Health News - September 2002The Olive Branch |
Featured in this month's issue:
1. HEALTH BYTES: Facts and Tips for Better Living!
2. WELLNESS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
3. PRODUCTS-OF-THE-MONTH:
Digestive Formula - Supports Stomach/Intestinal Function
Bone Builder - For Bones and Teeth4. HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH: Fire-Up-The-Grill Fajitas
5. PAST SPECIAL EDITION NEWS
1. HEALTH BYTES - Facts and Tips for Better Living
HEART ATTACK AND STROKE WARNING SIGNS --
Water - Vitamins and other Heart Health News found at:
CLICK HERE - http://www.theolivebranch.com/news/heart.htmMODELING CLAY and CHILDREN'S TOYS --
CLICK HERE - http://www.theolivebranch.com/news/toys.htmMICROWAVE WARNING
-- Do not microwave in plastic or aluminum dishes or use cover or bags of these materials. Plasticizers, solvents and heat susceptor metals vaporize at microwave temperatures and migrate to the food. Avoid plastic containers as much as it is reasonably possible when buying products. Plastics in foods can produce unhealthy side effects. Use ceramic microwaveable dishes instead.GOT A CUT?
-- Cleanse the cut with a cotton ball soaked with 5 drops of tea tree oil mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. Colloidal Silver is also a anti-microbial solution.BAKING SODA, A NATURAL CLEANER
-- A commonly available mineral full of many cleaning attributes, baking soda is made from soda ash, and is slightly alkaline (its pH is around 8.1; 7 is neutral). It neutralizes acid-based odors in water, and adsorbs odors from the air. Sprinkled on a damp sponge or cloth, baking soda can be used as a gentle nonabrasive cleanser for kitchen counter tops, sinks, bathtubs, ovens, and fiberglass. It will eliminate perspiration odors and even neutralize the smell of many chemicals if you add up to a cup per load to the laundry. It is a useful air freshener, and a fine carpet deodorizer.FOR the SMOKER
-- Many tobacco growers in the United States used arsenic for over 200 years to control bugs that ate tobacco leaves. Arsenic may stay active in the soil for over one hundred years. It appears in most tobacco and is a carcinogen. Over 4000 natural and man-made chemicals have been found in tobacco. Many are endocrine interrupters and interfere with sexual function as well as masculine and feminine traits. Nicotine is also known as a pesticide and will kill many small organisms. If that's not enough to make you quit, you should know that arsenic is listed as the most hazardous and poisonous chemical. It possibly is one of the main causes of cancer.NATURAL MOLD KILLERS AND DISINFECTANTS
-- For a substance to be registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a disinfectant it must go through extensive and expensive tests. The EPA recommends simple soap to use as a disinfectant. There are many essential oils, such as lavender, clove, and tea tree oil (an excellent natural fungicide), that are very antiseptic, as is grapefruit seed extract, even though they are not registered as such. Use one teaspoon of essential oil to 2 cups of water in a spray bottle (make sure to avoid eyes). A grapefruit seed extract spray can be made by adding 20 drops of extract to a quart of water. Make sure to keep all home-made formulas well-labeled, and out of the reach of children.WHY IS EPSOM SALT SO BENEFICIAL?
-- When magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) is absorbed through the skin, such as in a bath, it draws toxins from the body, soothes the nervous system, reduces swelling, relaxes muscles, is a natural emollient, exfoliator, and much more. This mineral product is "the ultimate foot soak," easing achy muscles, smoothing the rough patches, and absorbing odors. Here are some additional recommendations: Add one or two cups of Epsom salts to warm bath water for a soothing and stress-reducing soak. Massage a handful of Epsom salts over wet skin to cleanse, exfoliate, and soften the rough spots. Use a warm salt-soaked compress to reduce swelling from scrapes, use a cold compress to take the sting out of insect bites. Feed Epsom salts to your plants, vegetables, and lawn for greener grass and big, healthy vegetables.A note of caution: Do not take an Epsom salt bath if you have high blood pressure or a heart or kidney condition. Remember, the information above is intended for general reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment.
FIXING AN ACHING BACK
-- Apply ice, then heat. Apply ice to the injured area of your back for the first 48 hours. Ice massage will prevent swelling and relieve pain. For an at-home ice massage: Fill small paper cups with water and place them in your freezer. When the water is frozen, tear off enough paper from a cup to expose an inch or so of ice. While you lie on your side with a pillow between your knees, have someone gently massage the painful part of your back with the ice for five minutes. Repeat two or three times a day. You can also use a strong plastic bag or hot-water bottle filled with ice cubes. Wrap the bag or bottle in a towel and place it over the injury. Keep it in place for 20 minutes, then remove. Start applying heat after 48 hours. Heat increases circulation and relaxes muscle spasms. It can be applied with a hot-water bottle, heating pad, heat lamp or a hot, wet towel. Or you can soak in a hot bath or whirlpool.NOT ALL INSULIN ALIKE
-- A Tulane University researcher announces that patients with type-2 diabetes who were treated with insulin glargine were at a significantly lower risk (24%) for hypoglycemic events than patients treated with NPH insulin, according to a study presented at the 11th Annual Meeting of the American Assoc. for Clinical Endocrinologists. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is the most common adverse side effect of insulin and may result in a rapid heartbeat, sweating, personality changes, blurry vision, and numbness. The study also found that fewer patients treated with insulin glargine (15.4 percent) reported nocturnal hypoglycemic symptoms than patients treated with NPH insulin (27.1 percent). Patients with type-2 diabetes treated with insulin glargine were almost half as likely (17.3 percent) to report confirmed hypoglycemic events compared with patients treated with NPH insulin (31.3 percent). "Insulin glargine is a once-daily insulin that provides a constant absorption profile, without the peaks in release that are associated with NPH insulin," said Dr. Fonseca, a diabetes researcher. "This steady release profile may be responsible for the lower incidence of hypoglycemia reported."FYI
-- British researchers have confirmed some age-old advice: It is good to lick your wound . . . Nitrite in saliva apparently promotes healing by breaking down into nitric oxide, a powerful anti-microbial compound.REDUCING HIP FRACTURES
-- Want to prevent or reduce hip fractures in your last years? Eat foods rich in vitamin K, found in dark, green leafy vegetables, says Nissa Simon in New Choices’ "Healthy News." But bone density alone will not prevent fractures. The "Journal of the American Geriatrics Society" says that moderate physical activity (including walking and gardening) also reduce the risk of hip fracture from 20% to 60%.CARROT JUICE TO THE RESCUE
-- Been down with an ailment or flu lately? Get back on your feet quickly by drinking 1 to 2 large glasses of fresh carrot juice daily for a minimum of one week. It gives your body energy and also assists in the cleansing of the impurities lodged in your system.
2. WELLNESS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Eating disorders are the result of complex psychological conflicts that involve family relationships, self-image, and self-esteem. Although they begin in the psyche, they quickly become harmful and dangerous to the body. Today, illnesses such as anorexia and bulimia affect more children than ever before, both male and female. To find out what parents should look for, please read the responses below from Judy Scheel, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Eating Disorder Recovery.
** Q & A #1:
Which eating disorders are most common in children and teens?The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia and compulsive eating. Anorexia is characterized by the loss of 15 percent of one’s body weight, refusal to gain weight or continued weight loss. Bulimia involves routine purging, usually by vomiting or laxative abuse. Compulsive eating includes continued and frequent episodes of bingeing and snacking when one is not physically hungry.
** Q & A #2:
How dangerous are eating disorders?They can be very dangerous. Both bulimics and anorexics can have heart attacks as a result of loss of minerals that the heart needs to regulate itself. With bulimics, their vomiting causes them to lose very precious minerals that are needed for cardiac stability. In addition, if syrup of ipecac is used to induce vomiting, this can cause toxicity in the heart very quickly. With anorexics, the heart has to work harder and faster to keep the body warm. As the body loses more and more weight, the heart is working harder to protect the body.
