Community:

The site features one of the largest health communities online, with hundreds of health-themed community message boards on topics ranging from weight loss to kids' nutrition to breast cancer to birth control to medical tests to the effects of vaccines. Women can directly ask the community as well as medical experts for health tips, and anonymously share experiences with others in similar situations.  iVillage Health will also offer users the unique opportunity to engage in community health challenges, which typically galvanize close to one hundred thousand community members around a common goal, and allow women to support one another as they strive for results.

Content:

Jennifer Barrett, iVillage's newly appointed health editor, who recently joined from Newsweek, will oversee all content on the site. Contributing some wellness content, including Q&As from leading physicians, is world-renowned hospital,  Cleveland Clinic.  Through a new partnership with Healthwise, a top health information resource, the site will cover 8000 + topics and conditions. iVillage Health will also benefit from broad access to NBC Universal's wide array of health programming and experts, including content from NBC's hit shows, "The Biggest Loser" and Oxygen's "Dance Your Ass Off."

Tools:

More than a dozen new digital tools will be integrated throughout the content and conversations, providing women with a modern, multi-faceted approach to maintaining a healthy family. "The Care Circle," an exclusive, one-of-a-kind tool, will allow women to create a customized health profile for themselves and everyone they care about—tracking individual health needs and goals, as well as relevant news stories and medical alerts.  Additional tools include an exclusive "Beyond BMI" tool, which provides a personalized health assessment, a drug lookup, a symptom checker, an alternative treatment finder, and fitness and calorie trackers.

Experts:

An impressive roster of top-notch medical experts will offer tips and advice on a regular basis, including best-selling author Dr. Michael F. Roizen of Cleveland Clinic; author, professor and "Today" show nutrition expert Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom, PhD.; psychiatrist and "Today" show contributor, Dr. Gail Saltz, M.D.; well-known dermatologist and book author, Dr. Doris Day, M.D., and celebrity fitness trainer and nutritionist Jeanette Jenkins.

Coming soon:

iVillage will continue its relaunch with next month's Pregnancy & Parenting debut, followed by Beauty & Style in early summer.

In recent years, some adults have readily adopted a holistic diet to live a healthier lifestyle and now we've discovered it's beneficial for pets too. According to Pet Product News, holistic pet food sales reached $15 billion in 2008, and when prepared properly a holistic diet can improve a dog's health, behavior, longevity, and temperament.

Mark Poveromo, founder and owner of the holistic pet food retailer, Thomaston Feed, believes nutrition is the foundation of a dog's health. In his new book, To Your Dog's Health!  Canine Nutrition and Recent Trends Within the Pet Food Industry, he explains how a holistic diet does not negate the importance of vet visits, but it keeps them to a minimum. His new book outlines the pros and cons of a raw food diet. By implementing this diet, dog owners can eliminate or decrease the need for vaccines, flea-tick medicine, and heartworm treatment. He even outlines specific diets for dogs with cancer and kidney disease. In To Your Dog's Health! Mark explains:

• Which brands -- even super premium ones -- are lacking nutrients.
• What to look for when reading dog food labels.
• Which processed dog foods are okay to use.
• When it's time to change your dog's diet.
• Why homemade cooking is the best thing for your dog.
• How to transition from one diet to another.
• How to add enzymes – nature's catalyst – to your dog's diet.

Mark emphasizes that all foods are not created equal nor are they digested equally, which impacts a dog's health.  Additionally, most pet foods are fried or baked at such high temperatures that the good parts are destroyed – vitamins, minerals, good bacteria.

So why is good food for dogs hard to find?  "The national pet store chains tend to sell only the big four manufacturers: Eukanuba, Nutro, Purina, and Science Diet," says Mark. "That's because the multitude of pet food manufacturers makes it unfeasible for many stores to carry all of the products that are obtainable. Suffice it to say, however, that the best foods are found on the shelves of your independent dog and food retailer.  Thankfully, at those independents you can become educated as to the foods and supplements that will give your much-loved pets the best nutrition."

