Reason for Your Visit to Car Insurance Site

There are several important notions you need to pay close attention to when you are comparing your auto insurance rates. And one of the most basics is that you should always try to match your insurance coverage with the payment and the rate you need to pay. This is important since many of these insurance services do come in package. That means the kinds of coverage you take may have already pre-determined by the company.

Though these packages often mean some, even more, cut in the overall prices, they also put you in less bargaining position. By that it means, you are likely to accept whatever terms being offered in the package even though you may not need that particular service, or services. Of course, this is not to say that you cannot get such package. However, it does say that you do need to be very careful in picking or buying your terms of coverage you like to have for your car.

Luckily, there is this site that will give you all details, including tips and tricks, to select the best auto insurance for your unique condition. The site even gives you more info about rates’ comparison and reviews of most companies. It is for this reason that you need to visit such site.

Summer Cycling Routines

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Use the Tour de France as an inspiration to start a summer cycling routine.Training at a variety of “tempos” and terrains will optimize your workout.Rest is particularly important between workouts when you’re cycling.

“From a strength standpoint, cycling is preferable to running as a cardiovascular workout. “

Watching the Tour de France can be a serious buzzkill for a guy trying to get in shape. Cyclists are among the most physically fit athletes in the world, and watching those guys go up a hill can be enough to make a guy trying in vain to get in shape to throw in the towel.

But if you can’t beat ‘em, as they say, join ‘em. Cycling is an amazing way to get in shape, and the benefits start showing soon. Instead of letting the Tour de France discourage you, use the physical fitness of the cyclists as an inspiration, and introduce cycling to your summer workout routines.

Cycling is a great way to not only improve your conditioning this summer, but also to enhance your physique. Some of the best benefits you’ll see with cycling training are the body’s enhanced utilization of oxygen, increased muscular strength and power in the legs, improved ability to buffer lactic acid buildup, and decreased body-fat percentage. From a strength standpoint, cycling is preferable to running as a cardiovascular workout, since you will be constantly working against resistance. That said, there are some important things you should consider when coming up with a summer cycling routine that will help you maximize your training.

One of the most important factors to consider when putting together your bike workout is variety. If you’re doing the same workout day in and day out, your body is going to adapt to it very quickly and you will stop showing results. By changing it up on a frequent basis, you will keep your body guessing as you work your muscles on a variety of levels at the same time.

Including one or two “tempo” sessions will help you build a good base for your summer cycling routine. In these workouts, you will be riding at a constant, fairly high intensity for 20 to 25 minutes. The idea here is to help your body grow accustomed to tolerating lactic acid so that when you do decide to push harder, you will not fatigue as quickly. These workouts will also help to push up your relative speed, thereby increasing your performance.

One session per week should be dedicated to a longer-duration workout, as this will help you build cardiovascular endurance. Not only is this good for proper health, but it will also give your body a break from the very high intensity workouts. Aim to cycle continuously, at a comfortable pace, for about 45 minutes to an hour. There is no need to overdo it during these sessions, unless you are training for an endurance event. Excessive endurance training will lead to issues with recovery and will take time away from other workouts you should be concentrating on.

Finally, adding one or two sessions of sprint training is a smart move, as these are what will really bump up your fitness level. Aim to go 30 seconds to a minute at a very hard pace, and then take a rest period for two to three times the duration of the sprint interval. Repeat this process 6 to 12 more times before starting your cooldown.

The next factor to consider when putting together your summer cycling routine is rest. Rest is absolutely critical if you hope to see progress, because if you don’t allow recuperation to take place, each session will only tear down your muscle fibers.

Along with scheduling days off, take into account any cross-training activities you participate in, such as weightlifting or other sports. If those are highly demanding physically, you will again need to scale back slightly on the cycling workouts so you do not overtrain.

Eating right is an essential component of any summer cycling routine… Next Page >>

‘Don’t use paracetamol for fever’

A respected scientific group has recommended not using paracetamol and several other drugs to reduce flu-related fever, saying they may increase the risk of death.

The position of the Wellington-based Medical Research Institute contradicts the established advice of the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation to use drugs such as paracetamol and ibuprofen to lower a high temperature caused by influenza. Aspirin should not be given to children or teenagers with viral infections.

However, the ministry said last night it expected to change its recommendations following a review.

A high fever makes the sufferer feel terrible, but the institute, led by respiratory physician Professor Richard Beasley, says there is strong evidence the high temperature that can be caused by influenza helps the body to control the virus.

In a letter published in the New Zealand Medical Journal, Professor Beasley and colleagues say there is insufficient evidence to support the use of the fever-reducing “antipyretic” medicines to treat fever from influenza.

“The limited evidence that does exist [from animal studies] suggests that the administration of antipyretics may have the potential to increase the severity of influenza illness and the risk of mortality.”

Institute programme director Dr Kyle Perrin said: “Although there isn’t a huge amount of data … we would say there’s no benefit of treating a fever with paracetamol and there’s potential harm in terms of making the illness worse or longer. So our recommendation would be not to treat a fever, but to use paracetamol as a pain reliever … If you’ve got a headache or sore muscles it’s reasonable to take it; it’s very effective and safe in that setting.”

