Sensei introduced the next generation platform of its award-winning approach to health and weight management, Sensei for Weight Loss. The highly anticipated release includes new features such as a budget-friendly version of its popular meal planner, as well as a “Favorites” tab. The program is also now available in the App store for iPhone and iTouch users.

Proving that eating healthful foods on a budget is not an oxymoron, Sensei dieticians and nutritionists added these options to provide the planning and advice necessary to eat well and save money. The new budget-friendly version automatically creates weekly menus customized to suit individual preferences and optimized to reduce food bills. The “Favorites” tab enables users to flag their favorite ingredients or meals, as well as weekly sale items at their local grocer, and have them incorporated into their weekly meal plans.

Current subscribers to Sensei, a program that transforms a consumer’s mobile phone and desktop into their own “personal digital coach” (PDC), will notice a newly enhanced Web site that is richer in functionality and easier to navigate. The new program will be priced at $15/month for Web-only access, and $20/month for mobile and Web access, which is comparatively cheaper than most weight-loss programs currently on the market.

“Consumers are under the impression that in order to achieve a healthier lifestyle, specifically to eat more healthful and nutritious meals, they have to spend more money. Sensei for Weight Loss proves that this simply is not the case,” said Dr. Robert Schwarzberg, a respected cardiologist and Sensei chief executive officer.

Schwarzberg notes that Sensei is dramatically different from other weight-loss programs on the market and the first to offer a budget-friendly option as another way to engage consumers in learning to live a healthier lifestyle, leading to long-term weight loss. With the new budget-friendly plan, consumers receive the same number of calories as Sensei’s normal meal plan, but with a potential monthly savings of nearly $100. One Sensei user, Michelle, reports a monthly saving of $200 for her two-person household. “With the cost of food skyrocketing, Sensei is an ideal solution – both from a nutritional and financial standpoint,” said Schwarzberg. He notes that Sensei is also ideal for the growing number of Do-It-Yourself dieters, who prefer meal flexibility to the rigid structure and financial commitment required by other commercial weight-loss programs.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaims January 2009 as “California Dried Plum Digestive Health Month.”  In honor of the proclamation, the CDPB plans to educate the general public about the health benefits of California Dried Plums and raise awareness about achieving and maintaining good digestive health, so Americans may improve their overall health and well-being.

“Dried plums are a great source of vital nutrients and contribute to a healthy digestive system,” said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. “Additionally, dried plums are important to our state’s agricultural process. Ninety-nine percent of dried plums from the United States are grown in California, and we produce over half of the world’s supply.”

“I consider dried plums a superfruit because of their unique health benefits and also because they’re super-affordable, delicious and fit easily into a busy lifestyle,” says Dave Grotto, RD, LDN, author of “101 Foods That Could Save Your Life.”

California Dried Plums are the number one superfruit for digestive health due to their unique combination of nutrients including soluble and insoluble fiber. California Dried Plums also provide micronutrients involved in bone metabolism, including potassium, vitamin K and boron. In addition, this nutrient-dense dried fruit is high in plant substances called polyphenols, which are strong antioxidants that may protect DNA against damage, decrease inflammation and prevent cancer.

Dried plums, often touted for their digestive health benefits, are emerging as a heart-healthy addition to any diet. An animal study published in the British Journal of Nutrition this month suggests that eating dried plums slows the development of atherosclerosis. Although there are numerous studies of the effects of fruit and vegetables on serum cholesterol, few exist on the reduction of atherosclerosis.

“This study breaks new ground by showing a significant reduction in the development of a major inflammatory disease,” says lead researcher Dan Gallaher, Ph.D, who is professor of nutrition in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. “It also strengthens the notion of eating fruit, in particular dried plums, as a preventive measure against heart disease.”

“The California Dried Plum Board is committed to expanding knowledge of California agriculture and building recognition of California Dried Plums as a convenient and nutritious snack as well as a versatile cooking ingredient,” said Rich Peterson, executive director of the California Dried Plum Board. “Our growers and packers are proud to serve a vital role in California agriculture and feel strongly about educating consumers of the nutritional benefits of dried plums.”

