Healthnotes Newswire (October 18, 2007)—A new study suggests that people with schizophrenia may reduce unpleasant symptoms related to their disease and their medication by supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins E and C.
Healthnotes Newswire (October 18, 2007)—A new study suggests that people with schizophrenia may reduce unpleasant symptoms related to their disease and their medication by supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins E and C.
Healthnotes Newswire (August 16, 2007)—Wrist fractures can be serious business, such as when they lead to a condition called complex regional pain syndrome. According to a new study in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, the syndrome might be avoided by taking vitamin C.
Q: I was on antidepressants (SSRIs) for a few years, but I feel like I am ready to go off of them. This is my idea, and I haven’t spoken to my doctor about this yet. Throughout my time taking the antidepressants I have gained weight. I think this is a side effect of the pills I was taking. Along with the weight gain, my most bothersome side effects were abdominal pain and loss of sexual interest. What do you recommend I do when weaning of the pills to ensure that I will balance back to my weight prior to taking these drugs?
A: Congratulations on your progress! This is definitely something that you will want to discuss with your doctor and do under his supervision. As you have discovered, SSRIs have some tough side effects including weight gain, apathy, low sex drive and insomnia. Some of the side effects may be more difficult to deal with than the initial mood disorder.
Healthnotes Newswire (June 28, 2007)—Vitamin D might prevent age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over age 60, a new study shows.
Macular degeneration is a progressive disease of the eye that causes destruction of the macula, the part of eye responsible for central vision. Damage to the macula results in blurred vision or a blind spot in the center of the visual field. Because this is the part of the eye responsible for straight-ahead vision, tasks such as reading, driving, recognizing faces, and doing detailed work become difficult.
People with a family history of the disease, seniors, women, people with light-colored eyes, smokers, and people with cardiovascular disease are at higher risk for developing macular degeneration. Certain nutritional deficiencies have also been linked to a higher disease risk, while the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, and zinc seem to help protect against it.
Healthnotes Newswire (May 3, 2007)—The message is clear: eating more fruits and vegetables helps cut disease risk. So what can be done to ensure kids get the recommended daily amounts of these foods? One answer may lie in hands-on learning. A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association shows that growing a garden inspires children to eat more fruits and vegetables.
Garden tending—the new trend in nutrition education
A new movement in nutrition education is sweeping the nation: garden tending is making its way into schools as a way to encourage children to eat more healthfully. Because eating habits are established early in life and carry into adulthood, researchers from Idaho State University sought to measure the effects of a garden-based nutrition education program on fruit and vegetable consumption in sixth-grade students.
Healthnotes - Stressed out is a common phrase these days. While some stress is healthy, unwanted stress can be harmful. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may help reduce destructive stress: 1. Get some extra C: Help normalize stress-hormone levels by taking 1 to 3 grams of vitamin C every day
2. Relax with rhodiola: Taking 170 mg a day of a standardized herbal extract during stressful phases may improve your feelings of well-being and support mental function
3. Work in a workout: Improve your resistance to stress by enjoying routine aerobic exercise
4. Participate in a program: Find a stress-reduction program that includes group counseling, instruction in coping skills, relaxation training, and other helpful techniques
5. Say no to smoking: Kick the habit to keep stress in check and to avoid other health hazards
6. Check out tyrosine: Occasionally taking this amino acid before a stressful activity can help maintain your mental capacity; calculate 150 mg for every 2.2 lbs of body weight and split into two doses (take the second dose 40 to 90 minutes after the first)
That frozen dinner may be vegetarian and lowfat, but is it truly healthy in the long run?
Grocery shelves are brimming with organic versions of everything from produce, to milk and eggs, to highly processed food like hot dogs and cookies. Giant, global food chain retailers like Dean Foods, Danone, and even Wal-Mart offer a variety of organic food products, accounting for almost $14 billion a year and a 20% annual market growth.
