Mind Your Health 2
More Gleanings from the healthcare industry
Coffee Linked to Miscarriages
A Swedish/U.S. research team, publishing
its findings in the 12/20/2000 New England Journal of
Medicine, found that American coffee increased the risk
of miscarriage:
1-3 cups - 30% increased risk
3-5 cups - 40% increased risk
5+ cups - 100% increased risk
Chocolate Is Good for the Heart
Chocolate contains procyanidin, a chemical
belonging to a group called the polyphenolic compounds
which are known to protect against coronary heart disease.
A research team in Sweden and the United States, publishing
its findings in the New England Journal of Medicine,
found that the equivalent of one-to-three cups of American
coffee increases the risk of miscarriage by 30 percent.
Three-to-five cups raises the risk by 40 percent. Five
cups or more yields more than double the risk.
Source: Associated Press, December 20,
2000
Chocolate Is Not Always Good for the Brain
Chocolate is a common food trigger for
migraines. Of the 28 million Americans who suffer from
migraines, 70% are women. The most common food triggers
for migraines are:
- Chocolate
- Red wine
- Nuts
- Dairy products
- Cured meats
- The food additive MSG
Source: www.zomig.com/recipes
Snuff Out Seasonal Allergies
Are seasonal allergies driving you crazy?
Here are some tips:
- Keep windows closed during the day, and especially
at night. Use air conditioning to filter air.
- Don't use overhead fans while sleeping.
- Limit outdoor activity when pollen counts are highest:
mornings during the fall when ragweed is at its worst,
and evenings during the spring and summer when grass
pollen levels are elevated.
- During the day, pollen collects on your clothes
and hair. Shower before going to bed so that you are
not rubbing your face in a pillow full of pollen.
- Eliminate exposure to tobacco smoke.
- If you are building a home, include a central
vac.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (High Efficiency
Particulate Air) filter.
- Use Dacron or foam hypoallergenic pillows and hypoallergenic
mattresses. Avoid goose down.
- Do not store firewood near the home.
- If you are allergic to your pets, remove them from
your home.
- Turn house plants into outdoor plants. If you must
have them in the home, don't have them in your bedroom.
- Use an Austin
Air Cleaner HEPA filter in your bedroom and family
room.
- Limit the amount of carpet in your home.
- Cleaning the inside of your refrigerator with vinegar
will help to control mildew.
- Purchase draperies, sheets, and blankets that can
be washed in 130 degree water to kill dust mites
- Keep the humidity level at 25-50%.
My allergies
My allergies have been driving me nuts since I was in grade school. When I was about 40, I ran into a friend at the airport, and for some reason we started talking about allergies. He told me that he took allergy shots for 2 years and then was cured. That got my attention, because I had been taking allergy shots since I was about seven years old. I quickly asked who his doctor was. He said, "Alan Gilbert."
ALAN GILBERT! That was my allergist. At my next appointment, I told Dr. Gibert the story and then asked him why I had been taking allergy shots for over 30 years. He simply said, "Because of all my patients, you easily have the worst allergies."
So, how do I survive my allergies other than two shots per week? Here are the medications I recommend you ask your doctor about. Ask your doctor before trying them. I am not a doctor.
- OTC Flonase® Sensimist™ - Two sprays in each nostril daily
- OTC Zyrtec® 10mg Tablets - One tablet nightly before bed. Zyrtec makes you drowsy, so take it before bed.
- Atrovent® (Ipratropium bromide) - I call this Imodium® for your nose. It is a nasal spray. I suffer from something called gustatory rhinitis. Every time I eat, whether it is a saltine cracker or jalapeños, my nose runs. Taking Atrovent before my meal cures it. Ipratropium bromide is also a cheaper alternative to Astepro®. A prescription is necessary.
- Astepro® (Astelin or Azelastine) - An antihistamine nasal spray. It is interesting, because it also seems to act like a decongestant. It acts much more quickly than most oral antihistamines. A prescription is necessary.
The information contained
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. Medical information changes rapidly
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information may be out of date. No health information
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therapies and other dietary supplements, is regulated
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