Obama declines to make a Super Bowl pick

It's an election year with fans (and voters) on both sides of the issue, so it's not exactly a surprise that President Obama declined Sunday to pick a winner between the Patriots and Giants in his pre-Super Bowl interview with NBC's Matt Lauer.

"It's going to be a great game," the president said. "What the Giants have done, coming back from that tough situation in the middle of the season, has been pretty remarkable. (Patriots coach Bill) Belilchick and (quarterback Tom) Brady, they're always tough, so it's going to be a tough game."

Hearkening back to the Giants' win over the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII in which David Tyree made a remarkable catch to keep the Giants' winning drive alive, the president said of Sunday's game, "I can't call it. It's going to be one of those (games) when it comes down to a turnover or some ball on somebody's helmet."

Lauer noted that the president didn't hesitate in picking the Steelers over the Cardinals in 2009, and he replied, "I think this is going to be a tough game. Both teams have their weaknesses. They're not as strong as they were, I think, a couple of years ago. When you look at the Patriots, their defense is a little shaky. The Giants have just come back (from a midseason slump). I can't tell you who is going to win this one."

Lauer noted that the Patriots win in 2004, followed by President Bush's re-election, and the Giants won in 2008, the year in which he was elected. He asked the president again for a prediction, and he laughed and said, "You're not going to get me. You're not going to get me. I'm going to look for a great game."

During his five-minute interview with Lauer, the president also discussed tensions between Israel and Iran, adding, "My number one priority continues to be the security of the United States, but also the security of Israel, and we are going to continue to work in lockstep as proceed to try to solve this, hopefully diplomatically."

He said he does not believe Iran has the "intentions or capabilities" to launch attacks within the United States and said the U.S. would take no options off the table while preferring a diplomatic solution.

Lauer also hearkened back to a 2009 pre-Super Bowl conversation in which the president said that if the economy were not up and rolling in three years that he could be a one-term president.

"I deserve a second term, but we're not done," Obama said.

Source http://www.chron.com/superbowl/article/Obama-declines-to-make-a-Super-Bowl-pick-3050806.php

Obama claims share of credit for huge Boeing deal

US President Barack Obama Friday claimed a share of the credit as Boeing sealed its largest-ever commercial aircraft order to build 230 jets worth $21.7 billion for Indonesia's Lion Air.

The deal, for 201 737 MAXs and 29 737-900 ERs, bolstered Obama's strategic decision to orient the struggling US economy with booming markets in emerging Asia, which he sees as an engine of US jobs growth for years to come.

Obama officiated at the signing of papers sealing the deal between Boeing and Lion Air, a low-cost regional carrier, before plunging into a day of diplomacy with Southeast Asian leaders on the last leg of a Pacific tour.

"The US administration and the (Export-Import Bank) in particular were critical in facilitating this deal," Obama said, saying such commercial successes were critical to his goal of doubling US exports to speed recovery.

"I want to congratulate Boeing for making outstanding planes, including the one I fly on," Obama said, referring to his iconic presidential 747, at the ceremony on the Indonesian island of Bali attended by top US officials and Lion Air executives.

The president is in town for a Southeast Asian summit as well as Saturday's wider East Asia Summit which he sees as the cornerstone of security engagement with a region where China's rise is provoking searching strategic questions.

Boeing earlier said in a statement that the Lion Air deal would be "the largest commercial airplane order ever in Boeing?s history by both dollar volume and total number of airplanes."

By the face value, it would also be the largest any aircraft maker has received.

The agreement, which will unfold over many years, also includes the option to order another 150 aircraft, which could put the eventual value at $35 billion.

Boeing spokesman Wilson Chow said the sale underscores the strength of the aviation market in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region.

"According to our outlook, Asia-Pacific is one of our fastest growing markets areas... We're expecting a seven percent growth of traffic per year for the next 20 years," he told AFP.

He declined to give a timeframe for delivery of the aircraft, but noted that the 737 MAX will only be ready for delivery in 2017.

Craig West from Britain-based Airliner World magazine said he suspected the deal was a generational affair.

"This could be over a very long period of time, so that when the last batch begins to be delivered, the first batch are already so old that they are put out of service," he told AFP.

The White House, anxious to tout US successes amid 9.0 percent unemployment as Obama launches his 2012 reelection bid, said the deal would support 110,000 American jobs at Boeing and at suppliers throughout 43 American states.

Officials did not say that the pact would create new jobs, but highlighted other deals, some already announced, including the sale of eight Boeing 777-300ER jets to Singapore Airlines worth $2.4 billion.

Indonesia's Garuda Airlines meanwhile has signed a contract to buy 50 CFM56 General Electric engines worth $1.3 billion, the White House said.

And Sikorsky will sell Brunei 12 Blackhawk S-70i helicopters worth $325 million, the White House said, adding that the total value of all the deals was $25 billion.

The Lion Air deal topped this week's previous record Boeing order. The Chicago-based aircraft maker kicked off the Dubai Airshow with the announcement of an order from Emirates airline for 50 Boeing long-range 777-300ERs worth $18 billion at list price.

At the same show Boeing also sealed a deal with Qatar Airways for two 777 freighters for $560 million.

The Lion Air deal was likely a major victory for Boeing over European rival Airbus.

Aviation Week reported earlier this month that Lion Air had been weighing the US-made 737s against the Airbus 320.

A leading domestic and regional airline but little known internationally, Lion Air is Indonesia's largest private carrier, owned by brothers Kusnan and Rusdi Kirana.

In 2007, Lion Air was among several Indonesian airlines banned by the European Union for lax safety standards.

The ban on flag carrier Garuda Indonesia and several other carriers was lifted in July 2009, but Lion Air still remains on the blacklist.

Source http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jKI4jAnoYwbcQ6TQV-zq0Pyofi3g?docId=CNG.644abb4455fc9c3e9d6a21ef0f7ee346.1d1

Heart-healthy program offers slots for 12 local women

The American Heart Association is seeking 12 local women to participate in its BetterU program.

BetterU is an initiative that will chronicle the journeys of these women toward meaningful lifestyle changes that improve their heart health, according to a news release.

The 12-week BetterU Makeover Challenge, sponsored by Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp., is designed to remind all women of the need to make healthy lifestyle choices. It begins Dec. 5 and runs through Feb. 27.

"BetterU is a free online nutrition and fitness program that can help all women to make better lifestyle choices," said Denise VanBuren, vice president of corporate communications at Central Hudson.

Applications are being accepted to be one of the dozen women.

Participants will be featured in the Poughkeepsie Journal and their success will be celebrated at the annual Go Red for Women luncheon on March 2.

Each of the 12 women will receive a three-month membership and personal training at Gold's Gym, a baseline medical evaluation from Health Quest and nutrition coaching from a local dietitian. BetterU participants will have group workouts, food shopping field trips and blog about their progress.

"Best of all, every local woman can access online the same great information to the BetterU program's important heart health information, expert tips, recipes and online journals, so even if you're not one of the 12 women selected, you can still actively participate," VanBuren said. "Our goal is to make heart health a priority for local women. We feel as though we're sponsoring a better us for the Hudson Valley by being involved with BetterU."

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, taking the life of one in three women — almost one woman every minute, according to the heart association.

"This new BetterU Challenge will help empower local women to make their heart health goals a reality. We hope that women everywhere sign up online and take the challenge themselves," said Tonya Addy, the association's Hudson Valley region executive director.

7 tips for eating ice cream without feeling guilty

As a summer treat, ice cream is hard to beat. But it also can be a vehicle for unhealthful fat and calories if you don't watch the quality and quantity of what you consume.

Fortunately, many manufacturers have been churning out lighter fare that offers lower fat and fewer calories per serving without sacrificing much of the taste and texture that make ice cream so appealing. And alternatives such as frozen yogurt, sorbet, water ice, fruit bars and sherbet can bridge the gap for people determined not to pass up the simple pleasure of frozen treats.

For many, ice cream is as American as apple pie and baseball. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan declared July National Ice Cream month and designated the third Sunday of the month National Ice Cream Day.

Visiting the local ice cream parlor is "very much a part of the American tradition," said Mary Leopold, co-owner of 92-year-old Leopold's Ice Cream in Savannah, Ga. "It's an experience that's multigenerational to this day.

"Even in this economy that has hit so hard, it's a way that people can still feel like they can have something special," she said.

Of course, as with any dessert, few people can afford to indulge in ice cream frequently without giving some thought to weight and overall health management.

The alternatives may not be better for you

People who have diabetes should count total carbohydrates and be careful when substituting fruity frozen treats for ice cream, said Melissa Joy Dobbins, a registered dietician in Chicago and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. That's because many sherbets and sorbets contain more sugar per serving than ice cream, even though they often have less fat.

