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TOO MUCH IRON -- People taking iron-fortified vitamins without a diagnosed iron deficiency could get too much of a good thing, a past Florida State University study finds. High levels of iron caused Parkinson's-like symptoms even in healthy mice without apparent risk factors for the illness, while accelerating the decline and death of those already diagnosed with the disease, according to the study published in "Experimental Neurology." In contrast, low levels of iron delayed onset of Parkinson's in mice with risk factors and slowed progress of the disease in those already infected. While low levels of iron delay the onset of the disease once the neurological stage is set or slows the degenerative progress, iron toxicity both precipitates Parkinson's symptoms and hastens decline and death in existing victims.

MEMORY LOSS PREVENTION -- According to neuroscientists, the five best steps you can take to prevent memory loss and Alzheimer's disease are: 1. Ensure regular intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Healthy sources include: walnuts, purslane, freshly ground flax seeds, wild salmon, sardines, and cod liver oil; 2. Stay physically fit; 3. Reduce stress; 4. Enjoy a rich and varied social life that involves activities that mentally stimulate you; 5. Think young. Now, those are five tips anyone can put into action. So incorporate them into your life starting today.

FDA OPENS OFFICES IN CHINA -- The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) opened three offices in China earlier this month as part of an effort to improve the safety of food imported from the Asian nation. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt and FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach are traveling to the offices in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai to meet with manufacturers and Chinese government officials to discuss policy and governance reforms. "We are opening up a new era, not just new offices," Leavitt said in a statement. "By having a presence in other parts of the world, we can work more closely with manufacturers and other governments, better share best practices and further ensure that quality and safety are built into food and consumer products at the point of manufacture." The FDA also is working to establish a presence in India, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, the agency said.

UPDATE ON CO-Q-10 -- The first popular book about Co-Enzyme Q-10 (Co-Q-10), entitled: "The Miracle Nutrient Coenzyme Q10," was written by Dr. Emil Bliznakov and Gerald Hunt and published in the 1980's. That book touted Co-Q-10 as a supplement that could: revitalize the immune system, reverse the effects of aging, protect and strengthen the heart and cardiovascular system, normalize high blood pressure, control or even reverse gum disease, energize your body and increase tolerance for exertion, and reduce weight without dieting. Now 25 years later lots of research has documented that list and added the following conditions which respond to Co-Q-10 supplementation: type-II diabetes, fatigue and low energy, migraine headaches, ataxia (poor balance), chronic kidney disease, Parkinson's disease, cancer therapy, and macular degeneration. Manufactured in every cell, Co-Q-10 is essential in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which provides the energy used by every cell to carry on its many activities. In addition Co-Q-10 has powerful antioxidant properties. You may have heard that some people taking "statin" drugs to lower their cholesterol develop muscle aches after beginning the medications. Why? Because statins interfere at a point in the pathway that makes both cholesterol and Co-Q-10. Recommendation: people who take statin medications should ALWAYS take supplemental Co-Q-10. Recommended dose: 100 mg daily of ubiquinone or 25 mg daily of ubiquinol. Co-Q-10 comes in two forms: ubiquinone and ubiquinol. Because ubiquinol is much less stable, only ubiquinone has been used in nutritional supplements. However, recently Kaneka Nutrients, Japan's largest Co-Q-10 producer, has found a way to stabilize ubiquinol so that it can be placed in supplements and still retain its effectiveness. Ubiquinol is absorbed and assimilated up to 8 times better than ubiquinone and maintains high blood Co-Q-10 levels longer. In other words, if you have been taking 200 mg of ubiquinone, you can take 25 mg of ubiquinol and get similar results. If you are experiencing any of the health challenges listed above, a Co-Q-10 supplement might be in order. Further information about Co-Enzyme Q-10 and a high-quality nutritional supplement called "Co-Q-10 Plus" can be found at http://www.aomega.com/ahs/c1012b.htm

RESVERATROL -- Resveratrol first came to public attention when the researchers noted that people in France have less heart disease but eat so much fatty food, and called it the French Paradox. Could it be the red wine? And what in the wine: Resveratrol! Resveratrol is a powerful, antioxidant phenol that is found in grapes. The highest concentrations are found in red wine, but purple grape juice, the skin of young unripe red grapes, and grape seeds also have significant amounts. It is also found in small amounts in peanuts. Resveratrol has been shown to have anti-aging effects and to boost athletic performance (in mice, rats and primates). It also is anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and helps promote weight loss, is anti-inflammatory, has cholesterol lowering abilities, and increases insulin sensitivity. Studies also show that Resveratrol may also lower the risk of colon cancer and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Current research shows that resveratrol's powerful protective effects come from its ability by activating a group of genes called sirtuins (also called silent information regulator proteins, specifically SIRT-1 and SIRT-2). Sirutins protect our DNA, extend life span, protect our cells from radiation, and speed up cellular repair. It is not known what the optimal amount of resveratrol is, but based on animal research, most of us would benefit from between 5 mg daily for prevention, and 40 to 150 mg daily therapeutically. Although many more studies on people need to be done, there does not seem to be any negative effects from taking these amounts daily. Based on the French Paradox studies, drinking one glass of red wine daily can be protective. A glass supplies about 1 mg of resveratrol. This may be a supplement you would like to try, you may look for it in a multivitamin, or you may want to drink your one glass of wine daily, or drink more purple grape juice, or eat the seeds you find in your grapes.

FRIENDLY FAT -- Olive oil is not only a boon to heart health. New research shows it may have other powers, too. Oleic acid - a healthy monounsaturated fat found in olive oil - may help disarm a gene that prompts breast cancer cells to grow and divide, a past study revealed. Add this health-friendly fat to your diet by sautéing veggies and other foods in olive oil instead of butter. Choose an olive oil-based dressing for salads, too.

OILY FISH MAY REDUCE INFLAMMATION -- A diet high in oily fish like salmon and mackerel improves inflammatory conditions, particularly in combination with low doses of aspirin. Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, identified a new class of aspirin-triggered bioactive lipids, called resolvins that may partly explain the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids. Resolvins, made from the omega-3 fatty acids by cellular enzymes, can reduce inflammation in mice. The main bioactive component of this class of lipids was identified in mice and named resolvin E1. Human resolvin E1 inhibits both the migration of inflammatory cells to sites of inflammation and the turning on of other inflammatory cells, the authors conclude in the "Journal of Experimental Medicine."

EXERCISE MORE, NOT LONGER -- If you are still trying to establish a habit of regular exercise (or if you have started to slack off and need to get back on track), aim for frequency, not duration. That way, you will begin to see exercise as part of your daily routine, and if you miss a day, your total workout time for the week will not suffer as much.

WATER, CALORIES, WEIGHT LOSS -- Following your meals with a glass of ice water may help boost calorie burning. In a small study, men and women who drank about 17 ounces of cold water after a meal temporarily experienced a 30 percent increase in the rate at which their bodies burned calories. The increased calorie burning was attributed to thermogenesis, a process by which the body burns calories for digestion purposes. The best way to lose weight is to reduce the number of calories you consume while increasing your physical activity levels. Outside of that, there are several more things you can do to boost your weight loss efforts. Drink plenty of water both before and after meals. Before meals, the water will help fill you up and suppress your appetite. After meals, the water may help boost your calorie burn rate. Also, get plenty of rest. Studies show that a sleep debt may open the door to weight troubles. Finally, find ways to keep your stress levels under control. Research shows that certain stress hormones may play a role in the development of stubborn belly fat.

LAUGHTER MAY FIGHT ARTERIOSCLEROSIS -- Baltimore, Maryland researchers have shown that laughter is linked to healthy function of blood vessels. Principal investigator Dr. Michael Miller of the University of Maryland Medical Center says laughter appears to cause the tissue that forms the inner lining of blood vessels, the endothelium, to dilate or expand to increase blood flow. "The endothelium is the first line in the development of arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, so, given the results of our study, it is conceivable that laughing may be important to maintain a healthy endothelium and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease," Miller told the Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology in Orlando, Florida.

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WELLNESS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

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Q & A #1:
What are nonprescription pain relievers?

Nonprescription pain relievers are analgesics that can be bought without a doctor's order (prescription). Sometimes they are called "over-the-counter" pain remedies. They include aspirin (Bufferin, Ascriptin, Ecotrin), acetaminophen (Anacin-3, Tylenol, Datril), naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprogesic), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin). Many nonprescription pain relievers have different names, but if you check the labels, nearly all contain one of these three medicines. They are effective for relief of mild and moderate pain.

Q & A #2:
What is the difference between a brand name drug and a generic drug?

Drugs are complex substances, and they may have as many as three different names: chemical, generic, and brand. Chemical names are long and difficult to pronounce. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves the generic, shortened names by which drugs are usually known. Drug companies give their products brand names. For example N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) acetamide is the chemical name for acetaminophen, which is the generic name for Tylenol. Many nonprescription and prescription pain relievers are available under both generic and brand names. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you the generic name. Generic products tend to be less expensive than brand-name drugs and usually are just as effective. However, because of differences in manufacturing methods, medicines with the same generic name produced by different companies may differ in the way they are absorbed by the body. For this reason, your doctor may prefer that you take a brand-name drug. You might want to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you can use a less expensive medication. Pharmacies are careful to obtain high-quality generic products, so it is sometimes possible to make substitutions.

Q & A #3:
Are aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen, and ibuprofen different?

Yes, each is a different chemical but they all have similar pain-relieving effects.

