Healthbeat by Deirdre Cox Baker

The virtual atmosphere is full of rumors, hints, claims, etc., about health care reform. There’s way too many to mention, but it appears that scare tactics about reform are alive, again, in the political debate.

We lately heard about a reform plan which would, supposedly, mandate euthanasia counseling for those on Social Security who would then be encouraged to seek end-of-life options. Right after that the e-mail, the author mailed out a “mea culpa” note, to admit it provided false information.

No such mandate exists. One person quickly e-mailed the myth to many, spreading an alarm without truth.

If you want to check out rumors on the Internet, try this Web site and type in “health care reform.” There are 84 topics currently addressed, including the original claim. It’s a great way to sort out fact from fiction.

Responsible folks in the media, and in the virtual atmosphere, are working to debunk the scare tactics, but such tactics, arguably, may now be making a difference on the national scene. Polls show Americans have a growing unease about reform.

“President Obama’s ability to shape the debate on health care appears to be eroding as opponents aggressively portray his overhaul plan as a government takeover that could limit Americans’ ability to choose their doctors and course of treatment, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll,” reads a story on today’s New York Times Web site.

Are you nervous about health care reform? Concerned there may be a public option to health insurance? Concerned there won’t be? All comments are welcome.

I just finished eating a complete bag of potato chips and decided a blog of this type would be just the ticket. I received some information that discusses how food ingested can affect moods, with basic information from the American Dietetic Association.

In the mood department right now, I’m feeling guilty.

Food has an effect on bodies from calming, to cheering, to feelings of depression (remember the chips). Candy provides a short-term boost, then a crash. (I’m going to eat chocoate yet this afternoon).

Some tips to keep in mind:
1. Eat complex carbohydrates when stressed. These are not potato chips, but fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, brown rice and lentils.

2. Reduce or limit the amount of refined and processed foods consumed. This includes potato chips. Others: Crackers, bagels, white breads and pastas, white rice, soda, fruit juice and candy. These foods mess with your blood sugar level and might lead to unfavorable mood changes.

3. Include some form of protein with each meal or snack, such as low-fat yogurt, fish including salmon, mackeral and sardines, other seafood, tofu and eggs.

4. Get enough Omega-3’s in your diet, from walnuts, fish and ground flaxseed. Nutrients that improve mood are folate and vitamin B-12, which can be found in whole grain cereals, wheat germ, broccoli, lentils and oatmeal, as well as shellfish, fortified soy milk and tofu.

5. Vitamin D also affects mood. This can be found in fortified milk, supplements, or from 10-15 minutes of sunshine (without lotion protection). Vitamin D is absorbed by human skin when no barrier is present, but not everyone can tolerate sunshine without protection.

6. Reductions in caffeine use, especially near bedtime.

7. Other ways to improve mood: regular exercise, sunlight and relaxation.