
This Issue's Vitality-on-Demand
WHOLE-GRAIN CEREALS AND POPCORN ARE RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS. One study showed they contain surprisingly large amounts of healthy substances called “polyphenols”—a group of chemicals found in many fruits, vegetables, and other plants such as berries, walnuts, olives, tea leaves, and grapes. The whole-grain cereals with the most antioxidants are made with wheat.
American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C.
MOST AMERICANS CONSUME TOO MUCH SALT, contributing to the risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, kidney stones, and stomach cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a maximum of 1,500 milligrams daily for most Americans. The average American is eating at least two to three times that amount.
Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, monthly, $24/yr.
AN ESTIMATED 25 MILLION AMERICAN ADULTS HAVE INCONTINENCE. This unintended loss of urine makes it difficult for them to maintain good hygiene and keep up normal social and work lives. Sometimes the problem is minor. But when people begin organizing their lives around having easy access to a bathroom, or start giving up activities because they can’t control leakage, it’s time to see a doctor for treatment.
Research at Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Mass.
PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN WHO DO YOGA HAVE LESS PAIN and depression compared to people who don’t do yoga. A study compared a control group that received standard medical therapy for back pain with another group that took 90-minute yoga classes twice a week for 24 weeks. The study found the yoga group had less pain and improved mental health six months after the study ended.
The Spine Journal, 3251 Riverport Lane, Maryland Heights, MO 63043, monthly, $205/yr.
VITAMIN D OFFERS MANY BENEFITS, ESPECIALLY FOR OLDER ADULTS. Among the benefits: improved balance, reduced risk for bone fractures, and better cognitive skills, including planning, organizing, and abstract thinking. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders, infections such as tuberculosis, and gum disease.
Mayo Clinic Health Letter, 200 First St. S.W., Rochester, MN 55905, monthly, $27/yr.
EXERCISE SHOULD BE ON EVERYONE’S TO-DO LIST. The most recent physical activity guidelines issued by the federal government recommend American adults get at least 2.5 hours of moderate intensity aerobic exercise a week. People can reach that goal in many ways. For instance, they could take 10-minute walks at a pace of 3 to 4 miles per hour.
Research at Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Mass.
WANT TO REDUCE YOUR INSULIN RESISTANCE, high blood pressure, and cholesterol levels? Maximize the number of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, and healthy oils in your diet while omitting trans fats and minimizing animal and dairy fats, processed flour, and sugar. Maintain a normal weight. Make daily exercise a part of your life. Ask your doctor how often you should have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked.
Circulation, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231, monthly, $102/yr.
ONE IN FOUR AMERICAN CHILDREN HAS A VISION PROBLEM. If your child needs eyeglasses, keep in mind the following when purchasing eyewear: Make sure your child is involved with selecting his or her eyewear—if they like the glasses, they will be more likely to wear them. To keep frames from breaking, try memory metal frames that twist and flex.
The Vision Council, Alexandria, Va.
© StayWell Custom Communications. Information is the opinion of the sourced authors and organizations. Personal decisions regarding health, diet, and exercise should be made only after consultation with the reader's own medical advisers. This material may not be reproduced for redistribution without written permission from StayWell Custom Communications.