REPORTING POINT 08-00
AEROMEDICAL NEWS
“Live healthy...live well”
HEALTH NEWS
by Larry Kline
SWAPA Voice Mailbox 511/email: skyguy737@cox.net
SPICE FIGHTS KILLER - non-pasteurized apple cider may harbor E. coli bacteria, as evidenced by a massive recall of several brands several years ago. Studies show that cinnamon kills E. coli tainted juice. Researchers intentionally contaminated 64-ounce containers of apple cider with E. coli, then added cinnamon. After 24 hours, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon reduced the E. coli to undetectable levels. Men’s Health 11/99.
IT’S SMART TO EXERCISE AND EXERCISE MAKES YOU SMART - studies show that aerobic exercise can improve mental fitness. Research done at the University of Illinois split test subjects into two groups: one walked up to 45 minutes a day, three times per week, while the other group stretched for an hour three times a week. After 6 months, the walkers scored 15 percent higher on test that measured ability to focus and perform multiple mental tasks. Researchers believe that aerobic exercise may improve bloodflow to the area of the brain that controls the ability to sort and process information. Men’s Health 11/99.
DON’T GET BURNED - scientists have found that when the skin is gradually exposed to sunlight, its ability to adapt and repair itself is much superior to sudden, massive exposure. Getting sunburned bypasses the skin’s repair mechanisms and may lead to a greater risk of developing skin cancer later on. To help the skin adapt to the sun, wear sunscreen and increase exposure by 15 minutes a day. Men’s Health 9/99.
SAVING YOUR GUMS - taking a multivitamin could be one of the best ways to prevent periodontal disease. Researchers in New York evaluated almost 10,000 subjects and found that those with the highest vitamin A and C levels had half the rate of gum disease as those with the lowest levels, and high levels of the mineral selenium were linked to a 13-fold reduction in cases of gum disease. As the body fights invasion from bacteria in dental plaque, it produces free radicals that can damage gum tissue. Antioxidants help protect against this damage. Don’t forget to brush and floss for better oral health. Men’s Health 9/99.
IBUPROFEN AND ANTACIDS DON’T MIX - nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can cause ulcers and bleeding. Taking antacids or acid blockers to relieve this stomach distress can actually increase the risk of gastrointestinal problems.
Scientists warn that antacids and acid blockers may mask the symptoms of gastrointestinal damage and keep people from seeking medical help. If you are taking NSAIDS and experience stomach pain, talk with your physician before taking antacids or acid blockers. Men’s Health 9/99.
ARTHRITIS TREATMENT - recent studies have shown that people with osteoarthritis have responded well to taking supplements of 500 milligrams of glucosamine and 400 mgs of chondroitin twice a day. Subjects report less pain and more mobility.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are compounds that are found in the shells of crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. Chondroitin inhibits the enzymes that destroy cartilage; glucosamine stimulates tissue regrowth in damaged cartilage. Men’s Health 9/99.
“CAB” FOR YOUR HEART - we’ve written before about the health benefits of wine - the antioxidant resveratrol protects against heart disease by lowering levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol. One particular red wine, cabernet sauvignon, has more resveratrol than other types of wine. Grapes that originate in the Bordeaux area make more resveratrol to fight off a fungus that thrives in the moist climate. Cheers - to your health! Men’s Health 9/99.
MAKE LYCOPENE A GUIDED MISSILE - by now you know that lycopene, found in cooked tomato products, may lower your risk of prostate cancer by as much as 35 percent. Now researchers have found adding foods rich in beta-carotene will guide the lycopene to the prostate gland. USDA researchers found that when men were simultaneously given beta-carotene and lycopene supplements, more lycopene ended up in their bodies. Consuming carrots or yellow peppers with tomato sauce will enhance your body’s absorption of this powerful antioxidant. Men’s Health 11/99.
EXERCISE TO BEAT LOWER-BACK PAIN - one likely source of lower back pain is a weak quadratus lumborum, which connects your ribs, pelvis, and lower spine. This muscle stabilizes the spine, especially during twisting sports movements and long periods of sitting. To prevent lower-back pain, you need to train the quadratus lumborum to stay tensed for long periods of time. One spine expert found that horizontal side supports do this job better than any other lower-back exercise.
Start by lying straight on your side, then lift your pelvis so your weight rests on your forearm and feet. Hold this pose for 8 seconds. Roll over on your other side and do the move again. You should complete five repetitions per side, three times per week. Men’s Health 11/99.
