President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder have decided to bring five of those who plotted the 9/11 hijackings to Manhattan to stand trial in federal court.  

One of those who will be tried is Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the principal architect of the 9/11 attacks and someone believed to have been involved in the 1993 World Trade Center bombings, the 2000 aborted plan to attack Los Angeles International Airport and other atrocities. This decision carries the clear message that the War on Terror should never have been considered a real military action against a foreign entity, but a police action not unlike the War on Drugs or against organized crime.  

It’s a critical difference, and the reframing brings with it potential psychological whiplash in the American people, many of whom will now be left trying to sort out whether they were misled in a dramatic, wholesale fashion by a former President, or by this one.  Either conclusion is anxiety-provoking. The decision to try these men in civilian court also, however, has other, very serious psychological implications for many millions of Americans.  

First, the families of those killed in the 9/11 attacks will see those who orchestrated the murders of their loved ones lawyered-up, dressed up, with their own supporters potentially in attendance or demonstrating in the streets.   Their futures will be determined not by the military form of justice that takes into account the way facts are gathered on a battlefield in times of war, but by whether they were read their Miranda rights prior to being arrested and whether they were treated by the standards extended to American citizens who are arrested for armed robbery or rape.  

They will contemplate for months or years the very real possibility that those who destroyed their families will go free on technicalities. Beyond the families of victims, the entire population of Manhattan and the cities immediately surrounding it can be expected to experience symptoms consistent with the reawakening of the terror of September 11.  They will see legions of security forces deployed in their streets.  They may have a vague or more acute sense that the city is again being attacked—or that it will be attacked during the trials.  They may avoid certain areas of the city, or avoid the city entirely—for prolonged periods of time.  They may experience low mood, insomnia, flashbacks or nightmares.  

 Hopefully, the Obama Administration will team up with New York state officials to offer specialized psychological services through schools and churches and synagogues and police departments, in order to stave off some of the inevitable psychological fallout.  These services should be deployed soon and should be available for a significant period of time after the trials have concluded. Beyond Manhattan and its neighboring cities, beyond New York State, the nation as a whole will, of course, be in a prolonged state of hypervigilance (another hallmark of posttraumatic stress), wondering whether terrorists will see Manhattan during the 9/11 trials as the target to end all targets, the ultimate canvas for a bloody monument to Jihad.

Forget anything like normal consumer patterns or tourism during the trials.  People don’t tend to flock to prime targets for dirty bombs. It’s going to be ugly psychologically for Americans, even if the 9/11 defendants are ultimately convicted.  

If they’re found innocent due to violations of their civil rights, something vital in the fabric of the American psyche—the sense that we can protect one another and rely on our government to help us do it—could begin to fray.

Dr. Keith Ablow is a psychiatry correspondent for FOX News Channel and a New York Times bestselling author. His book, “Living the Truth: Transform Your Life through the Power of Insight and Honesty” has launched a new self-help movement including www.livingthetruth.com. Dr. Ablow can be emailed at info@keithablow.com.

Dr. Cynara Coomer

I am outraged with the recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Not only does it send a mixed message to women about the benefits of a screening mammogram, it is also a dangerous practice to not screen women between the ages of 40-49 without an alternative test. Furthermore, early detection of breast cancer by mammograms has shown to have a significant decrease in the number of deaths. Although the numbers are more impressive for women over the age of 50, there is still a large impact for women in the 40-49 age group. For every 1,300 women screened between the ages of 50-59, one woman’s life is saved. For every 1,900 women screened between the ages of 40-49, one woman’s life is saved.  Is the difference in the ratio really worth denying women in their 40s a chance of survival?

Proponents of the task force’s recommendation argue that screening women in their 40s has led to a high number of false negatives, needless biopsies and unnecessary anxiety. However the impact of saving a woman’s life in my perspective outweighs these problems. Ultimately, we need to find more appropriate tests to screen women, but the mammogram is our best available modality at this time.

