The First Lady explains why she thinks women should support policy reform in this new video produced by the White House.

Do you agree? Submit your comments and questions for the administration below.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will be taking selected questions about health care reform from the iVillage community over the next week. We'll post her video answers on Friday, October 30. And, to join the debate over health care here on iVillage, visit our message boards.

To see how Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius answered selected questions, click here.

As state health departments wait for the first shipments of the H1N1 vaccine to arrive, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) is asking people to be on their guard against another public health threat: whooping cough, also known as pertussis. A highly contagious respiratory disease, whooping cough can start with cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose and sneezing, then develops into a severe cough and may even lead to pneumonia.

Fortunately the Tdap (tetanus, diptheria and pertussis) vaccine is already available, but most people who've gotten vaccinated as children are unaware that their immunity wears off in the next 5 to 10 years after completion of childhood vaccinations. A recent AAFP survey revealed that 76 percent of adults didn't know that whooping cough remains widespread, and 61 percent didn't know a vaccine for whooping cough was available. "Patients should ask their doctors about getting a Tdap vaccine to boost their immune system. It's not a disease of the past, but very much a disease of the present," says Ted Epperly, M.D., president of the AAFP.

Children under 6 months are especially at particular risk of infection, and they need three shots at age 2, 4 and 6 months (for a total of 5 vaccines up to the age of 6). Pregnant women, family members and other members in the same household as infants should also be vaccinated. Both the CDC and the AAFP recommend that most teens and adults should get the Tdap booster vaccine to replace Td for continued protection against whooping cough if they have not been previously vaccinated with Tdap or if their shots are not up-to-date. The Td booster vaccine should follow every 10 years.

Besides whooping cough, what other vaccinations should adults get?

• Annual influenza vaccine (see who needs the 2009 H1N1 vaccine)
  
• Pneumovax vaccine, for protection against pneumococcal pneumonia, starting at age 65.
• Zoster vaccine, for protection against shingles, starting at age 60.
  
  

Protect yourself from cold and flu
More on adult and child immunizations
Swine flu survival guide

What does health care reform mean for women? Slate's health series on their new women's site, Double X, digs into this subject in their guide for women to proposed health care reform. Read about just a few of the issues involved in the debate:

Abortion Access: The health reform bills in front of Congress do not include lists of medical procedures that insurance companies must cover. None of the legislation even mentions the word "abortion." If reform passes, an independent council of medical experts, led by the surgeon general, will advise Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on what basic services private and public insurance plans must cover. The much-feared "abortion on-demand" is unlikely to make the cut. Not only is the issue politically combustible, but most existing private plans cover abortion only in cases of risks to the mother's health or severe developmental disabilities in the fetus.

Maternity Care: If the White House and Congress really want to "bend the cost curve" of American health care so that it doesn't bankrupt us, maternity care would be a good place to start. For women, childbirth is the number one cause of hospitalization, and Caesarean sections are the most common surgery. In part because of our staggering C-section rate--almost a third of all births now use the procedure--the United States is paying far more for childbirth than are other developed nations. We also spend more because women routinely give birth in the hospital attended to by a doctor, while in other Western nations, pregnancies without complications typically end at a birthing center staffed by registered nurses and midwives.

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1. Aspirin may help prevent--even treat--colon cancer. Colon cancer patients who took aspirin regularly had a reduced risk of death from cancer by 29 percent and a 21 percent lower risk of death from other causes in a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professsionals Follow-Up Study, and the association between aspirin use and survival. While it's too early to tell whether taking aspirin alone was responsible for the differences in cancer patient survival, the results suggest that the use of aspirin may prevent tumor growth.

2. It can help prevent heart attacks, but it's not for everyone. Aspirin helps reduce heart attack risk for men and women over 65, but does not prevent first heart attacks in women under 65 or strokes in men. Think you could be a candidate? Talk to your doctor. 

3. Preliminary evidence suggests that aspirin may help prevent Alzheimer's. Although some studies indicate that taking non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and naxopren, may provide protective benefits against the development of dementia, more research needs to be conducted.

4. Children or teens should never take aspirin for any reason. They can develop Reye's syndrome. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid it, as it may cause harm to the baby.

5. Aspirin is tough on the stomach, which is why many people treat their aches and pains with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Aspirin is used as a pain and fever reducer but is also known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting properties. 

