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TANNING BEDS MORE DAMAGING THAN SUNLIGHT -- Doctors remind people who want to look bronzed for the summer that the sun and tanning beds cause irreversible damage to the skin. Redness of burns and the sought after bronze hue are actually indicators of injury. Some people think lying in tanning beds is safer than sitting in the sun, but the opposite is true, said Dr. Daniel Sauder, of Johns Hopkins University. Although they are quicker, tanning beds emit mostly ultraviolet-A rays, which penetrate deep into the skin. They can cause damage to the immune system after a single exposure and could eventually cause skin cancer. The disease will affect one million people in the United States this year, Sauder said. Instead of exposing skin to the sun or tanning lights, the doctor suggests that people who want that summer tan use self-tanning lotion.

SLEEPING AND BACK PAIN -- Back and neck pain can be caused by the way you sleep. You can stress neck ligaments if you sleep on your stomach or on a pile of fluffy pillows. Sleeping on your back or side with one supportive pillow or a neck roll puts less stress on your neck and spine.

MUSHROOMS AND NUTRITION -- The most well-known "medicinal mushrooms" of traditional Asian medicine are Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, and Coriolus Versicolor. Mushrooms are adaptogens to the immune system, i.e., their complex polysaccharides and other components have the capacity to regulate and equilibrate disordered immune function, as well as to act as an invigorating tonic for the immune system. The Reishi derived polysaccharide has been found to be one of the most effective inducers of glutathione S-transferase activity in liver cells, an enzyme critical to the clearance of environmental chemicals from the body. The Reishi polysaccharide showed potent ability in the laboratory to protect DNA from attack by metal-catalyzed free radical (Fenton) reactions and by ultraviolet light. It was also protective against hydroxyl radical-induced DNA strand breaks. Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) has been revered in China and Japan as both a food and a medicinal herb for thousands of years. It is high in soluble fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In purified form, it is used intravenously in Japan for treatment of hepatitis B, and has been found to increase survival in patients with recurrent stomach cancer, particularly when used in combination with chemotherapy. Maitake (Grifola frondosa) was used traditionally as a tonic and adaptogen, and along with shiitake and reishi, was used as a food to help promote wellness and vitality. The polysaccharides present in maitake have a unique structure (branched beta-1,6-glucans) and are among the most powerful studied to date.

WEIRD CURE FOR BAD BREATH -- Take zinc. HealthScoutNews reports that research published in the French journal "Revue De Stomatologie Et De Chirurgie Maxillo-Faciale" concludes that the main cause of chronic bad breath is a group of compounds that contain sulfur. The sulfur-producing bacteria gather on the back of the tongue and on the teeth. (Mind you, chronic bad breath is caused by more than just eating onions for lunch.) Zinc apparently makes your breath smell better because it binds to the sulfur. So look for mouthwashes, gum, toothpaste, and even cold lozenges that contain zinc to zap that bad breath.

DO THIS AND LIVE LONGER -- Scientists recently figured out that if you eat fewer calories, it could increase your lifespan by as much as 40 percent. Now they may also understand why: the mutations of two particular genes seem to work in tandem with a low-cal diet to orchestrate a longer life.

WANT A SHARPER MEMORY? -- Eat blueberries! Pint for pint, these little blue jewels may contain more antioxidants than any other fruit or vegetable. The most powerful health-promoting compounds in blueberries are anthocyanins, phytochemicals that belong to the flavonoid family. Besides combatting the free-radical damage linked to heart disease and cancer, anthocyanins may boost brain power - at least in rats. When fed blueberry extract for nine weeks, elderly rats outperformed a control group at such tasks as navigating mazes and balancing on rotating logs. And when aging rats ate a blueberry-enriched diet for four months, they performed as well in memory tests as younger rats. Another blueberry benefit: like cranberries, they seem to fight off urinary-tract infections by preventing E. coli bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall.

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WELLNESS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

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** Q & A #1:

What is the difference between aerobic exercise and resistance exercise and which one is best?

The term "aerobic" has to do with the utilization of oxygen. Aerobic exercise involves activities such as walking, running, jogging, cycling and swimming to increase the rate of respiration (breathing) and heart rate. This results in increased distribution of oxygen to the whole body, plus conditions the cardiovascular system. "Resistance" exercise has to do with a different kind of work. It can be accomplished in several ways, but usually is thought of as weight lifting. It is also referred to as strength training. It builds muscles and is valuable to help maintain lean body mass (muscle) - especially in later years and during weight loss programs. Another benefit from strength training is that it helps to reduce bone loss. So, you can see both types of exercise are important.

