Nutrition Health Review back issues from Thursday, December 22:
Easing the pressure: the ins and outs of hypertension.(blood pressure)
Dec 22, 2005 ... What is blood pressure? The heart is responsible for pumping blood through the three types of blood vessels in the body: the arteries, the veins, and the capillaries. The arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to every part of the body; the veins carry it back to ...
NSAIDs linked to hypertension risk.
Dec 22, 2005 ... Some of the most commonly used medications in the United States--acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin--have the potential to increase the risk of hypertension through a variety of ways. All three medications can inhibit vasodilatation, although acetaminophen may increase ...
Blood pressure reduced through vegetarian diet.
Dec 22, 2005 ... A new scientific review shows that high blood pressure (hypertension) can be reduced with dietary changes, especially a vegetarian diet. Hypertension has also been called "the silent killer" because symptoms are not always obvious. The report, analyzing the results of published ...
DASH diet shown to lower blood pressure levels.
Dec 22, 2005 ... An analysis of a government-sponsored study has revealed that blood pressure can be reduced in most people by a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and limited in sodium and total and saturated fats. The diet also is rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, fiber, and protein. ...
Millions of Americans have kidney problems linked to hypertension.(Brief article)
Dec 22, 2005 ... Up to 20 million Americans have some degree of kidney disease, most likely related to hypertension and diabetes, according to Dr. Robert Toto, kidney specialist and Director of Clinical Nephrology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. Kidney function ...
Calcium transporter has role in heartbeat.
Dec 22, 2005 ... A membrane protein, NCX1, that transports sodium and calcium into and out of cells, may determine the frequency as well as strength of the heartbeat, report researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. "This calcium transporter really is an ...
Fast facts about hypertension.
Dec 22, 2005 ... After heart failure, the amount of blood pumping from the left ventricle after heart failure, called preserved ejection fraction (EF), is increasingly being thought of as important. Until recently, however, no one has completed a hospital-based population study to determine the benefit of ...
Hypertension strikes even the most fit: an interview with Joe Montana.(Interview)
Dec 22, 2005 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Q. How did you first learn that you had hypertension? A: It was found during a yearly physical when I was 46. Since I turned 40, the physicals were something my wife suggested I do. I ended up going to the cardiologist that same day. ...
Checking blood pressure is vital for health: an interview with James Rippe, M.D.(Interview)
Dec 22, 2005 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Q: At what age does high blood pressure become a significant risk? A: There is a strong-association with age. There is a 10 percent increase in prevalence of high blood pressure per decade. In your 30's you have a 30 percent chance and that ...
High blood pressure treated with minerals.
Dec 22, 2005; ... A large percentage of the American public experiences some degree of hypertension, usually called high blood pressure (BP). Although the exact definition of high BP is open to disagreement among experts, there is no doubt that high levels of BP can precipitate stroke, heart attack, or ...
Hawthorn extract for hypertension.(Brief article)
Dec 22, 2005 ... A double-blind pilot study at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom showed that hawthorn extract, a popular herbal remedy, had a promising effect on people with mild hypertension. Thirty-six patients with mildly high blood pressure were randomly assigned to receive ...
Grape juice lowered blood pressure in study.(Clinical report)
Dec 22, 2005 ... Three studies point to a positive effect of Concord grape juice consumption on blood pressure. These findings add to the growing body of scientific evidence that this drink may assist with healthy cardiovascular function. In a preliminary study published in Biofactors, Concord ...
Portal hypertension can result from organ damage.
Dec 22, 2005 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A physician-scientist at the University of Texas in Dallas and his research team have identified mechanisms causing a potentially deadly type of hypertension that results from liver damage--findings that could lead to its prevention. Portal ...
C-reactive protein identified as risk factor for hypertension.
Dec 22, 2005 ... C-reactive protein (CRP), widely regarded as a risk factor for hypertension and other forms of cardiovascular disease, plays a direct role in the onset of hypertension, according to researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. "We have discovered ...
Easy Chili.(Recipes for the Vegan and Vegetarian)(Recipe)(Brief article)
Dec 22, 2005 ... <Pre> Easy Chili 1 package vegetarian burger mix (enough to make four burgers) 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped 1 green pepper, coarsely chopped 1 carrot, sliced 3 cloves garlic, finely minced 1 16 oz. can crushed tomatoes or tomato puree 1 16 oz. can tomato sauce 1 16 oz. can ...
Strawberry Banana Frostie.(Recipes for the Vegan and Vegetarian)
Dec 22, 2005 ... <Pre> Strawberry Banana Frostie 3 cups plain or vanilla soymilk 1 ripe banana 1 cup strawberries Blend in blender until smooth. Nutritional analysis per serving: Calories180.6 ...
MysticMaid features household cleaning products that incorporate the first technology patents ever granted to microfiber cleaning cloths, mop pads, and drying towels for an unprecedented level of dirt, grease, and grime removal.(New Products of Interest)
Dec 22, 2005 ... MysticMaid features household cleaning products that incorporate the first technology patents ever granted to microfiber cleaning cloths, mop pads, and drying towels for an unprecedented level of dirt, grease, and grime removal. Developed in Japan for clean room applications in ...