Because of the number of women under the age of 50 that I personally treat in my practice for breast cancer, I will not go against the American Cancer Society guidelines of starting mammograms at the age of 40. Depending on their risk factors, some women may need a baseline mammogram at the age of 35. The impact of these guidelines is not only about survival outcomes, it is also about the treatment options that are available when breast cancer is found early. When breast cancer is found at an early stage, there are more surgical options and it usually does not require the addition of chemotherapy. On the other hand, when cancer is found at a later stage, surgical options become more limited and treatment will most likely include radiation and chemotherapy. The prognosis is also worse when cancer is found at a later stage. So to think that costs will be lowered by decreasing the number of screening tests does not make sense when we risk diagnosing breast cancer at a later stage. In the end, the cost of treating advanced breast cancer is far more expensive.

I hope the task force reconsiders and reverses their recommendation so that women will continue to understand that mammograms starting at the age of 40 save lives.

Dr. Cynara Coomer is an assistant professor of surgery specializing in breast health and breast cancer surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. She is a FOX News Health contributor providing medical expertise on a variety of topics in cancer research with a focus on women’s health, breast diseases and tips for healthy breasts at any age.

A traditional plant from the forests of South America may be the next big diet breakthrough, holding important chemical keys to weight loss and a lean physique. Yerba Mate’ (Ilex paraguariensis) is a tree cultivated in Paraguay, Brazil and northern Argentina. For centuries yerba mate’ has been consumed as a traditional tonic and natural stimulant beverage. The leaves of Yerba Mate’ are made into a hot or cold beverage, and this Yerba Mate’ “tea” is drunk to alleviate fatigue, suppress appetite, stimulate body and mind, and boost metabolism. Yerba mate’ also demonstrates 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity, which makes the herb of use in some cases of mild to moderate asthma. Over the past few years, various brands of Yerba mate’ have shown up in the natural foods stores and increasingly in conventional food stores as well.

Yerba mate’ contains more than 250 known natural compounds, most notably the alkaloids caffeine, theophylline and theobromine.  These agents promote central nervous stimulation, and act as diuretics, causing the body to shed water.  Additionally, Yerba mate’ is rich in a group of compounds called the chlorogenic acids. These agents help to suppress appetite, regulate metabolism and inhibit fat production.  This makes Yerba mate’ an ideal agent in the fight against unwanted body fat.

Dried Yerba Mate’ naturally contains approximately 1 – 2 percent caffeine. But most significant is the chlorogenic acids value of Yerba mate’. Dried Yerba Mate’ naturally contains approximately 10% of this unique group of compounds.  Chlorogenic acids also shows up in concentration in coffee, and this is why a shot of espresso after a meal can aid digestion, slow glucose release into the blood stream, and help to reduce production of fat.

There are several means by which weight loss and weight control can be achieved. Though calorie restriction almost inevitably results in better weight control, this approach is often difficult in and of itself. Exercise too is a highly significant factor in weight control, but often people find that due to lifestyle demands they cannot be consistent enough in an exercise program to achieve weight goals. Among the other means of weight control, glucose control, thermogenesis, appetite suppression and increased diuresis can enhance your ability to reduce weight and keep it off. Yerba mate’ performs these functions, thereby improving the odds of achieving weight goals. Drinking Yerba mate’ helps to stabilize blood sugar, suppress appetite, increase caloric burn rate, and increase urination, thereby reducing overall body water weight. Safe and effective, Yerba mate’ may be just what you require to meet your weight goals.

Guidelines for Use
A traditional plant with a long history of safe use, Yerba mate’ is a modern diet aid when incorporated daily into the diet. My recommendation is to drink 2 – 4 cups of yerba mate daily. You can find it plain or in flavors like chai spice or mixed with mint. As for brands of Yerba mate’, I recommend Guayaki, Mate’ Factor and Pixie brands, all of which can be found in natural food stores. Do not expect miracle weight loss. If you eat sensibly and exercise on a regular basis, Yerba mate will help you to gradually reduce excess weight. It takes time to become overweight, and it takes time to shed pounds as well.

Recipes for Boosting Immunity

Dr. Manny and I did a segment on immunity-enhancing blender drinks, and more than a few of you asked for recipes.   So here you go.

