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Featured in this month's issue:

1. HEALTH BYTES: Facts and Tips for Better Living!

2. FEATURED ARTICLE: "Hypertension: Cutting Through The Hype"

3. WELLNESS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

4. HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH: Tuna Roll-Ups

5. PRODUCT-OF-THE-MONTH: CalMag Plus - Premium Calcium and Magnesium Formula For Strong Bones, Heart, Immune System

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1. HEALTH BYTES - * Facts and Tips for Better Living

STRETCH FOR RUNNING -- Some of the most common running ailments - shin splints, heel spurs, and plantar fasciitis (inflammation of tissue on the bottom of the foot) - are actually caused by calf muscles that are too tight. In the case of shin splints, for instance, the shin pain results from overexertion because the calf muscles are not working hard enough during a run. Fortunately, this is a problem that is easy to resolve. Stretching your calf muscles frequently can help prevent these running-related problems. Here is a simple calf stretch you can do almost anywhere: Standing backwards on the bottom step of a staircase, slide one foot back so that your heel extends off the step. Then stretch your ankle downward slowly so that you feel your calf muscles stretching from the ankle to the back of your knee. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds, then alternate to the other foot.

CELERY SEED -- Certain chemicals in celery seed are anti-bacterial, while others are diuretic, meaning that they help remove water from the body in the form of urine. This helps wash away bacteria and the minerals that cause kidney and bladder stones. Several chemicals in celery seed are hypotensive, meaning that they help lower blood pressure. Celery seeds are also rich in calcium, which may also help lower blood pressure.

APPETIZERS QUENCH YOUR APPETITE -- Studies of restaurant servings between 1977 and 1998 reveal that portion sizes have increased across the board for most types of food. For some foods, the portion sizes have increased by as much as 50%. Choosing two small appetizers for your main meal can help you enjoy eating out without overindulging. Plus you get a better variety of foods to try out and enjoy. Steer clear of the mega-samplers that have numerous items on a platter. Those are meant to be shared among 4 or more people. Depending on how many people you have dining with you, those can still be too much food. Count the large sampler platters as a complete meal for 2.

BRUSH UP ON BRUSHING -- Brushing harder does not necessarily mean brushing better. Many people make the mistake of buying the stiffer-bristled toothbrushes when most dentists recommend medium or soft brushes. The stiffer brushes can actually push food particles and plaque buildup down into the gums, making the problems much worse in a short amount of time. If you tend to brush too hard (bleeding gums, sensitive teeth and gums), try holding your toothbrush between just your thumb and first two fingers, almost like a pencil. Using just three fingers will automatically ease your grip and the amount of force you use to brush.

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2. FEATURED ARTICLE - * "Hypertension: Cutting Through The Hype"

You cannot feel it, taste it, smell it, or see it. But if you have it, and do not take care of it, odds are it will kill you. We are talking, of course, about hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure. It is also called the silent killer, and . . .

More information - BLOOD PRESSURE - HYPERTENSION

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3. WELLNESS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

** Q & A #1: I have several moles over my body and am aware that they can show indications of skin cancer. What can I look for and is having the moles "mapped" a good idea?

Moles are usually harmless. However abnormal moles develop on about 8 percent of Caucasians. These moles are identified by their asymmetrical shape, irregular borders, multiple colors or large size. There are several factors that can contribute to the chances of a person getting skin cancer. Anyone that has a fair complexion, family history of skin cancer, suffered severe sunburns as a child and/or have more than 40 moles on their body should consider having the moles mapped. This "mapping" is simply a chart your dermatologist makes of the moles on your body. Over the years this map will make it easier to spot any changes in the moles. Be sure to have a dermatologist do the mapping though as one study found that primary care doctors often miss the danger signs that moles can give. One should consider seeing a dermatologist or health care professional about once a year to have their back and scalp checked for skin cancer since these are difficult or impossible for one to check on himself.

** Q & A #2: What can cause nasal polyps, and is there a way to get rid of them once they appear? Excessive swelling of the membranes lining the sinuses causes nasal polyps. These polyps are benign growths and can appear singly or in clusters. Nasal membrane inflammation or chronic rhinitis is frequently due to allergies and sometimes treated with inhaled corticosteroid sprays, This condition, combined with the use of these sprays, is often the source of nasal polyps. If the polyps become enlarged they can obstruct ones air flow as well as his sense of smell and have also been known to cause chronic headaches. Any growth that bleeds, appears in only one side of the nose or grows rapidly may indicate a benign or malignant tumor that requires an evaluation by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor).