Many of the other symptoms of eating disorders are reversible, but some are not. Infertility can develop when the female body does not get enough fat and stops producing estrogen. It is very idiosyncratic. Some women regain fertility when they begin eating again, and others never do. The lack of estrogen can also cause women to develop osteoporosis at a very early age. Gastrointestinal problems are usually reversible, but if there’s been prolonged laxative abuse, a bulimic may end up needing bowel surgery.
** Q & A #3:
What are the recovery rates?About 80 percent of people with bulimia recover. With anorexia, a third make a full-blown recovery, while another third get well but stay somewhat below normal weight. Another third remain chronically sick.
** Q & A #4:
Do eating disorders affect males as well as females?Yes. At least 10 percent of people with eating disorders are male, and we think this is under reported, because there is a stigma attached to males being identified with eating disorders. It can also be overlooked in males because one of the signs of these illnesses is compulsive exercising. If a male exercises four or five hours a day, typically the societal message is that this is normal, whereas it would not be considered normal in a female.
** Q & A #5:
Is there any personality type that is most susceptible to developing eating disorders?It really covers the gamut. Eating disorders have so many different causes. Will you see children who are perfectionistic? Yes. But you will also see children who are depressed, who feel misunderstood, or who feel that they do not meet the family’s expectations. You will see it in cases of rape and incest, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and in situations where there is a parent with substance abuse or divorce.
** Q & A #6:
How can parents recognize the early stages of eating disorders?First of all, look for a preoccupation with food and weight and body that goes beyond normal developmental issues. Look for the kid who makes adjustments in his or her eating habits, and especially in the amount of fat they take in. The normal teenage girl should eat about 65 grams of fat per day. If a girl is eating only three or four grams of fat a day and counting calories and fat grams, this is beyond normal. If young women do not eat fat, they do not produce estrogen, and without estrogen they do not get their periods. Similarly, if men do not eat fat, they do not produce testosterone. Beyond changes in eating habits are the underlying psychological events, which are difficult to pinpoint. There are so many things that are not obvious. An eating disorder usually comes at the end of a long line of conflicts or problems. So you have to look deeper to find what is going on that kicked off this preoccupation with weight.
** Q & A #7:
What should a parent be looking for if he or she suspects a child has already developed an eating disorder?With bulimia, the child will be going to the bathroom after eating. He or she may have glassy eyes when coming out of the bathroom, burst blood vessels in the eyes and swollen carotid glands, which are on the side of the neck. These glands typically look like chipmunk cheeks after prolonged vomiting. Other signs of anorexia or bulimia are consistent gas and bloating, frequent diarrhea, loss of weight, wearing extra layers of clothing, socially withdrawing, refusing to eat in restaurants, and teeth that are starting to get gray (because the acid in vomit eats away at the enamel). If they are sure any of this is going on, parents should seek help as quickly as possible with a qualified therapist who is trained in the treatment of eating disorders.
For additional information visit the National Eating Disorders Association web site at
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
3. PRODUCTS-OF-THE-MONTH
* DIGESTIVE FORMULA - Enzyme / Probiotic Nutritional Blend
Supports Stomach/Intestinal Function
In order to obtain all the nutrients from the foods you eat, you need a properly functioning digestive system. Proper digestion of your meals relieves discomfort from overeating and naturally aids in preventing symptoms of improper digestion such as gas, bloating, burping, heartburn, bowel and stomach irritation, and indigestion.
More Information: http://www.theolivebranch.com/digest.htmBONE BUILDER - Bones and Teeth
Take advantage of the latest research in bone health with BONE BUILDER from Life Plus! Bone Builder contains a highly absorbable form of calcium plus ipriflavone, vitamins B6 and B12, and folic acid, and more for stronger, healthier bones and teeth. Order today and you'll feel better about taking good care of yourself!
More Information: http://www.theolivebranch.com/bones.htm
4. HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH
* Fire-Up-The-Grill FajitasSummer veggies sizzle in this marvelous Mexican meal. Perfect for backyard barbecuers!
Recipe at - http://www.theolivebranch.com/recipes/fajitas.htm
5. 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: Click Here - http://www.theolivebranch.com/news/special.htm
We are always happy to correspond with our subscribers. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Be Healthy,
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.