February 2013
HOW TO KEEP YOUR
HEART
HEALTHY About Arthritis p.4 7 Ways to Protect Your Child’s Oral Health p.6 Improving Emotional Health p.11 FREE Courtesy of your local Major Value Pharmacy
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table of contents feature
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Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases of children ages 6 to 11 and teens ages 12 to 19.
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departments
recipes
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Marmalade Chicken for 2
About Arthritis
Article from www.arthritis.com
(Serves 2)
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Ingredients
7 Ways to Protect Your Child’s Oral Health
• • • • • •
Article from www.webmd.com
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How to Keep Your Heart Healthy
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar 1 tablespoon orange marmalade 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch 8 ounces chicken tenders
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided • 1 large shallot, minced • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
Article from www.health.com
Cooking Directions
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1. Whisk broth, vinegar, marmalade, mustard and cornstarch in a medium bowl.
Improving Emotional Health
2. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Article from www.helpguide.org
3. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil and shallot to the pan and cook, stirring often, until beginning to brown, about 30 seconds. Whisk the broth mixture and add it to the pan. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer; cook until the sauce is slightly reduced and thickened, 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Add the chicken; return to a simmer. Cook, turning once, until the chicken is heated through, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat and stir in orange zest.
February is National Cancer Prevention Month Article from www.mayoclinic.com
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Recipe from www.eatingwell.com
Heart Healthy Benefits of Dark Chocolate
Article from www.healthyeating.sfgate.com
Nutritional Facts Per Serving Calories 213 Total Fat 8g Protein 27g Sodium 246mg Carbohydrate 10g Fiber 0g Cholesterol 68mg
HealthWise Magazine is designed to provide consumers with health and wellness information that is written by the pharmaceutical industry’s most knowledgeable healthcare professionals. Our staff will continue to provide you with the most up-to-date disease-specific information available. Look for this monthly publication at your local Major Value Pharmacy. The information in HealthWise Magazine is not intended as medical advice. We encourage you to discuss any medical or health-related questions with your personal physician and pharmacist. HealthWise Magazine is published twelve times a year and distributed only at your local Major Value Pharmacy. For more information about this publication, please write us at: HealthWise Magazine, 3063 Fiat Avenue, Springfield, IL 62703 or send e-mail to:
[email protected]. Publisher: H. D. Smith Printer: M & D Printing, Henry, Illinois. Manager of Major Value: Adam DeFrates (
[email protected]) Graphic Designer: Ashley O’Connor (
[email protected]) Production: Ashley O’Connor, Tara Selinger, Adam DeFrates and Katie Hamilton.
February 2013
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HealthWise
Arthritis
About
You’ve probably heard the word “arthritis” before. And now, you may be wondering if it could be affecting you. By definition, arthritis means “joint inflammation,” and it’s used to describe more than 100 different diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues that surround joints and other connective tissue. Arthritis can affect people differently. It’s common in adults 65 and older, but it can affect people of all ages, races and ethnic groups. In fact, 1 out of every 5 adults in the United States — over 46 million people — has reported being diagnosed by their doctor with some form of arthritis.
Two of the most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have different causes, risk factors and effects on the body. Osteoarthritis pain, stiffness or inflammation most frequently appears in the hips, knees and hands. Rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects the hands and wrists but can also affect areas of the body other than the joints. Even though they have these differences, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis often share common symptoms of joint pain, stiffness, inflammation or swelling
The importance of talking to your doctor.
Sometimes arthritis symptoms make it harder to do certain activities. By talking
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to your doctor about your symptoms, he or she may help you find other ways to continue doing some of those activities. Your doctor can also help evaluate your current treatment and may recommend more effective ways to help you manage your arthritis. The sooner you take action and talk to your doctor, the sooner you can start managing your arthritis symptoms more effectively. Part of taking an active role in managing your arthritis is knowing what your treatment options are. An informed decision made with your doctor can be one of the best decisions you can make to help you get effective symptom relief. It’s important to understand that although there is no way to reverse the cartilage loss of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, there are treatment options available to help you relieve the symptoms. These can include medications, exercise, diet, alternative therapies or surgery. Your doctor may even suggest combining several treatment options to more effectively manage your arthritis symptoms. Every situation is different, so discuss your symptoms and your lifestyle with your doctor so you can work together for the best option or options for you.