But Dr Perrin did not call for health authorities to change their position.

“We don’t think there’s enough evidence yet to make a firm stand either way.”

He also said that although parents were often concerned about their child having a convulsion from a high fever, they were probably not harmful.

“Most of the data in this area suggests that the risk of febrile convulsions isn’t lowered by the use of paracetamol or other antipyretics. It seems that the febrile convulsion itself is to do with the infectious illness rather than the fever per se.”

Dr Darren Hunt, the ministry’s acting director of public health, said clinical practice was tending towards using medicines, if needed, to treat pain rather than fever. The ministry was likely to change its influenza advice to reflect this.

Fever in pregnancy, however, was a special case: paracetamol was recommended because it was important for the baby to reduce high temperatures.

FEVER TREATMENT

Ministry of Health advice for influenza treatment at home:

“Take drugs that relieve pain and fever, eg, paracetamol or ibuprofen. Aspirin-type medications should not be used for children and young people.”

Medical Research Institute:

“… there is an insufficient evidence base to support the use of antipyretics [fever reducers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin] in the treatment of fever from influenza infection.”

Gene technique to stretch diseased arteries gives hope for heart health

Auckland gene scientists have come up with a way to put new stretch into hardened, old arteries, an important advance that points the way to a radical new treatment for heart disease.

Cardiovascular disease, mainly heart disease and strokes, is New Zealand’s biggest killer, accounting for around 40 per cent of deaths.

Associate Professor Mervyn Merrilees, of Auckland University, and colleagues in a six-country collaboration have treated arteries in an animal trial to make them more elastic and resistant to build-ups of cholesterol.

Their technique involves manipulating a gene called V3 which is present in humans and other mammals. By inserting it via a virus into blood vessel cells, the gene, which normally produces little V3 protein, is made to produce a lot.

The cells, injected into a neck artery, led to the formation of a new arterial lining rich in elastin, a protein which gives blood vessels, skin and other tissues their stretchiness.

As people age, they lose elastin. Along with the deposition of LDL or “bad” cholesterol, this contributes to arteries developing inflamed lesions that can crack, leading to little lumps breaking off. This in turn can cause the blockages that produce heart attacks and a type of stroke.

People at elevated risk of cardiovascular disease are advised to reduce bad cholesterol intake, to exercise and are typically prescribed a cholesterol-lowering statin medicine.

But Professor Merrilees and his colleagues are developing their discoveries with the hope of producing a new form of treatment for cardiovascular disease, possibly within a decade.

“There’s no reason to believe it won’t work [in humans],” he said yesterday. “We feel fairly confident that the same principles apply to humans as they do to other animals.”

A United States Government health organisation last week approved a grant for laboratory experiments with V3 using human tissue.

“They plan to take the human saphenous vein [from the leg] that is used in bypass operations, to soak it with V3 protein, to see if we can get them to switch on the deposition of elastic fibres.”

The technology has obvious potential for cosmetic surgery, including helping to remove wrinkles, but the researchers are not pursuing that, preferring to focus on killers such as cardiovascular disease.

Another angle being developed by Professor Merrilees is to try to increase the elastin content of skin grown in the lab which, starting with their own skin cells, could help burns patients or those with ulcers that don’t heal.

GENE POWER

The gene – V3, present in humans and other mammals.

* Normally produces little V3 protein.

Gene inserted into a virus, and the virus into blood vessel cells from animals.

* Now produces a great deal of V3 protein.

Neck artery cells scraped internally by angioplasty.

* The experimental cells are injected into the artery.

* New arterial lining develops on scraped area.

* New lining is rich in elastin, a stretchy component in blood vessels and other tissues. Lining now resistant to deposition of cholesterol.

NZ brewer to follow Aussies on health alerts

A major New Zealand brewer will introduce health warnings on its drinks after Australia’s liquor industry announced a similar move yesterday.

Lion Nathan expects to start voluntarily putting health warnings on its products in about six weeks’ time, but DB Breweries has rejected the action as ineffective.

DrinkWise Australia, a group funded by the Australian alcohol industry, said about 80 per cent of alcohol products in the country including beer, wine and spirits would carry warnings.

But Professor Doug Sellman, director of the National Addiction Centre, slammed the new labelling as cunning “Clayton’s warnings”.

He said the Australian messages, such as “kids and alcohol don’t mix”, were essentially meaningless.

Mr Sellman said more truthful warnings would be “alcohol causes cancer”, “alcohol can cause brain damage” and “alcohol can make people aggressive”.

Even accurate health warnings were unlikely to have an impact without more meaningful government action, he said.

“At the moment if you say, ‘Alcohol causes cancer’, people don’t even see it.

“And it was the same with tobacco. It wasn’t until the price went up and it became a much less normal thing to do, then people started thinking much more clearly about the health issues.”

Neil Hinton, corporate affairs director for Lion, rejected the notion that the moves were cynically self-serving.

