Healthbeat
The latest health news and what it means to you

The findings: Women metabolize nicotine faster than men do, according to research published in the journal Clinical Pharmacology and Therapies. Such speedy transit of nicotine through women’s bodies could affect their smoking habits, making it more difficult for them to kick the habit. The finding may help explain why women seem to have less success using nicotine replacement therapies to quit smoking.
What you should do: If you smoke, ask your doctor for help quitting. You may need to use more than one type of nicotine replacement or combine it with other aids such as counseling or the antidepressant bupropion (Zyban), which helps reduce withdrawal symptoms.

The findings: People eat more when using bigger bowls. Researchers at Cornell University found that even nutrition and food experts at an ice cream social couldn’t resist taking a little extra when their bowls and scoops were bigger. Subjects who used larger scoops increased the amount of ice cream in their bowls by 14.5 percent, and those whose bowls were twice the size increased their amount by 31 percent.
What you should do: Trade in your tableware for a smaller-sized set. Use luncheon or salad plates for meals and enjoy your ice cream with a baby spoon.

The findings: New moms can diet and exercise as early as four weeks after delivery without harming their infants or affecting their ability to breastfeed. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, women were able to lose about one pound a week by reducing the amount of foods high in fat or simple sugars in their diet and exercising at moderate to high intensity. None of the women experienced reduced milk volume, fussy infants or fatigue from exercising.
What you should do: Strap your little one into the baby jogger and off you go. Ask your doctor for help with developing a smart eating and fitness plan.

The findings: Women can reduce their risk of cancer and bile stones by drinking tea. A Chinese study showed that women who drank one cup of tea a day reduced their risk of bile duct cancer by 35 percent, gallbladder cancer by 44 percent and bile stones by 27 percent. Researchers believe the natural plant chemicals in tea may prevent abnormal cell growth and have anti-inflammatory effects that reduce risk of bile tract diseases.
What you should do: Make a habit of drinking at least one cup of tea a day. Try replacing your afternoon coffee or soda with tea.