The news that Jon and Kate are divorcing isn't surprising, especially considering new study results from researchers at Australian National University. They've identified the factors that make a couple's marriage work, or not. With their findings, you could have practically predicted the outcome of this reality TV couple. To begin with, Jon was younger than 25 when he got married, which makes him twice as likely to get divorced. And he's a smoker, while Kate is not, which increases the chance of a relationship ending. Their 8 young children, however, would not have contributed to their separated status, as the number and age of a couple's children do not affect separation risk significantly.

Other factors that may lead a couple down the road to splitsville:

• A husband is nine or more years older than his wife
• There are kids before marriage (from previous relationships or the same relationship)
• A woman wants kids much more than her partner
• The couple's parents are divorced or separated
• The couple is on their second or third marriage
• Their finances are unhealthy or the husband is unemployed

So what's the secret to a marriage that lasts? For starters, couples should think twice about moving in together before tying the knot. A study in the February issue of Journal of Family Psychology found that couples who moved in together before marriage reported lower quality marriages and their potential for breakup was greater than other couples. Communication is also key to avoiding the resentment and unresolved problems that can often derail relationships. Try new, exciting activities together; boredom is a known relationship killer. Working together to keep your marriage strong can keep you happy and healthy.

Join the discussion on marriage
Are these celebrity relationships doomed?
Help your man be heart healthy
Health benefits of sex

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iVillagers on the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue message board reacted to the news of a federal advisory panel's vote to ban Percocet and Vicodin.

"I'm so tired of the government 'helping' me stay safe. What, exactly, are we supposed to give our patients after surgery when they go home? What are we supposed to take when we have to get a tooth fixed or can't get out of bed due to pain? I realize that there are a lot of people abusing these drugs, but I'm certainly not one of them, and neither are all the people who have chronic, debilitating pain. There are no alternatives without Tylenol added, so if this goes through, it will leave us with nothing," says Mcpayton.

"I just spoke to my doctor about this," says dogandcat99. "He said the little bit that's in Vicodin is not going to cause liver damage. Even the amount in Tylenol is not going to cause liver damage. I asked about this because I seem to take a lot of Ibuprofen with the pain from my tendinitis and ear issues and he said it's fine. He said the media is just overdoing the study."

"There needs to be a rational approach to this. Banning effective pain meds that lots of people use after something like a root canal, post-surgery, after an accident, chronic pain conditions and even during cancer treatment is absurd, " says cl-littlemascara, who signed the American Pain Foundation petition urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to protect the rights of people with pain.


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President Obama answered the public's questions on health care reform in an online town hall this afternoon, with live discussions on Facebook and Twitter monitored by the White House. While the event is over, the conversation about health care continues on. People across the country are sharing their personal stories on the new Organizing for America site, "Health Care Stories for America," launched last week as part of a campaign-style push for health care reform. Readers can search for stories by city, "amplify" stories they find compelling, or flag inappropriate ones. It seems that everyone has a story to tell about how the current system has failed them.

 

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A federal advisory panel recommended a ban on Percocet and Vicodin and other prescription drugs that combine acetaminophen with a narcotic, due to their harmful effects on the liver. The panel also voted to lower the maximum daily dose of nonprescription acetaminophen, found in over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol, Excedrin. Overdosing with acetaminophen is the leading cause of liver failure in the U.S.

Other recommendations:

• Lower maximum single dose of nonprescription acetaminophen to 650 milligrams (from 1,000 milligrams)
• Make 1,000 milligram dose of acetaminophen available only by prescription
• Limit acetaminophen liquids to a single concentration (over-the-counter children's medicines are currently available in two different concentrations)

If the FDA follows the panel's recommendations, a "black box" warning may soon appear on prescription painkillers that combine acetaminophen.

Here are 5 things you need to know about acetaminophen:

• Many over-the-counter products, such as pain relievers and cold medications, contain acetaminophen. Read medicine labels carefully and follow directions to make sure of the proper dose and timing.
• Keep track of your medications. If you're taking more than one medication, check the "active ingredients" to avoid getting too much of one ingredient.
• Combining acetaminophen with alcoholic beverages can increase the risk of liver damage. Caffeine also increases the effect of acetaminophen.
• Acetaminophen should not be used with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
• Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under age 2. 

 

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Being extremely overweight or underweight isn't healthy, but what about those few extra pounds that just keep hanging around? According to a new Canadian study published in Obesity, a little extra weight can't hurt...in fact, you might live longer. Researchers looked at the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and death over a 12-year period and found that people who were slightly overweight (defined as having a BMI between 25 and 30) lived longer than those of normal weight. While underweight people and extremely obese people were 70 percent and 36 percent more likely to die than people of normal weight, overweight people were 17 percent less likely to die than people of normal weight.

But since the study's focus is on mortality and doesn't include the health risks of obesity, researchers caution that people of normal weight shouldn't try to pack on the pounds. Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom, Today diet and nutrition expert, says, "The BMI is a guideline, and not a perfect number. More than a decade ago, a BMI of 27 was considered 'healthy', and with newer data is now considered overweight. That is an important observation: a BMI of 26 or 27, in the absence of health risks, can be a stable and healthy weight. Even a BMI under 30, if not connected to health risks like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol can be more realistic for people to maintain."

Dr. Fernstrom's advice:

• Maintain a stable weight, rather than worrying about an elusive goal of a BMI under 25. (A BMI under 25 is very challenging for many people, and oftentimes not realistic).
  
• Talk with your doctor to determine if a BMI in the overweight range is a potential health risk for you.
  
• Current lifestyle and family history are both important factors, in addition to your BMI, when it comes to choosing a healthy weight.

The key to finding stability on the scale? Aim for a healthy lifestyle, without going to extremes. 

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Want to add years to your life? For starters, you should get up from your chair. According to a recent study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, sitting too long can raise your risk of mortality, regardless of factors such as body mass index, smoking and fitness levels. So even if you're active, limiting the amount of time spent channel surfing on the couch is a good idea. If you're like me and at a desk all day, walk the halls every once in a while or try these desk exercises. 

Other desirable traits for longevity:

• Be outgoing. Having a large network of friends and strong social ties keeps the brain healthy as we get older, offers protective benefits against diseases and keeps us going longer. In a Boston University study, the children of people who lived to 100 scored higher for extroversion than published norms, and also had reduced rates of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
  
• Don't be neurotic. Handling stress well is key for good cardiovascular health. The offspring of centenarians also scored lower on neuroticism. At the same time, maybe husbands should be a little neurotic for the sake of their spouses. A new study in Psychological Science reports that when surveyed, neurotic, conscientious husbands positively influence their wives' health although neurotic wives did not improve their husbands' health.

So practice your social skills, gauge your emotional fitness and find simple ways to get moving. You just might live to be 100, or beyond.

Trying to lose weight? How about improve your attention span? You may want to pop a piece of gum in your mouth and start chewing. According to research sponsored by the Wrigley Science Institute and presented at the Experimental Biology 2009 meeting last week, there's new reasons to chew gum.

Researchers at Louisiana State University found that when 115 people were offered snacks three hours after lunch, they ate fewer snacks and had more energy when they chewed gum for 15 minutes every hour over the three-hour period, compared to the afternoons when they did not chew gum. Study participants reported feeling less hungry and having fewer sweet cravings after chewing gum; they also decreased their snack intake by 40 to 60 calories.

Another study at Baylor College of Medicine had 108 eighth-grade math students divide into two groups. One group chewed gum at school and while doing homework, the other group didn't chew gum at all. The results: gum chewers had a 3% increase in their test scores and also had higher final grades.

So does gum really have benefits or are gum manufacturers just trying to sell more gum? Well, maybe a little of both. Sugarless gum does have protective benefits, such as preventing tooth decay and reducing plaque, according to the American Dental Association. And if you're trying to quit smoking, chewing gum may help. It also burns about 11 calories per hour. But before you begin stockpiling gum for a new gum diet, think again. Since the days of getting gum from trees are long gone, gum today is made with artificial sweeteners and colors. If you want to get away from synthetic ingredients without reducing your chewing pleasure, one option is Glee Gum, an all-natural, vegetarian chewing gum sweetened with rice syrup and pure cane sugar that's available in natural foods stores. And of course, eating right and getting plenty of exercise will do a lot more for your body and your mind than chewing packs of gum.

--Mary Choi

First, peanuts. Now pistachios? Late last month, Setton Pistachio, the California processor where salmonella contamination was found, recalled 2 million pounds of pistachios. Initially limited to roasted pistachios shipped on or after September 1, the recall expanded to include all of its roasted in-shell pistachios, roasted shelled and raw shelled pistachios harvested in 2008.

The recall was sparked after Kraft Foods discovered salmonella contamination during routine testing and alerted the Food and Drug Administration to the source of the contamination on March 24. Which leads one to wonder...had the FDA not been alerted, how long would it have taken before the tainted products were pulled from shelves? Just months after the peanut scare, consumers can't help but ask, "Who's keeping our food safe?"

