Weekly Health Tips for the month of May
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May 1, 2005- Clear the View
Protect yourself from unnecessary head injuries.

Many people place items in the back window of their car, including Kleenex boxes, umbrellas, books, plastic toys and many other helpful or fun items.  Many of these items just sit there never causing any problems, that is until that item comes racing to the back of your head at 60 mph!

During car accidents, you want to be wearing your seat belt, this keeps you in your seat safe, instead of being thrust through some automobile glass causing severe injury.  However, there are other things in the car that are not seat belted down and will continue to travel at highway speeds if you hit something and quickly stop, like those things in the back window of your car.  The last thing you want is to live through the impact of a horrible car accident, but suffer a traumatic head injury from a book or umbrella that was sent flying at you, or anyone else in the car.  Please remove everything from the back window of your car, not only will it possibly save you from a head injury, it may even clear up some of your view behind you!

Source: Brook West Chiropractic Clinic

May 8, 2005- A Heated Debate
Certain cooking methods could be bad for your broccoli.

Zapping broccoli in the microwave may destroy up to 97 percent of its flavonoids, a recent study concludes. Boiling broccoli can lead to a loss of nutrients as well. Lightly steaming the veggie appears best for retaining the highest level of nutrients possible.

In addition to flavonoids, other nutrients susceptible to heat damage include vitamin C and B vitamins such as folate. Exposure to heat, water, and air all can reduce the nutrient content of many kinds of produce. A notable exception is tomatoes. Cooking and processing tomatoes appears to have little effect on their lycopene content. To minimize nutrient loss, store vegetables in airtight containers or in the produce drawer of your refrigerator away from the refrigerator light. Cut veggies into large pieces and cook them immediately to help minimize exposure to air.

Source: Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, ©2005

May 15, 2005- A Sweet Health Treat
Indulge your sweet tooth with a heart-healthy treat.

Dark chocolate may help lower blood pressure and improve insulin sensitivity in healthy people, a recent study concludes. Flavanols are likely the source of dark chocolate's health powers. They relax blood vessels and stimulate glucose absorption. Remember to eat chocolate in moderation; it's still high in fat and calories.

In addition to dark chocolate, other food sources of flavanols include green and black teas, Red Delicious apples with the peels, and apricots. Flavanols are polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. In a recent study, participants' blood pressure and glucose tolerance were assessed after they consumed either 100 grams of dark chocolate (about 3.5 ounces) or 90 grams of white chocolate daily for 15 days. Participants in the dark chocolate group experienced about a 6-point decrease in systolic blood pressure and a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity compared to people in the white chocolate group. Stick to small amounts of dark chocolate, which contain more flavanols than milk chocolate. White chocolate contains no flavanols. Other important elements of blood pressure control are regular exercise and a varied diet that includes fish, nuts, dry beans, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy and limits saturated fat and sodium.

Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, ©2005

May 22, 2005- A Bright Idea
Turning up the lights may help you focus.

People who work in brightly lit environments, such as near a sunny window, are more productive and less distracted than people who work in darker interior spaces, a recent study suggests. Maximize your output by working on tough tasks near a sunny window if you can, or bring in some extra lamps and overhead lighting.

A lack of light can affect your mood by upsetting your circadian rhythms. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression related to this disruption in a person's biological internal clock. Circadian rhythms set the pace for many body processes using a 24-hour cycle. Sleep and mood are just a couple of the processes governed by circadian rhythms. When these rhythms are altered, symptoms of insomnia and depression can result. Evidence suggests light therapy benefits people with SAD, as well as people with non-seasonal depression. If you suffer from depression or a blue mood that lasts for more than a few weeks, see your healthcare provider.

Source: EPRI/LRO 5th International Lighting Research Symposium, ©2005

May 29, 2005- Protein for the Pancreas
If you make a conscious effort to minimize your intake of processed meats, your pancreas will thank you.

In a recent study, people who ate the most processed meats, such as hot dogs, bacon, cold cuts, and sausage, had as much as a 67 percent increase in their risk of pancreatic cancer. Protein choices such as fish, poultry, and eggs were not associated with an increased risk of the disease.

Researchers are not sure why study participants whose diets were high in processed meats experienced an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Researchers speculate that it may be due to the nitrite preservatives and similar additives used in them. The pancreas is a small gland near the stomach that releases digestive enzymes into the intestine and secretes insulin, the hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. Risk factors for pancreatic cancer include advanced age (50 years or older), smoking, and a history of inflammation of the pancreas. Diabetes may increase pancreatic cancer risk as well.

Source: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research, ©2005

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