At a time when we are all feeling the economic crunch, it is too easy to turn to comfort foods as a way to make us feel better. But this short-term pleasure can have a long-term “cost” to our health. And comfort sugars and comfort fats often sneak their way into our stomachs from what we drink as well as from what we eat.

We tend to think of diet as involving food, but it also involves drinks. Especially around holiday time, where too many beverages may contain fattening creams. Since almost two thirds of all Americans are overweight, we can ill afford these indiscretions, which can easily turn into bad habits in the new year. Being overweight puts us at risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and some cancers (colon and breast).  Excess sugar is stored by the body as fat, which is not very healthy.

We are too easily fooled by the holiday spirit into drinking things that are bad for us. Take Starbucks, for example, where the number one holiday drink, the peppermint mocha, at 16 oz. has 470 calories and 22 grams of fat (13 grams are saturated). By contrast, if you order the 12 ounce non-fat version without whipped cream, it is only 220 calories and 2 grams of fat (0 grams are saturated). This is a significant difference worth remembering when you reach the Starbucks counter.

The same caution must be taken with alcoholic beverages as with coffee beverages. Hot buttered rum is 418 calories with 17 grams of fat. Eggnog, even without the liquor, is 350 calories with a whopping 19 grams of fat.

By contrast, margaritas have 400 calories but no fat. Of course, the sugar itself is bad enough. Mojitos or martinis are better calorie choices with 180 calories, and most wines are even better yet, with 80-100 calories, and vodka with 70-80 calories (without the mix).

The problem is that few of us will have just one drink around holiday time, and the more drinks we have, the more the calories build up. Sparkling cider may be an alternative, at 140 calories per 8 ounce glass, and we may be less inclined to have more than one.

Dr. Siegel’s Best Tips:

• Be aware of what you are drinking and how the calories increase with each additional drink.
• Ask your bartender (not your doctor) what he is putting in the drink you ordered, and be at least vaguely aware of the calorie count (more difficult to do the more you drink).
• I am a fan of two fisted drinking, meaning alcohol in one hand, water or seltzer in the other. Glasses of water will help you slow down the number of drinks you have while keeping you well hydrated. Water is a much better choice than coffee, which like alcohol, is a diuretic and can dry you out and worsen your hangover.

Dr. Marc Siegel is an internist and associate professor of medicine at the NYU School of Medicine. He is a FOX News medical contributor and writes a health column for LA Times, where he examines TV and movies for medical accuracy. Dr. Siegel is the author of “False Alarm: The Truth about the Epidemic of Fear” and “Bird Flu: Everything You Need to Know About the Next Pandemic.” Read more at www.doctorsiegel.com

The brazenness of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich allegedly attempting to sell a U.S. Senate seat and securities trader Bernie Madoff allegedly bilking investors (including charities) of about $50 billion in a Ponzi scheme may seem inexplicable.  But having evaluated dozens of white-collar criminals and very violent offenders over the past decade (and having testified about them in local, state and federal courts), I’ve realized many of them share recognizable psychological characteristics with convicted murderer Scott Peterson.  Peterson, you will recall, is the Modesto, California man who murdered his wife Laci and his unborn child Conner in the midst of an affair with massage therapist Amber Frey, then helped lead the search for his victims.

Like Scott Peterson, Blagojevich and Madoff (if guilty) have to possess a sense of narcissistic entitlement that allows them to feel justified in manipulating others to their ends.  Probably to hide internal feelings of unworthiness, weakness, or impotence, such men (or, in other cases, women—including, perhaps, Blagojevich’s wife) create an over-inflated sense of self.  Their minds build towering fortresses of ego immune to the reticence most of us would feel about putting ourselves first and everyone else second.  

The narcissistic traits of Peterson, Blagojevich and Madoff (none of whom I interviewed) mean that they not only feel entitled to live special lives that don’t include following rules — they may well believe they are so intelligent or clever that they will never be caught breaking those rules.  That partly explains the outlandish nature of each man’s behavior.