“The point that we’re making is that we’re prepared to do our bit on it … you must ask the question of what would ever be enough?

“Probably prohibition would still have them upset. I think the reasonable man would look at that and say this is a good, responsible step from a good, responsible industry.”

He said DrinkWise Australia had picked up Lion’s own initiative that was announced in February, and New Zealand warnings would be similar to those in Australia.

The corporate manager of DB Breweries, Mark Campbell, said the company would wait to see whether warnings were introduced under an Alcohol Reform Bill to be considered by Parliament.

But the brewer was unlikely to introduce the health warnings on its own accord, he said.

“We’re not of the view that it’s going to change anything … the reality is it has been debated for many years, whether alcohol labelling is going to make a difference.

“But we’re realistic that it may well be something that we have to comply with down the track, and really don’t have any major concerns about doing so.”

New Zealand Winegrowers said they were reviewing their stance on “social policy issues”, and Independent Liquor could not be reached for comment.

Last week Netherlands-based professor Peter Anderson, one of the world’s leading public health experts, told an alcohol-harm conference in Wellington that alcoholic products should carry health warning labels, just as tobacco products do.

Crown researchers offer bosses test for synthetic cannabis

Employers will be able to test staff for synthetic cannabis use but those behind the testing admit creative chemistry will mean identifying users could be a game of cat and mouse.

Environment Science and Research (ESR) announced yesterday it had developed a method to enable testing of the synthetic cannabinoids found in “legal highs” such as Kronic.

The move was immediately slammed as “advertorial” for ESR’s services by Matt Bowden, who imports the chemicals used to make Kronic.

Mr Bowden said while employers had the right to identify staff stoned at work, the tests would ensnare others.

“Testing urine to find out what good, hardworking employees have been doing in the weekend? Don’t take the piss.”

The ESR also released a list of the synthetic cannabinoids found in each of the 41 products it recently screened.

Eleven varieties of cannabinoids were found and 10 of the products screened contained an elaborate cocktail of four or more. Two compounds have yet to be identified.

The same screening led to the recall of Kronic Pineapple Express and Cosmic Corner’s Juicy Puff Super Strength after they were found to contain the prescription sedative phenazepam.

Little is known about the health effects of the chemicals or what effect their combination may have.

The products all contained JWH-018 or JWH-073 cannabinoids, which enabled ESR to develop a test for JWH chemicals metabolised in the body.

Dr Keith Bedford, ESR’s general manager of forensic research, admitted testing would need to be constantly developed to keep up with the ever-changing nature of compounds used.

“It’s a real challenge. And we’ve seen in the New Zealand party drug scene over several years a continuing rolling process of new substances appearing.”

Last Friday, eight of the most popular synthetic cannabis products were banned across Australia after action from the Federal Government.

Mr Bowden would not comment on whether Kronic would develop new blends of their products to skirt the Australian ban or workplace testing.

“Australia is a country where millions of people use recreational drugs, and so millions of people are being penalised.

“Those people do deserve a safe alternative, I think. We’ll just wait and see what happens over there.”

Mr Bowden said publicising the screening results risked more “backyard cooks” trying to manufacture synthetic cannabis from home.

“Some consumers might go to the internet and start trying to buy these chemicals, and they probably won’t have a lot of information of dosage. So there’s potential for disaster there.”

Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne said ESR’s screening validated the Government’s move to regulate the industry.

“The information today is a further validation of the strong steps the Government is taking,” he said, “and a further condemnation of an irresponsible industry.”

DOZENS OF CHOICES

One synthetic cannabinoid:

Tai High – New Super Strength Gold, Burn Apple Incense, Tokearoa High, High Dro, Dust FTP, 127 Is Illusion Maximum Strength, Not Pot – Rhino Strength Ganja Gang Delta, Ismoke, Puff The Magic Dragon, Dream 1.25 London Underground, Jungle Juice Wizard, Zohan, Kronic Potent Incense, Amsterdam Cafe Havana Special, Is Illusion 125, Is Illusion 125 High Strength Blend, Space Choc Nova Premium Grade, Space Strawberry Wrap Premium Grade, Space Grape Impact Premium Grade, Spice Gold

Two synthetic cannabinoids:

Lazy J, Tai High Afghan Kush, Electric Puha Ganja Guru Delta, Kronic Tropical Explosion, Kronic Purple Haze, Juicy Puff Super Strength (plus two as yet unidentified).

Three synthetic cannabinoids:

Aroma Wicked 1.5 Strength, Aroma Wicked Strength, Space V2 Herbal Incense

Four synthetic cannabinoids:

Puff The Philosophers Stone, Puff Super Strength, Kronic Pineapple Express, Marley Extra Strength 1.5, Kronic Skunk, Euphoric Blends Citrus Haze

Five synthetic cannabinoids:

Euphoric Blends White Rhino, Euphoric Blends Big Bang, Euphoric Blends Bubble Gum, Spice Diamond

Does Gluten Feed Yeast Cells?

This is such a common question because most Candida Diet websites will tell you to avoid all glutenous grains.

I’ll explain why you may want to avoid gluten while on a yeast eliminating diet but it’s not for the reason you may think.

Gluten does not feed yeast cells. Gluten is a protein and yeast cells do not feed on protein, but sugars. However, there are still some reasons that glutenous grains should be avoided.

Although, gluten may not be feeding the yeast, wheat products contain carbs that are quickly broken down by the body. In fact, saliva begins breaking down starch as you chew. It is this aspect that feeds Candida, not the gluten. Whole wheat products are better because they contain carbs that haven’t been broken down and refined, so they take longer to be broken down into sugars by the body. But, even whole wheat may not be suitable for some which brings me to my next point.

Because gluten is a protein, it can be recognized by your immune system as a threat. This can occur in various degrees in people from severe reactions like exists in celiacs to mild cases that are hardly noticeable. If you are gluten sensitive at all it means that when you eat glutenous grains, it causes inflammation in your digestive tract. This inflammation overworks your immune system preventing it from properly eliminating real threats like Candida albicans overgrowth. It also prevents your digestive system from working as efficiantly as it should.

I recommend that if you are at all sensitive to gluten that you cut out wheat and other glutenous grains from your diet. You can usually tell by how your body reacts to eating gluten. When you eat wheat do you get mucus in your throat? Does your stomach carry on? Do you get cramps or bloating? Do bowel movements become irregular? If any of these symptoms occur, then avoid it.

If you digest gluten without any problems then you can have some whole grain products, but they should make up a very small part of your diet. However, avoid any products that contain processed wheat or glutenous grain products as they will be quickly converted to sugar and will in turn feed the yeast.

I think most websites and Candida diet programs adopt the better safe than sorry mentality when it comes to glutenous grains. If you are unsure of your tolerance of gluten then this is probably good advice, however, if you have never had a problem digesting gluten, then some whole grains could be included in your yeast eliminating diet.

Looking for an effective, comprehensive Candida diet program? I recommend Yeast Infection No More. This program has stood the test of time, has a very low refund rate and offers a no risk 60 day money back guarantee. Linda Allen and her staff are always standing by to answer questions and to help you be successful on the program. This program addresses yeast sensitivity and allergy as well. Click Here to try it now.

A Simple Guide to Baby Supplies

Overwhelmed with lists of what you should buy for your new baby? Here's what you really need.

When you're pregnant, it's a delight to browse the baby stores for those adorable outfits, colorful playthings, and stylish strollers. You might be tempted to scoop up lots of baby gear all at once, but so much shopping can be overwhelming, not to mention expensive.

Relax. Realistically, you'll have plenty of time before your baby needs sippy cups, a high chair, or a potty. In the early months, your baby requires only a few essentials. For example, you can't take your baby from the hospital unless you have an infant car seat. And once you get home, your baby will need diapers, clothing, and a safe place to sleep.

As you prepare to welcome your baby home, make sure you have these important items on hand. 

This one's a biggie. Every state requires parents to have a proper car seat before they can leave the hospital with their baby. Your baby must be in a rear-facing seat until he or she is age 2. If you borrow a car seat, make sure it's not damaged and has not been recalled.

If you're not sure how to install a car seat properly, ask your pediatrician where you can find expert help, says Benjamin S. Danielson, MD, medical director of the Odessa Brown Children's Clinic at Seattle Children's Hospital. He says his hospital recommends a car seat-fitting specialist to parents. You can also call your local AAA chapter to find out whether it runs a car seat safety inspection station near your home. Many fire stations and police stations offer free car seat inspection on a drop-in basis, too.

A stable bassinet or crib offers your newborn a safe, comfortable place to sleep. If you start with a bassinet or cradle, follow the manufacturer's instructions on safe use, taking into account the weight and size of your baby.

As for cribs, look for one with slats that are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, and make sure the mattress fits snugly into the crib so your baby can't slip into any gaps on the sides. Avoid headboards and footboards with cut-outs, which could trap a baby's head.

While it's tempting to spruce it up with stuffed animals, pillows, or heavy quilts, these things can impair your baby's breathing or pose a suffocation hazard.

Some doctors even caution against using any blankets in the crib. As an alternative, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests using baby sleeper clothing -- no covers needed.

My WebMD: Inspiring Others With Sickle Cell Anemia

Amanda Jackson tells her story of growing up with this blood disorder and then learning to help others.

My parents first knew something was wrong with me when I was 3 months old. I was constantly in pain, constantly crying. They thought I had rheumatic fever or polio. The townspeople would come over and sit by my bed and pray.

After seeing local doctors, I was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia when I was 6. It's a disease that makes your red blood cells grow in a crescent shape, which means they can block blood vessels and stop oxygen from getting to the cells. That causes pain and anemia and can hurt your muscles, joints, bones, and organs. 

Understanding Anemia -- Symptoms

The symptoms of anemia vary according to the type of anemia, the underlying cause, and any underlying health problems. Anemia may be associated with other medical conditions such as hemorrhage, ulcers, menstrual problems, or cancer -- and specific symptoms of those conditions may be noticed first. The body also has a remarkable ability to compensate for early anemia. If your anemia is mild or developed over a long period of time, you may not notice any symptoms. Symptoms common to many types of...

Read the Understanding Anemia -- Symptoms article > >

They told my mother it was a fatal disease (even though, as I later learned, it's not and treatment is available), and that I would only live to be 10. My mother just said, "Lord, let my little girl live." It was very challenging for my parents. They had other children they also had to take care of. (Eventually they had 16 children altogether.)

When I had an attack, what we call a crisis, the pain was so intense my arms and legs would draw up. They couldn't stretch. Everything was hurting. I had crises about every three months; I could stay home on bed rest, but if the pain was too much, my parents would take me to the hospital so I could get painkillers.

I didn't want to be in the hospital, but I saw it as something I had to do to get back to school. As I got older, the attacks happened less often, maybe once a year. But my mother raised me to be normal, not to say, "Oh, I have this condition" or "I'm sick." Still, I didn't go to college. I was tired of school, tired of being absent.

Instead, I went to work at Baxter Laboratory, which was in our town. They were so good to me. When I had to go to the hospital, they would drive me and send me flowers. And then I ended up getting married, moving to Chicago, and having two children -- despite the fact that my doctor said I could never get pregnant. I just always prayed that I would be blessed with having a normal life, and I did.

Today, I'm 61, have seven grandchildren, and my own children are 34 and 36. They carry the gene for sickle cell anemia but don't have the disease. I still have crises about three or four times a year, but I watch my diet -- I don't eat a lot of meat or sugar. And I try not to overdo things. If I get too tired or anxious, I have a crisis. It's like tiptoeing around a monster and not wanting to alert it.

But I'm pretty active; I walk a lot. I lead women's retreats and conventions for churches. And I talk a lot to teens with sickle cell. I try to inspire them to have a life. I tell them not to worry about what they've missed, just look for what's coming next. I never gave up. I had no self-pity.

Does Your Cat Need Well Visits?

Most people don't take their kitties in for regular checkups. But they can be crucial for your cat's health.By Christina Boufis
WebMD the Magazine - Feature

Although people in the United States keep more cats than dogs as pets -- 82 million vs. 72 million -- cats see a veterinarian only about half as frequently as their canine counterparts do.

Why is that?

"I think people sometimes don't go [to the vet] because they think their cat's shots aren't due. But cats should be seen at least once a year," says veterinarian Brian Collins, DVM, lecturer at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine's Companion Animal Hospital. "I like to check them every six months if possible."

What happens during a well-cat visit? Probably the most important thing is the "nose to tail" physical exam, says Collins. During the appointment, which can last from 15 to 30 minutes, your veterinarian will check all over your cat's body, looking for signs of disease or anything unusual. For example, he will examine the cat's ears for parasites, such as ear mites. He'll look at the eyes for general retinal health, peer inside your cat's mouth to look for signs of tartar or gum disease, listen to the cat's heart and lungs, and survey the skin for any lesions or bumps. "Basically, we're just looking to see if everything is normal," explains Collins.

The vet will also weigh the cat and assign a body conditioning number from 1 to 9 (or 1 to 5 depending on the scale your vet uses). "The higher the number, the fatter the cat," Collins says. Ideally, you want your cat to score in the middle range, or a 5 on the 1 to 9 scale, which means the cat is at the appropriate weight. "The problems we tend to see most with cats are obesity and dental disease," explains Collins, who notes that obesity is usually more of a problem with older, indoor cats.

Will your cat get vaccinations during the visit? That depends partly on age, Collins says. Kittens usually receive a series of vaccinations for distemper, upper respiratory disease, and rabies. But cats are not necessarily routinely vaccinated for other infectious diseases, such as feline leukemia. "It sort of depends on the lifestyle of the cat," Collins says. Even cats that go outdoors are not necessarily at greater risk for the disease. "They have to have pretty much direct prolonged contact with other cats to get leukemia," explains Collins.

Note, however, that outdoor cats are at a higher risk of disease in general, including viral and parasitic infections, and indoor cats that occasionally get outdoors are often unprotected from infectious diseases as well.

Vaccines for other diseases can vary from annually to every three years, depending on the type of vaccine and your vet's philosophy, says Collins. "When we're trying to determine what vaccinations a cat gets, we always look at each one as an individual rather than as one recommendation for all cats."

Why Do You Always Get Lost?

Some people lose their way all the time; others have an innate sense of direction. The difference lies in their brains.

Jessica Levin never gets lost. "I have a weirdly good sense of direction," says the 33-year-old president of a marketing company in Edison, N.J. "If I've been to a place before, even 10 or 20 years earlier, I can go back and know how to get around."

People like Levin don't have an innate sense of direction. What they do have is outstanding recognition and spatial memory: that is, the parts of the memory that record aspects of their environment and where those aspects are in relation to each other.

