My Favorite New Energy Bar

Ah....the energy bar. Just hearing the words conjures up a mental "taste" of something not so tasty. Strange flavors and consistencies abound in the "nutrition bar" family of supplements. But a few products have crossed over into something that actually tastes good as well as being good for you.

The latest entry into this column is Balance Bar's new High Protein Almond Brownie Balance Bar.

Unlike competing bars, it has a sweet, chocolately bite with a nutty aftertaste. And it doesn't taste like chemicals or preservatives, while packing in an impressive 14 grams of protein and only 6 grams of fat.

If you're looking for a tasty alternative to those other energy bars, give it a try.

(Props to client and ultimate tipster Mark Joseph for the most excellent recommendation).

The Almond Brownie Balance Bar 14g Protein, 22g Carbs, 6g Fat, $1.60US.

Bird Flu Vaccine Shows Promise In Early Trial

The first results from early trials of a vaccine for bird flu are promising, according to the vaccine's maker, Baxter International.

Easy ways to protect yourself from bird flu.

Early data suggests that the Baxter H5N1 vaccine induces antibodies that neutralize "widely divergent strains" of the virus, says Noel Barrett, vice president of Baxter's vaccine division.

During the clinical trial of the Baxter vaccine, 270 healthy adults received inoculations. Some of these had similar side effects as those receiving a regular seasonal influenza vaccination.

The preliminary study, which will now be confirmed by a larger sample of test participants, also seemed to indicate that the avian flu vaccine was also capable of neutralizing not only the "pandemic" virus in the vaccine but also many other strains of the H5N1 virus.

The next phase of clinical trials will begin early in 2007, with final results due at the end of next year.

Study: Overeating "Like Drug Addiction"

A new study published in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, purports that for obese people, overeating is akin to drug addiction.

The study, conducted by a U.S. team on seven obese people, revealed the parts of the brain which controls hunger. The research demonstrates that the regions of the brain that controls feelings of saiety are the same as those in drug addicts who crave drugs.

Speaking to the BBC, lead researcher Dr. Gene Jack Wang said: "As soon as we saw these scans, immediately it reminded me of what we had studied in drug abuse when people were under a craving situation--the same areas in the brain lit up."

While the study was small, Wang maintains that it will help doctors and health care professionals understand the challenges of obese people everywhere, as well as give insights into possible treatments for obesity.

What to Do If You Catch The Flu

Hey Sam. I just saw your post about preventing flu symptoms. But what do you do if you actually catch the flu? Should you continue to exercise or is that a bad idea? Guidance, please! Thanks, Mark

Hey Mark. You should not exercise if you exhibit any upper respitory symptoms of the flu. The CDC also recommends that you stay away from other folks who you might spread the virus to.

If you do come down with the flu, the CDC recommends that you get plenty of rest and drink lots of liquids. You should also avoid alcohol and tobacco.

How Not to Get the Flu

Flu season is upon us. The single best way to avoid getting the flu is to get vaccinated each fall. By getting a vaccination, you also help others by not spreading the flu virus.

Make these other simple tips a part of your daily routine:

*Clean your hands often.

*Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as much as possible.

*Stay away from people who are sick.

*Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

*Get regular exercise, enough rest and eat healthy balanced meals.

*Stay home when you are sick. (If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness).

If you are HIV positive or have an impaired immune system, you should not receive the live attenuated flu vaccine (LAIV, sold commercially as FluMist).
Persons with HIV/AIDS and persons with other medical conditions are not recommended to receive the live influenza vaccine. LAIV contains a weakened form of the live influenza virus. LAIV is approved for use only among healthy persons between the ages of 5 and 49 years.