The AC Phoenix
February 2007
Page 9
HEALTH STATION:
THE 411
By Linda Dark
How many Readers out there were lucky enough to find, and buy that
latest Sony Play Station for Christmas? For those who did, how many
hours have you spent so far enjoying that new “toy”?
Well, this new contributing column will show how to share just a little
of that time on a special issue: your Health! When you have a reason
able portion of good health, you have everything! {This is for information
only and does not replace any professional advice / recommendations of
your primary physician}
Fedbniary is Heart Mofitli
What is the biggest killer of adults in the U.S.? Lung cancer? Breast
cancer? Prostate cancer?
Diseases of the heart and blood vessels - “cardiovascular diseases”
- are STILL the leading cause of death in this country, and in North
Carolina. (Stroke is third behind cancer).
On February 14, while we are all eagerly awaiting the flowers, the
chocolates, or some bling-bling, let’s remember to devote at least a cou
ple of days in February to showing some love for our hearts too - that is,
the “real” heart that beats and pushes our blood around!
The heart is a muscle that pumps blood with oxygen to all our organs;
and then pumps the de-oxygenated blood back to the lungs. It’s about the
size of a fist. If the heart stops pumping well, various health problems will
begin. Also, if the blood vessels become narrower than normal, high
blood pressure (hypertension) can result, which can eventually do dam
age (dangerous levels of blood pressure can lead to stroke). High blood
pressure is more likely if it runs in your family.
According to the American Heart Association’s 2006 annual report
(Dec. 29), there are several risk factors but two are big: (1) bad nutrition
and (2) increasing obesity. This report was created by a team of health
care experts, led by Dr. Wayne Rosamond, a UNC scientist.
Statistics show that 36% of all deaths nationally are due to cardio
vascular illness. In North Carolina the two main causes of death are heart
disease and cancer. Thinking of the future and our children, we need to
be concerned for them as well. The AHA report showed:
“ For children 12 to 19 years old, 17% were
overweight in 2001-2004”. This was up from just 6% overweight
children in 1971-74.
Various news media report frequently that diabetes is on the rise,
even for children and teens, and increasing weight / lack of exercise are
some of the factors. So how can we begin to get healthier? There
are some easy steps:
Very little cost, very little pain - you’ll still have some gain!
As the saying goes, “let there be a (health) revival and let it begin with
me". (You should always check with your doctor before making changes,
especially if you are taking prescription medicines.)
First, the word “dieting” should be dropped: instead, “Eat for Life”. We
want to take small steps to better nutrition that will last, rather than get
ting hung up on the most recent fad.
Health Station: The 411
Remember, these tips are the same things our grandmothers and
grandfathers told us back in the day, and they also showed us by their
positive example:
• Increase physical activity - Park a distance away from the store or job
so that you have to walk longer; 1-2 times a week (to begin), take steps
instead of an elevator; Walk to a neighbor’s after dinner / show off those
Valentine gifts!
• Increase fruits / vegetables (strive tor 5-7 servings)
Switch to fruit juice instead of punch/soda - that can cut out 40-140 calo
ries per can or bottle of soda (it’s mostiy sugar); an 8oz bottle of soda
may have up to 250 calories; Cut up raw vegetables that you like - car
rots, celery, cukes, tomatoes, peppers and refrigerate - you are more
iikeiy to eat them if aiready handy and ready;
• Fili a pitcher with water eariy in the day, either tap or bottied.
Add slice of lemon or lime - again it is ready for drinking. This can be
done at home or work. You might inspire a co-worker!
• Low fat or iight margarine eiiminates about 50 calories per table
spoon; butter has 100 calories per tabiespoon and 30mg of cholesteroi.
• Change to 2% miik (120 calories) instead of whole milk (160).
Later, after your taste has adjusted, you can switch to 1 % milk (100). For
those who want to add soy, start with half 2% milk and half soy - the taste
will be more similar. Soy is beiieved to have many heaith benefits, espe-
cialiy for women. {Caution: growing chiidren need whoie miik uniess your
doctor has recommended differentiy}.
• Whatever you do to combat stress: music, dancing, a concert, catch
ing “Dream Girls” on the Big Screen, riding your Harley: a Just Do It! But
guard against those costly shopping sprees (we want to be heaithier and
weaithier).
Most important: simply choose 1 -2 things that you will do TODAY; stay
with it for three weeks. Then begin to think about one other desired
change; try that for another three weeks. It is easier to deveiop one or two
new habits over time, rather than trying to do everything at once.
Being healthier can save you money, too. How?
• if you are healthier, you may need fewer visits to your doctor
• iess medicines may iead to fewer co-pays
• if you can use generic (non-brand) medicines, they are less expensive
but your physician wii! have to decide if it is safe for you
• smalier doses may iead to fewer side effects, and less money spent
to treat those potential effects
• reports show that healthy workers spend less time off for sick days,
thus saving paid-time-off for vacations, not iiinesses.
Let us know what changes you wii! choose to try and whether it works
for you
E mail: Lsdark@hotmail.com »attention » “The HealthStation”
Celebration: Nine Artists
Commemorate the 35th
Anniversary of Winston-
Salem Delta Fine Arts Inc.
Moe Brooker, Colin Chase, Alex Horsley, leRoy Henderson, Tonya Ingersot Chorles
Martin, Jeanne Moutoussomy-Ashe, John Pinderhughes, and Frank Wimberley
February 1 8 - April 14, 200Z
Opening reception with Colin Chase and Tonya
Ingersol: Sunday, February 18, 3-5 p.m
Meet photographer Charles Martin, Sunday,
March 1 8, 2007 at 3:00 p.m.
(I"': ^
www.deltafinearts.org • ...
The Delta Arts Center
2611 New Walkertowr-i Rood
(336) 722-2625 • delta261 lObellsouth net
Gallery hours: Tuesday^Friday 10 00-5:00 Saturday: 11:00-3:00