About one in five U.S. residents — 19 percent — reported some level of disability in 2005, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report released today. These 54.4 million Americans are roughly equal to the combined total populations of California and Florida.

Both the number and percentage of people with disabilities were higher than in 2002, the last time the Census Bureau collected such information. At that time, 51.2 million, or 18 percent, reported a disability.

Among those with a disability, 35 million, or 12 percent of the population, were classified as having a severe disability, according to Americans With Disabilities: 2005.

Nearly half (46 percent) of people age 21 to 64 with a disability were employed, compared with 84 percent of people in this age group without a disability. Among those with disabilities, 31 percent with severe disabilities and 75 percent with nonsevere disabilities were employed. People with difficulty hearing were more likely to be employed than those with difficulty seeing (59 percent compared with 41 percent).

A portion of people with disabilities — 11 million age 6 and older — needed personal assistance with everyday activities. These activities include such tasks as getting around inside the home, taking a bath or shower, preparing meals and performing light housework.

Other important findings:

• Among people 15 and older, 7.8 million (3 percent) had difficulty hearing a normal conversation, including 1 million being unable to hear at all. Although not part of the definition of disability used in the report, 4.3 million people reported using a hearing aid.
• Roughly 3.3 million people, or 1 percent, age 15 and older used a wheelchair or similar device, with 10.2 million, or 4 percent, using a cane, crutches or walker.
• Nearly 7.8 million people age 15 and older had difficulty seeing words or letters in ordinary newspaper print, including 1.8 million being completely unable to see.
• More than 16 million people had difficulty with cognitive, mental or emotional functioning. This included 8.4 million with one or more problems that interfere with daily activities, such as frequently being depressed or anxious, trouble getting along with others, trouble concentrating and trouble coping with stress.
• The chances of having a disability increase with age: 18.1 million people 65 and older, or 52 percent, had a disability. Of this number, 12.9 million, or 37 percent, had a severe disability. For people 80 and older, the disability rate was 71 percent, with 56 percent having a severe disability.
• Among people 16 to 64, 13.3 million, or 7 percent, reported difficulty finding a job or remaining employed because of a health-related condition.
• Among people 25 to 64 with a severe disability, 27 percent were in poverty, compared with 12 percent for people with a nonsevere disability and 9 percent for those without a disability.
• Median monthly earnings were $1,458 for people with a severe disability, $2,250 for people with a nonsevere disability and $2,539 for those with no disability.
• Parents reported that 228,000 children under age 3, or 2 percent, had a disability. Specifically, they either had a developmental delay or difficulty moving their arms or legs. In addition, there were 475,000 children 3 to 5 years, or 4 percent, with a disability, which meant they had either a developmental delay or difficulty walking, running or playing.
• There were 4.7 million children 6 to 14, or 13 percent, with a disability. The most prevalent type was difficulty doing regular schoolwork (2.5 million, or 7 percent).

In the midst of the national economic downturn, the food industry is ravenous for cost-effective ingredients. Even routine ingredients, like cooking oil, are being scrutinized. Cottonseed oil, a naturally stable and trans fat free plant oil, is one product that industry insiders are recommending.

“Cottonseed oil can be extremely cost-effective when you factor in extended shelf- and fry life,” says Ben Morgan, executive vice president, National Cottonseed Products Association, Cordova, Tenn.

“While companies are looking to short-term compromises, such as serving smaller portions or substituting flank steak for filet mignon, one thing that shouldn’t be compromised is the quality of cooking oil,” he says. “Premium-quality cottonseed oil offers a built-in stability and resistance to flavor reversion that pays off in less oil turnover and longer shelf life.”

According to Dr. Monoj K. Gupta, owner of MG Edible Oil Consulting International, an edible oil consultancy for the oil manufacturing and salty snack food industries, the increased fry life offered by cottonseed oil can easily counter the initial higher price of the oil.

“In restaurant frying, cottonseed oil may last 10 to 15 percent longer, offering some financial benefit to the restaurant owner,” he says.

Cottonseed oil is trans-free because it does not contain linolenic acid and does not have to be hydrogenated. Higher saturation and levels of gamma and delta tocopherols make it more stable.

Cottonseed oil’s stability also pays off in extended shelf life for packaged foods, like potato chips, Gupta says. “It is shelf-stable at the end of the code date, so chips maintain their good flavor.

Sans the trans, but at what cost?

Over the past two years, the food industry has been rightly focused on removing harmful trans fats, created when oils are partially hydrogenated for more stability and performance.

“In the quest to remove trans fats, however, some restaurants and manufacturers are now discovering that their oil replacement is lacking the performance and flavor they desire,” Gupta says.

Under extended frying circumstances, many oils will break down, negatively impacting the food’s finished flavor. Cottonseed oil’s inherent stability makes it one of the few oils that can promise both zero trans and nearly zero flavor reversion. Cottonseed oil is well known for its desirable neutral flavor.

Sleep disorders are one of the most significant medical problems individuals can have. An estimated 15 million Americans have obstructive sleep apnea and many individuals have other sleep disorders as well.  Sleep apnea is the most serious sleep disorder but other sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and insomnia are also significant medical problems.

Sleep apnea can lead to other medical problems including cardiac disease, hypertension, stroke, as well as lifestyle complications including drowsy driving, occupational accidents, and impaired sexual performance.

Typically, individuals with suspected sleep disorders must have an overnight sleep study in a hospital or outpatient sleep center. While having a facility-based sleep study is an effective way to diagnose and treat sleep disorders, this is not a good option for many patients.

Individuals who have mobility problems, pediatric patients, elderly patients, and individuals who are uncomfortable with medical environments are all candidates for home sleep testing.

Facility-based sleep centers have difficulty performing sleep studies on these types of patients and as a result, many individuals with sleep disorders are undiagnosed and untreated.

On December 1, 2008, Central Sleep Diagnostics in Northbrook, IL, began providing home-based sleep testing in order to meet the needs of these and other patients.

Central Sleep Diagnostics has the capacity to perform 40 sleep studies per night and has plans to expand to other states as well due to the increasing demand for sleep testing.

Current technology allows for home sleep testing to be at an equal-to or in many cases higher quality level of sleep testing than what occurs in a facility-based procedure. Patients having home sleep studies are monitored in the same way as facility-based studies and patients also have the ability to communicate at any moment with a sleep technician who is monitoring their sleep study from a remote location.

It’s that time of year again. Everyone is vowing to strive for a healthier life in the coming year, after indulging during the holidays. People typically have well-meaning aspirations when it comes to setting their New Year’s resolutions. Actually sticking to those resolutions can be a bit more difficult. The personal health coaches at Gordian Health Solutions, who help individuals choose healthier behaviors every day of the year, want to share some of their expert tips for keeping 10 common New Year’s resolutions.

• “Start Working Out.” Make the action steps of your resolution more specific, like “I will walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes, three to four times a week” or “I will wear a pedometer to work, park farther from the door and take the stairs instead of the elevator to get in more steps per day.”
• “Lose Weight.” Make your goal more achievable and timely, like “I will lose 5 pounds by the end of the month.” Then come up with action steps involving nutritional changes, exercise, etc.
• “Eat Better.” Change your thinking from “I’m going on a diet” to “I’m making lifestyle changes to improve my eating habits.” Consider keeping a food journal to find specific areas you can change. Specific action steps to take might include “I will limit eating sweets to twice per week” or “I will reduce my consumption of fast food from three times per week to once per week” or “I will increase my servings of fruits and vegetables to five per day.”
• “Quit Smoking.” Set a realistic quit date. Make sure you are not setting yourself up for failure by trying to quit during an especially stressful time. If you’re a heavy smoker, talk to your doctor and consider using nicotine replacement therapy such as nicotine patches, gum or medications. Clear your home of all smoking-related paraphernalia (cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays, etc.). Set action steps to reduce your tobacco intake slowly, like “I will cut back by one cigarette per day over the next week.” Also think about a plan to deal with cravings and challenging situations.
• “Reduce Stress.” Identify and write down your stressors. Identify positive steps you can take when feeling stressed and what sources of support you have. A realistic action step might be something like “During times of stress, I will practice deep breathing techniques, write in a journal or go for a walk to clear my head.”
• “Give Up Fast Food.” It is not always possible for some people to give up all fast food, so begin by familiarizing yourself with the healthier options on fast food menus. Try using restaurants’ websites to look up nutrition information, or pick up nutrition pamphlets inside restaurants. Work toward planning ahead and packing nutritious meals to take with you. Set a specific, achievable action step like “I will eat at fast food restaurants no more than once a week.”
• “Stop Drinking Soda.” It may not be realistic to cut out all soda from your diet at once. Think about ways to decrease the amount of soda you are drinking. For example, try mixing diet soda into regular to cut the calories, or try substitutions like flavored water, unsweetened tea or green tea. An example of a measurable action step to set might be “I will decrease the number of sodas I drink from one per day to two per week.”
• “Drink More Water.” Ask yourself how you can increase your water intake. Set realistic, specific steps you can take, like “I will get a refillable water bottle to carry with me” or “I will replace calorie-laden beverages with water or flavored water.”
• “Get More Sleep.” Think about ways you can reach this goal. An example of an action step might be “I will go to bed 30 minutes earlier than usual and avoid caffeine late in the day.” Set a specific bedtime, and stick to a consistent schedule to get your body adjusted. Families with children can especially benefit from having a consistent routine for getting to bed at the same time each night.
• “Cut Back on Alcohol.” Quantify how much alcohol you are drinking now. Decide what might be a realistic amount to cut back to. For example, if you typically go out on the weekend and drink six or eight beers, limiting yourself to two beers might be your goal. If needed, devise a step-by-step plan with action steps like “I will remove alcohol from the home” or “I will avoid situations where alcohol will be served.” Identify supportive people (or join a support group) that can help you keep your resolution.

Pay attention when a family member complains of stomach pains and fatigue during the annual holiday get-together. He may be suffering from more than indigestion.

“Heart attacks occur twice as frequently during winter months, and peak during the holidays. That’s true even in our relatively mild climate,” says Dr. Chad Rammohan, medical director of the Chest Pain Center at El Camino Hospital.

According to a 15-year study that looked at non-governmental hospital admissions in three California regions for cardiovascular diseases and stroke, even relatively small drops in temperature correlated with more admissions for acute myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, congestive heart failure, and stroke in the three metro areas. Similar patterns have been found in studies conducted in Europe and Asia.

In the California study, the most pronounced correlation was found in the San Francisco region.

“Several factors may have contributed to differences in the associations across the different California regions,” said study co-author, Kristine L. Ebi, PhD. “One possible reason may be that fewer Bay Area residents have homes that are consistently temperature-controlled than those in Los Angeles or Sacramento. A corollary is that fewer San Francisco residents may turn on furnaces or air conditioners when temperatures suddenly change within a season. Less residential temperature control might mean that San Francisco residents experience health consequences associated with temperature.”

As an example, Ebi says, England has one of the highest seasonal swings in heart cardiovascular events, while much colder Finland has a substantially smaller swing. “It seems counter-intuitive, but it’s probably due to the fact that Finland is well-prepared for the cold, while England has notoriously drafty homes with poor heating systems.”

A number of studies also have shown that mortality is higher in regions with warmer winters–where more middle-aged and elderly adults have failed to wear protective clothing in cold weather, compared to those in colder countries. “This suggests that protective measures against temperature changes may be of more value than people realize,” says Ebi.

Dr. Rammohan agrees, but adds, “While temperature most likely plays a role, we think the increased risk may be due to a combination of several factors, all of which should be taken into consideration.”