Recently the Obama administration has signaled a move towards changing the government's handling of food safety and a tougher stance towards food manufacturers. President Obama also announced the creation of a working group to change food-safety laws and coordinate government efforts to make sure the nation's food is protected.

In the meantime, bad news for pistachio lovers. The FDA advises consumers not to eat pistachios or foods containing pistachios unless they can determine the products do not contain pistachios from Setton. The CDC is currently investigating whether there there is a link between recently ill patients infected with the same strain of Salmonella found at the plant and exposure to Setton pistachios. See a list of recalled pistachio and peanut products on the FDA website. The Western Pistachio Association has also created a list of "safe" products that do not contain pistachios from Setton.

--Mary Choi

In January, Kimberly Clark was one of three parents profiled on the TODAY Show Calls It Quits. (You can read her story here). We caught up with her again recently to find out how she's doing.

Her update:

I have tried not to be one of those "quitters" that constantly recites how long it has been since their last cigarette but lately I have been counting. "It hasn't been even 3 months yet?" seems to be what pops into my mind. Three months is a hot button for me because that is when I have failed, and gone back to smoking, a few times before. I will not do that again! But it does seem like my quit date, January 30, was a very long time ago.

My biggest sadness is that even after not having the physical craving of nicotine, that the craving can still be so strong. It should get easier - and I'm sure it will - but even today as I write I want a smoke! How can that be after 2 months and 16 days?

I have faltered in my 'quit' and smoked for a couple of days when I was away on a business trip. I convinced myself that it "wouldn't be a big deal" and "that I would get back on track" (which I did) but it has put that monster back into my brain. The monster that says "you can have one - it won't be a big deal" when you already know it will be. I don't want to go through the mood adjustment and the sense of disappointment again. I am committed to staying quit.
 
--Kim Clark

On April 1 -- and this is no joke -- the per-pack tax on cigarettes will jump from 39 cents to $1.01. President Barack Obama recently signed an initiative that will use the estimated $33 billion dollars raised over the next four years from this increase to pay for the expansion of health insurance. Earmarking the tobacco tax for such a critical need makes it very difficult for anyone -- smoker or non-smoker -- to quibble with the new policy. But is it enough?

In the United States, cigarette smoking kills more people than AIDS, alcohol, cocaine, heroin, homicide, suicide, car crashes, and fires...combined. The economic burden to our country approximates almost $140 billion dollars annually. Cigarette smoking is a preventable cause of many chronic diseases that are straining our health system. If you add in the harm to non-smokers from exposure to second- and even thirdhand smoke, then the health and economic impact of tobacco is even more far reaching.

Historical economic analysis has shown that tobacco-control polices work by regulation (laws) and finance (taxation). It is expected that the increased prices will help deter young people from smoking and may contribute to an overall decrease of at least six or seven percent among this population. Great! If young men and women are forced to quit early, they may lose their desire for nicotine sticks altogether. But for poor people who choose to smoke, the extra money that they will now spend for cigarettes could be significant and will represent a bigger portion of their total income. That means less money for groceries and rent. Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to rally any sympathy for smokers, but poor smokers who cannot and don't quit despite this stark financial reality are at risk for not only worsening their health but also emptying their modest piggy banks.

With tax on cigarette packs hitting above the $1 mark across stores today, it's not surprising that more smokers are thinking about saving their money...and their health. What is surprising is that they seem to be avoiding help from the most likely place--the doctor's office. According to a survey released today by the American Legacy Foundation, more than one in five smokers has never talked to their health care provider about quitting.

 

Why so shy? Only half of the survey respondents think that their doctor should help them quit smoking, and those who did talk to their doctor about smoking felt more negative emotions, like guilt, uneasiness and embarrassment, rather than positive feelings.

 

Limited resources may be to blame as well. Most of the survey participants who talked to their doctor did not get the information they needed to quit successfully. While the combination of counseling and medication is recommended as the most effective method to tackling nicotine addiction, fewer than half of the smokers were recommended a smoking cessation medication or given the resources to quit.

So what's a smoker to do? Start a discussion with your doctor and ask about the different smoking cessation medicines available to you as well as information on counseling programs and classes. Read about some surprising reasons why you should quit, get quit-smoking tips from Dr. Nancy Snyderman and, for parents, read the American Legacy Foundation's 10 Things Parents Can Do to Prevent Their Kids From Smoking.

--Mary Choi