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RECENT CANCER STUDY - Caffeine in the form of a lotion may help to prevent skin cancer, according to the results of a new study. But a separate study found that caffeine may actually promote cancer. In the "good news" study, skin cancer was prevented in mice at risk of developing the disease if a lotion containing caffeine was applied to their skin. In the "bad news" study, when a dish of hamster cells was exposed to tumor-inducing radiation, adding caffeine appeared to inhibit the cells' ability to repair themselves, increasing their likelihood of becoming cancerous. Speaking with Reuters Health, Dr. Theodore Puck said that researchers still do not know why caffeine might inhibit cellular repair. He added that his experiment also shows how radiation exposure can induce mutations, and recommended that investigators continue working to pinpoint the sources of this radiation, and try to eliminate them.

PROTECTING YOUR CHILD FROM THE SUN? -- Think sunscreen is the answer? Not really! Sunscreen can cut down your ultraviolet or UV exposure if you must be out in the sun, but it is far more effective to teach your children to avoid being in the sun during the 10 am to 4 pm hours, and to avoid getting sunburned. Remember, a sunburn in childhood is one of the strongest risk factors for getting skin cancer as an adult!

FOR PARENTS OF TEENS -- Many parents see marijuana as a soft drug, and do not teach children of the serious dangers of its use (namely, brain damage). Also, marijuana cultivated today is far more potent and addictive than that used 20 years ago.

VITAMIN E AND PROSTATE CANCER -- New research shows vitamin E seems to help protect against prostate cancer. The findings from a study at the University of Rochester were published in a recent issue of the "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences." Investigators found that adding vitamin E to prostate cancer cells inhibits production of a receptor for testosterone, called the androgen receptor (AR), which is needed in order for cancer to grow. Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of death among men in the United States. The study found that vitamin E also inhibits prostate-specific antigen or PSA, a protein that often is elevated in the disease and used as a marker for early detection. The researchers added that vitamin E might work best in conjunction with other natural protectors against prostate cancer, such as vitamin D and selenium.

TERRIFIC EYE CREAM -- Before bed, apply some unscented castor oil around your eyes. Plastic surgeons use this on their patients after surgery!

COLORECTAL CANCER SYMPTOMS -- Colorectal cancer develops with few, if any, symptoms at first. However, if symptoms are present, they may include the following: blood in or on the stool; a change in bowel habits; stools that are narrower than usual; general, unexplained stomach discomfort; frequent gas, pains, or indigestion; unexplained weight loss; chronic fatigue. If you have any of these symptoms, discuss them with your doctor. Many other health problems can cause these symptoms, too. Only your doctor, through testing, can tell you why you are having these symptoms.

CHILD CARSEAT GUIDELINES -- Infants (birth to 1 year at least 20 lbs to 22 lbs): infant seat only or rear-facing convertible always facing the rear; Toddler (over 1 year and over 20 lbs to 40 lbs): convertible / forward-facing seat; Young children (over 40 lbs, Ages 4 to 8, unless 4'9"): Belt positioning booster seat. Remember, all children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat.

NATURAL SORE THROAT/COUGH REMEDY -- Mix 1 teaspoonful of organic honey with 2 teaspoonfuls of real, fresh lemon juice and add a dash of cayenne pepper. Drink it four times a day.

EATING FOR TWO -- The average woman is expected to gain somewhere between 25 to 35 pounds during the course of her 9-month pregnancy. It is not the amount of food that counts, but the nutritional quality of foods. It is very important to eat nutritious foods when you are pregnant, but did you know that it is just as important to eat well BEFORE you conceive? Most obstetricians advise their patients who are planning on becoming pregnant to start taking folic acid supplements a month before getting pregnant. Folic acid has been found to prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida. Leafy dark green veggies like spinach contain high levels of folic acid. Generally women do not eat enough of these foods so many physicians recommend folic acid supplements. An expectant mom can get 130 mcg of her daily 400 mcg of folic acid by eating a half cup of boiled spinach.

SLEEP TIGHT -- Getting a good night sleep is easy when you know how. Encourage your body to sleep by exercising at regularly scheduled times. Take a warm bath before bedtime. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, and try eating a serving of starch - a slice of bread, for example -- before bedtime to prompt your brain to release its own sedatives. If you need a little herbal help, from time-to-time try Valerian, a natural relaxant.

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WELLNESS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

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** Q & A #1:

Will I have stronger bones if I exercise?

Women aged 65 and older who are very active have a 36% lower risk of hip fractures than sedentary women. It seems as though the more active you are, the better your level of protection. Exercise is also valuable in supporting cardiovascular health and weight control, as well as improving bone density.

** Q & A #2:

Is it true that drinking red wine can help fight heart disease?

Yes, British researchers have found more evidence that red wine, as opposed to other forms of alcohol, can protect against heart disease. These researchers have detailed information on how substances in red wine can act as antioxidants, which can help stop fat from sticking to artery walls and clogging them. Writing in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," they indicated that red wine in its natural form worked best, but capsules containing these substances, known as polyphenols, also worked well. "Red wine, not white wine, has antioxidant activity when given to volunteers. This difference is most likely due to the content of wine polyphenols which are abundant in red wine but not in white wine," stated Shailja Nigdikar, Alan Howard, and colleagues at Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, England.

Volumes of research completed by Dr. Jack Masquelier while at the University of Bordeaux, in France, have documented the fact that it is the OPCs and not the alcohol in red wine that provide the strong cardio-protective effects. Some studies have shown that a moderate intake of any alcohol can help protect against heart disease and perhaps cancer. Moderate means one or two drinks a day and no more. Still, there is no question that the OPCs and other polyphenols in red wine are much more valuable to the body. In fact, a Harvard School of Public Health report indicated that women who consume three to five alcoholic drinks a day have a 41% higher risk of developing breast cancer than do non-drinkers.