Beyond Medication
Medication can help you manage arthritis symptoms, but there are other things you can do in addition to medication. You 4
can stay fit by following a healthy diet. You should also find a balance between physical activities (like walking or water aerobics) and rest. You should stay informed, and don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions about arthritis or your treatment. Use books, magazines and online resources to learn more about arthritis and stay informed on new developments in medicine and treatment options. Talk to your doctor about changes in your arthritis symptoms to help him or her determine the right treatment for you. Always take your medication as your doctor prescribes, and be sure to report any changes in your health or any side effects that you may experience. Your doctor needs that information to make sure that your treatment is the right one for you.
Keep Discovering ArthritisFriendly Products
Every year, new products may be available that can help you with arthritis symptoms, protect your joints from painful moves or improve your ability to perform daily tasks. Look for items such as special garden trowels, elastic shoelaces, foot warmers, electric jar openers, massaging heating pads, dual handle sock assists, one-touch table lamps, electric toothbrushes, reacher aids, arthritis bras and long-handled brushes and combs. Article from www.arthritis.com
February 2013
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February 2013
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7 Ways to Protect Your Child’s Oral Health Beverly Largent, DMD of Paducah, KY tells parents it’s crucial to care for baby teeth. “You need to brush from the first tooth,” says Largent, past president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
In fact, tooth decay – although largely preventable with good care – is one of the most common chronic diseases of children ages 6 to 11 and teens ages 12 to 19. Tooth decay is five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever in children, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. By kindergarten age, more than 40 percent of kids have tooth decay. Neglecting baby teeth is not the only misstep parents can make when it comes to their child’s early oral health.
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mouthwash out,” says Mary Hayes, DDS, a pediatric dentist in Chicago and consumer advisor for the American Dental Association. “Mouthwash is a rinse and not a beverage.”
Start Oral Care Early
Your child should see a dentist by the time he or she is a year old, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
How long until your child can be responsible for brushing his or her own teeth? “Parents have to clean the teeth until children are able to tie their shoes or write in cursive,” says Largent.
Getting preventive care early saves money in the long run, according to a report published by the CDC. The report found that costs for dental care were nearly 40 percent lower over a five-year period for children who got dental care by age one compared to those who didn’t go to the dentist until later.
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During dental visits, ask your dentist if your child’s teeth need fluoride protection or a dental sealant. And remember, the most important time to brush and floss is just before bedtime. No food or drink, except water, should be permitted until the next morning. This allows clean teeth to re-mineralize during the night, from the minerals in saliva and toothpaste.
Teach the Brush & Floss Habit
Dental visits are just part of the plan, of course. Tooth brushing is also crucial from the start. “A lot of people think they don’t have to brush baby teeth,” Largent says. If your baby has even one tooth, it’s time to start tooth brushing. “If there’s just one tooth, you can use gauze.”
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For years, pediatricians and dentists have been cautioning parents not to put an infant or older child down for a nap with a bottle of juice, formula or milk.
Even before your baby has teeth, you can gently brush the gums using water on a soft baby toothbrush, or clean them with a soft washcloth.
Even so, says Largent, many parents don’t realize this can wreak havoc with their child’s oral health.
Once there are additional teeth, Largent tells parents to buy infant toothbrushes that are very soft. Brushing should be done twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste.
The sugary liquids in the bottle cling to the baby’s teeth, providing food for bacteria that live in the mouth. The bacteria produce acids that can trigger tooth decay. Left unchecked, dental disease can adversely affect a child’s growth and learning and can even affect speech.
Flossing should begin when two teeth touch each other. Ask your dentist to show you the right flossing techniques and schedules, Largent says.
If you must give your child a bottle to take to bed, make sure it contains only water, according to American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines.
Also ask for your dentist’s advice on when to start using mouthwash. “I advise parents to wait until the child can spit the
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Avoid “Baby Bottle Decay”
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February 2013
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mouths.” She discourages long-term use of even the “orthodontically correct” pacifiers.
Control the Sippy Cup Habit
Bottles taken to bed aren’t the only beverage problem, says Hayes. “Juice given during the day as a substitute for water and milk,” Hayes says.
Largent says she prefers that pacifiers be dropped by age 2. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests getting a professional evaluation if the pacifier habit continues beyond age 3.