When it comes to educating dog owners on proper nutrition for dogs, Mark makes it clear there is a choice involved as well – your wallet or your pet.  "There's no question a proper, balanced diet for your dog takes more money and more time to prepare," says Mark, "but your Fido should be worth it."

Topical Professional Therapy MuscleCare Extra-Strength Roll-On Gel and Professional Therapy MuscleCare Ointment provide long-lasting, all-natural relief from pain, both acute and chronic muscle injury strains/spasm, and joint arthritis. The products contain key ingredients that work to relax the tissue, increase the flow of healthy blood and nutrients that actually reset the muscle to its normal resting length, and promote healing.

In a recent independent randomized double-blind clinical controlled study, Dr. Oswald's Professional Therapy Roll-On Gel and Ointment:

    -   Produced results that were 44%, 105% and 1700% more effective than         National leading brands     -   Only product on the market proven: natural, safe, fast-acting, and         carcinogen and paraben-free (ingredients typically found in other         pain relieving products to block absorption by the body)     -   In just 30 seconds reduced pain, inflammation and muscle spasm with         no side effects 

An expert in his field and a practicing Chiropractor of over 20 years, co-author of "Stretching for Fitness Health and Performance", and CEO of Professional Therapy MuscleCare, Dr. Chris Oswald has developed the safest and most effective products for his patients. "The topical pain relief industry has long been lacking in safety and efficacy, and I have gone to great lengths and conducted a thorough clinical study to change that," explains Dr. Oswald. "My Professional Therapy MuscleCare Products are designed to break the cycle of pain and anxiety associated with any sort of muscle discomfort and are meant to be used as both preventative and reactive treatments. My products are 100% natural and can be used anywhere there is pain."

The retail price is $19.99 for the Roll-On Gel and $25.99 for the Ointment. It is currently sold at over 250 Duane Reade stores, CVS.com and Amazon.com in the US and over 1000 Rexall/Pharmaplus drug stores in Canada.

Muscle Care Products are becoming a well-recognized national brand that consumers trust because of thorough product and clinical testing, product longevity, comfort, design and fit-ability.

Dream Water is a zero-calorie, great-tasting drink with time-tested, all-natural active ingredients to help consumers relax and fall asleep, including GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) to help one relax, Melatonin to help induce sleep, and 5-htp (Tryptophan) to help improve the quality of sleep. The 2.5 oz. bottle, which is perfect for long plane rides as well as every-night sleep, will retail for $2.99 at GNC's New York City locations.

"We are thrilled GNC, the preeminent name in nutritional products, recognized the value Dream Water can provide to the more than 70 million Americans suffering from sleep-related issues, especially the very busy New York City consumer," said Adam Platzner, chief marketing officer for Sarpes Beverages. "We set out to develop a product which could help the millions lying awake at night across the country who are looking for an alternative to traditional sleep aides. Our product not only helps solve this problem, it is delivered in a zero-calorie, great tasting water that can seamlessly meld into many people's nighttime habits."

GNC stores in New York City will carry the Dream Water shots, with plans to roll out the line to additional regions in the near future.

"Our customers have long used natural remedies to fall asleep, but never have they been able to find them in such an easily digestible and fast-working water formula. We believe Dream Water will effectively fill a critical need in their lives, helping to put an end to sleepless nights," said Tom Dowd, executive vice president at GNC. "Dream Water is an innovative product and is a reflection of the type of products we strive to deliver to our customers every day and night."

The line also includes 8 oz. bottles, featuring "Lullaby Lemon w/ hints of tea" and "I dream of Kiwi...and Plum" flavors. They retail for $2.49 per bottle or $30 for a 12-pack nationwide at DrinkDreamWater.com. The products are also available at New York City-based Duane Reade locations

"Power Plate with proMOTION technology is a genuine game-changer for the fitness industry because it is a results-proven system that delivers a true, total-body workout," said Mark de Gorter, president of Power Plate North America (PPNA).  "Power Plate pro6 with proMOTION offers health club operators a single product and a range of dynamic training options using Advanced Vibration Technology to deliver noticeable and measurable results, in as little as 30 minutes."