"It's good to watch your fat and saturated fat because you're at such an increased risk for heart disease when you have diabetes," she said. "At the same time, you don't want that trade-off to be more sugar."

Still, regular ice cream is useful for women who develop gestational diabetes while pregnant, a condition that's typically temporary but serious. By eating two-thirds of a cup of ice cream before going to bed, they're better able to stabilize their blood sugar overnight, said Dobbins, also a prenatal diabetes educator at NorthShore University HealthSystem in Evanston, Ill.

For some taste purists who consume it in moderation or aren't concerned about health risks, premium products are still the way to go. And a taste test that Consumer Reports conducted and published last July supports that choice. Trained testers surveyed 24 kinds of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, including fat free, light and premium full-fat brands. Among the seven rated excellent were full-fat flavors from Ben & Jerry's and Haagen-Dazs. Target's Archer Farms Belgian chocolate also earned a top rating.

Tips for eating ice cream in a healthier way

If you're planning to enjoy ice cream, medical and nutrition experts advise heeding these tips:

1. Try nonfat, low-fat, reduced-fat or light products, which can save you calories and fat intake over time. There are subtle distinctions between these labels, as regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Ice cream that claims to be "light" has to have half the fat or one-third fewer calories than regular ice cream. "Low fat" products are limited to no more than three grams of fat per serving. About 26% of the ice-cream market is comprised of nonfat or low-fat products, according to the International Dairy Foods Association, so chances are good you’ll find these options at your local grocery store.

2.Switch to individually wrapped ice-cream treats. You're still at risk for overdoing it if you go back for more, but at least you can slow yourself down and get a better understanding of portion sizes. Weight Watchers offers ice cream bars such as dark chocolate raspberry, which boast 80 calories per bar.

3.Read the nutrition panel and not just the front of the packaging to factor in the nutritional value. For example, as a dairy product, ice cream offers varying amounts of calcium, which the body needs to build strong bones. Alternative treats such as fruit bars may offer vitamin C, but people often need calcium more and don't get enough of it in their daily diet, Dobbins said. Calcium content is easy to find on the box or online. Skinny Cow low-fat ice cream cones, for example, have 150 calories and three grams of fat. They also deliver a calcium boost that's a whopping 20% of the recommended daily value for a 2,000-calorie daily diet. Nestle Drumstick Li'l Drums contain about 110 to 120 calories per cone but pack less of a calcium punch.

4.Measure to prevent double dipping. If you want to stick with the traditional tub of ice cream, measure how much you're scooping out. You don't have to do it every time, but discovering how many servings you might be loading onto a cone or into a bowl could make you more conservative, Dobbins said.

5.Pick your toppings wisely. Choose items for maximum nutrition and avoid nutrient-poor, high-calorie add-ons such as candy, cookies, syrup and caramel. Consider reducing the amount of ice cream and upping the amount of fruit and nut toppings, Dobbins suggested. "That would still cut back on the calories and definitely cut back on saturated fat, but it would provide more nutrition and satisfaction. You're not just taking something away but putting something back in."

6.Choose a dish over a cone. The additional calories from cones can add up. Cake cones are the least caloric, worth about 15 to 20 calories a piece. But sugar cones typically have around 50 calories and waffle cones range 50 to 90 calories.

7.Don't deny yourself completely. Extreme deprivation often backfires, Dr. Jeffrey Levine, a family doctor in New Brunswick, N.J., and a professor at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, said in an email. "Encouraging moderation and promoting healthier frozen-treat options is far more effective than telling patients to avoid ice cream and other frozen treats all together. Those who try the latter are often the ones found downing a whole pint of Ben & Jerry's or Haagen-Dazs once they get stressed or frustrated." Levine, who lost 183 pounds and appeared on the TV show "The Biggest Loser" in 2005, said his family's freezer contains low-calorie, low-fat ice cream in addition to 40-calorie, low-sugar fudge bars and 15-calorie popsicles. 

Source  http://www.marketwatch.com/story/7-tips-for-eating-ice-cream-without-feeling-guilty-2011-07-21

Quick tips for minor health emergencies

The last thing you want to do while on vacation is make a trip to a medical clinic or, heaven forbid, the emergency room.

Some vacation activities such as hiking or mountain biking contain risks of minor medical emergencies. But even a weekend camping trip can result in unforeseen medical problems.

"There's always sunburn, dehydration and food poisoning potentially," said La Vone Sopher, ARNP, FNP, at The Clinic at Wal-Mart at 3400 Singing Hills Drive, an affiliate of the St. Luke's Health System.

With a little planning and a lot of common sense, many minor medical emergencies can be prevented, Sopher said.

"Think about what activities you're going to be doing, think about what could happen and take the right stuff along," she said. "If you're going to go hiking, don't wear flip-flops."

Sopher had plenty of prevention and treatment advice for the most common vacation mishaps she sees.

Swimming

If possible, swim in a swimming pool. Water in rivers and lakes may look clean, but it's full of bacteria and microbes. Swimmer's ear, an inflammation, and sometimes infection, of the ear canal, can result from swimming in any type of water.

Wear ear plugs or get a bottle of over-the-counter swimmer's ear drops. Using the drops after you're done swimming helps dry your ears out.

Sunburn

If you're boating or spending the day along the shore, the combination of wind and water puts you more at risk. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and other clothing to reduce sun exposure.

If you do get burned, stay out of the sun and wear loose clothing. Aloe vera lotion, various over-the-counter sprays or cool compresses can help take the sting out of the burn.

Heat illness

Symptoms usually include feeling really hot and tired. Getting out of the sun and drinking water or sports drinks will usually make you feel better.

If you're going to be out in the sun and heat all day, drink at least 64 ounces of water or sports drink during the day. Don't drink soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, the caffeine and alcohol can lead to dehydration.

Bee stings

Many bees leave their stingers in. If you've been stung, pull the stinger out with tweezers or use the edge of a credit card to scrape it out. Clean the area with soap and water.

If you're allergic to bee stings, make sure you carry EpiPen, or epinephrine, to counter a severe allergic reaction.

Burns

Apply cold water or an ice pack to the burned area to stop the heat process on the skin. If the burned skin blisters, leave it alone. Popping the blister can lead to infection.

Rashes from poison ivy, oak or sumac

Once you notice a rash, wash the area with soap and water to remove the plant resin. A cold compress can take away the itch or use calamine lotion or other over-the-counter, anti-itch creams. If you have a rash, don't scratch it. The resin can get under your nails and then spread to other areas of your body when you touch them. Wear long pants if you're out hiking in the woods. It doesn't hurt to tuck the pants into your socks.

Food poisoning

Keep food cold if it's supposed to be cold. If it looks or smells suspicious, throw it away. Wash your hands often. Don't drink water from mountain streams or other untreated outdoor sources.

Source http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/article_b3a9571f-a2c9-5bc3-aa98-6b0a56247388.html

Break your habits with expert tips

Experts reveal their tips for breaking common habits:

AVOIDING EXERCISE:

We all know the virtues of exercise but many of us fail to make it a long-term commitment. Health and the City author Caitlin Reid says it is often because of unrealistic goals, which only encourage failure.

"We then feel guilty about our slip-ups, and instead of getting back on the bike, we resort back to our old ways and forget about our well-meaning goals," she says.

Don't be vague with a "start exercising more" goal. A better one could be 30 minutes, three days each week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, starting on Monday, June 20, Caitlin recommends.

"Gradually increase your duration, frequency and intensity but only increase one at a time so that you don't overdo it. Push yourself too hard and you'll drop off," she says.

And find activities that suit you. "If you prefer being around people, then a group personal training session or a team sport is going to appeal more than a run on a treadmill."

ALCOHOL:

If you've fallen into the habit of having a few too many wines after work, look at setting some reduction targets, counsellor Carolyn Midwood suggests.

Halve the number of wines you would usually have in an evening, or even attempt some alcohol-free days.

If the problem is when socialising with friends, she recommends catching up at a cafe instead of a hotel or even organising breakfast dates.

"By mixing things up a bit, you will get a different outcome," she says.

"Create new routines. Preparation, practice and commitment are essential, so you need to think about what it actually is that you wish to change, why you want to change, make the decision to change, and act on that decision."

PROCRASTINATING:

It is common to procrastinate over dull tasks, but what if it is a goal we truly want?

Domonique Bertolucci, author of Your Best Life, says people often break off more than they can chew, creating an impossibly huge to-do list.

"They're not going to be able to do that in a lifetime, let alone in a day or in a week, so your subconscious recognises you're going to fail and loses all motivation and energy for it," she says.

