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CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING DRUGS -- An eight-year study of older adults has found that cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins help prevent heart attacks and stroke in this population. Researchers observed a 56% lower risk of incident cardiovascular events and a 44% lower all-cause mortality associated with the use of statins among people whose average age was 72 when the study began. The report was recently published in the "Archives of Internal Medicine," a journal of the American Medical Association. The findings were based on a look at data from a study of 5,888 men and women 65 and older who were recruited in 1989, and whose medical care was tracked until June, 1997, some of whom received the cholesterol-lowering drugs. The study does contribute to the growing evidence that (cholesterol) lowering therapy is effective for reducing risk for coronary heart disease events in older persons. The study was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the National Institute on Aging.

TIPS TO AVOID MOSQUITO BITES -- 1. The higher the percentage of DEET (mosquito repellant found in products like Deep Woods' OFF!), the longer the repellant will likely work. 2. Children should not use repellants with more than 10% DEET. 3. When outdoors during mosquito season, try to cover your skin as much as possible. 4. Also, mosquitos tend to be more attracted to dark clothing rather than light clothing.

FIX THAT ULCER FASTER! -- Traditionally, doctors treat ulcers with multiple pills taken over 14 to 28 days. The result: Many patients forget to take their medication. But one study suggests that a mere 10 days of a triple-drug treatment can work just as well. The combination of lansoprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin eradicated the bacteria that is blamed for 90% of ulcers - and this method costs less than the longer therapy, as well. If you are among the ulcer-afflicted, ask your doctor about this drug-combo approach. If you have not been diagnosed with an ulcer, but have the following ulcer warning signs, see your doctor right away: burning pain just below the rib cage that persists for days, weight loss, bloody stools, or coughing up blood.

FACE LIFT UPDATE -- Tiny, flexible tubing can now be used to fill in and plump up deep facial wrinkles. The hollow tubing, which is called SoftForm, has been used for years to repair hernias. Doctors can insert it under local anesthesia, and it is easy to remove, if necessary.

CAN TEA CURE YOUR RASH? -- If you are one of the many unfortunate adults who is still scratching from childhood eczema, help may be a sip away. Researchers found that drinking 3 cups a day of "Oolong Tea" (one after each meal) relieved eczema's itchy, red, swollen rashes in 54% of 118 adults for whom standard treatments had failed. Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema strikes as many as 20% of infants, then stubbornly torments about 60% of them into adulthood. Sufferers have unusually sensitive skin, with rashes sometimes triggered by nothing more than scratchy clothing. Researchers suspect that antioxidants called polyphenols in Oolong Tea (which is less processed than black tea) stopped the rash reaction.

BE GOOD TO YOUR GUMS -- Left unchecked, gum disease is more than a mouth problem. It can boost the risk of other health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory infections, and premature birth. Follow this gum protection plan: Brush twice a day, floss once a day, and have a dental checkup and cleaning twice a year. Using an antimicrobial (bacteria-fighting) mouthwash may also help. Check with your dentist to find a rinse that is right for you.

HOME REMEDY FOR A BLOODY NOSE -- Wet a cotton ball with white vinegar and make a plug for the bleeding nostril. Pinch the nostril and count to 10. Remove the plug and the nose should stop bleeding.

SATURATE YOURSELF WITH YOUTHFULNESS -- Much of the wear and tear on your body that is associated with aging can be minimized by maintaining healthy habits in all the areas of your life. To stay youthful at any age: 1. Be physically active for 30 minutes a day. Be sure to include strength training and stretching in your routine. 2. Get plenty of sleep. 3. Eat plenty of antioxidant-rich foods or take antioxidant supplements. 4. Hydrate your body. Drink plenty of water and eat high-water fruits and vegetables. 5. Take care of your skin. Wear sunscreen! 6. Keep your mind at rest and in shape. Learn healthy techniques for relieving stress. 7. Stay social. Make an effort to befriend people of all ages. 8. Approach life with a positive attitude!

SHAPE UP FOR GOLF -- It is warm, so the golf courses are busy. Some golfers may be in shape now, but others need to remember that stretching before the tee-off can prevent a host of injuries. Here is how to stretch beforehand: First, warm-up your muscles by walking. Then, try holding three clubs together and swing them very slowly through your full range of motion. Do this a few times. For those who are facing the season unprepared, take a tip from Tiger Woods: Spend some time in the weight room. Strengthen muscles in the back, shoulders, chest and other major muscle groups including the abdomen and legs.

