CROSSFEED 2-97
AEROMEDICAL NEWS
HEALTH NEWS
by Larry Kline
SEASONING MAY FIGHT CANCER - cumin may help prevent cancer. In one study, mice treated with the condiment had a lower incidence of skin cancer; in another, treatment limited the effects of nitric oxide, which can lead to cancer. Men's Fitness 1/97
IMPROVED PROSTATE CANCER TEST - the original test for prostate specific antigen (PSA) has been around now for about ten years. Last year, a more accurate test was introduced. The original PSA test may indicate false-positive at an unacceptable rate. The improved version of the PSA test achieves more accuracy by announcing its results in "stereo." The old test simply measured how much PSA was in the bloodstream. The new test measures total PSA and a subtotal-the fraction of PSA that floats freely in the blood (free PSA). Several studies have shown that the lower the proportion of free PSA, the greater the chance that a man has cancer. The ratio of free PSA may also indicate how aggressive a particular cancer is, according to recent research by the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Not yet approved by the FDA, the test is available at medical centers conducting studies. Health 1/97
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON TREATMENT: If anyone desires any additional information on the possible treatment choices for prostate cancer, please contact me (PHX-6592 or Compuserve 71663,153 or SWAPA voicemail -VB511) and I will gladly forward an excellent article from "The John Hopkins Medical Letter: HEALTH AFTER 50, 4/97"
Healthfact No. 1 - the liver is the body's second largest organ, weighing 2.5 to 3.3 pounds, and is the largest gland. The liver has an estimated 500 functions and can lose 75 percent of its tissue to disease or surgery and remain functional. Popular Science 12/96
SWEET LIES - sugar, the empty-calorie king, comes in many forms. Scanning food labels reveals that sugar may also be called: crystallized cane juice, dextrose, fruit juice concentrate, high-fructose corn syrup, molasses, and white grape juice concentrate. Prime, Winter '96
Healthfact No. 2 - take in an extra 100 calories a day - the amount in a handful of M&M's or a glass of wine - and you could gain ten pounds this year! Health 1/97
SIDS RISK REDUCED - cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) have dropped by 30 percent since 1992. The most likely reason is that more parents now put babies to sleep on their backs, rather than on their stomachs. Pediatricians and health officials have been campaigning for this change since the early 1990's after studies overseas first linked a facedown sleeping position with SIDS. Researchers believe that when babies sleep on their bellies they are more likely to become overheated or to suffocate from breathing their own exhaled air. Health 1/97
ANTIDOTE FOR OSTEOPOROSIS - women hoping to avoid osteoporosis (thinning of bone mass) may find help by taking calcium supplement and exercising. Researchers at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center reviewed 17 studies that looked at how exercise affects bone density, all of which included measurements of calcium intake. They found that exercise made bones measurably stronger only when calcium intake was above 1,000 mgs. per day. Calcium taken by sedentary persons did not help.
Current U.S. government guidelines recommend that pre-menopausal women over age 25 get 1,000 mgs. of calcium daily, from foods like milk, yogurt, and leafy green vegetables, or from supplements. This amount increases to 1,500 mgs. for post-menopausal women who are not taking estrogen. Health 1/97
OIL-PACKED VS. WATER PACKED TUNA - trying to cutdown on fat by choosing water-packed canned tuna may be futile. The fish's fat content can vary by a factor of five depending on where the tuna was caught. That difference can be enough to make the oil-packed variety lighter than the water-packed kind. Health 10/96
Healthfact No. 3 - scientists have discovered chemicals in chocolate that activate the same receptors in the brain as marijuana. The study, published in the journal "Nature", says this may help explain the "transient feeling of well-being" that chocolate produces. Hit me with another Hersheys, Dude! Self 12/96.
GENETIC BLUEPRINT FOR HEALTH - tracing your family health history may be one of the most important steps you ever take toward long life. Once you find out which health problems various family members have had, your doctor can help you figure out how that affects your risk. Many inherited conditions, alcoholism, or obesity for example, are passed on by a mix of inborn tendencies and family habits. The more close relatives who suffered one of the conditions listed below-and the younger they were at the time-the more likely you are to have inherited a predisposition to the illness. Likewise, a clean record doesn't mean you can quit taking good care of yourself.
Heart disease: if your father or grandfather had a heart attack or bypass surgery before age 55 or your mother or grandmother before 65, your risk rises significantly, especially for African- Americans. If heart disease run in your family, do not smoke and have your cholesterol tested. If over 240, have the blood analyzed for LDL or "bad" cholesterol. An LDL of over 160 will likely prompt a recommendation for medical attention. Exercising and minimizing fatty foods will decrease the risk of heart disease.
High Blood Pressure: a family history of high blood pressure increases the risk of developing the condition, which in turn boosts the odds of having a stroke sixfold. If at risk, have your pressure checked regularly, watch your weight, exercise regularly, and eat a diet low in fat and high in calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
Diabetes: if one parent has type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes, you have a 4 to 6 percent chance of getting it yourself. If one parent has type II (non-insulin-dependent), the risk is 7 to 14 percent. Persons of African, Mexican, or Pima Indian heritage are at greatest risk. If at risk, exercise regularly, lose weight if obese, and eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet.
Breast cancer: only 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are inherited. Scientists have identified a mutated gene, BRCA 1, linked to both breast and ovarian cancer, which is carried by 1 percent of Jewish women. If at risk, start having yearly mammograms at age 40 instead of 50.
Colon cancer: 10 to 15 percent of all colon cancers are inherited; family genes lead to about 20,000 new cases each year. If at risk, consult with your doctor about a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy. A regular, low dosage of aspirin may offer protection, as does a low-fat, high-fiber diet.
Prostate cancer: if one has a father or grandfather, brother, or other immediate male family member who has had prostate cancer, the risk of prostate cancer is increased. As previously discussed, the PSA test annually, along with a DRE (digital rectal exam) for men over the age of 40 is prescribed.
Alcoholism: 13 to 25 percent of children of alcoholics are likely to become alcoholics. If at risk, monitor your drinking habits as dependency develops over time. Health 10/96
NUTS! - no, not the book, but the food. Several studies suggest that nuts help lower blood cholesterol levels because they contain monounsaturated fatty acids (same as in olive oil) and/or certain polyunsaturated fatty acids (similar to the omega-3s found in cold water fish).
Nuts contain good sources of vitamin E, folacin, and other B vitamins. They are relatively high in the minerals iron, selenium, magnesium, copper, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. They are also one of the best plant sources of protein.
Unfortunately all this goodness comes at a price - fat. At least three-quarters of the calories in nuts (except chestnuts) come from fat. Since they are high in fat, they also have great caloric content, generally around 160 calories per ounce. The additional salt that most nuts have may contain more than 1,000 mgs. of sodium per cup, more than one-third the suggested daily maximum.
Comparison of one ounce of nuts:
Type Calories Protein(g) Fat(g) %Cals fm fat Comments
Almonds 167 5 15 81 Rich in vit. E & fiber
Brazil nuts 186 4 19 92 High in selenium
Cashews 163 4 13 72 Copper, iron, & folacin
Macadamias 199 2 21 95 Highest in fat
Peanuts 164 7 14 77 Richest in folacin
Pecans 187 2 18 87 Rich in manganese
Pine nuts 146 7 14 86 Rich in iron
Pistachios 162 6 14 78 Iron, thiamin, & phosphorus
Walnuts 182 4 18 89 Vit. B-6, & heart healthy fats
FOOD FOR MOOD - some researchers believe that what we eat can somewhat determine ensuing moods and attention levels. Some brain chemicals are affected by what is eaten. For example, a high carbohydrate breakfast may keep one mellow and calm during the morning and a late dinner of baked potato (almost pure carbohydrate) will help you wind down after a long day. Researchers believe that carbohydrates help the amino acid tryptophan get into the brain. Tryptophan is converted by the brain into serotonin, which helps people relax. These foods are only effective if eaten without fats or protein.
Foods that allegedly fight drowsiness might be protein-rich foods like cottage cheese, beans, low-fat yogurt, or tuna or other fish. Health 10/96
SUPER MILK - a new milk will be marketed soon, which will contain Replace. This product will have Oatrim, a hydrolized oat flour that is believed to lower the level of LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) and increase the amount of good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. Self 12/96.
WHEN WAS YOUR LAST BOOSTER? - one should have a tetanus booster every 10 years. Because immunization is so widespread, relatively few cases of tetanus occur in this country. But about 70% of tetanus infections occur in people over 50, who are least likely to be adequately immunized. The disease, which is often fatal, can be caused by even a minor wound or scratch. UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, 11/96
(Contributing editor's note: the following article "On the Road Again" was written by Stephanie Campbell. She is a registered dietitian with a Master's degree and over 30 years experience in nutritional education, including sports nutrition. Stephanie is the wife of Phoenix-based Captain Dennis Campbell-LK)
"ON THE ROAD AGAIN"
by Stephanie Campbell M.Ed. R.D.
Can a person eat a nutritious, healthy diet while "On the Road?" A quick survey of food vendors at the Phoenix Airport showed that a person with the right mind-set could select a relatively healthy meal. The prices and fat content are a little high, however, and maybe going back to the old "brown bag" might make sense. It is still possible to eat wisely while traveling. Some of the food vendors such as McDonalds, Taco Bell, Burger King, and Pizza Hut do have healthy choices. Watch out for the muffins at some of the stands! The size may vary from the 1 oz. homemade size to the 8 oz. large size and the calories may vary from 130 to 500. In the table below, one can see the calories and grams of protein, fat, and carbohydrate found in a couple of the best meal choices for breakfast and lunch. Choosing a lower fat breakfast can help compensate for the higher fat content of some lunches.
BREAKFAST A
Food/Serving Calories Protein/gms Fat/gms CHO/gms
McDonald English Muffin 177 5 5 28
McDonald Scrambled Egg 140 12 1 10
2% Milk 121 8 5 12
Orange Juice/8 oz 112 2 0 27
Totals: 550 27 11 77
BREAKFAST B
Bagel/ 3-1/2(2oz.) 187 7 1 36
Cream Cheese/ 1 oz. 99 2 10 1
2% Milk/ 8 oz. 121 8 5 12
Orange Juice/ 8 oz. 112 2 0 27
Totals: 519 19 16 76
BREAKFAST C
Yogurt/ 8 oz. fruit 232 10 2 43
Total Cereal/ 8 oz. 116 3 1 26
2% Milk/ 8oz. 121 8 5 12
Orange Juice/ 8 oz. 112 2 0 27
Totals: 581 23 8 108
LUNCH A
Pizza Hut/ 2 slices cheese 492 30 18 57
McDonald's Garden Salad 56 5 2 7
Italian Dressing/ 2 Tbsp 138 <1 18 2
Diet Soft Drink 0 0 0 0
Totals: 686 35 38 66
LUNCH B
Taco Bell Bean Burro 414 14 13 58
Taco Bell Taco 183 10 11 11
TB Pintos/Cheese 190 9 9 19
Diet Soft Drink 0 0 0 0
Totals: 787 33 33 88
So what if you decide to "brown bag it"?? There is a nifty little thermal insulated bag available from some department stores called "Therma Whiz," by California Innovations. It measures about 10" x 7-1/2" x 3-3/4" and has a blue ice packet. There is room for a sandwich, a carton of yogurt, and a baggie full of fresh vegetable sticks, or other combinations of your favorites. Some old "stand-bys" that also travel well are small cans of tuna or the tuna snack packs with the crackers and mayonnaise included; cans of fruit or vegetables; or canned supplements such as Ensure (Ross Laboratories); Sweet Success (Nestle) or Sustacal (Mead Johnson). Each of them is between 200-250 calories per can, fairly tasty and available at most grocery or drug stores for $1.00-$1.50 per can. Some sample packed lunches and their calories, protein, fat, and carbohydrate content are shown below. The breakfasts from fast food vendors can be duplicated in a packed meal from home at a lower price and using some lower fat selections such as jam or jelly in place of the cream cheese, or 1% or skim milk in small cartons. Rotating between the food vendors and packing meals will vary the monotony and allow for some low fat/low cholesterol days to balance out the weekly amount of fat grams one consumes. Best of luck with your personal decision to eat more healthily on the run and "Happy Eating!"
Food/Serving Calories Protein/gms Fat/gms CHO/gms
Tuna/ 3 oz. water packed 99 22 1 0
Mayo./ 1 tbsp low cal. 36 0 3 2
Whole Wheat Bread/ 2 sl 140 6 2 26
Fresh Apple/ 1 med. 81 <1 <1 24
2% Milk/ 8oz. 121 8 5 12
Carrots/ 2 raw 64 <1 <1 14
Totals: 541 36 11 78
Cheese Sticks/ 3 237 24 15 3
Saltine Crackers/ 8 104 2 2 18
Orange/ 1 raw 62 1 <1 15
2% Milk/ 8oz. 121 8 5 12
Totals: 524 35 22 48
And how about that sweet tooth? "TCBY" frozen nonfat yogurt has about 100 calories, virtually no cholesterol, little sodium, about 23 grams of carbohydrate, and about 10% of the RDA for calcium.
Pennington, Jean, A.T., "Bowes and Church's Food Values of Portions Commonly Used." 15th edition Harper Perennial(A Division of Harper Collins Publishers)
Brown, Judith E., "Nutrition Now." 1995 West Educational Publishing. (Appendix A)
DHEA - THE PROMISE AND THE FACTS - DHEA is a hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex. It circulates in the bloodstream in quantities thousands of times greater than any other hormone in the body. Because it is structurally similar to other hormones, DHEA acts as a raw material from which the body can produce other hormones, such as testosterone, estrogen, and cortisone, as needed.
However, DHEA has many of its own unique functions. DHEA levels in the body peak around age 21 and slowly decline over the years. Men in their prime produce about 31 mgs. daily; women, about 19 mgs. DHEA production, as with other hormones, can decrease 80 to 90 percent by age 75. If you compare the DHEA levels of a healthy person to a person of the same age and sex who has a serious health problem, the healthy person will have much more DHEA. Many cancer patients and persons suffering from chronic fatigue report that their blood tests revealed that they had almost no DHEA. Stress also decreases DHEA production in the body, as does smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and birth control pill usage.
When taken in amounts greater than what the body needs, DHEA can produce several undesired effects, such as acne, facial hair on women, rapid heart beat, headaches, and sleeplessness. DHEA should be used under the care and supervision of a healthcare professional, so that blood levels of the hormone can be monitored. The younger and healthier that you are, the less you need, because your body may still be producing adequate amounts.
Some initial studies indicated that DHEA enhances the immune system by stimulating T lymphocytes and enhancing interleukin-2 production. It may also fight osteoporosis by improving calcium absorption. Those suffering from inflammatory diseases such as lupus and arthritis have found relief as DHEA can convert into anti-inflammatory cortisone.
Researchers have found that DHEA levels increase naturally in the body with regular exercise. Some researchers believe that DHEA may increase fat metabolism and decrease fat storage through thermogenesis and its effects on insulin. Finally, some preliminary research indicates that DHEA appears to inhibit the activity of an enzyme that is associated with the proliferation of cancer cells.
However, more recent research on DHEA usage appears to contradict earlier findings. A recent 19-year study found no significant correlation between levels of DHEA and the subjects' likelihood of getting heart disease. Yet, a study at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, which examined 101 men under age 50 and 103 women under age 60 who were undergoing emergency coronary angioplasty, found that DHEA levels were lower in men who had at least one vessel with at least 50% blockage. The investigators concluded that low levels of DHEA may facilitate the development of coronary atherosclerosis while high levels may retard the development of vascular problems.
Further negative reports have been recently published. "There is no legitimate evidence that DHEA affects aging", says Arthur G. Schwartz, PH.D., a DHEA researcher and microbiologist at Temple University. Worse, the body converts DHEA into testosterone, which could cause serious problems. Schwartz believes that long‑term supplementation of higher than 25 milligrams per day‑and some devotees take twice that amount‑could eventually cause heart disease and prostate cancer.
"DHEA is snake oil at this point", says Elizabeth Barrett‑Connor,M.D., professor at the University of California at San Diego and a long standing authority on the hormone. "There have been no long‑term clinical tests in people, and animal studies are meaningless‑animals don't even have DHEA."
So the claims for DHEA- that it may reduce chances of heart disease, cancer, lengthens lives, retards the aging process, melts fats, and boost the immune systems are just not substantiated in long-term studies on humans.
Still proponents of the hormone are undaunted, so you can expect more of this debate about DHEA for some time. "Skiing is dangerous, and people do that," says Ray Sahelian, M.D., author of DHEA: a practical guide. "People should take the gamble if there's a good chance it might work."
"No thanks," replies Schwartz. "If DHEA could reverse aging, believe me, I'd take it. At 55, I need it." Prime, Winter/1996; Men's Health 3/97; Pulse-A Publication for Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutritionists, Spring 1997; Men's Fitness 12/96, For the Pharmacist 2/97; and Nutrition Action Healthletter 3/97.
TRIGLYCERIDES AND HEART DISEASE- a new study from Harvard Medical School has found a possible link in blood triglycerides and risk of heart disease. The study analyzed nearly 15,000 men who were aged 40 to 84. After seven years, the researchers compared the initial blood triglyceride levels of men who later had heart attacks to the initial levels of men who did not. Harvard found that the higher the men's triglycerides, the higher their risk of heart attack. For every 100-point rise in triglycerides, the risk of a heart attack climbed 40 percent.
"This still isn't proof that high triglycerides cause heart disease, but it means that you shouldn't ignore them," says the study's author. "Going overboard on carbohydrates can raise triglycerides...a little olive oil or nuts may help lower them (triglycerides)."
Nutrition Action Healthletter, 3/97.
From the Flight Surgeon:
"ABSOLUTE POWER'"
by Joe Battersby, D.O.
FAA Medical Examiner
(edited for this publication-LK)
[insert Battersby article here]