Acai super smoothie
In a blender, add one freezer pack of acai (like Sambazon brand), or 8 ounces of any acai juice
One banana
A handful of blueberries, fresh or frozen
One tablespoon of maca powder (like Navitas brand)
Blend until smooth and drink for energy and overall vitality enhancement

Yerba mate’ Immune Booster
In a teapot add two bags of yerba mate tea (Guayaki or Mate Factor or Pixie brands)
Finely shred one piece of fresh ginger the size of a thumb
The juice of one fresh lemon
Fill teapot with freshly boiled water and steep for minimum five minutes
Strain and drink with honey added to taste

Pomegranate Blast
In a blender, add 8 ounces of pomegranate juice
A handful of dried Goji berries (available in natural food stores)
4 or 5 fresh strawberries
A couple of large spoons of yogurt
Blend until smooth

The above recipes all have one thing in common. They provide concentrated nutrition, lots of potent antioxidant protection, and a delicious way to enhance your overall health. Enjoy!

Chris Kilham is a medicine hunter who researches natural remedies all over the world, from the Amazon to Siberia. He teaches ethnobotany courses at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he is Explorer In Residence. Chris advises herbal, cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies and is a regular guest on radio and TV programs worldwide.  His field research is largely sponsored by Naturex of Avignon, France. Read more at www.MedicineHunter.com

If I’m confused, I can only imagine what women are thinking throughout America this morning. As recently as Monday morning, I saw some 40-year-old patients in my office and talked to them about the benefits of mammograms. I based my recommendations on the analysis that the American Cancer Society and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology have said for the last 5-7 years. And I have seen the benefits of early detection and screening in my own experience with a significant amount of cancers being prevented in women in the 40-49 age group.

I have also seen young patients die of breast cancer, so it was very surprising to me that this federally appointed panel came out with the recommendation that women start getting mammograms at age 50 and then every two years after that without even considering the impact that it could have on preventive medicine. So far, the only thing I can conclude from their statements is that they’re playing a numbers game and based on their theoretical statistical analyses and data from some European countries such as Sweden, the cost-benefits ratio in their mathematical calculations made it more beneficial at the age of 50 than it would be at the age of 40.

Saving someone from cancer should not be a numbers game, but unfortunately, this seems to be the trend coming to America. Save dollars, and make it cost effective. I don’t mind that medical policies change, but what I do mind, is when these decisions are made by bureaucratic panels without considering the impact that it can have on the patients and the physicians treating them. As of today, it appears that the American Cancer Society disagrees with these new recommendations, so I can only imagine what insurance companies are going to be saying in the very near future.

Finally, I really want to express my discontent with the advice being given to younger women not to bother doing self exams. We teach women about the importance of becoming familiar with their bodies. Self examination can yield lesions in a woman’s breast that if recognized and worked-up could prevent death and disease. It does not cost anything, and it can only provide vital information that is important to health care professionals. But as I said earlier, it’s always a numbers game. I just hope my daughter doesn’t become one of those statistics, that at least to some people, do not seem to matter.

You’re standing in the cereal aisle and faced with a difficult question – do you pick the package touting whole grains or the one with the “Sensible Solution” banner?  The one suggesting it’s a “Smart Choice” or displaying a “Smart Spot?”

Recently it seems that in an effort to make grocery shopping easier, a few too many cooks got into the kitchen and made a royal mess of it all.  The tricky part is that each of the aforementioned nutrition labeling systems, along with many others, has its own set of criteria.  They’re similar, yes, but none are perfect and they can certainly be a confusing eye-sore for those trying to get in and out of the store quickly. 

There is some good news.  The Food and Drug Administration, which regulates nutrition labeling, is working to update the famous (infamous for some) black and white Nutrition Facts Panel found on the majority of items in the grocery store.  Better yet, the FDA is planning to come down hard on the food companies that make their products look healthier than they actually are.  The FDA’s ultimate goal is to create a uniform labeling system and establish industry wide standards for  nutrition claims.  In the meantime, we’ll take a look at what’s out there today.

