Bad posture causes pains

From migraine headache and neck pain to lower back, knee, and foot problems, doctors say many medical complaints are posture-related.

Poor posture when sitting, standing, or walking causes tiny structural changes and shifts throughout the body that can have painful consequences. The person begins to push the shoulders, neck, and head forward, tilt the pelvis, and shift the spine. This puts added pressure on muscles and joints.

The director of Manhattan Spine & Sports Medicine says people who work at a computer should take five-second breaks, stand up, stretch, and take a few deep breaths. Yoga and Pilates-based exercises that emphasize stretching and strengthening muscles can improve posture problems.

Atkins diet updated

After years of recommending dieters eat liberal amounts of steak, eggs, and saturated fats, promoters of the Atkins diet now say only 20 percent of dieters' calories should come from saturated fat. The revision places more emphasis on fish and chicken.

The Atkins remains a high-fat diet. But Atkins officials are increasing the amount of fat that should be unsaturated, the kind that comes from vegetable oils and fish, rather than the kind of fat that comes from meat, cheese, and butter.

The director of Atkins Nutritionals also clarifies the phrase in diet literature that says "foods you may eat liberally." It does not mean "eat until you are full." Eat until you are satisfied.

Positive thinking prevents a cold?

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University say a positive outlook can short-circuit the virus responsible for the common cold. They squirted the cold virus into the noses of happy people and grumpy ones. Those with sunny dispositions were much less likely to get sick.