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When it comes to convincing your kids that vegetables taste good, variety might be the key to success. New research suggests that offering children more than one type of vegetable may improve the chances that they’ll eat a greater amount. The study included 32 families with children aged 4 to 6 who didn’t eat many vegetables. The children were divided into three groups: no change in eating habits, being given one type of vegetable (broccoli), or being given multiple vegetables (broccoli, zucchini and peas). Parents were given instructions on portion size and cooking instructions, along with tips on how to offer the vegetables to the children, who were served a small piece of vegetable three times a week for five weeks. A sticker was given as a reward to children trying a new vegetable. Vegetable consumption increased from 0.6 to 1.2 servings among children who were offered multiple vegetables, but no changes in consumption occurred among children who received a single vegetable or those whose eating habits weren’t changed. The increased acceptance for multiple vegetables during the five weeks of the study was still evident three months later, according to the findings published in the September issue of the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. “While the amount of vegetables eaten increased during the study, the amount did not meet dietary guidelines. Nonetheless, the study… read on >

Novartis, the maker of a generic form of the popular heartburn drug Zantac, said Wednesday it will cease distribution of the medicine after investigations suggested that generic and branded versions contain a known carcinogen. A distribution halt is not the same as a full recall, and it means that generic Zantac (ranitidine) remaining on store shelves can still be sold, CBS News reported. The move stems from an announcement made last Friday by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In a statement, the agency said that a substance that could cause cancer had been found in some ranitidine heartburn and ulcer medicines, including the brand name drug Zantac, and the source of this contamination is being investigated. Sanofi, the maker of Zantac, said in a statement on Wednesday that “there are currently no plans to stop distributing or manufacturing Zantac or other ranitidine products outside of Canada,” and added that “we are conducting our own robust investigations to ensure we continue to meet the highest quality safety and quality standards.” While preliminary tests found low levels of the nitrosamine impurity N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in some ranitidine products, the FDA said last week that this does not mean patients taking the drugs should now stop using them. NDMA is the same contaminant found in many brands of blood pressure and heart failure medications during the past year,… read on >

While you can take Social Security benefits at age 62 and get 75% of your maximum, waiting until you reach full retirement age (between age 66 and 67 depending on the year you were born) gets you much closer to the full amount. But the age at which Americans can collect the most dollars has inched up to 70. The problem is that, in general, people today aren’t as healthy during their pre-retirement years as past generations were. Having one or more chronic health conditions, from diabetes to arthritis, can make it harder to keep working through your 60s and, for those who want or need to, beyond. Though you might see retirement as being in the distant future, taking care of yourself today creates the foundation for a healthier and more productive old age. The American Academy of Family Physicians has seven key lifestyle habits to follow that can get you there. Build the Foundation for Lifelong Fitness Eat healthy: fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains and lean proteins. Get regular exercise — on nearly every day of the week. Lose weight if you’re overweight. Protect your skin every time you leave your home to help prevent skin cancer. Don’t smoke. Limit alcohol to a max of one drink a day for women, two for men. Less is better. Practice safe sex. Map out… read on >

Butternut squash, Brussels sprouts and apples are all amazing fall superfoods and the perfect reason to get cooking. Cheap and versatile, butternut squash is loaded with fiber and vitamin A. For an easy butternut squash mash, cut the squash in half, discard the seeds and roast for about 1 hour at 350 degrees. Scoop out the flesh and mash with olive oil, chopped fresh rosemary, grated Pecorino cheese and salt. Roasting is also a great way to prepare Brussels sprouts, rich in vitamins C and K. Cut Brussels sprouts in half and saute with some olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until lightly browned. Then bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for eight to 10 minutes. Sprinkle with balsamic vinegar and chopped hazelnuts. Apples are a great source of hunger-busting fiber, and apples baked in a slow-cooker make for a fabulous, filling dessert that’s quick to prepare. Easy-As-Pie Baked Apples 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, raisins or prunes 2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon cinnamon 6 Gala or Macintosh apples 1/2 cup apple juice or cider 2 tablespoons orange liquor (optional) In a large bowl, mix the sugar, walnuts, butter and cinnamon to make a filling. Using a grapefruit spoon with sharp edges, a melon baller or a small paring knife, core most of the way through each… read on >

Narcissism is not a good look at any age, but new research suggests it fades as people enter their 40s. However, the degree of decline in narcissism varies between individuals and can be related to their career and relationships, the researchers added. Overall, the “findings should bring comfort to those who are concerned that young people are problematically narcissistic,” said study co-leader Brent Roberts, a psychology professor at the University of Illinois. “With time, it seems most people turn away from their earlier narcissistic tendencies.” Narcissism is a personality trait characterized by the belief that you’re smarter, better-looking, more successful and more deserving than others. The study included 237 participants whose levels of narcissism — specifically vanity, belief in their leadership skills and sense of entitlement — were assessed at age 18 when they were freshmen at the University of California, Berkeley, and again at age 41. Most of the participants showed a decline in narcissism as they aged. Only 3% had an increase and a few had the same level of narcissism at ages 18 and 41, the findings showed. The researchers also found that each aspect of narcissism examined in the study had particular impacts on the participants’ lives. For example, those who had higher levels of vanity at age 18 were more likely to have unstable relationships and marriages, and more likely… read on >