Nutrition labeling systems have actually been around since the mid-90s when the American Heart Association launched the Heart Check label to promote heart healthier food products.  PepsiCo and Kraft Foods followed about a decade later with their Smart Spot and Sensible Solution products respectively, which indicate “better for you” items.  Other large corporations followed suit with their own versions, and recently supermarket chains have launched their own campaigns, with their own criteria, with their own objectives of highlighting the best of the best when it comes to more waistline-friendly products.

The trouble is, we’re not comparing apples to orange, but rather Cocoa Krispies to…Fruit Loops.  

In an already overwhelming supermarket, the plethora of nutrition labeling separate from the FDA regulated Nutrition Facts Panel only makes matters worse.  So what should you do?  Keep in mind that each labeling system has its own standards for determining which products get stars or flags or thumbs up or what have you; each system also has slightly different priorities– heart healthy vs. low carb vs. low calorie vs. MUST SELL THIS.  Regardless of the standards used (some are published, but most are not) you need to keep the bigger picture in mind.  

For example, when shopping for cereal go with what you know -  a good source of fiber without lots of added sugars, and avoid the word “cookie or cocoa” in the title.  If you’re shopping for soda go with diet, if you want pasta look for whole grain, if you want something sweet focus more on portions sizes than anything else.  Get the chocolate cake if you crave it, but only eat a small slice or buy pre-portioned “diet” desserts if you don’t trust your will power. 

Most importantly, go in with a list, and come out with what was on your list.  Plan meals ahead to save money, time and calories.  Whenever possible, avoid the middle aisles.  Focus on the perimeter– dairy, meat, deli, and produce.  And when in doubt, keep Michael Pollan’s mantra in your head: “Eat food.  Not too much.  Mostly plants.”

Stay tuned next week for Part II where we’ll take an even closer look at label claims and % Daily Value. 

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of www.Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

Four times a year, parents across America get feedback on their child’s academic performance and it’s not always good news. Report cards can produce anxiety and stress for parents who want to help their children but aren’t sure how to do so. Keep in mind that a poor report card also produces anxiety and stress in your child, although these emotions may manifest differently in your child. A child who says he doesn’t care about his grades could be upset about doing poorly or lacking in self confidence. The same goes for children who act out when confronted about poor grades. No one wants to do poorly in school, but many are unsure of how to do well.

It is important to note that a bad report card can mean different things for different children. One child may maintain a certain average, then suddenly dip below that mark. Another child may earn grades that are low across the board. Whether this is your child’s first poor report card or fifth, you can do something about it and help your child take steps toward success.

If your child comes home with a poor report card, follow these three steps to getting him back on track and on his way to a more positive learning experience.

Stay calm
You’re obviously upset but bringing those feelings to the table will undoubtedly produce anxiety in your child. Your child knows his grades are poor so you don’t need to state the obvious. Taking the emotion out of your interaction provides a neutral platform for you and your child to discuss the changes that need to be made in order to improve her grades. Avoid phrases like “I’m disappointed in you,” “You need to try harder,” or accusatory statements like “How many tests did you fail?” These statements are sure to produce anxiety or anger in your child and will inhibit her ability to communicate with you. Say “Tell me about Math class” instead. Approach your child when you have time to sit down and talk. We are all cranky when we are hungry, thirsty, or tired so keep that in mind when choosing a time to talk. Inviting your child to share a cup of tea or a snack is a comfortable arena in which to address the report card. Maintain your cool throughout the conversation, even if your child raises her voice.

Speak to the teacher
Parent-teacher conferences are typically scheduled around the time report cards are handed out. If your child’s school isn’t offering one, ask for one. Send the teacher a list of questions before the meeting so she can have answers for you at the meeting and possibly show you work samples. Approach the teacher calmly and ask for specifics about work your child may be missing, poor test scores, or areas of concern. Look at the breakdown of grades and the percentages your child earned for homework, classwork, participation, and tests. Ask for strategies that are being used in the classroom to support your child as well as strategies you can use at home. Neither the school nor the family can turn around a poor report card alone- it is a team effort. Ask to follow up with the teacher about two weeks after the initial conference to see if your child is showing improvement.

