In order to fight what it described as an "obesity epidemic," the American Medical Association has voted to recognize obesity as a disease and recommended a number of measures to fight it.

The association voted on the measure Tuesday at its annual meeting in Chicago. The AMA noted that obesity rates in the United States have "doubled among adults in the last 20 years and tripled among children in a single generation" and that the World Health Organization, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Internal Revenue Service already recognize the condition as a disease.
Ashley Potter, left, an exercise physiologist in Huntington, W.Va., measures the waistline of a participant in a heart disease prevention program. Ashley Potter, left, an exercise physiologist in Huntington, W.Va., measures the waistline of a participant in a heart disease prevention program. (Howie McCormick/Associated Press)

According to "F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America's Future 2012," a study released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in September last year, adult obesity rates in 2011 exceeded 30 per cent in 12 U.S. states. The study projected that "if rates continue to increase at the current pace, adult obesity rates could exceed 60 per cent in 13 states, and all states could have rates above 44 per cent by 2030."

In 2010, Statistics Canada reported that 19 per cent of males and 21 per cent of females aged 20 to 39 years were classified as obese. By age 60 to 69 years, the percentage was about one-third.

The Canadian Medical Association said Wednesday that while it doesn't officially label obesity a disease, it is recognized in the medical community as such.

"The real question is how we treat it," a spokeswoman said in an email to CBC News. "This is why we need to transform our system for better management of chronic conditions."

The CMA suggested physicians and other health professionals work with their patients to reduce obesity through education, proper nutrition and regular exercise.

Obesity is associated with a variety of diseases, including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.

The AMA's recommendations accompanying the vote included urging physicians and insurance companies to "recognize obesity as a complex disorder," encouraging national efforts to educate the public "about the health risks of being overweight and obese."

The AMA also recommended the creation of National Obesity Awareness Month to highlight the benefits of exercise and to warn about the risks of obesity.

[readon1 url="http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2013/06/19/obesity-disease-ama.html"]Source:www.cbc.ca[/readon1]

‘Incandescent rocks’ flew nearly 330 feet from the crater and the column of smoke and ash towered thousands of feet overhead, according to accounts.

Apocalypse wow!

A volcano southeast of Mexico City exploded in a violent eruption Tuesday. Dark clouds of ash rocketed sky-high, scattering white-hot cinders across its slopes and rattling homes as far as 25 miles.

Glowing shards of molten earth and "incandescent rocks" flew nearly 330 feet from the crater, and reached thousands of feet overhead.

The fierce blast occurred around 3:35 p.m., but came as no surprise to geologists who have been following Popocatépetl volcano's recent activity.

The volcano sent ash and smoke into the air

For months magma has pressed up against the top of the crater. Gaseous vapors have also seeped from its simmering crevices.

"Any time magma rises up, you see those steam plumes. All that pressure is released rapidly and everything fumes out the top," Erik Klemetti, volcanologist at Denison University, told the Daily News.

The blast's thunderous roar stopped locals cold in their tracks as it echoed throughout the region, reported newspaper La Jornada.

The last time Mexico experienced a rupture of this magnitude was two years ago, but there have been similar, smaller blasts over the past few months.

[readon1 url="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/volcano-mexico-city-erupts-rattles-homes-miles-article-1.1376769"]Source:www.nydailynews.com[/readon1]

Let’s face it: Many of us eat foods we believe to be healthy. But in reality, they’re sabotaging our diet.

As consumers, simply being more aware of the ingredients in the foods we’re eating can help us avoid foods we mistake for healthy. Don’t get duped by seemingly “healthy foods.”

Believe it or not, words like “natural” or “fat free” indicate nothing about a food’s nutritional value. With that in mind, here are seven foods I’ve recently limited or even swapped out from my diet because they’re just not that healthy:

Wrap sandwiches

Don’t be fooled into thinking wrap sandwiches are healthier because the bread is “thinner.” These shells roll up more calories than you could imagine. If you take a moment to unravel the thin wrap shell, you’ll be surprised at its large surface area that can hold more fillers than most standard bread slices. In fact, some wraps have equivalent carbohydrates and fat to three slices of bread spread with butter.

Try to make sure your wraps are filled with healthy veggies and low-fat proteins, then cut the wrap in half before you roll it up.

Fruit Smoothies

I used to purchase a smoothie every time after I worked out. It’s crucial to pay attention to the ingredients in smoothies. They should only contain the basics: fresh fruit, ice and 100 percent juice. Many stores, however, will load in extras like ice cream, sugar and syrup-sweetened fruit. Remember, with ingredients, less is more.

Your best option: make them yourself at home. It’s quick, cheap, easy and tasty.

Yogurt

Yogurts are full of calcium so they should be good for you, right? The problem was determining which of the many store-bought varieties is healthier than the others. As a mother, I always gravitated to the yogurts my kids adored: the ones that come with cute compartments filled with toppings like granola or crushed cookies, the mini lunch-size yogurt drinks with a straw, or the yogurts with the most outlandish, quirky flavors (and colors). Unfortunately, these particular varieties are the least healthy choices — laden with sugar and fat. I now eat and serve Greek-style yogurts to my kids. They’re higher in protein, lower in sugar and keep us full longer.

The healthiest alternative of all: buy plain yogurt and simply add fresh fruit on top.

Granola

Granola has the reputation for being natural and healthy but, in reality, eating too much granola with added sugars is fattening.

Although it may seem like a healthier alternative to sugary store-bought cookies, unless they’re made with whole grain granola, chances are the granola bars you’re buying are also high in sugar (high fructose corn syrup) and not very filling.

Try to look for granola bars that are high in fiber, as they will keep you fuller longer.

And, many granola cereals are also high in fat and sugar. Make sure the very first ingredient listed on the box is whole grains. Or, just make a homemade granola. It’s quick, easy and healthy.

Store–made coffee or tea

Gone are the days of brewing a pot of coffee at home or preparing a kettle of tea on the stove. With the growing number of coffee and tea stores across the country, it seems we’ve moved away from the brewing basics.

Nowadays, it’s fairly easy to order a latte or cappuccino and top it off with some whipped cream, sugar, milk, chocolate shavings, crushed peppermint — you name it. But, be careful. Each topping translates to added calories and fat. And, size matters. Try avoiding drinking a 24-ounce blended drink with added toppings every day for your morning drink or afternoon “coffee break.” Even for the teas, simply adding one pump of syrup is equal to one tablespoon of sugar.

Salad dressing

Romaine lettuce is healthy but, when drenched with Ranch salad dressing, it’s not. The next time you make a salad and decide on a dressing, check the label. Even the “light” salad dressings are packed with sugar, sodium and other additives.

Try to get used to drizzlingbasic dressings like olive oil and balsamic vinegar over top your greens. Your body (and the lettuce) will thank you.

Pretzels & blue corn chips

People might opt for pretzels over potato chips because they contain less fat and are less salty and greasy. But, most pretzels are also made with enriched white flour, which converts to sugar in your bloodstream — not good. So, be careful when you’re taking that fifth handful of mini pretzels.

Walk down an aisle in a health food store and you’ll find it’s overflowing with bags of blue corn chips. While their novelty may make them seem more nutritious, they are not healthier because they’re blue. It doesn’t matter whether your chips are yellow, red, white or blue. Check nutritional information. It’s generally the same.

At the end of the day, the only real defense against buying into supposedly healthy or fat-free things is due diligence. Read labels and pay attention — it could save your waistline.

[readon1 url="http://www.vallartatoday.com/vallarta-general-news/harming-our-health-with-eyes-wide-open"]Created: Josephine Lee[/readon1]

Think you do just fine on five or six hours of shut-eye? Chances are, you are among the many millions who unwittingly shortchange themselves on sleep.

Research shows that most people require seven or eight hours of sleep to function optimally. Failing to get enough sleep night after night can compromise your health and may even shorten your life. From infancy to old age, the effects of inadequate sleep can profoundly affect memory, learning, creativity, productivity and emotional stability, as well as your physical health.

According to sleep specialists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, among others, a number of bodily systems are negatively affected by inadequate sleep: the heart, lungs and kidneys; appetite, metabolism and weight control; immune function and disease resistance; sensitivity to pain; reaction time; mood; and brain function.

