Increased waist size is a known predictor of mortality. Fat in the midsection sets us up for diabetes and heart disease by contributing to metabolic syndrome, a cluster of symptoms that contribute to early death. Metabolic syndrome includes high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, abdominal obesity, hypertension, and inability of the body to synthesize sugars properly, making weight loss a bigger problem. Fat is harmful, especially around the mid-section. Watching your waist can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and other illnesses that can lead to a shorter lifespan..

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Losing weight is difficult. Much research has been devoted to developing drugs that promise weight loss. Few weight loss programs have been successful. Bariatric surgery has become an option, but it is not without risks. According to a study published November 26 in the journal Cell, scientists have isolated a natural compound that promotes weight loss in mice by curbing appetite. The compound, called NAPES, when injected into mice in the lab, stimulated neurons in the brain that halted hunger.

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Let's face it, because of weather-related delays, long security lines and crowded planes, traveling during the holidays is a hectic time. Offering designated security lanes for families is an improvement. As a person who has baby-sat, I know that a stroller or a car seat are necessary objects to have for babies and for young children; when accompanying children on a trip, there is no such thing as traveling light.

The needs of other passengers who routinely need help have often been overlooked. Shouldn't there be security lines for all physically disabled passengers as well? People needing wheelchairs are routinely accommodated, but other disabilities are not acknowledged at airports and train stations. Other than braille signs at elevators, I am not aware of accommodations for blind and deaf passengers.

They unexpectedly shared the limelight November 17 in the Rogue Valley Mall, where Dogs for the Deaf inaugurated its newest program. He's not quite six; she's almost four. He's Kiefer Morris; she's known simply as Ginger.

Sporting a specially-equipped purple vest, black Lab mix Ginger, proudly becomes DFD's Autism Assistance program's first graduate.

DFD President and CEO Robin Dickson greeted three Trail residents who arrived first. Little Butte School student Kiefer accompanied his parents, Shannon and Scott Morris, who'd read of the presentation in a previous issue of the Upper Rogue Independent.

While most people back in the Rochester area were tucked into bed last Monday night, professor James DeCaro of Pittsford was 9,500 miles away in Japan, where it was Tuesday morning.

Decaro was one of 50 people — and the only one from the United States — who were in the Far East to receive awards from Japan’s Foundation for Encouragement of Social Contribution for contributions in areas such as social welfare and education.

DeCaro, director of Postsecondary Education Network-International (PEN) at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at Rochester Institute of Technology, was honored for his contributions to the education of deaf and hard-of-hearing people around the world. He is one of only five non-Japanese recipients.

The Michigan Secretary of State’s Office is testing out technology to help deaf and hard of hearing people when they visit branch offices.

The Web-based technology uses a video camera and audio equipment to connect deaf and hearing-impaired customers to a remote person who can read and translate sign language to branch office workers.

A weather bureau official yesterday urged disaster managers and radio and television station owners in the country to establish a system that would help provide timely, critical warnings of life threatening events to the deaf and those with difficulty in hearing.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) weather branch chief Nathaniel Cruz issued the call in line with the celebration of National Deaf Awareness Week.