News Pulse: Is This The Future Of Weight Loss?

The Future Of Weight Loss? Your Phone [Reuters] Whatever your health goal, there's an app for that—and weight loss is no different, with hundreds of smartphone apps that help users track their food intake, exercise levels, and overall progress. And according to a new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, those apps seem to be effective: Participants (most of whom were in their 50s) lost an average of eight extra pounds over six months when they used mobile devices to keep tabs on their diet and fitness. Plus, those who kept using the devices also kept the weight off after a year. (Try our favorites with Apps That Get You Through The Day.)

Ladies More Likely To Live To 100 [USA Today] More proof that women are awesome: Data from the 2010 Census, released this week, reveals that 80% of the country's centenarians (those who are 100 or older) are ladies. Most centenarians live in the south, with California and Florida being the states that boast the biggest populations of these elderly superstars. Researchers still aren't sure why women often outlive men, but they suspect that we're more likely to pay regular visits to the doctor and tend to manage illnesses more carefully. A growing body of evidence suggests that genes might also be a key factor. (Stay youthful for years with these 8 Anti-Aging Food And Exercise Tips.) 

To Treat An Aching Back, Quit Smoking [Futurity] Add this latest research to the long list of good reasons to give cigarettes the boot: In a study of 5,300 patients, adults with severe, chronic back pain experienced significant relief when they decided to butt out. Earlier studies have shown that smokers are at an increased risk of developing back pain and other chronic pain disorders, and this latest research also showed that the back pain of non-smokers was less intense than the discomfort of their smoking peers. Experts suspect that smoking triggers pain by limiting the amount of oxygen delivered to the body's tissues. (Sore back and you're not a smoker? Figure out What's Behind The Pain.) 

10 Healthy Holiday Appetizer Recipes [Greatist] You can't control what the party host decides to serve at her seasonal soiree, but you can offer to bring a few healthy snacks for guests (and yourself) to nosh on. These 10 healthy holiday appetizer recipes range from super simple (a five-ingredient avocado hummus) to super swanky (pine nut stuffed mushrooms) and include options for gluten-free and vegan diners. (While you're at it, whip up one of these 7 Healthy Holiday Desserts.) 

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