Weekly Health Tips for the month of September
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September 5, 2004- Miracle Tea
Tea lovers may be surprised to learn their beverage of choice touts yet another health benefit: blood pressure control.

Drinking a half-cup of green or oolong tea per day reduced a person's risk of high blood pressure by almost 50% in a new study. People who drank at least two and a half cups per day reduced their risk even more. Their risk was reduced even if they had risk factors for high blood pressure, such as high sodium intake.

In a study, researchers assessed the effects of tea consumption on the risk of hypertension in people without a prior history of the disease. More than 1,500 men and women participated; approximately 600 of them were habitual tea drinkers, defined as those who drank at least a half-cup of tea per day for at least one year. Even in the presence of risk factors for hypertension, tea drinkers were nearly 50 percent less likely to develop hypertension than non-tea drinkers. Other ways to reduce your risk of high blood pressure include living an active lifestyle that includes regular exercise and eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, low-fat dairy, fish, and poultry. Limiting alcohol intake and losing excess weight also can help reduce hypertension risk.

Source: Archives of Internal Medicine, ©2004

September 12, 2004- In a Bind
Too much stress at work could jeopardize your musculoskeletal health.

Research suggests that musculoskeletal ailments such as carpal tunnel syndrome may not be due strictly to repetitive motions. Mental stress may be a factor, too. Stress can cause muscles to tense up and contribute to upper body ailments. Soothe your stress by taking multiple stretching and deep-breathing breaks.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that is believed to be caused by repeatedly using upper body extremities with little variation in use. It is characterized by the inflammation and compression of nerves and tendons in the wrist. It can be difficult to distinguish between tendonitis and arthritis symptoms, so see your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

Source: American Journal of Industrial Medicine, ©2004

September 19, 2004- Power Couple
For a powerful, arterial health-boosting combo, pair up orange juice and oatmeal at breakfast.

Phenolic compounds in oats work synergistically with vitamin C to inhibit a key step in the formation of arterial plaques, research has revealed. Stir vitamin C-rich fruits such as strawberries, cantaloupe, or papaya into your homemade oatmeal, or serve it with a side of orange juice, to help keep your arteries clear.

In addition to strawberries, cantaloupe, papaya, and oranges, other good sources of vitamin C include red and green bell peppers, grapefruit, and mangoes. Vitamin C boosts your immune system and keeps arteries young by inhibiting the formation of plaques. Phenolic compounds in oats are antioxidants that prevent blood cells from sticking to arterial walls. When oats and vitamin C-rich produce are served together, the vitamin C and phenolics work together to inhibit LDL oxidation, thus slowing a step that initiates the build-up of arterial plaques. Other ways to help keep your arteries clear are to exercise regularly and eat a proper diet that includes healthy monounsaturated fats and plenty of fruits, vegetables, and soluble fiber.

Source: Journal of Nutrition, ©2004

September 26, 2004- Good Cholesterol Gone Bad
Keep a watchful eye on your high-density lipoprotein (HDL). It could be connected to both heart health and cancer risk.

Research has established a solid link between low levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol and a higher risk of heart disease. Now, new research also has discovered a potential link between low HDL and increased breast cancer risk in certain women. Keep your HDL levels high by exercising regularly and eating a healthy, balanced diet.

A study of older, overweight women with the metabolic syndrome revealed that those who had the lowest levels of HDL had the highest risk of breast cancer. Future studies will reveal the complex nature of the connection between the metabolic syndrome and chronic diseases such as cancer. To help increase your HDL levels, exercise regularly and eat a diet that includes appropriate amounts of fiber and unsaturated fats, such as those found in olive oil and certain nuts and seeds. Both exercise and a healthy diet also can help control weight and lower your risk of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, ©2004

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