Month: October 2014

If you have ever heard of omega-3 fatty acids, you are likely aware of its benefits as a healthy fat with a number of potential benefits for the body. Like other important substances, such as Vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids can not be produced by the body and are therefore an integral part of a wholesome diet. For this reason, most physicians recommend that patients consume fish, nuts and other omega-3-rich products, or fish oil supplements if their diet alone isn't sufficient. Patients who regularly eat this essential fat have been shown to lower their inflammation levels, reduce symptoms of ADHD, and promote a healthy heart. Now, researchers have revealed yet another reason to take your daily fish oil capsule or cook salmon for dinner: omega-3 fatty acid can have a significant and benefic...

A new report from the College Board reveals that the class of 2014's average SAT scores were virtually the same as those of the past five classes, indicating that -- yet again -- too few of this year's crop of seniors are ready for college. To describe the current iteration of the SAT results, the College Board's chief of assessment, Cyndie Schmeiser, said "Flat and stagnant would be the words that we would use." This year's high school seniors averaged 497 in reading, 513 in math, and 487 in writing, resulting in a composite score of 1497. The class of 2013 had an average of 496, 514 and 488, respectively, and a composite score of 1498. There was a single point difference between the two classes' composite scores. According to Jacqui Byrne, a partner at Ivy Ed in New Jersey, "The...

Actor Charlie Sheen is at the center of yet another controversy, as a Los Angeles dental technician has alleged that Sheen punched her chest and grabbed her bra in a dental visit gone wrong. On Oct. 3, Margarita Palestino filed a lawsuit for sexual battery in the wake of the alleged incident, which occurred Sept. 25. According to the complaint, Sheen ripped off his nitrous oxide mask, shouted “I’m going to f---ing kill you!” and pulled down on Palestino's bra strap in an attempt to expose her, causing her to break free and run from the room. Upon returning at the request of one of the dentists performing the procedure, George Bogen, she claims Sheen punched her in the chest. Palestino further alleges that Sheen’s personal assistant handed her $500, telling her, “This is for your trouble...

A new and extensive analysis of IRS data reveals what many people know to be true: the wealthiest Americans are donating a much smaller share of their income to charity than low and middle-income Americans give from theirs. The study, conducted by nonprofit news organization the Chronicle of Philanthropy, was released this week. The findings were based on tax returns of Americans who itemized their deductions, including charitable gifts, between the years of 2006 and 2012, and the report also gave rankings for states and metropolitan areas based on the ratio of contributions to adjusted gross income. According to the report, Americans who earned $200,000 or more gave an average of 4.6% less of their income between 2006 and 2012. However, those who earned less than $100,000 increased thei...

According to a new government-sponsored panel of healthcare experts, several large clinical trials have produced enough evidence to support the statement that primary care physicians should screen all of their patients over the age of 45 for diabetes. These clinical trials have provided enough evidence, the panel states, to show that an early diagnosis of high blood sugar levels gives physicians time to work with their patients on lowering blood sugar levels, and ultimately reduces the risk of becoming diabetic and/or developing heart disease later on. As explained by Boston Globe reporter Deborah Katz, these "moderately elevated" blood sugar levels are called "prediabetes," and patients who altered their diet and exercise regimen had a 47% reduced risk of developing diabetes in the next ...