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Many medications that children take are flavored and sugary, says Hayes. If they stick on the teeth, the risk for tooth decay increases.
Often, that juice is in a sippy cup. It’s meant as a transition cup when a child is being weaned from a bottle and learning to use a regular cup. Parents mistakenly think juice is a healthy day-long choice for a beverage, say Hayes and Largent. But that’s not the case. Largent says she often sees children walking around all day drinking juices and other sugary beverages from a sippy cup, and that’s hazardous to dental health. “Prolonged use of a sippy cup can cause decay on the back of the front teeth if the beverages are sugary,” she says.
She finds that children on medications for chronic conditions such as asthma and heart problems often have a higher decay rate. Antibiotics and some asthma medications can cause an overgrowth of candida (yeast), which can lead to a fungal infection called oral thrush. Suspect thrush if you see creamy, curdlike patches on the tongue or inside the mouth. “If your child is on chronic medications, ask your child’s dentist how often you should brush,” Hayes says. You may be advised to help your child brush as often as four times a day.
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Hayes strongly advises parents to let their children know they don’t have a choice about taking care of their teeth and gums. “It has to be done,” Hayes says. But she understands that children can get cranky and difficult. She suggests these tips to coax reluctant brushers and flossers to get the job done -- or if they are too young, to allow their parents to help them do it. You should plan to help your children longer than you may think necessary. “Children don’t have the fine motor skills to brush their own teeth until about age 6,” says Hayes. Flossing skills don’t get good until around age 10.
“Many pediatricians are telling parents to use juice as a treat”
You should also schedule the brushing, flossing and rinsing at times when your child is not overly tired. You may get more cooperation from a child who isn’t fatigued. Try and get your child involved in a way that’s age appropriate. For instance, you might let a child who is age 5 or older pick his or her own toothpaste at the store from options you approve. You could buy two or three different kinds of toothpaste and let the child choose which one to use each time. You may offer him a choice of toothbrushes, including kid-friendly ones that are brightly colored or decorated. Also figure out what motivates your child. A younger child may gladly brush for a sticker or gold stars on a chart.
Ditch the Binky by 2 or 3
Pacifiers used in the first year of life may actually help prevent sudden infant death syndrome, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. They suggest using a pacifier when placing the infant to sleep but not to reinsert once the baby has drifted off. Long-term use can be hazardous to dental health. Sucking too strongly on a pacifier can affect how the top and bottom teeth line up (the “bite”) or can affect the shape of the mouth. Largent tells parents of her young patients, “Pacifiers are for infants, not for toddlers walking around with them in their
February 2013
Stand Firm on Oral Hygiene
Parents often tell Hayes that their children put up a fuss when it comes time to brush, floss and rinse, so parents relent and don’t keep up with oral care at home as they should.
Juice consumption has been linked to childhood obesity and the development of tooth decay, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. In its current policy statement on preventive oral health, the organization advises parents to limit the intake of 100 percent fruit juice to no more than four ounces a day. Sugary drinks and foods should be limited to mealtimes.
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Beware of Mouth-Unfriendly Medicines
Article from www.webmd.com 7
HealthWise
HoW To KeeP yoUr
HEART
HEALTHY We know you’ve heard all this heart health stuff before: Get
go easy on sweets and refined carbs, which can send blood sugar and insulin levels soaring. The American Heart Association recommends having just six teaspoons of added sugar per day.
your cholesterol down. Take that Spinning class. Order the salmon. But there are some things you may not have heard about how to keep this marvelous muscle going strong: Check your waistband.
Pay attention to your pregnancies. Don’t skip date night. In-
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You know: to eat right and keep your weight down.
You know: to quit smoking for good.
Do this: If you smoke, quit any way you can and put the tobacco cash toward a trip to celebrate the end of your first smoke-free year. By then, you’ll have cut your heart disease risk in half, Dr. Goldberg says. In 15 years, you’ll have the same risk as someone who’s never smoked.
You maybe didn’t know: We’re not just talking about nixing marbled steak and trans-fat-filled fries. It’s also about blood sugar, says Nieca Goldberg, MD, director of the New York University Women’s Heart Program and a spokeswoman for the American Heart Association. Your body responds to high blood sugar by pumping out more insulin to try to turn that sugar into energy. “Too much insulin raises your triglycerides and causes inflammation of the arteries, making them more vulnerable to hardening,” Dr. Goldberg explains.
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You know: to exercise regularly.
You maybe didn’t know: You don’t have to be a lunatic about it. To cut your risk of heart attack and stroke by 35 to 50 percent, all you need is 30 minutes, five times a week, Dr. Goldberg says. You can even break that half hour into three 10-minute intervals. Want to work out more? You’ll give your HDL (“good”) cholesterol an extra boost and of course, burn more calories.
Do this: In addition to choosing a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol, eat lots of fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains, says Nakela Cook, MD, MPH, medical officer at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Also, HealthWise
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You maybe didn’t know: Your partner’s habit could hurt your heart, too. Nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or at work have a 25 to 30 percent higher risk of heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
trigued? Check out the latest ways to show your heart some love.
Author: Stephanie Dolgoff
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February 2013
Do this: Anything that gets you breathing a bit heavily, that you enjoy and that you’ll do consistently. Brisk walking, raking or shoveling are all good, Dr. Goldberg says: “The important thing is to move, and do it regularly.”
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tors for heart disease worse. “When you’re stressed, you have to mobilize energy sources fast, and your brain sends information to the liver to release stored sugar into the bloodstream,” Dr. Goldberg explains. “If you’re constantly stressed, you keep your blood sugar and insulin levels high, which can lead to the development of belly fat,” raising your risk for heart disease. What’s more, she says, “If your blood sugar remains so high from stress that your cells can’t filter it, the membrane on the cell becomes less responsive,” and you process what you eat even less efficiently. You’re on an upward spiral to weight gain, high triglycerides and clogged arteries.
You know: to ask about your family’s health history.
You maybe didn’t know: Your own pregnancy, if you’ve had one, can be a crystal ball into the future of your heart’s health. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—who may have had difficulty getting pregnant—or those who had gestational diabetes, preeclampsia or high blood pressure while pregnant
Do this: Find ways to combat your stress, whether it’s yoga, long walks on the beach or relaxing in front of the TV.
Brisk walking, raking or shoveling are all good, Dr. Goldberg says:
“The important thing is to move and do it regularly.”
have a tendency toward high triglycerides and insulin resistance, making their arteries more vulnerable to plaque buildup, Dr. Goldberg explains.
Do this: In addition to your parents’ and grandparents’ histories, tell your doctor about what happened when you were pregnant.
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You know: the big risk factors for heart disease, like obesity, high cholesterol, smoking and diabetes.
You maybe didn’t know: Seemingly unrelated problems, like depression and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), might also up your risk. Research is ongoing, but patients who have RA may have as much as twice the risk of heart attack and stroke, Dr. Cook says. And women with depression may have a heart disease risk greater than that of women who aren’t depressed.
You know: to stay on top of your numbers.
You maybe didn’t know: In addition to blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, another number—your waist circumference—is linked to your risk of heart disease, as well as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Not that you’d welcome extra weight on your butt or hips, either, but experts believe that abdominal fat is particularly evil because it may release excess fatty acids (which could contribute to insulin problems and plaque buildup) or hormones that promote inflammation (which can do a number on your arteries).
Do this: If you have RA or are depressed, ask your doctor if you should be watched extra closely for heart disease. Article from www.health.com
Do this: Set a weight-loss goal of getting your waist measurement to below 35 inches, rather than getting into your high school jeans.
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You know: to relax.
You maybe didn’t know: A high level of stress doesn’t just strain your heart and raise blood pressure; it makes other risk facFebruary 2013
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HealthWise
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©2013 American Lifeline, Inc. All rights reserved. 0512
February 2013
Improving
Emotional
Health Melinda Smith, M.A., Robert Segal, M.A., and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D People who are emotionally healthy are in control of their emotions and their behavior. They are able to handle life’s challenges, build strong relationships and recover from setbacks. But just as it requires effort to build or maintain physical health, so it is with mental and emotional health. Improving your emotional health can be a rewarding experience, benefiting all aspects of your life, including boosting your mood, building resilience and adding to your overall enjoyment of life.
What is mental health or emotional health?
Mental or emotional health refers to your overall psychological well-being. It includes the way you feel about yourself, the quality of your relationships and your ability to manage your feelings and deal with difficulties. Good mental health isn’t just the absence of mental health problems. Being mentally or emotionally healthy is much more than being free of depression, anxiety or other psychological issues. Rather than the absence of mental illness, mental and emotional health refers to the presence of positive characteristics. Similarly, not feeling bad is not the same as feeling good.
The role of resilience in mental and emotional health
Being emotionally and mentally healthy doesn’t mean never going through bad times or experiencing emotional problems. We all go through disappointments, loss and change. And while these are normal parts of life, they can still cause sadness, anxiety and stress. People who are emotionally and mentally healthy have the tools for coping with difficult situations and maintaining a positive outlook. They remain focused, flexible and creative in bad times as well as good. One of the key factors in resilience is the ability to balance stress and your emotions. The capacity to recognize your emotions and express them appropriately helps you avoid getting stuck in depression, anxiety or other negative mood states. Another key factor is having a strong support network. Having trusted people you can turn to for encouragement and support will boost your resilience in tough times.
Physical health is connected to mental and emotional health
Taking care of your body is a powerful first step towards mental and emotional health. The mind and the body are linked. When you improve your physical health, you’ll automatically experience greater mental and emotional well-being. For example, exercise not only strengthens your heart and lungs, but also releases endorphins, powerful chemicals that energize and lift your mood. The activities you engage in and the daily choices you make affect the way you feel physically and emotionally. You should strive to get plenty of rest, practice good nutrition, exercise, get a dose of sunlight every day and avoid cigarettes, alcohol and other drugs.
Mental or emotional Improve mental and emotional health refers to your overall health by taking care of yourself to maintain and strengthen psychological well-being. Inyourorder mental and emotional health, it’s While some people may not have negative feelings, they still need to do things that make them feel positive in order to achieve mental and emotional health.
February 2013
important to pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Don’t let stress and negative emotions build up. Try to maintain a balance between your daily 11
responsibilities and the things you enjoy. If you take care of yourself, you’ll be better prepared to deal with challenges if and when they arise. Taking care of yourself includes pursuing activities that naturally release endorphins and contribute to feeling good. Everyone is different; not all things will be equally beneficial to all people. Some people feel better relaxing and slowing down while others need more activity, excitement or stimulation to feel better. The important thing is to find activities that you enjoy and that give you a boost.
Supportive relationships: The foundation of emotional health
No matter how much time you devote to improving your mental and emotional health, you will still need the company of others to feel and be your best. Humans are social creatures with an emotional need for relationships and positive connections to others. We’re not meant to survive, let alone thrive, in isolation. Our social brains crave companionship—even when experience has made us shy and distrustful of others. Social interaction—specifically talking to someone else about your problems—can also help to reduce stress. The key is to find a supportive relationship with someone who is a “good listener”—someone you can talk to regularly, preferably faceto-face, who will listen to you without a pre-existing agenda for how you should think or feel. A good listener will listen to the feelings behind your words and won’t interrupt, judge or criticize you. The best way to find a good listener is to be a good listener. Develop a friendship with someone you can talk to regularly, and then listen and support each other.
When to seek professional help for emotional problems If you’ve made consistent efforts to improve your mental and emotional health and you still don’t feel good – then it’s time to seek professional help. Because we are so socially attuned, input from a knowledgeable, caring professional can motivate us to do things for ourselves that we were not able to do on our own.
Article from www.helpguide.org
HealthWise
F e bruary is
National Cancer
Be physically active
Physical activity may lower the risk of breast, prostate, lung, colon and kidney cancer. For substantial health benefits, strive to get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic physical activity. You can also do a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. As a general goal, include at least 30 minutes of physical activity in your daily routine, and if you can do more, even better.
Prevention M o n t h
Protect yourself from the sun
Skin cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer and one of the most preventable. Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. When you’re outdoors, stay in the shade as much as possible. Sunglasses and a broad-rimmed hat help, too. Wear tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible. Opt for bright or dark colors, which reflect more ultraviolet radiation than pastels or bleached cotton. Use generous amounts of sunscreen when you’re outdoors, and reapply often. Also, avoid tanning beds and sunlamps as they are just as damaging as natural sunlight.
Each day in the United States, scientific research makes strides toward the ultimate goal for finding a cure for cancer. Despite the ongoing effort, new cases of this deadly disease are still emerging throughout the nation. In 2009 alone, it is estimated that 1,479,350 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the United States. While there is no definitive method for cancer prevention, there are ways to reduce the risk. This February during National Cancer Prevention Month, consider these choices and their potential impact they could have.
In 2009 alone, it is estimated that 1,479,350 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the United States. Get immunized
Don’t use tobacco
Cancer prevention includes protection from certain viral infections. Talk to your doctor about immunization against hepatitis B, which can increase the risk of developing liver cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for certain high-risk adults, such as adults who are sexually active but not in a mutually monogamous relationship, people with sexually transmitted infections, intravenous drug users, men who have sex with men and health care or public safety workers who might be exposed to infected blood or body fluids. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cervical and other genital cancers as well as squamous cell cancers of the head and neck. The HPV vaccine is available to both men and women age 26 or younger who didn’t have the vaccine as adolescents.
Using any type of tobacco puts you on a collision course with cancer. Smoking has been linked to various types of cancer including cancer of the lung, bladder, cervix and kidney. Chewing tobacco has been linked to cancer of the oral cavity and pancreas. Even if you don’t use tobacco, exposure to secondhand smoke might increase your risk of lung cancer. Avoiding tobacco — or deciding to stop using it — is one of the most important health decisions you can make. It’s also an important part of cancer prevention. If you need help quitting tobacco, ask your doctor about stop-smoking products and other strategies for quitting.
Eat a healthy diet
Get regular medical care
Although making healthy selections at the grocery store and at mealtime can’t guarantee cancer prevention, it might help reduce your risk. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and limit fat intake. High-fat diets tend to be higher in calories and might increase the risk of overweight or obesity, which can increase cancer risk. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. The risk of breast, colon, lung, kidney and liver cancer increases with the amount of alcohol you drink and the length of time you’ve been drinking regularly.
Regular self-exams and screenings for various types of cancers, such as cancer of the skin, colon, prostate, cervix and breast, can increase your chances of discovering cancer early, when treatment is most likely to be successful. Ask your doctor about the best cancer screening schedule for you. Take cancer prevention into your own hands, starting today. The rewards will last a lifetime. Article from www.mayoclinic.com
HealthWise
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February 2013
HEART-HEALTHY
Delia Taylor
BENEFITS OF
This Valentine’s Day, give the one you love a sweet gift that not only tastes good, but has some significant health benefits as well. Dark chocolate will satisfy a chocolate craving this holiday and may provide you and your loved one with heart-healthy protection. The benefits of chocolate are attributed to the flavanol antioxidants found in the cocoa beans. Because dark chocolate is a plant-based product, it has many of the same antioxidant characteristics as blueberries and green tea. Always consult with your medical professional when you have health concerns about your heart.
Radical Biology and Medicine,” 75 grams of dark chocolate daily increased “good” HDL cholesterol by 11 to 13 percent and reduced “bad” LDL cholesterol by 12 percent. Researchers at San Diego State University found similar results in 2012; 50 grams of dark chocolate containing 70 percent cocoa solids reduced LDL cholesterol levels and increased HDL levels after 15 days. Dark chocolate may have a positive effect on blood pressure. In 2009, the “European Heart Journal” reported lower blood pressures and consequently a 51 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease in subjects who ate flavanol-rich chocolate. While a small amount of dark chocolate may be a nutritious addition to your diet, exercise and a diet of fruits and vegetables will complement that healthy lifestyle. High blood pressure can increase cardiovascular risk.
Cacao trees produce fruit-like pods containing cocoa beans which are collected, fermented and roasted to develop a rich flavor. The beans are ground into a low-fat cocoa powder referred to as cocoa solids. Chocolate’s health benefits are derived from the cocoa solids, which are high in antioxidant polyphenols. Not all chocolates have the same amount of cocoa solids. Dark chocolate has more cocoa solids than milk chocolate. Look for a high percentage of cocoa solids, from 35 to 85 percent.