Dr. Ramtin Agah, a cardiovascular disease specialist at El Camino Hospital, suggests that there are several ways local residents can reduce their risk:

• Stay warm: The body’s automatic response to cold is to reduce blood flow by narrowing vessels. (This conserves body heat.) Individuals whose arteries may already be clogged with plaque have a much higher risk that a vessel will become blocked–and cause a heart attack. “Staying warm during cold spells is important to avoid higher blood pressure and clogged arteries,” says Dr. Agah.

• Take vitamins–especially Vitamin D: Not only do shorter days correlate with increased depression, but they may have a more direct effect. “Research shows that heart attack patients have decreased levels of vitamin D (derived from sunlight) compared to healthy people,” Dr. Agah says.

• Don’t over-exert: Indoors or outdoors, exercise can be “too much of a good thing” during the winter months. “Whether it’s skiing or shoveling snow at Tahoe or doing heavy lifting in your garden, exertion combined with cold weather means elevated blood pressure–and soaring heart attack risks,” says Agah. “If outdoor exertion is a must, bundle up and rest frequently. And, think twice about hitting those ski slopes if you’re out of shape, especially if you have been diagnosed with heart disease or a prior heart attack.”

Dr. Agah also cautions against those well-intentioned New Year’s resolutions that attempt to reverse years of sedentary lifestyle in a few weeks. “If you’re overweight, out of shape, have high cholesterol and blood pressure, or haven’t exercised in years, first check with your doctor before hitting the gym. And if you get the go-ahead, remember that by far the most benefits from exercise are realized by those going from being sedentary to just moderate exercise.”

• Step away from the buffet: The average weight gain during the holidays is only about a pound, but already-overweight people tend to gain substantially more–about 5 lbs–which can raise their already-higher risk profile. (And even a little holiday weight gain tends to stay with you for life.) “High cholesterol foods, sugary desserts and alcohol–none of them are good for heart health,” Dr. Agah says.

• Don’t let your stress get out of hand: Whether the holidays make you happy or sad, they’re likely to bring increased anxiety due to time and financial pressures. “While the stereotype of holiday misery is overblown, it’s important for anyone feeling especially anxious or depressed to reach out for help,” Dr. Agah says. “Depression and anxiety correlate with increased heart risk. If your loved one is suffering from depression, make sure they get help quickly.”

• Get vaccinated: When flu cases increase, so do heart attacks. In fact, experts estimate that an annual flu shot can cut some individuals’ risk of heart attack in half. “Any kind of infection can raise blood pressure and white blood cell count, and when breathing is compromised by a cold or flu, it puts added pressure on the heart,” said Dr. Agah. “Anything you can do to reduce your risk of colds and flu is good news for your heart.”

Staying fit and eating healthy during the holidays is no easy chore for us. And it’s no different for youngsters who become less active and eat more treats during their holiday break.

My Gym Vice President and Fitness Expert Monique Vranesh says the key to keeping local children active is a matter of working physical activity into their daily chores and routines:

1. Take a walk. Even small increments of activity add up over the course of a week.

2. Yard work and cleaning the house can be fun for you and your kids. For example, wash or put away the dishes, fold laundry, sweep or vacuum the house and even use the mop.

3. Go to the park, walk the dog and play with him, and play catch or plan trips with family and friends that involve activities such as biking, paddle-boating, hiking, swimming, skiing – or even just walking to a museum.

4. Walk while you shop. It’s gift-giving season, so when you’re at the mall, make sure your child is walking everywhere; eliminate the stroller if your child is old enough to walk.

5. Play with your child. Most kids are on holiday break so take them outside to a playground or in your backyard where they can get active. Build a sand castle or a snowman.

6. Exercise with your kids. Studies have proven that if your children see you keeping fit, they’ll want to do the same.

7. It’s cold outside, so build a fire and make it a family activity by having the kids stack or carry in wood.

8. Marketing and cooking is a must during the holidays. Have kids help carry the groceries, from the car to the house. While you’re cooking, ask your kids to get involved.

