Omega-3 Fats Provide Mega Benefits

By Gailon Totheroh, CBN News Health and Science Reporter

CBNNews.com - Fish are a crucial part of the world's food supply for a number of reasons. They provide not only protein, but crucial fats called omega-3s.

Overwhelming evidence demonstrates significant health benefits throughout life -- from babies in the womb throughout the rest of life. Yet many people may not have heard of these omega-3 fats.

More Fish? More Supplements? Both?

Whether they've heard of this nutrient or not, millions are beginning to wonder if they should eat more fish, take fish oil supplements, or do both. Part of the decision is knowing what that could mean for your heart, brain, and mobility.

For instance, the 20 years of biking, swimming, and running in triathlons started taking their toll on neurosurgeon Joseph Maroon.

"I overused my joints and ended up with some joint problems of significant degree. It was actually recommended to have a total knee replacement and I took so much Advil that I got an ulcer from it," Maroon said.

At that point Maroon, team neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers, started researching joint problems in the medical literature. Fish oils, because of those omega-3 fats, looked like they could hold the answer to Maroon's joint pain.

Holiday Telephone Tips

Around the holiday season, the number of long distance calls to relatives and friends around the globe sky rockets. Spreading that holiday joy through the telephone can lead to a Scrooge attitude when the bill comes in. To help avoid that post-holiday regret, heed a few of these suggestions:

Once a year, review your phone bills for the previous three months to see what local, local toll, long distance, and international calls you normally make. Call several phone companies which provide service in your area (including wireless and cable), to find the cheapest calling plan that meets your needs. Consider a bundled package that offers local, local toll and long distance, and possibly other services, if you heavily use all the services in the bundle.

If you use a cell phone, make sure your calling plan matches the pattern of calls you typically make.Check your phone bill to see if you have optional calling features or additional services, such as inside wire maintenance, that you don't need. Each option you drop could save you $40 or more each year.

If you make very few toll or long distance calls, avoid calling plans with monthly fees or minimums. Or consider disconnecting the service altogether and use dial around services such as 10-10 numbers or prepaid phone cards for your calls. When shopping for dial around service, look for fees, call minimum, and per minute rates. Treat prepaid cards as cash and find out if there is an expiration date.

Is Media Bad for Kid's Health?

CBNNews.com - A new study of studies shows a link between media use and bad health in children.

The study looked at 28 years of research on how the different forms of media affect children's lives, including television and movies, to music and the Internet.

There have been about 173 research studies going back to 1980. Of those, about 80 percent show bad health is directly linked to the hours spent viewing media.

The research also shows an average American child spends nearly 45 hours a week with cell phones, TV, the Internet and other forms of media.

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Omega-3 Fats Provide Mega Benefits

Holiday Telephone Tips

Is Media Bad for Kid's Health?