Research Notes

The old advice about an "apple a day" keeps the doctor away is true again in a new study. Cornell University found that an antioxidant, quercetin, is natural in apples can help protect against braincell damage.

Fresh apples and especially apples with the skin have the highest levels of quercetin.

Red apples typically have higher antioxidant levels than yellow or green apples.

A recent study found that people who eat apples about twice a week were least likely to develop coughs with phlegm.

Apples are rich in fiber, flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may protect the lungs.

Another reason to eat apples. A University of Buffalo study found that germs from dental plaque can be inhaled into the lungs and lead to pneumonia. Another good reason to brush your teeth!

According to research, the worst months to be in the hospital are July and August.

The reason is that the new residents are fresh out of medical school and many senior doctors are on vacation. You may want to wait until fall to have any non-emergency surgery!

Did You Know?

Michigan is the second largest producer of carrots.

Miniature peeled carrots in cello packs account for one-third of all carrots sold in the country.

Carrot consumption has increased because they are handy, ready to serve, a great addition to lunch boxes, snacks or on an appetizer tray.

Germ Study

More than 42 percent of workers regularly eat lunch at their desks. Desktops are No. 2 among the most germ-coated workforce surfaces that were tested by experts. The No. 1 germ laden item was the desk telephone. So when is the last time you really cleaned the telephones or your desk top.

The experts also found that the average desktop has more bacteria than any surface they tested in the bathroom. Yikes!! Clean your desktop, phones, keyboards, mouse or anything else you touch before or after eating.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005

Physical activity recommendations are to engage in regular physical activity and reduce sedentary activities to promote health, psychological well-being and a healthy body weight. Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity everyday.

Better and greater healthy benefits can be obtained by doing more vigorous exercise for a longer duration. To manage body weight and prevent weight gain exercise 60 minutes a day. (Also cut back on some of those calories). Participate in 60 to 90 minutes, and eating less will help sustain weight loss in adults.

Include some cardiovascular conditioning, do stretching exercises for flexibility and resistance exercises for muscle strength and endurance. Talk to your health care provider before participating in prolonged exercise.

Be Careful -

En Papillote (in Paper)

En papillate is a very elegant way to serve food. The paper is parchment paper. Tear off a sheet and wrap your ingredients in it, fold into a light packet, put it in the oven. When the food is cooked you have dinner and no mess. Use this method for fish and seafood, boneless chicken or turkey, pork or veal chops, vegetables, and mushrooms.

These little bundles can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until you are ready to cook them.
The parchment paper keeps all the flavors together as they steam in their own juices - No
need to add extra fat. This is a great way to make individualized dinners for guests without
dirtying several pots and pants.

OUCH GOT A PAPER CUT?

• Put pressure on the area near the cut.
• Wash it gently with mild soap.
• Put an antibiotic ointment on it.
• Bandage (a spray bandage works great).
• See a doctor only if it becomes red and
  swollen.

Diabetes

It is estimated that one out of ten middle- aged Americans has diabetes. One in five has what doctors call pre-diabetes.

Diabetes is affecting about 18 million people in the U.S. right now. It is a well known fact that excessive body weight increases the risk for diabetes however even losing weight doesn't guarantee that you will not get diabetes. Have a fasting blood sugar test and talk to your health care provider.

Potassium and You

Potassium helps maintain the correct fluid balance in the body. Too much fluid can elevate blood pressure. Fruits and vegetables have the most concentrated sources of potassium.

Avocados, apricots, bananas, cantaloupe, kiwi, oranges, broccoli, spinach, sweet potato, tomato, tomato juice or tomato paste are all great sources of potassium.

Skim milk, yogurt, navy beans, lentils and lima beans also supply potassium to your body. Potassium is a key nutrient to keep your heart pumping evenly and it could also help promote bone and kidney health.

A potassium deficiency can cause, poor reflexes, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, nervous disorder, constipation, irregular pulse and insomnia. Potassium is important for normal growth and good health as it works in tandem with sodium.

Prevention Puzzle

• Maintain a reasonable weight
• Stay active
• Eat a diet low in refined carbohydrates and animal fats
• Switch to olive oil
• Get enough folic acid
• Keep alcohol intake moderate

These are all pieces of the puzzle that may
reduce the risk of breast cancer. In fact these
are all good tips to fight against other chronic
illnesses.