If you do not like red wine but want the healthful benefits that it contains, then you may be interested in a highly potent nutritional supplement with OPCs called PROANTHENOLS. See http://www.aomega.com/ahs/p6190a.htm for additional information. Proanthenols are the most powerful antioxidant vitamins available and are 20 to 50 times more potent than vitamins C and E!

** Q & A #3:

Why do vegetarians need to be careful about their zinc levels?

Zinc is an important nutrient for healing, immune system function, and as an antioxidant. About 44% of the zinc in most diets comes from meat, fish, and poultry. Vegetarians should include legumes and whole grains in their daily diets. However, they must still be careful, because the typical vegetarian diet contains from 10% to 30% less zinc.

** Q & A #4:

Why should I eat my potato skins?

Yes, the skins of potatoes contain more B vitamins, iron, potassium, and fiber. Make sure the potato is washed thoroughly and avoid the skin if it has a green tinge. Green color may indicate undesirable levels of solanine, a naturally occurring toxin which may cause cramps, diarrhea, and fatigue. You might also consider taking a product like Phase'oLean Forte tablets to block some of those empty starch calories contained in potatoes and other high-starch content foods.

** Q & A #5:

What is meant by "whole leaf processing" regarding aloe vera liquid supplements?

Many Aloe vera products are made from the inner part or gel of Aloe vera leaves. More recent understanding is that the rind contains even more constituents than the gel. To get the most benefits from drinking aloe vera supplements, make certain you obtain only "whole-leaf processed" products.

** Q & A #6:

Is it really that important to drink plenty of fluids while exercising?

Most exercise experts and health professionals agree that yes, you should drink plenty of water before, during, and after rigorous exercising. In fact, it is possible to lose up to two quarts of water when you exercise! You can lose a lot of fluid before you become thirsty, so you have to be extremely careful. Current thinking also favors fluid intake about fifteen minutes or so prior to exercise, to avoid short-term dehydration. If that exercise is prolonged, drinking from two to five ounces or more every fifteen to twenty minutes is a good way to keep your body at peak hydration.

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FEATURED MINI-ARTICLE

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For centuries, women have taken herbs to relieve the symptoms of menopause. Long before the existence of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), women were relying on herbs to relieve such menopausal effects as hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, faulty memory, and vaginal dryness. Alene Falomo, a naturopathic doctor at the Pinewood Natural Health Centre in Toronto, Canada, stresses that herbs are not a magic bullet but should be part of a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a healthy diet with enough fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Falomo also believes that any woman wanting to try medicinal herbs should consult her healthcare practitioner to avoid contraindications and interactions with other drugs. "A lot of women who see naturopaths do not want to tell their doctors about it. But they can do themselves more harm than good," she cautions. Falomo has prescribed the following herbs for menopausal symptoms with good results:

Black cohosh (cimicifuga racemosa): This herb has been used and researched in Germany since the 1940s. At least six major studies using a standardized extract of black cohosh have shown it to be effective in treating hot flashes, depression, and mood swings, as well as vaginal atrophy and dryness. Black cohosh seems to stimulate ovarian activity and normalize the menstrual cycle. It takes about four weeks to see results. There have been no reported adverse reactions with long-term use. However, there has been no evidence to support use longer than six months. There are few drug interactions. Recommended dosage: standardized extract capsules (40 mg), one to two capsules, twice per day.

Chasteberry (vitex agnus-castus): This herb is effective in regulating the estrogen-progesterone balance and can even out irregular menstrual cycles. In tests, it lengthened the duration between periods of women who had frequent menses; in women with excessive bleeding, it reduced the number of days of heavy bleeding. You need to take it for four to six months to see results, but there are no adverse effects from taking it for long periods of time. There are no known drug interactions; however, women taking hormonal therapy or oral contraceptives should not take chasteberry. Recommended dosage: standardized extract capsules (175 mg), one capsule per day; or standardized liquid extract, 30 to 60 drops per day.

Dong quai (angelica sinensis): This is a common herb in traditional Chinese medicine and is used to increase scanty menses or bring on a period when it has been missed. One study showed that dong quai was not effective on its own. However, it is usually combined with other herbs, and has a history of relieving hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. Women with heavy menses or excessive bleeding should not use Dong quai. The herb should not be taken during an acute illness such as a cold or flu. The herb may interact with the drug Warfarin (a "blood thinner"); therefore, individuals taking anticoagulants should consult their healthcare practitioner before taking it. Recommended dosage: the dry herb is generally used in combination with other herbs in capsule form. Tincture: 0.5 to one teaspoonful, one to three times per day.

Ginkgo (ginkgo biloba): Although never studied specifically for its effects on menopausal women, Ginkgo is considered an excellent remedy for the mental "fuzziness" and memory loss that is sometimes associated with menopause. In studies, individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia showed improvements in mental clarity, memory and mood, as well as a reduction in anxiety and depression. Menopausal women taking Gingko have reported that it reversed antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. They reported increased libido and more and better orgasms. To avoid headaches, start at about a quarter of the daily dose and increasing it gradually over two weeks. Individuals taking an anticoagulant or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) should consult their healthcare practitioner before taking Ginkgo. NSAIDs include common painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin. Regular doses of NSAIDs are often used by women with arthritis. Recommended dosage: standardized extract capsules (40 mg to 80 mg), three times per day; or tincture, 0.5 to one teaspoonful, three times per day.

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HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH