March 7, 2004- Double Cuts
Cutting down on red meat might help lower your diabetes risk.

Getting too much iron from red meat may raise type 2 diabetes risk, according to recent research. Iron from other food sources does not appear to affect risk. To trim down on meat consumption, replace one red meat dish each week with dishes based on white-meat poultry, beans, tofu, fish, or other high-protein substitutions.

Try to limit your intake of red meat to 1 serving per week. When you do eat red meat, use an appropriate single serving size, such as a slice of meat that is roughly the size of a deck of cards.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, ©2004

March 14, 2004- Acetaminophen
About 100 million people take acetaminophen, the main ingredient in Tylenol, each year.  Manufactures insist that it is causing serious liver damage. 

More than 56,000 emergency room visits in a single year are caused by acetaminophen overdoses!  100 people die each year after unintentionally taking too much according to the FDA.  People must be careful to follow the directions and not misuse the medication.  Acetaminophen may be over the counter, the side effects can be severe- even lethal.
  
Source: USA Today, ©2004

March 21, 2004- Relax, Don't Lose Your Patience
Are you always losing your patience? Staying calmer may help keep your arteries young.

Young adults who are prone to impatience appear to have a higher long-term risk of developing high blood pressure compared to their more patient peers. A tendency toward hostile feelings also was linked to a higher risk of high blood pressure down the road.

High blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, and other health complications.

Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, ©2004

March 28, 2004- Not Great with Grapefruit

If you take certain blood pressure or cholesterol medications, you may need to steer clear of grapefruit juice.
Studies show that certain kinds of blood pressure medications (calcium channel blockers) and cholesterol medications (statins) may be absorbed into the body too quickly because of grapefruit juice. Read the complete prescribing information for your medication carefully and see your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about food interactions.

Avoiding drug interactions can help you stay safe and healthy.

Source: FDA/Center for Drug Evaluation and Research