Peterson fashioned his own cement anchors to weigh down his wife’s body in the San Francisco Bay.  It didn’t occur to him that making anchors and taking his boat out on the bay might implicate him in the disappearance of Laci. 

Blagojevich challenged authorities to monitor him and even reportedly wheeled and dealed on a telephone he knew was tapped.

Madoff delivered outsized returns to his clients every year, apparently not worried about the fact that doing so seemed impossible to some.  In his own mind, he was that special.  He never lost — until it was all over.

Narcissism, however, doesn’t explain all of Scott Peterson’s murderous violence or Blagojevich’s and Madoff’s alleged schemes to sell a piece of the United States government or steal money.  There also has to be a failure to recognize both the importance of the rule of law and a failure of empathy.  All three men were seemingly unmoved by the rights or the suffering of others.  To steal a life may seem wholly unrelated to stealing someone’s life savings or someone’s vote, but they are closer cousins than you might believe. 

Unfortunately, the outsized nature of what is likely the Peterson-Blagojevich-Madoff brand of personality structure attracts, rather than repels people.  Peterson had no shortage of women.  Blagojevich had no shortage of voters.  And Madoff had no shortage of investors.  They seem so certain of everything, so much larger than anything that might contain them, that they seduce mere mortals, burdened as we are by self-doubt and respect for others — and a respect for our society and the rule of law.

Dr. Ablow is a Fox News contributor and the author of the New York Times bestseller “Inside the Mind of Scott Peterson.”

It’s time for the old end-of-year office party or family holiday dinner.  During the holiday season the likelihood that you will ingest high-risk foods that may cause allergic reactions is at an all-time high.  So if you are one of the estimated 11 million people affected by food allergies, focus on being a label detective in order to avoid these potentially hazardous ordeals. 

Sharing meals during the holidays is one of the highlights of the season for many families. The most common food allergens in the U.S. are cow’s milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, peanuts and tree nuts.  Unfortunately, food allergies make up over tens of thousands of emergency room visits annually. Peanut allergy is associated with potentially fatal allergic reactions and often, allergic individuals will not outgrow it.

When invited as a guest to the home of a friend or family member during the holidays, it’s important to explain what your food issues and concerns may be. By doing this, you can hopefully avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency room.

Watch our for these holiday culprits:

• Eggnog (the word albumin on a label indicates the presence of eggs)

• Fruitcakes (may contain nuts)

• Glazed rolls and bread or other bakery items (containing egg)

• Mixed nuts

• Chocolate, candies and other confectionery items (many contain nuts, milk)

• Dips, fondues and salsas (may contain diary cream and egg)

• Quiches (often contain egg)

• Fried foods – if you are seafood-allergic (as the same oil used in the fried fish may also be used in the preparation of other fried foods such as French fries)

• At least some alcoholic beverages (if you are grain or wheat sensitive)

• Soybean oil salad dressings – (if soy sensitive)

• Caesar or Greek salad (may contain anchovies)

• Marzipan (a paste made of ground almonds, egg and/or milk)

• Worcestershire sauce (may contain fish)

• Yams, sweet potato pie (may contain egg, pecans, walnuts or dairy)

• Pumpkin pie (may contain peanut/nuts, nutmeg)

• Gingerbread cookies (may contain egg, milk, soy, corn and wheat)

• Potato pancakes served for a Chanukah celebration (may contain egg)

Here are some strategies for the holidays:

• Use caution if you eat Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Mexican cuisine as many foods may contain nuts. 

• Keep a “restaurant food allergen ingredient card” with you to make the kitchen staff aware of your food allergy when dining out.  Ask for a list of ingredients before ordering.    

• Be a label detective! Learn to read food labels as many ingredients can be misleading or confusing.  Check out the recommendations on “How to Read a Label” at www.foodallergy.org.

• When visiting with friends and family, let your host know if you need to avoid certain foods so they can prepare alternate choices. 

