Zinc May Stave Off Infection
Zinc is important to the development and function of the immune system. A recent study of nursing home residents revealed that 30% of residents were deficient in zinc. These folks also were at higher risk of pneumonia. Another study found that zinc supplementation was linked to an increase in function and number of T-cells (a type of white blood cell that targets and destroys pathogens). In the study, participants were given a daily multivitamin with 30mg of zinc or a placebo (multivitamin with 5mg of zinc). As zinc levels in the treatment group increased, so did the number and function of T-cells. Check with your doctor before taking zinc.
Eggs Exonerated
Eating an egg a day was not linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), premature death or high cholesterol, according to a recent analysis of data on 177,000 people. In another new study, researchers tracked the diets of 182,000 people for 32 years and found no increased risk associated with moderate consumption of eggs. Eggs were once seen as coronary bombshells because of their cholesterol content. However, research is revealing that saturated fat in food, rather than dietary cholesterol, may have a greater impact on blood cholesterol levels and resulting health issues.
Stay Healthy During Travel
When you travel, there are steps you can take to prevent illness or injury from spoiling your trip. Proper hand washing is essential, especially before eating. Also, carry hand sanitizer for when soap and water aren’t available. Take along disinfectant wipes. If flying, wipe down your area: seat, armrests, tray table and seat belt. If you’re going to the beach, use sunscreen and wear shoes that will protect your feet from sharp objects or insects. If camping, don’t forget insect repellent and know how to identify poison ivy or oak. If going out of country, research the region’s food and water safety ahead of time to reduce risk of traveler's diarrhea.
Use Topical NSAID Gel Safely
Topical NSAID gels for arthritis pain relief may have fewer adverse side effects than oral NSAIDs, but users need to follow directions and use it properly. Don’t use the product on skin that’s open or irritated. Use the specified amount for the specified time. Don’t combine the pain reliever gel with other skin care products. Avoid contact with others, especially children, until gel is completely dry. Wash hands immediately after using unless using for hand joint pain. Avoid using NSAID gel if you have cardiovascular disease or gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers. Don’t use it while using oral NSAIDs. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about other drugs you take.
Congratulations to Bob Morgan!!! We are proud of you and are grateful for your continued service to our community.
Piedmont Community College
31 August at 11:37 ·
The Person County Board of Education recently named lifelong resident of Roxboro and Person County Robert “Bob” Morgan as a member of the Piedmont Community College Board of Trustees. Morgan’s four-year term began in July 2020.
Read more at www.piedmontcc.edu/news. #pccpacerpride #pccyourhometowncollege #communitystrong
Lung Cancer Risk
Not smoking is one way to reduce lung cancer risk. A new study suggests getting more fiber and yogurt in your diet may also cut risk. Researchers analyzed data from 10 different studies involving 1.4 million adults. Researchers adjusted for factors such as age and smoking. They found that people who ate the most dietary fiber (31g/day for men, 28g for women) had a 17% reduced risk of developing lung cancer over the next 8.5 years compared to those who ate about 10g/day. They also found that high intake of yogurt (3oz for men, 4oz for women) was linked to 19% lower risk. For those that ate both, the risk was 30% lower.
More Good News For Coffee Lovers
Drinking coffee may lead to better heart health and longevity, especially if it’s brewed with a filter. A recent study of more than 500,000 healthy adults ages 20 to 79 suggests a link between coffee consumption and overall reduced mortality. Those who drank 1 to 4 cups of filtered coffee per day had a 15% lower risk of premature death (including death from heart disease) compared to those who don’t drink coffee. Researchers say that some brewing methods leave behind certain compounds that may raise cholesterol, but filters trap the compounds. Pregnant women should check with their healthcare professional regarding coffee consumption.
“Serve Up Fire Safety In The Kitchen!”
