April 2010

Lots of Hidden Sugars Out There!

Recently, the American Heart Association came out with guidelines for sugar intake.    Women should limit their sugar intake to 25 grams per day and men to 37.5 grams/day.  This seems reasonable until you look at some of the “hidden” or “added” sugars and realize you can reach your daily limit at breakfast!  For example, bagels can have up to 10 grams of sugar and if you add certain peanut butters, that’s another 3 grams.    Granolas are notoriously high—that’s why they taste so good.  Some granolas  have 30 grams of sugar/cup.     Plain yogurt has about 12 grams of sugar but added flavoring can bring you up to  35 grams.

OSA Success in San Diego

The Oncofertility Saturday Academy (OSA) program model, developed at Northwestern University’s Institute for Women’s Health Research, is designed to prepare and inspire high school girls to become the next generation of women leaders in science and medicine.  The program model has been replicated and implemented at multiple sites across the nation, including San Diego and Portland.  The success of the OSA program model is dependent on the active involvement of high school science teachers.  The role of the science teacher in OSA is to support and guide the high school girls as they learn advance science and health concepts and apply their knowledge to hands-on laboratory and clinical activities.  OSA learning modules are delivered directly by scientists and clinicians working in the fields of reproductive sciences, cancer biology and oncofertility.

Will Better Health Insurance Coverage Reduce Obesity?

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality issued its 2009 National Healthcare Quality Report and National Healthcare Disparities Report on April 13.  The 2009 reports include a new section on lifestyle modifications because preventing or reducing obesity is a crucial national goal. The reports found:

Stand-Up for Women’s Health

In celebration of National Women’s Health Week, the Institute for Women’s Health Research at Northwestern University is hosting an evening of laughter, good cheer and networking.    It will be held on May 12, 2010 at 6 pm at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts and featuring well know Chicago comedienne Patti Vasquez.   To view an invitation, click here.