Establish your next step
Parents sometimes take the “wait and see” approach, especially since this is the first report card of the year. This approach never works, since we know that once a habit is established it is hard to break. Your next step may be following through with the teacher’s suggestions. You may also consider hiring a tutor or going to a learning center to seek extra support or new strategies for your child. Another option is to ask a neighbor, friend, or older family member to help with homework. Finding someone to tutor who has a strength where your child experiences a challenge could be a good match. Consider asking a teenage cousin or neighbor to help younger children a few days a week. Younger children often look up to older children so having a positive influence while doing homework may help motivate your child. If you do choose to have someone else work with your child, make sure you communicate specifics about your child’s strengths and challenges and strategies the teacher has already used or suggested.

It is important to remind your child that she is in control of her grades. She was not given poor grades; she earned them. Fortunately, this means she is in control of bringing her grades up again. Most teachers are clear as to what they are looking for in an essay, project, or test. Help your child outline the goals of an assignment when it is first assigned and check in with her frequently to see that she is staying on target. If extra credit is offered, sit down together to tackle the assignment.

Remember to praise your child for following through on school work, not just for earning good grades. Some children put forth good effort and still do not earn A’s. It is important to praise your child’s work ethic since this is truly a skill that will get her through life. Continued praise and positive support will help your child do her best.

Jennifer Cerbasi teaches at a public school for children on the autism spectrum in New Jersey. As a coordinator of Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in the home, she works with parents to create and implement behavioral plans for their children in an environment that fosters both academic and social growth. In addition to her work both in the classroom and at home, she is also a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Dear Yvonne,
What makes people attracted to one another?
—Tommy

Dear Tommy,
Studies over the years have consistently found that we tend to be attracted to people who are similar to us in socio-economic status, intelligence, background (ie., ethnicity), values (ie., religion), attractiveness, expectations, and attitudes. Even if “opposites” have an intense, initial attraction, they tend not to stay together in the long-term since people prefer and find comfort in sameness. It also makes the relationship a lot easier, for example, less conflict.

Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”

One of the most common of all health problems is pain. It can be caused by injury, illness or degeneration, and most people don’t like it one bit. Pain affects us deeply, wearing us out and reducing energy.  In nature’s vast botanical pharmacy, a number of herbs provide relief of pain, without causing the stomach, kidney or other problems associated with some pain-relieving drugs.

Turmeric

High on the list of pain-relieving herbs is Turmeric root, which contains an array of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds known as the curcuminoids.  A perennial shrub native to Southeast Asia and cultivated widely throughout India, China and Indonesia, turmeric root is the yellow in curry powder.  Concentrated extracts of turmeric root are rich in the curcuminoids, which help to reduce inflammation and thereby relieve pain. How to use it? You can purchase turmeric root fresh in some supermarkets, and use it as a vegetable. You can add the powder to vegetables, soups, stews, meats and fish. And you can take special supplements of concentrated turmeric extract. Some turmeric supplements can relieve pain quite effectively. See Curamin by EuroPharma, or Turmeric capsules by New Chapter.

Ginger

Ginger root may seem like something better suited for ginger ale than for pain relief, but this spicy root native to Southeast Asia is a pain-fighting heavyweight. Ginger is cultivated in virtually all tropical regions, and I have seen it in many places in my travels. Ginger root is rich in two groups of compounds called gingerols and shogaols, which are antioxidants and anti-inflammatory in their activity. Ginger root tea will relieve a sore throat faster than just about anything, and will also soothe aching, arthritic joints. Finely grate a thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger root, and put into a one-cup tea strainer. Pour boiling water into the cup and let sit for five minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey of you like. This will give you a strong shot of pain relief. Also you can eat Ginger Chews or Ting Tings, two ginger-rich chewable candies.