This year’s Fire Prevention Week is about cooking safely. Cooking is the number one cause of home fires. Always stay focused and alert when cooking; unattended cooking is the leading cause of those fires. Keep a lid nearby to extinguish small fires. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Keep your cooking area free of anything that can catch fire. Wear short or tight sleeves when cooking; loose-fitting clothing can catch fire more easily. Create a 3-ft. “kid-free zone” around the stove area, where hot food or drink is prepared. Regularly test your smoke alarms to make sure they are working; they save lives.
Mindful Walking
Walking is a convenient and effective form of exercise with many health benefits. Practicing mindfulness has been shown to positively affect physical and mental health. Individually, both walking and mindfulness have been shown to improve mood and reduce stress, and combining them can amplify the effect. Mindfulness is awareness in the moment of your thoughts, senses, feelings and bodily sensations. Focusing on your breathing is a good way to stay in the moment or return to it if your mind wanders. Walking in nature may reduce stress and improve mood even more than indoors on a treadmill.
Get Your Zzzzzz’s
According to a new study, insufficient sleep may make you hungrier. Researchers found that on the day after women slept one-third fewer hours than usual (4.5 to 6 hours instead of 7 to 9), they were hungrier and had more food cravings. This is because the two hormones that regulate appetite (ghrelin and leptin) are affected by sleep. Ghrelin stimulates appetite, and leptin decreases it. With less sleep, ghrelin levels spike and leptin falls, which increases hunger. Less sleep also triggers endocannabinoid, which makes eating more enjoyable and increases desire for foods such as chips, cookies and candy.
Suicide Prevention
This COVID-19 crisis has had many profound and psychological effects. Many feel alone and depressed. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please seek help. It may be just a phone call away. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Calls are routed to a local crisis center with trained staff. Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are free and confidential. Volunteer counselors listen, offer support and suggest resources in your local area. Services are not limited to people who are suicidal, but open to anyone needing to talk about the stresses of life.
Ward Off Frailty
Frailty in old age can lead to higher risk of falls, hospitalization, chronic illness, loss of independence and mortality. To ward off frailty and stay strong, exercise regularly, including both aerobic and strength training. This helps keep muscle strength and mass. Eat a healthy diet. In a recent study, those with the best diets (similar to DASH or Mediterranean diets) had a 20% lower risk of becoming frail. Another strategy is prudent financial planning to prevent socioeconomic stress; reducing stress leads to better health outcomes. Stay socially active and engaged; isolation can lead to inactivity, depression and loss of appetite.
Mediterranean Diet & Brain Benefits
The Mediterranean diet is plant-based and focuses on vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, herbs and whole grains with moderate amounts of fish, poultry, eggs and dairy. Red meat is eaten occasionally. A recent large study adds to the evidence already found regarding benefits of the diet for the brain. The study found that the Mediterranean diet was associated with a reduced risk of cognitive impairment. The research especially highlighted the link between consuming more fish and decreased risk of cognitive impairment and a slower rate of general cognitive decline.
Rx For Awe
Watching a beautiful sunset, walking through towering redwoods, listening to a symphony, sharing a breath-taking vista with a loved one, all these inspire a sense of awe. Recent research on the effects of feeling awe suggests that it may make you not only happier but also healthier. Some of the benefits recorded were reduced stress, improved heart rate and blood pressure, reduced inflammation, and improved mood and satisfaction with life. Getting out in nature is best, but experts say that one can experience a similar effect just looking at pictures and videos that are awe-inspiring. Being grateful and meditating on spiritual things can also evoke wonder and awe.
Community Pharmacy would like to wish our customers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Better Male Fertility In A Nutshell
Some factors that may influence male fertility are genetics, environment and lifestyle. A more recently researched factor is diet. It appears that men who add tree nuts to their diet may increase their sperm quality and fertility. In a recent small trial of men with a Western-style diet, researchers asked a little over half the group to add 60 grams a day (about 2 oz.) of a mixture of almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts into their diet for 14 weeks. The rest of the participants continued without changes in their diet. At the end of the study, those eating the extra nuts had dramatically improved sperm count, viability and motility.
