Health and Wellness Review

Salt, though delicious, can lead to high blood pressure

By now we all know the dangers of salt – though a tasty addition to meals, too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, which in turn can have serious or even fatal complications. The human body does require sodium to survive, but too little is hardly a problem for modern Americans. In fact, very little of our sodium intake comes from the salt shaker these days – about three-quarters comes from processed foods.

You’ll have to start reading nutritional labels if you want to cut down on your sodium intake. Many foods that don’t taste salty in fact contain high levels of sodium, as do lots of condiments. Manufacturers also use salt to cover up the bitter taste that can be a byproduct of canning. In addition, sodium can come from sources other than salt (sodium chloride): MSG, baking powder, baking soda, or sodium nitrate.

We’re so used to salt that it can be hard to learn to live without it, at least at first. However, as you eat less salt, you’ll find you miss it less, and you’ll start enjoying the flavors of your food even more. There are lots of other ways to add flavor to your food: herbs, spices, lemon juice, or salt substitutes. And food tastes so much better when you’re alive to enjoy it, don’t you agree?

America's love affair with coffee is still going strong! In this survey, 60% of respondents picked coffee over tea.

Only 37% say they prefer tea, and 3% could do without either caffeinated beverage.

Interestingly, men and women voted exactly the same way in this survey. While there's a certain stereotype of a dainty tea-drinking woman, that's hardly universal. "More and more women come in and order triple shots of espresso," said a coffee shop owner.

"People, don't forget your morning coffee!" said one enthusiast. "It's good for you."

Here are some more comments in the caffeine wars:

• "I'd love to get into the habit of drinking tea, for health reasons, but it hasn't happened yet."
• "Coffee has a nicer taste. Tea isn't strong enough."
• "Coffee causes me stomach pain."
• "I like coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon.  I *need* the coffee in the morning, but can do without the tea in the afternoon."
• "Tea quenches your thirst better, and hot tea is so relaxing to drink."
• "I actually like them both, but I enjoy tea more during the winter."

Conjunctivitis is like getting a cold in your eye

Commonly called pinkeye, conjunctivitis is a redness and swelling of the eye and eyelid. Though bloodshot eyes may be caused by allergies, lack of sleep, alcohol, and other lifestyle factors, conjunctivitis is most commonly the result of an infection.

Though many people think of elementary school outbreaks of conjunctivitis, pinkeye is not in fact highly contagious. The same viruses that cause a common cold when they infect the nose or throat can cause conjunctivitis in the eye. Please note that this means that wiping your mucus and then rubbing your eyes is not a good choice!

Fortunately, it's not typically serious, and generally clears up within about a week without treatment. Severe symptoms may be managed with a doctor's assistance.

In 1900, the average American household included 4.9 people. By 1950, that number had dropped to 3.7. In 2000, the typical US household was comprised of 2.6 individuals – half the size of a household 100 years earlier.

Not surprisingly, recent decades have seen a major increase in people living alone. Today, over half of American adults live either by themselves or with one other person.

Read more

• WHO Not Worried About Drug-Resistant Pandemic Flu — Yet
  Three Tamiflu-resistant H1N1 swine flu cases worldwide so far
• More Americans Than Ever Are Obese: CDC
  Government reports that more than 26% of the population now obese
• Q&A: What Is the Bottom Line on Taking Acetaminophen?
  FDA panel recommends lowering the maximum daily dosage
• Administration Issues New Rules on Egg Safety
  Two decades of discussion on how to deal with contaminated eggs

Manage your acid from the inside out with a healthy diet

Acid reflux disease, typically characterized by heartburn, requires more than just popping a few Tums. People with acid reflux can help manage their symptoms by avoiding certain foods. If your stomach is aching, here are six things you can do to help.

1. Don't eat for 2-3 hours before bedtime. It's not good for your figure, and it's not good for your stomach acid.
2. Avoid these foods:
   • Coffee
   • Alcohol
   • Soda
   • High-fat foods
   • Chocolate
   • Acidic foods (tomatoes, citrus. etc.)
3. Skip the large meals. More frequent smaller meals are easier on the stomach.
4. Don't smoke. As if you needed another reason to quit, smoking increases acid reflux.
5. Sleep on your side. You can also elevate the head of your bed. Sounds bizarre, but it really works!
6. Stand up straight. Slouching is bad for all kinds of reasons, and here's another: it disrupts the straightness of your esophageal tract.

We asked our readers if they purchase organic produce. In this survey, two-thirds said yes, they sometimes buy organic fruits and vegetables. Only 10% said they never do.

The higher price tag is often what keeps people from buying organic.

"I hope that the label means what it says," said one. "I have questions about the government being involved in determining what is and is not organic."

"I am an organic foods chef.  99% of what we eat at home is organic, and that's very important to me," said another respondent.

Here are some other comments:

• "I had been buying organic apples, but I found that the produce at our local supermarket tasted better and was cheaper. It's hard to pay extra for something that doesn't taste as good. In the future, I will experiment with lettuce and other produce. I just haven't felt the urgency or the extra pennies in my wallet lately."
• "I do not believe that there are any regulations governing Organic produce, and the re-sellers are inflating the prices."
• "I have only bought a few times and actually like organic meats, vegetables, and dairy products.  I am very impressed with the flavor. I will continue to buy when I can afford it."
• "If the organic isn't a lot more expensive, I'll buy it.  It all depends upon the value for my money."
• "Not enough in our area. Since Whole Foods left town it's been almost impossible to find."

• American Adults Getting Fatter
  23 states report adults are fatter now than they were a year ago
• FDA May Restrict Acetaminophen
  Advisers tell agency to lower over-the-counter dose of popular pain drug
• Wal-Mart backs health insurance mandate
  Obama pushes to require large employers to offer workers health insurance
• Celiac Disease Making Inroads in US
  Mayo Clinic finds more people intolerant of wheat gluten

National HIV Testing Day is June 27, 2009. If you've never been tested before, or if it's been a while since your last test, this is a great opportunity to check your status.

The event is organized by the National Organization of People with AIDS to spread the message: "Take the Test; Take Control."

An HIV diagnosis is no longer the death sentence it was once seen as; in fact, undiagnosed HIV is what can really be deadly.

"On June 27, state and local health departments, community-based organizations, HIV testing sites, and AIDS service providers across the United States will participate in events for National HIV Testing Day. These activities will include health fairs, community education, special events, and extended testing hours."

Read more about National HIV Testing Day

How can they eat like that and still stay so healthy?

The "French paradox" is the name for the amazing tendency of the French to drink lots of wine and consume lots of oils while remaining in far better health than their American counterparts. The typical French diet is higher in saturated fat than the American diet (hardly low-fat itself!), and the French eat four times as much butter. However, the French are less likely to suffer from heart disease than us Americans.

Though an Irish doctor noted this tendency in the early 1800's, it wasn't until 60 Minutes reported on the phenomenon in 1991 that people really took notice.

Many point to red wine as the critical ingredient. Indeed, red wine in moderation has been found to have a number of positive heath effects, possibly lowering risks of cancer and heart attack. Though alcohol itself has been linked to a reduction in heart disease, particular chemical compounds in red wine also seem to help prevent disease.

Anecdotal evidence also suggests that many Americans tend to lose weight while traveling in France. Reasons for this may include fewer animal fats, less sugar, smaller portions, and an increase in physical activity.