Cheers to…

PlateMate, a new app that uses social networking to help you count calories.  To use PlateMate you send in a picture of your meal, and five different people estimate things like portion size and calorie count.  A software program than averages together those approximations and sends you the feedback.  Though an imperfect application, PlateMate gives you a rough idea of the calories you’re taking in and could be a good tool for on-the-go.  Get more details about PlateMate here: well.blogs.nytimes.com

Relaxing, which may help you fight off a cold.  During periods of stress, the body releases stress hormones that prevent effective responses from the immune system.  Also, when you’re stress, you’re less likely to eat well and sleep enough, other factors that may increase your chance of catching a cold.  Read more about ways to fight off colds this season here: edition.cnn.com 

Jeers to…

Rocky Ford-brand cantaloupes, which spread listeria, resulting in the death of 29 people across the United States.  This outbreak is now the deadliest food-born illness in the US recorded by the Center for Disease Control.  Over 130 people have been affected in 28 different states.  Listeria is a bacteria that causes high fever, nausea and can be fatal.  Read more about the outbreak here: dailymail.co.uk

Modern helmets, which may not offer such great protection.  A recent study from the Cleveland Clinic suggests that the old leather football helmets often provide as much or better protection than modern helmets.  Some attribute these findings to the modern helmet’s intent to protect against skull fractures rather than concussions, and encourage an updated design.  Learn more about the study here: www.foxnews.com/health

By Laura Jungreis

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