• Bring safe, homemade, allergy-free dishes when invited to someone’s house.

• Keep a spot in the food preparation area of the kitchen free of food allergens.

• Be sure and know the earliest signs of an allergic reaction and how to give the emergency medication(s) prescribed by your allergist/physician.

• Develop an emergency plan that includes ample medication, including epinephrine auto-injectors (be prepared for prolonged reactions).

• Plan ahead if you need to travel during the holidays and have safe snacks and foods with you, especially if you have a food-allergic child.

• Stay with “simple dishes” that avoid hidden ingredients.

• Avoid salad bars where containers can have traces of allergens and cross contamination is common.

• Use caution when ordering deli meats where the same equipment may be used to slice meat and milk-based cheeses.

Having an allergy to a food does not mean you cannot enjoy the many and varied holiday foods this time of the year.  Many alternate foods can be substituted and still ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season!  For more tips on avoiding food allergens during the holidays, vitit www.aaaai.org or www.acaai.org.

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

I am very disappointed with Saturday Night Live’s depiction of governor Paterson.

For years I have watched the show admiring its originality and satire. SNL is a strange animal — it can make us laugh or even cry, but it should not hurt. Making fun of someone’s disability is not creative, it’s downright hurtful.

I think that even Howard Stern — who is known for pushing the limits of comedy, and many times makes my friends and me laugh — would not consider this skit on Governor Patterson humorous. Of course, I could be wrong.

It has taken many years for society to become cognizant of the fact that people with disabilities deserve respect and support. We’re living in difficult times. Because of the current economic strain, budget cuts will be made that will affect healthcare and programs that many disabled citizens so desperately need.

Being in the media, I know that television production is in dire need of good content, however, we must keep in mind that respect for others is of utmost importance.

Governor Paterson is a decent man trying to do his best during some of the most difficult times this generation will see; a generation that includes many of the writers and actors on SNL. Therefore mocking those with disabilities is neither appropriate nor funny.

Let’s face it; that is not creative comedy.

If you are suffering from a toothache, chipped tooth, loose filling or other dental emergency, it’s important to call your dentist as soon as possible. Toothaches may be an indication of a cavity or other serious problem — such as a bacterial infection — that will need to be addressed quickly and should not go untreated. Until a professional treats you, here are some at-home tips to calm oral pain and what to do when an unexpected emergency arises.

With most dental emergencies, severe pain may be a factor. Aspirin or aspirin substitutes should be avoided as they can slow clotting. If you cannot manage the pain without assistance, you may consider ibuprofen or naproxen sodium — but only if you have no previous allergies or medications that can interact with these painkillers. Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist and carefully follow your doctor’s and label instructions.

Cavity Calming Solutions
Applying ice (on and off) to the affected area or to the cheek may help sooth irritated nerves and reduce swelling. Oil of cloves (from the pharmacy), or even fresh cloves from the spice rack, have been known as an aid in relieving pain naturally. Never place an aspirin directly on a painful area inside the mouth. Very gentle massaging and flossing can help to remove irritants, while rinsing with a tepid crystal salt water solution will help reduce swelling and detoxify the mouth. Real vanilla extract placed on a cotton ball and then dabbed around an irritation may also help relieve pain.

Broken Tooth
Rinse your mouth with a warm crystal salt-water solution and get to your dentist as soon as possible. Bleeding may be stopped with gentle pressure to the gums, not to the tooth. Remember to bring any tooth fragments to the dentist with you and keep them hydrated in a solution such as milk or salt water. A soft piece of wax or a temporary filling material from the pharmacy may help to prevent further irritation.

Knocked-out Tooth
Hold or place your tooth in the socket if possible or wrap in clean, wet gauze until you can see a dentist. A tooth has a better chance of being saved and re-implanted if you can get to a dentist within 30 minutes. Call an emergency room or 24-hour dental service if you can’t reach your dentist in time. Biting down on a moistened tea bag may help sooth and slow bleeding.

