up with solutions that will raise the fitness bar across the States as a whole.

Their report underscores the importance of finding local solutions as obesity is not only unhealthy on an individual level, but ultimately costly for our entire healthcare system. And for the generations of kids who can still grow up with a love of the outdoors, and a healthy, active lifestyle.

Photo taken with Nikon S600 COOLPIX Camera

Technorati Tags: Fittest city, American College of Sports Medicine, ACSM, San Francisco, Seatlle, Chicago, Washington D.C. , fitness policy,

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