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Expectant moms often try to plan as many aspects of their upcoming delivery as they can. But one thing they might not consider is what type of pain relief they will choose if they need to have a C-section. Now, new research from the University of Texas suggests that while opioids can control pain, a combination of other painkillers could offer similar relief with fewer side effects and no risk of addiction. “Opioids do not need to be routinely prescribed for every woman,” said study author Dr. Jenifer Dinis. She is a clinical instructor in the department of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at UT Health McGovern Medical School in Houston. “We can control pain effectively with ibuprofen and acetaminophen. For those who do need opioids, we don’t need to give out as much,” Dinis said. A big concern anytime opioids are used is the potential for addiction. As many as one in four people given a long-term prescription for opioids in primary care has reported struggling with addiction, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even if people don’t use the opioid prescriptions they’re given, family members or friends may end up using those drugs. In 2016, more than 11 million Americans said they had misused opioids during the past year, the CDC said. Approximately 130 Americans die every day due… read on >

Recent research shows that eggs can be part of a healthful diet. Eggs are highly nutritious because they deliver the essential amino acids your body needs to build and repair muscle and help keep your metabolism humming. Egg yolks in particular contain many nutrients, including vitamin A, B vitamins and hard-to-get vitamin D. Whether white or brown, commercially raised or free-range, eggs have equal nutrition, because the hens all have the same mostly grain diet. However, if you can afford pasture-raised eggs, they are somewhat superior because those hens have a more diverse diet, which increases the eggs’ nutritional value. If you’ve shied away from eggs in the past, health studies have found that having one egg yolk a day doesn’t increase blood serum cholesterol in healthy adults. Of course, do talk to your doctor about limiting yolks if you have high cholesterol or diabetes. Got five minutes for a fast, hot morning meal? Here’s how to make a delicious scrambled egg breakfast. (One way to extend eggs’ goodness is to have one whole egg plus two extra whites per serving. You’ll get both more protein and volume.) Easy Egg Scramble 1 egg plus 2 egg whites Olive oil-based cooking spray 2 tablespoons of your favorite salsa or hot sauce, to taste 1 tablespoon fresh herbs, such as chives, parsley or cilantro To easily separate… read on >

Gun-related deaths among school-age children in the United States are increasing at alarming rates, researchers report. In 2017, gun violence claimed more 5- to 18-year-olds than police officers or active-duty members of the U.S. military, according to a chilling new study led by investigators from Florida Atlantic University. “It is sobering that in 2017, there were 144 police officers who died in the line of duty and about 1,000 active duty military throughout the world who died, whereas 2,462 school-age children were killed by firearms,” study senior author Dr. Charles Hennekens said in a FAU news release. He’s a professor of medicine at the university’s Schmidt College of Medicine. The nationwide study found nearly 39,000 gun-related deaths among 5-to-18-year-olds between 1999 and 2017. That included almost 6,500 deaths among kids between 5 and 14 years of age, and more than 32,400 among older teens. Significant increases began in 2009, with a wave of shootings among 5- to 14-year-olds, followed by a similar wave among teens starting in 2014. Both waves — which researchers described as epidemics — continued through 2017, the most recent year for which data are available. Gun-related deaths over the period accounted for 5.6 percent of deaths in the younger group and nearly 20 percent among older kids. Researchers also found statistically significant increases in gun-related deaths among black children aged 5-14,… read on >

(HealthDay News) — For people with diabetes, maintaining a healthy diet can be vital to a treatment plan. Reading food labels can help diabetics make the best choices, the Mayo Clinic says. When reading food labels, the clinic suggests: Choose healthy fats, such as olive, canola or peanut oil. Avoid trans and saturated fats. Pick food with 3 grams or more of fiber. Pay attention to serving sizes. Consider your daily calorie goals.

Ever had a bad spasm from bending down to pick up your child or tie your shoes? Keeping your core muscles — the workhorses that stabilize your spine — flexible with a stretching routine can help prevent this common occurrence and protect your back in general. The Pelvic Tilt targets your lower back and your abdominals. Lie on your back with knees bent and feet about hip-width apart. Flatten and then press your lower back into the floor. You’ll feel your hips tilt forward. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds and repeat five times. The Side Stretch helps your back and sides become more limber. In a standing position, extend your right arm above your head. Put your left hand on your hip. Slowly bend to the left without twisting or jerking. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds and repeat five times. Then repeat the sequence on the other side. The Back Arch stretches hips and shoulders as well as your back. Stand up straight, legs shoulder width apart. Support your lower back with both hands and bend backwards. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds and repeat five times. As a reminder, never bounce when stretching. This can cause muscles to tighten and lead to injury. Ease into every stretch with a slow, steady movement. Stop if any stretch feels uncomfortable. You should feel slight… read on >

