Your Health: Stealthy tips for weight-loss

Skinny tipsStealthy weight loss advice from WedMD. com:bull; Time your meals. Set a timer for 20 minutes, then take your time eating to savor every bite to prevent overeating.bull; Sleep more. An extra hour of sleep a night, one researcher says, could drop 14 pounds in a year by curbing appetite and junk food.bull; Cut out soft drinks. One soda a day adds up to 15 pounds a year. Try zero-calorie seltzer water or unsweetened tea instead.bull; Have three servings of vegetables with dinner, not just one. Variety helps you eat less high-fat meat. Season with lemon juice and herbs, not fatty dressings.bull; Pull out a favorite dress or jeans that you can't quite fit in, and keep your eyes on the prize 'til you can wear it again.Avandia alertTwo recent studies found Avandia, which has been used by millions of diabetics to help control blood sugar, increases the risk of heart attack and death.But a third study concluded the medication might lower some cardiovascular risks.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an alert but left the GlaxoSmithKline drug on the market, and is reviewing its status.Medical authorities urged patients to consult their doctors about it, and questioned whether the FDA is reacting strongly enough to such findings.Doctor tantrumsTemper tantrums can happen in any workplace, but a survey by the American College of Physician Executives found they're the "dirty little secret" of health care.As the Institute for Healthcare Improvement discussed this week, a survey of doctors and nurses last year found the problem was pervasive, with 98 percent of respondents reporting behavior problems - 10 percent saying it happens weekly.Degrading comments and insults were the most frequent complaint. Yelling, cursing and inappropriate comments were also common.Other incidents included surgeons hurling surgical instruments and a doctor trying to stuff a nurse into a garbage can. One group of nurses banded together to get a doctor's privileges revoked.Health fairFamilies can swim and get child identification systems and free bicycle helmets at Centegra Health System's second annual Family Health fest.The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 17, at Centegra Health campus, at Algonquin and Haligus roads in Huntley.Walk over to Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center for an open swim in the outdoor pool from 2 to 4 p.m.The first 400 children get free bike helmets. Every family will receive a free backpack cooler and a free healthy lunch. There will also be a tour of the health center, helmet safety checks, rock wall and obstacle course, emergency vehicles, and free baseball tips from Players Choice Academy.Vascular screenings will be offered for $129, and athletes' sports physicals for $25 at various locations through July and August. For information, see centegra.org/healthfest or call (877) 236-8347.False12602000Temper tantrums can happen in any workplace, but a survey by the American College of Physician Executives found they're the "dirty little secret" of health care. False