The Rose Review: Seniors: Health Tips, Life Alert & Medical Alarm Protection, Home Safety

Fruit Juice Helps our Hearts; Fights Arterial Plaque Even Better Than Fruit Itself

2008-08-21T18:51:00.000-07:00

by Dr. Don Rose

Based on an article by Jon Barron on his Health Blog

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Have a hankering to hear how to help your heart stay healthy? How about some fruit juice! We always knew it tasted great, but now comes new proof it is good for us, too. Of course, for optimum heart health, fruit juice plus fitness activities plus a fine diet will help even more, but the research study discussed below shows that we now have even more reason to drink grape juice and apple juice instead of sodas. In short, this is grape news for everyone, from California to Apple-ate-ya. Okay, enough puns, just read the story below for all the juicy details. --Don Rose

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Introduction

Researchers from Universite Montpellier in France recently discovered that grapes and apples may prevent plaque from coating arterial walls when consumed with fatty, high-cholesterol foods. The researchers also found that apple and grape juices have a more powerful anti-plaque effect than the fruits themselves.

Research Study

The study followed several groups of hamsters -- one fed a normal diet, while the others enjoyed high-fat diets plus either fruit, water, or juice. The amount of fruit consumed by the little rodents was the human equivalent of three apples or bunches of grapes a day; the amount of juice was the equivalent of about four glasses. The hamsters in the purple grape juice group fared the best, with the lowest level of atherosclerosis, followed by those eating purple grapes. The apple-juice and apple-eating hamsters scored third and fourth, respectively. All the fruit- and juice-eating hamsters had lower cholesterol, less oxidative stress, and less fat accumulation in their aortas than the hamsters who consumed no fruit or juice.

The researchers assume that the cardiac benefits of fruit probably derive from phenolic compounds -- powerful antioxidants found in grapes and apples. Although grapes and apples contain the same amount of phenols in fruit form, grape juice has two-and-a-half times the amount that apple juice does. Earlier studies have found significant differences in phenol content from one fruit juice to another, with blueberry juice the leader of the pack, and apple, grape, pomegranate juices containing far more than the ever-popular orange, pineapple, and grapefruit juices.

According to the Universite Montpellier research team, the findings suggest that the amount of phenols contained in a food have a direct effect on its antioxidant properties. The results, they write, "provide encouragement that fruit and fruit juices may have a significant clinical and public health relevance."

Fruit vs. Fruit Juices

But that's only part of the story. A primary reason juices outperform fresh fruits in delivering antioxidants has to do with the way juice concentrates the nutrients. You get more bioactive punch for the mouthful from juice because you don't have to eat all that fiber. Also, the body can utilize the nutrients more readily since it doesn't have to separate nutrients from the fiber, minimizing the amount of energy consumed in digestion and freeing up that energy for healing. Thirdly, not all phenols are the same. Some, like EGCG in green tea, resveratrol in grapes, and curcumin in the spice turmeric, stand out. And then, of course, in addition to phenols, fruit juices contain other antioxidants such as Vitamin C, as well as minerals, living enzymes, and an assortment of phytochemicals.

Fresh Juice vs. Commercial Bottled Juice

Before you decide to implement the good news by washing down your beefsteak and fries with a glass of Welch's, here's something to consider. There's a world of difference between commercial bottled juice and freshly made juice. Within minutes of juicing, many of the nutrients and enzymes start to break down, rendering the benefits far less potent. By the time bottled juice gets to your mouth, particularly if it's been processed, it's a shadow of its original self. Also, while fruit juices provide many benefits, they contain a lot of sugar, so many people recommend emphasizing vegetable juices instead. In fact, a good juicer is probably the single best investment you can make in your health.

Juicing

If you don't already own a juicer, look for a machine that's great at extraction, but also easy to use and clean. Some powerful juicers are so difficult to clean that they may end up going unused. Note that you can spend stratospheric amounts on a juicer such as a Norwalk, or pick a perfectly acceptable L'equip for about $130. The Jack LaLanne Power Juicer is another choice (you may have seen its ubiquitous infomercials on TV).

In terms of extraction, some people like the twin magnetic gear system used in juicers like the Green Star. But the Green Star has a big footprint on the counter and takes a bit of effort to clean -- although it's not as difficult as the Norwalk. Some say it is best for fasts, or when juicing heavily for several days in a row -- just clean it at the end of each day. If you're doing a lot of juicing during any given day, the Green Star is the way to go.

If you're new to juicing, consider the L'equip Mini Model 110.5 pulp ejector juicer. It may not have the best extraction method, but it does a decent job. Also, relative to most high-end juicers, it's quick to use and clean. With this Model, it's not that hard to make a quick glass of fresh squeezed juice -- the main thing many folks want from a juicer.

Closing Thoughts

Juicing is a great way to improve one’s health, but it is not recommended to make your juice and then eat junk food to round out your meals like the hamsters did. Although juice may moderate some of the harmful effects of high-fat, high-glycemic diets, it provides far more benefit when used as part of a healthy diet routine. In fact, there are many advocates of juice fasting because it gives the body a chance to detoxify and rebuild.

Also, while the information above shows that a good way to keep “heart healthy” is to drink more fruit juices, one never knows when one’s heart might malfunction, for any number of reasons. It can happen to anyone, at any age, even if you’ve lowered your risk for heart problems via good diet and exercise. If you sense the onset of a heart attack or irregular rhythms, call 911. If you are not near a phone, cannot get to a phone or cannot punch in the numbers, you can still get immediate help if you are a member of Life Alert; simply press your Life Alert help button to get in touch with live dispatchers within seconds, 24/7. They can send medical assistance to you, which will arrive in a matter of minutes. Life Alert members who are not home can also use a special one-button 911 cell phone (an optional Life Alert feature). If you don’t currently have Life Alert, see below for links to information on this valuable service.

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The article above is covered by a Creative Commons License. The information provided is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while Life Alert always strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to review the original article, and use any resource links provided to gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on computers, the Internet, AI, science and technology, and issues related to seniors.

For more information about Life Alert and its many services for seniors and younger adults nationwide, please visit the following websites:
http://www.lifealert.com
http://www.seniorprotection.com
http://www.911seniors.com

VIAGRAMELON? WATERMELON SEEMS TO YIELD VIAGRA-LIKE RESULTS; RELAX, EAT A SLICE, RELAX YOUR BLOOD VESSELS, PERFORM NICE

2008-07-03T14:39:00.000-07:00

This slice of Fourth of July virility news is from the excellent email service sent out by Levine Breaking News (www.lbnElert.com):

SCIENTISTS SAY WATERMELON YIELDS VIAGRA-LIKE EFFECTS:
A slice of cool, fresh watermelon is a juicy way to top off a Fourth of July cookout and one that researchers say has effects similar to Viagra - but don't necessarily expect it to keep the fireworks all night long. Watermelons contain an ingredient called citrulline that can trigger production of a compound that helps relax the body's blood vessels, similar to what happens when a man takes Viagra, said scientists in Texas, one of the nation's top producers of the seedless variety.

Email sponsored by Life Alert, www.seniorprotection.com

SENIOR MOMENTS A GOOD THING? OLDER BRAIN MAY REALLY BE A WISER BRAIN, SAYS NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE

2008-05-27T17:17:00.000-07:00

A recent New York Times article, available in their website's Research section, discusses findings that suggest the brains of older people may in some cases only appear to be working subpar, when in fact these seemingly forgetful brains are actually acting wiser:

Some brains do deteriorate with age. Alzheimer’s disease, for example, strikes 13 percent of Americans 65 and older. But for most aging adults, the authors say, much of what occurs is a gradually widening focus of attention that makes it more difficult to latch onto just one fact, like a name or a telephone number. Although that can be frustrating, it is often useful. “It may be that distractibility is not, in fact, a bad thing,” said Shelley H. Carson, a psychology researcher at Harvard whose work was cited in the book. “It may increase the amount of information available to the conscious mind.”

So what does this mean for those with older minds?

Jacqui Smith, a professor of psychology and research professor at the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan ... said there was a word for what results when the mind is able to assimilate data and put it in its proper place — wisdom. “These findings are all very consistent with the context we’re building for what wisdom is" ... “If older people are taking in more information from a situation, and they’re then able to combine it with their comparatively greater store of general knowledge, they’re going to have a nice advantage.”

FREE ASTHMA SCREENINGS DURING MAY 2008 AT 250 LOCATIONS IN THE U.S.

2008-05-02T12:12:00.000-07:00

A press release from HealthDay News states that May is the month to get a handle on asthma, a common breathing disease. If you have asthma, or think you might, free asthma screenings are scheduled to be held at 250 locations across the United States as part of National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology sponsors the annual event; for 2008 the emphasis is on helping those already diagnosed with asthma to get it under control as best they can.

In recent months, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) put out new guidelines highlighting the importance of asthma control, including daily monitoring and proper medication use to treat symptoms and prevent severe attacks from occurring. This came in light of research showing that many people with asthma are suffering more than they need to from the disease. Allergist John Winder, chairman of the Nationwide Asthma Screening Program, said "government guidelines emphasize that undiagnosed or inadequately treated asthma worsens the severity of the disease" while "the screening program gives patients who are still having breathing problems a chance to meet with an allergist, discuss their symptoms and learn how to feel better."

More than 22 million Americans, including 6.5 million children, have asthma -- a chronic inflammation of the airways in the lungs. Asthma attacks, which claim nearly 4,000 lives a year, are often triggered by allergens -- these include pollen, dust, animal dander, certain drugs and food additives -- lung infections, or even physical exertion. While the disease's exact cause remains unknown, many treatments are available to keep it in check.

"An asthma 'attack' isn't the only sign of trouble. A cough that bothers you at night, shortness of breath, colds that go to your chest -- these can all be symptoms of asthma. But few people recognize them or that they are a sign of under-treated disease," Winder said. "No one with asthma should have to suffer. Anyone who is experiencing breathing problems or making compromises to live with their condition should attend a free screening and find out how to take control."

The screenings will be overseen by allergists (who are asthma specialists), in coordination with local doctors and allied health professionals. During a screening, participants will answer several questions about their breathing issues, take a lung function test that involves blowing into a tube, and meet with an allergist to determine whether a more thorough exam and diagnosis is needed. The program has screened more than 108,000 people over the years, and more than half of those were referred for further diagnosis.

A list of free asthma screening locations and dates, online versions of the breathing questionnaires, and more information on treating and controlling asthma are on the ACAAI Web site at www.acaai.org. Also, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has more information about controlling and treating asthma.

Attribution: -- Kevin McKeever.
SOURCE: American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, news release, May 1, 2008.

DARK NOT A LARK: WHY DARK CHOCOLATE IS GOOD FOR YOU

2008-04-30T17:45:00.000-07:00

The blog Penguin Food has a fun article about "Three bad foods that are really good" (love that title). Here is what they say about dark chocolate:

"Eating a small amount of dark chocolate every day could be good for you... A study has found that a regular 2oz dose can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke - without any weight gain."

Most of the post's dark-chocolate-good-news seems to be from a Daily Mail article, which says, among other things, that "Blood pressure lowered in this way could reduce the risk of death from a stroke by 8 per cent and from coronary artery disease by 5 per cent, the University of Cologne scientists found. It would also reduce risk of death generally by 4 per cent. A daily diet of a little chocolate had the same effect as more complicated diets designed to lower blood pressure, according to the authors of the study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. 'Although the magnitude of the blood pressure reduction was small, the effects are clinically noteworthy,' they said. 'Adoption of small amounts of flavanol-rich cocoa into the habitual diet is a dietary modification that is easy to adhere to, and therefore may be a promising behavioural approach to lower blood pressure in individuals with above-optimal blood pressure.'

The Penguin Blog post continues with some tongue-in-cheeky observations:

Of course 'they' try to spoil the fun and emphasise that we can only eat a little bit of chocolate, and besides, fruit and vegetables are better for you - but they forget the little point that fruit and vegetables dont taste as nice as chocolate. Chocolate makes you feel better. If you feel better - you are more relaxed, and therefore your heart is more relaxed and beats more comfortably. You could eat more fruit, but your added miserability will increase the pressure on your heart anyway."

To read the full blog post (you want to know what their OTHER TWO "bad/good" foods are, right?), go to: http://penguin-food.blogspot.com/2007/07/three-bad-foods-that-are-really-good.html (the post seems to be authored by a bloke named Graham, the man behind the Penguin Food blog, and this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 UK: England & Wales License).

CHOLESTEROL: A MINI REFRESHER COURSE

2008-04-29T17:06:00.000-07:00

Well, not really a course, but an overview of useful information, from the government website Womenshealth.gov:

What does high cholesterol have to do with heart disease?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in all parts of the body. When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, cholesterol can build up on the walls of your arteries and cause blood clots. Cholesterol can clog your arteries and keep your heart from getting the blood it needs. This can cause a heart attack.

There are two types of cholesterol:

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often called the "bad" type of cholesterol because it can clog the arteries that carry blood to your heart. For LDL, lower numbers are better.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as "good" cholesterol because it takes the bad cholesterol out of your blood and keeps it from building up in your arteries. For HDL, higher numbers are better.

All women age 20 and older should have their blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked at least once every 5 years.

What do my cholesterol and triglyceride numbers mean?

Total cholesterol level - Lower is better. Less than 200 mg/dL is best.

Total Cholesterol Level / Category
Less than 200 mg/dL Desirable
200 - 239 mg/dL Borderline high
240 mg/dL and above High

LDL (bad) cholesterol - Lower is better. Less than 100 mg/dL is best.

LDL Cholesterol Level / Category
Less than 100 mg/dL Optimal
100-129 mg/dL Near optimal/above optimal
130-159 mg/dL Borderline high
160-189 mg/dL High
190 mg/dL and above Very high

HDL (good) cholesterol - Higher is better. More than 60 mg/dL is best.

Triglyceride levels - Lower is better. Less than 150mg/dL is best.

How can I lower my cholesterol?

You can lower your cholesterol by taking these steps:

Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, losing weight can help lower your total cholesterol and LDL ("bad cholesterol") levels. Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) to see if you are at a healthy weight. If not, try making small changes like eating an apple instead of potato chips, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or parking farther away from the entrance to your office, the grocery store, or the mall. (But be sure to park in a safe, well-lit spot.)

Eat better. Eat foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol.

Eat more:

Fish, poultry (chicken, turkey -- breast meat or drumstick is best), and lean meats (round, sirloin, loin). Broil, bake, roast, or poach foods. Remove the fat and skin before eating.
Skim (fat-free) or low-fat (1%) milk and cheeses, and low-fat or nonfat yogurt
Fruits and vegetables (try for 5 a day)
Cereals, breads, rice, and pasta made from whole grains (such as "whole-wheat" or "whole-grain" bread and pasta, rye bread, brown rice, and oatmeal)

Eat less:
Organ meats (liver, kidney, brains).
Egg yolks.
Fats (butter, lard) and oils.
Packaged and processed foods.

There are two diets that may help lower your cholesterol:

Heart Healthy Diet

Therapeutic Lifestyles Changes (TLC) Diet

Get moving. Exercise can help lower LDL ("bad cholesterol") and raise HDL ("good cholesterol"). Exercise at a moderate intensity for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Take a brisk walk on your lunch break or take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Take your medicine. If your doctor has prescribed medicine to lower your cholesterol, take it exactly as you have been told to.

For more FAQs and facts, see the Womenshealth.gov Frequently Asked Questions page at:
http://womenshealth.gov/faq/heartdis.htm

CHOCOLATE UNWRAPPED: THE SWEET TREAT IS NOT SO BAD AFTER ALL (AND MAYBE EVEN GOOD FOR YOU)

2008-04-28T14:20:00.000-07:00

A 2003 book by Rowan Jacobsen entitled "Chocolate Unwrapped: The Surprising Health Benefitsof America's Favorite Passion" discusses how chocolate, a treat many were taught causes a host of bad things to happen to our bodies (namely our fat cells and teeth) , may actually be beneficial to our health. Here are highlights of the book description, from its Amazon webpage:

...recent studies [have] revealed ...that [c]hocolate protects you from heart disease... improves cholesterol levels... [and] may even help prevent some cancers. ...Evidence is piling up that chocolate has a list of health benefits few foods can match. We’re all familiar with antioxidants, the compounds found in fruits, vegetables, red wine, and tea that prevent heart disease, cancer, and premature aging. What we don’t hear is that chocolate has the highest concentration of antioxidants of any food on the planet — ten times that of spinach, five times that of blueberries, and four times that of green tea.

Chocolate Unwrapped explains the science behind chocolate’s health benefits, then goes on to dispel the myths swirling around chocolate. Chocolate does not cause acne, allergies, migraines, or hyperactivity. Chocolate has much less caffeine than most people think. And tannins in chocolate actually help prevent cavities, making chocolate better for teeth than other sweets. Though there is no proof for chocolate’s reputation as an aphrodisiac ... chocolate has clear effects on the brain and mood. Chocolate contains anandamide, a substance that activates the same receptors in the brain as marijuana, as well as other chemicals that causes feelings of excitement and well-being, explaining the natural craving many people feel for it.

Chocolate Unwrapped not only explains the positive physical and psychological effects of chocolate, but goes on to explore the colorful history, botany, and chemistry of chocolate, so you’ll understand what to look for and what to avoid. A recipe section provides a multitude of healthy ways to eat chocolate, from flourless chocolate cake to Mexican mole, and a comprehensive list of resources tells you where to find the best-quality chocolates in the world.

Here are a few expert comments from the book's inside flap:

"I do recommend a piece of good-quality dark chocolate as a healthy snack . . . it is a source of polyphenols, the same type of antioxidants found in red wine, and the fat it contains is stearic acid, which doesn’t affect cholesterol levels. The latest good news for chocolate lovers comes from a study indicating that flavonoids in chocolate are good for your heart. These compounds reduce the stickiness of platelets, cells that play an important role in blood clotting. By eating a 1.5-ounce milk chocolate bar, you get the same amount of these protective compounds as in a 5-ounce glass of Cabernet Sauvignon." Andrew Weil, M.D.

"Nitric oxide plays such an important role in the maintenance of healthy blood pressure and, in turn, cardiovascular health. If our research results continue to support a link between consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa and nitric oxide synthesis, there could be significant implications for public health." Norman Hollenberg, M.D., Ph.D., Harvard Medical School

"Chocolate contains large amounts of the same beneficial plant chemicals that now have burnished the reputation of tea. In fact, just one ounce of chocolate has about as much of these plant chemicals as a cup of brewed black tea. One large, ongoing study of the benefits of exercise found that men who eat chocolate in moderation live longer than those who eat none." University of California-Berkeley Wellness Letter

"We already know that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables results in an increase of antioxidants in our blood. We believe chocolate consumption may have the same effect. We forget that chocolate is derived from cocoa beans—the fruit of the cacao tree—a fruit that is a rich source of these potentially beneficial substances." Penny Kris-Etherton, Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University

"Eating chocolate can have significant influences on mood, generally leading to an increase in pleasant feelings and a reduction in tension." Peter Rogers, Ph.D., Institute of Food Research

MINUTE CLINIC: HEALTH TESTING WITHOUT APPOINTMENTS NOW TOURING ACROSS 24 STATES

2008-04-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

Minute Clinic is being offered in two dozen states across the country. Some services require a fee, some are covered by insurance, and some are free of charge (the Minute Clinic website says they are doing FREE cholesterol screenings in Los Angeles until April 20, 2008). More site highlights:

We’re doing what we can to make healthcare a little easier for people with a lot going on. Our board-certified practitioners are trained to diagnose and treat common family illnesses, such as strep throat, bronchitis and ear, eye and sinus infections.
--No appointment necessary
--Open 7 days a week
--Most insurance accepted
--Click here to find a clinic near you.

Check out their website for more info on locations, dates and hours: http://minuteclinic.com

JOHN MCCAIN: LIFE ALERT LENO LINE GOES VIRAL

2008-04-14T15:21:00.000-07:00

John McCain is, of course, the subject of many a late night political reference these days. The GOP nominee-to-be turns 72 this summer, and so a joke referencing both McCain and Life Alert was almost certain to occur. Well, the wait is over. Many websites, especially blogs, have been virally circulating the joke Jay Leno said on a recent Tonight Show (over 800 results come up if you do a combined search on "john mccain" "life alert"). Since we are all about seniors on this blog, here is the line in case you didn't see it:

"John McCain has not been using Secret Service protection. He's the only one. He's not using it. See, apparently, he has Life Alert." -Jay Leno

HOME FALLS FOCUS OF USA TODAY ARTICLE

2008-04-10T13:41:00.001-07:00

Protection against home falls is one of the areas where Life Alert shines; the medical alarm service gets immediate help to its members after a fall, even if they can’t reach a phone

A recent story in USA TODAY discussed home falls and their risks, noting that a few famous folks have recently suffered such accidents. Unfortunately, these falls often require a trip to the hospital. Experts note that falls can happen to anyone, regardless of age, income or gender.

While anyone, anywhere, can indeed suffer a fall, it is also true that the older we get, the more susceptible we become to falls. One of the risks after a fall is not being able to reach a phone to call for help, especially if one lives at home alone. Many people don’t carry cellphones on their person while at home - and even if they do, it may not be able to get a signal, or it may be impossible to use, depending on how one falls and the severity of any injuries one suffers. In short, people (especially senior citizens) need a better solution.

The optimal answer for many seniors is Life Alert, which provides protection in the event of falls in the home. For over 20 years, this personal medical alarm company has been protecting its members from the dangers of home falls, as well as other emergencies. The company’s spokesman (former United States Surgeon General Dr. C. Everett Koop) has pointed out that accidental injury in the home is the main danger faced by Americans 65 and older. In addition, here are some facts about falls from the CDC (the Center for Disease Control): (1) Of the 35 million Americans over age 65, roughly one in three will fall in any given year; (2) Senior citizens are hospitalized for fall-related injuries five times more often than they are for injuries from all other causes; (3) Falls are the leading cause of accidental death for seniors.

This obvious need for protection -- no matter where you fall in your home, no matter what hour a fall occurs -- is at the heart of Life Alert’s protection service, and one of the reasons we often talk about Life Alert on this Seniors Blog. We are impressed with the fact that Life Alert handles over a million calls a year, and on average saves a life every 38 minutes, saving over 13,000 lives in 2007 alone. For many seniors, Life Alert is an essential part of their lives.

BARBARA HILLARY, FIRST FEMALE AFRICAN AMERICAN TO TREK TO NORTH POLE, BECOMES LIFE ALERT MEMBER

2008-03-10T12:34:00.000-07:00

Barbara Hillary, a very active senior indeed, recently trekked to the North Pole, becoming the first African American woman to do so. After her return, she signed up with Life Alert, showing a trend that Life Alert reports is more and more common: active mature adults signing up for their service, in addition to the elderly and home-bound seniors who are most often associated with the medical alarm company.

Ms. Hillary is basking in much media attention, but she is not resting on her laurels. In fact, she is not really resting at all, since she now plans to trek to that other hot spot of cold climes: the SOUTH Pole!

FOREGO FOOD, HELP HEART HEALTH?: A FAST A MONTH MAY HELP YOUR TICKER

2008-02-19T16:12:00.000-08:00

The following intriguing link and summary from a post on Digg.com:

Study: Monthly fasting may help heart
news.yahoo.com — A study in Utah... found that people who skipped meals once a month were about 40 percent less likely to be diagnosed with clogged arteries than those who did not regularly fast.

Senior Health Costs Could Rise 25 Percent by 2030

2008-02-18T16:03:00.000-08:00

By Fred White

(an article reprinted from ThomasNet.com Industrial Market Trends, a comprehensive, daily industrial blog)

In 2006, almost 500 million people worldwide were 65 and older, and by 2030, that total is projected to increase to one billion. The world's workforce depends on this population. If older adults take the advice provided by the health care provider community, and motivate themselves, they can achieve two goals: live healthier and perhaps longer, and reduce health care costs.

By 2030, the number of Americans aged 65 and older will more than double to 71 million, equaling about 20 percent of the U.S. population, noted the report. Of course, older Americans will not be the only aged around the globe. “We are aging — not just as individuals or communities but as a world. In 2006, almost 500 million people worldwide were 65 and older,” according to a report entitled Why Population Aging Matters: A Global Perspective, which was presented earlier this month at the State Summit on Global Aging presented. By 2030, that total is projected to increase to one billion — one in every eight of the earth’s inhabitants. Significantly, the most rapid increases in the 65+ population are occurring in developing countries, “which will see a jump of 140 percent by 2030,” reports Senior Journal.

The health of the age group coming up behind the 65+ people may also be questionable.

Beth Soldo, a University of Pennsylvania sociologist, and her colleagues studied data from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study and found that people in “their early to mid-50s were reporting more health problems than people that age had described previously,” writes Gary Rotstein at The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. This deserves to be taken with some skepticism, however, because “the federal data are not correlated with any actual health evaluations.” A health care provider would refer to these “evaluations” as scientifically valid observations.

One possibility for the higher reporting of poor health may result from more stress and obesity. Or baby boomers may have higher definition of what constitutes good health. Also, more awareness of effective treatments and medications may lead people to feel less inclined to report their health as good.

Kenneth Manton, research professor at Duke University, said he “sees no basis for such fears and nothing in Soldo’s study to change his mind,” the article quotes Manton as having said.

Older Americans can minimize this cost, though, if improving and preserving older adults’ health is more actively addressed, according to an updated report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Merck Co. Foundation. The CDC report presents information and recommendations to help older Americans live not just longer but better lives.

Three preventable behaviors — smoking, poor diet and physical inactivity — were the root causes of almost 35 percent of U.S. deaths in 2000. These behaviors represent risk factors that often lead to society’s leading chronic killers: heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes. The report indicates that if people can live healthier and go to regular screenings, they can reduce the risk for many chronic diseases and help lower heath care costs.

The challenge is to better apply (i.e., more broadly) what we already know about helping to ensure that added years are healthy years, according to the report.

A closer look at some resources for helping older adults reduce the risk factors can help us all. For many people, physical inactivity may be the hardest challenge. The CDC provides quite a bit of resourceful information to generate motivation and become active.

If older adults take the advice provided by the health care provider community, and motivate themselves, they can achieve two goals: live healthier and perhaps longer, and reduce health care costs.

NOTE: Stay with us when we report the latest developments in the medical device industry and health care in this week’s IMT e-newsletter.

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POTENTIAL CANCER CURE: STIMULATING BODY'S IMMUNE SYSTEM TO KILL CANCER CELLS

2008-02-14T13:12:00.000-08:00

A Digg.com post mentions yet another "damn interesting" article - A Cancer Cure Most Doctors Won't Tell You About - from the website http://www.damninteresting.com/ :

During the early 1900's, Dr. William Coley re-discovered a cancer treatment that was surprisingly effective. By infecting tumors with common bacteria, Coley learned the body could be triggered to kill off cancerous tumors. Conventional modern medicine rarely employs Coley ’s technique today for 1 reason: they still don't understand how it works.

Of course, there is (at least) one caveat: the doctors using this technique must make sure the bacterial infection does not turn out to be worse of a problem than the original cancer. But the general idea of using a foreign entity (bacteria) to trigger the body's natural defense mechanisms (fever, white blood cells' destroying foreign pathogens, etc.) does seem to make sense, especially when every other "normal" treatment has been tried without success.

REMEMBER FIRST 3 LETTERS OF "STROKE" TO HELP RECOGNIZE WARNING SIGNS

2008-02-12T15:07:00.000-08:00

"STR" can serve as your shorthand to recognize the warning signs of a STRoke.

If someone seems to be acting in an unusual manner or says they do not feel right, try this:

S: ask the individual to SMILE.
T: ask the person to TALK (and speak a simple sentence, coherently).
R: ask him or her to RAISE both arms.

If the person has trouble with ANY of these tasks, call 911 immediately (or, if they have Life Alert, press the person's help button on their pendant). When connected to an operator/dispatcher, describe the symptoms.

NEW INDICATOR OF STROKE: CROOKED TONGUE

Ask the individual to "stick out" his or her tongue. IF THE TONGUE IS CROOKED - if it goes to one side or the other - that is also an indication of a possible stroke.

Spread this information widely, to help others recognize the signs of stroke onset.

HEALTH-TECH GADGETS on MARTHASTEWART.COM

2008-01-24T12:12:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to the page that talks about four devices that can benefit seniors' health (Life Alert, GPS-enabled sneakers, a mouse with built-in heart monitor, and Glow Caps that signal when one forgets to take one's pills):

http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.3a0656639de62ad593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=34cff941122a7110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&rsc=ts_Homepage_Homepage
The webpage linked to above gives descriptions of the products (in the case of Life Alert, their device is part of a home protection service), and gives the basics of how they work.

Also note: the TV segment on which this webpage is based (which featured the 4 products) was schedule to air yesterday, Jan. 23, 2008, on "The Martha Stewart Show." Check their website soon for video of that segment (at the webpage listed above).

For these and other segments related to health and/or seniors, visit www.marthastewart.com .

Consumer Product Safety Roundup, Dec. 2007: Selected Product Recalls and Safety News (cpsc.gov)

2008-01-03T18:26:00.000-08:00

From www.cpsc.gov (the Consumer Product Safety Commission website), some recent items related to product recalls and safety:

Deadly Danger: CPSC Urges Parents To Not Place Infants on Air Mattresses The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning families nationwide that air mattresses are too soft for use with sleeping infants. Never place infants to sleep on air mattresses or other soft surfaces (such as water beds and adult beds), which are not specifically designed or safe for infant use.

Venmar Ventilation Inc. Recalls Heat Recovery Ventilators Due to Fire Hazard In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Venmar Ventilation Inc., of Quebec, Canada, is voluntarily recalling about 1,100 Heat Recovery Ventilators. The thermal protector in these units can fail, posing a potential fire hazard to consumers.

AutoZone Recalls Booster Cables Due to Electrical Hazard In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), AutoZone Parts Inc., of Memphis, Tenn., is voluntarily recalling about 140,000 Valucraft Booster Cables. The booster cables clamps were assembled incorrectly resulting in reverse polarity. This poses an electrical shock and explosion hazard to consumers.

Shopping Channel HSN Agrees to Pay $875,000 Civil Penalty
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that HSN LP (previously known as Home Shopping Network), of St. Petersburg, Fla., has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $875,000. The civil penalty settles allegations that HSN LP failed to report in a timely manner, as required by federal law, serious injuries and hazards with the Welbilt Electronic Pressure Cookers.

North American Breaker Co. Recalls Counterfeit Circuit Breakers Due to Fire Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), North American Breaker Co. Inc. (NABCO), of Burbank, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 50,000 Counterfeit Circuit Breakers. The recalled circuit breakers labeled “Square D” have been determined by Square D to be counterfeit and can fail to trip when they are overloaded, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

World Dryer Recalls to Repair Hand and Hair Dryers Due to Electric Shock Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), World Dryer Corp., of Berkeley Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 25,000 World Dryer and Bradley Brand Hand and Hair Dryers. Some of the nozzles on these dryers are not grounded. If an electrical component comes into contact with an ungrounded nozzle, it can pose a shock hazard to consumers.

Pressure Cookers Recalled By Manttra Inc. Due to Burn Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Manttra Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va., is voluntarily recalling about 38,250 Pressure Cookers. If the pressure cookers are not closed properly, the lid can separate and allow hot contents to spill out. This poses a risk of burns to consumers.

Lenox Recalls Covered Warmer Dishes Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Lenox Group Inc., of Bristol, Pa., is voluntarily recalling about 43,000 Covered Warmer Dishes with Racks. Flames from the tea candle can extend up the sides of the dish. In addition, a label on the bottom of the dish causes excessive smoke when exposed to the flame. This poses fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Christmas Candle Sets Recalled By Specialty Merchandise Corp. Due to Fire Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Specialty Merchandise Corporation (SMC), of Simi Valley, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 13,000 Christmas Candle Sets. The snowman candle could tip over and the exterior coating on both candles can ignite, posing a fire hazard.

DeWALT Recalls Cordless Drills due to Fire Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), DEWALT Industrial Tool Company, of Towson, Md., is voluntarily recalling about 346,000 DEWALT Cordless Drills. The trigger switch of the cordless drill can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

McQuay Recalls Air Conditioners/Heat Pumps Following Fires
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), McQuay International, of Minneapolis, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 8,800 Remington and McQuay “ComfortPac” Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps. Wires in the heater element can overheat and spark, posing a smoke and fire hazard to consumers.

US Consumer Product Safety Commission Acting Chairman Nancy Nord Applauds House Vote on Landmark Consumer Product Safety Legislation
The Acting Chairman thanks the U.S. House of Representatives for passing landmark legislation today that finally gives the CPSC the additional tools and resources to address the growing issue of imports and other important product safety issues.

American Honda Motor Corp. Recalls Lawn Mowers Due to Laceration Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), American Honda Motor Corp., of Torrance, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 167,000 Honda Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers. The cutting blades could rotate under power when the control lever is released. The lawn mowers do not comply with mandatory federal safety standards for lawn mowers. The spinning blade poses a serious laceration hazard to consumers.

Bombardier Recreational Products Recalls Snowmobiles Due to Crash Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP), of Quebec, Canada, is voluntarily recalling about 480 Ski-Doo® Model Year 2008 MXZ X 600 RS Snowmobiles. A defect in the carburetor can prevent the throttle from freely returning to the idle position. This can result in an unexpected loss of control leading to a collision and cause serious injuries or death.

Full Body Safety Harnesses Recalled by Gorilla Due to Fall Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Gorilla Inc., of Flushing, Mich., is voluntarily recalling about 60,000 Full Body Safety Harnesses. The harnesses could fail during use, resulting in a hunter falling from the tree stand and suffering serious injuries or death.

Bicycle Helmets Recalled by Specialized Due to Failing Helmet Standard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Specialized Bicycles, of Morgan Hill, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 3,000 Specialized Bicycle Helmets. The helmets fail testing required under CPSC's safety standard for bicycle helmets. This can pose a head injury hazard to riders in a fall.

FDA's Pilot Program to Better Educate Consumers about Recalled Food Products (fda.gov)

2008-01-03T16:32:00.000-08:00

What is the purpose of this pilot program?

FDA is conducting a six-month pilot program to educate and assist consumers in identifying recalled food products that may pose a significant health risk. FDA wants to help consumers identify these products by posting a photo of the principal label panel. We believe that by posting a photo of the label, consumers will be able to more easily identify and avoid these potentially hazardous food products. This pilot is one among a number of measures taken by FDA to proactively educate the public and improve food safety.

OTHER QUESTIONS and links to answers:

What are typical food risks that FDA alerts the public to?

Which recalled products are part of the pilot program?

Where can I find the Web site where information and photos about recalled foods are posted?

Why is FDA piloting the use of photos with recalled human food products only?

How long will this pilot program last?

What is the purpose of the pictures and what do they show?

Why do some recalls include photos and others do not?

Can I be alerted by e-mail when there is a new recall?

Where can I comment on this pilot program?

What does FDA do with the comments it receives?

Recalls, Market Withdrawals & Safety Alerts Since Nov. 2, 2007 (fda.gov)

2008-01-03T16:03:00.000-08:00

D is for Defense: Deterring MS and Cancer via Vitamin D

2007-01-16T19:07:00.000-08:00

Based on the BromsaMS Wikidot web article “Vitamin D And Multiple Sclerosis” and the Nutrition Journal web article “Nutrition and cancer: A review of the evidence for an anti-cancer diet” by Michael S Donaldson

Edited (with Introduction) by Dr. Don Rose

--

Various studies indicate that higher levels of Vitamin D in the body are associated with reduced risk or recurrence of MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and cancer. While more study is needed to establish whether increasing Vitamin D levels with supplements will reduce the risk of disease, it appears that, in general, supplements can provide a very low cost and safe form of “insurance” for your health. In other words, there doesn’t seem to be much downside to taking supplements like Vitamin D, yet a very large potential upside. (Of course, always consult your doctor before taking any supplements.) Read below for more details. --Don Rose

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Introduction

Vitamin D is produced primarily from the exposure of the skin to sunshine. Even casual exposure of the face, hands, and arms in the summer generates a large amount of vitamin D. In fact, simulated sunshine, equivalent to standing on a sunny beach until a slight pinkness of the skin was detected, was equivalent to a 20,000 IU oral dose of vitamin D2 [1]. (Note that the RDA is 400 IU for most adults.) It has been estimated that 1,000 IU per day is the minimal amount needed to maintain adequate levels of vitamin D in the absence of sunshine [1], and that up to 4,000 IU per day can be safely used with additional benefit [2].

Vitamin D and MS

Good news about Vitamin D: researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health have found that the risk of MS is lowest among people whose Vitamin D levels are high. While other research has suggested this link, the Harvard study is the first to indicate that increasing Vitamin D levels could help prevent MS, a chronic degenerative neurological disease that affects some 350,000 people in the United States and two million worldwide.

Working with researchers from the U.S. Army and Navy, the Harvard team analyzed stored serum samples from more than seven million individuals for levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. They found that the risk of MS among whites whose Vitamin D levels were highest was 62 percent lower than among those whose levels were lowest. No significant associations were found among blacks and Hispanics, perhaps because there were fewer of their serum samples available or because these groups tend to have low Vitamin D levels. More study is needed to establish whether increasing Vitamin D levels with supplements will reduce the risk of MS. The study was published in the December 20, 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Vitamin D and Cancer

The concentration of the active hormonal form of vitamin D is tightly regulated in the blood by the kidneys. This active hormonal form of vitamin D has the potent anti-cancer properties. It has been discovered that various types of normal and cancerous tissues, including prostate cells [3], colon tissue [4], breast, ovarian and cervical tissue [5], pancreatic tissue [6] and a lung cancer cell line [7] all have the ability to convert the major circulating form of vitamin D, 25(OH)D, into the active hormonal form, 1,25(OH)2D. So, there is a local mechanism in many tissues of the body for converting the form of vitamin D in the body that is elevated by sunshine exposure into a hormone that has anticancer activity.

Indeed, 25(OH)D has been shown to inhibit growth of colonic epithelial cells [8], primary prostatic epithelial cells [9], and pancreatic cells [6]. So, the laboratory work is confirming what had been seen some time ago in ecological studies of populations and sunshine exposure.

The mortality rates for colon, breast, and ovary cancer in the USA show a marked north-south gradient [10]. In ecological studies of populations and sunlight exposure, sunlight has been found to have a protective effect for prostate cancer [11], ovarian cancer [12], and breast cancer [13]. Recently Grant found that sunlight was also protective for bladder, endometrial, renal cancer, multiple myeloma, and Non-Hodgkins lymphoma in Europe [14] and bladder, esophageal, kidney, lung, pancreatic, rectal, stomach, and corpus uteri cancer in the USA [15]. Several prospective studies of vitamin D and cancer have also shown a protective effect from vitamin D. It could be that sunshine and vitamin D are protective factors for cancers of many organs that can convert 25(OH)D into 1,25(OH)D2.

References

1. Holick MF: Vitamin D: importance in the prevention of cancers, type 1 diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis.Am J Clin Nutr 2004, 79:362-371. [PubMed Abstract]

2. Vieth R, Kimball S, Hu A, Walfish PG: Randomized comparison of the effects of the vitamin D3 adequate intake versus 100 mcg (4000 IU) per day on biochemical responses and the wellbeing of patients.Nutr J 2004, 3:8. [PubMed Abstract][PubMed Central Full Text]

3. Schwartz GG, Whitlatch LW, Chen TC, Lokeshwar BL, Holick MF: Human prostate cells synthesize 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 from 25-hydroxyvitamin D3.Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 1998, 7:391-395. [PubMed Abstract]

4. Tangpricha V, Flanagan JN, Whitlatch LW, Tseng CC, Chen TC, Holt PR, Lipkin MS, Holick MF: 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1alpha-hydroxylase in normal and malignant colon tissue.Lancet 2001, 357:1673-1674. [PubMed Abstract]

5. Friedrich M, Rafi L, Mitschele T, Tilgen W, Schmidt W, Reichrath J: Analysis of the vitamin D system in cervical carcinomas, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.Recent Results Cancer Res 2003, 164:239-246. [PubMed Abstract]

6. Schwartz GG, Eads D, Rao A, Cramer SD, Willingham MC, Chen TC, Jamieson DP, Wang L, Burnstein KL, Holick MF, Koumenis C: Pancreatic cancer cells express 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1alpha-hydroxylase and their proliferation is inhibited by the prohormone 25-hydroxyvitamin D3.Carcinogenesis 2004, 25:1015-1026. [PubMed Abstract]
Epub 2004 Jan 1023.

7. Mawer EB, Hayes ME, Heys SE, Davies M, White A, Stewart MF, Smith GN: Constitutive synthesis of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 by a human small cell lung cancer cell line.J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1994, 79:554-560. [PubMed Abstract]

8. Holt PR, Arber N, Halmos B, Forde K, Kissileff H, McGlynn KA, Moss SF, Kurihara N, Fan K, Yang K, Lipkin M: Colonic epithelial cell proliferation decreases with increasing levels of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D.Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2002, 11:113-119. [PubMed Abstract]

9. Barreto AM, Schwartz GG, Woodruff R, Cramer SD: 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3, the prohormone of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, inhibits the proliferation of primary prostatic epithelial cells.Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2000, 9:265-270. [PubMed Abstract]

10. Sunlight, Nutrition And Health Research Center[http://www.sunarc.org/]

11. Hanchette CL, Schwartz GG: Geographic patterns of prostate cancer mortality. Evidence for a protective effect of ultraviolet radiation.Cancer 1992, 70:2861-2869. [PubMed Abstract]

12. Lefkowitz ES, Garland CF: Sunlight, vitamin D, and ovarian cancer mortality rates in US women.Int J Epidemiol 1994, 23:1133-1136. [PubMed Abstract]

13. Gorham ED, Garland FC, Garland CF: Sunlight and breast cancer incidence in the USSR.Int J Epidemiol 1990, 19:820-824. [PubMed Abstract]

14. Grant WB: Ecologic studies of solar UV-B radiation and cancer mortality rates.Recent Results Cancer Res 2003, 164:371-377. [PubMed Abstract]

15. Grant WB: An estimate of premature cancer mortality in the U.S. due to inadequate doses of solar ultraviolet-B radiation.Cancer 2002, 94:1867-1875. [PubMed Abstract]

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The BromsaMS Wikidot article cited above is covered by a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. The referenced Nutrition Journal article is governed by an Open Access license.

The information provided in this article is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while The Rose Review always strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on many topics, including computers, the Internet, artificial intelligence, science and technology, and issues related to seniors.

Article Sponsor: Life Alert. More information about Life Alert, its emergency response services and other benefits for seniors nationwide is available at http://www.lifealert.com, http://www.seniorprotection.com and http://www.911seniors.com.

# # #

Six Ways to Exorcise Exercise Excuses

2007-01-12T16:40:00.000-08:00

Press Release -- Courtesy of PRWEB.com

Introduction by Dr. Don Rose

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Life Alert is known nationwide for providing personal protection in case of falls, home intrusion, medical emergencies or other dangerous scenarios, sending help fast in order to prevent injury or even death. But, as Exercise Physiologist and Fitness Consultant Joey Atlas points out, fitness and weight loss excuses can (eventually) kill you as well. One can conclude from Atlas’s views that we need to provide our bodies with a kind of “fitness protection” by exercising regularly and maintaining optimal weight. While fear of fitness and weight loss failure are major contributors to obesity around the world, Atlas provides a message of hope, encouraging the use of simple home workouts that can help fight fat and improve poor fitness levels. –Don Rose

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Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (PRWEB) November 7, 2006 — According to official figures from a 2006 report compiled by The Trust for America’s Health, the adult obesity rate rose from 15 percent in 1980 to 32 percent in 2004. Combine that with the number of Americans who are overweight but not obese, and the figure stands at 64 percent. And the childhood obesity rate more than tripled between 1980 and 2004, from 5 percent to 17 percent.

“I don’t have enough time for exercise.” “I’m too out of shape to workout.” “I don’t know what to do.” “I’m too afraid to ask the fitness instructors.” “The gym is too crowded.” “The health club members are rude.” “I don’t have the willpower.” These are some of the top excuses revealed by a 2004 survey conducted by the American Council on Exercise of San Diego.

“For the general population, excuses are just excuses. They are not valid reasons for poor levels of fitness and health. That being said, I can understand why so many people use these excuses. They just don’t know any better,” said Exercise Physiologist and Fitness Consultant Joey Atlas. “There is so much fitness and weight loss information out there. It’s hard for people to make sense out of it and see how or if it applies to them,” according to Atlas.

Atlas offers these six tips to put an end to your fitness excuses:

1) Develop this mindset: Fitness is not a leisure pursuit. It’s an obligation and a means for you to protect the gift of life you have been given.
2) Create a simple home gym with a little bit of space and a floor mat for core exercises.
3) Learn compound leg exercises, such as the touch-down, that do not require fitness equipment.
4) Perform daily flexibility and stretching exercises for increasing energy and injury prevention.
5) Use the floor mat for abdominal exercises and thigh exercises that provide a smart foundation for a more advanced fitness program.
6) Incorporate butt exercises and stomach exercises that do not require weights or exercise machines.

“There is so much that can be done with little or no fitness equipment. There is no need to be a member of a health club to be in great shape and healthy,” says Atlas. “I have some of my best workouts on the local playground. A ten-minute ab workout, a quick leg exercise series, a simple core workout and eight minutes of stretching for flexibility will give you a good sweat in less than thirty minutes.”

Atlas offers five free exercises, with photos and instructions via his main website, www.JoeyAtlas.com.

—

Joey Atlas, M.S. - Exercise Physiology, is a fitness consumer advocate, professional trainer and fitness writer. He has been in the fitness industry since the late 80’s. Atlas is a contributing writer for OnFitness Magazine. Joey Atlas Fitness Resources provides fitness consulting services and products to individuals, families and companies all over the world.

The information provided is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while The Rose Review always strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on many topics, including computers, the Internet, artificial intelligence, science and technology, and issues related to seniors.

Article Sponsor: Life Alert. More information about its emergency response services and other benefits for seniors nationwide is available at http://www.lifealert.com, http://www.seniorprotection.com and http://www.911seniors.com.

High-Yield Living™ Launches Site for Baby Boomers and Offers 10 Tips for Getting What You Want in 2007

2007-01-11T16:59:00.000-08:00

Press Release from Linda Franklin of High-Yield Living (Courtesy of PRWEB.com)

Introduction by Dr. Don Rose

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A new company called High Yield Living (HYL) aims to show boomers how to successfully deal with “reverse puberty” – the term HYL uses to describe emotions and physical changes boomers go through that often mirror or reverse the feelings and changes experienced during regular (teenage) puberty. One of HYL’s goals is to change how we age in health, beauty, relationships, finance and spirituality. –Don Rose

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(PRWEB) November 14, 2006 -- Linda Franklin, a passionate advocate for the baby boomer generation, has launched High Yield Living LLC, a website http://www.highyieldliving.com/ and a blog http://www.boomersmakingadifference.com/. High-Yield Living™ (HYL) offers boomers cutting edge strategies for successfully managing their aging process. HYL’s research has identified that the key categories that boomers find most challenging as they age are health, beauty, relationships, finance and spirituality. "Age is inevitable; how we age isn’t," says Linda, who firmly believes that aging is a kind of reverse puberty. "There is the old paradigm that says ‘we’re getting old and there’s not much we can do about it.’ I subscribe to the new aging paradigm that says ‘there is plenty we can do about it’".

Linda has a natural talent for thinking outside the box. She was the first Canadian woman to own her seat on the New York Stock Exchange. She then became managing partner in charge of arbitrage trading for a leading Wall Street investment firm. Now, in "Act Two," Linda has developed winning strategies for boomers who feel "we’re just not that old."

Here are High-Yield Living’s 10 Tips Baby Boomers Need to Know for the New Year.

1. Me, For Better Or Worse
My body is changing like it or not. How I take care of myself now will shape my life for years to come.

2. It’s Never Too Late to Dream
I will always have a dream. My dreams are the voice of my soul.

3. Playtime
I always have energy for things that makes me happy. Playtime is something I do just for me.

4. Letting Go
Sometimes a relationship just runs its course. It’s okay to let go.

5. Changing Priorities
My wants are changing. I accept the change and move forward. If not now, when?

6. Getting off the Fence
Over thinking doesn’t help me. Action does! Today I move forward.

7. Intimacy
It’s easier to be intimate with other people when I take the time to become intimate with myself.

8. Reaching Out
I will do what I can to help other people. Giving back is a gift.

9. Changing Others
I’ve learned I can’t change other people and have stopped trying.

10. Clutter
I release what no longer serves me. Cleaning up makes room for something new and exciting.

High-Yield Living™ is about changing the aging paradigm and these tips are a great way for boomers to start off 2007 with passion and excitement.

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The information provided is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while The Rose Review always strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on many topics, including computers, the Internet, artificial intelligence, science and technology, and issues related to seniors.

Article Sponsor: Life Alert. More information about its emergency response services and other benefits for seniors nationwide is available at http://www.lifealert.com, http://www.seniorprotection.com and http://www.911seniors.com.

Reach Out and Hug Someone... Virtually

2006-12-14T15:29:00.000-08:00

Based on a posting by Roba at the website "And Far Away"

Edited by Dr. Don Rose

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Here is an invention designed to provide"The Hug" you cannot give because you are too far away.

Robotics researchers have designed a soft, huggable pillow that uses sensing and wireless phone technology to provide a physical touch, and thus better social and emotional support, for distant family members. The device, which is about the size of a throw pillow but as firm as a seat cushion, is shaped like a person about to give a hug, with two arms reaching up and out from a small torso. The outside is covered in velour, "making it soft and plush and something you would want to hold up against your body."

Another example of technology bringing us closer together. To paraphrase an old phone commercial, now you can "Reach out and hug someone."

I believe The Hug device could prove useful for enhancing the feeling of closeness between family members -- in particular, between mature adults living alone and their children. For the kids, it's the next best thing to being there (with grandma or grandpa). I also believe The Hug and products like it are just initial examples of an inevitable wave of products geared toward making older folks feel more companionship and love while living alone at home.

For more on The Hug, read the article here.

--------------------------------------------

The article above and the content it is based on are covered by a Creative Commons License. The information provided is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while The Rose Review always strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on many topics, including computers, the Internet, artificial intelligence, science and technology, and issues related to seniors.

Article Sponsor: Life Alert. For more information on Life Alert, its emergency response services and other benefits for seniors nationwide, please visit http://www.lifealert.com, http://www.seniorprotection.com and http://www.911seniors.com.

Anti-Aging Advice to Keep Skin Looking Nice

2006-11-28T14:30:00.000-08:00

Based on “Skin Aging-Are You Speeding Up The Process?” posted by Constance Wherrity at piercemattie.com

Edited (with Introduction) by Dr. Don Rose

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Skin is the body’s largest organ, so it’s important to know how to take care of it. Especially crucial is the facial area; we all want it to look its best, since the face is usually the first thing people see about us, and something we have to experience with every gaze into a mirror. This article presents some tips to help slow down the inevitable process of aging skin, which will hopefully give our face something to smile about. --Don Rose

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It's no secret that our society is obsessed with looking young. As baby boomers turn 60, statistics show the U.S. market for anti-aging products and services is "growing at an average growth rate (AAGR) of 9.5%” and “will reach nearly $72 billion by 2009"*. While science has made advancements in both topical and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, certain lifestyle factors -- such as smoking, sleep loss and sun exposure -- can unknowingly sabotage your personal aesthetic goals.

Although natural aging is a given, inherited via our genes, we do have control over extrinsic aging. The process of premature aging is caused by poor lifestyle habits that actually accelerate skin aging, including wrinkles, rough texture and uneven pigmentation. According to leading dermatologist Jeannette Graf, current research reveals that the following dynamics accelerate the skin's aging process:

• Sun exposure - No surprise here: the sun does not do a complexion good. From basic dryness to a high risk of melanoma and other skin cancers, UV rays cause daily damage to skin. "Wearing a high SPF sunscreen every day is the one product I recommend to all of my patients," says Graf.

• Smoking - Another culprit that robs skin of its health. Smoking not only directly damages the fibers that provide elasticity and support, causing skin to prematurely wrinkle and droop, but it also decreases the flow of both blood and vital nutrients to the skin's surface, leaving it dry and crinkled looking.

• Diet - What you put into your body is just as important as what you put on, says Graf. A high-fiber diet rich in antioxidant fruits and vegetables will result in a healthier and more radiant complexion. Bottom line: limit alcohol and cola consumption, which depletes the body of its nutrients, and add more wholesome foods, such as lean proteins, fruits, green leafy vegetables and plenty of fresh water.

• Sleep loss - While sleep deprivation is known to cause weight gain and loss of mental concentration, it also affects skin health by robbing it of its precious rejuvenation time. During slumber, your skin, as well as your body, undergoes a period of revitalization. Loss of sleep interrupts this phase, imparting telltale signs such as dark under-eye circles and dry, flaky complexion.

Aging is inevitable, but you can certainly make small efforts to ensure that you don't help speed it along. By getting a good night's sleep, eating a healthful diet and using sun protection each day, you'll be sure to keep both your skin and the rest of your body looking young and vibrant.

* Julia Dvorko, BCC Research 2005

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The article above and the content it is based on are covered by a Creative Commons License. The information provided is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while The Rose Review always strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

Jeannette Graf, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified clinical and research dermatologist specializing in the research of ingredients that inhibit the signs of aging.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on many topics, including computers, the Internet, artificial intelligence, science and technology, and issues related to seniors.

Article Sponsor: Life Alert. For more information on its emergency response services and other benefits for seniors nationwide, please visit http://www.lifealert.com, http://www.seniorprotection.com and http://www.911seniors.com.

RealAge Test Makes You Realize What's Really Important Re: Aging

2006-11-27T16:57:00.000-08:00

or, Subject In Mirror May Be Younger Than They Appear

by Dr. Don Rose

---

The website www.RealAge.com offers a free test. They say that "Your RealAge is the biological age of your body based on over 100 factors – many that you control." I have heard this before, so it seems worth a try. The test's goal is to answer this question: are you biologically younger, older, or the same as your birthday age? Here is what they say you’ll get: (1) A personalized plan to feel younger, and (2) A list of what’s making you younger or older.

I like what this test is all about, for several reasons. First, it gets you in the mindset of "I am not a number" -- that age, as defined as "years since birth," is ultimately not important. Fitness level (mental and physical) is. If nothing else, finding out that you are really years younger (in biological terms) than your chronological age should give your happiness quotient a boost. And, coincidentally, that act of feeling happier happens to help your health, too. It's win-win.

Of course, if the test shows you are biologically older than your chronological age, well... you may feel a bit down for a bit, but let that kick you in the pants to do something about it. (The RealAge site, and some of the other articles on this blog, will hopefully help you in that regard.)

I also like the RealAge site's sidebar section -- their "DID YOU KNOW..." tips. One example: "Laughing often can make your RealAge 8 years younger." Which makes me wonder: if health insurers wanted a wonderful win-win -- healthier customers, and hence lower costs over time -- wouldn't more of them proactively pay for preventive procedures? Can't creative companies cover the cost of comedy clubs? Or Comedy Central on cable?

=====

The information provided here is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while The Rose Review strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on many topics, including computers, the Internet, artificial intelligence, science and technology, and issues related to seniors. In addition to serving as writer of The Rose Review, he is also Editor In Chief of The LA Report.

Article Sponsor: Life Alert -- for more information on its emergency response services and other benefits for seniors nationwide, please visit lifealert.com , seniorprotection.com and 911seniors.com.

Good Mood Food: Feeling Finer From Fats

2006-11-27T12:51:00.000-08:00

Based on the posting “Mood and Food: The Oil Connection” by Christine Cox, at nutritionadvocate.com

Edited (with Introduction) by Dr. Don Rose

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Fit fats? From fish? Fatty food’s fabulous? Find facts! Findings about foods filled with fatty acids have been published often in recent years – for example, in reference to the consumption of fish. Read below for info on how intake of omega-3’s (found in certain fish and in other sources) can mitigate depression, as well as other examples of how fats can improve our state of mental wellbeing. --Don Rose

Introduction

It's no news that the kind of fat you eat affects your heart, but did you know that it also affects your head? Mind you, I’m talking about the mind. Studies seem to point to this conclusion, as anxiety, depression, memory and even schizophrenia appear to be influenced by the amounts and types of fat you choose or avoid.

Fats and Mental Health

While low-fat diets appear to be good for our physical health, several studies indicate that cutting down the fat too much may be bad for our mental health.

British researchers found that young adult test subjects had substantially less anxiety and hostility on a diet getting a whopping 41% of its calories from the greasy stuff than they did on a moderate-fat diet of 25% calories from fats.

Researchers in Louisiana fed rats diets high in protein, carbohydrates or fat, and watched their responses to anxiety-provoking situations. Like their human counterparts, the rodents on the high-fat chow had less anxiety when coping with new, slightly threatening situations.

Cholesterol and Depression

Another piece of the puzzle is the common finding that very low cholesterol levels, which are partly linked to low dietary fat intake, are associated with depression. This doesn't indicate, however, that those enviable low levels are the cause of the low mood. Researchers suggest it's possible that the low levels could be the result of the depression, through mechanisms not yet understood. Nevertheless, this cholesterol-and-depression link, together with the studies cited above, certainly seems provocative, and worthy of further inquiry.

Does this mean that when we get especially stressed we should drench our baked potatoes with butter and reach for more cheesecake? Not really. Many studies indicate that, when it comes to affecting mood and mind, it's not necessarily the amount of fat in the diet that counts, but rather the type of fat.

Omega-3: A Mega Good Fatty Acid

A certain type of fatty acid, called omega-3, is found in fish as well as in plant sources such as walnuts, flax seed and purslane. It is also widely available in supplements. The good news: it appears to have a remarkable capacity to help us fight both anxiety and depression. Since omega-3 makes up a large part of the fat in the brain, perhaps it isn't surprising that diets rich in this type of fat can influence the way we feel on a Monday morning.

Recently, a broad-based study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism looked at the relationship of eating patterns around the world to clinical depression. They found this causal link: the more fish eaten (and hence the more omega-3 consumed), the less the amount of depression. And a 1998 British study found that those people having the severest depressions were those who consumed the lowest amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.

Even schizophrenia seems to respond to an increased intake of omega-3, according to two British studies. Symptoms of this severe disease decreased significantly with the addition of this fatty acid.

Conclusion

While these studies are certainly suggestive, it isn't clear that we should start piling oily foods on our plate. First, a high fat diet is correlated with increased heart disease and cancer. Second, studies indicate that even if we add omega-3s to our diet, they won't do much good if we're also eating a lot of fats of other types, such as animal fats and even vegetable oils.

The wisest course may be to follow a generally low-fat diet, but to add small amounts of oils rich in omega-3, such as canola or olive oils, to our salads and stir-fries.

References

Belzung C et al. Alpha-linolenic acid deficiency modifies distractibility but not anxiety and locomotion in rats during aging. J Nutrition September 1998.

Edwards R et al. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in the diet and in red blood cell membranes of depressed patients. J Affect Disord March 1998.

Edwards R, Peet M, Shay J, Horrobin D. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in the diet and in red blood cell membranes of depressed patients. J of Affect Disord March 1998.

Laugharne JD, Mellor JE, Peet M. Fatty Acids and schizophrenia. Lipids March 1996.

Peet M, Laugharne JD, Mellor J, Ramchand CN. Essential fatty acid deficiency in erythrocyte membranes from chronic schizophrenic patients, and the clinical effects of dietary supplementation. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids August 1996.

Prasad A et al. Short-term consumption of a diet rich in fat decreases anxiety response in adult male rats. Physiol Behav September 1996.

Prasad A, Prasad C. Short-term consumption of a diet rich in fat decreases anxiety response in adult male rats. Physiol Behav Sep 1996.

Wells AS, Read NW, Laugharne JD, Ahluwalia NS. Alterations in mood after changing to a low-fat diet. Brit J of Nutr Jan 1998.

Wells et al. Alterations in mood after changing to a low-fat diet. Br J Nutr January 1998.

=====

The article above and the content it is based on are covered by a Creative Commons License. The information provided here is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while The Rose Review strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on many topics, including computers, the Internet, artificial intelligence, science and technology, and issues related to seniors. In addition to serving as writer of The Rose Review, he is also Editor In Chief of The LA Report.

Article Sponsor: Life Alert -- for more information on its emergency response services and other benefits for seniors nationwide, please visit the following websites: http://www.lifealert.com , http://www.seniorprotection.com and http://www.911seniors.com.

# # # #

Full Body CT Scans: Info to Know Before You Go (Part 1)

2006-11-24T17:46:00.000-08:00

Based on the article “Guidelines for Full Body CT Scans?” on the BioEthics Web Log, at blog.bioethics.net

Edited (with Introduction) by Dr. Don Rose

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You may have seen the ads in newspapers, offering to scan your body (for a fee) in order to learn what things may be wrong with you, before these things cause major problems. In theory, it sounds great, but this article raises some questions and concerns one should think about before deciding on a specific type of scan: the full body CT (Computed Tomography) scan. –Don Rose

--

With the convenience and popularity of full body CT scans increasing as a simple solution to detect the ever growing number of maladies cropping up in aging bodies, Menlo Park's Almanac reports that some doctors are warning of the risks inherent to the technology. Advertisements for body scans espouse the procedure’s ability to identify heart disease, lung disease and cancer and other ailments, but do not mention the plausible health side effects of the scan itself. In addition, the FDA provides no regulatory standards for the scanning industry.

When considering the potential dangers of false positives (indicating that you have a problem when in fact you don’t) and radiation exposure, one should think hard and evaluate all options before jumping right into a full body scan. For health care professionals, it may not always be the wisest move to steer people showing no symptoms or signs of problems toward a treatment that could damage an otherwise healthy body. (Remember the famous phrase that medical practitioners have long been taught: “First, do no harm.”)

Should there be professional standards or guidelines stating when it is or is not appropriate for someone to receive a body scan? Or should this aspect of medicine remain “Caveat Emptor” (buyer beware) – with the hope that "informed consent" will wash away any problems?

The answers are not easy, but Part 2 of this article provides additional information regarding full body scans that sheds more light on these issues.

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This work (Full Body CT Scans… Part 1) and the work it is based on are licensed under a Creative Commons License. The information provided here is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while The Rose Review strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on many topics, including computers, the Internet, artificial intelligence, science and technology, and issues related to seniors. In addition to serving as writer of The Rose Review, he is also Editor In Chief of The LA Report.

Article Sponsor: Life Alert -- for more information on its emergency response services and other benefits for seniors nationwide, please visit the following websites:
http://www.lifealert.com
http://www.seniorprotection.com
http://www.911seniors.com

###

Full Body CT Scans: Info to Know Before You Go (Part 2)

2006-11-24T17:28:00.000-08:00

Below is the second half of our article on Full Body CT (Computed Tomography) Scans. Providers of CT (and similar) body scans point out that serious problems often have no symptoms, especially in their early stages. On the other hand, some sources (see below) say that healthy folks without symptoms should not be advised to undergo such scans. Hence, it is not a simple choice; doing due diligence and gathering data from multiple sources is recommended before making a final decision. --Dr. Don Rose

--

Dozens of clinics nationwide are touting a new service for health-conscious people: full-body CT scans -- high-tech computerized X-rays that promise early warnings for cancer, cardiac disease, and other abnormalities. But the practice is controversial because the long-term benefits and risks have not been researched. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the CT X-ray system only as a diagnostic tool to be used when symptoms exist, or when there is reason for further testing. But no studies have been done to support using CT scans for screening people without symptoms, or when there is no suspicion or indication of a problem or disease.

Thomas B. Shope, Ph.D., a radiation physicist in the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, says the agency's concern is that "some of the kinds of things screening CT may find are not necessarily of any health significance." In addition, because no screening test is 100 percent accurate, the FDA is concerned that many people will get false-positive results, leading them to seek additional, possibly risky tests or surgical procedures. While there is a small danger of this when symptoms exist, its occurrence is far more probable when they do not.

Furthermore, the use of any X-ray imaging procedure is always accompanied by a concern about the possible effects of radiation exposure. "The effective dose from a CT procedure can be hundreds of times larger than the effective dose from a conventional radiographic procedure," says Shope.

During a CT scan, an X-ray tube housed inside a doughnut-shaped machine rotates around and transmits radiation through a person's body at various angles. Detectors inside the machine measure the radiation transmitted through the body and these data are converted into electrical signals. A computer gathers these signals and produces three-dimensional images that are displayed on a monitor. A technologist or radiologist can change the contrast or brightness of the displayed image, or use other image processing or display techniques to emphasize areas or tissues of interest.

Using CT systems for diagnosis in medicine has been accepted as a valuable medical practice based on a wealth of experience. Physicians may use it for any condition or disease, as long as they deem the use legitimate within the doctor-patient relationship. Therefore, although the device was approved as a diagnostic tool for specific purposes, the FDA has limited authority to control how it is actually used. The agency continues to approve CT systems and their enhancements on the basis that they are to be used in the diagnoses of symptomatic people.

The American College of Radiology "does not believe there is sufficient scientific evidence to justify recommending total body computed tomographic (CT) screening for patients with no symptoms or a family history suggesting disease." The organization says there is no evidence that the procedure is either cost-effective, or effective in prolonging life. Robert Smith, director of cancer screening at the American Cancer Society, says his organization also "discourages full-body scanning" for the same reasons.

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The information provided here is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while The Rose Review strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on many topics, including computers, the Internet, artificial intelligence, science and technology, and issues related to seniors. In addition to serving as writer of The Rose Review, he is also Editor In Chief of The LA Report.

Article Sponsor: Life Alert -- for more information on its emergency response services and other benefits for seniors nationwide, please visit the following websites:
http://www.lifealert.com
http://www.seniorprotection.com
http://www.911seniors.com

# # #

Microwaving Veggies Not so Negative for Nutrients

2006-11-24T17:20:00.000-08:00

Based on the article “Does Microwaving Veggies Kill Nutrients?”, on SportsGeezer.com

Edited (with Introduction) by Dr. Don Rose

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Many people believe that microwaving tends to be bad for certain foods, such as vegetables, because it may kill vital nutrients in the food. However, this article cites sources that seem to reverse some of these negative beliefs – and point to a different cooking culprit. --Don Rose

--

Anahad O'Connor, writing in his "The Claim" column, takes on the widely-held conviction that cooking vegetables in the microwave destroys valuable nutrients. The truth, O'Connor tells us, is that microwaving destroys far fewer nutrients than other means of cooking, largely because microwaving uses less of two things that destroy nutrients during cooking: heat and water.

O'Connor directs our attention to studies at Cornell University, which looked at the effects of cooking on water-soluble vitamins in vegetables. That research found that spinach retained nearly all its folate when cooked in a microwave, but lost about 77 percent when cooked on a stove. It also found that bacon cooked by microwave has significantly lower levels of cancer-causing nitrosamines than conventionally cooked bacon.

O'Connor also points to a study published in The Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture in 2003 that found that broccoli cooked by microwave — and immersed in water — loses about 74 percent to 97 percent of its antioxidants. However, when steamed or cooked without water, the broccoli retained most of its nutrients.

The moral of the story: cooking in water seems to be more of a negative than cooking in a microwave, at least as far as preserving nutrients in vegetables is concerned.

-----

This article and the content it is based on are covered by a Creative Commons License. The information provided here is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while The Rose Review strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on many topics, including computers, the Internet, artificial intelligence, science and technology, and issues related to seniors. In addition to serving as writer of The Rose Review, he is also Editor In Chief of The LA Report.

Article Sponsor: Life Alert -- for more information on its emergency response services and other benefits for seniors nationwide, please visit the following websites:
http://www.lifealert.com
http://www.seniorprotection.com
http://www.911seniors.com

# # #

Top Ten Tips for a Tip Top Torso

2006-11-22T23:12:00.000-08:00

by Dr. Don Rose

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Which do you want: a tip top torso, or a wide wobbly waist? Do you want to look like a Greek god in sandals, or get a big gut with large love-handles?

It gets harder to avoid the latter as we age; that’s why bloated bellies tend to be seen more often on older folks – like Boomers and seniors -- than on the younger set. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Anyone at any age can have a great looking bod, and not fear their rear, if one follows some exercise and eating rules of thumb. The rules presented below offer ideas on how to get fit and fight fat – something especially useful around holiday time, when calories tend to tempt us time and time again. The modern middle-aged male’s midsection is often more massive than it should be, which can mean many medical maladies if not modified. The good news: most midsections can be trimmed and tightened with time, through tenacity and tried-and-true techniques.

1. Moving Morning: move your workouts to the A.M. if possible -- the earlier the better. Early exercise increases the metabolism, which stays high for several hours afterwards. Benefits of getting your body moving early: more calories burned during the rest of the day and your appetite tends to decrease for a few hours after a workout.

2. Big Breakfast: eat more in the morning (and at lunch) than in the evening. Not only will this get your metabolism going, but you also have all day to burn off “early calories.” Think of your ideal daily calorie intake as an inverted triangle -- more in the morn, tapering off till twilight.

3. Welcome Water: try to drink at least 8 glasses (cups) a day, if possible. Besides the many benefits from the water itself, drinking water before a meal makes you feel fuller and hence you are less likely to overeat. Everyone’s needs are different, of course, but the common maxim says to drink 8 cups a day for optimal health. (Note: urine color indicates whether you need more or less H20; a deeper darker color means you probably need more water.) Tip: try drinking 1 or 2 cups upon waking, before you do anything else; my friend said her friend lost several pounds via this tip alone.

4. Healthy Half: some folks have lost pounds by eating and drinking whatever items they want, but half the usual amount. By doing this, you’re not denying yourself any particular food or beverage – but half the portion means half the calories, which helps you lose weight. For example, one might eat a sandwich with only one side of the bun. (This not only halves the bun calories, but less bread means less carbs -- so it’s a double salvo in your weight loss war.) You also stretch your food budget twice as far.

5. Ditch Dessert: a variant on the previous rule, where you eat whatever you want, with one restriction. In Rule 4, the single restriction was halving portion size; in this rule, it is eliminating any item that is sweet (that is, items with sugar, since sugar is dense with calories). Combining Rules 4 and 5 can be especially effective.

6. Best Buddies: it’s often helpful to have a buddy (or significant other) following the same or similar rules and routines as you -- for support, and to compare notes. Your buddy may discover a useful technique, trick or tip you didn’t think of (or vice versa).

7. More Meals: eat more often, but less per meal. This keeps the metabolism constantly in high gear to burn off calories. Try to keep the smallest meals (i.e., snacks) healthy, too. Using this rule along with Rule 4 can be a sensible combination. For example, instead of 3 or 4 “normal portion” meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner and an occasional late supper/snack), try eating 6 to 8 small meals, each at half a “normal portion” or less. This keeps you feeling full and your metabolism high all day. If possible, reduce portion size as the day goes on (see Rule 2).

8. Food Focus: paying attention to what you eat can pay big dividends. First, you’ll enjoy your meal more, since your increased attention will lead you to savor the eating process. Second, the seconds will seem like minutes the more you focus on what you are eating; it will seem like you are eating for a longer time. Third, you will end your eating earlier, because you’ll be aware of the onset of “feeling full” faster – which means less calories taken in, and the gift of extra time to do other things. It’s win win win. Combining this rule with Rule 4 can be effective; the more you truly focus, the more your “half portion” will seem as filling as your former “full portion.”

9. Ending Eating: evening calories are less likely to get burned off that day, and eating right before bed can lead to heartburn or restless sleep, so try to consume less at night (as touched on in Rule 2). Ideally, stop consuming calories at a set time each night. For example, no food after 8pm. Make a rule and stick to it – whatever works for you. The goal: put as many hours as you can between “last bite” and “good night.”

10. Sound Sleep: sleep is when muscles repair, and in general the body uses this time to heal itself. Make sure you get enough hours of shuteye each evening (most people need around 8 hours per night). They don’t call it “beauty sleep” for nothing!

Refer back to these rules when you need to remind yourself of some good habits to follow. These rules are by no means exhaustive, but I hope they provide a general roadmap that will take you closer to your final destination: a fine, fit physique.

If you find it hard to remember all of the information presented above, here is a closing two-line poem that may help, summarizing the rules in ultra-brief form:

Work out mornings, more food early. Focus, buddy; half, no sweet.
8 cups water, 8 food servings. 8 o’clock stop, 8 hours sleep.

###

The information provided here is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while The Rose Review strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on many topics, including computers, the Internet, artificial intelligence, science and technology, and issues related to seniors. In addition to serving as writer of The Rose Review, he is also Editor In Chief of The LA Report.

Article Sponsor: Life Alert -- for more information on its emergency response services and other benefits for seniors nationwide, please visit the following websites:
http://www.lifealert.com
http://www.seniorprotection.com
http://www.911seniors.com

# # #

Bad Breath and Gingivitis

2006-11-20T20:37:00.000-08:00

Article by David Snape at articlecodex.com

Introduction by Dr. Don Rose

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People of all ages may suffer from bad breath, which is caused by bacteria in the mouth. Gingivitis is a common gum problem, also a result of the action of bacteria. David Snape’s article below discusses these two related problems and ways to deal with them. –Don Rose

--

Does this sound familiar to you? My dentist and hygienist mentioned that I had irritated gums as they cleaned my teeth. This is a symptom of gingivitis.

Gingivitis can be a stepping stone to major problems in the mouth and gum line. It can lead to periodontal disease, which is a much more serious problem with the potential for actual bone loss.

Halitosis (bad breath) could be related to a gingivitis infection as both are caused by bacteria. Red, swollen and/or bleeding gums characterize gingivitis. These symptoms are most evident upon flossing and sometimes from brushing.

Bacteria cause gingivitis. And bacteria are considered to be responsible for bad breath.

Sometimes, I could even see the bloodstains that the hygienist quietly wiped away with a towel. It was embarrassing enough to know that I wasn't controlling my gingivitis problem, but to know that she was actually trying not to make a big deal out of it was troubling.

I knew my dentist was concerned because she gave me a bottle of alcohol based mouthwash to try and mentioned that she wanted to see how I looked next time. I don't like using it; there is too much alcohol and the taste is not very pleasant. Alcohol may also dry the mucous membranes in the mouth.

The Problem

Bacteria can stick to your teeth and secrete acid onto them contributing to cavity formation. They can also infect the gums, particularly around the gum line, causing gingivitis. This can manifest initially as bleeding and irritated gums.

Having a lot of uncontrolled bacteria multiplying in the mouth may also lead to bad breath, but there is a natural and normal amount of bacteria in the mouth, and you will never completely get rid of them all, nor would you want to.

Theory has it that it is actually the anaerobic bacteria that live in the tongue and throat that produce sulfur that in turn produce hard to get rid of bad breath. These anaerobes create VSCs or volatile sulfur compounds. One type is the familiar rotten egg smell. There are other odors coming from VSCs as well. These sulfur-producing bacteria may feed on certain foods, like coffee, alcohol and meats.

A gingivitis problem can offer a way for bacteria to easily enter your blood stream and that can lead to additional problems. Systemic infections could come from this. Gingivitis can be something that makes your gums bleed easily in a mild case or it can be the root of deep gum recession, leading to bone loss in the worse case scenarios (periodontal disease).

Loss of gum line can be discouraging. A friend of mind once described the process as "getting long in the tooth". Sometimes, people experience this problem by brushing too hard. TIP: Using a soft bristled toothbrush with the type of motion that your hygienist recommends may help prevent eroded gum lines.

Treatment and Prevention

Had you ever heard of under-the-gum cleanings? This could be part of the protocol your dentist might invoke, should you develop periodontal disease. If you know people that have had an under-the-gum cleaning, they may tell you that it is not very pleasant.

Your dentist can deal with this problem in a variety of ways. However, prevention probably is the best option. Include good flossing and brushing habits - see your dentist for details. And you could add a non-alcohol based mouthwash alternative to your regimen.

I'm currently using a special toothbrush that uses vibration to clean the teeth. This device does a better job than a regular toothbrush in keeping my teeth clean. It does take a little while to get used to because of the vibration. It makes many, many vibrations per second. This helps to give it such wonderful cleaning abilities.

Don't feel sad if you have excellent oral health habits but you still have bad breath. This is common and many people experience this same situation. Oral health products that don't contain sodium lauryl sulfates or artificial flavors that can still kill the bacteria that cause bad breath without using harsh alcohol or tough chemicals may be helpful.

I am not a dentist. This article is for information purposes only. This article is not meant for diagnosis, treatment or prevention nor is it meant to give advice. If you have or suspect you have gingivitis, periodontal disease or any other dental problems, visit your dentist for a consultation.

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David Snape is a health, fitness and well-being enthusiast. He maintains a site: http://tobeinformed.com/ on the same theme. david@tobeinformed.com

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 2.5 License.

==========

The information provided here is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while The Rose Review strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to review the original article and gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on many topics, including computers, the Internet, artificial intelligence, science and technology, and issues related to seniors. In addition to serving as writer of The Rose Review, he is also Editor In Chief of The LA Report.

Article Sponsor: Life Alert -- for more information on its emergency response services and other benefits for seniors nationwide, please visit the following websites:
http://www.lifealert.com
http://www.seniorprotection.com
http://www.911seniors.com

# # #

Diet and Recipe Book Promotes Anti-Inflammation to Help Enhance and Extend Lives

2006-11-20T16:02:00.000-08:00

Based on the article “Available Now, First Diet and Recipe Book to Focus on Anti-Inflammation -- Naturopath's Delicious Recipes Will Help Save Lives” at thebizofknowledge.com

Edited (with Introduction) by Dr. Don Rose

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A big buzzword in the medical/nutrition/healing communities today is inflammation. Recently, the connection between inflammation and disease has become established. Chronic inflammation within our bodies erodes our wellness, paves the path for ill health and speeds up aging. Hidden food allergies can overstimulate the immune system, causing inflammation; any inflammation in the body interferes with and slows down metabolism and our natural healing response. Unfortunately, imbalances in our standard diet cause most Americans to suffer from fairly high levels of inflammation. Older Americans are especially at risk; the effects of inflammation can manifest in seniors as heart disease, arthritis and other problems.

The good news is that disease caused by inflammation can often be controlled or prevented through proper nutrition. “The Anti-Inflammation Diet and Recipe Book” gives readers specifics on how to eat and cook in order to prevent and counter inflammation, promoting simpler and easier digestion, and offering less insult to the body by reducing intake of toxins and other difficult to digest foods. –Don Rose

--

Medical research shows that chronic inflammation in our bodies erodes wellness, makes us age faster, and leads to degenerative diseases. Hidden food allergies can over-stimulate the immune system, causing inflammation, which in turn slows down metabolism and our natural healing response. Unfortunately, due to imbalances in the standard American diet, most Americans suffer from fairly high levels of inflammation. As a result, many people develop chronic diseases that could be controlled or prevented through proper nutrition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seven out of ten deaths are caused by chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, all of which have a direct connection to inflammation and nutrition.

What can be done to ensure optimal health and healing? "The Anti-Inflammation Diet and Recipe Book," written by leading naturopathic doctor Jessica K. Black, N.D., helps readers reclaim health by guiding them to practices that facilitate cellular regeneration rather than cellular degeneration and disease. Dr. Black educates readers on making diet choices that promote easier digestion, reduce the intake of toxins, and allow greater absorption of nutrients. The result is improved cellular function and metabolism, and possibly greater vitality and beauty -- not to mention a longer life.

Appropriate for men and women of all ages (even children), Dr. Black's book offers specifics on what to eat and how to cook in order to counter and even prevent inflammation. While providing delicious food choices, the diet eliminates allergens and reduces the intake of pesticides, hormones and antibiotic residues. It encourages whole foods; reduces processed foods, sugars, and other potential toxins such as hydrogenated oils; and encourages ample intake of vegetables and fruits for essential nutrients. Changing one's diet, preparing healthy meals, and enjoying nutritious foods were never so easy.

"The Anti-Inflammation Diet and Recipe Book," in bookstores nationwide, will help people learn to eat and cook healthily. The first half explains the benefits of healthy eating, and provides information about the scientific background of anti-inflammation diets. The second half contains 125 easy-to-prepare recipes, a week's sample menus for summer and winter, nutritional analysis for all recipes and a food substitution chart, so that readers can modify their favorite recipes and make them healthier.

Book Title: “The Anti-Inflammation Diet and Recipe Book: Protect Yourself and Your Family from Heart Disease, Arthritis, Diabetes, Allergies -- and More.”
Author: Jessica K. Black.
Category: Health & Fitness / Diets.
ISBN 0-89793-485-7 / Paperback $14.95.
About the Author: Jessica K. Black, N.D. co-founded and runs a primary care center called A Family Healing Center in McMinnville, Oregon with her husband, Jason Black, N.D. She specializes in women's medicine including menopause, as well as allergies, asthma, pediatrics, nutrition, detoxification, and herbal medicine.

###

The information provided here is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while The Rose Review always strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to review the original article, and use any resource links provided to gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

The article on this Life Alert website and the content it is based on are covered by a Creative Commons License. Please go to the Creative Commons License site for more information on the CC license that applies to this work.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on computers, the Internet, AI, science and technology, and issues related to seniors. In addition to serving as writer of The Rose Review, he is also Editor In Chief of The LA Report.

Article Sponsor: Life Alert -- for more information on its emergency response services and other benefits for seniors nationwide, please visit the following websites:
http://www.lifealert.com
http://www.seniorprotection.com
http://www.911seniors.com

###

Gilligan's Island Professor Promotes Pipe-Protecting FreezeAlarm

2006-11-17T17:50:00.001-08:00

Based on the article “Gilligan's Island Professor Promotes FreezeAlarm” on entrepreneurevolution.com

Edited (with Introduction) by Dr. Don Rose

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It’s a safe bet that many Boomers and seniors know the name Russell Johnson. He is the actor who starred on 60’s sitcom "Gilligan’s Island" as The Professor (who could fashion a radio out of coconuts but couldn’t fix the boat). Now Mr. Johnson is helping to promote FreezeAlarm -- a system that, like Life Alert, has been around for two decades and provides protection 24/7 for your home. However, whereas Life Alert protects and saves lives, FreezeAlarm literally protects a part of your home: your pipes. Read below for more details. –Don Rose

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Russell Johnson -- better known as "The Professor" from the hit television show "Gilligan's Island" -- is lending his talents to a national radio campaign promoting the 20th Anniversary of the FreezeAlarm, manufactured by Control Products.

The FreezeAlarm, which comes in Basic, Intermediate and Deluxe models, is a product that protects unoccupied homes and vacation property from damage caused by frozen, burst pipes. If the temperature gets too low or the power goes out, the FreezeAlarm automatically calls up to three phone numbers of the owner's choosing, warning them before the pipes freeze and burst. The popularity of the FreezeAlarm is due in part to its ease of installation. It simply plugs into a standard telephone line.

The Deluxe FreezeAlarm can also monitor rising temperatures -- in a home, cabin, refrigerator, walk-in cooler/freezer, computer room or greenhouse. The Pre-Heat/Cool Feature allows a user to turn the heat or air conditioning up (or down) with a phone call.

"The Professor knows a little bit about being away from home for a long time, so who better to promote the FreezeAlarm, a product that protects your home while you're away?" said Chuck Guerin, National Sales Manager. In the radio ads, Johnson incorporates some of the familiar lines from the Gilligan's Island show to help promote FreezeAlarms, such as: "Pick one up today… before the weather starts getting rough.” The ads featuring Johnson as the Professor began running the week of November 13, 2006, in over twenty markets nationwide.

Since 1986, Control Products and its Protected Home division has manufactured products to protect a home or vacation property from damage caused by frozen pipes, leaky plumbing fixtures, and overflowing sumps through affordable, easy to use products that automatically call up to three phone numbers to alert of problems in the home. The products are available at local hardware stores or heating contractors nationwide.

-----

The information provided here is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while The Rose Review strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to review the original article and gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on many topics, including computers, the Internet, artificial intelligence, science and technology, and issues related to seniors. In addition to serving as writer of The Rose Review, he is also Editor In Chief of The LA Report.

Article Sponsor: Life Alert -- for more information on its emergency response services and other benefits for seniors nationwide, please visit the following websites:
http://www.lifealert.com
http://www.seniorprotection.com
http://www.911seniors.com

# # #

Osteoarthritis: Signs, Symptoms, Supplements and Suggestions

2006-11-16T18:49:00.000-08:00

Based on excerpts from the Wikipedia page “Osteoarthritis”

Edited (with Introduction) by Dr. Don Rose

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Other articles have discussed the benefits of a Mediterranean diet for those with a specific variant of arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a painful disease of the joints). The article below discusses the most common form of the disease, osteoarthritis (OA) -- which, like RA, afflicts many seniors. The article also lists some supplements that may, in some cases, be helpful in preventing or mitigating OA, and provides suggestions for beneficial lifestyle changes. --Don Rose

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Introduction

Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease -- and sometimes referred to as "arthrosis" or "osteoarthrosis" or even "wear and tear” -- is a condition in which low-grade inflammation results in pain in the joints, caused by wearing of the cartilage that covers and acts as a cushion inside joints. As the bone surfaces become less protected by cartilage, the patient experiences pain upon weight bearing, including walking and standing. Due to decreased movement because of the pain, regional muscles may atrophy, and ligaments may become more lax.

OA is the most common form of arthritis. The word is derived from the Greek word "osteo", meaning "of the bone", "arthro", meaning "joint", and "itis", meaning inflammation, although many sufferers have little or no inflammation. OA affects nearly 21 million people in the United States, accounting for 25% of visits to primary care physicians, and half of all NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) prescriptions. It is estimated that 80% of the population will have radiographic evidence of OA by age 65, although only 60% of those will be symptomatic (Green 2001).

There is no cure for OA, as it is impossible for the cartilage to grow back. However, if OA is caused by cartilage damage -- for example, as a result of an injury -- Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation may be a possible treatment.

Signs and symptoms

The main symptom of OA is chronic pain, causing loss of mobility and often stiffness. "Pain" is generally described as a sharp ache, or a burning sensation in the associated muscles and tendons. OA can cause a crackling noise (called "crepitus") when the affected joint is moved or touched, and patients may experience muscle spasm and contractions in the tendons. Occasionally, the joints may also be filled with fluid. Humid weather increases the pain in many patients.

OA commonly affects the hands, feet, spine, and the large weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees, although in theory, any joint in the body can be affected. As OA progresses, the affected joints appear larger, are stiff and painful, and usually feel worse the more they are used throughout the day, thus distinguishing it from rheumatoid arthritis.

In smaller joints, such as at the fingers, hard bony enlargements may form, and though they are not necessarily painful, they do limit the movement of the fingers significantly. OA at the toes leads to the formation of bunions, rendering them red or swollen.

Causes

OA often affects multiple members of the same family, suggesting that there is hereditary susceptibility to this condition. A number of studies have shown that there is a greater prevalence of the disease between siblings and especially monozygotic twins, indicating a hereditary basis. Up to 60% of OA cases are thought to result from genetic factors. Researchers are also investigating the possibility of allergies, infections, or fungi as a cause.

Types

OA may be divided into two types:

Primary osteoarthritis

This type of OA is caused by aging. As a person ages, the water content of the cartilage decreases, and the protein composition in it degenerates, thus degenerating the cartilage through repetitive use or misuse. Inflammation can also occur, and stimulate new bone outgrowths, called "spurs" (osteophyte), to form around the joints. Sufferers find their every movement so painful and debilitating that it can also affect them emotionally and psychologically.

Secondary osteoarthritis

This type of OA is caused by other conditions or diseases, such as:

--Congenital disorders. For example: congenital hip luxation, or abnormally-formed joints (e.g. hip dysplasia). People with the latter condition are more vulnerable to OA, as added stress is specifically placed on the joints whenever they move.

--Cracking joints. Some say evidence is weak that this has a connection to OA.

--Diabetes.

--Inflammatory diseases and all chronic forms of arthritis (e.g. gout and rheumatoid arthritis). In gout, uric acid crystals cause the cartilage to degenerate at a faster pace.

--Injury to joints, as a result of an accident.

--Hormonal disorders.

--Ligamentous deterioration or instability.

--Obesity. Obesity puts added weight on the joints, especially the knees.

--Osteopetrosis (High bone density).

--Sports injuries, from exercise, athletic activity or work. For example, certain sports, such as weightlifting, running, or even football, put undue pressure on the knee joints. Injuries resulting in broken ligaments can lead to instability of the joint, and over time, wear of the cartilage and eventually osteoarthritis.

--Surgery to the joint structures.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is normally done through x-rays. This is possible because loss of cartilage, subchondral ("below cartilage") sclerosis, subchondral cysts, the narrowing of the joint space between adjacent bones, and bone spur formation (osteophytes) show up clearly in x-rays. Plain films, however, often do not correlate with the findings of a physical examination in the early stages of the disease.

With or without other techniques -- such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), arthrocentesis and arthroscopy -- a careful study of the duration, location, and character of the joint symptoms, and the appearance of the joints themselves, will help the doctor to determine whether his patient suffers from OA.

OA and Supplements

Supplements which may be useful for treating OA include:

--Antioxidants, including Vitamins C and E in both foods and supplements, provide pain relief from OA. (McAlindon TE, et al, 1996).

--Chondroitin sulphate improves symptoms of OA, and delays its progression (Poolsup N et al, 2005).

--Collagen hydrolysate (a gelatin product) may also prove beneficial in the relief of OA symptoms, as substantiated in a German study by Beuker F. et. al. and Seeligmuller et. al. In their 6-month placebo-controlled study of 100 elderly patients, the verum group showed significant improvement in joint mobility.

--Ginger (rhizome) extract - has improved knee symptoms moderately (Altman RD, 1991).

--Glucosamine: A molecule derived from glucosamine is used by the body to make some of the components of cartilage and synovial fluid. Supplemental glucosamine may improve symptoms of OA and delay its progression (Poolsup N et al, 2005). However, a recent large study suggests that glucosamine is not effective in treating OA of the knee (McAlindon et al 2004).

--Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): A small study by Kim et al. suggested that MSM significantly reduced pain and improved physical functioning in OA patients without major adverse events (Kim et al). The authors cautioned that although this short pilot study did not address the long-term safety and usefulness of MSM, they suggest that physicians should consider its use for certain osteoarthritis patients.

--S-adenosyl methionine: small scale studies have shown it to be as effective as NSAIDs in reducing pain, although it takes about four weeks for the effect to take place.

--Selenium deficiency has been correlated with a higher risk and severity of OA, therefore selenium supplementation may reduce this risk.

--Vitamins B9 (folate) and B12 (cobalamin) taken in large doses significantly reduced OA hand pain, presumably by reducing systemic inflammation (Flynn MA 1994).

--Vitamin D deficiency has been reported in patients with OA; supplementation with Vitamin D3 is recommended for pain relief (Arabelovic, 2005).

Lifestyle changes

Other nutritional changes shown to aid in the treatment of OA include elevated saturated fat intake (Wilhelmi G, 1993) and elevated body fat (Christensen R, 2005). Reducing sugar, processed foods, and fatty foods (despite the apparent contradiction) have helped many. According to Dr. John McDoughall, a low-fat vegetarian diet can reduce arthritis symptoms. A macrobiotic diet has been known to reduce symptoms as well.

Lifestyle change may be needed for effective symptomatic relief, especially for knee OA (De Filippis L, 2004). No matter what the severity, or where the OA lies, conservative measures such as weight control, appropriate rest and exercise, and the use of mechanical support devices are usually beneficial to sufferers. In the case of OA of the knees, knee braces, a cane, or a walker can be a helpful aid for walking and support. Regular exercise, if possible, in the form of walking or swimming, is encouraged.

Applying local heat before exercise, and cold packs after, can help relieve pain and inflammation, as do relaxation techniques.

References

Altman RD, Marcussen KC. Arthritis Rheum. 2001 Nov; 44(11):2531-8.

Arabelovic S, McAlindon TE. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2005 Mar; 7(1):29-35.

Christensen R. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2005 Jan; 13(1):20-7.

Curtis CL et al. Proc Nutr Soc. 2002 Aug; 61(3):381-9.

De Filippis L et al. Reumatismo. 2004 Jul-Sep; 56(3):169-84.

Flynn MA, Irvin W, Krause G. J Am Coll Nutr. 1994 Aug; 13(4):351-6.

Green GA. Understanding NSAIDS: from aspirin to COX-2. Clin Cornerstone 2001; 3:50-59. PMID 11464731.

McAlindon T, Formica M, LaValley M, Lehmer M, Kabbara K. Effectiveness of glucosamine for symptoms of knee osteoarthritis: Results from an internet-based randomized double-blind controlled trial. Am J Med 2004; 117:643-9. PMID 15501201.

McAlindon TE, Jacques P, Zhang Y, et al. Do antioxidant micronutrients protect against the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis? Arthritis Rheum 1996; 39:648-656.

Mooney V. Spinal arthritis complete treatment guide. Spine-health.com, May 25, 2005.

Wilhemi G. Z Rheumatol. 1993 May-Jun; 52(3):174-9.

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This article is based on the Wikipedia webpage titled “Osteoarthritis”. The information provided here is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while The Rose Review strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to review the original article and gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

Article Sponsor: Life Alert -- for more information on its emergency response services and other benefits for seniors nationwide, please visit the following websites: www.lifealert.com , www.seniorprotection.com and www.911seniors.com.

# # #

Seniors, Sex and Staying Safe

2006-11-15T15:57:00.000-08:00

Based on the article “Seniors Having Sex” on progressiveu.org

Edited (with Introduction) by Dr. Don Rose

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Yes, it's true -- seniors have sex too. Not surprising, since older Americans today are living longer and keeping in better shape than ever before. Not to mention the availability of better and safer, um, “tools of the trade.” Like Viagra, Levitra, Cialis, and vitamin supplements that can at times achieve the same goal: improvement in sexual function. However, there is a potential danger for seniors: lack of knowledge, especially if they have been “out of the game” or “off the bike” for a while. This article discusses these issues. –Don Rose

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Introduction

No, the title of this article does not refer to seniors in high school, nor seniors in college. This is about, yes, sex for grandma and grandpa. Most people don’t want to think about their parents making whoopie, let alone gramps and grannie, but the fact is older folks are having more sex than ever before -- since there are more of them, and more of them are staying healthy into their later years.

Senior sex: courting danger?

While most people associate sexual risk with youth, sex for seniors can be more dangerous than sex among younger age groups. Many seniors haven’t been exposed to sex education, including STDs, HIV and AIDS -- issues that have impacted so many younger Americans. The young are used to dealing with these matters, whereas some seniors may be in the dark about sexual dilemmas of the day – especially those newly single, coming off a divorce or death of a spouse after years of marriage. Reports have stated that 20% of new HIV cases are seniors -- a surprisingly high figure, one which suggests a lack of knowledge.

One problem is that some seniors just think of condoms as a device to prevent pregnancy. Since most male seniors aren’t worried about impregnating female seniors, they may feel condoms are unnecessary. They may not care or even know about other things condoms can protect them from. Another problem: seniors often find talking about sex to be rude or improper, even if they are sexually active. It is a topic that many feel belongs behind closed doors.

Conclusion

If we want to keep grandma and grandpa alive and kicking for a long time, they need to be exposed to updated sexual information. Sex in the golden years is happening whether we want to believe it or not. They have Viagra and other drugs that can help out. Their doctors need to talk to them about sexual diseases and protection.

Maybe we’ve reached an ironic time in history where kids need to sit their parents down to have a sex talk. A little weird, perhaps, but it can save a life.

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The information provided here is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while The Rose Review always strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to review the original article, and use any resource links provided to gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

The article on this website and the content it is based on are covered by a Creative Commons License. Please go to the Creative Commons License site for more information on the CC license that applies to this work.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on many topics, including computers, the Internet, artificial intelligence, science and technology, and issues related to seniors. In addition to serving as writer of The Rose Review, he is also Editor In Chief of The LA Report.

Article Sponsor: Life Alert -- for more information on its emergency response services and other benefits for seniors nationwide, please visit the following websites:
http://www.lifealert.com
http://www.seniorprotection.com
http://www.911seniors.com

# # #

Website Helps Men Evaluate Risk of Prostate Cancer

2006-11-14T16:59:00.000-08:00

Edited (with Introduction) by Dr. Don Rose

This article discusses prostate cancer, some state-of-the-art treatment options, and a website that features a risk test for this type of cancer. The free test promotes prostate cancer screenings and early detection, which maximizes a man’s chance for survival and helps reduce the chances that drastic treatment will be needed. Hence, this test is something that men over 50, especially senior citizens, should look into. –Don Rose

Background

In 2006, more than 234,000 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and more than 27,000 men will die from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. While it is estimated that 1 man in 6 will suffer from prostate cancer in his lifetime, only 1 man in 34 will die from it. The earlier the disease is diagnosed and treated, the more likely it is for patients to survive and remain disease-free.

Online prostate cancer risk test

A new website published by Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers in the Southwest Chicago area (http://www.pursuingpainfreecancer.org/) encourages men to learn more about prostate cancer, and to take a free confidential online test to evaluate their prostate cancer risk. The website’s test evaluates a man’s risk based on certain genetic and lifestyle factors that scientists believe affect one’s prostate cancer risk.

Knowledge and survival

Knowing one’s risk can significantly increase a man’s chance for surviving prostate cancer. According to Dr. Paul Y. Song, a prostate cancer specialist at Little Company of Mary, “Knowing your risk and early detection provide the best tools to fight prostate cancer. If the disease is diagnosed early, a patient has an excellent prognosis, many treatment options, and typically suffers from fewer side effects.” When the disease is still confined to the prostate, the five-year relative survival rate is nearly 100 percent.

Treatment options

“Men whose cancer is diagnosed early may be candidates for any of the accepted prostate cancer treatments,” Dr. Song said. Some of the treatment options include radiation therapy and surgery. The doctor notes that “during the last 20 years, major clinical evidence has shown that both surgery and radiation therapy offer an equal chance for cure in the treatment of prostate cancer.”

Little Company of Mary Hospital is the only hospital in the entire greater Chicago area to offer both High Dose Rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer treatment and the da Vinci robotic prostatectomy.

High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy provides the most precise delivery of radiation possible in the treatment of prostate cancer. Unlike permanent seed implants, patients have temporary placement of radioactive catheters which can be custom tailored to deliver precision internal radiation and better avoid the urethra, rectum, and nerves to reduce overall toxicity without being radioactive and exposing family members to radiation. It is a one-day procedure where patients can go back to work the next day. According to Dr. Song, “HDR brachytherapy takes the prostate implant procedure to a whole new level, and is more precise and less toxic than conventional seed implants.”

The da Vinci robotic surgical system is a state-of-the-art minimally-invasive technology which allows surgeons to perform complex surgeries through tiny openings. Patients who undergo daVinci prostatectomies typically enjoy fewer overall side effects, shorter hospital stays, and earlier resumption of normal activities.

Conclusion

At its earliest stages, prostate cancer does not present with any symptoms. Therefore, knowing one’s risk and early detection for prostate cancer are a man’s best defenses. “Once cancer cells are found outside the prostate, a man has much fewer treatment options and less potential for cure,” Dr. Song explained. Little Company of Mary’s online prostate cancer risk test at http://www.pursuingpainfreecancer.org/ “is a great tool to become more knowledgeable about prostate cancer.”

Resources

For more information, see the above website, or contact Kelly Cusack at 708.229.5049.

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The information provided here is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while The Rose Review always strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to review the original article, and use any resource links provided to gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on many topics, including computers, the Internet, AI, science and technology, and issues related to seniors. In addition to writing The Rose Review, he is also Editor In Chief of The LA Report.

This article is sponsored by Life Alert - a leading medical emergency response company founded in 1987, endorsed by former Surgeon General Dr. C. Everett Koop, which saves thousands of lives each year. For more information on its many services and benefits for seniors nationwide, please visit the following websites: www.lifealert.com, www.seniorprotection.com, and www.911seniors.com.

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Study: Mediterranean Diet Reduces Risk of Alzheimer's Disease

2006-11-13T18:45:00.000-08:00

Based on the article “Mediterranean diet reduces risk of Alzheimer's disease, study concludes” on wikinews.org

Edited (with Introduction) by Dr. Don Rose

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Given the positive results discussed in our article on how a Mediterranean diet benefits rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, it was not surprising to learn that this same diet also reduces risk for another disease. The article below discusses the benefits related to Alzheimer's disease -- an affliction that can manifest in any adult, but is especially prevalent among senior citizens. –Don Rose

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Overview

U.S. scientists analyzed the health and eating patterns of 2,258 study participants and found a link between a Mediterranean diet (MD) and a decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia.

Details

Participants were scored on their use of fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals and fish (which were considered beneficial in this study), as well as dairy products and meat (which were considered detrimental to the subjects’ health). Moderate fat and alcohol intake was also considered part of a typical MD. Potential statistical confounders ("hidden" variables that might affect or distort results) -- such as age, sex, ethnicity, education, Apo E genotype, caloric intake and body mass index -- were taken into account.

Conclusion

"This large study in a leading journal adds to the growing weight of evidence that diet and lifestyle are very important risk factors for Alzheimer's disease" was the reaction of Professor Clive Ballard of the Alzheimer's Society.

Sources

Rob Stein, "Mediterranean diet could limit Alzheimer's". The Washington Post, October 14, 2006.

"Med diet 'reduces dementia risk'". BBC News Online, April 17, 2006.

Scarmeas N, Stern Y, Tang MX, Mayeux R, Luchsinger JA. Mediterranean diet and risk for Alzheimer's disease. Ann Neurol, 2006; 59 (6): 912-21. PubMed.

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The article on this website and the content it is based on are covered by a Creative Commons License. Please go to the Creative Commons License site for more information on the CC license that applies to this work.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on computers, the Internet, AI, science and technology, and issues related to seniors. He is also the Editor In Chief of The LA Report.

###

Study Shows Mediterranean Diet Helps Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

2006-11-13T17:19:00.000-08:00

Based on the abstract for “An experimental study of a Mediterranean diet intervention for patients with rheumatoid arthritis” by L. Skoldstam, L. Hagfors and G. Johansson

Edited (with Introduction) by Dr. Don Rose

Much has been written about the benefits of a Mediterranean diet, which features greater consumption of fish, olive oil, and cooked vegetables. This study discusses such benefits as they relate to rheumatoid arthritis, a painful disease of the joints that many seniors suffer from. –Don Rose

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a Mediterranean diet (MD) -- with its greater consumption of fish, olive oil, and cooked vegetables -- as compared to an “ordinary” Western diet for suppression of disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Patients with well controlled although active RA of at least two years' duration, who were receiving stable pharmacological treatment, were invited to participate. All patients were randomly allocated to the MD or the control diet (CD). To achieve good compliance with prescribed diets, all patients were (for the first three weeks) served the MD or the CD, respectively, for lunch and dinner at the outpatient clinic's canteen. Clinical examinations were performed at baseline (the beginning of the study), and again in the 3rd, 6th, and 12th week. A composite disease activity index (DAS28), a physical function index (Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ)), a health survey of quality of life (Short Form-36 (SF-36)), and the daily consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were used as primary variables to judge the MD’s effectiveness.

RESULTS

From baseline to the end of the study, the patients in the MD group (n=26) showed a decrease in DAS28 of 0.56, in HAQ of 0.15, and in two dimensions of the SF-36 Health Survey: an increase in "vitality" of 11.3 and a decrease in "compared with one year earlier" of 0.6. For the control patients (n=25), no significant change was seen at the end of the study. This difference between the two treatment groups was notable only in the second half of the trial.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that patients with RA, by adjusting to a Mediterranean diet (MD), did obtain a reduction in inflammatory activity, an increase in physical function, and improved vitality.

DISCUSSION AND LESSONS LEARNED

According to the full paper that describes this research, “[case]-control studies indicate that lifelong consumption of fish, olive oil, and cooked vegetables may have independent protective effects on the development or severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).”

Other studies, from selected geographical regions, support these hypotheses. In the Faroe Islands, where the typical diet is high in fish and whale meat, RA reportedly was mild. In northwestern Greece, where people consume high amounts of olive oil, the number of RA occurrences has reportedly been relatively low.

Other lessons learned regarding diet and RA:

· Supplementation of an “ordinary” Western diet with fish oils has been shown to “induce a weak anti-inflammatory effect”. In RA sufferers, “this effect was not detectable until after six weeks.”

· “Besides investigating the effects of specific nutrients and food items, attention should also be drawn to the diet as a whole. Ever since the Seven Countries Study, the MD -- particularly the Cretan MD -- has been regarded as a healthy and disease-preventing diet. The traditional Cretan MD is characterized by a high consumption of fruit, vegetables, cereals, and legumes. Compared with common Western diets, the MD contains less red meat and more fish. The Cretan MD typically uses olive oil as the primary source of fat, and also includes a moderate intake of wine.”

· “The fish consumed in Greece contain fewer n-3 fatty acids than deep ocean fish. This may explain why Linos and coworkers in their Greek case-control study found no significant evidence that fish consumption was an independent predictor of risk for RA. Instead, the two independent predictive factors turned out to be consumption of olive oil and cooked vegetables.”

· “Olive oil is rich in oleic acid (18:1n-9), which can be metabolized to eicosatrienoic acid (20:3n-9) -- with anti-inflammatory effects similar to those of n-3 PUFA from fish oils. Olive oil also has antioxidative properties. Greeks mainly consume the unrefined and unbleached virgin oil, which is rich in natural antioxidants including tocopherols.”

· “The other independent predictor of risk was consumption of cooked vegetables. Vegetables are particularly rich in a variety of natural antioxidants, which contribute to better control of inflammation. Antioxidants limit pathological aspects of the cytokine mediated response to inflammation. They also inhibit direct damage to tissues from all kinds of oxidative molecules that are released.”

· Other beneficial results noticed during this study: a fall in body weight and in serum cholesterol within the MD group.

While the results of this study are promising, the authors state that a “complete therapeutic evaluation will require larger numbers of patients to be followed up for a longer time, another budget, and collaboration with other [centers].”

# # #

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on many topics, including computers, the Internet, AI, science and technology, and issues related to seniors. In addition to serving as writer of The Rose Review, he is also Editor In Chief of The LA Report.

The information provided here is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while The Rose Review strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to review the original article, and gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

# # #

AARP Survey: Public Strongly Opposes Social Security Private Accounts

2006-11-11T19:02:00.000-08:00

Based on the article “New AARP Survey Shows Public Strongly Opposes Social Security Private Accounts” on MonteBubbles.net (website edited by William Hoehne and Joyce Chow)

Edited (with Introduction) by Dr. Don Rose

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A recent survey by AARP, the organization devoted to seniors over 50, indicates that a majority of boomer voters and politicians alike seem to dislike using Social Security taxes to fund private accounts. More details on the survey results below. –Don Rose

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A recent AARP survey finds that “boomer-plus” voters (age 42 and older) are strongly opposed to using Social Security taxes to fund private accounts. Of those polled, 72 percent said they oppose private accounts. Just 16 percent of those polled said they support such accounts.

An analysis of candidate responses to the 2006 AARP Voters' Guides in 45 competitive Senate and House races reflects that candidates are hearing the public's rejection of private accounts. AARP's 2006 Voters' Guides asked candidates whether they "support or oppose using Social Security taxes to fund private accounts." Out of 20 Senate candidates in some of the closest races in which Guides were available, 14 (70 percent) checked the box in opposition; only one (5 percent) expressed support, while 5 (25 percent) did not give an answer. Similarly, in 35 competitive House races, 60 percent of the candidates checked the box in opposition; only 3 percent expressed support, while 37 percent did not respond.

The guides also asked candidates whether they will "support or oppose a balanced Social Security plan to continue the program's guaranteed benefits for future generations." Of the 20 Senate candidates, 15 (75 percent) checked the box in support, one (5 percent) opposed and 20 percent did not respond. For the House races, 63 percent of the candidates supported a balanced plan, only 1 percent opposed, and the remaining candidates did not respond.

"It is clear from the responses to our Voters' Guides that an overwhelming majority of candidates oppose private accounts and support a balanced Social Security plan to continue this critical program for future generations," said AARP Director of Government Relations David Sloane. "These candidates have committed to strengthening and preserving Social Security, and voters will expect that they follow through on their promises."

The Election Watch survey was commissioned as a national telephone survey of 1,503 individuals age 42 and older. AARP wanted to take the pulse of the public's opinion on issues that members have indicated they want to hear about in the public discourse. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole.

# # #

The article above and the content it is based on are covered by a Creative Commons License. The information provided here is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while The Rose Review strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to review the original article and gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on many topics, including computers, the Internet, artificial intelligence, science and technology, and issues related to seniors. In addition to serving as writer of The Rose Review, he is also Editor In Chief of The LA Report.

Article Sponsor: Life Alert -- for more information on its emergency response services and other benefits for seniors nationwide, please visit the following websites:
http://www.lifealert.com
http://www.seniorprotection.com
http://www.911seniors.com

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NCOA's BenefitsCheckUp Site Speeds Filing for Medicare Extra Help and Other Benefits

2006-11-07T22:03:00.000-08:00

Based on the posting “NCOA's BenefitsCheckUp Now Allows Automatic Filing for Medicare Extra Help and Other Needed Benefits” at brainbasedbusiness.com

Edited (with Introduction) by Dr. Don Rose

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If you are a senior citizen, and you think you may be eligible for Medicare’s Extra Help benefit, this article is for you. Or perhaps you know someone who may qualify for Extra Help, or other benefits, but is unaware of them. Whatever the case may be, this article is for you, as it discusses how the BenefitsCheckUp website is assisting older Americans with automatic filing for benefits they are entitled to. More specifically, www.benefitscheckup.org could be especially helpful to the more than 630,000 who were "deemed eligible" in the first Medicare Part D enrollment period, but have lost their eligibility for the low income subsidy and must now apply for it. --Don Rose

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Introduction

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) has added a new feature to its Web-based BenefitsCheckUp service that could assist several million people who are eligible for (but have not enrolled in) the Extra Help benefit, available through Medicare's Prescription Drug Coverage (also known as Part D). The new service, available at http://www.benefitscheckup.org/, could be especially helpful to the more than 630,000 people who were "deemed eligible" for Extra Help in 2006, but who have recently lost their automatic eligibility for this assistance and must now apply for it.

Speeding up Extra Help

"If someone with Medicare has limited income and resources, there's no reason not to apply for the Extra Help," said James Firman, NCOA president and CEO. "And now, anyone anytime can use the Web to speed up this process and find out if they can also get extra income or other help with paying for their medicines or health care expenses."

How to get Extra Help, and how much it helps

People must apply to the Social Security Administration (SSA) first to find out if they qualify for Extra Help. If someone qualifies, they can save on average $3,700 a year since Medicare's Extra Help will pay their cost sharing, and they will have no gap in coverage (the donut hole). This year’s deadline for enrollment in a Medicare Part D plan is December 31, 2006.

People with Medicare, family members or caregivers can now use NCOA's BenefitsCheckUp site (at BenefitsCheckUp.org) to submit their applications for Extra Help electronically, and receive immediate confirmation that SSA received the application.

The extra benefits of BenefitsCheckUp

In addition, without filling out any other questionnaire, the “BenefitsCheckUpRx - Extra Help with Prescription Costs” feature will tell users if they qualify for other federal or state benefits programs. These include programs that can save them money on health care (Medicare Savings Programs and Medicaid), provide extra income (Supplemental Security Income), find other prescription savings (State Pharmacy Assistance Programs) or help in paying for food (Food Stamps).

Fast, free feature fits technology to need

"We added this new feature to BenefitsCheckUp because we received lots of requests from individuals and feedback from organizations involved in finding and helping people with Medicare that some other tool was needed," said Stuart Spector, senior vice president of the NCOA's Benefits Access Group. "The new BenefitsCheckUp Extra Help feature is free, it's fast and it is confidential."

Conclusion

NCOA, which led far-reaching outreach and enrollment efforts during the initial Part D enrollment period, continues its work in helping to find and enroll those who may be eligible for Medicare Extra Help. The Council is doing this through its ongoing support of local Access to Benefits Coalitions in 44 areas, and the second phase of its My Medicare Matters campaign.

Seniors nationwide should take advantage of NCOA’s efforts, since the only thing you have to lose is the size of your Medicare bill.

About the National Council on Aging

Founded in 1950, the National Council on Aging is a charitable organization dedicated to improving the health and independence of older persons and to increasing their continuing contributions to communities, society, and future generations. For more information on NCOA, visit the National Council on Aging website (www.ncoa.org).

About BenefitsCheckUp

Since 2001, 1.8 million people have used BenefitsCheckUp and 400,000 have found benefits programs that help them pay for prescription drugs, health care, rent, utilities, and other needs. For more information about how to become a BenefitsCheckUp Organizational Edition user, please send email to support@benefitscheckup.org.

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The article above and the content it is based on are covered by a Creative Commons License. The information provided here is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while The Rose Review strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to review the original article and gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on many topics, including computers, the Internet, artificial intelligence, science and technology, and issues related to seniors. In addition to serving as writer of The Rose Review, he is also Editor In Chief of The LA Report.

Article Sponsor: Life Alert -- for more information on its emergency response services and other benefits for seniors nationwide, please visit the following websites:
http://www.lifealert.com
http://www.seniorprotection.com
http://www.911seniors.com

# # #

A Medicare Prescription Drug Primer, Part 1: Coverage Basics

2006-11-07T16:10:00.000-08:00

Based on the “Medicare.gov - MPDPF: Supporting Information” and “Prescription Drug Coverage: Basic Information” webpages on the Medicare website

Edited (with Introduction) by Dr. Don Rose

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With the 2007 active enrollment period for the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit running from November 15 to December 31, 2006, we thought an overview article covering the basic concepts involved in choosing a plan would be useful. Such a primer follows below. We urge all seniors to collect information that can assist in their decision making, whether they are contemplating a plan change or deciding on a plan for the first time.(Below is part 1 of our two part article.) --Don Rose

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What is Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage?

Medicare prescription drug coverage is insurance that covers both brand-name and generic prescription drugs at participating pharmacies in your area. Medicare prescription drug coverage provides protection for people who have very high drug costs. This coverage may help lower prescription drug costs and help protect against higher costs in the future. It can give you greater access to drugs that you can use to prevent complications of diseases and stay well.

Medicare offers prescription drug coverage for everyone with Medicare. This coverage is called “Part D.” If you join a Medicare drug plan, you pay a monthly premium.

Part D is optional. If you decide not to enroll in a Medicare drug plan when you are first eligible, you may have to pay a penalty if you choose to join later.

There are two ways to get Medicare prescription drug coverage:

1. Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan that adds coverage to
· the Original Medicare Plan,
· some Medicare Private Fee-for Service Plans,
· some Medicare Cost Plans, and
· Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans.

2. Join a Medicare Health Plan (like an HMO or PPO) that includes prescription drug coverage that is a part of the plan. You get all of your Medicare health care including prescription drug coverage through these plans.

Read Quick Facts about Medicare's New Coverage for Prescription Drugs

Who can get Medicare prescription drug coverage?

Everyone with Medicare is eligible for this coverage, regardless of income and resources, health status, or current prescription expenses.

How does Medicare prescription drug coverage work?

Your decision about Medicare prescription drug coverage depends on the kind of health care coverage you have now. There are different ways to get Medicare prescription drug coverage. You can join a Medicare prescription drug plan, or you can join a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare Health Plan that offers drug coverage. Whichever plan you choose, Medicare drug coverage will help you by covering brand-name and generic drugs at pharmacies that are convenient for you.Like other insurance, if you join, generally you will pay a monthly premium, which varies by plan, and a yearly deductible (between $0-$265 in 2007). You will also pay a part of the cost of your prescriptions, including a copayment or coinsurance. Costs will vary depending on which drug plan you choose. Some plans may offer more coverage and additional drugs for a higher monthly premium.

If you have limited income and resources, and you qualify for extra help, you may not have to pay a premium or deductible. You can apply or get more information about the extra help by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting http://www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp/.

What are Medicare Prescription Drug Plans?

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans are offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare. They add coverage to:

· The Original Medicare Plan,
· Some Medicare Cost Plans,
· Some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans, and
· Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans.

With a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan:

· Generally, you pay less for your prescriptions
· You will get a plan member card after you enroll. You use this card when you get your prescriptions filled
· You will pay the copayment, coinsurance, and/or deductible, if any.

If you have limited income and resources, you may get extra help to pay for your Medicare drug plan costs.

What are Medicare Health Plans that cover drugs?

Medicare Health Plans (like HMOs and PPOs) often cover prescription drugs. Medicare Health Plans include:

· Medicare Advantage Plans
· Other Medicare Health Plans.

Medicare Advantage Plans (like HMOs and PPOs) that include prescription drug coverage as part of the plan are health plan options that are approved by Medicare but run by private companies. They are part of the Medicare Program. If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan you are still in Medicare. With Medicare Advantage Plans:

· You generally get all your Medicare-covered health care through that plan
· You may get extra benefits, such as coverage for vision, hearing, dental, and/or health and wellness programs
· You usually will have to pay some other costs (such as copayments or coinsurance) for the services you get. Out-of-pocket costs in these plans are generally lower than in the Original Medicare Plan, but vary by the services you use
· You may have to see doctors that belong to the plan or go to certain hospitals to get covered services
· You don’t need to buy a Medigap policy.

Medicare Advantage Plans

These include:

· Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO)
· Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)
· Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS) Plans
· Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plans
· Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNP).

Other Medicare Health Plans

There are some types of Medicare Health Plans that include prescription drug coverage as part of the plan, and aren’t part of Medicare Advantage, yet are still part of the Medicare Program. With these plans, you generally get all your Medicare-covered health care through that plan.

Other Medicare Health Plans include:

· Medicare Cost Plans
· Demonstrations/Pilot Programs
· PACE (Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly).

Why should I get Medicare prescription drug coverage?

Medicare prescription drug coverage provides greater peace of mind by protecting you from unexpected drug expenses. Even if you don't use a lot of prescription drugs now, you should still consider joining. As we age, most people need prescription drugs to stay healthy. For most people, joining now means protection from unexpected prescription drug bills in the future.

Resources

For more information, please read The Facts About Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.

Also, you can read other fact sheets about Medicare Prescription Drug coverage as it relates to the following topics:
- People with Limited Income
- Residents of Nursing Homes / Long-term Care Facilities
- People who get help from state pharmacy programs
- People with Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) Policies
- People who get Supplemental Security Income benefits or an MSP program
- Bridging the Coverage Gap.

For more details about Medicare benefits, contact:
Toll-free: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227); TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
Online: http://www.medicare.gov/

Seniors can also read the Medicare & You 2007 handbook that was mailed to many homes in October.

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(See our "Part 2" posting for the conclusion to this article.)

# # #

A Medicare Prescription Drug Primer, Part 2: Coverage Costs and Enrollment

2006-11-07T04:19:00.000-08:00

Below is the second half of our Primer on Medicare's Prescription Drug coverage. --Dr. Don Rose

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How much will the plans cost?

Your costs will vary depending on which drugs you use, whether you get extra help paying your Part D costs, and which Medicare drug plan you choose. Most drug plans charge a monthly premium that varies by plan. You pay this in addition to the Part B premium.

Some drug plans charge no premium. If you have limited income and resources, you may get extra help to pay for your Medicare drug plan costs. Depending on what you can afford, you may be able to pick a plan with or without a monthly premium, deductible or coverage gap.

What if I have limited income and resources?

There is extra help for people with limited income and resources. Almost 1 in 3 people with Medicare will qualify for extra help. Medicare will pay for almost all of their prescription drug costs. You can apply or get more information about the extra help by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting http://www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp/.

When can I get Medicare prescription drug coverage?

This year, you may sign up from November 15, 2006 to December 31, 2006. Your coverage will start January 1, 2007. Enrolling by December 8, 2006 can help ensure that you will be able to use your coverage as soon as you need it after it starts.

If you don't sign up when you are first eligible, you may pay a penalty.

After December 31, 2006, your next opportunity to enroll will be from November 15, 2007 to December 31, 2007. Note: there may be exceptions to this; call the Medicare 800 number to get more information (see Resources section below).

How do I enroll?

You can enroll in three ways:

· Sign up online at the Medicare website’s Enrollment Center (use this tool to join the Medicare drug plan you've selected)
· Call the plan directly
· Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and Medicare will help you enroll
(TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048).

Read New Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage - Who Can Help Me Apply and Enroll?

Can I change plans after I enroll?

Yes. You can change plans under certain circumstances:

· You can switch plans from November 15 to December 31 each year

· In special circumstances, Medicare may give you an opportunity to switch to another plan. For example, if you permanently move out of your plan’s service area; if you get help from your state Medicaid program paying Medicare premiums and/or cost sharing; if you qualify for extra help paying for prescription drugs; if the plan stops offering prescription drug coverage; or if you enter, live in, or leave a nursing home.

Read Quick Facts about Medicare's New Coverage for Prescription Drugs.

Resources

For more information, please read The Facts About Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.

Also, you can read other fact sheets about Medicare Prescription Drug coverage as it relates to the following topics:
- People with Limited Income
- Residents of Nursing Homes / Long-term Care Facilities
- People who get help from state pharmacy programs
- People with Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) Policies
- People who get Supplemental Security Income benefits or an MSP program
- Bridging the Coverage Gap.

For more details about Medicare benefits, contact: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227); TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. Or, you can get information online at www.medicare.gov.

Seniors can also read the Medicare & You 2007 handbook that was mailed to many homes in October.

# # #

The information provided here is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while The Rose Review strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to review the original article and gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on many topics, including computers, the Internet, artificial intelligence, science and technology, and issues related to seniors. In addition to serving as writer of The Rose Review, he is also Editor In Chief of The LA Report.

Article Sponsor: Life Alert -- for more information on its emergency response services and other benefits for seniors nationwide, please visit the following websites: http://www.lifealert.com, http://www.seniorprotection.com and http://www.911seniors.com.

# # #

The Immune System, Part One: Diet and Allergies

2006-10-27T11:51:00.000-07:00

Based on the posting “The Immune System, Part I” by Christine Cox, at nutritionadvocate.com

Edited Article and Commentary by Dr. Don Rose

Even the healthiest of senior citizens can sometimes find themselves with compromised immune systems, for various environmental or psychological reasons (allergens, poor diet or sleep patterns, stress, etc.). The older we get, the more effort it can take to keep our immune systems functioning optimally. Luckily, getting older usually means getting wiser as well, and there is more health information available today (via the internet and other easily-accessible sources) than ever before in history. This article is one example, in which dietary as well as allergy related issues are discussed that can influence the body’s personal defense system. -D.R.

Introduction

Your immune system is your personal defense system against attack of all kinds from viruses, bacteria, toxins and other enemies. Like all armed forces, the immune system is complex, with an array of weaponry at its disposal. It includes the lymph system (thymus, spleen, tonsils and lymph nodes), and specialized white blood cells called T-cells which, in addition to many other activities, produce interferon -- a substance particularly helpful in fighting viruses. Other white blood cells, B-cells, produce antibodies in response to invading bacteria, fungi and parasites. If any of these invaders begin a new assault, the antibodies "recognize" them before they have time to spread. Quickly attaching themselves to the invader, they thus "tag" the enemy for attack by phagocytes, another type of white blood cell. Other members of the white blood cell battalion are natural killer cells (known as NK), which destroy cancer cells, virus-infected cells, free radicals and other harmful substances. In addition, the immune system arsenal contains many other specialized cells and operations.

The immune system is very sensitive to subtle changes in the balance of nutrients in the body. Deficiencies of nutrients are reflected quickly as a weakening of our immune defenses. Although we rarely see severe malnutrition in the West, with its resulting poor immune systems, we nonetheless know that a large number of people are not consuming the right kinds and amounts of nutrients. The result is less than optimal immunity.

DIET AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

There are times, such as when battling a sore throat or other infection, when our immune systems can use an extra boost. In this section, we present some ways to accomplish this via our diet. But first, we list some ways in which our dietary choices can result in the opposite effect.

Foods that lower immunity

Fats - particularly polyunsaturated oils such as corn and safflower oils - weaken our immune system in many ways. Diets high in any kind of fat are associated with a reduction in immune functioning. One study conducted at the University of Massachusetts showed that reducing fat from 32 to 23% of the diet boosted natural killer cell activity by 48%!

Alcohol ingestion has been shown to severely depress neutrophils, cells that "eat" and destroy bacteria and tumor cells.

Sugar and other sweets have been shown to reduce the ability of certain white blood cells to destroy bacteria. When 100 grams are eaten (Americans typically consume more than 150 grams a day), neutrophil activity can be reduced by 50%. In one experiment, this effect lasted as long as five hours after the sweets were consumed. Fruit sugar and honey, unfortunately, had just as negative effects as white sugar, while starchy foods had no effect at all.

Foods that boost immunity

Vegetarian diet. A German study, reported in Nutrition and Cancer, found that the white blood cells of vegetarians were twice as effective against tumor cells as those of meat eaters. The precise reason is unknown, but may have something to do with higher levels of phytochemical-rich vegetables and fruits as well as lower levels of fats in the diet.

“Vitamin C rich” foods. While this vitamin's reputation as an immune-enhancer has fluctuated over time, we do know that vitamin C boosts antibodies as well as white blood cell activity. Stress of any kind, psychological or physical, increases our need for this vitamin. When you think vitamin C, think more than orange juice. You may be surprised to learn that broccoli contains three times as much vitamin C as citrus. Even potatoes are packed with this helpful nutrient.

Chinese mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms appear to be powerful immune stimulants. They contain an antiviral substance that boosts T-cells and macrophages, large cells that engulf and destroy foreign particles. This beefy mushroom is becoming more readily available in many supermarkets as demand for it increases.

More immune-boosting dietary items

Garlic. Several studies indicate that the "fragrant bulb" does as much for our immune systems as it does for our taste buds. It appears to increase not only the numbers of natural killer cells but also their potency. T-cells, as well, are stimulated by garlic intake.

Zinc. This mineral positively affects many immune mechanisms, from the thymus to antibodies to T-cells. An Italian study found that small amounts of zinc quickly raised blood levels of T-cells in elderly people to those usually seen in much younger people. Since borderline zinc deficiencies are quite common, it's important to eat plenty of legumes such as black-eyed peas and pinto beans, and adequate amounts of whole grain breads; the yeast helps make the zinc available. Pumpkin and squash seeds are particularly rich in zinc, and make a delicious snack.

Carotenoids. Although beta carotene is best known in the huge carotenoid family, there is evidence that many members of this antioxidant group are helpful to our immune systems. Studies indicate that a high intake of carotenoid-rich foods (orange-colored vegetables and fruits, in particular) increase T-cells, natural killer cells, and antibody response. Pumpkins and winter squashes, as well as carrots, peaches, and cantaloupe, are especially good sources, though many green vegetables are also rich in carotenoids.

Herbs and immunity

Several herbs have extensive folk histories that indicate they can help us fight a variety of diseases. And, in the last few decades, laboratory studies have shown that indeed many of these herbs contain substances that work specifically to boost the immune system in various ways.

Echinacea (purple coneflower) is perhaps the best known of the Western immune-stimulating herbs. This attractive perennial grows in many cultivated gardens, but was originally a wildflower commonly found in the Midwest. Native Americans used echinacea for anything from blood purification to snake bite. Laboratory studies show echinacea to enhance the immune system through several mechanisms, most notably through activating T-cells and increasing virus-fighting interferon. It's particularly helpful with yeast and ear infections, and the common cold.

Ginger. This pungent root stimulates the production of interferon, besides aiding with nausea and being just plain delicious. Grate some into vegetables, or treat yourself to small pieces of the candied root.

Licorice has been used for thousands of years, in Eastern as well as Western cultures, by people wishing to benefit from its medicinal properties. It's particularly helpful in fighting viruses such as influenza and herpes. If you like your licorice sweet, read labels when buying licorice candy. Many of those tasty black twists are flavored with anise rather than the real thing. And a word of warning: take licorice in moderation; too much can cause the body to retain sodium, causing bloating.

ALLERGIES AND THE TRIGGER-HAPPY IMMUNE SYSTEM

Approximately 50 million people in the U.S. alone sneeze in the fall, itch when they eat peanuts, wheeze when they pet cats or exhibit one of the many other symptoms of allergy. Some people are even at risk of dying from severe allergic reactions to various substances that are benign or only slightly irritating to most people. Even when allergy symptoms like hives, sneezing and migraine are not life-threatening (and thankfully, they usually are not), they can certainly affect our ability to enjoy life. Of the 15% of North Americans that suffer from sneezing and itchy eyes, nearly one half claim they would rather have heartburn, while almost one third would prefer the flu to their allergies!

What is an allergy?

Health professionals often disagree about the precise definition of what constitutes an allergy. Some call any sensitivity reaction an allergy, while others claim that only reactions involving a specific antibody called IgE are true allergies. And there are many opinions in between these definitions.

In general, it is agreed that an allergic reaction is one that involves the immune system in varying ways. The immune system is designed to attack threats to the body such as bacteria and viruses. In the case of allergy, the immune system reacts to a harmless substance as though it were a threat. It mobilizes antibodies which attach themselves to the allergen as well as to basophils and mast cells -- defensive cells packed with histamine. The combination is explosive: the cells break open, spewing histamine into the tissues where it attracts scavenger cells that cause swelling, itching and other familiar symptoms of allergy. Symptoms can appear virtually anywhere in the body; a skin rash may be the result of poison ivy or something you ate.

Common allergy symptoms

Sneezing, and itchy eyes.
Hives.
Eczema and other rashes.
Asthma.
Bloating, diarrhea, headaches, usually from food sensitivities.
Anaphylactic shock, a rare but severe allergic reaction that can lead to death. The most common triggers are peanuts, shellfish, bee stings, and penicillin.

Avoiding allergies

The tendency to have allergies is probably genetically determined. If both parents suffer from allergies, a person has a greater than 65% chance of also developing allergic symptoms. If only one parent has allergies, then the risk drops to around 30%. Whether or not the genetic tendency lives itself out or not is dependent on many factors that are little understood at this time.

But even if we are allergy-prone, there are things we can do to help lessen the symptoms:

To help reduce the sneezes and itchy eyes of hay fever at night, keep bedroom windows closed if possible. Units that filter the air are readily available; look for one containing a HEPA filter, excellent for removing allergens of all types from the air.

Quercetin, a natural phytochemical in many foods, appears to dampen allergic responses by inhibiting the release of histamine. Red grapes, yellow squash, shallots and broccoli are good sources.

Onions contain diphenyl-thiosulfinate, a natural chemical that has a very high anti-inflammatory activity. And onions also contain large amounts of quercetin. One study reduced asthma attacks by 50% in subjects who drank onion juice before inhaling a known asthma-inducing chemical. While we're unlikely to want to drink onion juice, a few raw slices of pungent onion on our salads may be a good idea.

Vitamin C also works to tamp down inflammatory responses in the body. The American Journal of Epidemiology reports that adults eating the most vitamin C-rich foods had far fewer asthmatic attacks than those eating little of these foods. Drink a glass of orange juice for breakfast, and eat several slices of red peppers with your lunch and a cup of broccoli with dinner to provide a vitamin C boost to your body.

A new British study found that children eating an all-Asian diet had far fewer allergic symptoms than their schoolmates eating a typical Western diet.

Food allergies

Many people suffer from food allergies or sensitivities, commonly to milk, wheat, peanuts and soy, although almost any food can trigger symptoms in certain people.

Food allergies (like all allergies) involve an over-reactivity of the immune system. Antibodies that are designed to protect us from disease for various reasons can react against proteins in foods, causing injury to our tissues and symptoms of food allergy such as bloating, headaches, hives and diarrhea.

Of course, unlike inhaled allergens such as ragweed or tree pollen, food allergens enter the body through the intestinal tract. The gut is ordinarily lined with an antibody called IgA, which helps attack food allergens that inappropriately "leak" across the mucosal surfaces of the intestine and cause trouble. Trans-fatty acids, found in all hydrogenated oils, appear to encourage this destructive permeability of the intestine.

People with food sensitivities have unusually low levels of IgA in their blood. And stress, besides its many effects on the immune system, can decrease the amount of IgA. This may help explain why allergies are often worse during high-stress periods.There are many other immune system reactions involving the four other major types of antibodies as well as T-cells that can come into play in food allergies of various types.

In addition, there are food "sensitivities" that, although they are not technically allergies, cause similar symptoms. Some foods contain substances such as histamine or other amino acids that can cause reactions in the blood vessels, leading to allergy-like symptoms.

Foods that commonly cause allergy-like symptoms

Casein-rich foods: milk, cheese, ice cream, other dairy
Histamine-rich foods: sauerkraut, wine, tomato, spinach
Tyramine-rich foods: cabbage, cheese, citrus, potato, seafood, dates, figs
Phenylethylamine-rich foods: chocolate
Serotonin-rich foods: banana

Rotation Diet

Whether our unpleasant symptoms are caused by a true food allergy or by food sensitivities of various kinds, a dietary scheme known as the "rotation diet" can be helpful. This diet does not prescribe or forbid any particular food; rather, it suggests that we avoid eating the same foods or food groups every day. The idea behind this is that the body can become over-sensitized to certain food components if it has to deal with them constantly, whereas if it has to metabolize them only infrequently (not more often than every four days) it is less likely to develop a sensitivity or allergy to them. Theoretically, the body completely clears any food substance within 3 days.

The main rule of thumb with the rotation diet is to try to vary your foods from day to day, particularly foods that are common allergens: soy, wheat, citrus, potatoes. For example, if you tend to have food allergies, it's probably wise to rotate your morning orange juice with apple and other juices and fruits. Also, try substituting corn bread or rice crackers for wheat toast.

The diet is certainly helpful in avoiding the development of new food sensitivities. With already existing sensitivities, if they are not severe, you could try eating a small portion of the offending food not more frequently than every four or five days. Some people can avoid triggering reactions this way, while others will have to completely remove allergy-provoking foods from their diets. Experiment cautiously!

Botanically speaking, foods belong to families. If you are sensitive to one member of a family, it is best to avoid other members as well during the 4-day break from your allergen. For example, people sensitive to potatoes should avoid too frequent consumption of eggplant, tomatoes and peppers -- all members of the same family. And if cashews cause symptoms, be careful with their botanical cousins, mango and pistachio. Lists of plant families are available in many nutrition books.

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The information provided is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while The Rose Review always strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to review the original article, and use any resource links provided to gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

The article on this website and the content it is based on are covered by a Creative Commons License. You are free to copy, distribute, display, and perform the work; to make derivative works; to make commercial use of the work -- under the following conditions: Attribution -- You must attribute the work in the manner specified by the author or licensor. For any reuse or distribution, you must make clear to others the license terms of this work. Please go to the Creative Commons License site for more information on the CC license that applies to this work.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on computers, the Internet, AI, science and technology, and issues related to seniors.

This article is sponsored by Life Alert - a leading medical emergency response company founded in 1987, endorsed by former Surgeon General Dr. C. Everett Koop, which saves thousands of lives each year. For more information on its many services and benefits for seniors -- available in New York, California, Florida, and other states nationwide -- please visit the following websites: www.lifealert.com, www.seniorprotection.com, and www.911seniors.com.

The China Project: Health Lessons Learned from a Living Lab

2006-10-27T11:26:00.000-07:00

Excerpts from the posting “Why China Holds the Key to Your Health” by Dr. T. Colin Campbell, at nutritionadvocate.com

Edited (with Introduction) by Dr. Don Rose

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Previous studies relating nutrition to degenerative disease have mostly been limited to consideration of single factors and single diseases. Yet even when large surveys have been taken, they have generally produced mixed results. This is because these studies have largely been conducted in the developed world, where everybody eats more or less the same thing.

The China Project, described below, offers a rare opportunity to study disease in a precise manner because of the unique conditions in rural China. Approximately 90% of the people in rural China live their entire lives in the vicinity of their birth, with diets composed primarily of locally produced foods. Also, there are dramatic differences in the prevalence of disease from region to region. Thus, rural China turned out to be an ideal "living lab" to study the complex relationship between nutrition and other lifestyle factors and degenerative diseases. As a result, the China Project, discussed by Dr. Campbell below, is the first major research study to examine diseases as they really are, with multiple outcomes based on many interrelated factors. --D.R.

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Background

I have been a researcher, lecturer, and policy advisor in the field of diet and cancer for nearly 30 years. Since 1963, primarily from an academic position, I have seen the many faces of establishment science and have been both rewarded and distressed by what I have witnessed. I have seen a vast increase in consumer nutrition information and, regrettably, an almost equal increase in consumer confusion. One week we hear that eating meat increases our risk of colon cancer, the next week the exact opposite. One news report states that dietary fat is not related to breast cancer, another says it is. It seems to me that public confusion has grown far beyond acceptable limits.

About six years ago, I was invited by Senator John Glenn's U.S. Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs to offer an opinion about why there is so much confusion. My opinion then and now is that we tend to think so specifically about ideas and products that we fail to comprehend the main message. We stare fixedly at the trees and miss the forest. Specific ideas and products provide immediate money for the entrepreneur, grant money for the scientific researcher, and some degree of presumed "certainty" for the educator and publicist. They do not necessarily promote good health. Despite all our products and proclamations, more people are overweight in the U.S. than ever before. By the latest count one out of every three adults is overweight, an increase from one in four in the late 1970s.

The real aim of science is to advance knowledge about what makes you healthy, reduce your confusion, and alleviate human suffering. When I look at these problems strictly from the science point of view, I know there can be no quick intellectual fix. But I also know that the present confusion is beyond reasonable limits and something new is required. Thus, my colleagues and I felt that a newsletter of a different kind could provide a starting point. From this was born the idea of Nutrition Advocate, a newsletter advocating a diet based on a variety of quality plant foods and providing simple explanations so you can make reasonable decisions at your own pace.

As practicing scientists and researchers, we believe that we have done our homework. The science presented in these pages is the best that we can provide. Much of our research is based on the Cornell-Oxford-China Study ("China Project"), the most comprehensive survey of the connection between diet and disease in world medical history. The New York Times hailed this investigation, directed from Cornell University, as the "Grand Prix of all epidemiological studies." These discoveries have vigorously challenged and altered existing conceptions about nutrition and health. We are now prepared to share more of these findings so you might join us in our excitement.

Why we went to China

Previous studies relating nutrition to degenerative disease have mostly been limited to consideration of single factors and single diseases. Yet even when large surveys have been taken, they have generally produced mixed results. This is because these studies have largely been conducted in the developed world, where everybody eats more or less the same thing.
The China Project offers a rare opportunity to study disease in a precise manner because of the unique conditions that exist in rural China. Approximately 90% of the people in rural China live their entire lives in the vicinity of their birth. Because of deeply held local traditions and the absence of viable food distribution, people consume diets composed primarily of locally produced foods. In addition, there are dramatic differences in the prevalence of disease from region to region. Various cardiovascular disease rates vary by a factor of about 20-fold from one place to another, while certain cancer rates may vary by several hundredfold.

These factors make rural China a "living laboratory" for the study of the complex relationship between nutrition and other lifestyle factors and degenerative diseases. As a result, the China Project is the first major research study to examine diseases as they really are: multiple outcomes of many interrelated factors.

When is an illness normal?

The data from the China Project suggest that what we have come to consider as "normal" illnesses of aging are really not normal. In fact, these findings indicate that the vast majority -- perhaps 80 to 90% of all cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and other forms of degenerative illness -- can be prevented, at least until very old age, simply by adopting a plant-based diet.
In China, we found people whose diets ranged from being very low in fat (6% of calories) and almost entirely made up of foods of plant origin, to diets that contained significant amounts of animal products and even much higher amounts of fat (24% of calories). Dietary protein also varies across China. When we compare people on diets that are virtually nil in animal protein with those for whom animal protein is upwards of 20 to 30% of the total protein intake, the cholesterol levels go, on average, from around 90 mg per 100 ml to about 170 mg per 100 ml. Such an increase in cholesterol is associated with the emergence of the cancers and heart disease that increasingly plague the world's developed nations.

Protein key to the cholesterol dilemma

Earlier studies have provided impressive evidence that when a reduction in fat is compared to a reduction in protein, the protein effect on blood cholesterol is more significant than the effect of saturated fat. Blood cholesterol levels can be reduced by reducing dietary animal protein and exchanging it for dietary plant protein. Some of the plant proteins, particularly soy, have an impressive ability to reduce blood cholesterol. I really believe that dietary protein -- both the kind and the amount -- is more significant as far as cholesterol levels are concerned than is saturated fat. Certainly it is more significant than dietary cholesterol. While we don't know how animal proteins have this effect, we do know that animal protein has a quick and major impact on enzymes involved in the metabolism of cholesterol.

I can understand why some of you may not want to consider that animal protein creates the same problems as excess fat intake, but it turns out that animal protein has many undesirable health effects. Whether it is the immune system, various enzyme systems, the uptake of carcinogens into the cells, or hormonal activities, animal protein generally only causes mischief. If you are switching from beef to skinless chicken breast and other animal-based food simply to reduce your intake of fat, it is my opinion that this may be a start, but it is not a solution. Even lean cuts of meat still contain around 20–40% of total calories as fat, or sometimes even more. You may get your fat intake down a bit, but your protein intake is not going to change.

Change is the name of the game

Personally, since coming upon these findings, my family and I have managed to change our diets substantially. In the short run, people who are accustomed to a high-salt, high-fat diet are not going to like healthier foods at first. But if you have a little patience, you will find that after two or three months, perhaps longer, you will pick up new tastes. Tastes do change. You will then discover that you are happier and more fit than ever before. In Nutrition Advocate we will provide the science to help you make the right decisions.

Nutritional simplicity

The message of the China Project is one of simplicity. You might say we are primarily interested in the symphony, secondarily interested in the individual musical notes. We believe the notes are most meaningful when perceived within the larger composition, especially when the symphony represents the very essence of our planetary well-being. We must take more seriously the comprehensive effects of whole diets, rather than randomly tracking the misleading effects of individual nutrients and other odd chemicals. The time for making these linkages is now. The China Project data rigorously challenge many of our long-held nutritional assumptions and offer immense opportunities for improving our dietary habits on a global scale.

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T. Colin Campbell is the Director of the Cornell-Oxford-China Diet and Health Project. He was trained at Cornell (M.S., Ph.D.) and MIT (Research Associate) in nutrition, biochemistry and toxicology. He presently holds the endowed chair of Jacob Gould Schurman Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry at Cornell University.

References

Brody, Jane, "Huge Study of Diet Indicts Fat and Meat," The New York Times, May 8, 1990.

Chen, J., Campbell, T. C., Li, J., Peto, R. Diet, Life-Style and Mortality in China. A Study of the Characteristics of 65 Chinese Counties. Oxford, UK; Ithaca, NY; Beijing, PRC; Oxford University Press; Cornell University Press; People's Medical Publishing House, 1990. 894 pp.

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The information provided is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while The Rose Review always strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to review the original article, and use any resource links provided to gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

The article on this website and the content it is based on are covered by a Creative Commons License. You are free to copy, distribute, display, and perform the work; to make derivative works; to make commercial use of the work -- under the following conditions: Attribution -- You must attribute the work in the manner specified by the author or licensor. For any reuse or distribution, you must make clear to others the license terms of this work. Please go to the Creative Commons License site for more information on the CC license that applies to this work.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on computers, the Internet, AI, science and technology, and issues related to seniors.

This article is sponsored by Life Alert - a leading medical emergency response company founded in 1987, endorsed by former Surgeon General Dr. C. Everett Koop, which saves thousands of lives each year. For more information on its many services and benefits for seniors -- available in New York, California, Florida, and other states nationwide -- please visit the following websites:
http://www.lifealert.com
http://www.seniorprotection.com
http://www.911seniors.com

Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit: A Progress Report

2006-05-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

Based on the news release “New Progress Report Shows Millions Of Beneficiaries Are Saving Money And Choosing Plans With Enhanced Coverage Options” at www.hhs.gov

Edited Article and Commentary by Dr. Don Rose

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On April 4, 2006, Secretary Leavitt of HHS (the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) issued his Progress Report III (PDF) on the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit. At the time of this report, the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan was only three months old -- and yet, in that short time, more than 27 million Medicare beneficiaries signed up for prescription drug coverage, enjoying significant savings in their drug prescription costs. The White House website, whitehouse.gov, points out that, as of the end of April, more than 30 million people had signed up for the Medicare Drug Benefit, surpassing the administration's enrollment goal of 28 to 30 million beneficiaries. Even though the White House site does cite a USA Today story claiming many seniors are unaware of the Medicare program's May 15 enrollment deadline ("Many Seniors Unaware Of Deadline For Medicare Drug Plan," USA Today, 4/26/06), the site also says that the government may ultimately enroll 90 percent of the estimated 43 million eligible seniors by May 15, assuming enrollment rates continue at the January-through-April pace.

In short, the administration seems pleased with the rate of enrollment in the new Medicare Drug Plan. According to Whitehouse.gov, 30 million seniors enrolled means over 65 percent of eligible beneficiaries are receiving coverage, a figure sure to grow as May 15 draws near. Plus, millions are being automatically enrolled or do not need to take action. As of March 23, there were 11 million seniors with retiree coverage partially subsidized by the government and 5.8 million seniors were auto-enrolled. In April, about 1 million low income seniors who had not picked a plan (yet qualify for extra help) were being auto enrolled. About 6 million people didn't need to sign up because they have other coverage.

Still, the May 15 deadline does apply to a large number of seniors. In an effort to increase plan awareness, the President has been making speeches about the new Medicare benefit as the deadline looms. Whitehouse.gov admits that many people may be assisted by the Medicare Drug Benefit yet do not realize it. If you are one of them, talk to your pharmacist or health care professional, search the Web, gather information using government resources, and take action. Seniors who wish to take maximum advantage of the new benefit should take action before the mid-May deadline. To help raise awareness, we offer the article below, based on a news release from the HHS website. In it, we share some HHS information related to the new drug benefit. All seniors are urged to sign-up before May 15, so they don’t pass up an average savings of $1,100 per person. --D.R.

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Introduction

In April 2006, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt released the third in a series of progress updates on the new Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit. The report detailed substantial increases in enrollment in the previous month, as well as data showing that the vast majority of seniors are choosing alternatives to the standard government-designed plan.

Millions Are Saving Money, Choosing Plans With Better Coverage Options

"Enrollment has been accelerating because beneficiaries know that the savings are real and so are the benefits," Secretary Leavitt said. "We expect to see a substantial surge before May 15 - that's why we're encouraging seniors to sign up now so they do not pass up an average savings of $1,100 per person."

After the first three months of the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan, over 27 million beneficiaries were receiving prescription drug coverage. Around 90 percent of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a plan different than the standard plan designed by the government. Many chose plans that offer lower deductibles or no deductibles, fixed co-payments for most drugs, and extra coverage in the coverage gap. (All plans offer coverage until you hit a limit of $2,250 in total drug costs, and offer coverage when your out-of-pocket costs exceed $3,600, but only some plans offer coverage in the gap between $2,250 and $3,600. The Generics Only Plan covers generic drugs in the gap, whereas the Generics and Brands Plan covers both generic and brand drugs in the gap.)

Program Itself Sees Savings -- and Improvements

Beneficiaries are not the only ones seeing savings. The overall cost of the program to taxpayers for 2006 has dropped 20 percent since last July's estimate. States will save $700 million in 2006 compared to what they thought they would spend.

In addition, the report addressed efforts being made by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to improve and strengthen the program including:

· Enrollment reconciliation -- A relatively small number of beneficiaries were carried on the books of more than one Medicare plan. CMS is working with plans to ensure each beneficiary is enrolled in the plan of their choice.
· Customer service -- CMS has increased its monitoring of plan call centers to ensure beneficiaries are receiving timely and accurate information.
· Transition -- Working with plans, pharmacists and physicians, CMS has provided guidance to ensure smooth transitions to drugs that are covered and, when necessary, to provide timely exceptions.

Conclusion

The report concludes with action steps for the weeks leading up to the May 15 enrollment deadline, including frequent data exchanges and accuracy checks with drug plans to assure beneficiary information is as up-to-date as possible; monitoring of plan care center wait times; and continued aggressive outreach and education to plans, providers and pharmacists so that beneficiaries have appropriate medications during any transition period.

Resources

The “Secretary’s Progress Report III on the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit” is available at http://www.hhs.gov/secretaryspage.html.

http://www.hhs.gov/ -- The official website for HHS (the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).

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HHS.gov content is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles about computers, the Internet, AI, science and technology, and issues related to seniors.

This article is sponsored by Life Alert, a medical emergency response company endorsed by former Surgeon General Dr. C. Everett Koop, M.D. For more information about Life Alert and its many services and benefits for seniors – available in New York, California, Florida, and other states nationwide -- please visit:
http://www.lifealert.net
http://www.seniorprotection.com
http://www.lifealertnewyork.com

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Consumer Health Information and Better Nutrition

2006-05-04T18:25:00.000-07:00

Based on an article from FDA.gov

Edited Article and Commentary by Dr. Don Rose

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This article, culled from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s informative website, deals with the Consumer Health Information for Better Nutrition Initiative and its goals. Along the way, the discussion touches on topics of interest to seniors, such as health claims on products, food and supplement labeling, dietary guidance, links between diet and disease, and nutritional information – all in the pursuit of improved public health. --D.R.
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Introduction

The Consumer Health Information for Better Nutrition Initiative has as its central focus improving the public availability and consumer understanding of up-to-date scientific evidence on how dietary choices can affect health. A better-informed public, supported by effective, science-based regulation of health information, would be expected to make better nutritional choices. Such regulation would also encourage food and dietary supplement producers to compete in ways that better protect the public from disease risks. As part of this Initiative, the FDA Task Force on Consumer Health Information for Better Nutrition (the Task Force) was created.

We believe the work of this Task Force provides an effective framework for the agency and the food and dietary supplement industry to use, to provide more and better information to consumers about the health and nutritional benefits of their products. The Task Force believes that significant public health benefits will result when consumers have access to, and use, more and better information to aid them in their purchases -- information that goes beyond just price, convenience, and taste, but also includes science-based health factors. Armed with more scientific information about the likely health benefits of the foods and dietary supplements they purchase, consumers can make a tangible difference in their own long-term health, by lowering their risk of numerous chronic diseases. With millions of citizens making use of such information for their own health benefit, a great deal will be gained when this type of information is provided in food labeling.

Task Force activities are an important step in realizing this broader potential of food and dietary supplement labeling. Yet, it is only a first step. We support serious steps to permit information on food labeling in the form of health claims and dietary guidance that consumers can use now. For example, we are aware that there is data available on the potential positive impact on health of consuming foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. Such a claim should be one of the first to be reviewed under the approach put forward by this Task Force. In addition, general dietary advice and guidance that addresses ways consumers can reduce the risk of cancer - for example, by consuming five-to-nine fruits or vegetables each day - should be an immediate focus of the agency, to encourage and make available in the labeling of more food products. These are just two examples of opportunities available. Over time, we expect the process to become even more effective.

Background

On December 18, 2002, Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Mark B. McClellan, M.D., Ph.D., announced a major new initiative to make available more and better information about foods and dietary supplements, to help American consumers prevent diseases and improve their health by making sound dietary decisions. The Consumer Health Information for Better Nutrition Initiative is designed to foster two complementary goals concerning the labeling of food and dietary supplements:

(1) to encourage makers of conventional foods and dietary supplements to make accurate, up-to-date, science-based claims about the health benefits of their products; and
(2) to help eliminate bogus labeling claims by pursuing marketers of human dietary supplements and others who make false or misleading claims about the health benefits or other effects of their products.

Through these objectives, the agency seeks to help consumers improve their understanding of how their dietary choices may influence their health, to promote competition among product developers to find better ways to improve health through better diets, and ultimately to prevent serious and life-threatening diseases via better dietary choices. As the Health and Human Services Secretary said, "By putting credible, science-based information in the hands of consumers, we hope to foster competition based on the real nutritional value of foods rather than on portion size or spurious and unreliable claims. Such labeling can help empower consumers to make smart, healthy choices about the foods that they buy and consume."

Improving Health Via Nutrition and Information

The future of nutrition and diet/disease relationships is evolving rapidly. Science is exploring opportunities for improving the health consequences of nutrition. The goals of this exploration include a better understanding of the impact of general dietary patterns for the US population as a whole, and specific understanding of how an individual's genetic makeup interacts with food and the environment. This latter field (nutritional metabolomics) strives to increase the ability to "design" foods and diets for individuals in order to maximize health.

The Consumer Health Information for Better Nutrition Initiative is at the forefront of this evolution. It is designed to encourage the kind of marketplace where healthy foods can compete readily among all foods available. In addition, the Initiative’s mission is to foster research and better understanding about diet and health, protect consumers, and help consumers protect themselves from misleading claims -- claims by producers of foods and dietary supplements about health benefits not supported by science.

The agency is aware that there are many opportunities to improve public health beyond those traditionally associated with the product approval and enforcement activities of the FDA. These opportunities have much to do with assisting the public in making wise dietary choices that benefit long-term health. When the FDA's mission is understood to include this role, a number of strategies become evident. For example, challenging the industry to channel competitive energies into disseminating health information in food labeling and promoting food products on the basis of nutritional value, as well as taste, price, and amount. The agency may also pursue consumer information options in collaboration with other federal agencies, health researchers, and stakeholders as more information about substance/diet relationships becomes available. Thus, this report represents only a first step in a larger, far reaching program to improve public health.

Product Labels, Claims and Guidance

Health messages on product labels that may influence consumer knowledge, and hence dietary choices, fall into three major categories. Agency policies on all three may have important consequences for consumer behavior.

First, "health claims" have a different definition and regulatory provisions compared to other types of claim statements on conventional foods and dietary supplements. Health claims are specifically about the relationship between a substance and a disease, and they are reviewed and authorized by the FDA. An example of a health claim related to the disease osteoporosis is: Calcium may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Second, "structure/function" claims are also allowed on foods, but make no reference to disease. Instead, they highlight how the food substance works within or supports the body. An example of a structure/function claim would be: Calcium helps build strong bones. These structure/function statements are not pre-reviewed by the FDA but must be truthful and substantiated and not misleading. Though the statutory standards for structure/function claims differ from health claims, they too may affect consumer behavior, and thus assuring their accuracy is another important element for effective regulation of product claims for consumers.

Finally, truthful and non-misleading general "dietary guidance" statements can also be made on food labels without FDA review. These statements, unlike health claims which target a specific substance and a certain disease, focus instead on general dietary patterns, practices, and recommendations that promote health and encourage better nutrition. An example would be the "5-a-Day" program from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), which encourages the consumption of fruits and vegetables for better health.

The Task Force recommends that the FDA use an evidence-based ranking system for health claims on food labels (including conventional food and dietary supplements).

More on Health Claims

Health claims are voluntary statements on food labels that were authorized by the 1990 Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA). They are intended to assist consumers in understanding the relationship between a substance in a conventional food or dietary supplement and its ability to reduce the risk of contracting a disease in healthy populations. They were put in place by Congress so that food manufacturers could voluntarily, by the use of labeling, let consumers know about important beneficial food components that had the ability to reduce disease risk when integrated into the total daily diet. Health claims are not drug claims, which by law focus on diagnosing, treating, curing, or mitigating disease. Rather, health claims address the reduction of risk as part of a total diet. There is more evidence than ever that dietary choices have major impacts on population health. For example, researchers have indicated that changes in diet could lead to a significant reduction in chronic diseases such as heart disease.

In establishing the standard for health claims on labels, the FDA decided to use the same standard for dietary supplements and conventional foods; regulations for health claims apply equally to both. This decision was motivated by public health considerations; all consumers eat conventional foods and most use dietary supplements, so inconsistent standards would lead to consumer confusion and biased consumption choices. The FDA authorizes health claims when they determine, based on all publicly available scientific evidence, that there is significant scientific agreement (SSA) among experts qualified by scientific training and experience that the claim is supported by such evidence.

Diet, Illness and Disease

Dietary factors and sedentary lifestyles contribute substantially to the burden of preventable illnesses and premature deaths in the United States. Indeed, dietary factors are associated with 4 of the 10 leading causes of death: coronary heart disease, some types of cancer, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. For example, high blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease that can be modified by diet and other factors. Lifestyle changes that prevent or lower high blood cholesterol include eating a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, increasing physical activity, and reducing excess weight. Fat intake in the United States as a proportion of total calories is lower than it was many years ago, but most people still eat too much saturated fat.

There is evidence of a public health gap in knowledge and behavior with respect to substance/disease relationships. A Sloan State-of-the-Industry Report showed consumers have no problems holding dichotomous attitudes about the pleasures of food and its power to influence their health. As more shoppers acknowledge indulging their cravings, more also admit that what they eat can have a major effect on how healthy they feel.

A Food Marketing Institute survey indicated an increasing percentage of consumers who recognize the importance of eating healthfully and are interested in trying foods that may improve their health. 86% agree or strongly agree that "in most cases, eating healthfully is a better way to manage illness than medications”. 54% said they are very interested in trying health-promoting foods. 51% want products designed to help them with high blood pressure and diabetes; 50% with allergies; 49% with weight control; 41% with osteoporosis; 40% with arthritis, and 40% (women) with problems involving women's hormones. Despite these encouraging findings, other results from the same survey indicate that the percentage of consumers who acknowledge unhealthy eating behaviors is also increasing. 72% of shoppers agree or strongly agree with the statement, "I eat foods I enjoy, even if they're not good for me”. 34% agree or strongly agree with the statement, "I eat whatever I want and don't think much about how it affects my health”.

There is growing concern about obesity and appropriate health messages to address this public health issue. Overweight persons are at increased risk for several chronic diseases. In recent decades, there have been a number of U.S. efforts aimed at reducing obesity. However, these have not halted the alarming “obese increase” trend. For example, in 1999, an estimated 61% of U.S. adults were overweight or obese, with nearly twice as many overweight children and almost three times as many overweight adolescents as there were in 1980. The consequences of the obesity epidemic have manifested in premature death and disability, increased health care costs, lost productivity, and social stigmatization. Approximately 300,000 deaths a year in the U.S. are associated with overweight and obesity, with an estimated cost of $117 billion in 2000. Thus, finding more effective ways to improve understanding and behavior is an urgent health priority.

Although the scientific evidence in a number of substance/disease relationships does not, or might not, meet the standard of SSA, there is considerable evidence of a relationship between dietary choices and health and, in turn, a need to better inform consumers. For example, the following relationship, which may not meet the SSA standard, may be said to be based on somewhat settled science and therefore would be important information for consumers: Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids decrease the risk of heart disease. Even if only some of these apparently likely relationships are borne out in subsequent studies, greater consumer awareness of these relationships and changes in diet as a result would be expected to lead to significant public health benefits.

In addition, there is the opportunity to expand health messages beyond qualified health claims to dietary guidance. An example of such a dietary guidance statement from the NCI is: "Diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of some types of cancer and other chronic diseases." This dietary guidance highlights a general category of foods and provides a valuable reminder about food choices. Also, an increasingly important message for consumers is to substitute foods that decrease the risk of disease for those that do not, in order to build better diets. For instance, the booklet "Dietary Guidelines for Americans" provides an important substitution health message about fats and heart disease: "Substituting vegetable oils for solid fats may reduce your risk of heart disease."

Final Thoughts

The Task Force discussed above came from the need for a regulatory framework to implement qualified health claims in light of major scientific, public health, and legal developments during recent years -- as well as the need for scientific criteria to address the basis for qualified health claims, and a better understanding of the nature of non-misleading claims on food labels. The Task Force was given approximately six months to complete its work, focusing primarily on the issue of qualified health claims. However, its discussions were enriched by considerations of promoting partnerships with sister public health agencies and others, with the goal of improving the quality and impact of possible claims and labeling statements on conventional human foods and dietary supplements.

Throughout the years, the federal government has worked to provide information to consumers about healthy eating patterns and wise food choices. Such advice originated with the Basic Four, and has progressed through today's Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Food Guide Pyramid. We expect that, over time, scientists will better understand these diet/health relationships. As this happens, consumer actions based on this information should be encouraged and promoted by use of the food label.

Resources

http://www.fda.gov/ -- The official FDA (Food and Drug Administration) website.

http://www.mypyramid.gov/ – The My Pyramid site can help you choose the foods and amounts that are right for you. Get a quick estimate of what and how much you need to eat, based on information you enter for age, sex, and activity level. For a detailed assessment of your food intake and physical activity level, click on MyPyramid Tracker. Get advice to help you make smart choices from every food group. Find your balance between food and physical activity, and get the most nutrition out of your calories.

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The article above is an edited version of an article on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website, www.fda.gov. The original FDA article is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, The Rose Review recommends that you visit the FDA site to see if the information above has been updated. The original article on FDA’s site can be found by clicking here.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles about computers, the Internet, AI, science and technology, and issues related to seniors.

This article is sponsored by Life Alert, a medical emergency response company endorsed by former Surgeon General Dr. C. Everett Koop. For more information about Life Alert and its many services and benefits for seniors – available in New York, California, Florida, and other states nationwide -- please visit: http://www.lifealert.net .

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New Section Debuts on The Rose Review: TRR SENIORS

2006-04-12T14:10:00.000-07:00

Look here for articles and news related to senior life, protection, safety, medical issues, "Boomerangst" and more.

Bookmark it today!

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