Featured in this month's issue:

1. HEALTH BYTES:
Facts, Tips, & News for Better Living!

2. HEALTH ARTICLE-OF-THE-MONTH
Reduce Stress

3. HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH
Winter Crisps

4. PAST SPECIAL EDITIONS
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1. * HEALTH BYTES Facts, Tips, & News for Better Living

DON'T DRINK THE WATER --
Airline passengers have long complained about the quality of the food, but they may want to worry more about the water. Samples of water from galley and lavatory taps on 14 different flights headed everywhere from London to St. Louis contained a variety of disease-causing bacteria, including E. coli, salmonella, and the germ that causes Legionnaires’ disease. There were even maggot eggs. "Contamination was the rule, not the exception," said the journalists who collected the samples. Passengers can limit their exposure by drinking bottled water, but they should be careful when washing their hands and brushing their teeth, and when flight attendants serve cups of water. Airlines say no passengers have reported getting sick from their water, but health experts point out that those who get sick are likely to assume that they picked up a bug in transit.

NATURAL EAR INFECTION PREVENTATIVE --
Cod liver oil, used as a supplement in years past, shows promise of a natural way to prevent middle ear infections in children. Recent research has shown that a daily teaspoon of cod liver oil combined with a multi-vitamin containing selenium seems to prevent middle ear infections (otitis media) in children. In a study at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, investigators found that the youngsters prone to otitis media had lower than normal levels of EPA (an anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acid), vitamin A, and selenium. When they gave the youngsters cod liver oil, a multi-vitamin, and selenium, they found that the children suffered fewer ear infections. The findings were published in the July 2002 issue of the "Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology."

SHOULD WE GET A SMALLPOX VACCINE? --
The scare from terrorists has brought fears of biologic warfare, and some people are wondering about such agents as smallpox. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has sent out copies of their guidelines on smallpox, recommending NOT to be vaccinated, because the supply of virus is essentially zero, and the risks of serious side effects of the vaccine are far greater than other vaccines.

Although we do not necessarily endorse everything on the following site, it does offer some interesting information regarding the Smallpox vaccine.
http://mercola.com/2002/dec/30/smallpox_revisited.htm

ARTIFICIAL FINGERNAIL WARNING --
Acrylic nails are highly flammable, and serious burns have been reported from using stoves or cigarette lighters with false nails. They are also reported to cause skin rashes, up to the elbows and even on the eyelids, and rarely cyanide poisoning (from the nail remover). Nail infections are common due to the damage to the nail bed from artificial nails.

TEA FOR HEALTH? --
Research from Boston University indicates that drinking tea can help protect against heart attacks and certain types of cancer. The latest study found that tea containing flavonoids (also called polyphenols) - disease-fighting antioxidant compounds also found in red wine, purple grape juice, and onions - may improve the function of the inner lining of the artery walls. This could lead to the formation of fewer blood clots, which are a major cause of heart disease and stroke. Polyphenols from black tea were found to destroy colon cancer cells. In another study, mice that were fed green tea had a lower risk of breast tumors compared to those who were fed only water.

FORGET ABOUT CRASH DIETS --
Losing weight the healthy way takes time and patience. Crash diets, however tempting they may sound, are not the answer. Although you may Lose weight initially, the chances are you end up putting it all back on. This can also lead to nutrient deficiency and loss of muscle tissue. Many diets can actually be dangerous to your overall health - creating disturbing health issues with the heart, liver, kidneys, etc. Quick-fix and faddy diets do not teach you how to change your eating habits, on a long-term basis, which is what you really need to do if you are going to keep the weight off. So forget about crash dieting and think about a whole new way of eating. Successful dieters are those people who learn how to change both their eating habits and attitude towards food permanently. A good long term health regimen that includes daily multi-vitamins is now recommended by many health professionals and health organizations.
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2. HEALTH ARTICLE-OF-THE-MONTH - Reduce Stress and Enjoy the Day

As if there weren't enough stress in our lives, we're sure to experience additional stress factors with any holiday gathering, dinner party, family meeting, or business meeting. If you really want to enjoy life to the fullest and be at your best, take time to reflect on how you can relax and improve health.

