Weekly Wellness

Beta Carotene and Memory: I thought that this study was cancelled years ago when it was found that smokers who took the supplement were more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer. That being said, the results of a near 20 year study are reported in November’s issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. I haven’t read the article but saw a little story about it in the local herald-tribune here in Florida. What I liked was the journalist’s synopsis which included who was in the study and thus who the results would relate to, where the actual study can be found and the admonition that you not change anything in your life based solely on this study. In her report it is noted that some men took beta carotene supplements every day for 18 years, while others took them every other day or for less years and some took placebo. One test for memory at the end of the study showed a little improvement in the every day, long term group. I am not at all convinced then that taking a supplement for 18 years is helpful.

Alzheimer’s and Mild Cognitive Impairment: Ironically, this week there were other stories about memory as well. One is a report that the three main Alzheimer’s drugs, when used not to treat behaviors associated with the illness, but to prevent mild memory impairment from becoming a progressive dementia, were not effective. They of course have side effects, the drugs, and thus should be used only out of necessity. Further, research continues to build that memory and intellect can be preserved (in fact, improved) in the same way that stamina and balance can be preserved. By doing things now to keep the blood flowing to the brain, i.e. exercise and by always striving to learn knew things.

More Exercisers? A confusing bit of survey results this week. More Americans appear to be exercising but obesity rates are not declining. Some ideas on that disconnect? One, people say they are exercising when asked because they know they should be. Two, people describe vigorous and moderate activity differently. And three, (this one is making its way through the expert pipeline), people are eating too many calories still and maybe even more when they exercise. Here is another thought on the calorie front, sports drinks and bars. Really, walking around the block does not make one an athlete. It’s GOOD to walk around the block, and then, have some water.

Smoking Vs. Obesity: Interesting that the smoking rates are now down to 17 % give or take for age group and state, while the obesity rate is double that at about 34%, nationally. Cigarettes are highly toxic as I have mentioned. Cigarette smoking contributes to if not directly causes, lung and other cancers, heart disease and death and respiratory illness and subsequent death. Cigarettes should be banned. Current smokers can receive the quit smoking counseling and NRT products available by way of tobacco settlement money. New money and New efforts should be spent on the obesity epidemic. No ONE needs to smoke a cigarette to live. Everyone needs to learn how to eat in order to live longer, well.

Wishing you wellness.