Weekly health rail, with a warning about online hearing tests, news about a hormone that could affect weight gain, and more.
Online hearing tests could do more harm than good
In a new study, Illinois researchers concluded that while ordering a hearing aid over the Internet might be cheaper and more convenient, the online testing process is wildly inaccurate.
Online sellers allow people to test their hearing on their home computer. Illinois State University researchers found the computer test makes a person’s hearing seem worse than it really is.
They concluded some consumers receive hearing instruments so overamplified they cause further hearing damage. Others with normal hearing receive devices they don't need.
In response, some hearing device manufacturers such as Starkey Labs and Oticon Corp. will stop selling their products to Internet-only retailers. – Hearing Health Center, Chicago
Hormone might explain weight gain
Decreasing levels of the hormone leptin, which helps the brain resist tempting foods, may explain why people who lose weight often have a hard time keeping it off, U.S. researchers say.
According to wire reports, researchers said that after weight loss, the metabolism not only becomes more efficient so the body needs fewer calories, but the brain becomes more vulnerable to tasty-looking treats.
Leptin is a natural appetite suppressant secreted by fat cells in the body. Its discovery created a stir in the 1990s when researchers found leptin caused mice to eat less and lose weight.
Since then researchers have been looking the best way to use the hormone to help treat obesity.
Does your heart ever beat irregularly? Perhaps you get an occasional flutter, or your heart races or beats slow for a short amount of time.
Make an appointment with your doctor, who will perform an electrocardiogram to record the electrical activity in your heart. If no explanation for your heart rhythm irregularities turn up on the ECG, your doctor may ask you to wear a Holter Monitor that records heart activity for 24 to 48 hours, to take a tilt table test which involves monitoring a patient's ECG and blood pressure while they're in different positions, or to do an electrophysiology study, which is a test in which special catheters are inserted into a blood vessel and threaded into the heart to record its electrical activity.
After your heart rhythm problem has been diagnosed, your doctor will develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
-- ARA Content
Number to Know: 79
Chris Coleson of Quinton, Va., lost 79 pounds in six months by eating at McDonald’s
The man, who has dropped to 199 pounds from 278, didn’t snack on Big Macs, french fries or chocolate shakes. He chose mostly salads, wraps and apple dippers without the caramel sauce.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has released its "2008 Asthma Capitals." Here are the Top 10:
1. Knoxville, Tenn.
2. Tulsa, Okla.
3. Milwaukee, Wis.
4. Atlanta, Ga.
5. Memphis, Tenn.
6. Allentown, Pa.
7. Charlotte, N.C.
8. Greenville, S.C.
9. Saint Louis, Mo.
10. Greensboro, N.C.
Considering traveling abroad with your children? Take note of these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
- Make sure your child is up to date on her vaccinations and check with your doctor to see if she might need additional vaccines.
- In order to avoid jet lag, adjust your child’s sleep schedule 2-3 days before departure. After arrival, children should be encouraged to be active outside or in brightly lit areas during daylight hours to promote adjustment.
- Conditions at hotels and other lodging may not be as safe as those in the U.S. Carefully inspect for exposed wiring, pest poisons, paint chips, or inadequate stairway or balcony railings.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic offers the following tips to help seniors prevent exercise-related injuries:
- Check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. A physician will make sure your heart is in good condition and can make recommendations based on your current fitness level.
- Always warm up and stretch before exercising.
- Avoid being a “weekend warrior.”
- Don’t be afraid to take lessons.
- Develop a balanced fitness program.
- Take calcium and Vitamin D supplements daily.
- Listen to your body. Pay attention to your body’s needs and abilities, and modify your workout accordingly.
- Remember to rest. Schedule regular days off from exercise and rest when tired.