Vitamin D & Covid-19
There is growing evidence that vitamin D may have a protective effect against Covid-19. Vitamin D deficiency seems to raise the risk of serious illness, more severe complications and death with Covid-19. In one study of 489 people, 12% of those with adequate levels of vitamin D (at least 20ng/mL) tested positive for Covid compared to 22% of those with low vitamin D levels. In a study at one hospital, of the 200 patients with Covid, 80% were deficient in vitamin D. In another study, when hospitalized Covid patients were given oral vitamin D as part of their treatment, they were less likely to end up in the ICU. If you are concerned about Vitamin D deficiency, talk with your doctor or pharmacist regarding supplementation.
Sitting Too Much & Cancer Risk
A recent study of 8,000 people suggests that being too sedentary may also raise the risk of dying from cancer. In the study, researchers had participants aged 45 or older wear an accelerometer to measure their activity during their waking hours for a week. After five years, participants who were sedentary for 12 of their 16 waking hours had a 50% greater risk of dying of cancer compared to those who were more active. Results held after accounting for other risk factors. Exchanging even one half-hour of sitting each day for a half-hour of moderate to vigorous exercise was linked to a 31% lower risk of dying during the study period.
Kegel Exercises
Experts say that about one-third of women over 60 experience some form of urinary leakage. Recent research suggests that pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) exercises called Kegels may help strengthen muscles and reduce leakage. Researchers assigned 319 women to either an individual PFMT program or a group PFMT program. After one year, both groups saw a reduction in weekly episodes of leakage, the first group by 70% and the latter group by 74%. Experts warn against practicing Kegels while urinating, which can lead to incomplete emptying of the bladder. For more information, speak with your healthcare provider.
Reversing Diabetes
Losing excess weight and exercising may help reverse diabetes in people who have been recently diagnosed. In a recent small study of overweight people with type 2 diabetes aged 18-50, participants were assigned to either an intervention lifestyle (IL) group or a control group. All those involved had the disease for no more than 3 years. The IL group followed a low-calorie diet, discontinued their diabetes meds and boosted their exercise. The control group got usual diabetes care. After one year, those in the IL group lost an average of 26 lbs., and 61% no longer had diabetes. The control group lost about 9 lbs. each, and 12% no longer had diabetes.
Tips To Prevent Heartburn
Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly. Eat smaller portions and do not overeat. Try not to eat right before bedtime. Maintain a healthy weight. Don’t smoke; smoking decreases the ability of the esophageal sphincter to function. Avoid foods and drinks that might trigger heartburn. For nighttime heartburn, try elevating the head of your bed frame on 6- to 9-inch blocks or with a wedge between the mattress and box spring. Also, lying on your LEFT side at an incline when you sleep positions the esophageal sphincter in a more upright position, so acid can’t flow back into the esophagus so easily.
Vertigo & Vitamin D
Taking vitamin D and calcium may help prevent benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is caused by tiny crystals in the inner ear getting dislodged. A sensation of spinning and dizziness usually occurs with changes in your head’s position. In a recent study of 1,050 people with BPPV, researchers separated participants into an intervention or an observation group. In the intervention group, 348 of the 500 people had low vitamin D. These people were given supplemental vitamin D and calcium. After a year, the intervention group had 24% fewer bouts of vertigo than the observation group.
Exercise “Snacks”
One of the health issues prolonged sitting has been associated with is a higher risk of diabetes. Breaking up long periods of sitting with short bouts of exercise may help lower this risk. In a small study of overweight or obese adults, researchers had participants break up 9 hours of sitting with an hourly exercise “snack,” which was briskly climbing 55 steps. Each exercise snack took about 20 to 60 seconds. Researchers found that blood insulin levels were reduced by 17% with the exercise snacks compared to sitting for 9 hours straight. If you must sit for long periods, try doing hourly exercise snacks to offset the adverse effects of prolonged sitting.