Month: May 2012

Technology, coaching and money rewards may help people adopt healthier lifestyles, a new study suggests. The study included 204 adults. All of them ate high levels of saturated fat and few fruits and vegetables. They sat around a lot (were sedentary) in their leisure time. They also got little exercise. People were randomly assigned into groups. One group tried to eat less saturated fat and reduce sedentary leisure time. The second tried to eat less saturated fat and exercise more. The third tried to eat more fruits and vegetables and reduce sedentary leisure time. The fourth tried to eat more fruits and vegetables and exercise more. People used a hand-held device to track their progress. They were paid $175 each for tracking and for achieving goals. Coaches encouraged them by phone or e-mail.

Mail-order chickens, such as the baby chicks found in many Easter baskets, have been linked to at least 316 cases of salmonella infection. U.S. health officials say the cases have occurred since 2004. About 80% were linked to one mail-order hatchery. The Associated Press (AP) said it was in New Mexico. Salmonella bacteria can live on the feet, feathers, beaks and eggs of chickens as well as in the meat. The infection is called salmonellosis. It can cause high fevers, bloody diarrhea and other symptoms. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigated the outbreak. Most of those infected were children, the CDC said. No one died, but 36 people were admitted to hospitals. The CDC said the hatchery has made changes to help prevent future infections. Only 1 case has been linked to the hatchery this year. The CDC said children under age 5 should not touch chickens.