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HEALTH BYTES

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THE BENEFITS OF WATER -- Water quenches your thirst, aids your digestion, cools your body and reduces cardiac stress during exercise, flushes out impurities, prevents constipation, carries nutrients to cells, reduces risk of kidney stones, lubricates joints, and promotes good skin tone. Get into the habit by starting with a glass of water in the morning, then work in a cup or two between meals. The daily intake recommendation is eight to ten 8-ounce glasses of pure water.

HAMMOCK WARNINGS -- Mesh-net mini-hammocks that do not have spreader bars to keep the bed open can twist around a child’s neck as he or she is getting in or out of the hammock. In the United States, 12 kids between 5 and 17 years old have been strangled to death in these hammocks that do not have the spreader bars. If you have this product, immediately return it to the store where you bought it and ask for a full refund or replacement.

INFO FOR PARENTS -- Ask you child’s dentist about dental sealants. Sealants are a plastic material that is painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars) to prevent decay. When the teeth are developing, depressions and grooves form in the chewing surfaces of the teeth’s enamel. These grooves are nearly impossible to keep clean. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by "sealing out" plaque and food. The end result is little or no cavities or fillings on back teeth.

OILY HAIR TIP -- Try a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a pint of water and use as a finishing rinse. This solution acts as a tonic for the scalp and removes soap residue that can weigh down oily hair.

SWIMMER'S EAR PREVENTION -- Eliminate the moisture in your ears every time you get them wet, whether or not you suspect an infection. Pull the flap of your ear up and out to straighten the ear canal and aim your hair dryer into your ear from 18 to 20 inches away. Use either a warm or cool setting, but let the dryer blow for 30 seconds. That will dry the ear, eliminating the moist conditions bacteria and fungi find most attractive for growth.

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THE HERBAL CORNER

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More than just a garnish or spice, PARSLEY possesses some intriguing health-enhancing properties. This well-known medicinal herb has been in use for centuries - it was (and still is) used in the Jewish Seder as a symbol of new beginnings; was planted by the ancient Greeks on gravesites as a symbol of death; and at banquets, the Romans used parsley as a breath freshener. Seventeenth century English herbalist Nicholas Culpepper recommended parsley for a variety of ailments from "provoking urine to use as a compress to help heal bruises."

Parsley (petroselinum crispum or petroselinum sativum) is a biennial or perennial herb which although now cultivated worldwide, originated in the Mediterranean region. It has a thin, white, spindle shaped root and an erect, grooved, angular stem. The leaves which are shiny and dark green, are grouped in two's or three's. The flowers are white or greenish yellow and appear from June to August. The parts of the plant most often used are the leaves, seeds, and roots.

The two major chemicals found in parsley oil (the highest concentration is found in the seeds) are "apiol" and "myristicin" which cause mild laxative and significant diuretic action. Modern herbalists recommend parsley in cooking as a rich source of Vitamins A and C and as a digestive aid.

The following are the three main medicinal uses of parsley:

1. It is an effective diuretic, helping the body to get rid of excess water. It has been used for such conditions as hypertension and congestive heart failure - however, because of the seriousness of these illnesses, parsley should never be used without the advice of a physician. Note: diuretics deplete the body of potassium, so if using parsley medicinally, be sure to eat foods high in potassium such as bananas and fresh vegetables.
2. It is an "emmenagogue" or an agent that stimulates the menstrual process. The diuretic properties also help relieve the bloated feeling caused by premenstrual fluid build up which could be helpful for women bothered by PMS. Since both apiol and myristicin are uterine stimulants, medicinal dosages should not be used during pregnancy as it could cause excessive stimulation of the womb. Because of this, parsley infusions have been used late in pregnancy to induce labor.
3. It is an effective carminative, or "gas expeller." In other words, parsley may help to ease flatulence and the colic pains that may accompany it.

Fresh parsley is also useful as a natural breath freshener because it contains one of the highest levels of "chlorophyll" of any herb. Chlorophyll is the active ingredient found in many over-the-counter breath fresheners such as "Clorets." This may be one reason it is used as a garnish in many restaurants.

A note of caution, high doses of parsley oil may cause headache, nausea, vertigo, giddiness, hives, and liver and kidney damage. Medicinal dosages should not be given to children under 2 years of age. However, medical literature does not contain any reports of problems from the herb itself.

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FEATURED ARTICLE

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Premenstrual Syndrome - commonly known as PMS - is a disorder characterized by a variety of physical, behavioral, and emotional symptoms that occur in women before menstruation. These symptoms typically begin at or after ovulation (release of an egg by the ovaries), and continue until menstruation begins.

Many researchers believe that PMS is the result of changes in estrogen and progesterone hormone levels that occur during the menstrual cycle. Among other effects, these hormonal changes may cause the body to retain more sodium and fluid, leading to swelling or bloating. Recent research suggests that low levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals that transmit messages between cells) that affect a woman's sense of well-being and relaxation, and also stimulate the central nervous system, may contribute to the emotional symptoms.

