September 7, 2003- Fishers of Memory

Putting fish on the menu once per week might cut your risk of Alzheimer's disease in half.

Research shows that diets high in omega-3 fatty acids are associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. In a study, eating fish rich in omega-3s at least once per week appeared to reduce Alzheimer's disease risk by 60 percent compared to rarely or never eating fish.

Eating at least 1 serving of fish per week can help reduce your chances of Alzheimer's disease.  If you are not able to eat the 1 recommended serving, try taking a daily fish oil supplement.

Source: Archives of Neurology, ©2003

September 14, 2003- Brush Away Artery Plaques

Brushing your teeth twice per day not only will remove plaque from your teeth, but it also may keep plaques from forming in your arteries.

Research shows that tooth loss is associated with higher levels of plaque in the arteries that lead to the brain. Older adults who had lost many teeth were more likely to have the plaques compared to people who didn't experience major tooth loss as they aged.  Researchers speculate that the association between tooth loss and artery plaques is due to inflammation. Both periodontal disease (a common cause of tooth loss) and coronary artery disease are marked by inflammatory processes that can damage tissue.

Keep your teeth, and heart, healthy for life by brushing and flossing every day.

Source: Stroke, ©2003 

September 21, 2003- Short and Brisk

A few short, brisk walks each week may be enough to help you ward off breast cancer.

In a large study of older women, breast cancer risk was reduced by almost 20 percent in women who walked briskly for about an hour and a half each week -- the equivalent of three 30-minute walks. To see if you're walking fast enough, try talking; conversation should be more difficult when you are exerting yourself.

Exercising regularly can reduce your chances of many diseases, now possibly including cancer!

Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, ©2003

September 28, 2003- Kick Kidney Stones

Kicking a cola habit might help keep recurring kidney stones in check.

Studies suggest that certain beverages may be associated with an increased risk of developing kidney stones. In one study, kidney stone sufferers who customarily consumed a great deal of cola were much less likely to experience a recurrence when they cut their cola consumption in half.

Another beverage that has been linked to a higher risk of kidney stones is grapefruit juice. In a study, kidney stone risk increased by as much as 37 percent with every additional 8 ounces of juice consumed per day. On the other hand, drinking a high volume of water can reduce kidney stone risk. Certain beverages, such as coffee, tea, and wine, also have been linked to a decreased risk of kidney stone formation.

Source: Urological Research, ©2003