Crown or Bridge Fell Out
Use a little petroleum jelly or denture adhesive available from the pharmacy under the crown to hold it in place — as a very temporary fix — until you can see a dentist. Do not chew on the crown or bridge.

Bitten Tongue or Lip
Apply a cold compress and gentle pressure to help stop bleeding. If bleeding does not stop, go to an emergency room.

Object Caught Between Teeth
If you cannot remove an object with gentle flossing, do not cut your gums or use any sharp objects to remove the obstruction. You should rinse with warm crystal salt water solution until you can see a dentist.

We often say the mouth is the gateway to total wellness. Treat your mouth with respect and care, including eating a healthy, antioxidant-rich diet, and exercising and brushing three times a day. Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and oral health exams. Your dentist may be able to prevent a possible emergency by catching dental problems before they begin — saving you a lot of discomfort and a potential emergency visit later. And common dental issues, such as gum disease, may be precursors to other, more serious illnesses. Studies from Harvard and other major medical institutions have proven that poor gums can put you at high risk for diabetes, heart disease and other illness.

Many people see their dentist more than they see any other doctor. If you are like many who are afraid to see the dentist regularly, ask about “pain free” dental care. In fact, many of our patients find our treatments and procedures soothing and even comforting. Today’s dental science has come a long way — and patients should not be afraid to seek good oral health options. If you are concerned because you do not have insurance, talk to your dentist about possible payment options or other forms of help that may be available.
Dr. Gerald P. Curatola is a renowned aesthetic dentist and pioneer in the emerging field of rejuvenation dentistry, which improves patients’ overall health and appearance by integrating total wellness with cutting edge oral care and restorative procedures. In addition to his private practice, research, and work as a Clinical Associate Professor at NYU College of Dentistry, he is an internationally sought after speaker, author and expert who has been featured widely in print and broadcast media. For more information, go to DrGerry.net

Dear Yvonne,

I would like to ask my boyfriend to perform more oral sex on me, especially since he likes it when I give it to him. Should I guide him down there or talk to him about it first?

-Clarissa

Dear Clarissa,

Encouraging your boyfriend to kiss you below your navel is one way to clue him into some action farther south. As he works his way down your abs, gently push his head closer to your pelvic area. Allow your breathing and moaning to become faster and more intense. Getting more excited shows him that you’re getting more aroused.

Back up plan: Suggest little kisses on your upper thighs or even on your bum as well. If he doesn’t eventually take a hint and hit the bull’s eye, you can broach cunnilingus by asking him general questions like, “Does it turn you on to think about going down on me?” With questions like this, you’re not making a request, but are feeling him out on the matter. If he has a problem with it, use this as an opportunity to find out what sexual behaviors he is and isn’t comfortable with and why. You can let him know what turns you on and off as well, including that you’re into oral sex. Don’t be shy in letting your desires be known – most guys think it’s hot! Furthermore, if he’s into fellatio, but won’t reciprocate the favor, don’t be afraid to make issue out of it. After all, fair is fair…

 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.”

Nuts, a food that was once avoided for its high fat and caloric content is now being flaunted for its many health benefits. Nuts are high in fat, but its healthy kind, monounsaturated fat, can help lower blood cholesterol.

In addition, The Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health established that nut eaters were found to have an increase of five to six years of life that’s free from cardiovascular disease.

Nuts are rich in fiber, which promote satiety and therefore helps avert many individuals from overeating. They are also rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants such as vitamin E and selenium. Other powerful antioxidants found in nuts like quercetin and campferol may help suppress the growth of cancers. Nuts are high in plant sterols and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which have all been shown to lower the bad LDL cholesterol.

In 2003, the FDA recognized the benefits of nuts and their role in preventing many diseases by approving a health claim for seven kinds of nuts (pistachios, almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, some pine nuts, and walnuts). Limit your intake to about 1.5 ounces a day, as nuts are high in calories. The best way to reap the health benefits of nuts is to eat them in replacement of foods that are high in saturated fats.

