PETER'S PRINCIPLES - Sept. 30, 2007
David from Berkley emails asking if there is anything he could eat to help fight off macular degeneration?
David, try filling your plate full of eggs and spinach! A new study discovered two nutrients found in eggs, spinach and other leafy green vegetables can help protect against macular degeneration.
Researchers followed more than 4,500 people aged 60 to 80. Those who ate foods full of the nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin had a 35% less chance of developing macular degeneration. Age related macular degeneration affects 1.2 million Americans, mostly 65 years old and over. The condition gradually worsens, robbing victims of their vision.
Mary from Southfield emails concerned about her sister. She is pregnant and still smokes!
Mary, as shocking as it may sound a new study found that one in ten pregnant women smoke, even though they know it is harmful for their baby. Researchers followed more than 1,500 pregnant women. A surprising 22% smoked during their pregnancy and about 12% were nicotine dependent.
Experts believe depression may be a factor. They found pregnant smokers were three times more likely to have a mental health disorder than those who did not smoke. They are now pushing for mental health screenings for all pregnant women. Smoking while pregnant increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, death from SIDS as well as learning and behavioral disorders.