The more stress in your life, the more probable that you will suffer from a depressed immune system and experience more illness. The smartest way to keep yourself healthy is to use an immune system booster during those times of most stress or when exposed to others who are ill with colds or flu. Echinacea is well known for enhancing the t-lymphocytes of the immune system which guards against viruses. Along with that, Astragalus will help to boost t-Lymphocytes and support against bacterial infections. It is also used as an energy tonic in some herbals. Polysaccharides found in certain plants (Larch tree, Shittake and Maitake mushrooms) are reported in some trials to help in the activation of the immune system. So, eat healthy, reduce stress and keep that immune system functioning properly.

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) has about 10 tips for surviving holidays. Here's our slightly revised version. We think it's a good idea for year round coping with all the demands of daily life.

1. Take time alone to regroup and gather your thoughts before any party, meeting or dinner with family, friends or business associates. A good half hour is recommended - but, you can at least arrange 5 minutes to relax before the activities start. Try practicing deep breathing exercises when you feel stressed out and retreat to the privacy of a bathroom if you need a break.

2. Try to set a goal to exercise 30 minutes a day instead of an hour. Do not set unrealistic exercise goals or you will be disappointed when you fail and then you'll quit. You may have to start with 15 minutes and adjust your goal as you become more disciplined.

3. Get someone to exercise with you. It's not wise to be jogging alone these days and having a friend along can be a great way to burn extra calories and reduce your stress level. This may also be encouragement to keep at it.

4. Maybe you need to create some new traditions. For those who can enjoy winter sports....Instead of throwing a party or having dinner guests, try "build a snowman contest", snowshoeing or go ice-skating. You can plan a powder puff football game, softball, an outdoor hike or picnic. Be creative and get those muscles moving.

5. Don't try to lose weight or stick to a restrictive diet during holiday season or when gathering with friends for a party. If you enjoy your favorite foods in small portions, you will feel more satisfied and not as frustrated. Trying to stay away from certain foods may leave you feeling deprived, you will probably eat more than you planned. Take half as much as you want, eat slowly and give it time to hit the stomach.

6. Make sure that you drink plenty of water. In the winter, you probably won't be as likely to get a glass of water as you would in the summer. But remember that water helps counter the dehydrating effects as you travel or drink alcoholic beverages. It may also help halt your appetite since thirst is often mistaken for hunger.

7. Don't eat so quickly - trying to get it all in at one sitting. Try eating dinner earlier than usual, take a walk and then have dessert.

8. Limit the alcohol or caffeine and look for other alternatives. These stimulants can often end up adding to the feelings of stress. Try drinking herbal tea or another special drink instead.

9. Don't expect perfection - remember that imperfections are a part of life. Most people won't even notice what you feel is not quite up to par. With so many opinions on what is perfect, there is always the possibility of something not going as planned. Do not set yourself up for disappointment by placing unrealistic demands on yourself or others.

10. Laugh. Laughing is a great tension reliever and a "merry heart does good like medicine". Laughing burns calories, reduces stress, and usually means that you and those around you are having an good time. It can help to lighten the attitude of others.

About ACE: The American Council on Exercise (ACE), is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the benefits of physical activity and protecting consumers against unsafe and ineffective fitness products and instruction. As the nation’s "workout watchdog," ACE sponsors university-based exercise science research and testing that targets fitness products and trends. ACE sets standards for fitness professionals and is the world’s largest nonprofit fitness certifying organization.
For more information on ACE:
call 1-800-825-3636 or log onto the ACE Web site at http://www.acefitness.org
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3. HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH
Winter Crisps - http://www.theolivebranch.com/recipes/crisps.htm
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6. PAST SPECIAL EDITIONS:

We have several Special Editions that we issued on particular Health Issues or on Complimentary/Alternative Botanicals. You can view them from the following index:
http://www.theolivebranch.com/news/special.htm

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Make some changes in your health regimen this year and determine that you can do it!

Be Healthy and .....Happy New Year!

The Culbreths
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Please note: the information contained herein has been compiled from various sources. The above statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. We make no claims, either expressed or implied, that any products mentioned in this newsletter will cure disease, replace prescription medication, or supersede sound medical advice.