FYI -- Children have strong opinions about smoking. Eighty-eight percent do not believe cigarettes should be advertised close to schools or playgrounds; and 63% say tobacco companies should not give away free t-shirts, hats, or other apparel with cigarette logos on them.

PICK THE PERFECT SUNGLASSES -- Almost everyone wears and enjoys sunglasses, regardless of age, race or gender. But are your sunglasses protecting your eyesight from potential harm? The sun emits both UVA and UVB radiation, year-round, and on both sunny and cloudy days. UVB rays are the ones that cause sunburn, and they can harm your eyes as well. Just 30 extra minutes of UVB exposure per year can boost your risk of developing cataracts, a painless condition that causes blurred vision, by about 10 percent. New research indicates that UVA rays can be dangerous as well, linking them with malignant melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. Everyone, regardless of age, race or sex, is vulnerable to developing cataracts, even from minimal exposure to the sun. People from all walks of life should seek broad-spectrum protection from their eyewear. But results from a study by Johns Hopkins Medical Institution showed that black people had four times the risk of getting cataracts as compared to whites.

THE RISK OF ROMANCING NUT EATERS -- People with nut allergies should be careful whom they kiss. A new study published in the "New England Journal of Medicine" says that one in five people who are allergic to nuts developed itchiness and swelling after they kissed people who had eaten nuts within six hours of the smooch. Although most of the reactions were mild, in one case a kiss on the cheek of a 3-year-old boy sent him to the emergency room. Four people had reactions even after their partner had brushed his or her teeth, according to researchers.

YOUR BRAIN ON DRUGS -- An hour-long brain scan could tell depressed people whether or not taking antidepressants would help them, according to new research. Not all clinically depressed patients benefit from taking drugs, but even those who do improve do not begin to feel the effects of the medication for four weeks. Their brain activity, however, changes almost immediately. These changes can be detected by electroencephalograms (EEGs) ­ which monitor electrical waves emitted by the brain ­ in as few as 48 hours. Doctors often wait six to 12 weeks to decide that a particular medication just is not right for that patient and move to another treatment. Getting on effective medication sooner would help patients feel better faster. An estimated 20 million Americans suffer from depression.

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THE HERBAL CORNER

Fights Skin Problems, Fungus, Pain, & More!

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The Calendula plant, also commonly known as Marigold, is grown throughout Europe, Western Asia, and the United States. Calendula is an annual (needs to be replanted each year) that thrives in any soil. It has large, yellow or orange flowers with many petals and is therefore high in carotenoids. Carotenoids assist in a quick and efficient repair of skin damage and the effects of aging on the skin. Dried flowers are the most important part of the Calendula for medicinal purposes.

Calendula relieves pain and is known for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties. The herb was traditionally used to treat spasms, fever, suppressed menstruation, varicose veins, and other health conditions. Today, herbalists consider Calendula one of the most effective herbal remedies for skin problems, such as wounds, rashes, chapped hands, bedsores, and infections. It is an exceptional skin conditioner. The herb has also been proven useful against inflammation of the mouth and throat; wounds; leg ulcers; dry, chapped skin; skin rashes; and athlete's foot and other forms of fungus. Calendula is an astringent which helps damaged blood vessels to seal, stopping bleeding and preventing bruising, and may also be effective on varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

Calendula is available in the following forms: fresh or dried leaves and florets, tinctures, liquid extracts, infusions, ointments, and creams. Calendula products should always be protected from light and moisture, and should not be stored for more than three years. Frequent skin contact may result in sensitivity. Calendula is also known to affect the menstrual cycle and should not be used during pregnancy and breast-feeding. No noteworthy interactions (positive or negative) between Calendula and conventional medications are known to have been reported in the literature to date.

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WELLNESS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

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** Q & A #1:

Would you please explain to me a little about what enzymes are?

Enzymes are something that we have all heard of, but most of us do not really know a lot about. Enzymes are specialized protein molecules that are produced by the body and are necessary for biological processes. They regulate the functions of an organism by aiding with metabolism, growth, and development. We have all heard of people who are "lactose-intolerant," meaning that their bodies do not produce enough of the enzyme lactase to properly metabolize the lactose in milk.

In recent cancer research, it has been discovered that two sets of enzymes help to eliminate carcinogens from the body. These are known as Phase-1 and Phase-2 enzymes. The phase-1 enzymes break the carcinogens into smaller pieces and the phase-2 enzymes bind with the fragments and eliminate them from the body. If the carcinogen is not properly eliminated by the enzymes, it could bind to a strand of DNA and alter the genes that control its growth. When that happens, the cell grows abnormally and it generates new cells that grow the same way. It is possible that these new abnormal cells could eventually become cancerous.

Other enzymes, specifically bromelain, which is an enzyme found in pineapples (and Somazyme - see our Product-of-the-Month below), is an effective treatment for severe bruises and hematomas. It promotes healing of injured tissues. Digestive enzyme supplements aid the digestive system to break down substances in foods that leads to gas and discomfort, which is a common complaint. A diet rich in vegetables, especially broccoli, cauliflower, and other dark, leafy greens is beneficial because they contain a chemical called sulforaphane. Sulforaphane boosts the production of phase-2 enzymes in the body's fight against carcinogens. However, not many people eat an overly large amount of these vegetables.

** Q & A #2:

I recently went to a fancy restaurant that featured skate as the catch of the day but passed it up as I had never heard of it. How does skate taste, and what is it like nutritionally?

Long popular in Europe (the French often have it in brown butter with capers) and just beginning to gain a following in the United States, skate has a mild flavor that has often been compared to the flavor of scallops. For texture, it might be called the brisket of fish, since it tends to feel somewhat stringy going down. The edible portion of this relative of the shark consists of the wing-shaped fins (skate looks more like a bat than a typical fish). These "wings" are hard to miss if you are looking for skate in a fish market; they fan out and have a ribbed appearance. A three-ounce serving of skate (without the butter) contains about 100 calories, 1 gram of fat, and no cholesterol.

** Q & A #3:

I use a product called "Colon Formula" to add bulk to my diet and fight digestive system problems. Recently I read that products with psyllium might block my body's absorption of essential minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Is that true?

Numerous studies in medical literature have shown that regular, normal use of psyllium fiber (a primary ingredient in bulk laxatives) does not interfere with absorption of vitamins and minerals. A study published in the "Journal of the American Geriatrics Society," for example, found that typical doses of such products did not significantly alter calcium absorption in a group of older women.

** Q & A #4:

My son takes Ritalin because he suffers from attention deficit disorder. I am afraid the Ritalin is going to stunt his growth. Should I be worried?

There are some studies that suggest Ritalin does stunt growth but only if it is used every day. The medical data clearly show that if a child only takes it in the morning five days a week, Ritalin will not stunt his growth. But the kids who take it for seven days a week could be headed for trouble.

** Q & A #5:

Can you suggest some ways to fight the effects of jet lag?

Yes, the following recommendations can help you deal with jet lag:

1. When traveling, try not to do anything that is likely to cause sleep problems. On the plane, avoid or go easy on alcohol and caffeine, which can disrupt sleep patterns. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent the unpleasant effects of dehydration. Heavy meals can also interfere with a good night's sleep, so avoid them, too.

2. On night flights, use a sleep mask, wrap-around dark glasses, neck pillow, blanket, or any device that may help you get a little more shuteye. Stretch out if you can.

3. Try going to bed and getting up an hour earlier each day for three days before a long eastward trip. For a westward trip, go to bed and get up an hour later. Not everyone changes sleep time so easily, but this can help if you can do it.

4. When you land in the new time zone, try to adjust as quickly as possible to new eating and sleeping times, even if it means staying up when you are tired, or eating breakfast when your body says it is dinnertime.

5. Try to expose yourself to daylight after a long trip - avoiding sunburn risk, or course. This certainly cannot hurt and might just help.

6. Good nutrition day in and day out plus plenty of exercise both contribute to your ability to deal with jet lag. We now know, too, that the natural bodily hormone, melatonin (contained in a product called SOMNISET), helps to maintain your circadian rhythms for natural sleep patterns.

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HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH