PETER'S PRINCIPLES - June 18 -
June 22, 2007
Dave from Wyandotte is concerned about his high blood pressure, what can he do to bring it down??
High blood pressure is a very serious condition which affects 1 in three american adults. It can cause serious health problems even death.
- Here are 3 simple things you can do.
- First-exercise! Regular exercise can lower blood pressure by 10 points. It can even prevent the onset of hypertension.
- Next-eat right! A landmark study called dietary approaches to stop hypertension- or dash - showed a diet full of fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy, poultry, fish, nuts and whole grains can lower your blood presure.
- The third step-control your weight. Just losing 10 percent of your current weight or even 10 pounds can dramatically reduce your blood pressure.
Rosie from Allen Park suffers from allergies, she doesn't want to rely on medication what can she do?
Rosie you're not alone-about 50 million people suffer with allergies. Its the 6th leading cause of chronic disease in the United States.
More than half of those who battle with allergies suffer with hay fever or "pollen" allergy. It causes more than 16 million doctor visits each year.
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The key is to avoid pollen exposure.
- Try to stay indoors when the pollen count is high. This includes dry, windy days or between the hours of 5 and 10am.
- Keep your windows closed in your home and car-use the air conditioning instead.
- Don't cut the grass-have someone do it for you.
- Finally don't hang clothes and bedding outside to dry.
A new study found waltzing helps people with heart problems as much and possibly more than exercising on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Researchers followed a group of men and women with stable, chronic heart failure. They found the dancers who waltzed for 21 minutes, 3 times a week showed greater improvements in quality of life than walkers or bikers. The 1-2-3 rhythm was also rigourous enough to increase fitness in patients with a heart condition.
But keep in mind the waltz isn't going to get the average person in great shape or help you lose a lot of weight. It's a great activity for those with heart problems- and it's fun.
Beth from Royal Oak is expecting a baby and emails
for tips on eating right for the new arrival.
Beth- first of all congratulations! In this case it really
may pay to think in the long term.
A new study shows that eating broccoli when pregnant can actually make your child less likely to suffer from a heart attack later in life! In the research the offspring of animals fed broccoli while pregnant had lower blood pressure and inflammation. The changes turned out to last for the entire lives of the test subjects. Research shows that the most beneficial amount of broccoli for expectant moms to take in is seven ounces of sprouts three times a week. The broccoli is probably so beneficial because of it's high concentrations of anti-oxidants. Even expectant moms should follow their own moms advice. Be sure to eat plenty of vegetables!
Mitch from Warren emails asking for the key to
stronger bones. Mitch- let me tell you about a vitamin that
could give you stronger bones and more pep to
boot!
It's well known that vitamin D is crucial for strong bone
structure. But what isn't as widely known is that vitamin D
can also give older Americans more energy and make them
less likely to have a nasty fall!
Large numbers of Americans in their 70s have unnecessary muscle weakness because they don't get enough vitamin D in their diets! The weakness is usually felt as a heaviness in the legs and limbs. The good news is that vitamin D supplements can often counter the problem!
A study of subjects in their 70s highlights the benefits of the supplements. Subjects taking vitamin D were much more able to carry out daily chores and other activities!
Sue from Troy heard sponges are a bacteria breeding
ground, is there any way to clean them?
A new study in The Journal of Environmental Health
found zapping a sponge in the microwave on full power for 2
minutes can reduce bacteria by 99 percent!
Sponges are prone to bacteria - including salmonella - especially when they stay wet. And letting them dry out does not significantly reduce germs. Neither does putting them in the dishwasher. This will clean your sponge, but not kill bacteria. Your best bet is either throw it away or put it in the microwave. A warning! you need to make sure your sponge is slightly wet and doesn't contain any metal or it could start on fire.
Be careful when taking it out of the microwave - it will be very hot!
Do you have a question you've been working on? Send me an email!
