October 6, 2002- Daily Dosage
Find yourself skipping days when taking your vitamins and supplements.  A recent study finds that one taking a calcium supplement must be done everyday.

The study looked at 3 groups of females taking calcium.  The first group taking their calcium everyday, the second taking it every other day, and the third taking only a placebo.  The results showed the group taking the calcium supplement every other day was just as effective as not taking one at all!  Only the group of females taking the supplement everyday was shown to be effective.

Calcium is a very closely carefully regulated mineral in the blood system.  The effectiveness of a calcium supplement can be only attained with a daily dosage.
SOURCE: Dr. Joel Pins, PhD, MPH, LN, ©2002

October 13, 2002- Don't Warm the Bench
Sitting on a bench after your warm-up may put your back at risk.

A recent study revealed that athletes who performed a warm-up routine but then sat on a bench for a while before engaging in a physical activity experienced an increase in low back stiffness. Stiff back muscles could increase injury risk. To protect your back, stay active after your warm-up or choose a resting spot that offers low back support.

A physical activity program that builds stamina, strength, and flexibility can help reduce your chances of physical injuries and cardiovascular symptoms.
SOURCE: Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, ©2002

October 20, 2002- Bean There, Done That
To help reduce your risk of strokes, try adding a can of white beans to your soups and stews.

A recent study revealed a correlation between high potassium intake and a decreased risk of stroke in men and women. White beans are an excellent source of potassium with over 1,000 milligrams of potassium per cup. Black, pinto, and kidney beans also are high in potassium.

Getting the optimum dose of potassium (3,000 milligrams per day) can decrease your risk of suffering from a stroke.
SOURCE: Neurology, ©2002

October 27, 2002- Light on the Starch
Cutting down on refined starches may help you avoid pancreatic cancer.

Research suggests that a diet full of starchy foods, such as white rice, white bread, and potatoes, may increase a person's risk of pancreatic cancer, especially in people who are overweight or sedentary. Instead, round out your diet with unrefined grains, such as brown rice and whole-wheat bread, and less starchy vegetables, such as broccoli.

Eating a high-fiber diet can help reduce your chances of many types of cancer.
SOURCE: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, ©2002