Bob Woodruff After Traumatic Brain Injury

Every so often, ABC News anchor Bob Woodruff feels a rock "emerge" from his face “like a zit," he says. But it's not a pimple; it's a not-so-subtle reminder of what he has been through over the past four years. On Jan. 29, 2006, a mere 27 days after he was tapped to succeed Peter Jennings as the co-anchor of ABC World News Tonight, Woodruff was nearly killed when a roadside bomb struck his vehicle while on assignment near Taji, Iraq. The details of the attack are still murky, but an improvised...

Read the Bob Woodruff After Traumatic Brain Injury article > >

The hippocampus, a structure in the brain that is also important for other types of memory, contains special neurons called grid cells and place cells that seem to create a cellular map of the places you've been and the routes you've taken. (One study, found that the hippocampi of experienced London taxi drivers were significantly bigger than those of regular folks.)

Place cells identify where you are, while grid cells remind you of the spatial relationship of this place to other places you've been, according to S. Ausim Azizi, MD, PhD, who chairs the department of neurology at Temple University School of Medicine.

Your brain can find your way using either or both of these aspects of spatial memory, Azizi explains. However, although we all rely on both kinds of memory, individuals' brains may tend to use one over the other. "Some people are really good at navigating by objects in the environment, the function of object memory," Azizi says. For example, they'll say, "I go to the gas station and make a right turn." People who tend to rely on spatial memory, on the other hand, might say, "I'll go 50 yards to the north, then 50 yards to the east."

You can improve your way-finding ability specifically by practicing the skill, according to Azizi. "The more you get out and go places, the better," he says. Physical exercise improves the blood flow to the brain, while mental exercise, such as doing puzzles or learning a new language, stimulates the development of new nerve cells and connections in your brain.

Perhaps Levin has such a superb sense of direction because of those grid cells, or it may be that her brain integrates both kinds of navigation better than most people's. In any case, it serves her well.

"It's eliminated some fights on long car trips, for sure," she says. "We never have to pull over and ask for directions."

You don't have to spend your life as a wanderer. Science shows you can improve your spatial memory.

Train the brain.  Azizi says the best way to improve your spatial memory is to engage in activities that specifically involve both objects and coordinates. Practice combining these two skills by looking at a landmark and then locating it on a map.

Work out. "Exercise increases blood flow to active areas of the body, including the brain," Azizi says. Many studies have found increased volume in the hippocampi of older adults who increase their aerobic exercise, and one study showed that exercise could improve spatial memory.

Eat right. A study of grade school children found that eating oatmeal for breakfast improved spatial memory specifically. Numerous studies have shown that eating foods rich in antioxidants improves blood flow to the brain, which enhances memory skills.

Childbirth: The Stages of Delivery

It's perfectly normal to feel a bit nervous about giving birth, but knowing what to expect during each stage can make delivery go that much smoother.By Christina Boufis
WebMD the Magazine - Feature

Unlike in the movies, labor and delivery isn't always scripted. No one knows exactly what triggers labor, though hormones are suspected to play a role. And though labor is divided into three stages, each woman may not go through it the same way. For first-time moms, labor can last 12 to 24 hours on average. For some women it will be faster and for others slower. Here's what you need to know.

What to expect: This stage of labor is the longest and can range from 12 to 20 hours for women having their first baby. Labor begins when you have uterine contractions -- which may be mild at first, occurring every 15 or 20 minutes -- and when your cervix begins slowly dilating and effacing (thinning). It ends when your cervix is dilated 3 or 4 centimeters (about 1 to 1 1/2 inches).

Contractions last anywhere from 30 to 70 seconds and can feel like a backache or menstrual cramps. As labor progresses, contractions become more regular, frequent, and intense, increasing to every seven to 10 minutes, then every five to seven minutes.

What to watch for: You may notice a "bloody show," pink or brown-tinged mucus -- a normal discharge as your cervix opens. This discharge may happen days before or at the start of labor.

The rupturing of amniotic membranes can occur spontaneously in stage one labor or later in the process and feel like an obvious gush or just a feeling of wetness -- or your water may not break until a doctor does this for you, says Tiffany A. Moore-Simas, MD, MPH, MEd, FACOG, director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Research Division at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

How to manage: It's good to call your doctor when you begin contractions, but you may not need to go to the hospital yet. Healthy, first-time moms can usually go through this stage of labor at home, says Moore-Simas. When should you go to the hospital? "When you're contracting every five minutes, that's a good time to come in," says Moore-Simas. "If you're leaking fluid, that might [also] be the time to come in."

Meanwhile, rest and make yourself as comfortable as possible, perhaps by listening to music or soaking in a warm bath.

What to expect: At this stage, contractions are stronger and more painful, occurring about three minutes apart and lasting approximately 45 to 60 seconds. Your cervix is dilating much more rapidly, about 1.2 centimeters an hour, says Moore-Simas.

When your cervix dilates from 8 to 10 centimeters, you are in "transition stage," the last part of stage one labor; contractions now come approximately every two to three minutes and last for a minute or more. You may feel nauseous and have increased back pain.