** Q & A #3: What kind of sunglasses should we look for to offer our eyes the best protection from the sun?

Look for sunglasses with labels that state they shield 100 percent of the ultraviolet A and B rays since both rays have been linked to cataracts and other diseases. If a label reads "UV absorption up to 400 nm" this means that the sunglasses offer this protection. The FDA does not monitor sunglasses so in order to be sure the sunglasses you decide to purchase do actually offer this protection you can have them tested with a UV meter. Most opticians and some sunglasses specialty shops often offer this test as a free service. It is important that the sunglasses fit your face. The frames should fit close to your brow and cheekbones and should not slide down the bridge of your nose. The decision between plastic or glass lenses is left up to the buyer but should be a consideration depending on the activities you will be partaking in during these months.

** Q & A #4: When I open my mouth, my jaw makes a loud popping noise. There is no pain associated with the popping. Is this Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMD)?

Noise in the absence of pain, or limitation of motion, without headaches, neck aches or other pain in the head and neck region is probably no cause for concern. These are the most common signs of TMD. If, however, this noise has been getting progressively louder and more frequent, a visit to a TMD specialist would be warranted. If it only occurs when you open wide while yawning, try placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth behind your front teeth and keep it there while yawning. If you can yawn without it popping and can train yourself to do this every time you yawn, you can reduce the wear and tear on the joint. If the noise is more prominent in the morning, it may be an indication that you are grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep. If this is the case, wearing an appliance on your lower teeth when you sleep is the most common way to treat this problem. A dentist familiar with TMD would examine your jaw motion, evaluate what happens when the noise occurs, and check the muscles of your head and neck to get more information. A panoramic x-ray would be a screening film for anatomical discrepancies of the TMD. If this film shows changes in the joints, an MRI may be the next diagnostic image required.

** Q & A #5: Can you provide me with some general information about tea tree oil? Can it be used on the face to fight acne?

Tea tree (melaleuca alternifolia) is native to Australia and has long been used by aboriginal people as a local antiseptic. Recent studies have supported this use and found the oil has some serious anti-germ properties: namely provided by a chemical called terpinene. Tea tree oil's antibacterial properties have been documented by researchers since the 1920s. It was a standard ingredient in Australian first aid kits until World War II. At home, tea tree oil can be applied to disinfect cuts, pimples, and fungal infections. Not only has tea tree oil proven useful in the treatment of acne vulgaris, but it also is used in some commercial flea dips for pets. It may eventually be used in hospitals as a disinfectant cleaner. Tea tree has rather piney kind of smell and can be a bit intense. Furthermore, it can be a bit irritating to the skin if used at full strength. Dab a bit of the oil onto an already water-soaked cotton ball or cloth before applying. A little bit goes a long way, and even though the essential oil is fairly expensive (6 to 10 dollars for about 1 ounce), it is well worth it. Especially if you consider all you have already shelled-out for ineffective over-the-counter acne treatments. Gargling with two drops in a glass of warm water improves sore throats - but it is not to be swallowed. A few drops rubbed on the chest or back helps relieve nasal congestion. It is one of the few essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin without dilution.

Please visit the following web site by clicking on ---- TEA TREE ----for more information or if you are interested in obtaining a high-quality Tea Tree Oil product.

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4. HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH - * Tuna Roll-Ups

TUNA - http://www.theolivebranch.com/recipes/tuna.htm

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5. PRODUCT-OF-THE-MONTH - * CALMAG PLUS
Premium Calcium and Magnesium Formula
For Strong Bones, Heart, Immune System

CALMAG PLUS from Life Plus is a special blend of the essential minerals calcium and magnesium (in a 2:1 ratio), Vitamin D-3 Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Phosphorus, and Boron (for optimum calcium utilization), plus trace minerals and other vital nutrients. This premium-quality dietary supplement is effective for nutritionally supporting the skeletal system and muscles, heart function and circulation, and boosting the immune system. Calcium and magnesium are effective, natural calmatives and are also helpful for fighting leg cramps, allergies, and more!

Additional information about CALMAG PLUS can be found on our web site at

CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

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PAST EDITIONS: Special Topics, Herbs, Recipes

We have several Special Editions that we issued on particular Health Issues or Complimentary/Alternative Botanicals. .

Special Topics - SPECIALS

Herbs - HERBS

Recipes - RECIPES

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Be Healthy!

The Culbreths

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The information in this newsletter has 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 or treat disease, replace prescription medication, or supersede sound medical advice.