Weekly Health Tips for the month of December
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December 4, 2005- 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., ©2005

December 11, 2005- 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., ©2005

December 18, 2005- Heart-Warming Seasoning
Swirl some cinnamon into your favorite hot beverage to make your heart happy.

Cinnamon, researchers have discovered, has potent antioxidant properties, most likely due to the heart-healthy phenols in the spice. To help protect yourself against heart disease, occasionally indulge in a cup of hot cocoa, latte, or mulled cider with ground cinnamon sprinkled on top.

Antioxidants offer powerful protection against disease and aging. They help to mop up free radicals that are left over from natural metabolic processes. These free radicals can damage cells and DNA, but antioxidants help to neutralize them. To ensure you are getting the right quantity and variety of antioxidants, eat a diet that is varied and colorful with many different kinds of fruits, vegetables, spices, and nuts. Fresh isn't your only option; frozen, dried, and canned versions of these items can provide antioxidant nutrition as well.

Source: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, ©2005

December 25, 2005- Dark Thoughts
A bit of dark chocolate may do more than just tickle your taste buds.

Eating about 3 1/2 ounces of dark chocolate helped relax people's blood vessels in a recent study, which could help protect cardiovascular health. So go ahead and indulge, but don't overdo it; dark chocolate is still high in calories and fat.

A recent study finds evidence that eating a little bit of chocolate may be good for your health. In the study, participants who consumed about 3 1/2 ounces (about seven small squares) of dark chocolate experienced improvements in endothelial function of the smooth muscle lining their blood vessels. Improved endothelial function aids blood flow and helps decrease strain on the heart. Because chocolate is high in both fat and calories, people who plan to consume chocolate frequently should consume it in much smaller amounts than what was used for the recent study -- an ounce or two per day is a sensible serving. In addition to an occasional piece of dark chocolate, other artery-friendly habits include limiting your intake of trans and saturated fat, exercising for at least 30 minutes per day, and reducing stress levels with relaxation activities.

Source: American Journal of Hypertension, ©2005


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