** Q & A #2:

What is a "Niacin Flush" and is it harmful?

Niacin, otherwise known as Vitamin B-3 or "nicotinic acid" is historically interesting and was discovered many years ago when researchers learned pellagra resulted from a deficiency of niacin and protein. This discovery was an important milestone, similar to the learning about Vitamin C and scurvy. One of niacin's actions in the body is vasodilation, especially in the peripheral areas. Taken in its pure form, niacin is absorbed quickly with blood vessel dilation often noticed in the facial area, neck and ears. Feelings of warmth, tingling, itching and redness are usually experienced from the increased blood flow to these areas. This reaction is commonly called a "Niacin Flush" and usually subsides within a little while. Another form of niacin or nicotinic acid is "nicotinamide," which does not cause the flushing. However, many experts do not believe that nicotinamide is as valuable as regular niacin. Many believe that having a niacin flush is a good indication that your circulation is improving. Other than an "odd" feeling there is no reason for concern as this usually occurs only when larger doses of niacin are taken. People who experience niacin flushes notice the severity reduces within a short time.

** Q & A #3:

How much sodium or salt should I eat or not eat each day?

There has been an ongoing debate over this subject for years. We know that sodium is an essential (element) nutrient and it performs many important functions in the body, but it is generally thought that most people in developed countries consume too much, primarily because of its extensive use in processed foods. Excess consumption can cause bloating and water retention. Because this excess water retention may cause excess pressure in the tissues, some researchers believe elevated blood pressure can result. The Committee on Dietary Allowances, which is part of the National Academy of Sciences, recommends that you consume at least 500 mg per day, but not over 2,400 mg. To give you a reference, one teaspoonful of table salt contains about 2,000 mg.

** Q & A #4:

What are isoflavones?

They are naturally-occurring nutritional compounds that occur in soy beans. Researchers are now learning how valuable they are to our overall health. Isoflavones are antioxidants and soy protein, of which they are a component, shows great promise in supporting a healthy circulatory system and other health-supporting benefits.

** Q & A #5:

Am I getting too much fat by eating nuts?

Not if eaten within reason. A past study has found that nuts may even help lower your risk of heart disease. They are tasty, convenient and easy to carry, and loaded with protein. The fat they contain is largely of the heart-healthy unsaturated type. In addition nuts contain vitamin E, fiber, trace minerals, calcium and vitamin B. Do not be concerned about having to eat the dry-roasted type as nuts do not absorb added oil and most of the oil you notice from roasted nuts comes from the nuts themselves. But when buying commercially prepared nuts for snacks be careful not to over-indulge in sodium as it is best to eat the unsalted ones, or at least the lightly salted version.

** Q & A #6:

What are OPCs and how do they help me to be healthier?

Glad you asked. Possibly the most valuable single antioxidant nutrient is "OPC," or (Oligomeric ProanthoCyanidins), which occurs in thousands of plants and are commonly extracted from grape seed and pine bark. OPCs are powerful and support the action of other antioxidants, especially Vitamin C. They cross the blood-brain barrier and have been extremely well researched. OPCs are considered to have anti-aging properties as they help support your body's immune system and cell structure. All OPC supplement products are NOT created equal. Only those considered "choice" or "premium-quality" offer the most for your money and these can be 20 to 50 times more potent than vitamin C and E! For additional information on OPCs, please see http://www.aomega.com/ahs/p6190b.htm.

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FEATURED ARTICLE

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General Information

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in the United States and many European countries. The neovascular "wet" form of the disease is responsible for most (90%) severe loss of vision. There are approximately 200,000 new cases of wet macular degeneration in the United States each year.

The average age of patients with the wet form of macular degeneration is the mid-70s. It rarely occurs before the age of 50. Wet macular degeneration is more common in whites, but occurs in all races.

The wet form of macular degeneration is usually associated with aging, but other diseases which can cause wet macular degeneration include high myopia (being very nearsighted) and some intraocular infections like histoplasmosis.

The first proven treatment was laser photocoagulation, but only 10% to 15% of eyes with wet macular degeneration are treatable with laser. Then, recurrences after laser treatment are common (70% in 5 years). The average visual acuity 3 years after treatment is usually 20/200 to 20/250.

Patients rarely lose all of their vision from macular degeneration. Though they have poor central vision, most can walk around, dress themselves, and perform many of their normal daily tasks.

Adult macular degeneration is traditionally described as that form of the disease that affects individuals over the age of 55 years. However, it has recently been discovered that a significant number of these individuals may have a major genetic component that contributes to the disease.

What does macular degeneration do to your vision?

Your retina contains an extraordinary photosensitive array of cells that line the back of your eye. The light falling onto these cells in the retina is transformed into electrical signals which are transmitted to the brain centers that process and interpret them.

The most concentrated collection of photosensitive cells in your retina, including those that enable critical color and fine detail vision, are found in the Bulls-Eye center zone in an area called the macula.

Macular degeneration is the imprecise historical name given to that group of diseases that causes sight-sensing cells in the macular zone of the retina to malfunction or lose function and results in debilitating loss of vital central or detail vision.

Because the brain cleverly learns to compensate and fill in the missing part of the picture in early cases with spotty macular cell damage or dysfunction, most people only present to their ophthalmologist when disease is fairly advanced. Compared to the huge numbers of people affected (over 12 million), research efforts toward discovery of cause and cure by government, public and private institutions are inappropriately small.

What are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration can cause different symptoms in different people. Sometimes only one eye loses vision while the other eye continues to see well for many years. The condition may be hardly noticeable in its early stages. But when both eyes are affected, reading and close up work can become difficult.

If you have been diagnosed with adult macular degeneration you are in good company. Another case of adult macular degeneration is diagnosed every three minutes in the United States. One in six people between the ages of 55 and 64 will be affected while one in four Americans between 64 and 74 will be smitten. One in three over the age of 75 will be affected. Each year 1.2 million of the estimated 12 million people with macular degeneration will suffer severe central vision loss. Each year 200,000 individuals will lose all central vision in one or both eyes. While the causes of macular degeneration are unknown, some tantalizing clues have become available. Genetic researchers, supported in part by the Macular Degeneration Foundation, have recently discovered a group of genes termed ABCR.

Possession of these genes may increase the likelihood of an individual developing macular degeneration by approximately 30 percent. However, most macular diseases have a complex genetic makeup compared with single gene-causation diseases. In most individuals macular degeneration is likely due to both environmental and genetic factors that combine to cause damage and disease.

Genetic typing of patients with macular degeneration is likely to assume more and more importance in the future. It will enable ophthalmologists to identify high-risk individuals and to better understand the relationships between genetic defects, the appearance of the macula and how the disease progresses. This information will hopefully provide scientists with some of the tools they need to develop therapies that can prevent, slow and even arrest the progression of macular degeneration.

What can you or your loved one do if diagnosed with macular degeneration?

First it is important to modify those environmental risk factors that we know about.

Then, you should:

1. Detail a low-fat, low cholesterol diet.

2. If you are post menopausal, you should consult with your physician concerning estrogen replacement therapy. This may have a favorable impact upon cholesterol lipid levels that play a role in worsening the disease.

3. Wear sunglasses with UV protection.

4. Try to consume at least two servings of leafy dark green vegetables per day.

5. Do not smoke and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.

6. Eat food and or supplements rich in vitamin E,C, and Lutein. Lutein is a plant antioxidant found in high quantities in spinach, kale and other dark green, leafy vegetables

Some emerging theories about what may play a role in causing or worsening macular degeneration are as follows:

1. The macular contains many highly active and sensitive photoreceptors that require and consume a great deal of energy. Generating this energy requires a constant, rich supply of oxygen, nutrients and ions. Consequently, the macula has one of the highest rate of blood flow through its supply vessels. Anything that interferes with this necessary rich blood supply can cause the macula to malfunction and possibly become diseased.

2. Smoking can reduce this vital blood supply by contributing to narrowing of the blood vessels and thickening of the blood, as it does in the heart and brain where this process contributes to heart attacks and strokes.

3. A high-fat, high cholesterol diet can lead to fatty plaque deposition in the macular vessels hampering blood flow.

4. A shortage of antioxidants may also increase the tendency for fatty deposits to stick to blood vessel walls.

HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH