Health Happenings: Turkey May Not Be the Healthier Choice
05/01/13 16:34 PM
By MacKenna Scripps / mscripps@smu.edu Turkey has been known for those meat-lovers out there as the healthier pick when eating meat. For example, many health-conscious eaters choose a turkey burger over a regular beef patty. However, don’t bite into that turkey burger just yet. A recent lab analysis from Consumer Reports tested ground turkey and found that over half of the packages from retail stores worldwide tested positive for fecal bacteria, staph, or salmonella. Even more, fecal bacteria could be in fact fatal. The tests also showed most of these bacteria are resistant to antibiotics. However, there is one positive finding to this study. Ground turkey labeled “no antibiotics,” “organic,” or “raised without antibiotics” can still develop bacteria, but...Health Happenings: West Nile Season is here
04/18/13 12:48 PM
By Mackenna Scripps / mscripps@smu.edu It’s that time again Dallas... West Nile watch is underway. Stock up on bug spray because you'll need it. According to this WFAA article, "Dallas County's equipment is being tested so it’s ready at a moment's notice for mosquito spraying." After the West Nile virus season last year, its no wonder we are prepping early for the infected mosquitoes that are about to swarm Dallas. There were already some detected in Richardson - six weeks earlier than the first ones found last year (yikes). Speaking as someone who mosquitoes seem to love - no flattery here - I recommend you pay attention to the watches for the infected ones. Luckily, Dallas really isn't messing around. WFAA says Dallas County Health and Human Services...Health Happenings: Walking vs. Running
04/11/13 12:28 PM
By Mackenna Scripps / mscripps@smu.edu So, is walking or running better for you? I’m going to take a guess and say most people are quick to say, “running.” However, this is not exactly the case. First off, to say one is ‘better’ for you isn’t exactly the right terminology. But, there are different health benefits from each -- and shockingly more from walking. According to a new study by the American Heart Association on MSN Healthy Living, runners’ and walkers’ energy expenditures were compared, including their health problems over a period of six years. Researchers found that while runners lowered their risk of heart disease by 4.5 percent, walkers lowered theirs by more than double, 9.3 percent. Furthermore, scientists found that brisk walking reduces the risk of heart...5 Guilt-Free Yet Satisfying Desserts
04/09/13 12:20 PM
By Alexandra Spitzer / aspitzer@smu.edu
Do you find yourself craving something sweet each night after dinner, but you’re worried about the extra calories that a sugary treat will add to your diet? Opt for one of these sweet but healthy snacks instead!
- Fresh Fruit
- Dark Chocolate (mix it up and try dark chocolate covered fruit!)
- Greek Yogurt with berries
- Banana with peanut butter
- One biscotti
Health Happenings: Dallas Ranked 23rd Worst City for Allergies
04/04/13 12:34 PM
By Mackenna Scripps / mscripps@smu.edu Ahhhh-cho. Yes, allergies are in full force this season – apparently everything is bigger in Texas. According to the Dallas Morning News Health Blog, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America came out with a list of the cities in the United States with the worst allergy problems – with Dallas ranked 23rd. Apparently, this is due to the recent extreme weather patterns as well as the mountain cedar, elm, and ash in the air. I’ve personally seen a lot of pollen-covered cars driving around, which is never a good sign. Regardless, these allergens are affecting a lot of Texans. It is very difficult to tell the difference between a cold and allergies many times, which is why seeing a doctor if you experience any cold symptoms is...
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