Community Magazine October 2009

70 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE Health DAILY ASPIRINDOSAGE DOUBTS Healthy people who take regular strength aspirin daily, double their risk of being admitted to the hospital for internal bleeding, according to a study by a group of UK HealthCare Gill Heart Institute cardiologists. Additionally, 325mg regular strength aspirin was found not to reduce the risk of a heart attack any better than 75mg baby aspirin. However, the researchers urge those who have already had a heart attack to follow their doctor’s advice concerning their recommended dosage. The aspirin-a-day regimen used to prevent heart attacks is generally only recommended for individual patients who are evaluated by their doctor to be at risk from particular factors such as obesity and stress. POURINGON POUNDS As soda and other sugary drinks continue to be among the leading contributors to obesity, diabetes, and other serious ailments, New York City’s Health Department is planning a campaign to raise awareness about the effects of sugary drinks over the next three months. Through subway posters and multilingual bulletins, New Yorkers will be encouraged to drink water, seltzer or low-fat milk. Men are more likely than women to drink sugary beverages, and teens who drink sugary beverages ingest about 360 calories from them daily – which would require walking 70 blocks to burn. A 20-ounce bottle of soda can contain 16 ½ teaspoons of sugar, and while fruit juice is generally more nutritious than soda, it is often just as calorie-rich. Whole fruit, on the other hand, has fewer calories and plenty of fiber, but the best way to stay hydrated is to drink water. For more information, visit nyc.gov/health/obesity or call 311. NICOTINE AFFECTSMEMORY Nicotine, the addictive component in cigarettes, apparently tricks the brain into creating memory links between environmental cues and smoking, according to a study from Baylor College of Medicine published in the journal Neuron. The new discovery may help explain why former smokers miss lighting up when they are in a previously smoking-related situation, like after a meal. Nicotine takes over a subconscious learning process so the smoker begins to behave as though smoking is a positive action, and events linked with smoking therefore cue the smoking urge. The researchers recorded the brain activity of mice as they were exposed to nicotine and found that nicotine strengthened neuronal connections, which underlies memory formation, sometimes up to 200 percent. Researchers hope that understanding mechanisms that create memory could also lead to treatments for memory disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. FOLLY OF FASHIONABLE FOOTWEAR More than one in three women would wear uncomfortable shoes as long as they are fashionable and 17 percent of men admit buying shoes in the wrong size, according to a study by the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. Although 80 percent of the women said they had foot problems like corns or ingrown nails, only four in ten have sought help. While it’s not surprising to find that high heels can cause problems, researchers also said that slip-on shoes are serious culprits, as they cause the foot to slide forward and cramp the toes. Worst of all are pumps with low fronts, no foot support, and narrow toes. Although not all foot problems can be prevented, most result from incorrect or poor footwear. The researchers noted the importance of wearing shoes in the correct size that are appropriate for the activity they’re used for, giving feet a break from fashionable shoes, and seeing an expert if a problem arises. They recommend low-heeled, rounded toe shoes for everyday wear. 10 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR METABOLISM Build Lean Mass: Resistance training 1. twice a week is essential to boosting metabolism, especially as you get older. Metabolism slows with age, and muscle is the single most important predictor of how well you metabolize. Get Moving: Thirty minutes or more of 2. exercise at least three times per week will get your metabolism moving. Eat:Cuttingtoomanycaloriesorreducing 3. the number of meals will slow your metabolism. Five to six small meals a day will kick it up. Cut Out Sugar: Sugar puts your metabolism into fat 4. storage mode, slowing it down. Eat Breakfast: It’s been shown that people who eat 5. breakfast are thinner and have a faster metabolism. Eat Hot Foods: Spicy foods with peppers boost 6. metabolism (not kibbeh or lahmajeen!). Drink Green Tea: Some studies say it stimulates 7. metabolism. Drink Water: Staying hydrated flushes out toxins which 8. helps keep the body working well. Avoid Stress: Stress can interfere with the body’s 9. functions, including metabolism. Sleep: Research shows people who don’t sleep 7-8 10. hours daily are especially prone to weight gain. MIKE’S COR Michael Cohen (Body by Mike) has over 35 years of health and fitness experience. NER