PMS is diagnosed by recording symptoms for several menstrual cycles. Symptoms that occur in a predictable pattern (starting before menstruation, then disappearing when it begins) usually indicate PMS. A doctor may perform a physical exam, if necessary, to rule out the possibility that symptoms indicate the presence of disease.

The most common physical symptom of PMS is fatigue. Other physical symptoms may include cravings for sweet or salty foods, abdominal bloating, weight gain, sore breasts, swollen feet or hands, headaches, acne, and various gastrointestinal problems. The emotional symptoms of PMS generally include depression, irritability, anxiety, or mood swings. Approximately 2 to 5 percent of women have severe PMS symptoms, but many have only mild or moderate symptoms. PMS is most common in women in their twenties through forties, and ceases entirely at menopause.

The following common sense health tips and dietary recommendations may be helpful in countering PMS symptoms and reducing its associated discomfort:

DIET

• Consume a high-complex carbohydrate diet.
• Consume several servings daily of fiber-rich foods to ensure an intake of 20 to 40 grams or more.
• Limit sugar to less than 10 percent of total calories.
• Limit protein to 15 percent of total calories and limit or avoid protein from animal sources.
• For chocolate cravers, choose moderate amounts of low-fat chocolate foods such as cocoa made with nonfat milk and chocolate cake with no frosting.
• Avoid caffeine, especially when anxiety and breast tenderness are problems.
• Reduce fat intake to no more than 30 percent of calories.
• Reduce saturated fat to less than 10 percent of calories.
• Include one to two tablespoons of safflower oil in the daily diet.
• Avoid all polyunsaturated vegetable oils.
• Reduce or eliminate salt intake to minimize fluid retention and swelling.

• Consume the recommended levels of iron. Also try using a quality magnesium and calcium supplement, 1000 milligrams of each as needed.
• Try taking the B-complex vitamins and no more than 400 IU of vitamin E daily.
• Vitamin B6 supplementation (50 to 150 milligrams per day), started on day ten of the menstrual cycle and continued through day three of the next cycle, has produced positive results in some women. Vitamin B6 in doses greater than 100 milligrams a day should be taken only under a doctor's supervision. Vitamin B6 can produce toxic symptoms, including irreversible nerve damage, when consumed in large amounts for extended periods of time.

• Use the dong quai herb which is believed to help balance the body's hormones. An alternative is chaste tree herb.
• For painful menstrual cramps, try raspberry tea. A stronger herbal remedy is crampbark or viburnum (viburnum opulus). Take one dropperful of the tincture in a little warm water as needed.
• Use black currant essential oil, 500 milligrams twice a day.
• The skullcap herb is believed to have a calming effect on the nerves.
• Dandelion herb tea may also be used where a diuretic is indicated. This may help to reduce swelling and bloating caused by water retention.

• Include plenty of physical activity in your daily routine.
• Do regular aerobic exercise, 30 minutes a day, four or five days a week.
• Perform breathing exercises and practice other relaxation techniques.
• Practice effective stress-management techniques.
• Many women report satisfactory relief of menstrual cramps with ibuprofen - be sure to have food in your stomach when you take it.
• A hot water bottle or heating pad on the abdomen may also prove helpful.

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HEALTH RESOURCES

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Site #1: HEALTH A-TO-Z
** http://www.healthatoz.com/ **
HealthAtoZ is a comprehensive, well-integrated, health and medical resource developed by health care professionals. HealthAtoZ's aim is to partner with consumers to better manage their health. Information and resource sections include: diseases and condition, health and wellness, and current headlines, articles, and alerts.

Site #2: ALCOHOL ABUSE USA
** http://www.alcoholabuse.com/ **
A site dedicated to providing resources and information about drug, alcohol, and substance abuse. Includes a state-by-state reference, membership area, bulletin board, guestbook, job opportunities, and more!

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THE PRODUCT-OF-THE-MONTH

• CATAGESIC
  Cat's Claw & Rainforest Herbs
  For Pain Reduction, Energy,
  Athletic Performance, & Recovery

CATAGESIC from Life Plus blends Cat's Claw (uña de gato) with seven other rainforest herbs to enhance athletic stamina and reduce inflammation. These powerful herbal extracts are used by rainforest tribes to decrease soreness and stiffness, speed recovery from physical exertion, boost metabolism, and aid in muscle development. CATAGESIC is the first formula ever to contain chuchuhuasi - an herb so effective in treating inflammation, that certain ingredients contained in it are being patented by a major pharmaceutical company for relief of arthritis symptoms. CATAGESIC also utilizes suma, a rainforest herb that has propelled the Russian Olympic team to victory. Detailed information about CATAGESIC can be found on our web site at: http://www.aomega.com/ahs/c1101b.htm

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HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH