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STROKE AWARENESS -- If you think you or someone near you is having a stroke, which is characterized by weakness or numbness on one side of the body, a sudden slurring or loss of speech, and dimness or loss of vision in one eye, call an ambulance immediately. Strokes result from blocked blood flow to part of the brain, and often the symptoms are either ignored or seeking medical help is delayed. A clot-busting drug called TPA can restore the flow and the drug, Citicoline, appears to revive dying brain cells, but only if administered promptly. Please do not ignore the above symptoms, call a medical professional immediately.

ANOTHER GOOD REASON TO EAT HEALTHIER -- Studies have shown that people with the highest levels of vitamin B6, B12, and folate in their blood did better on memory tests than those who had lower B-vitamin levels. Foods high in these vitamins include: mussels, oysters, chicken, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, spinach, oranges, bran cereal, and whole wheat bread. An added bonus: adequate folate, B6 and B12 levels have been associated with fewer heart attacks and strokes.

PREVENT CATARACTS NATURALLY -- A diet that includes plenty of broccoli, carrots, collard greens, spinach, and squash can help prevent cataracts. These vegetables contain chemicals that enhance eye pigments which help filter out ultraviolet light, a major cause of cataracts.

KNOW YOUR JUICE -- Quite a few juice drinks on the market now are so diluted that most contain as little as 5% to 10% juice. These products are mostly water, sugar, flavorings, and additives. When buying juice, choose only those with no preservatives or added sweeteners. When reviewing the ingredient panel, the product should have juice listed as the first ingredient. Products with a lower percentage of juice list water first.

GOOD SLEEP IS IMPORTANT -- Many people do not get an adequate amount of sleep to carry them through the day. This affects their work and those people around them. When someone is sleep-deprived, they are less productive and more likely to make mistakes. They are also more likely to be irritable with their family and coworkers. Some hints on getting a good night's sleep: One hour before bedtime, begin to relax with some calming activities, either reading or listening to music. Avoid caffeine within six hours of bedtime. Avoid alcohol since it tends to disturb the sleep in the latter part of the night. If snoring is a problem: Lose weight, even losing a few pounds can make a difference. Avoid alcohol within two hours of bedtime. Sleep on your side. If you are still experiencing problems after three weeks, if you find yourself falling asleep in the daytime, or if you experience sleep apnea (disrupted breathing during sleep), you should seek proper medical treatment.

BREAKING STONES WITH BREAKSTONE -- Chanca Piedra (Phyllanthus urinaria) is a South American herb, also known as Breakstone. It is used to help break up kidney stones and gallstones, as well as to treat bladder infections. Research conducted in Brazil points to one of its effective alkaloids - phyllanthoside, which occurs in both the leaves and the stem - as having a strong antispasmodic activity; other studies have found other compounds in the plant that inhibit pain.

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FEATURED ARTICLE

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Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression or manic-depressive illness, is a mental condition involving episodes of serious mania and depression. The person's mood usually swings from overly "high" and irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, with periods of normal mood in between. Bipolar disorder typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and continues throughout life. It is often not recognized as an illness, and people who have it may suffer needlessly for years or even decades. Effective treatments are available that greatly alleviate the suffering caused by bipolar disorder and can usually prevent its devastating complications (such as marital break-ups, job loss, alcohol and drug abuse, and suicide).

Manic-depressive illness has a devastating impact on many people. At least 2 million Americans suffer from manic-depressive illness. For those afflicted with the illness, it is extremely distressing and disruptive. Like other serious illnesses, bipolar disorder is also hard on spouses, family members, friends, and employers. Family members of people with bipolar disorder often have to cope with serious behavioral problems (such as wild spending sprees) and the lasting consequences of these behaviors. Bipolar disorder tends to run in families and is believed to be inherited in many cases. Despite vigorous research efforts, a specific genetic defect associated with the disease has not yet been detected. Bipolar illness has been diagnosed in children under age 12, although it is not common in this age bracket. It can be confused with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), so careful diagnosis is necessary.

Bipolar disorder involves cycles of mania and depression. Signs and symptoms of mania include discrete periods of:

• Increased energy, activity, restlessness, racing thoughts, and rapid talking
• Excessive "high" or euphoric feelings
• Extreme irritability and distractibility
• Decreased need for sleep
• Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
• Uncharacteristically poor judgment
• A sustained period of behavior that is different from usual
• Increased sexual drive
• Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
• Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
• Denial that anything is wrong

• Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities, including sex
• Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down"
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
• Restlessness or irritability
• Sleep disturbances
• Loss of appetite and weight, or weight gain
• Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical disease
• Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts

Anyone with bipolar disorder should be under the care of a psychiatrist skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Other mental health professionals, such as psychologists and psychiatric social workers, can assist in providing the patient and his or her family with additional approaches to treatment. Help can be found at university or medical school-affiliated programs; hospital departments of psychiatry; private psychiatric offices and clinics; health maintenance organizations; offices of family physicians, internists, and pediatricians.

People with manic-depressive illness often need help to get help. Many times people with bipolar disorder do not recognize how impaired they are or blame their problems on some cause other than mental illness. People with bipolar disorder need strong encouragement from family and friends to seek treatment. Family physicians can play an important role for such referral. If this does not work, loved ones must take the patient for proper mental health evaluation and treatment. If the person is in the midst of a severe episode, he or she may have to be committed to a hospital for his or her own protection and for much needed treatment. Anyone who is considering suicide needs immediate attention, preferably from a mental health professional or a physician; school counselors and members of the clergy can also assist in detecting suicidal tendencies and/or making a referral for more definitive assessment or treatment. With appropriate help and treatment, it is possible to overcome suicidal tendencies. It is important for patients to understand that bipolar disorder will not go away, and that continued compliance with treatment is needed to keep the disease under control. Ongoing encouragement and support are needed after the person obtains treatment, cause it may take a while to discover what therapeutic regimen is best for that particular patient. Many people receiving treatment also benefit from joining mutual support groups such as those sponsored by the National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association (NDMDA), the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), and the National Mental Health Association. Families and friends of people with bipolar disorder can also benefit from mutual support groups.

Online Resources

National Institute of Mental Health - http://www.nimh.nih.gov
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance - http://www.ndmda.org
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill - http://www.nami.org
National Foundation for Depressive Illness - http://www.depression.org
National Mental Health Association - http://www.nmha.org

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WELLNESS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

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** Q & A #1:

What is collagen and why all the interest in it today?

Collagen is the most prevalent protein in our body, a major part of the structure holding us together. It is important to both maintain our collagen levels with good nutrition and protect existing collagen with antioxidants. As more and more research is done, scientists and clinicians are becoming even more aware of how important collagen really is in such areas as circulation.

** Q & A #2:

Is it true that turkey actually contains more fat than ham?

In general, no. Animal fat, be it from turkey, pork, or beef is animal fat. It is saturated fat and when cooked, especially with an open flame as when barbecuing, can produce carcinogens - avoid them like the plague. Turkey is one of the leaner meats, especially if you eat the white meat and avoid the skin and fat under the skin. Some ham is leaner than others, but generally contains more fat than does turkey.

** Q & A #3:

What causes heartburn?

Heartburn really has nothing to do with your heart. It is a burning sensation resulting from stomach acid backing-up into your esophagus. What usually happens is the valve at the upper end of your stomach (the cardiac end) becomes weakened and does not always close as well as it should. Then, when an abundance of hydrochloric acid is produced by the stomach, some gets out and causes irritation to the tissues of the esophagus. The lining of the stomach is designed to deal with the acid, but other tissues cannot, so a burning sensation is produced when these tissue are exposed.

** Q & A #4:

Does cooked fruit still contain antioxidants?

