HEALTH Tidbits

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HEALTH Tidbits

 

Folic Acid Said To Reduce Stroke Risk Source: United Press InternationalATLANTA (United Press International via COMTEX) -- New research fromEmory University in Atlanta suggests folic acid may reduce the risk ofheart attacks and strokes, the Wall Street Journal said Tuesday.Long associated as a benefit to women of child-bearing age to preventcertain birth defects, the member of the B-complex family of vitaminsmay also have anti-cancer abilities, the report said."I think that ultimately we will see that folic acid will prevent 10times as many cardiovascular deaths a year as birth defects," saysGodfrey P. Oakley Jr., visiting professor of epidemiology at RollinsSchool of Public Health of Emory University, Atlanta.Folic acid helps the body break down carbohydrates into simple sugarsto be used for energy. It is found naturally in a number of foods,including leafy green vegetables, spinach and bananas.A 2002 study suggested folic acid can help prevent the recurrence ofblocked arteries in patients who underwent heart-bypass surgery. Arandomized trial whose results were published in the British MedicalJournal indicated increasing folic acid levels to twice the dailyrecommended level, or 800 micrograms, significantly reduces risk ofheart disease, stroke and deep vein thrombosis.Copyright 2004 by United Press International. Pregnancy Risks In Non-Prescription Drugs Source: United Press InternationalNEW YORK (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Many pregnantwomen are endangering their unborn children by using non-prescription,over-the-counter drugs, the Wall Street Journal said Tuesday.The report said women often assume if medications don't require aprescription, they are safe to take during pregnancy, but mostmedicines have been tested only for use in the general adultpopulation.Now, some healthcare practitioners have grown concerned by the resultsof recent studies of some popular over-the-counter medications, suchas pseudoephedrine, commonly sold under the brand name Sudafed,acetaminophen, commonly sold as Tylenol, and ibuprofen, commonly soldas Advil.While far from conclusive, some studies suggest women who usepseudoephedrine in their first trimester may have a higher risk ofhaving a baby born with gastroschisis, a rare defect in the abdominalwall that results in abdominal organs bulging outside the body --especially when pseudoephedrine is used in combination withacetaminophen.Ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have beenlinked to the premature closure of the fetal ductus when used in thethird trimester, the report said.Copyright 2004 by United Press International. Super-Strong Staph Infections Spreading Source: United Press InternationalATLANTA (United Press International via COMTEX) -- U.S. doctors arewarning an antibiotic-resistant bacteria known as Staphylococcusaureus is spreading, the New York Times reported Tuesday.Infections caused by the new resistant staph are unexpectedlyaggressive and delays in starting the right antibiotics may belife-threatening, experts say."Staph infections are such a common problem that the emergence ofinfections resistant to common antibiotics has important public healthimplications," said Dr. Daniel B. Jernigan, an epidemiologist at thefederal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Antibiotic-resistant bacteria often develop when people take manyantibiotics, or frequent places like hospitals, where many antibioticsare used.The antibiotics kill off the sensitive bacteria in people's mouths,intestines and skin and the bacteria that are naturally resistant tothe antibiotics thrive and eventually predominate.But this process, called "antibiotic pressure" cannot explain theemergence of the new resistant staph, because among the general publicwhere these infections appear, there is relatively little antibioticuse and many people with these infections have never taken antibioticsbefore.Copyright 2004 by United Press International. Sit-Ups and Variety Will Rid You of 'Love Handles' By Nicki Anderson Source: Chicago Daily HeraldQ. I am a male turning the big 5-0 this year. I run three miles fourtimes a week and try to keep my nutrition in check. Over the pastyear, my job has changed and I'm seated at a desk for three to fourhours a day. I've noticed "love handles" and a bit of a belly. Wouldgood old-fashioned sit-ups help that? What are your thoughts?A. There are a couple of things that I will suggest you take a lookat, but I am pleased to know that at the age of 50 you are maintaininga dedication to active living. Often times, between the ages of 40 and50, many people forego their exercise programs because life just getsin the way. As we age, the best thing we can do for ourselves ismaintain an active lifestyle.Reducing "love handles" or getting rid of a "gut" with sit-ups is amyth. Certainly, regular abdominal exercises are beneficial; however,in order to reap results, you must make sure they are part of acomplete fitness program in conjunction with a healthy eating program.The combination of both is what helps to rid the body of excess fat.I doubt that three to four hours behind a desk each day hascontributed to your "love handles" as much as lack of variety in yourexercise regimen. You might want to consider adding new activities toyour current running program.As a fellow runner, sometimes it's hard for me to imagine doinganything else, but there are a number of reasons that it is valuableto participate in other forms of cardiovascular work. Some of thebenefits include reduced risk of injury, improved performance,increased weight loss, and increased lean tissue.Also, you didn't indicate whether or not you are strength training. Ifyou're not including strength training as part of your exerciserepertoire, I strongly suggest you do so. Strength training plays avital role in maintaining a healthy body composition and the lack ofit may be a contributing factor in your increased mid- section girth.Finally, your nutrition. You've stated that you keep your nutrition incheck, but it probably wouldn't hurt to jot your foods down for a weekor two just to see what "in check" really means. You want to make surethat as an active male, you're getting plenty of healthy carbs, leanprotein and generous amounts of fruits and vegetables. Be sure todrink plenty of water while limiting processed and fried foods.As you enter your 50s, embrace the healthy lifestyle you have chosen.It is those healthy choices that make the aging process much moreenjoyable simply because you're able to fully participate in life!Trainer tip: You're never too old to begin lifting weights. Studiesshow that middle-aged and older men who begin strength- trainingprograms show significant gains in strength and power in 16 weeks oftraining.- Nicki Anderson is a certified personal trainer, author and owner ofReality Fitness in Naperville. Send questions toRealityFitness1@@aol.com or see www.realityfitness.com.(C) 2004 Chicago Daily Herald. via ProQuest Information and LearningCompany;