Who needs a gun? A hot dog will work just fine...

If it turns out you've gotten yourself into an ugly marriage, and you don't know how to get out, fear not -- the hot dog was created for you!

According to a recent study published in The Archives of Internal Medicine, eating more than one hot dog every month and a half equates to a death wish. While red meat is considered very bad for your health, and eating too much can increase your mortality risk by 20 to 40 percent, hot dogs and other forms of processed meats are in a category of their own.

The New York Times has more on why you should forego the ham sandwich and abstain from those ballpark dogs.

Even tennis pros suffer from binge eating

Monica Seles has recently published a book about eating issues -- "Getting a Grip: On My Body, My Mind, My Self." (Read The New York Times' write up of the book.) The book reminds us that our relationship with food so often reflects our relationship with our self -- and that sometimes trainers, nutritionists and diets can't get us "back on track" -- because the real issue is finding internal harmony. 

By listening to her body's needs -- whether for carbs, or for a lighter exercise routine -- Monica was finally able to lose the weight that she was struggling with, and find peace.

Would you like some birth control with your glass of water, or maybe a dose or two of antidepressants?

Every spring since 2007, we're reminded that not only do we have to worry about removing lead, copper, excess chlorine and arsenic from our drinking water -- we probably also want to forego our tap water's pharmaceutical fortification.

This month, the AP has conducted another investigation into pharmaceutical dumping.

The facts are clear -- pharmaceuticals are getting into our tap water. While the potential harm to humans hasn't been fully explored, most of us would probably prefer not to get medicated by an unconscious water supply.

So what's a tap water drinker to do? (And drinking from the tap -- or better, drinking filtered tap water, is ideal both for the planet and for your wallet.) Brita released a statement in November of 2008 claiming that its filter does reduce levels of pharmaceuticals. There are other filtration options, which are more expensive, but also more extensive in how they purify tap water. NSA has more on the range of water filtration options available.

And as a concerned citizen, you should also avoid flushing any drugs down the toilet, as this only adds to the problem.

Eat blueberries to control glucose and trim tummy fat

Blueberry pancakes are, in my opinion, a gift from above. If you're having a craving -- Trader Joe's has a delicious buttermilk pancake mix, which is cheap and easy to make. While the box calls for eggs, I actually made the pancakes without eggs, by mistake, last weekend, and the results were delicious. Trader Joe's also sells organic, wild blueberries in the frozen section -- add these to the buttermilk pancakes and you've got heaven.

Turns out, you also have a recipe for flatter abs, better glucose control and improved mental function.

While you may already know that blueberries boost mental function, the fact that blueberries also help you stay trim -- and ward off diabetes -- is the result of a new study. 

WebMD has more.

Calcium -- The Best Ways to Get it in Your Diet

Calcium is a tricky beast:
-- If you get over 250% of your recommended daily allowance, your body can OD on it.
-- If you don't get enough, your bones, teeth and muscles will suffer.
-- You can only absorb up to 60% of your recommended daily allowance at a time 
-- You need Vitamin D to absorb calcium.

So, with all of that in mind, what are the best ways to get calcium?

You can use supplements -- like TUMS -- but the best source of vitamins and nutrients is food.

If you're an omnivore, dairy makes a lot of sense. Don't overdo it, and don't consume dairy (primarily) through high fat sources -- like full fat cheeses -- but in moderation, even full fat cheese is fine.

If you like yoghurt, be conscious of how much sugar (and fat) your favorite brand includes. I prefer my yoghurt nonfat and plain. Trader Joe's actually has a really great French Style nonfat plain yoghurt. I add stevia, vanilla extract and some cinnamon, and it's amazing (healthy and relatively low-cal). Sometimes I mix in fresh blueberries (for brain health!), and then it's a real treat.

Trader Joe's also has Irish sharp cheddar, reduced fat -- which is yummy -- I like to have a slice on its own, or melted on whole wheat bread.

Nonfat, or low fat milk -- with cereal (organic oatmeal with milk is a great breakfast treat) -- or alone, is another great source.

If you prefer to get your calcium from non animal sources, oranges offer 6% of your recommended daily allowance. Tofu -- when processed with calcium sulfate -- has 20-33% per 4 ounce serving. Cooked collard greens offer 36% percent of your RDA per cup. Almonds and broccoli both offer about 9% of your recommended daily allowance per serving.

For more ways to get calcium without consuming dairy, check out The Vegetarian Resource Group's post on calcium in a vegan diet. 

For a more complete picture of calcium and its absorption, The National Institute of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements has a great calcium fact sheet.

And two last parting tips -- do engage in weight-bearing exercise in order to keep calcium in your bones, and don't eat too much meat -- excessive amounts of protein can actually leech calcium from your bones -- as can too much caffeine, salt and carbonated beverages.

So, how do you approach the calcium conundrum? Or how do you hope to change your approach?

Are you Vitamin D deficient?

Living in Los Angeles, I have always assumed that I am vitamin D abundant.

Turns out, that may not be the case. Last week, when I visited my doctor for my annual check-up, she had me tested for vitamin D. (Apparently Los Angelenos are often more vitamin D deficient than New Yorkers – because we are so loath to walk.)

Vitamin D is a hot topic right now because a new study indicates that many Americans are actually vitamin D deficient.

Why does that matter? Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium -- which is why most milk is vitamin D fortified. A lack of vitamin D has been linked to brittle bones, as well as to immune disorders and to a greater chance of catching a cold or the flu.  

How can you increase your vitamin D levels?

The most natural source of vitamin D – sun exposure, comes with caveats. Most of us now avoid direct sun exposure because of skin cancer and skin health concerns. In using sun block, we’re reducing the sun’s ability to create vitamin D. People with higher melanin levels, and darker skin, tend to be better protected against UVB rays, which create vitamin D.

So if the sun isn’t the best source, what is? Doctors are now recommending supplements to get what soon may be a daily recommended allowance of 800-1000 international units (where the adequate intake level used to be 200-400 IUs).

Not a fan of supplements? Other food sources are fish, eggs and cod liver oil. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, Vegan Society has a webpage on best vitamin D sources.