January 4, 2004- Blood Pressure-Friendly Relief
If you've got a cold and you have high blood pressure, be sure to get your doctor's or pharmacist's advice before taking cold medicine.

Research has shown that decongestants can raise blood pressure, which may make these medications dangerous for people with hypertension. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about cold medications that have been specially formulated for the cold and flu needs of people with high blood pressure.

Keeping your blood pressure at 115/76 mm Hg can be achieved by limiting your intake of salt, caffeine, and alcohol. Consume them only in moderation.
 

January 11, 2004- Whole Grains for Weight Loss
Slipping more fiber-filled foods into your daily diet could help boost your efforts to keep off extra pounds.

Women who opt for whole-grain cereals and breads tend to put on less weight as they age compared to women who opt for refined breads and cereals that are short on fiber. In a study, the whole grain lovers were half as likely to become obese compared to the women who favored refined grains. 

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, ©2003

January 18, 2004- Orange You Glad?
Eating an orange a day may be one of the secrets to living younger longer.

Oranges have more than 170 different phytochemicals -- compounds thought to possess health-promoting properties. Oranges also are an excellent source of vitamin C, a nutrient credited with helping to promote arterial health and reduce the risk of fatty plaque build-up in arteries. Vitamin C also helps promote immune system functions. One orange contains about 70 milligrams of vitamin C. Split your daily recommended dose of 1,200 milligrams per day into three 400-milligram servings taken throughout the day. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, so the body will flush out excess rather quickly, thus making it important not to overload the body with all 1,200 milligrams at once.

Source: Consumer Science Program/SCIRO Health Sciences and Nutrition, ©2004

January 25, 2004- Don't Double Up
Doubling up on different kinds of analgesics could mean a higher risk of stomach side effects.

A recent study revealed that, taken at over-the-counter doses, the analgesics ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin carry a small risk of gastrointestinal side effects, such as stomach bleeding. However, people who doubled up by taking two different analgesics at the same time had at least twice the risk of complications.

Taking too many medications or taking them improperly can cause severe health risks and complications.  Make sure to ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.

Source: Journal of Rheumatology, ©2004