June 1, 2003- No Place for Your Pills
Storing your medications in your bathroom medicine cabinet might degrade their quality.

Studies have revealed that the high heat and humidity levels that many bathrooms reach can break down properties in certain medications, causing them to lose some of their effectiveness. Even common medications such as ibuprofen, antacids, and laxatives can be affected.

Taking too many medications or taking them improperly impose serious health risks.

Source: International Journal of Pharmaceutics, ©2003

June 8, 2003- It's a Real Stretch
Keeping your body limber may help you fend off arthritis.

Very flexible people may be less likely to develop arthritis in their joints compared to their stiffer peers, according to research. Flexible people also appear to have better bone mineral density. Retain your flexibility as you age by doing a set of all-over body stretches each day.

A physical activity program that builds stamina, strength, and flexibility can help decrease your chances of many serous health conditions.

Source: Journal of Rheumatology, ©2003

June 15, 2003- A Bad Bottle Habit
If you're in the habit of washing and reusing plastic water bottles, you may want to limit the practice.

Washing water bottles before you reuse them can help cut down on illness-causing bacteria. However, researchers caution that washing and reusing disposable water bottles over and over may accelerate the breakdown of the plastic, increasing your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Reuse disposable plastic water bottles for no longer than a week or so, then recycle them.

Source: International Water and Sanitation Centre, ©2003

June 22, 2003- Hunt Down Your Headache
Could hot dogs be causing your headaches? Research suggests it may be so for people who are sensitive to nitrites.

Nitrites are used as a preservative in processed meats, such as hot dogs, ham, sausage, bacon, and luncheon or deli-style meats. They may dilate blood vessels and cause headaches in people who are sensitive to nitrites. If you are prone to headaches and frequently eat processed meat, see if cutting back helps.  Talk to your doctor if your headaches continue to persisit.

Source: Cephalalgia, ©2003

June 29, 2003- Easy on the Iron
If you're getting more iron than you need from your supplements, you may be doing your health more harm than good.

Multivitamins are a good way to fill in the nutrition gaps in your diet. However, getting too much of a good thing may be bad for your health. In a recent study, people with too much iron in their diets were more likely to develop Parkinson's disease compared to people with moderate iron intakes.

Taking unnecessary vitamins and supplements can cause serious health complications.  Be sure to talk to your doctor of you have any questions about your supplemental intake.

Source: Neurology, ©2003