WSJ: For Hospitals, a Lot of Information Goes a Long Way

Unfortunately, now-a-days it is becoming pretty commonplace for hospitals to rush to develop ways to determine whether or not people will potentially develop diabetes, heart disease or other looming critical conditions. 

Interestingly enough, the true need for the development of complex algorithms which would pre-determine the patient's medical future is indeed on the rise. Such predictions would serve to learn more about the patient's behaviors, consumer and financial information for instance. In fact, upon further progress into learning how people live -- from personal interests to income levels -- much can be learned by doctors about how to intervene for patients and potentially assist patients to improve their medical outcomes. 

In fact, "So much of what determines a person's health and well-being is independent of medical care," says Rishi Sikka, senior vice president of clinical operations for a 12-hospital Advocate Health Care in Downers Grove, Ill.

There is even research to indicate that the confidence level of patient's to manage their own medical care can be a solid predictor of future health. It is so very important for patients in general to become more proactive when it comes to their health. To learn more about how a lot of information can go a long way when it comes to learning about patients and their health-care outcomes, go to the article here. 

The Genius of a Walk-and-Talk

Yesterday's Wall Street Journal published a very sound article on getting in a good workout while working at the same time! Yes, having a meeting with your boss or your work associate while walking and talking can not only be surprisingly productive, but also can become a healthy habit to keep.

Imagine starting a simple little habit of getting up 15 minutes earlier to stretch, meditate, review your presentation for work or whatever -- it is uniquely and justifiably "YOU" time. This begins to lay down the foundation of a good habit, which can and usually does have a domino effect of good stuff happening in your life if you simply keep up with it. Then, what if this becomes a healthy habit at work -- like walking and talking -- that is genius!

"If corporations were to adopt this ubiquitously, you just start to think of those health benefits adding up," says James Levine, co-director of obesity solutions at the Mayo Clinic and Arizona State University. "It's an amazingly simple thing and it costs nothing." If corporations adopted this great idea, imagine the savings for overall health care costs and employee satisfaction. What organization wouldn't want to save money and have happy productive employees too!

A study done earlier this year on adopting walking meetings shows significant promise as the more people engaged in this activity while at work were also less likely to be absent from work for health reasons.

Another previous study on walking showed that walking for as little as 15 minutes a day can amount to 3 years of life expectancy!

A few tips on beginning the walk-and-talk start with:

• Limiting the meeting to only 2-3 people
• Have a set time in mind -- like 30 minutes.
• No need to speed walk, but keep a comfortable pace.
• If walking with the boss, terrific; but, if walking with a co-worker, let your boss know it can and will be productive time.
• Lastly, did you know that walking burns an average of 56 calories as opposed to sitting at a laptop which burns only about 20 calories and standing 22 calories.

What could be better than a great "brainstorming session" that could not only benefit you, but your organization.

Good vs. Bad Carbohydrates

While I agree that eating carbs can be detrimental to keeping the weight off, it depends on what carbohydrates you are talking about. I've heard so many people talk about how they have lost weight by "just not eating carbs"! The thing is -- we need carbohydrates to keep our body functioning properly. In fact, carbohydrates are our body's preferred source of the energy we need NOW and are the ONLY source of energy for our red blood cells and brains!

To clarify, the "bad" carbs or "simple" carbs are the ones to most definitely avoid and here are some key reasons why:

• Simple carbs add little to no nutritional value to our bodies
• Simple carbs that contain lots of sugar and little to no fiber should definitely be avoided as they are also fattening.
• Yes, while fruits and veggies are made up of simple carbs they also contain fiber -- which our bodies need to slow down digestion and in fact act more like complex carbs.
• Simple carbs to avoid or minimize include soda, sugar, candy, white bread and white pasta and rice
• Pastries and many desserts

Complex Carbohydrates are the "good" carbohydrates to have and they include:

• Whole grains
• Green Vegetables
• Beans
• Lentils
• Peas

So, determine what kind of carbohydrate you eat before you "rule it out" altogether. Get familiar with the Glycemic Index too. The Glycemic Index ranks carbohydrates from one to 100 and it is based on their effect on blood sugar levels. If attempting to follow a low-carb diet, then become familiar with how to read the glycemic index and what it means to you. Here is a link for further information.