PETER'S PRINCIPLES - May 14 - May 18, 2007
Cindy from Franklin drinks a lot of cola-just how bad is it for her?
It's not just cola that's bad it's all caffienated, carbonated drinks. A recent study linked carbonated drinks to lower bone density among girls.
Recent studies had only linked cola to the problem. Researchers believe one of the problems is the caffeine in the drinks. Caffeine increases the excretion of calcium by the kidneys-so less is absorbed into bones.
Colas are also full of phosphoric acid, which may lower blood levels of calcium causing weaker bones. Experts found no evidence of the carbonation itself causing bone problems.
Your best bet is to drink more water. Seventy-five percent of all Americans suffer with some dehydration. Water is key to a healthy body so drink up!
Marla from Sterling Heights is concerned about losing her sight as she gets older, what can she do?
Marla start exercising!
A new study found people who exercised three or more times a week decreased their risk of developing age-related macular degeneration by 70 percent!
Researchers say exercise reduces systemic inflammation. It also reduces the failure of cells that line the eye's blood vessels. Both of these conditions play a role in the development of age-related macular degeneration. Age related macular degeneration gradually destroys the sharp, central vision you need to see objects clearly. This can interfere with daily tasks like driving and reading. So get out and exercise!
Carrie from Westland thinks she's in love, but her relationship started right after her father died. Is there a link?
There could be. There have been numerous studies trying to sort out why we fall in love. Now some researchers are saying falling in love may be caused by anxiety and fear.
The researchers followed a group of people who said they recently fell in love. They found high levels of the stress hormone-cortisol-in the lovestruck group. As the relationship grew older and that "head over heels" feeling went away, their stress hormone level dropped and returned to normal.
Experts believe people often forge strong bonds and intimate ties in threatening circumstances. It may be our way of getting through a rough time.
Ken from Detroit says he isn't sleeping well at night- what can he do?
Ken you live in the worst city for sleeping! That's right -- Detroit has been named America's Insomnia Capital.
High unemployment and other stress factors are to blame-but you can do something about it! First- try and handle stress better. Stress is a key ingredient to a sleepness night.
Also, most people do the wrong thing right before going to bed. Avoid alcohol and eating late at night- that's a receipe for disaster.
Next - exercise! It'll help you fall asleep at night. But make sure you do it early in the day and not right before bedtime. Finally - try to go to bed at the same time every night.
I hope these tips will help you sleep soundly.
Jill from Livonia has been seeing a massage therapist. She emails for the potential health pluses- and minuses.
Jill-- millions of Americans take a hands on approach when it comes to a healthy rubdown!
Massage can promote relaxation, relieve pain, and even reduce stress-- but its not for everyone!
Professional massage therapists generally screen potential clients looking for possible trouble spots. Cancer is of special concern. Suspicious lumps or areas where tumors have been removed should *never* be massaged! It can actually lead to spread of malignant cells!
Folks with brittle bones should check with a doctor before getting a massage. Others who may want to avoid getting a massage include those with osteoporosis, skin problems, or diabetes.
For most of us a massage is fine-- but for a few it can mean rolling the dice with their health!
Do you have a question you've been working on? Send me an email!