High-Sodium, Low-Potassium Diet Linked to Heart Risk

Study Suggests Increased Risk of Death From Heart Disease From High-Sodium, Low-Potassium Intake

July 11, 2011 -- A diet high in sodium and low in potassium increases the risk of death from heart disease and other causes, according to a new study.

"Americans who eat a diet high in sodium and low in potassium have a 50% increased risk of death from any cause and about about twice the risk of death from heart disease," says researcher Elena V. Kuklina, MD, PhD. She is a nutritional epidemiologist with the CDC division for heart disease and stroke prevention.

Morton Satin, vice president of science and research for the Salt Institute, disagrees with the study. "It's highly flawed and reveals more of this dogmatic anti-salt agenda."

Research about sodium and heart disease has produced conflicting results. Studies have shown that high sodium intake or low potassium intake is linked with a higher risk for high blood pressure, the researchers write. The link is stronger for potassium.

However, the research about a link between intake of sodium and potassium and getting or dying from cardiovascular disease has been less consistent.

The researchers decided to focus on the sodium-potassium ratio. Recent research has suggested the ratio may be more important in explaining the risk for high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease than either alone.

The study is published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Kuklina and her colleagues followed 12,267 U.S. adults. They participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1988 to 1994. They answered questions about their diet and had physical exams.

None of those studied was on a reduced salt diet at the start. Anyone with a history of heart problems or stroke was excluded.

The researchers followed them for nearly 15 years. "Using death certificate data, we looked to see if they died and from what causes," Kuklina says.

During the follow-up, 2,270 people died, including 1,268 from cardiovascular disease.

A higher sodium-potassium ratio was associated with an increased risk of death from heart disease as well as other causes.

A sodium intake of 1,500 milligrams a day maximum and potassium intake of 4,700 milligrams a day is considered adequate under the Dietary Guidelines.

Higher sodium intake was linked to an increased risk of death from any cause. Those in the highest sodium group ''had a 73% higher risk of death from all causes," compared to those in the lowest sodium group, Kuklina says. Those in the highest group took in more than 5,000 milligrams a day. Those in the lowest consumed 2,176 milligrams a day.

Those who consumed 4,069 milligrams of potassium a day had a 49% lower risk of death from all causes compared to those who took in 1,793 milligrams a day, she says. The higher the potassium intake, the lower the risk of death from heart disease.

The researchers did not find a significant link between sodium intake and cardiovascular disease death by itself, they say. However, they do not think this undermines the relationship between sodium and high blood pressure, which they say is ''well established." 

When they looked at the sodium-potassium ratio, they found those who had the worst ratio -- the highest sodium and lowest potassium -- had twice the risk of death from heart disease and a 50% increased risk of death from any cause during the follow-up.

Taking Your Dog on a Road Trip

Expert tips for traveling by car with your favorite canine companion.

It wouldn't be a family car trip without Fido, but if you want everyone who's along for the ride -- two-legged and four-legged -- to have fun, you need to do some prep work.

"People just jump in the car and think they are prepared," says animal behaviorist Kristen Collins, MS, CPDT, with the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center. "But preparation needs to start as far in advance as you know you are going on a trip."

Acclimate your pooch to the car in the weeks leading up to your trip. Collins recommends taking your dog on short car rides around town. It will help him get used to the doggy seat belt or carrier -- a must for safe travels -- and it will reveal any tendencies to get overly nervous or carsick. Ask your vet about motion sickness and sedation medications. If your dog gets in your vehicle only for dreaded trips to the vet, take him somewhere fun, like a park where he can run, Collins says. That way, he'll begin to associate getting in the car with receiving a reward.

Many dogs, Collins says, only feel comfortable eliminating at home, so it's also essential to train your dog to go to the bathroom in unfamiliar places. "The poor dog could be near exploding because it doesn't feel right to go elsewhere," she says.

Before you leave on vacation, spend a few weeks developing a potty cue. Whenever your dog is on the verge of eliminating, say a phrase like, "Time to go!" Then, when he's done, praise him and give him a treat. By the time you hit the road, saying your cue should get him to do his business on demand.

Research where you will stay along your route. Not every hotel is dog-friendly. If you reserve online, don't take a web site's word for it; pick up the phone. "You don't want to show up in the middle of the night and find they don't accept pets," says A. Chea Hall, DVM, of the Murrayhill Veterinary Hospital in Beaverton, Ore. "You need to sit down and plan where you will be each night."

Most dogs are like their humans -- they can't go too long without a potty break. Plan to stop every few hours. Look for places where your dog can get some relief but also enjoy some exercise, which will help your pet relax in the car. So will chew toys. 

Stick to your dog's feeding schedule. If he eats at 8 a.m., feed him then. And keep plenty of bottled water handy. Another rule of the road: Dogs should not be left alone in the car. Cold and hot weather can be deadly to animals. If you absolutely have to leave your dog for a short while, park somewhere where he can see you, and crack a window so he can get some fresh air.

Finally, make sure your dog's head stays in the car window. You want to make sure everyone arrives in one piece.