Poor sleep is also a risk factor for depression and substance abuse, especially among people with post-traumatic stress disorder, according to Anne Germain, associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh. People with PTSD tend to relive their trauma when they try to sleep, which keeps their brains in a heightened state of alertness.

Dr. Germain is studying what happens in the brains of sleeping veterans with PTSD in hopes of developing more effective treatments for them and for people with lesser degrees of stress that interfere with a good night’s sleep.

The elderly are especially vulnerable. Timothy H. Monk, who directs the Human Chronobiology Research Program at Western Psychiatric, heads a five-year federally funded study of circadian rhythms, sleep strength, stress reactivity, brain function and genetics among the elderly. “The circadian signal isn’t as strong as people get older,” he said.

He is finding that many are helped by standard behavioral treatments for insomnia, like maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding late-in-day naps and caffeine, and reducing distractions from light, noise and pets.

It should come as no surprise that myriad bodily systems can be harmed by chronically shortened nights. “Sleep affects almost every tissue in our bodies,” said Dr. Michael J. Twery, a sleep specialist at the National Institutes of Health.

Several studies have linked insufficient sleep to weight gain. Not only do night owls with shortchanged sleep have more time to eat, drink and snack, but levels of the hormone leptin, which tells the brain enough food has been consumed, are lower in the sleep-deprived while levels of ghrelin, which stimulates appetite, are higher.

In addition, metabolism slows when one’s circadian rhythm and sleep are disrupted; if not counteracted by increased exercise or reduced caloric intake, this slowdown could add up to 10 extra pounds in a year.

The body’s ability to process glucose is also adversely affected, which may ultimately result in Type 2 diabetes. In one study, healthy young men prevented from sleeping more than four hours a night for six nights in a row ended up with insulin and blood sugar levels like those of people deemed prediabetic. The risks of cardiovascular diseases and stroke are higher in people who sleep less than six hours a night. Even a single night of inadequate sleep can cause daylong elevations in blood pressure in people with hypertension. Inadequate sleep is also associated with calcification of coronary arteries and raised levels of inflammatory factors linked to heart disease. (In terms of cardiovascular disease, sleeping too much may also be risky. Higher rates of heart disease have been found among women who sleep more than nine hours nightly.)

The risk of cancer may also be elevated in people who fail to get enough sleep. A Japanese study of nearly 24,000 women ages 40 to 79 found that those who slept less than six hours a night were more likely to develop breast cancer than women who slept longer. The increased risk may result from diminished secretion of the sleep hormone melatonin. Among participants in the Nurses Health Study, Eva S. Schernhammer of Harvard Medical School found a link between low melatonin levels and an increased risk of breast cancer.

A study of 1,240 people by researchers at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland found an increased risk of potentially cancerous colorectal polyps in those who slept fewer than six hours nightly.

Children can also experience hormonal disruptions from inadequate sleep. Growth hormone is released during deep sleep; it not only stimulates growth in children, but also boosts muscle mass and repairs damaged cells and tissues in both children and adults.

Dr. Vatsal G. Thakkar, a psychiatrist affiliated with New York University, recently described evidence associating inadequate sleep with an erroneous diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. In one study, 28 percent of children with sleep problems had symptoms of the disorder, but not the disorder.

During sleep, the body produces cytokines, cellular hormones that help fight infections. Thus, short sleepers may be more susceptible to everyday infections like colds and flu. In a study of 153 healthy men and women, Sheldon Cohen and colleagues at Carnegie Mellon University found that those who slept less than seven hours a night were three times as likely to develop cold symptoms when exposed to a cold-causing virus than were people who slept eight or more hours.

Some of the most insidious effects of too little sleep involve mental processes like learning, memory, judgment and problem-solving. During sleep, new learning and memory pathways become encoded in the brain, and adequate sleep is necessary for those pathways to work optimally. People who are well rested are better able to learn a task and more likely to remember what they learned. The cognitive decline that so often accompanies aging may in part result from chronically poor sleep.

With insufficient sleep, thinking slows, it is harder to focus and pay attention, and people are more likely to make poor decisions and take undue risks. As you might guess, these effects can be disastrous when operating a motor vehicle or dangerous machine.

In driving tests, sleep-deprived people perform as if drunk, and no amount of caffeine or cold air can negate the ill effects.

At your next health checkup, tell your doctor how long and how well you sleep. Be honest: Sleep duration and quality can be as important to your health as your blood pressure and cholesterol level.

[readon1 url="http://www.vallartatoday.com/vallarta-general-news/harming-our-health-with-eyes-wide-open"]Created: Josephine Lee[/readon1]

Choose Surthrival is a new book that helps people move from just surviving to thriving with a 21st Century business solution

Today Power Strategies, Inc. announced the official launch of the new book, Choose Surthrival! Are you ready to go from surviving to thriving with a 21st Century business? [ISBN-13: 978-1469943176] by talk radio host and home-based business owner Kim Power Stilson. The book features 12 questions to help people garner a successful perspective of thriving where many others merely survive.

“The freedom, power and opportunity to thrive rather than just survive are why I own my own business,” said Kim Power Stilson. “Individuals with a fresh perspective can do what Economists suggest is a smart solution in today’s economy, and thrive with a business! Choose Surthrival will get you started.”

Kim’s book shares the strategic and inexpensive but highly effective social and e-media, traditional marketing, and cause-related and celebrity promotions that have worked for her own business. Choo$e Surthrival! Are you ready to go from surviving to thriving with a 21st Century business? is a witty read, full of stories, suggestions and information people need to know when considering thriving with a home-based business. Over the last 12 years as a home-based business owner, Kim Power Stilson has given an eMedia PR, Radio & TV voice to thousands of businesses. As an award-winning pioneer of Internet Talk Radio, talk show host and co-founder of the Prepared Housewives, her mission is to change the socioeconomic status of a million homes by helping moms feed and fund their families. Kim hosts theTalkWorthy Radio Show on SiriusXM 143 and www.talkworthyradio.com. As an eMedia marketing strategist, for Power Strategies, Inc., Kim shares her expert advice in magazines, and is a sought after speaker for corporations, organizations, universities and national publications.

In 12 quick-to-read and easy-to-apply yet essential sections,radio hostKim Power Stilson shares stories from her experience helping hundreds of people—from senators to business owners, authors and celebrities --promote their brands and businesses with her “Choose Surthrival” philosophy.

Choo$e Surthrival! Are you ready to go from surviving to thriving with a 21st Century business? shares stories of wit, strategy, and wisdom that may be imperative in your transition from merely surviving to thriving with a 21st Century home-based business. Available at www.createspace.com/3775942 and Amazon ISBN-13: 978-1469943176 & ISBN-10: 1469943174 BISAC: Business & Economics / Small Business.

Kim is the creator of Make, Bake, Shake, Rake & Fresh© a duplicatable marketing strategy that has consistently delivered 60% savings, a 140% increase in name awareness and has rewarded over $150 million in sales. Kim Power Stilson is the author of several communications including and the “Surthrival Series for Business Success” training course and her newly published book“Choose Surthrival! Are you ready to go from surviving to thriving with a 21st Century business?” (ISBN-13: 978-1469943176) available in paperback or ebook on Amazon.

A graduate of Brigham Young University, Kim speaks conversational Japanese, is the founder of the Bluebird Sisterhood, sits on several boards, loves to watercolor, play tennis, snow ski, write, and be near the sea. A dual citizen, Kim divides her time between the United States, England & Ireland. www.kimpowerstilson.com or www.choosesurthrival.com

[readon1 url="http://www.choosesurthrival.com"]Source:choosesurthrival.com-Created by: Jack Brian[/readon1]

FALLSTON, Md., June 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Host of EXTRA, producer, actress and New York Times best-selling author Maria Menounos has partnered with the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association (MHAIA) on a public service announcement (PSA) reminding viewers that self-esteem comes from making good decisions – like eating right. MHAIA's goal with the PSA is to help the public focus on engaging in positive behaviors that promote self-image and living a healthful, satisfied life.

In the PSA, Menounos advocates for making small choices to help you feel your best – including eating right, surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family and exercising. Throughout the PSA, Menounos is shown preparing and enjoying a delicious and nutritious meal with friends.

"There are so many things that contribute to self-esteem, and for me it's more than just a dress size," Menounos explains in the PSA. "I've found that when I eat well – plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits like avocados, whole grains and lean proteins like fish - I feel like my best self."

Menounos directs viewers to the United States Department of Agriculture's Choose MyPlate website which encourages healthy eating habits, and provides strategies to help consumers make half their plate fruits and vegetables.

"As a USDA MyPlate partner, Avocados from Mexico understands the importance of a healthy diet in overall wellness," explains Mike Browne, Chairman of MHAIA. "We also know healthy eating doesn't have to be boring. Avocados are extremely versatile, they can be eaten alone, or used in a variety of tasty recipes-- from soups and salads to smoothies and desserts, or substituted as bread spread in place of many other popular foods."

A three-slice (one-ounce) serving of avocados has 50 calories and contribute nearly 20 vitamins and minerals as well as the "good" fats. Avocados from Mexico are available year-round.

For more information about making healthy choices, visit www.choosemyplate.gov. To watch the PSA and learn creative uses for avocados visit www.theamazingavocado.com. The PSA will air on broadcast television nationally through September 2013 in 60-second, 30-second, 15-second and 10-second versions.

About Avocados from Mexico

The Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association (MHAIA) and the Producers and Packers of Avocados from Michoacan (APEAM) are dedicated to providing a consistent supply of high quality avocados throughout the year. Avocados from Mexico are available year round and can be found in your local grocery store in the produce aisle. Mexico's rich volcanic soil, abundant sunshine and timely rainfall provide the perfect climate for producing fine avocados. A three-slice (1 oz) serving of avocados has 50 calories and contribute nearly 20 vitamins and minerals and the "good" fats. Avocado enthusiasts can find MHAIA on Facebook (search: The Amazing Avocado) and @AmazingAvocado on Twitter. For more information, visit www.theamazingavocado.com or www.avocadosfrommexico.com.

 [readon1 url="www.avocadosfrommexico.com"]Source:www.avocadosfrommexico.com[/readon1]

Only material damages were reported...
An earthquake of medium intensity shook Las Varas, Nayarit this Saturday morning.

Las Varas Nayarit News.- The National Seismological Service informed that on the 2:23 hours of this Saturday, a seismic movement was registered of 4.2 degrees in the Richter scale, in the state of Nayarit reported the Disaster Prevention Department (Protección Civil).

Likewise they reported that the earthquake took place 24 kilometers southwest from Las Varas, municipality of Compostela, in the vicinity of the town La Peñita de Jaltemba.

The management of Disaster Prevention and the firefighters of the state of Nayarit will remain vigilant.

This institute of integral care for seniors, according to Magaly Fregoso Ortiz, president of the DIF, represents the fulfillment of one of the most important commitments of this department and its administration.

Puerto Vallarta Jalisco News.- Social justice for seniors of Puerto Vallarta with the opening of the Daytime House, that yesterday was inaugurated by the municipal president of the DIF, Magaly Fregoso Ortiz and the mayor, Ramón Guerrero Martínez which will render attention to 16 thousand seniors of 60 years and older.

This institute of integral care for seniors, according to Magaly Fregoso Ortiz, president of the DIF, represents the fulfillment of one of the most important commitments of this department and its administration, as it was an essential request of the population to have ready access to a site where seniors could be taken care of during the day.

The president of the DIF system, clarified that this was only the first step towards the construction of a greater project, which will offer useful services for their recreation and personal development.

She further detailed that there are five pillars on which this daytime house is founded, the promotion of health through the direct attention of the mind and body; the prevention of illness, recreation and cultural activities: formal attention, physical rehabilitation, nutrition, a book club, literacy, singing lessons, guitar lessons, crafts, support group for hypertension and diabetes, social work, venerable plan credentials and organic orchard workshops, among others.

"We are doubly proud because thanks to the participation of an enthusiastic group of entrepreneurial leaders, who committed to a social cause, focused on the extraordinary goal of rendering warm food for breakfast to seniors in distress, today have started the operation of service dinners where besides providing meals, the commitment is to offer them all the integral support that the DIF system offers.

In this context, Magaly Fregoso recognized that there is a great challenge ahead and that this will definitely not be an easy task, however, she assured that great alliances have been forged with the private sector, who share this commitment towards seniors of all the municipality.

"We have many treasures in our seniors, they are life teachers, life that starts to write new pages full of friendship, solidarity, thankfulness and love towards its companions in this day house".

Finally, Magaly Fregoso Ortiz, declared that starting today, the Day House will be filled with the energy and enthusiasm of seniors, "the commitment was made by our mayor, Ramón Guerrero and as we advance hand in hand with Oxxo, we should be able to show good results so that this day house provides shelter to hundreds of elder youngsters of all of the municipality".

[readon1 url="http://www.nnc.mx/notas/1371187952.php"]Source:www.nnc.mx- Translation by Mr Rene Tripp[/readon1]

Lena McCalla Njee, a special education teacher of children with autism, launched the Spanish edition of her book, “El Autismo Inspira! La esperanza como salvacion para los padres,” to kick off National Autism Awareness Month. The book was translated to offer the Hispanic community a variety of resources, stories and case studies that will resonate with parents.

Author McCalla Njee cites that Hispanics are the nation’s largest minority group, and “among the 30 million young people, 20% are Hispanics.” (Pew Research Hispanic Center). As a result of this tremendous growth, she says: “I see increasing numbers of Hispanic parents of children with autism who need to learn more about this condition and find the support they need for these special children.”

[readon1 url="http://pvangels.com/news-mexico/6353/autism-book-offers-hope-to-hispanic-parents-of-autistic-children"]Source:pvangels.com[/readon1]

Before the proposal of some local businessmen of soliciting to the federal government the re installation of a ferry service that links this port with Los Cabos in Southern Baja California, the municipal director of Tourism, Carlos Gerard Guzmán, said that this proposal is not feasible.

In an interview he said that the cruise ships are the ones that make Puerto Vallarta's economy strong, not the local travels nor the interchange of merchandise.

He said that even though the cruise ships have not recovered from the crisis of 2009, they have been transcendental for this place, "hotels, restaurants, businessmen, merchants and all the economy of Puerto Vallarta has worked to attract them, therefore a ferry would backtrack all of the efforts".

The official and consignee agent of shippers joined the protest of tour guides from the Integral Port Administration (API), who rallied on Tuesday against the possibility of evaluating the return of a ferry service between Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos, as it was operational for some time in the early 80's.

The proposal was submitted by some entrepreneurs affiliated to Coparmex, to the Chamber of Commerce (Kanak) and Restaurateur Chamber (Canirac), even though the presidents of these chambers didn't confirm that it is an official position of these agencies, but left it as a series of coincidences set individually.

Carlos Gerard declared that there are agreements with the neighboring states, Colima, Sinaloa and Baja California that cannot be broken so casually, for they are agreed routes that would end the credibility and agreements reached through intense work and promotions.

He recognized that 2013 has been the worst year for cruise ships, "but if there was a ferry then it would be the end as a tourism destination to become a cargo destination that would also have no future".

He explained that "we cannot compete with innate cargo destinations such as Manzanillo and Mazatlán".

Furthermore, he questioned the congruence with state and federal governments in their joint effort, in all the investments and in wagering all for tourism, and the next investment for the destinies of Bahía de Banderas of 10 million dollars, that after modifying the cruise ship arrivals could very well not render the results that are expected.

The cruise ships have an agenda that is two years older, and therefore the agreements would be destroyed. Finally he said that if the ferry disappeared years ago, it was because it was not the right place for them; there are flight facilities because they are cheaper and because there is nothing to import or export, which shows itself in the marginal flow of the highway.

[readon1 url="http://vallartaopina.net/2013/06/12/vallarta-tiene-que-apostar-por-el-turismo-de-cruceros"]Source:Vallarta Opina - Translation by Rene Tripp[/readon1]

While you're enjoying Semana Santa in sunny Puerto Vallarta, be sure to include the Old Town Farmers' Market in your adventures.

As a favorite weekend attraction, this "make it, bake it, grow it" Market delivers the freshest homegrown and handcrafted artisan products for national and international shoppers.

"Intends to renew and strengthen the culture of water"

Cesar Abarca, Director General of Seapal, announced in the Water Week.