Estrogen Has Protective 'Brain Effect'

U.S. researchers and Chinese researchers say rat studies show losing estrogen can lead to diminished brain function.

The study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, found areas of the brain -- such as CA3 -- that tend to be stroke resistant and important in learning and memory, became vulnerable to stroke in rats that went without estrogen for long periods. It appears estrogen helps suppress free radical production that can become deadly to cells at higher levels.

"Estrogen must be doing something that is very critical for the protection of CA3 and we think it's suppressing NADPH oxidase production," Dr. Darrell W. Brann, chief of Medical College of Georgia who was the study's corresponding author, said in a statement.

Embarrassing Question: Have You Ever Forgotten to Take a Tampon Out?

Don't ask how a conversation with friends veered into the territory of tampons (cringe), but out of the group of women I was chatting with recently, several admitted to a tampon oops, which, as you know, can result in a frightening health issue that we all know as Toxic Shock Syndrome. Have you ever had a tampon oops?

I was curious, after reading a post over on MomLogic about the facts about Toxic Shock Syndrome (or TSS), which, as you know, has been linked to incidents of tampons being left in place too long. Let's have a little refresher, shall we?

"TSS is essentially an infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus--or staph--bacteria," the MomLogic bloggers write. "Symptoms include high fever and confusion, which then can rapidly progress to coma and eventually organ shutdown and even death. It also shows up as a rash, similar to a sunburn, and can be anywhere on the body, including the feet, lips, mouth, eyes, and hands."

Educators Tout the Benefits of Eating More Seafood

Just like the old joke, everyone's tried the "See-food Diet": you see food, and you eat it. But is there enough actual seafood on your family's plates?

Experts at the University of Idaho took a look at the data, in Idaho and across the nation, and they say no. On average, Americans eat just one serving of seafood a week, while nutritionists recommend at least two.

"It's culture; we're just not a seafood-eating nation," said Gary Fornshell, multi-county aquaculture educator for the university.

With Extension Educator Rhea Lanting, Fornshell has put together a four-part class to address misconceptions, fear of cooking seafood, health benefits and risks, and fundamentally what seafood is. The class is now available as a curriculum for nutrition educators, as well as being offered to the public.

Do You Need a Vacay From Your Diet?

Think of a world without sleep, without lunch breaks, without vacation days. Scary, huh? The fact is--we need to rest and recharge. Life depends on it. And, some say that if you're not giving yourself an occasional rest from your diet and fitness goals, you might be doing yourself a disservice. More after the jump ...

According to the writers over at the Diet Blog, taking a day off from dieting once per week can have many positive benefits, including this one: "If you let yourself eat whatever you like once a week, you won't end up feeling deprived," they write. "It's much easier to resist that slab of cake when you know you can have one in a couple of days' time."

Do You Live In One Of The Fast-Foodiest Cities In America?

As a general rule, I'm not much for fast food (except for on a road trip, where the occasional bag o' fries can feel like it has its own tiny place. You know, kind of like car sickness and Dramamine--would it be a road trip without either?). Forget the fat-sugar-salt-calorie overload of fast food--I'm an energy black hole afterward. But, should I ever need a fix, my city is apparently the 31st "fast food capital" in the country, according to a new report. So what's first on the list?

According to a study compiled by The Daily Beast, the number-one American city with the most fast-food eateries is: Orlando, FL.

Does This Relationship Make My Butt Look Big?

Think back to when you were in the best shape of your life (and maybe it's now!). Were you in a relationship at the time? Lots of people have their own theories about how a relationship affects health. But now, a new survey conducted by British researchers throws out some interesting findings about what love does to your thighs ...

The research, sponsored by a UK diet pill maker, which polled 3,000 women, found that our weight takes a rollercoaster ride when it comes to love. The findings:

In the early days: At the beginning of a relationship, women are more likely to be 5 pounds lighter.

When we start feeling comfortable: As the relationship progresses, women, on average, gain about 10 pounds.

Dinner Tonight: Roasted Tomatoes and Garlic Baked Chicken

Looking for something loaded with flavor (with a huge comfort factor) without the guilt? The easy, yummy--low-cal!--recipe to throw together tonight...

The bloggers over at Hangry Pants share their method for making a chicken dish that sounds so perfect for a cold late-fall night like tonight! This dish calls for the flavor holy trinity, tomatoes, garlic and basil, and you won't even miss the fat--promise. Here's the recipe, though you can throw it together in three easy steps:

*Roast up some tomatoes and garlic in the oven.

*Smother on top of two chicken breasts (or one, if you're just cooking for you!).