Chocolate with at least 30 percent cocoa solids was found to benefit heart attack patients in a 2009 study in Sweden. Non-diabetic patients who ate chocolate were less likely to have a second fatal heart attack. Although there was significant evidence of a positive outcome when participants ate chocolate, moderation is recommended. Chocolate contains saturated fats, sugar and calories. A typical 1.45-ounce bar of dark chocolate with 60 to 69 percent cocoa solids has 9 grams of saturated fat, 15 grams of sugar and 238 calories. The University of Michigan Health System recommends one ounce of dark chocolate with at least 60 percent cocoa solids per day.
Your body needs some cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol is “bad” because too much will accumulate in your arteries, causing plaque and heart disease. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is “good” cholesterol that circulates in your blood scavenging the excess LDL and removing it through your liver. Dark chocolate increases the “good” HDL levels and lowers the “bad” LDL levels. According to the 2004 issue of “Free
Article from www.healthyeating.sfgate.com
February 2013
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®
Blood Glucose Monitoring System
© 2013 Bayer Healthcare LLC. Bayer HealthCare LLC. Bayer (reg’d), the Bayer Cross (reg’d), CONTOUR®, the No Coding logo (reg’d) and No Coding are trademarks of Bayer.
Blood Glucose Monitoring System
Bayer_KM 126546->HD Smith Contour Next February Half page 8.5x5.5 Healthwise Ad.1.indd 1
12/12/12 8:50 AM
Talk to your Doctor about Reducing the Risk A doctor-directed regimen can help reduce the risk of a recurrent heart attack by 30%.
Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone,so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.
“I’m on an aspirin regimen and I take Bayer Chewables.” – Gary L. Heart Attack Survivor, now an Aspirin user
©2012 Bayer HealthCare LLC
See more of Gary and Paula’s story at iamproheart.com
Use as directed.
®
Find Your February 2013 Monthly Savings Here
Your Personal Pharmacy
Bayer
Crest Kid’s
Low Dose 81mg Enteric Tablets 120 Count
Sesame Street Toothbrush • 1 Count Sparkle Toothpaste • 4.6 Ounce
6
1
99
29 Each
Align
Each
Advil
Daily Probiotic Supplement • 28 Count
Cold & Sinus Caplets • 20 Count
28
5
99
99
Each
Aspercreme
Each
Vicks 44
Cream • 3 Ounce Lotion • 6 Ounce No Mess Applicator • 2.5 Ounce
Dry Cough or Cough & Cold PM 6 Ounce
4
6
99
99
Each
Other Varieties Also on Sale
Ace Elastic Bandage
Each
Zegerid
4 Inch Self Adhering, with Clips or Velcro Closure • 1 Count
OTC Capsules • 14 Count
5
10
99
49
Each
Dove Men’s Body Wash
Each
Keri Lotion
Deep Clean or Fresh • 13.5 Ounce
Original Dry Skin or Shea Butter Nourishing • 15 Ounce
4
6
99 Each
49 Each
Not all items are available at every Major Value location. We reserve all right to correct printed errors.
® Your Personal Pharmacy
Find Your February 2013 Monthly Savings Here
Compare to National Brands and Save! GoodSense
Flu & Sore Throat Packet Apples & Cinnamon, Flu & Cough Packet Berry or Severe Cold & Flu Packet Nighttime Honey • 6 Count
3
89 Each
®
Compares to Theraflu®
GoodSense Loratadine
WIN a Sony - Cyber-shot DSC-WX100 18.2-Megapixel Digital Camera
10mg Tablets • 30 Count
10
99 Each
Compares to Claritin®
You in dW u o C l Prize! s i Th
GoodSense Hand Sanitizer 8 Ounce
2
Courtesy of your Major Value Pharmacy! Entry blanks are available at participating pharmacies and there is no purchase necessary to enter. Drawing will be held at the beginning of each month. See display at your local Major Value Store for entry and details.
49 Each
Compares to Purell®
GoodSense Laxative Fiber Caplets
December 2012
Sweepstakes Winner!
90 Count
6
99 Each
Steven W. Snyder a Compares to FiberCon®
GoodSense Vapor Rub
New Prizes...
3.53 Ounce
3
99 Each
customer of Herrin Drug in Marion, IL. Steven won an Amazon - Kindle Fire with 8GB Memory. Congratulations Steven!
Each month Major Value will offer new and exciting prizes for you to win! Enter at your local Major Value Pharmacy today! Compares to Vicks® VapoRub® Not all items are available at every Major Value location. We reserve all right to correct printed errors.
