File these findings under “C” for Confusing. While Americans’ waistlines are expanding and general health is spiraling out of control, somehow cholesterol levels are improving better than expected. Go figure.

There are many reasons to not be obese. Now, it may be important if you want to have a child. The more obese you are, the less likely you are to become pregnant.

Cynics, listen up! For those of you who think of meditation as something just for the hippy dippy types, it’s time to wake up and smell the incense. It’s not new news, but here’s more on how meditation can be good for your health.

This story on MSN.com was of particular importance to me, because I have coughing issues. I’ve been diagnosed with mild asthma and possibly an allergy of some sort. It’s a life-altering condition, because when a cough attack comes on, it can be uncontrollable and breathtaking, in the most literal sense.

Not to get too much into my psyche and the opinion I have of HMOs, doctors, etc., but I definitely want to be treated and diagnosed by specialists. I just feel like the diagnosis is based on very minimal inquiry. I got a breathing test to see what my lung capacity is, a steth0scope to the chest and back, and that’s it.

Maybe that’s all that can be done. But, I feel like the docs are just sort of guessing based on minimal testing and then treating symptoms with a pill. Again, maybe that’s all that can be done. But if there’s a natural way of treating it (like avoiding something I may be allergic to) or even an alternative like acupuncture, I’m game.

More cancer prevention news: Apparently green tea can help ward off colon cancer.