Cat’s Claw

If the name Cat’s Claw sounds a bit exotic, maybe it’s because this potent anti-inflammatory herb comes from the heart of the great Amazon rainforest, and is the most widely used of all pain-relievers in that vast region. Cat’s claw derives its name from sharp, claw-like thorns which help the plant to climb toward sunshine. The root and bark of the vine contain compounds called oxindole alkaloids, which demonstrate very significant pain-relieving power.  In human studies cat’s claw extract proves effective in the treatment of both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis. For brands check out Saventaro Cat’s Claw capsules or liquid the Cat’s Claw extract from Raintree Nutrition. Let the healing power of the Amazon rainforest provide relief for you.

Rosemary

Rosemary is not only a great savory seasoning for vegetables, meats and fish, but it also stands among the great anti-inflammatory herbs. Native to the Mediterranean, this fragrant perennial herb is widely cultivated around the world for its delightful aroma and flavor. But rosemary is more than just a pleasant seasoning. The herb, eaten or taken as a tea, is excellent for the liver, helping to eliminate toxins.  Like turmeric, ginger and cat’s claw, rosemary is rich with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Two great ways to derive benefit from rosemary are to add it to foods, and to drink rosemary tea. Check out Alvita brand rosemary leaf tea.

Chili Peppers

It may seem counter-intuitive to turn to hot chili peppers for pain relief, but these incendiary relatives of the sweet pepper are rich in a resinous substance called capsaicin, which is responsible for the heat that hot chiles produce. Capsaicin rapidly relieves pain when topically applied to hurt and sore areas. But just a tiny bit goes a long way. Next time you’re in a pharmacy, look at the Capsaicin creams. Each one contains just one quarter of one percent capsaicin (the stuff is extremely powerful). Capsaicin cream is the most widely recommended pain relieving cream by doctors, because it works. Who would have thought that a primary component of salsa could relive pain in joints and muscles? By the way, hot chile peppers are also great for digestion, and help to greatly improve circulation when chopped in foods or in hot sauces. I favor Tabasco Sauce, but there are a great many excellent hot sauces available today. 

Even with something as difficult as pain, nature provides safe, effective solutions. Chronic pain especially will respond well to the herbs I’ve just described. Make them part of your ever-healthier lifestyle, and rid yourself of the burden of pain. Best of health to you!

Chris Kilham is a medicine hunter who researches natural remedies all over the world, from the Amazon to Siberia. He teaches ethnobotany at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he is Explorer In Residence. Chris advises herbal, cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies and is a regular guest on radio and TV programs worldwide.  His field research is largely sponsored by Naturex of Avignon, France. Read more at www.MedicineHunter.com

Major Nidal Hasan, the army psychiatrist who allegedly murdered 13 people and wounded 29 more at Fort Hood, apparently had been trying to contact al Qaeda and had attended the same mosque as the radical imam Anwar al Aulaqi. He reportedly was torn between being a Muslim and serving his country in a war against Muslims. He seems to have written on the Internet that he felt suicide bombers could be heroes, sacrificing their lives for the greater good.

All of this may mean Dr. Hasan was a terrorist, but it also might mean he was insane. I have never met Hasan, but I know as a forensic psychiatrist that a surprisingly large number of delusions—fixed and false, sometimes very bizarre beliefs—that psychiatric patients sometimes exhibit are religious in nature. Hyperreligiousity can be one of the symptoms of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (among other conditions). This is why the cliché of a delusional person, as depicted by Hollywood, is frequently someone who believes he or she is God or the devil or a prophet.

Mental illness can hijack our core and strongly held beliefs and behaviors and turn them into grotesque symptoms. This isn’t just the case for our spiritual beliefs, but also for our sexual behaviors, which can also be sent into hyperspace by conditions like those I have named. People vulnerable to mental illness can end up selling sex, buying sex, gambling away their homes and, yes, committing horrible acts of violence in a pathological perversion of the religious belief system that had previously sustained their humanity and sense of connectedness to their fellow man.

Again, I don’t know whether Major Nidal Hasan was simply a terrorist or a mentally ill person, but my point is that much more needs to be uncovered before anyone knows.

After all, it doesn’t make much sense that a terrorist would give as many hints as Hasan to fellow soldiers about his seeming antipathy for America. He may have been “disinhibited,” one of the signs of a mood disorder.

