December 3, 2000- Can't Catch Me, Cold!
Wish you could outrun the common cold this year? You can.

Healthcare providers are now prescribing exercise to prevent recurring illnesses such as cold and flu. As you might have suspected, people who lead more active lifestyles have fewer colds than people who are less active. If you tend to get sick this time of year, start exercising: It can decrease your risk of illness significantly.
SOURCE: Real Age Health Information Systems, ©2000

December 10, 2000- Worry Wort
Taking St. John's wort for depression? Watch out. The herb may be reducing the potency of your prescription medications.

Researchers have discovered that St. John's wort may make prescription drugs, such as those used to treat heart disease, cancer, and seizures, significantly less effective. What's more, the herb could cut the effectiveness of oral contraceptives in half. Before taking St. John's wort, talk to your doctor about possible drug interactions.
SOURCE: InteliHealth Inc., ©2000

December 17, 2000- Healthy Clean
What's the number one way to avoid catching the flu? Wash your hands.

Simple hand washing with soap and water has been long known to help inhibit the spread of the influenza virus. Wash your hands after visiting a public place, such as work, the gym, or the grocery store, and each time before you eat. Protect yourself further by getting a flu shot each year, if you are a high risk individual.
SOURCE: Real Age Health Systems Inc., ©2000

December 24, 2000- Lose those love handles
When you exercise strenuously, most of the calories you burn come from glycogen, a carbohydrate-based fuel stored in your
muscles. Here are a few ways to trick your body into using more energy from fat. Start early. If you do aerobic exercise before breakfast, says Moore, your body is more likely to be low in glycogen and burn fat instead.

Go long--really, really long. According to an article in the journal Frontiers of Bioscience, the longer you exercise at
moderate intensity--55 to 75 percent of your maximum effort--the more your body shifts away from glycogen and starts using fat. Follow weight lifting with cardio exercise. The longer you work out, the more glycogen your body burns and the better your chances of reaching into your fat stores. That’s why you should hit the treadmill after the iron, according to Moore.
SOURCE: Men's Health Systems Inc., ©2000

December 31, 2000- Grain of Truth
Want to lower your risk of stroke? Give yourself the gift of whole grains.
According to a recent study, eating whole grains each day could reduce your risk of stroke. In fact, avoiding refined grains, such as foods made with white flour, and eating whole grain foods instead, such as whole-wheat bread and brown rice, could reduce your risk of a stroke by as much as 40%.
SOURCE: Real Age Health Systems Inc., ©2000