Q & A #4:
What are some of the important differences between aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen:

Aspirin and ibuprofen reduce inflammation; acetaminophen does not. Aspirin and ibuprofen are often used to reduce the pain of swollen joints and other inflamed areas; acetaminophen is not. Aspirin and ibuprofen can irritate the stomach. Sometimes they even cause stomach bleeding. Acetaminophen does not have this effect. Aspirin and ibuprofen can affect blood clotting and may cause bleeding. Acetaminophen has no effect on blood clotting. When aspirin is used to treat children with viral diseases such as the flu or chickenpox, it may cause Reye's syndrome, a rare brain and liver disease. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen do not cause Reye's syndrome. Ibuprofen can make existing kidney problems worse. In normal doses, aspirin and acetaminophen usually do not injure the kidneys.

Q & A #5:
Are there reasons I should not take aspirin?

Although aspirin is a very common medicine, it should not be used by everyone. Before you take aspirin in any form, ask your doctor or nurse if there is any reason for you not to take it. Some people have conditions that may be made worse by aspirin or by any product that contains aspirin. In general, aspirin should be avoided by people who: are on anticancer drugs that may cause bleeding; are on steroid medicines such as prednisone; will have surgery within a week; are allergic to aspirin; are taking blood-thinning medicine (anticoagulants such as Coumadin); have stomach ulcers or a history of ulcers, gout, or bleeding disorders; are taking prescription drugs for arthritis; or are taking oral medicines for diabetes or gout. Be careful about mixing aspirin with alcohol - taking aspirin and drinking alcohol on an empty stomach can cause stomach upset and internal bleeding.

Q & A #6:
Is there aspirin in any other medicine?

Yes. If your doctor does not want you to take aspirin, be sure to read labels carefully. Many nonprescription products contain "hidden" aspirin. For example, aspirin is in Excedrin (a pain reliever) and Alka-Seltzer (an antacid). Some prescription pain relievers, such as Percodan and Empirin Compound with Codeine, also contain aspirin. If you are not sure if your prescription contains aspirin, ask your pharmacist.

Q & A #7:
What are the side effects from aspirin?

The most common side effect from aspirin is stomach upset or indigestion. Taking aspirin with food lessens the chance of this side effect. If aspirin upsets your stomach, you can use buffered aspirin or coated aspirin. Ask your pharmacist to tell you which aspirin products are less likely to upset your stomach. When some people take aspirin for long periods of time they may notice: ringing in the ears or hearing loss; unusual sweating; headache, dizziness, dimness of vision, confusion, fever, or drowsiness; rapid breathing and rapid heartbeat; or thirst, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you notice these symptoms, check with your doctor right away. Aspirin also can cause internal bleeding, which usually is painless. If your stools become darker than normal or you notice unusual bruising, tell your doctor or nurse. These can be signs of internal bleeding.

Q & A #8:
Are there side effects from acetaminophen or ibuprofen?

People rarely have any side effects from the usual dose of acetaminophen. However, liver or kidney damage may result from using large doses of this drug every day for a long time or drinking large amounts of alcohol with the usual dose. Serious side effects from ibuprofen are uncommon. Some people notice that it upsets the stomach. When it is used for long periods of time or when it is used by patients taking steroid medications, there is an increased risk of stomach bleeding. If you have kidney problems, ibuprofen may make them worse. And, because it may interfere with the ability of blood to clot, it may be dangerous for patients with low platelet counts.

Q & A #9:
There are so many nonprescription pain relievers available. What are the differences among them?

Drugstore shelves are filled with many pain remedies. Each one is advertised to be better and faster acting than the others. But nearly all nonprescription pain relievers rely on aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen sodium or ibuprofen for pain relief. Some brands also contain substances called additives. Common ones include the following: 1. Buffers (e.g., magnesium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide) to decrease stomach upset; 2. Caffeine to act as a stimulant and lessen pain; and 3. Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, pyrilamine) to help you relax or sleep. Combination products have some disadvantages. The additives can produce undesirable effects. For example, antihistamines sometimes cause drowsiness. You may find this acceptable at bedtime, but it could be a problem during the day or while driving. In addition, additives tend to increase the cost of nonprescription pain relievers. They also can change the action of other medicines you may be taking. Plain aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen are probably as effective as any combination product. But if you find that a brand with certain additives is a better pain reliever for you, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if the additives are safe for you. If you have any questions about the drugs contained in your nonprescription analgesics, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Q & A #10:
Can I take nonprescription pain relievers if my doctor has also prescribed stronger analgesics?

You should discuss this question with your doctor or nurse. Many people who need prescription analgesics also can benefit from continuing to take regular doses of aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen. The nonprescription analgesics and the stronger prescription medicines relieve pain in different ways. When you take both of them, your pain is attacked on two different levels. Aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen taken four times a day might help reduce the amount of stronger pain reliever you need. Some prescription pain tablets contain aspirin or acetaminophen. Ask your pharmacist or doctor how much aspirin or acetaminophen, if any, is in your prescription. A nurse, doctor, or pharmacist can help you figure out how much aspirin or acetaminophen you can safely add.

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HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH