I’m Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV making news this week
How acupuncture may ease the side effects of a common breast cancer treatment
Why women may be able to fend off the flu better than men.
And focusing on overall health and not weight alone in 2014.
First up, acupuncture may help breast cancer patients battling side effects from a class of drugs commonly used in treatment.
Researchers recruited 47 patients taking anticancer drugs called aromatase inhibitors who had joint pain, muscle soreness and hot flashes.
Half underwent eight weekly acupuncture sessions, and the other half had fake or sham acupuncture.
The results: both groups reported fewer symptoms and the benefits were about the same for real and sham acupuncture.
The researchers say further study is needed to determine whether fake acupuncture may produce physiological effects similar to real acupuncture.
Next up: why the flu shot may protect women more than men
Researchers measured immune responses in 87 people after they got their seasonal flu vaccine.
The women produced a higher immune response to the vaccine.
The researchers say the gender difference may be due to a set of genes that may be regulated by testosterone. Men with the highest testosterone levels had the weakest antibody responses to the flu vaccine.
Finally, this weekend before we ring in the new year. making overall health, and not just your weight, the reason to make a 2014 resolution.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says adopting a healthier and more active lifestyle should be a family affair done in small steps.
Start by planning and preparing meals together. Make sure to include nutrient-rich foods.
Eat breakfast daily and make family dinners a priority.
At each meal, fill half your plate with fruits and veggies, chose whole grains as often as possible and remember, says the Academy kids shouldn’t count calories.
Finally, get moving! There are lots of fun physical activities you can do together.
I’m Dr. Cindy Haines with health information for your entire family.
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