Some radical Islamic terrorists frequent strip clubs, I suppose, but the fact that Hasan reportedly did—staying for several hours at a time— may be further evidence of that sort of disinhibition.

Ultimately, the question of when extreme religious beliefs (especially those connected with murderous intent) constitute mental illness may be one that needs to be answered in this case.

What we need are facts. Did Major Hasan show signs of a mental disorder before the Fort Hood massacre? Does his family have a history of mental illness that would suggest he is more vulnerable to it? When he needed additional supervision while training as a psychiatrist, was that because he was asserting his political/ religious views to patients or because he was unable to refrain from doing so, because he was sick then, too? Was he on psychiatric medicines then or at Fort Hood? Did he prescribe them to himself? If he did take medicines, were they the right ones or the wrong ones? Some can cause severe behavioral abnormalities.

Clearly, it seems to be the case that more should have been done to look seriously at Dr. Hasan’s behavior and his thoughts before he picked up a gun and started shooting. But whether the lens should have been one focused on him as a terrorist-in-army-clothing or one focused on him as a man slipping out of rational thought, into psychosis, remains to be seen.

Dr. Keith Ablow is a psychiatry correspondent for FOX News Channel and a New York Times bestselling author. His book, “Living the Truth: Transform Your Life through the Power of Insight and Honesty” has launched a new self-help movement including www.livingthetruth.com. Dr. Ablow can be emailed at info@keithablow.com.

As a registered dietitian, people are always asking me to create meal plans for them.  While daily menus work for some, I prefer to show people the resources for a do-it-yourself version.  I like to think eventually they won’t need me anymore, and I want to be sure they feel confident in paving their own way in the kitchen or dining out.  That said; let’s take a look at a few great resources to help you jump start your meal planning at home.

First, determine the number of calories you need.  There are several calculators for this online, but MyPyramid.gov comes highly recommended as it has numerous resources at the click of a mouse.  Here you’ll enter your height, weight, age, sex, and minutes per day of daily activity. 

I also like the new Interactive DRI Tool for Healthcare Professionals put out by the Food and Nutrition Information Center.   Here you’ll enter your height, weight, sex, and activity level, then click the boxes for information desired.  At a minimum, you’ll want to select body mass index, daily calorie needs, and probably macronutrients. Use the “What’s This?” link to help determine the fitness level that best describes you.   A word of caution: Aim low on activity amounts if you find yourself unsure or have inconsistent exercise habits.  It’s better to lowball it than to generate an estimate that is too generous when it comes to calories. 

So what do you get?  With the DRI tool, you will get everything you’d ever want to know about your recommended nutrition intake (assuming you select all the boxes).  Most importantly, it will calculate your body mass index (BMI) and your estimated daily calorie needs. (Note: to determine which BMI category you’re in- underweight, healthy, overweight, or obese- click the “About BMI” link). 

How is this useful?  Having a general idea of the number of calories you need per day is something everyone should know.  It’s like knowing how much gas to put in your car. 

Next, macronutrients (carbohydrate, protein, and fat) can help with meal planning- it’s like knowing what type of gas to put in your car.  While the output for micronutrients can serve as a good reference, I don’t recommend scouring food labels to ensure you’re getting adequate selenium, for example.  For one, it won’t be on the label and two, micromanaging your intake will drive you crazy.  When it comes to micronutrients, eat a variety.  If you don’t, or doubt your ability to meet nutrient needs through food, take a multivitamin for added insurance.

Now back to MyPyramid.gov where the My Pyramid Plan will also give you an output of calories per day, along with a recommended number of servings per food group you should consume. MyFoodapedia provides quick access to need-to-know info about the food you eat such as the food group it belongs to, the number of calories in a portion size of your choice (or the default serving size), and the ability to compare it to another food of your choice.

MyPyramid is for everyone- there are sections for pregnant women, preschoolers, kids, and beyond.  You can trust these recommendations as a solid foundation for your meal plan as they’re based on the Dietary Recommendations for Americans, which are updated every five years and used as the building block for the vast majority of American nutrition standards.

As always, contact a registered dietitian for more personalized suggestions. 

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of www.Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.