If it all seems overwhelming, try visualisation. The Procrastination Equation author Piers Steel recommends starting by sitting quietly and thinking about the life you want.

Focus on just one aspect, such as your career or a healthy body. Concentrate on this image, or use a diary or collage of images to bring it to life. Then mentally contrast this future with where you are now.

"Focus on the gap. Put the same emphasis on vividly reflecting on this discrepancy as you did on imagining your idealised future," Domonique says.

SMOKING:

Convinced cigarettes help alleviate anxiety and depression? Research suggests otherwise. A study from Rhode Island's Brown University found that smokers who abstained for the whole research period were the happiest.

Those who quit temporarily were happy while they were successful but, once they started smoking again, they reported feeling sadder than before.

Tellingly, those who never stopped during the trial were the least happy of all.

Carolyn Midwood's DIY practical tips:

• Look at why you smoke and why you want to stop

• Plan for what you can do when the urge to light up occurs

• Plan a healthy eating and exercise regime to prevent any weight gain

• If you think that alcohol increases the risk of smoking, then limit your intake or abstain.

OVEREATING:

Your moods could be the driving force behind those extra kilos. According to the Cornell University Food and Brand Lab, sad people try to repair their bad mood with unhealthy food - which they then overeat, whereas happy people eat healthy food to maintain their pleasant mood.

Weight-management expert Rick Kausman, author of If Not Dieting, Then What? says there is not a lack of knowledge about eating more fruit and vegetables, but rather a lack of awareness about eating without being hungry.

Think how many times you have stood in front of the fridge, just for something to do.

"It's amazing how much eating people do that they're not being mindful of. It's good to say to yourself, 'I can have it, but do I really feel like it?'

"Just saying that gives them a bit of a pause to think 'you know what, I was walking past the kitchen and I was going to put that in my mouth just because it was there'."

Source  http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/health/9652484/break-your-habits-with-expert-tips/

Stay Healthy and Safe during Summer Heat

Hot, humid weather is a hallmark of summer in Tennessee. Since it’s not always possible to stay out of the heat, the Department of Health is offering simple tips to help reduce your risk of seasonal illness during the hot summer months.

Temperatures that soar into the 90s and beyond raise the risk for heat-related illness. Heat-related illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash. Signs of heat-related illness include dizziness, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, rapid heart beat, nausea, headaches and cold/clammy skin.

“Heat-related illnesses can be deadly, and they sicken people and claim lives every year even though these problems are preventable,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “We urge Tennesseans to make smart choices about their exposure to extreme heat. Try to avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day, and be sure never to leave anyone unattended in a car.”

It’s important to take steps to protect the very young and the elderly, who are at greater risk for health problems caused by extreme heat. People with chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and lung disease are also at an increased risk of heat-related illnesses.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a few simple steps to avoid these preventable heat-related illnesses.

* Drink plenty of fluids. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. Remember to consume non-alcoholic, low-sugar drinks in hot weather.

* Replace salt and minerals. Heavy sweating can deplete your body’s salt and minerals. Non-alcoholic drinks, like sports drinks, can help you replenish these reserves.

* Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, as well as a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection. Wear SPF 15 or higher sunblock every day.

* Schedule outdoor activities carefully. Try to limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours with rest breaks in shady areas, if available. UV rays are strongest and do the most damage during midday hours.

* Pace yourself. If you are not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and increase effort gradually. If your heart is pounding or you are gasping for breath, stop the activity and rest in a cool, shady area.

* Stay cool indoors. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the mall or library to get cool. Cool showers or baths, and keeping your stove and oven off are other ways to cool down inside.

* Use the buddy system. Partner with a friend and watch each other for signs of heat-related illness. Senior citizens are more susceptible, so if you know someone over age 65, check on him or her over the phone twice a day.

Heat stroke is the most life-threatening heat-related illness. Each year, about 400 people nationwide die from heat stroke. Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature, which rises quickly without the ability to cool down. If emergency treatment is not provided, heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability. Symptoms include body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit; red, hot and dry skin without sweating; rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion and loss of consciousness.

Call for immediate medical help if you believe you are or another person is experiencing heat stroke. Do not give the victim any fluids to drink. While waiting on emergency assistance, get the victim to a shady area, cool him or her rapidly using cool water and monitor body temperature until it reaches 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

Source http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2011/05/31/stay-healthy-and-safe-during-summer-heat/