By Kate Kelland LONDON (Reuters) – People who are already on the way to developing diabetes could significantly reduce their risk of having a heart attack or stroke by walking for just an extra 20 minutes a day for a year, scientists said on Friday. “People with IGT have a greatly increased risk of cardiovascular disease,” said Thomas Yates of Britain’s University of Leicester, who led the research. “While several studies have suggested that physical activity is beneficially linked to health in those with IGT, this is the first study to specifically quantify the extent to which change in walking behavior can modify the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular-related deaths.” Yates’ team took data from a trial covering more than 9,300 adults in 40 countries who had IGT and heart disease or at least one cardiovascular risk factor. After adjusting for a wide range of confounding factors including body mass index, smoking, diet and use of medication, the researchers used statistical modeling to test the relationship between the number of steps taken a day and the risk of subsequent heart disease.

Title: Ear Acupuncture May Hold Promise for Weight Loss
Category: Health News
Created: 12/17/2013 12:35:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 12/18/2013 12:00:00 AM

By Shereen Jegtvig NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Obese teens might not develop sufficient bone mass relative to their body weight, according to a new study from Brazil. Bone mineral acquisition “rises exponentially in both genders” during the growth spurt following puberty, the researchers write in the journal Nutrition. Previous studies examining whether obesity interferes with bone development have shown conflicting results – some indicate bone density is fine when compared just to the adolescent’s lean mass (muscle). But others have suggested bone density doesn’t increase enough during this important period to support the heavier weight of obese teens, potentially putting them at increased risk for bone fractures.

Even small amounts of physical activity may decrease the risk of developing kidney stones, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN). The study also found that consuming too many calories may increase risk.

By Kate Kelland LONDON (Reuters) – Scientists derided research published on Tuesday that suggested ear acupuncture may help people lose weight, saying the study’s design was flawed and its conclusions highly implausible. “It is hard to think of a treatment that is less plausible than ear acupuncture,” said Edzard Ernst, a professor of complementary medicine at Britain’s University of Exeter. A summary statement about the study, conducted by Korean researchers, said it compared three approaches in a total of 91 people – acupuncture on five points on the outer ear, acupuncture on one point, and a sham treatment as a control. It said participants were asked to follow a restrictive diet, but not one designed to lead to weight loss, and not to take any extra exercise during eight weeks of treatment.

Physicians urge, ‘stop wasting money on vitamin and mineral supplements’Editorialists responding to three articles on vitamin and mineral supplementation being published in Annals of Internal Medicine urge U.S. adults to stop wasting their money on dietary supplements.

Perhaps if our society suddenly declared that we must eat frugally over the holidays and spend time in the gym rather than at parties, the excessive eating and drinking might end. But until that happens, if ever, the best way to get through the holidays is to enjoy them.

Got a success story of your own? Send it to us at success.stories@huffingtonpost.com and you could be featured in our I Lost Weight series! Name: Heidi Riess Age: 43 Height: 5’10” Before Weight: Over 385 pounds. This is the highest weight I remember, but I know I gained weight after. How I Gained It: I started gaining the majority of my weight after a family tragedy at the age of 14. I would often hide in my room eating large quantities of food to help me deal with the loss of a family member and the pains of being a

Got a success story of your own? Send it to us at success.stories@huffingtonpost.com and you could be featured in our I Lost Weight series! Name: Heidi Riess Age: 43 Height: 5’10” Before Weight: Over 385 pounds. This is the highest weight I remember, but I know I gained weight after. How I Gained It: I started gaining the majority of my weight after a family tragedy at the age of 14. I would often hide in my room eating large quantities of food to help me deal with the loss of a family member and the pains of being a

Cod liver oil, as the name suggests, is the essential oil extracted from the livers of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua).The oil is commonly taken as a dietary supplement. It is one of the best sources of omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and contains relatively high amounts of vitamin A and vitamin D.