Video games provide unlimited entertainment, and interactive ones can even help you burn off calories. But you may not know that playing games — either in person or through shared online networks — can unite family members from many generations in meaningful ways. Researchers at Concordia University in Montreal found that playing social network games, through Facebook for instance, offers family members a fun, common topic of conversation, and creates shared experiences, even though there’s often no direct communication. That’s just one of dozens of studies that have explored the benefits of family gaming. One study done at the University of California, Davis, found that the more often family members play video games together, the greater their feelings of family satisfaction and closeness. What’s more, because those with poor inter-family communication benefited more than those who already had good communication, video gaming can be a bridge to better relationships. Family gaming can easily extend beyond those living in a single household. With more grandparents and other older relatives now using social media to get news about relatives, playing word games and other family-friendly choices can keep the generations better connected because these activities transcend age barriers. Playing can also help connect you to faraway relatives you may not have the chance to get to know in traditional ways. The Concordia researchers also found that people… read on >

(HealthDay News) — Navigating weight loss information can be daunting. Many popular beliefs are only partly true, MedlinePlus says. MedlinePlus debunked a few common myths: MYTH: “No-fat” or “low-fat” foods help you lose weight. FACT: Many no-fat and low-fat foods have added sugar and salt, and more calories. MYTH: Fasting will help you lose weight quickly. FACT: Fasting is not usually healthy. People who fast tend to lose more muscle than fat. MYTH: Slow weight loss is the only proven weight loss method. FACT: There are many options out there. Be careful and avoid fad diets that are unsafe and promise unrealistic results. Talk to a dietician to see what is best for you and your goals.

You already know that iceberg lettuce is low on taste and nutrients, but even the best greens can use a punch of flavor to keep your taste buds interested. Here are two ways to enjoy spring greens. Peppery arugula is full of flavor and super low in calories, and it makes a great base for a zesty salad. One of the first greens to appear each spring, arugula pairs well with berries, making this strawberry dressing the perfect complement to its spiciness. Arugula With Strawberry Pepper Dressing 1/2 cup strawberries 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon honey 1/2 teaspoon each salt and freshly ground black pepper 6 cups arugula 4 artichoke hearts, sliced thin 4 small shallots, sliced thin Place the strawberries, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt and black pepper in a blender. Process until smooth. Divide the arugula among four plates and top with equal amounts of sliced artichoke hearts and shallots. Drizzle with dressing and serve immediately. Yield: 4 servings For more salad variety, step up to mesclun, a mix of baby greens like romaine, kale, beet greens and spinach — all bursting with vitamins and minerals. This blueberry balsamic dressing imparts a sweet flavor and an antioxidant boost while fresh goat cheese adds protein and richness. Mesclun Salad With Honey Blueberry Dressing 1/4 cup fresh or frozen… read on >

The jittery, delusional potheads of the old movie “Reefer Madness” have prompted eye rolls and chuckles over the years, but a new study argues that the cult classic might contain a kernel of truth. Smoking pot every day could increase your risk of a psychotic break with reality, particularly if you have access to high-potency strains of marijuana, European researchers report. As many as 1 in 5 newly diagnosed cases of psychosis might be linked to daily cannabis use, according to data gathered from 11 hospitals across Europe. People who used pot on a daily basis were three times more likely to have a first-time diagnosis of psychosis, and five times more likely if they used high-potency marijuana every day, researchers said. The new study “raises real concerns about the dangers posed by high-potency marijuana,” said Emily Feinstein, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Center on Addiction. “Over the past decade, there has been an increase in the availability of high-concentration THC products, for both medical and recreational use,” said Feinstein, who wasn’t involved with the study. “While there may still be questions about the nature of the link between daily use of high-potency marijuana and psychotic disorder, this study suggests that we should be monitoring this issue very closely and taking steps to protect the public’s health.” But NORML Deputy Director… read on >

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All Sauce from Weekly Gravy:

Is There a Safer Choice Than Opioids After a C-Section?

Easy Eggs for a Nutritious Breakfast

Gun Deaths Up Sharply Among America’s Schoolkids

Is There a Safer Choice Than Opioids After a C-Section?

Health Tip: Reading Food Labels for Diabetics

Stretches to Strengthen Your Core

Strengthening Family Ties Through Online Gaming

Health Tip: Diet Myths and Facts

How to Spice Up Your Spring Salad

Can High-Potency Pot Make You Crazy?