Usually some, but not many. All phytonutrients, including antioxidants, are sensitive to heat. So the more you cook them, the more you destroy their antioxidants.

** Q & A #5:

Is rice healthier than potatoes?

It depends on the type of rice you use. Both foods contain a lot of starch. If you eat whole grain rice that is not overcooked, it will contain more protein and usually more minerals. White rice is not much different nutritionally.

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THE HERBAL CORNER

Natural Diuretic, Appetite Stimulant
Inflammation Fighter & More!

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Burdock, a member of the thistle family, originally grew in Europe and northern Asia. This biennial plant is now widespread throughout North America. It is a stout, common weed with many spreading branches, and grows to a height of three to four feet.

During the Middle Ages, English herbalists preferred Burdock root to sarsaparilla for the treatment of boils, scurvy, and rheumatism. Native American healers were quite fond of Burdock as a medicinal plant. American herbalists have used the roots and seeds as a blood purifier and pain reliever for more than two centuries.

Both the root and leaves are used in herbal remedies, but most recipes call for the root. Burdock is valued mainly as a treatment for arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory conditions. It is thought to help gout and rheumatism by stimulating the liver. Burdock is used as a diuretic, and it promotes perspiration, which make it effective in treating gout. Burdock stimulates the appetite, so modern experts recommend it for anorexia nervosa. Burdock has been used by herbalists worldwide to treat a variety of illnesses, including pneumonia, abscesses, acne, fever, dandruff, and throat infections, as well as inflammation. However, the evidence that burdock is effective in treating gout, arthritis, and skin diseases is mostly anecdotal.

Scientific research done nearly 50 years ago showed that burdock root has some antibiotic properties. There is also evidence that it is effective in treating boils. Some people even claim that Burdock root is helpful for diabetes; however, the research on diabetes is not clear-cut. In one study, Burdock lowered blood sugar; in another study, Burdock actually made the symptoms of diabetes worse in animals.

A recent study showed that Burdock blocked dangerous chemicals from causing damage to cells, suggesting the possibility that Burdock may help decrease the risk of developing cancer from toxic chemicals.

Burdock contains active compounds called sesquiterpene lactones. It contains a high percentage of a carbohydrate called inulin (or fructosan). It also contains a volatile oil, plant sterols, tannins, and fatty oil. Experts do not know for sure which active ingredients in burdock root are responsible for its healing properties.

Burdock products are made from fresh or dried roots or leaves. You can usually buy it as dried root powder, a decoction, a tincture, or a fluid extract. There are no known risks associated with using burdock. However, it may cause slight irritation of the skin when handled. In any case, it is best to avoid taking excessive amounts of Burdock (especially Burdock root) because experts have yet to completely research the toxicity of this plant. It is also not recommended for use by children or by women who are pregnant or nursing.

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PRODUCT-OF-THE-MONTH

• MSM PLUS

  Natural Biological Sulfur Supplement
  Fights Joint Pains and Allergies
  Supports Immune and Skeletal Systems

MSM PLUS from Life Plus contains pure, organic, biological sulfur in its natural form. MSM (or Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane) is used by your body to support growth and maintenance of connective tissue such as cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and bones. MSM is found in many foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, milk, eggs, and lean meat. However, processing, heat, and long term storage can diminish the amount of MSM contained in these foods or even cause it to disappear altogether! Although you may be eating a well-balanced diet, you may need additional supplementation of MSM to ensure proper levels in your body. Not only does MSM support your joints and connective tissue, it also supports your immune system and just about every other part of your body. MSM can be effective against arthritis, bursitis, and other inflammations associated with the joints. It is also established as a safe, natural, and effective solution for many other types of pain and inflammatory conditions such as fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and chronic back pain. Life Plus uses only the highest grade MSM, manufactured according to the patented process of the scientists who initially studied MSM's health-supporting properties. MSM PLUS is available in tablet form and a moisturizing lotion and additional information is available at http://www.aomega.com/ahs/m6127a.htm

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HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH