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CBS HEALTHWATCH -- WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2006
RED FLAG FOR RED MEAT
IF YOU'RE A MEAT LOVER, YOU CAN BE AT RISK FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS.
FOR PREVENTION MAGAZINE, I'M DR. EMILY SENAY WITH HEALTHWATCH.
SOME PEOPLE HAVE TO CUT BACK ON RED MEAT CONSUMPTION BECAUSE OF
ITS HIGH FAT AND CHOLESTEROL, BUT NOW RESEARCHERS SAY IT MAY ALSO
INCREASE YOUR RISK FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, OR R-A.
SOME RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS RISK FACTORS YOU'RE BORN WITH, INCLUDING
HAVING A FAMILY HISTORY AND BEING FEMALE.
BUT OTHER FACTORS YOU CAN CONTROL. BRITISH RESEARCHERS HAVE FOUND
THAT CUTTING BACK ON RED MEAT MAY OFFER SOME PROTECTION FROM R-A.
THEY FOUND THAT AMONG STUDY SUBJECTS, THOSE WHO AVERAGED TWO OR
MORE OUNCES OF RED MEAT EVERY DAY HAD ALMOST DOUBLE THE R-A RISK OF
THOSE EATING LESS THAN AN OUNCE A DAY.
RED MEAT CONTAINS A LOT OF COLLAGEN, WHICH MAY ACTIVATE ANTIBODIES
IN PEOPLE SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE DISEASE. THOSE ANTIBODIES ARE THOUGHT
TO TRIGGER R-A -- AN AUTOIMMUNE DISORDER IN WHICH YOUR BODY ATTACKS
ITSELF, BREAKING DOWN COLLAGEN JOINTS.
FOR PREVENTION MAGAZINE, I'M DR. EMILY SENAY WITH HEALTHWATCH
ON THE CBS RADIO NETWORK.
CBS HEALTHWATCH -- TUESDAY, MAY 30, 2006
D FOR YOUR KNEES
THE WARMTH OF THE SUN MIGHT BE A REMEDY FOR KNEE PAIN.
FOR PREVENTION MAGAZINE, I'M DR. EMILY SENAY WITH HEALTHWATCH.
IF YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM KNEE PAIN, YOU MAY FIND RELIEF IN
SOLAR HEALING. A LITTLE OF THE SUNSHINE VITAMIN COULD HELP EASE
YOUR KNEE PAIN. A BOSTON UNIVERSITY STUDY OF MEN AND WOMEN WITH
KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS INDICATED THAT GETTING VITAMIN D DAILY COULD
IMPROVE MUSCLE STRENGTH AND PHYSICAL FUNCTION. PEOPLE WHO GOT
THE RECOMMENDED DAILY DOSE OF VITAMIN D EXPERIENCED LESS PAIN
THAN THOSE WHO FELL SHORT.
VITAMIN D MAY HELP RELIEVE PAIN BY AIDING IN THE ABSORPTION OF
CALCIUM, WHICH IS NEEDED FOR BONE GROWTH AND REPAIR.
GETTING VITAMIN D IS EASY. AS FEW AS 15 MINUTES OF SUN EXPOSURE ON
YOUR FACE AND HANDS A DAY IS ENOUGH TO GET YOUR DAILY DOSE. IF THAT'S
NOT POSSIBLE, TAKE A SUPPLEMENT AND DRINK TWO GLASSES OF MILK A DAY.
FINALLY, ALWAYS REMEMBER TO BALANCE YOUR HEALTHY EXPOSURE TO
SUNLIGHT WITH PROTECTING YOUR SKIN -- SO WEAR SUNSCREEN!
FOR PREVENTION MAGAZINE, I'M DR. EMILY SENAY WITH HEALTHWATCH
ON THE CBS RADIO NETWORK.
CBS HEALTHWATCH -- MONDAY, MAY 29, 2006
DREAM AWAY PROBLEMS
TRACKING YOUR DREAMS MAY REVEAL SOLUTIONS TO HELP YOU COPE.
FOR PREVENTION MAGAZINE, I'M DR. EMILY SENAY WITH HEALTHWATCH.
PROBLEMS WITH A CO-WORKER? ARE THE KIDS ACTING OUT?
LET YOUR DREAMS COME TO THE RESCUE.
SO SAY CANADIAN PSYCHOLOGISTS AND DREAM RESEARCHERS WHO ASKED
470 COLLEGE STUDENTS TO KEEP A JOURNAL OF THEIR NIGHTTIME REVERIES
AND DAYTIME ACTIVITIES. AFTER COMPARING THE TWO ACCOUNTS,
THEY DISCOVERED THAT 5 TO 7 DAYS AFTER A PROBLEMATIC EXPERIENCE,
THE WOMEN TENDED TO DREAM ABOUT IT IN WAYS THAT SUGGESTED THEY WERE
STILL WORKING ON IT. MEN DIDN'T, THOUGH RESEARCHERS AREN'T SURE WHY.
ACCORDING TO THESE EXPERTS, DREAMS ARE NOT JUST RANDOM IMAGES.
DREAMING IS A PART OF A FUNCTION THAT PROCESSES EMOTIONS AND
MEMORIES, PERHAPS BOTH AT ONCE.
SPOTTING SOLUTIONS FROM DREAMLAND CAN BE TRICKY -- A REVERIE ABOUT
MOVING INTO A GREAT NEW HOUSE MAY SIGNAL THAT YOU REALLY WANT TO
ACCEPT THAT JOB OFFER, FOR EXAMPLE. RESEARCHERS SAY KEEPING
A JOURNAL CAN HELP YOU SPOT SOLUTIONS AND MAKE CONNECTIONS.
FOR PREVENTION MAGAZINE, I'M DR. EMILY SENAY WITH HEALTHWATCH
ON THE CBS RADIO NETWORK.
CBS HEALTHWATCH -- FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2006
DIABETES-CANCER LINK
RESEARCH SHOWS THAT TYPE 2 DIABETES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK.
FOR PREVENTION MAGAZINE, I'M DR. EMILY SENAY WITH HEALTHWATCH.
ANOTHER REASON TO WATCH YOUR WEIGHT: EXCESS POUNDS CAN LEAD TO
TYPE 2 DIABETES, AND RESEARCH SUGGESTS THAT DIABETES MAY BOOST
YOUR RISK OF CANCER.
IN A SOUTH KOREAN STUDY OF MORE THAN 1-POINT-2 MILLION PEOPLE,
THOSE WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES -- THE KIND THAT'S OFTEN A RESULT OF BEING
OVERWEIGHT -- RAN A 25 PERCENT HIGHER RISK OF GETTING CANCER AND
A 30 PERCENT HIGHER RISK OF DYING FROM IT COMPARED WITH NONDIABETICS.
EXPERTS SAY INSULIN, A HORMONE THAT ENABLES THE BODY TO USE SUGAR,
MAY EXPLAIN THE LINK. IN TYPE 2 DIABETES, THE BODY CAN'T MAKE EFFICIENT
USE OF INSULIN. TO COMPENSATE, THE PANCREAS RAMPS UP INSULIN
PRODUCTION. BUT INSULIN ALSO SPURS CELLS TO DIVIDE, AND RAPID
CELL GROWTH CAN OPEN THE DOOR TO CANCER.
ALL THIS IS ANOTHER REASON WHY MAINTAINING A NORMAL WEIGHT
IS ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR HEALTH.
FOR PREVENTION MAGAZINE, I'M DR. EMILY SENAY WITH HEALTHWATCH
ON THE CBS RADIO NETWORK.
CBS HEALTHWATCH -- THURSDAY, MAY 25, 2006
SAFER HOSPITAL STAYS
BEFORE A HOSPITAL STAY, THERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT TIPS TO REMEMBER
TO ENSURE YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY.
FOR PREVENTION MAGAZINE, I'M DR. EMILY SENAY WITH HEALTHWATCH.
IN 2000, THE INSTITUTES OF MEDICINE REPORTED THAT UP TO 98-THOUSAND
HOSPITAL DEATHS EACH YEAR WERE CAUSED BY MEDICAL ERRORS.
SAFETY RECORDS HAVE IMPROVED SINCE THEN, BUT A MORE RECENT SURVEY
REVEALED THAT ONLY 21 PERCENT OF HOSPITALS ARE FULLY COMPLIANT WITH
ALL SAFETY STANDARDS. IN MANY HOSPITALS, STAFF FAILED TO FULLY INFORM
PATIENTS OF THEIR OPTIONS, TO TAKE STEPS TO AVOID MEDICATION ERRORS,
AND TO PROMOTE HAND WASHING. TAKE THESE STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF.
FIRST, BEFORE DETERMINING HOW TO TREAT YOU, YOUR PHYSICIAN IS REQUIRED
TO EXPLAIN YOUR OPTIONS. BRING A FRIEND OR RELATIVE WHO CAN BE
A SECOND SET OF EARS AND ASK QUESTIONS.
NEXT, HAVE YOUR DOCTOR LIST THE DRUGS YOU'LL BE TAKING AND THE DOSES.
EACH TIME A DOCTOR OR NURSE BRINGS YOU MEDS, CHECK THEM AGAINST YOUR
LIST. AND MAKE SURE HOSPITAL STAFF WASH THEIR HANDS BEFORE
ATTENDING TO YOU. IF THEY DON'T, TRY A GENTLE REMINDER.
FOR PREVENTION MAGAZINE, I'M DR. EMILY SENAY WITH HEALTHWATCH
ON THE CBS RADIO NETWORK.
CBS HEALTHWATCH -- WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2006
THE THIN AND THE RESTLESS
YOU DON'T HAVE TO SPEND HOURS AND HOURS IN THE GYM TO GET IN SHAPE;
YOU JUST HAVE TO BE ACTIVE!
FOR PREVENTION MAGAZINE, I'M DR. EMILY SENAY WITH HEALTHWATCH.
IN A RECENT STUDY, RESEARCHERS AT THE MAYO CLINIC COMPARED THE
LIFESTYLES AND BEHAVIORS OF A GROUP OF OVERWEIGHT AND SLIM
VOLUNTEERS. THE RESEARCHERS ELECTRONICALLY MONITORED THE SUBJECTS
TO RECORD THEIR EVERY MOVE FOR TEN DAYS.
THE OBESE GROUP WAS SEATED FOR AN AVERAGE OF 150 MORE MINUTES
EACH DAY, BURNING 350 FEWER DAILY CALORIES THAN THE SLIM GROUP. BUT
THE SLIM GROUP WASN'T SPENDING ALL THOSE EXTRA MINUTES IN THE GYM --
THEY WERE JUST DOING USUAL ACTIVITIES, LIKE SHOPPING AND CLEANING;
EVEN PLAYING AN INSTRUMENT CONTRIBUTED TO THEIR NONEXERCISE ACTIVITY.
THE LESSON FOR ALL OF US IS TO LOOK FOR WAYS TO INCORPORATE MORE
ACTIVITY INTO OUR DAY-TO-DAY LIFESTYLES. YOU CAN BE MORE ACTIVE
SIMPLY BY GETTING UP FROM YOUR DESK AND TALKING TO CO-WORKERS
FACE-TO-FACE INSTEAD OF E-MAILING THEM, OR LEAVING THE REMOTE
ON TOP OF THE T-V SO YOU HAVE TO GET UP TO CHANGE CHANNELS.
FOR PREVENTION MAGAZINE, I'M DR. EMILY SENAY WITH HEALTHWATCH
ON THE CBS RADIO NETWORK.
CBS HEALTHWATCH -- TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2006
TOO LITTLE IRON?
IRON IS A KEY NUTRIENT, BUT HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU'RE GETTING ENOUGH?
FOR PREVENTION MAGAZINE, I'M DR. EMILY SENAY WITH HEALTHWATCH.
YOU MAY NOT THINK ABOUT IT, BUT IRON IS A VITAL INGREDIENT IN YOUR DIET.
IN FACT, ONE IN FIVE WOMEN IS DEFICIENT IN IRON, THE CRUCIAL MINERAL
THAT FERRIES OXYGEN TO EVERY CELL IN THE BODY.
SYMPTOMS OF IRON DEFICIENCY INCLUDE CONSTANT FATIGUE, PALE SKIN,
COLD HANDS AND FEET, AND BRITTLE NAILS.
RECENT RESEARCH FROM DUKE UNIVERSITY SUGGESTS THAT HAVING LOW
IRON LEVELS CAN SILENCE VITAL GENES, INCLUDING THOSE THAT PROVIDE
YOUR CELLS WITH ENERGY AND PROTECT YOU FROM CANCER-CAUSING
FREE RADICALS.
TO ENSURE YOU'RE GETTING ENOUGH IRON, INCLUDE LEAN RED MEAT, FISH
OR POULTRY IN YOUR DIET. IF YOU'RE A VEGETARIAN, COMBINE IRON-RICH
SPINACH, LENTILS, AND WHOLE GRAINS WITH VITAMIN C-RICH FRUITS.
VITAMIN C BOOSTS ABSORPTION. IF YOU'RE CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR IRON
INTAKE, ASK YOUR DOCTOR TO CHECK YOUR LEVELS. AND REMEMBER:
ONLY TAKE HIGH-DOSE IRON SUPPLEMENTS UNDER A DOCTOR'S SUPERVISION.
FOR PREVENTION MAGAZINE, I'M DR. EMILY SENAY WITH HEALTHWATCH
ON THE CBS RADIO NETWORK.
CBS HEALTHWATCH -- MONDAY, MAY 22, 2006
MORE SWEAT, LESS DEPRESSION
RESEARCH SUGGESTS EXERCISE MIGHT JUST BE THE THING TO CURE THE BLUES.
FOR PREVENTION MAGAZINE, I'M DR. EMILY SENAY WITH HEALTHWATCH.
MENTAL HEALTH EXPERTS HAVE LONG RECOMMENDED EXERCISE TO HELP
COMBAT DEPRESSION. NOW RESEARCH SHOWS THAT BIKING AND JOGGING
CAN BANISH THE BLUES WITH SIMILAR RESULTS TO SOME PRESCRIBED DRUGS.
IN A RECENT STUDY, 80 SUBJECTS WITH MILD TO MODERATE DEPRESSION
USED A TREADMILL OR STATIONARY BIKE FOR 30 TO 40 MINUTES, THREE TO
FIVE TIMES A WEEK. THEY WERE THEN ASKED TO RATE THEIR SYMPTOMS,
LIKE INSOMNIA AND ANXIETY, ON A STANDARDIZED TEST. AFTER 12 WEEKS,
THE SUBJECTS' SYMPTOMS DECREASED BY 47 PERCENT -- AN IMPROVEMENT
COMPARABLE TO THAT SEEN WITH ANTIDEPRESSANTS.
WORKING OUT MAY PROMPT THE RELEASE OF SEROTONIN, A NEUROCHEMICAL
THAT IS CONNECTED TO MOODS AND EMOTIONS.
ALTHOUGH A HIGH-INTENSITY WORKOUT PRODUCED THE BEST RESULTS,
EVEN THOSE WHO SIMPLY WALKED OR STRETCHED SAW SOME IMPROVEMENT.
SO IF YOU SUFFER FROM DEPRESSION, TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT
AN EXERCISE PROGRAM.
FOR PREVENTION MAGAZINE, I'M DR. EMILY SENAY WITH HEALTHWATCH
ON THE CBS RADIO NETWORK.
CBS Healthwatch -- Friday, May 19, 2006
Healthy Gums, Healthy Baby
Brushing and flossing may mean more than just good dental hygiene.
New studies show that having healthy gums when you're pregnant
can mean better odds for a healthy baby.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch.
Pregnancy is tough on your gums: hormonal shifts lead to bacteria
buildup, which irritates the already sensitive tissue. What's worse,
neglecting red, puffy, bleeding gums raises the risk of premature
birth. Now researchers have found that promptly treating gum
disease can slash that danger.
Among more than 800 moms to be with gingivitis, periodontal therapy
to get rid of infection-causing bacteria reduced the rate of preterm,
low-birth-weight babies by nearly 70 percent.
The study's lead author says toxins released by bacteria in plaque
may cross the placenta and cue the onset of labor.
Have your dentist check for plaque before and during your pregnancy,
and don't delay treatment if you need it.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch
on the CBS radio network.
CBS Healthwatch -- Thursday, May 18, 2006
Bug Tips
You love this time of year, but bug bites drive you nuts.
Here are some simple ways to reduce the annoyance.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch.
For starters, don't swat at the bugs or you might find yourself
mobbed. When disturbed, wasps, for example, emit a chemical that
alerts others to join the attack. Similarly, africanized bees,
which are found in the southwestern states, can assault by the
thousands when provoked.
Instead, when a buzzing bug comes close, put down anything it may be
attracted to, such as a sweet drink, and avoid sudden movements.
And then move inside for a while, so that the bug will leave.
If you do get stung, go inside to avoid the masses that might follow.
To remove the stinger, swipe it with the edge of a credit card;
then wash the area thoroughly.
If you were stung several times, feel nauseated or have swelling
that spreads more than 2 inches from the site, seek medical care --
you could be having an allergic reaction.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch
on the CBS radio network.
CBS Healthwatch -- Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Summer Equipment
Springtime chores include mowing the lawn, and here are some easy
tips to keep you and your kids safe when taking care of the yard.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch.
When it comes to the lawn mower, it's not okay for the younger kids
to help. The bladed machine is designed to trim grass, but it will cut
anything else in its path. Just ask the 68-thousand people who get
in the way of a blade each year. 85 percent of those injuries happen
to children younger than 10.
If you have a ride-on mower, never let a child perch on your lap;
she could tumble off and get run over. It's best to keep kids out of
the yard altogether when you're working, so no one accidentally
gets hit. While you're at it, clear the lawn of sticks, stones and
toys that could easily be run over and become projectiles.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch
on the CBS radio network.
CBS Healthwatch -- Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Teeth Bleaching
Getting your teeth bleached can be a boost for your smile,
but would-be bleachers beware -- it's not for everyone.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch.
Children younger than 12, for example, should never bleach.
Because the nerve chamber inside the tooth of a young person is
very large, there is likely to be more pain associated with bleaching.
People with tooth-colored veneers, fillings, caps or crowns should
also avoid bleaching. Because bleach doesn't lighten dental work
along with tooth enamel, you could end up with an uneven,
patchwork look. If you're planning on having dental work up front,
you should be aware that the door is closed to bleaching afterward.
As for pregnant women, bleaching is discouraged as well,
since the bleach could potentially be harmful to a fetus.
And finally, people with receding gums are at increased risk of
sensitivity, and should count out the possibly painful process.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch
on the CBS radio network.
CBS Healthwatch -- Monday, May 15, 2006
Mosquito Season
With summer around the corner,
it's time to think about barbecues, picnics -- and mosquitos.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch.
For starters, empty the kiddie pool. Mosquitos breed in standing
water, so overturn any concave containers or furniture coverings
that collect rain. Make sure rain gutters and downspouts are
clear and draining properly, too.
If you own a bird bath, be sure to toss in a mosquito dunk,
a floating ring that kills mosquito larvae but doesn't harm birds.
When it comes to bug sprays, try repellents containing picardin,
an alternative to deet, which have been shown to be safe and
effective. As for the outdoor dinner table, remember that
citronella candles are effective only in very small areas;
they won't repel the bugs across the yard.
Finally, if you do get bitten, dab the bite with a roll-on
antiperspirant. It contains aluminum salts that help the body
to reabsorb the fluid in the bug bite.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch
on the CBS radio network.
CBS Healthwatch -- Friday, May 12, 2006
Waist Whittler
Don't take a vacation from your diet this summer --
just make it smarter with two simple steps.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch.
First, enjoy an egg for breakfast, provided your cholesterol level
is normal. Saint louis university researchers found that people
who started the day with an egg ate 22 percent fewer calories and
15 percent less fat than those who started off their day with
a bagel with fruit spread or cream cheese.
Next, eat more produce rich in vitamin "c" to help prevent excess
pounds from settling around your midsection, where they raise
heart disease risk. In a british study of over 8,000 adults,
those with the highest blood levels of vitamin "c" had lower --
and healthier -- waist-to-hip ratios, regardless of total weight.
Fresh high "c" fruits this month include guavas, papayas and
strawberries.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch
on the CBS radio network.
CBS Healthwatch -- Thursday, May 11, 2006
Brain Food
Feeling depressed? Here's one way to fix your mood, fast.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch.
We all know that exercise can chase off the blues. But for the
first time, researchers have discovered that just a 30-minute walk
can give a temporary lift from even major depression. Researchers
at the University of Texas at Austin asked 40 men and women
recently diagnosed with major depression to walk on a treadmill
or rest quietly in a comfy chair. After a half hour, both groups
had fewer negative feelings, such as anger, fatigue and tension,
but only the exercisers said they actually felt good.
The walkers got an 85 percent boost in vigor and a 40 percent
improvement in well-being. The lift lasted about an hour.
Past studies have shown that aerobic exercise increases the
brain's levels of serotonin, a feel-good chemical. People also get
an extra boost and a sense of accomplishment by knowing they've
done something good for themselves.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch
on the CBS radio network.
CBS Healthwatch -- Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Booze Cues
If you've ever eyed someone mixing a drink in a movie
and wanted one yourself, you're not alone.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch.
Dartmouth researchers say your kids probably have, too.
The scientists found that children's movie watching habits
may influence their decision to drink.
Of the more than 600 popular movies the scientists studied,
89 percent of "PG" and more than half of "G" flicks featured
on-screen alcohol use.
The researchers also surveyed more than 5,000 middle-schoolers,
80 percent of whom had not yet experimented with alcohol.
Two years later, the kids who had watched the most on-screen
drinking were three times as likely to have tried alcohol as those
who had witnessed the least.
Films often depict drinking in a positive light, like during parties
or romantic scenes. To guard against teen drinking, try screening
movies ahead of time and limit kids to no more than two a week.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch
on the CBS radio network.
CBS Healthwatch -- Tuesday, May 9, 2006
If the Shoe Fits
If the shoe fits, buy it!
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch.
When it comes to walking workouts, there's nothing more important
than a good shoe. To find the perfect pair, keep these tips in mind:
be sure to choose a walking shoe. Any old shoe may work, but a shoe
designed for walking will decrease your risk of injury and boost
performance.
Make an in-store purchase rather than one on-line. Personalized
service is key. The salespeople in a good, technical running store
will watch you walk barefoot and help you choose the features
you need.
People tend to buy shoes that are too small. Ask the salesperson
to help you check the fit, and don't get caught up in thinking that
you have to buy a size 8 because that's what you've always worn.
Finally, toss out shoes once the interior padding has lost its spring.
Generally, that means replacing your shoes every 500 miles.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch
on the CBS radio network.
CBS Healthwatch -- Monday, May 8, 2006
Gym Danger
You love working out at the gym,
but maybe you worry about how clean the locker room is.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch.
It's possible you could catch something dangerous, but odds are that
you'd win the lottery first. Sure, the locker room is crawling with
bacteria, but every place is! If your general hygiene is good,
you don't need to worry about their setting up shop on your body.
----by showering, toweling off, and changing into clean, dry clothes,
you get rid of any transient bugs you pick up from the environment.
Still worried? Sit on a clean towel as you dress, especially if you
have a cut; there's a tiny chance you can pick up a bacterial
infection through an open wound.
What you should protect are your feet, which, often being damp,
let germs thrive. Bugs like athlete's foot and plantar warts
dwell on the floors of even immaculate gyms. Always wear flip flops.
And of course, always wash your hands after using gym equipment.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch
on the CBS radio network.
CBS Healthwatch -- Friday, May 5, 2006
Splash Smarts
Summer's approaching, the sun is shining, and the kids can't wait
to go swimming. Before they take the plunge, be sure you know
these tips about pool safety.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch.
You may be surprised to learn that a public pool is the safest place
for kids to swim, because lifeguards are usually on duty.
Nearly 65 percent of child drownings occur in family pools;
and 33 percent occur in pools owned by friends or relatives.
Remember that inflatable rafts do not protect against drowning.
Don't treat rafts or toys as rescue devices;
instead, keep an approved life preserver or a shepherd's hook
to pull someone to safety .
Pool chemicals, while good for killing bacteria, may also cause
breathing trouble. In a south african study, high chlorine levels
triggered three times as much exercise-induced asthma as did
low levels.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch
on the CBS radio network.
CBS Healthwatch -- Thursday, May 4, 2006
Gender Worries
You have guests coming over, the house is a mess, and your husband
flips on the tube -- it's enough to stress anyone out.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch.
This pattern between men and women is not unusual, say researchers
at the Ohio State University and the University of Maryland.
They scoured daily reports from over 1500 men and women nationwide
and found that nearly 40 percent of women said they felt rushed,
even during leisure time. Just 31 percent of guys did, and married men
were no more likely to feel harried than single guys.
To help women catch a breath, experts suggest the following tips.
First, women should learn to enlist help. Gently prod your husband
to take on more responsibility. Next, schedule downtime, and devote
at least ten minutes every four hours to relaxation, such as a walk
around the block.
Finally, take a step back. If you're in a hurry, stop and ask yourself
if you really need to be.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch
on the CBS radio network.
CBS Healthwatch -- Wednesday, May 3, 2006
Red Leaf
It's okay if you prefer the taste of red leaf to other kinds of
lettuces: you're still eating right.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch.
Red leaf is a fine choice for salads and sandwiches, since it's rich
in vitamins "A" and "K". Though it's not the brightest star in the
salad greens family, the most important thing is to choose the
varieties that you enjoy and will keep you eating your veggies.
That's why nutritionists generally recommend sticking with your
favorite lettuce, no matter what it is.
For the record, all lettuces have tiny amounts of calories, fat and
protein. However, they differ in their levels of vitamins, minerals --
like calcium, and phytochemicals -- like lutein, which is considered
good for your eyes.
Unfortunately for iceberg fans, the richer and darker a lettuce's
color, the healthier it is for you. But one cup of any salad green
brings you one serving closer to the recommended nine daily servings
of fruits and veggies.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch
on the CBS radio network.
CBS Healthwatch -- Tuesday, May 2, 2006
Dog's Mouth?
Kids love to get kisses from their dogs,
but perhaps you worry if it's sanitary.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch.
Canine saliva is believed to contain enzymes that kill bacteria
and ward off infection, which is one reason dogs lick their wounds.
But while the bacteria naturally found in a dog's mouth aren't
harmful to humans, the germs he picks up from licking other dogs
and scrounging in garbage bins and elsewhere may cause problems
for people. Plus, doggie dental disease can leave your pet's mouth
plagued with plaque and germs.
For instance, if a dog got into the trash containing contaminated
raw meat, salmonella bacteria clinging to his fur could be passed on
to people who pet and kiss him.
To control the transmission of germs, keep your pet's vaccines
current and tell your children to turn their heads and refuse kisses
near their mouths, and they should always wash their hands after
playing with the dog.
Who have immature immune systems, away from sloppy dog smooches.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch
on the CBS radio network.
CBS Healthwatch -- Monday, May 1, 2006
Beach Jogging
It feels great to jog barefoot on the beach in the summer.
But are you wreaking havoc on your feet?
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch.
Whether you opt to wear shoes or not depends mostly on the health
of your feet. People with flat feet, high arches or an open cut
should keep their running shoes on. But if your feet are problem-free,
kick off your sneakers, enjoy the feel of the sand between your toes,
and reap the rewards, since jogging barefoot strengthens muscles
in your arches.
Running barefoot requires some caution: scan the sand to be sure
there are no stones, shells, glass, metal or washed-up sea creatures
in your path. And keep your eyes on the ground in front of you
as you run, to avoid anything that can cause cuts.
If going barefoot isn't for you, but you want the extra benefits
for your arches, you can mimic the barefoot movement by wearing
a lightweight running shoe with an elastic mesh top and soft heel.
For Prevention Magazine, I'm Dr. Emily Senay with Healthwatch
on the CBS radio network.
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