Make sure you don't leave home without these dog travel essentials:

Medical and vaccine records, in the event an emergency trip to the vet is neededPet tags with your cell phone number in case he gets lostFavorite toys that will help your dog feel at homeYour dog's meds, if applicableFood, bowl, and scooperLeash  should always be worn out of the carDoggie harness or travel seat

Which Birthing Style Is for You?

How to find a class that matches your personal philosophy of pregnancy and delivery.

Are childbirth classes for everyone?  Two Columbia University childbirth experts -- Mary Lake Polan, MD, PhD, MPH, an adjunct professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, and Jeanne M. Coulehan, CNM, MPH, clinical practice manager and midwife in the division of maternal-fetal medicine -- offer a resounding "yes." But the thing to know, they say, is that "one size doesn't fit all." Childbirth classes vary in duration, curriculum, and approach, so do your homework before class begins. Find a class and instructor that match your personal philosophy of pregnancy and delivery, especially when it comes to the use of pain medications or medical intervention.

Polan favors a comprehensive approach, which many classes offer. They cover the gamut, from pregnancy to labor and delivery and beyond. "The more you know about what's going on, the better you're able to not be frightened and to deal with the pain," Polan says. You also need to know about alternatives for pain relief or what happens if a problem suddenly develops during labor. "Everybody should go to a childbirth class, even if you know you're having a cesarean," Coulehan adds. (Yes, there are childbirth classes tailored for this kind of delivery.)

Where should you begin? You can start with your obstetrician, midwife, or hospital for suggestions. Or ask friends and family members or search online for classes in your area.

As you hunt for options, remember this: "The goal is to have a healthy baby, not to have a peak experience," says Polan. Labor and delivery may seem endless when you're in it. But it's really only a day in this lengthy parenting affair.

Lamaze was one of the pioneers in childbirth education. Today, it remains the most widely used approach in the United States.

"With Lamaze, you're taught breathing exercises to help you breathe through the pain and not tense up," Polan says. You also learn other relaxation and distraction techniques, massage and communication skills, and positioning for labor and birth. And your childbirth partner or coach learns ways to support you throughout labor.

Use of medication and medical intervention isn't considered verboten in Lamaze. Instead, you're informed about your range of options. "It's important not to feel that you're a failure if you decide you want pain medicine," says Polan.

In addition to guidance on labor and birth, Lamaze provides information about a healthy lifestyle, early postpartum care, and breastfeeding.

The Bradley approach strongly encourages the active involvement of the baby's father. "Getting pregnant is a couple's event, and I think having a baby is, too," Polan says. "So it's helpful if your husband or significant other understands what's happening and can coach you through it." There's plenty of opportunity for labor rehearsals.

Men Have Higher Cancer Death Rates Than Women

Study Suggests Diagnosis of Cancer Is More Frequent for Men

July 12, 2011 -- Men are more likely than women to die of cancer in the U.S., a new study shows.

"Our research suggests that the main factor driving greater frequency of cancer deaths in men is the greater frequency of cancer diagnosis, rather than poorer survival once the cancer occurs," says study researcher Michael B. Cook, PhD, BsC, of the National Cancer Institute.

The study is published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

Cook says that if investigators "can identify the causes of these gender differences in cancer incidence, then we can take preventative actions to reduce the cancer burden in both men and women."

Cook and his research team analyzed U.S. data from a large database that contained statistics on 36 cancers by age and sex for the period of 1977 to 2006.

For "the vast majority" of the cancers, rates were higher among men than women, the researchers write.

The highest male-to-female death rate ratios were 5.51 men for every woman for lip cancer, 5.37 to 1 for cancer of the larynx, and 4.47 to 1 for cancer of the hypopharynx (a type of throat cancer).

The male-female death rate ratio for cancer of the esophagus was 4.08 to 1, and 3.36 to 1 for urinary bladder cancer.

Many cancers with the highest overall death rates also showed greater death risk for men than women. The male-female ratios for lung cancer were 2.31 to 1, for colorectal cancer 1.42 to 1, and 1.37 to 1 for pancreatic cancer.

For leukemia, the male-female ratio was 1.75 to 1, and for liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer the ratio was 2.23 to 1.

Researchers analyzed the five-year survival rate of people with many types of cancer. Men had poorer survival than women for most, but the researchers say they could not assign a "singular root cause."

However, differences in screening of people without symptoms, the presence of other illnesses or health care behaviors, and differences in the behavior of the cancer may be factors in the higher male-to-female death rate for cancer, according to the researchers.

Three cancers had a higher death rate in women than men: gallbladder cancer, anal cancer, and cancer of the peritoneum, omentum, and mesentery.

Cook tells WebMD in an email that the reason for the difference in mortality rates is "not clear cut."

"For many cancer sites, male and female incidence rates have changed disproportionately over time, and this implies that the root cause of sex differences in cancer incidence rates, and by extension cancer mortality rates, are sex differences in tobacco smoking and viral infections, anti-oxidative capacity and hormones and metal toxicity."

The researchers state that future studies should focus on the factors responsible for greater rates of diagnosis of cancer among men.