Month: December 2011

New York City Baby’s Life Expectancy: Mayor Michael Bloomberg

December 28, 2011

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced yesterday that the life expectancy of a New York City baby born in 2009 has increased to 80.6 years. In 2000, the expectancy was 77.6, and today’s national rate is 78.2 years.

Mayor Bloomberg publicized the figures in a statement alongside Deputy Mayor Linda Gibbs and Health Commissioner Thomas Farley. During his statement, the mayor also cited New York’s health interventions, which include anti-smoking campaigns and strengthened testing and treatment for HIV.

He added that the life expectancy for New Yorkers in their forties has increased by two and a half years, to age 82, between years 2000 and 2009.

Allergies and Food Labels

December 26, 2011

Over the past two decades, the number of people with allergies has tripled in the U.S., and studies predict that at least a third of the country’s population will develop symptoms at least once in their lives.

Food labels are required to list food allergens in order to protect their customers. The Food and Drug Administration has listed the top 8 food allergens in the U.S., and they are required to be listed on all food labels in a simple manner. These allergens include:

  • Milk
  • Eggs
  • Peanuts
  • Tree Nuts
  • Fish
  • Shellfish
  • Soy
  • Wheat

Though recent studies have shown that allergy tests may not be one hundred percent accurate, they are offered in many clinics and can help identify a severe allergy. Some allergic reactions can be incredibly dangerous, so it is important to be careful if there is a risk present.

Police Officers and Sleep Disorders

December 21, 2011

A recent survey has revealed that 40% of police officers in the U.S. and Canada suffer from sleep disorders. These conditions have been linked to a variety of health issues, as well as safety and performance on the job. Most of these disorders are left undiagnosed and untreated.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHINZdSOy7I&w=420&h=315]

Child Obesity Rates Fall in NYC

December 19, 2011

The obesity rate in schools throughout New York has fallen 5.5% over the past five years, thanks to the city-instituted programs to encourage healthy eating habits and physical activity.

According to a study, the percentage of obese children from kindergarten through 8th grade dropped to 20.7% over this past school year. According to city officials, the drop is due to programs working to remove deep-fried foods and sugary drinks from cafeterias, adding low fat milk and salad bars to the menu, as well as to limit junk food-selling fundraisers.

“The tide of the obesity epidemic is beginning to ebb,” said New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Thomas Farley. “We see this as validation that our public health efforts to address the obesity epidemic are beginning to work.”

Santa Project Party and Auction Supports United Cerebral Palsy of New York City

December 14, 2011

Last Wednesday, Bier International hosted the Santa Project Party & Auction in support of United Cerebral Palsy of New York City. UCP of NYC is one of the most established non-profits in the US. It helps both children and adults with disabilities throughout the city, serving more than 14,000 individuals and family members.

UCP of NYC delivers programs and services all year round, and the proceeds from the Santa Project Party and Auction help to fund equipment requests, aid and even holiday gifts cards for children with disabilities in all of the non-profit’s programs.

The event’s silent auction featured numerous luxury goods and services up for bid, such as two nights at the SOHO Grand, several tickets to the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, fashion items, gift certificates for NYC restaurants and electronics. The guest list included both professionals and celebrity guests including Mike Woods, Isiah Whitlock, Jose Salvador, Richie Rich, Brian Keane, Josh Folan and many others.

 

New York Health Officials: AIDS Medication for HIV Residents

December 7, 2011

New York health officials have recommended that HIV positive residents be offered AIDS medication as soon as the virus is diagnosed. This immediate, aggressive response has proved to prolong life and reduce the spreading of the disease in the past.

Until recently, standard practice has called off the medication until the immune system weakens significantly, due to the steep expense. The pills can cost up $15,000 a year in the United States. Now, New York City Health Commissioner Thomas Farley has expressed his optimism as recent studies have shown the significant benefits of early treatment, together with education and testing, which suggest a promising strategy for battling the disease.

“I’m more optimistic now than I’ve ever been about this epidemic that we can drive our new rates down to zero or close to it- eventually. I don’t know how soon. But I’m very optimistic of the direction that it’s going to take the epidemic to,” Farley said.

Pilates Vs. Yoga

December 5, 2011

Both pilates and yoga are popular trends in New York and throughout the U.S. today. Since both methods are widespread, it can be hard to know which exercise really suits your lifestyle, mindset, body type and expectations. This video explains the essential difference between the two.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqIWZ9c0N2I&w=560&h=315]