Many people blame the food industry for the increase of obesity in America. With that being said, according to the Hazelnut Council, manufacturers are responding by creating products that are beneficial for your health and tasty too. Thus, consumption of nuts persists to climb as Americans are choosing them as nutritious substitutes to chips and candy.

Here are some new nut snacks for you to enjoy, which are not only delicious, but also nutritious:

1. Tru North is an all new all natural snack brand manufactured by Frito- Lay. Try their Pistachio Crisps; with the first ingredient being pistachios. You will not be able to resist the bold and scrumptious nutty flavor. They’re a great protein-packed alternative for any cracker craving. Pistachio Crisps are great for dipping, breaking into salads or just to have as a snack. You can nibble on 12 crisps for 140 calories 2 g rams of fiber and 5 g rams of protein

2. Bell Plantation Company has given a new meaning to peanut butter and who isn’t a peanut butter lover? It’s a powder consisting of only peanuts, salt and sugar. It is recommended to add water to make it a smooth and creamy spread; however you can add it to yogurts, jelly and in any recipe calling for peanut butter. The greatest part about it is your eating delicious peanut butter for 85 percent less calories then its original counterpart.   Two tablespoons is simply 54 calories, 1 gram of fiber and 5 grams of protein.

3. Almondina is a brand of healthy biscuits, which will satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. These crunchy delights are packed with roasted almonds and come in a variety of flavors. Some of their exotic flavors include cinnaroma, ginger spice, choconut and almonduo. Four biscuits contain: 133 calories, 1 gram of fiber and 3 grams of protein, so go ahead and enjoy that yummy delectable crunch you crave.

4. Gnu, Banana-Walnut Flavor and Fiber Bar is a delicious and tasty treat. Not only do you get a boost extra fiber, but with the addition of walnuts you receive numerous amounts of health benefits as well. The best  part is it only contains 140 calories a whopping 12grams of fiber  and  4 grams of protein.

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and 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 The F-Factor Diet: Discover the Secret to Permanent Weight Loss

Dear  Yvonne,
I’m usually tired after I have sex with my husband, so why don’t I want to go straight to sleep after sex like he does?
-Trina

Dear Trina,
After sex and orgasms, women remain in the plateau state (of the sexual response cycle) much longer than men. It can take a woman anywhere from 15-30 minutes to “come down” from an orgasm, with bodily changes including reduced breast swelling, the clitoris returning to its normal position, a shrinking uterus and “deflating” of the vagina, and a return to her unaroused pulse rate, blood pressure and breathing. Unlike men, women don’t enter a refractory period, the time following orgasm when a man cannot be sexually aroused, have an erection or orgasm. It is for these reasons that women aren’t as tired as their partners after sex, and “wired” enough to become aroused again if desired.   

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.”

Several brain scientists recently wrote in the journal Nature (published online December 7) that it is time that science and society explore and, ultimately, sanction the use of pills to enhance brain function in people with no psychiatric disorder at all.  After all, they reason, pills already exist that can improve attention span, memory and alertness in normal individuals.  Many students already use illegally obtained Adderall to boost their academic performance, and many adults use Provigil to stay awake and energetic at work.  So why not sanction the use of these drugs and, perhaps, many others to help anyone who might want to perform better and feel better?

Using pharmaceuticals to change one’s mood, energy level or comfort socializing, one could argue, isn’t any different than men (who are not impotent) using Viagra to improve their sexual performance or any of us drinking six cups of caffeinated coffee a day to stay more awake and feel a little happier or less irritable.

There’s potential trouble, however, with any plan to open the floodgates and allow pharmaceutical manufacturers to develop and market substances that alter brain chemistry in healthy people.  One of the problems is that it could easily raise the bar in terms of what it takes to be competitive in school or at work—just as letting athletes freely use performance enhancing drugs in sports would make it a near-necessity for every athlete to use them.

Another problem is that once we green light chemically synthesized compounds for people without any disorder who simply want to be happier, more productive or more energetic, our laws against illicit substances like opiates (including pain killers like Percocet and Oxycontin) start to look suspect.  It could be argued that there may be millions of Americans with low potential for addiction who might enjoy the euphoric effects of Oxycontin, be able to work long into the night while using it and be able to stop using it periodically to prevent themselves from becoming fully dependent on it.

Perhaps the biggest problem is that using pills to alter how we function intellectually, emotionally or otherwise can easily create a tide that sweeps us further and further from the reality of our life circumstances.  Even if your work makes you unhappy, why consider following your heart to another career when you can change your brain chemistry so you feel alert and energized just by popping a pill?  Why make fundamental changes in your marriage to improve it when you can dose yourself with a substance that will make you feel calm and connected at home, without changing a thing?  Why learn to lead a balanced existence, with the time you need to reflect or to recharge, when all the valleys in your day can feel like peaks?  Sounds a lot like taking a drink or smoking a joint to dodge reality, doesn’t it?

It is probably inevitable that growing numbers of Americans will turn to pharmaceuticals already in existence to boost their brainpower.  But it may be a desirable brake on a potential runaway train that doctors currently have society’s blessing to prescribe medications only to those suffering with recognized psychiatric disorders.   Defining life itself, including work life, as a kind of disorder worth treating, or as a baseline to be raised chemically (higher and higher), feels like floating free of our ties to our real-life emotions and passions and possibilities.

Dr. Keith Ablow is a psychiatry correspondent for FOX News Channel and a New York Times bestselling author. His newest book, “Living the Truth: Transform Your Life through the Power of Insight and Honesty” has launched a new self-help movement. Check out Dr. Ablow’s website at livingthetruth.com or e-mail him at info@keithablow.com.

Recently, I did an “Ask Dr. Manny” video about the potential side effects of recreational Viagra use, and since then, I’ve gotten a lot of questions from our viewers. Not a week goes by where I don’t get a request from a male friend, an acquaintance or the husband of one of my patients asking for a prescription for Viagra or one of the many popular drugs thought to enhance the sexual experience. I always decline these requests because I truly believe that Viagra and similar products should not be seen as the type of drug that could easily be found in a candy store.

These drugs are marketed by pharmaceutical companies directly to consumers and are seen as drugs that are supposed to make you happy, virile and improve your relationship with your partner. But in reality, recreational use without proper indication and assessment by a physician could be quite dangerous.

Yes, Viagra has helped men all over the world with erectile dysfunction — a problem that needs to be addressed for the well-being of the patient as well as his partner. The track record of Viagra in general compared to many drugs is quite good. But one has to realize that there have been deaths attributed to Viagra, as well as many visual and cardiac side effects.

One of the things that I mentioned in the video is the necessity for patients asking for Viagra to be quite open about their medical history and the types of medications they’re currently taking. Viagra is a very potent vasodilator, meaning it dilates the blood vessels. So if a patient has any other medication in their system that dilates the vessels, they could end up suffering from a heart attack, kidney or liver complications.

It’s important to remember that not all kinds of sexual dysfunction are due to vascular problems. So for those patients, even though Viagra may help, it does not properly address the underlying problem — which is why it’s also vital to be open with your physician about the type of sexual problems you’re experiencing.

Finally, I don’t know about you, but I get bombarded with ads for Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and similar drugs through my e-mail! With the state of the world today, with the amount of medication tampering, drug diluting and unscrupulous start-up companies using harmful chemicals just to save a buck, it’s a wonder to me that anyone would actually entertain the thought of purchasing these drugs from online pharmacies. As consumers we must remain vigilant in our efforts to thwart the sale of these and other harmful drugs sold over the Internet by being cautious and smart in our decisions.

So for all you guys out there just looking to enhance one of life’s greatest gifts — I don’t mean to rain on your parade — but you can’t enjoy the gift if you’re not around to receive it!

Have you ever thought about using Viagra for fun?