March 4, 2001- Molten Java
Can't wait to gulp down that steaming, nonfat, half-caf latte every morning? Well, this may get you to cool your heels.
According to research, consuming piping hot beverages is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer. In a recent study, people who regularly consumed very hot beverages had a 2- to 4-fold increase in risk over people who drank hot beverages infrequently or drank them cold or warm.
SOURCE:  Real Age Health Systems Inc., ©2001

March 11, 2001- One Tomato, Two Tomato
Keeping heart disease away may be as simple as eating a tomato a day.
Research points to the power of the tomato's primary antioxidant, lycopene. In a recent study, men who had low lycopene levels showed significantly more evidence of carotid artery thickening, a prime indicator of cardiovascular disease.
Men who eat 10 servings of tomato paste per week can help reduce their chances of cardiovascular disease.
SOURCE:  Real Age Health Systems Inc., ©2001

March 18, 2001- Fabulous Folate
Getting a daily fix of folate may help keep your mind young.  Researchers have found that low folate levels in the blood are associated with Alzheimer's-type dementia. Folate is an antioxidant that is believed to protect against oxidative stress and free radical damage.

Getting a total of 700 micrograms of folate per day can help reduce your risks of Alzheimer's and other cardiovascular diseases.
SOURCE:  University of Arizona, ©2001

March 25, 2001- Thin Red Lines
If your eyes are always bloodshot, and no amount of Visine or prescription drops seems to help, you probably have either a low-level bacterial or viral infection, dry eyes, or an allergic reaction to something around you. Visine constricts blood vessels to take the red away, but when it wears off, it can leave you with rebound redness--meaning the more you use, the redder they'll get.

If you can't pinpoint the source of allergies--like newspaper ink or aftershave--try holding a warm compress over your eyes twice a day for 5 minutes. Then wash your eyes out with a little baby shampoo (it won't sting). Do this for 2 weeks. This routine can help eliminate the infection and redness, says Peter Laibson, M.D., director of cornea services at Wills Eye Center in Philadelphia. If it doesn't clear up, see an ophthalmologist.
SOURCE:  InteliHealth Inc., ©2001