To maximize strength training capabilities and increase the intensity of exercise, the proMOTION system offers both low and high resistance settings, allowing the user to control the exact amount of tension required. The introduction of Power Plate pro6 with proMOTION brings a new element to Acceleration Training exercise, allowing users to push beyond the usual limits to achieve maximum results.

For more information regarding Power Plate products and accessories, please visit www.powerplate.com.

WHY: Varicose veins are not just unsightly; they may be a signal to potential serious health issues, such as dangerous blood clots.

Varicose veins, or enlarged, visible veins near the surface of the skin, are most commonly seen in the legs and ankles. Many people with varicose veins experience pain, swelling, heaviness, and fatigue in the legs. In some cases, the leg veins may become inflamed and painful – a condition known as superficial phlebitis. Sometimes phlebitis can be associated with superficial vein thrombosis (SVT). A recent study published in Archives of Dermatology indicated that 1 in 4 patients with SVT also had a DVT. (Binder B, et al. Association between superficial vein thrombosis and deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities. Archives of Dermatology 2009; 145(7): 753-757.)

Given the potentially serious health risks associated with some varicose veins, people experiencing swollen, painful veins should seek professional consultation with a vein specialist or Phlebologist. The Phlebologists at Vein Clinics of America are specially trained to diagnose and treat vein disorders and can help people avoid more serious complications as a result of their varicose veins. Recent advances in medical technology have made the treatment of vein disorders safer and more effective.

WHO: J. Theodore King, MD, FACPh, Medical Director of Vein Clinics of America will be available to discuss DVT and the importance of diagnosing and treating varicose veins.

HOW: Visit www.veinclinics.com or call 1-866-617-VEIN to make an appointment today.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DVT:

• There are approximately 600,000 new cases of DVT diagnosed in the US each year. Deep venous thrombosis mainly affects large veins that are deep inside the lower leg and thigh. DVT can be life-threatening if the clot breaks off, travels to, and lodges in the lung.
• Symptoms of DVT can include:
  • Changes in skin color (redness, but sometimes pale) in one leg
  • Increased warmth in one leg
  • Pain in one leg
  • Tenderness in one leg
  • Swelling (edema) of one leg
• Varicose veins can predispose an individual to superficial thrombosis which, if left untreated, can lead to deep vein thrombosis or post-thrombotic syndrome.
  • Symptoms of post-thrombotic syndrome may include persistent edema (swelling), pain, increased skin pigmentation, and ulceration.

PCRM's Power Plate is a colorful, user-friendly graphic that depicts a plate divided into four new food groups: fruits, grains, legumes, and vegetables. PCRM nutrition experts researched Institute of Medicine and World Health Organization reports and concluded that plant-based foods are the most nutrient-dense and aid in preventing cancer, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. The Power Plate, unlike the Food Pyramid, has no confusing portion sizes and food hierarchies; it simply asks that people eat a variety of all four food groups each day.

"People eat from plates, not pyramids," said PCRM nutrition education director Susan Levin, M.S., R.D. "We need easy-to-use dietary guidance tools that teach people how to eat right to fight chronic diseases. Studies show people who eat mostly from the four Power Plate food groups have the lowest risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will soon unveil its latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which forms the basis for the USDA's Food Pyramid. The Pyramid, introduced in 1991, was a major step forward compared to past dietary recommendations because it asked people to eat more fruits and vegetables. But the Pyramid, and its later versions, recommend two to three servings each of meat and dairy products daily despite evidence that these foods raise cholesterol, increase blood pressure and speed the onset of diabetes.

The average American now consumes more than 215 pounds of meat each year—up from 144 pounds in 1950. Meanwhile, two-thirds of Americans are now overweight or obese, and one in three children born in 2000 will develop Type 2 diabetes in their lifetimes.

Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit health organization that promotes preventive medicine, conducts clinical research, and encourages higher standards for ethics and effectiveness in research.

The results of the three studies, according to contributing author Dr. Kevin Hahn, director of research and chief medical officer at Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc., show that the dogs that were fed the foods experienced less pain associated with the disease and greater mobility.

"Many of us write off mobility problems in dogs as a part of the aging process," Hahn said. "These studies demonstrate that feeding a food containing omega-3 fatty acids to a dog with osteoarthritis significantly improves mobility and quality of life. All three studies showed significant mobility improvement as assessed by either pet owners, veterinarians, or both."

In the first study, dogs with chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis showed improvements in their ability to play and rise from rest at six weeks after being switched to a diet containing high concentrations of fish oil omega-3 fatty acids. The second study showed that limb strength in dogs improved with omega-3 dietary intervention, Hahn said.

In the third study, veterinarians were able to reduce the dosage of carprofen, a common NSAID used for pain relief in dogs with osteoarthritis, while still providing pain relief to dogs that were fed food supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids.

These studies show that omega-3 fatty acids provide pain relief and improve mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis. They also indicate that proper use of a food containing a sufficient amount of omega-3 fatty acids may result in a lower dosage of medication required to manage joint pain and improve mobility in a dog with osteoarthritis. This finding is especially important because it allows veterinarians to better understand that complications that may arise from pain relief medications could be reduced when the medications are used in combination with proper nutrition.

"First and foremost, dog owners should always rely on their veterinarian when making decisions regarding their pet's health," Hahn said. "But it's also very important for dog owners to know that osteoarthritis can be a silent and unrecognized problem that affects both the pet's and the owner's quality of life. With proper nutritional intervention, we can enrich and lengthen that special relationship between people and their pets."

The AVMA and its more than 80,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of activities dedicated to advancing the science and art of animal, human and public health. Visit the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org to learn more about veterinary medicine and animal care.

Twitter users who would like to submit questions for consideration can send them in advance to @aquahydrate with the hashtag #askjamie. Questions may also be submitted through AquaHydrate's Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/aquahydrate

You can also win a free tote bag and bottle of water from AquaHydrate water by going to: http://www.aquagenus.com/campaign/jamie/

Eason, who has joined the AquaHydrate team as a hydration evangelist, is a former NFL cheerleader, fitness competitor and female face of industry-leading website, Bodybuilding.com. Now working exclusively with Oxygen Magazine, Eason is a passionate promoter of the value of a healthy lifestyle, exercise and nutrition.

"By the beginning of February, many people are already struggling to keep their New Year's fitness resolutions," says Eason. "The purpose of my webcast is to give them a boost by sharing some of my top tips with them, and to give them a little extra motivation."

"One of the most essential elements of fitness and nutrition is proper hydration," Eason said. "That's why I'm happy to be doing this webcast with AquaHydrate. As a fitness model and educator, I have to think about every aspect of my nutrition, and what I choose to hydrate my body with is AquaHydrate. With such a demanding training and travel schedule, I rely on AquaHydrate to stay hydrated and functioning at my peak."

"We're thrilled to have Jamie on our team," says Richard Berry, CEO of AquaHydrate. "She perfectly exemplifies the healthy values that we promote with our water – which is designed from the ground up for optimal hydration, sports performance, focus, and recovery.

According to Dr. Cheryle Hart, Mayo Clinic trained physician and medical advisor to AquaHydrate, "Major sports nutrition studies have shown that proper hydration is the single most important nutritional intervention for athletes in terms of performance and recovery. But not all waters are equally hydrating. Plain, unenhanced water can actually dehydrate. And water enhanced with only major electrolytes is not enough. With its alkaline pH and essential macro and trace minerals, AquaHydrate provides a unique hydration cocktail, specifically geared to athletes."