9. Holidays are a happy time so take advantage and laugh a lot – it burns calories and builds stomach muscles!

10. Eat smart. Let your child help in making meals while teaching him or her about healthy eating.

ForeSee Results today announced that in a broad benchmark measuring aggregate customer satisfaction with many different kinds of healthcare websites, hospital websites vastly outperform the websites of health insurance companies. On the ForeSee Results benchmark’s 100-point scale, hospital websites received an aggregate score of 74 and health insurance websites received an aggregate score of 65. For context, average online customer satisfaction across industries is 71.

ForeSee Results’ healthcare benchmark is composed of satisfaction scores for browsers on more than 25 different kinds of healthcare websites like Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas and Florida, Medline Plus, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, MetLife, Northwest Memorial Hospital, University of Virginia Health Systems, various websites associated with the National Institutes of Health, and others.

“Interestingly enough, the health insurance industry has been quicker to understand and attempt to harness the power of the online channel for communicating with potential and current customers than have hospital systems, yet their scores indicate that many haven’t quite succeeded,” said Larry Freed, president and CEO of ForeSee Results. “Part of that is because it may be more difficult to meet the expectations of a browser on an insurance website who may be looking for complex information. That just makes it all the more important that healthcare websites know exactly who their audiences are and what will satisfy them the most. And of course many health insurance websites are doing a fine job online, which could be a powerful differentiator during a tough economy.”

ForeSee Results applies the methodology of the University of Michigan’s American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to help organizations understand how improvements to specific aspects of the online experience, such as navigation and site performance, will positively affect overall satisfaction, likelihood to do business with the organization, and loyalty. Inside knowledge into customers’ and site browsers’ likely future behaviors empowers organizations to prioritize site enhancements and allocate resources efficiently.

Perhaps the most dramatic proof that healthcare websites can and should be focusing on customer satisfaction in a down economy comes from benchmark statistics about future behaviors. When compared to less satisfied visitors, highly satisfied visitors to a healthcare website are:

• 66% more likely to return to the website
• 92% more likely to recommend the website
• 112% more likely to use the website as a primary channel of interaction with the company.

The editors of Men’s Health and Women’s Health magazines have revealed the first-ever ranking of America’s Best & Worst Cities for Women and the eighth annual ranking of America’s Best & Worst Cities for Men. The lists appeared in the January/February editions of both magazines.

Topping the healthiest cities list for women is Salt Lake City, Utah while Madison, Wisconsin took the top spot for the men’s list. The worst cities for women and men are Bakersfield, California and Charleston, West Virginia, respectively.

The magazines’ editors tallied 38 different factors to determine the rankings, including cancer rates, air quality and number of gym memberships. The analysis took into consideration 100 of America’s largest cities (from all 50 states) and focused on the overall health, fitness and quality of life for their residents. The comprehensive report focuses specifically on major cities, not their suburbs, and utilizes data from sources such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Census Bureau, the FBI and the U.S. Department of Labor.

Seven cities overlap with high rankings on healthy living for both men and women (in the top ten spots): Aurora, Colorado; Madison, Wisconsin; Minneapolis, Minnesota; San Francisco and San Jose, California; Salt Lake City, Utah and Seattle, Washington. The bottom ten spots on both lists include Bakersfield, California; Birmingham, Alabama; Charleston, West Virginia; Detroit, Michigan; Memphis, Tennessee; St. Louis, Missouri and St. Petersburg, Florida.

The top ten best and worst cities for each gender are featured in the print editions of Men’s Health and Women’s Health magazines. A complete ranking of all 100 cities can be found on WomensHealthmag.com and MensHealth.com.

Featured in the January/February edition of Men’s Health Magazine:

Ten Best Cities For Men

1. Madison, WI

2. St. Paul, MN

3. Salt Lake City, UT

4. Seattle, WA

5. Aurora, CO

6. San Jose, CA

7. Lincoln, NE

8. San Francisco, CA

9. Boston, MA

10. Minneapolis, MN

The 10 Worst Cities For Men

91. Detroit, MI

92. Jacksonville, FL

93. Riverside, CA

94. Bakersfield, CA

95. Memphis, TN

96. Birmingham, AL

97. St. Petersburg, FL

98. Las Vegas, NV

99. St. Louis, MO

100. Charleston, WV