This may suprise you: It's not as easy as you think to catch the flu-or even a cold. In order to get sick, the germs must enter your tear ducts or nasal passages, say experts. Viruses that get into your mouth are killed by oral secretions, and germs on a cut can't cause respiratory infections. To stay healthy: Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes and nose.
Family Circle Oct.1.09
A new study suggests reducing average daily sodium consumption could reduce annual health care costs (attributable to cardiovascular complications) by billions:
By reducing average daily intake to 2,300 mg/day, $18 billion could be saved in Health Care per year.
By reducing average daily intake to 1,500 mg/day, $26 billion could be saved in Health Care per year.
*2,300 mg is the current recommended daily limit.
source: Kartira P. Sturm R. Potential societal savings from reduced sodium consumption in the US adult population. American Journal of Health Promotion, Sept/Oct. 2009.
Cutting back on carbs-and choosing the right ones-can reduce your cholesterol, whittle your waistline and, according to new Swedish research, fend off breast cancer too. Findings indicate that women who overdo it on bread and pasta have a 34% greater risk for the disease than those who watch their intake. In addition, individuals who eat potatoes, white rice and other "high glycemic" carbs are 81% more likely to get breast cancer than those who stick to whole grains. The reason? White, refined starches that break down quickly make insulin and estrogen levels spike, which can cause breast cancer to develop and spread.
No more than half of your daily calories should come from carbs. As often as you can, go with dark starches, like bran or oat cereals, whole-wheat pasta and bread, brown rice and yams.
healthy news by Jane Bianchi, Family Circle Nov.1.09
Typing is painful for the 8 million Americans with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The number of sufferers has doubled in the last 20 years, according to a study from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Researchers say obesity and diabetes may be to blame, since each raises the risk for CTS and both are on the rise. The problem occurs when the swelling in the wrist puts pressure on a major nerve, causing pain, tingling and weakness in the hand. Women are twice as likely as men to get CTS, possibly because their wrists are smaller, so even minor swelling can compress the nerve. Call your doctor at the first sign of symptoms, Early intervention with a brace, a corticosteroid injection or physical therapy may provide relief. In severe cases surgery may be necessary.
health news by Jane Bianchi, Family Circle Magazine, Sept. 09