Sheese is a delicious alternative to dairy-based cheese.(New Products of Interest)(Brief article)
Dec 22, 2005 ... Sheese is a delicious alternative to dairy-based cheese. Sheese comes in nine flavors, including Mozzarella, four types of Cheddar, Gouda, Edam, Blue, and Cheshire, and are all vegan foods. Sheese is also popular among other consumers who are lactose-intolerant or allergic to dairy ...
Zojirushi introduces the Rizo Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer, the newest of its line of rice cookers.(New Products of Interest)
Dec 22, 2005 ... Zojirushi introduces the Rizo Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer, the newest of its line of rice cookers. Rizo offers one-touch functionality and proven quality. With a three-cup capacity and spherical nonstick inner cooking pan, the Rizo provides a modest array of three one-touch cook ...
Keep your toothbrush safe, clean, and convenient with a Smiley Toothbrush Holder.(New Products of Interest)(Brief article)
Dec 22, 2005 ... Keep your toothbrush safe, clean, and convenient with a Smiley Toothbrush Holder. The Smiley sticks to mirrors, tile, and stainless steel, eliminating unsanitary, unsafe, and germ-producing cups and holders. Many modern toothbrushes do not fit into existing toothbrush holders ....
Special report: understanding the many forms of dementia: an interview with Huntington Potter, Ph.D.(Interview)
Dec 22, 2005 ... Q. What is dementia? A. Dementia is a set of behaviors that indicate a loss of cognition and understanding and sense of time and place. It is caused by a number of different mechanisms, of which Alzheimer's disease is the major contributor in elderly people. Q. What ...
Folate works with vitamin [B.sub.12] to protect cognitive function.
Dec 22, 2005 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Folate and vitamin [B.sub.12], two important nutrients for the development of healthy nerves and blood cells, may work together to protect cognitive function among older adults, according to results from a new epidemiological study. The findings also ...
Curry may slow cognitive decline.(Brief article)
Dec 22, 2005 ... A chemical found in turmeric, an ingredient found in the Indian dish curry, may prevent cognitive decline, according to researchers in Singapore. The chemical, curcumin, has shown anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties in past research. This study involved the ...
Dementia risk increases with age.(Brief article)
Dec 22, 2005 ... With more people living into their 90's, cognitive disorders and forms of dementia will become more common, according to a study done in England and Wales. People who reach the age of 80 with no signs of dementia still stand a chance to develop some sort of incapacitating mental ...
High blood pressure, the heart--and hope: are prevention and cure being ignored because of a fascination with control drugs?
Dec 22, 2005; ... We hear the warnings incessantly. They emanate from various "public service" announcements. The pharmaceutical industry also considers it a necessary function to make us aware of hypertension's many dangers. More than 25 percent of the population suffers from high blood ...
Blood glucose and morbidity rate linked.(MEDICAL NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD)(Brief article)
Dec 22, 2005 ... AUSTRALIA -- Researchers have found an association between average levels of blood glucose and rate of death in a hospital's intensive care unit (ICU). In a retrospective observational study, Australian investigators examined the role of the variability of blood glucose levels, ...
Postpartum mental disorders expanded to larger focus.(MEDICAL NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD)(Brief article)
Dec 22, 2005 ... DENMARK -- Studies that investigate postpartum mental disorders often focus primarily on depression or psychoses and generally do not cover broader mental disorders. Other studies show that men sometimes show symptoms of depression after becoming a parent, but it is not clear whether these ...
Vitamin A levels in mothers related to kidney size.(MEDICAL NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD)(Brief article)
Dec 22, 2005 ... INDIA -- New research suggests that mothers with low levels of vitamin A are more likely to give birth to babies with smaller-than-normal kidneys. Dr. Paul Goodyer from the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal, Canada, compared vitamin A levels in pregnant women and the ...
Diabetes history and cancer risks investigated.(MEDICAL NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD)
Dec 22, 2005 ... JAPAN -- Almost 98,000 people were enrolled in a study to determine a possible connection between diabetes and the risk of certain types of cancer. Results of the Japan Public Health Center-Based Prospective Study showed that men who had a history of diabetes also had a 27 ...
Depression predicted by certain personality traits.(MEDICAL NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD)(Brief article)
Dec 22, 2005 ... SWEDEN -- There is evidence that the personality traits of extroversion and neuroticism may be related to major depression (MD). Aware of findings in previously published studies, Swedish researchers set out to clarify the association between the risk of MD and neuroticism and ...
Inhaled steroids can cause increase in body mass.(MEDICAL NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD)(Brief article)
Dec 22, 2005 ... SCOTLAND -- Long-term use of oral corticosteroids have been known to cause an increase in body mass index (BMI), and now researchers are looking into whether inhaled corticosteroids can cause the same thing. Two groups of Scottish children with asthma took part in the study. One ...
Natural antioxidant may maintain mental performance.(Quercetin)(Clinical report)
Dec 22, 2005 ... Researchers at Appalachian State University suggest that a natural antioxidant, derived from plants, may be able to reduce illness and maintain mental performance in physically stressed test subjects. Quercetin, a naturally occurring, powerful antioxidant found in red grapes, ...
More investigation into limits of the nervous system.
Dec 22, 2005 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For people who are unable to rub simultaneously their stomach while patting their head, a new twist may be at hand. Touch, rather than concentration, could let people improved coordination with their hands, and this also has the potential to improve the ...
Seeking help to solve dieting problems.
Dec 22, 2005 ... University of Florida researchers have some words of wisdom for the dieting masses: Consider seeking help through a group weight-loss program. "In two recent studies, we found that people who participated in groups did quite well, even if they had been uncomfortable with the ...
Bariatric procedures better left for the young.
Dec 22, 2005 ... The first large-scale review of weight-loss surgeries performed on older adults suggests that bariatric procedures should generally be limited to people younger than age 65. Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas found that older patients ...
Vitamin K deficiency in the elderly.
Dec 22, 2005 ... Although older adults seem to consume more vitamin K than younger adults, many in the elderly population are still not meeting the recommended intake requirements of the vitamin. Sarah Booth, Ph.D., Professor at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts ...
Bullying common in medical schools.
Dec 22, 2005 ... More than 2.000 medical students from the class of 2003 participated in a recent study that looked at harassment in medical schools in the United States. The students completed questionnaires at their first school orientation, at the beginning of their clinical rotations, and ...
Caffeine poses danger to some consumers.
Dec 22, 2005 ... Some carbonated soft drinks (sodas) and energy drinks are loaded with caffeine and can give an unhealthy boost to unsuspecting consumers, University of Florida researchers warn. Because caffeine can pose health risks for people with certain medical conditions, beverages ...
Sugary drinks may lead to problems later.
Dec 22, 2005 ... Symptoms of heart disease and diabetes, which are are usually seen in adults, are increasingly being found in adolescents. A longitudinal study has suggested that reducing the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages during childhood may lessen the risk of chronic disease in later life. ...
Ten substances to avoid in vitamins.
Dec 22, 2005; ... There are quite a few factors that customers should not have to worry about in a vitamin preparation. A little known fact is that the potentially problematic substances in many cases do not appear in the product label. This is because they are present in small amounts or are constituents ...
Prescription drug errors can affect millions of patients.
Dec 22, 2005 ... Each year, doctors write more than 3 billion prescriptions in the United States. Trusting patients take the prescribed medications with the faith that their health is safely in the hands of medical professionals, who ensure that they receive the appropriate prescription drugs and know how ...
The survival rate for children.(POSTSCRIPTS)(Brief article)
Dec 22, 2005 ... THE SURVIVAL RATE FOR CHILDREN with cancer is high, but children are more susceptible to severe health conditions as they age. Adult survivors of childhood cancer were more likely to experience hearing loss that cannot be corrected with technology, congestive heart failure, ...
Researchers recently set out to estimate.(POSTSCRIPTS)(Brief article)
Dec 22, 2005 ... RESEARCHERS RECENTLY SET OUT TO ESTIMATE the costs involved in the years surrounding the initial diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in children and to determine whether those expenses varied by ethnicity. Medical costs for these children were estimated for the ...
Carotenoids are biological antioxidants.(POSTSCRIPTS)(Brief article)
Dec 22, 2005 ... CAROTENOIDS ARE BIOLOGICAL ANTIOXIDANTS and fat-soluble pigments that are the source of many of the unique colors found in plants, fruits, and flowers. They also protect cells and tissue from natural damage cause by oxidization in the body. Carotenoids are thought to enhance immune system ...
A spokesperson for the Food and Drug.(POSTSCRIPTS)(Brief article)
Dec 22, 2005 ... A SPOKESPERSON FOR THE FOOD AND DRUG Administration (F.D.A.) has said that the agency will not require special labels for the meat of cloned animals or their offspring. During its research, the F.D.A. found that ...
Two nutritional scientists.(POSTSCRIPTS)(Brief article)
Dec 22, 2005 ... TWO NUTRITIONAL SCIENTISTS at the University of Wisconsin-Madison recently set out to calculate the effects of "super-sizing" a fastfood meal and the costs for society. The average super size meal cost an ...
Health officials in the U.S.(POSTSCRIPTS)(Brief article)
Dec 22, 2005 ... HEALTH OFFICIALS IN THE U.S. said they would seek outside help to determine whether the benefits of telithromycin (Ketek[R]), an antibiotic made by the French company Sanofi-Aventis SA, would outweigh the rare reports of severe liver damage and death associated with the drug. A ...
Even though new medications.(POSTSCRIPTS)(Brief article)
Dec 22, 2005 ... EVEN THOUGH NEW MEDICATIONS have been used by patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, these patients may still be at risk for nutritional deficiencies. In a study called Nutrition for Healthy Living, Clara Jones, M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Professor at Tufts ...
A growing body of evidence.(POSTSCRIPTS)
Dec 22, 2005 ... A GROWING BODY OF EVIDENCE seems to suggest an association between a lack of sleep and obesity. A recent cross-sectional data analysis from Iowa showed that ...