AquaHydrate's performance and hydration edge

AquaHydrate, the first high performance sports water  , provides a proprietary combination of an alkaline pH, and macro and trace minerals from natural foods leader, Trace Minerals Research – all in an ultra pure water. Athletes who rely on AquaHydrate during training and competition have experienced significant improvements in their focus, performance, and recovery.

Tweet your hydration, aging or healthy living questions to AquaHydrate at http://www.twitter.com/aquahydrate. If you become an AquaHydrate fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aquahydrate you could receive free water and a tote bag! (shipping included!).

Flavor & The Menu editors watch menu-development, restaurant growth and dining patterns throughout the year, and, with input from a team of restaurant industry experts, select ten trends likely to influence menus and restaurants for the coming year.

Many of this year's trends point to a continued quest for comfort in food and dining, but with added value and enhanced flavor experiences.

"From sausages, family-style dining and 'rustic' fare to tavern settings and nostalgic desserts, these trends are indicative of how we are living our lives in an uncertain time - seeking small indulgences balanced with large helpings of comfort," says Cathy Nash Holley, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief. "We're able to step back and see these trends connected by a common thread and reflected in other areas of Americans' daily lives."

Concurrent with the release of the annual publication, Flavor & The Menu announces the unveiling of a new Web site, http://www.flavor-trends.com, which will launch mid-February. The site will serve as a menu trends resource, including detailed information on these trends, menu sightings, culinary strategies and supporting data along with trend updates and previous years' trend coverage.

Flavor & The Menu's Top Ten Trends for 2010:

Top Ethno-Cuisine Trend: Worldly Sandwiches

• Goodbye, ham and Swiss - from now on it's a world of banh mi, torta, Cubano, tartines, muffalettas and other ethnic/regional sandwiches from around the globe.

Top Sauce Trend: Chile-Fired Sauces

• The American palate is ready for a worldview of chiles and chefs are branching out with usage, layering several types and infusing heat in more ways.

Top Menu-Making Trend: Blue Plate Updates

• Family-style dinners, Sunday suppers and other chef-driven ideas address today's quest for casual-dining formats in ways that boost value and enhance the dining experience.

Top Technique Trend: Deep-Fried, Sanctified

• Nothing develops satisfying texture and flavor like a good piece of fryer work. It's a great fit with the small-plates and bar-foods trend; fried chicken, hush puppies and fresh donuts are good examples.

• This revival is bringing about a new standard of pub fare, in concept and menu focus. Pared-down menus are more hand-crafted, offering reasonably priced, flavor-focused food and drinks that are distinctly American.

Top Ingredient Trend: Signature Sausages

• High-end cured meat takes its logical next step with signature sausages in proprietary recipes, house-made and artisan versions showcased at center-plate, while the hot dog is turning into this year's hamburger, all grown up with premium ingredients, great buns and terrific toppings and condiments.

Top Culinary Trend: Rustic Revolution

• Shorthand for all that is comfortable and affordable, "rustic" is the new artisan, encompassing everything from farmhouse tables and pared-down decor to foraged foods, farmstead cheeses and plenty of regional, home-style cooking.

Top Dining Trend: Global Grab & Go

• Kebabs, dosas, crepes, gorditas and vada puri: these fun street snacks are being reinterpreted in limited-menu formats to provide meals on the run for a new generation of thrill-seeking diners.

Top Dessert Trend: Sentimental Sweets

• These days, sweets offer a taste of childhood memories via cupcakes, cookies, whoopie pies and popsicles; even the most sophisticated pastry chefs are taking inspiration from nostalgic desserts while the soft economy makes this category even more lighthearted and important.

Top Beverage Trend: Booze-Free Buzz

• Can you say artisanal root beer? Or lavender-infused tea, fresh, exotic fruit juice, spritzers, frappes and any of the myriad other specialty drinks that just happen to be alcohol-free? Inspired by the popularity - and profitability - of specialty cocktails, restaurateurs are taking the "virgin" drink category more seriously.