The loss of a loved one is one of life’s most stressful events. But new research suggests that having a furry loved one still at home may help ease the pain. Investigators looked at 437 older adults, some of whom lost a spouse, either through divorce or death. They found that having a cat or dog at home was linked to an easing of loneliness and depression. Study leader Dawn Carr, an associate professor of sociology at Florida State University, said the research team was surprised by the results, which were particularly meaningful because loneliness and depression have been found to be risk factors for death and other health problems, just like smoking. Pets can provide support during stressful times — even petting a dog or cat can calm you, Carr noted. In the study, the researchers compared the mental health of people who stayed married to those who didn’t, over a four-year period. They also looked at whether owning a dog or cat had any effect on mental health. The study found that while all people who became widowed or divorced did have some decline in their mental health, having a pet seemed to make a difference. Patients without pets who experienced such a loss had an average of 2.6 symptoms of depression, but that fell to just 1.2 symptoms for those with pets.… read on >

(HealthDay News) — Color blindness is a vision deficiency that affects the perception of color, says the National Eye Institute. People with color blindness aren’t aware of differences among colors that may be obvious to those with normal vision. Sometimes, people who have color blindness aren’t aware of their condition unless they’re tested. Simple everyday tasks like selecting ripe fruit or deciphering traffic lights can pose challenges. Since color blindness can go undetected for some time, it’s important to have children, especially boys, tested if there is a family history of the condition. There is no cure for color blindness. However, there are lenses, aids and smartphone apps available to help those who are color blind.

There’s no shortage of reasons to get your omega-3s, which are abundant in fish and their oils. But high consumption of fish and their oils has created a shortage around the world. In addition, fish can be costly, and there are also concerns about toxins, like mercury, which affect many fatty fish to some degree. Since omega-3 fatty acids play a role in vision, brain health, reproduction, and healthy skin and hair, the hunt is on for other sources. One source that’s also a boon for vegans are omega-3s made from marine algae, rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, carotenoids, vitamins and essential amino acids. In fact, eating this algae is how fish become so rich in omega-3s. Harvesting microalgae is not only a more sustainable alternative to fishing, but also algae don’t seem to carry the risk of contamination by pollutants. Scientists are just beginning to explore the health benefits of microalgae and how best to harvest it. But small studies have already found that algae oil capsules can be as effective as eating salmon or taking traditional fish oil supplements. While microalgae is already available in capsule and drop forms, it’s possible that we’ll see it in food and beverages in the not-too-distant future. Also, remember that some plant-based foods deliver omega-3 fatty acids — canola oil, walnuts, ground flaxseed and edamame, to… read on >

Everyone goes through moments of worry, but for some people, anxiety takes over their lives. How can you tell if you’re an average worrywart or if you might have an anxiety disorder? Your degree of distress is often a good indicator. Normal anxiety typically comes from a specific source of stress, like an upcoming job interview or a fight with your spouse. When the issue is resolved, the anxiety usually eases. With an anxiety disorder, you could be anxious all of the time and worry about everything from money to sexual performance to the well-being of loved ones, often for no good reason. Putting a Name to Your Feelings Excessive worrying is a sign of what’s called “generalized anxiety disorder.” Sudden episodes of anxiety, distress or discomfort that may be accompanied by troubling physical symptoms, like a rapid heart rate, can be signs of a “panic disorder.” Anxiety over something specific — like the fear of flying, heights, small spaces or spiders — are all very common “phobias.” One sign of a problem is the intensity of your distress — if your anxiety is out of proportion with the problem when a real problem exists. The amount of time you spend worrying is also a clue. A study of people’s worry diaries found that those with an anxiety disorder worried for more than five hours… read on >

Taking courses online has made it easier for thousands of college students to meet their degree requirements, but this type of learning may hold the most benefit for people who are interested in continuing education throughout their lives. Courses that let you explore a topic of interest or gain a new skill for work keep your mind sharp and could even pay off with a promotion. Being able to do coursework online often means you can fit it into your schedule, no matter how hectic it is. This is especially true if you choose a class with pre-recorded sessions, though you might prefer one with a live experience and participant interaction. Online study also allows you to take classes from universities that could be thousands of miles from home. There’s no shortage of choices with varying fees. But there are also free courses from outstanding institutions. For instance, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has put material from 2,400 courses online through its MIT OpenCourseWare. The HarvardX program offers free courses from Harvard and its partners, including MIT, the University of California at Berkeley, the University of Texas System and Boston University. The idea is that the feedback from participants can improve their courses and help independent learners enrich their lives. The only thing you need besides an internet connection is self-discipline. It could take more… read on >

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All Sauce from Weekly Gravy:

Parents, Throw the Garden at Your Picky Eater

Maker Halts Distribution of Generic Zantac Due to Possible Carcinogen

Staying Healthy Now to Work Into Older Age

Stock up on These Fall Superfoods

Age Often Dampens Narcissists’ Self-Love, Study Finds

Four-Legged Friends Help Buffer Loss of a Spouse

Health Tip: Understanding Color Blindness

A Surprising New Source of Omega-3s

Are You Just a Worrywart or Is It Something More?

Online Learning: What’s in It for You?