Health in a Heartbeat

When a bacterial infection just won't go away, antibiotics are the tried and true remedy. But they may come with unwanted side effects, namely stomach upset and diarrhea. Over the years studies have found that nearly one third of the population suffers from diarrhea when taking antibiotics because the medication interferes with all bacteria, including gastrointestinal microbes that actually help in the digestive process. So disruptive are some antibiotics, especially those termed broad spectrum, that many people refuse to take them, even for serious bacterial infections. However, a new study shows one way to combat the problem is by taking probiotics, microbes that protect and prevent disease. One of the most common probiotics, Lactobacillus acidophilus (lack-toe-bah-SIL-lus a-sid-OF-ill-us), is found in yogurt and over-the-counter supplements. Recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the research included data from 63 previous studies and almost 12,000 patients taking antibiotics for a variety of ailments. In addition to their antibiotics, some patients were also given probiotics or a placebo pill. Others received nothing additional. Careful analysis showed that taking probiotics helped keep diarrhea at bay in almost half the patients who took them. Even in a controlled trial where patients did not know what they were taking, those who took probiotics were still 39 percent less likely to have bathroom trouble. Because the tests were not looking at different types of probiotics, nor the amounts taken, researchers were not able to recommend specific kinds or a typical dosage. However, the scientists stress that popping a probiotic is fairly harmless for most adults. Taking antibiotics? Consult your doctor about the benefits of adding probiotics to the mix.

Many Americans are turning away from grocery stores to find eggs for their families. Some are raising chickens in their own yards and harvesting the eggs. Backyard chicken-raising occurs in urban, suburban and rural settings, and it’s popular for several reasons. Some people object to large poultry companies’ treatment of birds. They say these organizations’ practices lead to eggs and other chicken products that are unhealthful or nutritionally deficient. Giving the birds antibiotics or hormones, limiting their roaming and feeding, crowding them into tight quarters and pasteurizing their eggs all are practices that some people find objectionable. But backyard chicken rearing poses its own risks. But following basic guidelines can make this a more healthful and valuable endeavor. First, check local laws to see if chickens are permitted in your neighborhood. If the birds are allowed in your area, then you should know about salmonella, a bacterium that often resides in poultry birds’ digestive systems. It doesn’t sicken them, so you can’t spot a salmonella-carrying bird by looking at it. The bacteria comes out in their waste and can spread to anything — or anyone — that touches it. Chicken waste, and any germs it’s carrying, often gets onto the animals’ beaks, feet, feathers and skin. Even clean-looking birds likely have some on them. The same goes for their surroundings. To stay safe, regularly and thoroughly wash the chickens’ structures and equipment, and do so outside. Anyone who touches the birds, their habitat or their equipment must remove potentially contaminated clothes and shoes, then wash their hands thoroughly. Unpasteurized eggs can transmit diseases, too, so don’t consume raw ones. Follow these tips to stay salmonella-free, and get ready to harvest some eggs. No grocery store necessary.

Physical activity and portion control are key to keeping blood-sugar levels manageable for people with diabetes … but a few teaspoons of vinegar could help, too. Studies dating back two decades have shown that vinegar actually helps subdue blood-sugar levels in people with diabetes. In 1995, researchers discovered that people who used four teaspoons of white vinegar as salad dressing had a 30 percent reduction in their glycemic response — the measured effect of food on blood sugar. Vinegar blocks digestive enzymes that turn carbohydrates into sugar, limiting the effect carbs have on blood sugar levels. Piggybacking on those results, a 2004 study found that patients with Type 2 diabetes who consumed a vinegar solution before eating a carb-heavy meal had a lower percentage rise in their blood-sugar levels. Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels that result from the body’s inability to produce or react to insulin, the hormone that moderates sugar intake. According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 26 million people in the United States have the disease. There are two main types — Type 1 results from the body’s failure to produce insulin in the pancreas, whereas Type 2 stems from insulin resistance that develops over time, usually as a result of diet and obesity. In a 2010 study, researchers found that vinegar helps patients with Type 1 diabetes, too. Patients with Type 1 diabetes take insulin injections to regulate blood sugar levels when they become too high. Because vinegar can mimic these effects, some patients have turned to it to help keep their blood-sugar levels stable. Warning, if you have diabetes or suspect you do, talk to your doctor. There is no substitute for a doctor’s care. But it can’t hurt to add a little vinegar to your diet. Try two teaspoons, with a meal, for a tangy, blood-sugar benefitting kick.  

Good news for skim milk drinkers, lean cheese nibblers and low-fat yogurt eaters: Compared with those who go full-fat, you enjoy not only delicious dairy but also a lower risk of getting a stroke. A study from Sweden, where dairy is a staple of the Nordic diet, found that of more than 74,000 Swedes, those who ate an average of four servings of low-fat dairy products a day had a 12 percent lower risk of stroke. They also had a 13 percent lower risk of ischemic (iss-kee-mick) stroke compared with people who did not include low-fat dairy food in their diets — even after taking into account risk factors like high blood pressure. Nine out of ten strokes are ischemic, meaning a blood clot blocks a vessel in the brain. The study, published in the journal Stroke, found that while feasting on full-fat dairy products like whole milk was not associated with risk of stroke, it can increase L-D-L, or bad cholesterol, and counter the benefits of eating low-fat dairy foods. Fat from any food contributes to atherosclerosis (ath-uh-roh-skluh-roh-sis), or hardening of the arteries, and therefore, increases your risk of stroke. So it makes sense that choosing frozen yogurt over full-fat ice cream benefits your blood pressure. But scientists think the calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamin D in low-fat dairy foods also lend a healthy hand to the heart. Researchers say low-fat, vitamin D-fortified dairy foods have been associated with lower blood pressure, which is the single most controllable risk factor for stroke. About one-third of all adult Americans have high blood pressure … and only half of them have it under control. Besides dining on low-fat dairy foods, treats like dark chocolate and berries can help relax blood vessels. An occasional glass of red wine, which contains antioxidants like resveratrol (rez-VAIR-uh-trol) and catechins (CAT-i-kins) can help protect artery walls. Cheers to your heart.  

Mothers are used to waiting nine months before delivering their babies, but it seems the actual process of giving birth now takes more time than ever before. In a study just published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, researchers found that for the first stage of delivery alone, labor rates have increased by almost three hours for first-time moms. Investigators began by collecting delivery room statistics going back to the early 1960s. They then compared more than 140,000 births spanning almost five decades. Over the years, several physical differences were apparent in the women, including a higher body mass index in those delivering more recently. Those delivering after the turn of the century were also, on average, four years older. Both of these factors, noted the researchers, could contribute to longer labor. Additionally, the investigators looked at delivery room practices and found that years ago doctors relied more on medical interventions, including the episiotomy, a surgical procedure to enlarge the vaginal opening during delivery, and the use of forceps, which were used to remove the baby from the birth canal. Both routines may well have led to quicker birthing times. The researchers also point to the use of epidural anesthesia. This injection of painkillers helps decrease labor aches, but is also known for increasing labor times. For those moms giving birth in the past 10 years, epidural injections were used in more than half of deliveries, compared with just 4 percent of deliveries forty years ago. Although the investigators could not point to one overriding factor, they concluded that all of the differences, when taken together, would result in longer labors. They say a re-evaluation of labor room procedures could help shorten the process and help mom and baby meet just a little more quickly.  

You’ve heard it since you were a kid: wearing sunscreen is important for preventing sunburn and ultimately, skin cancer. Good advice. Here’s another reason to slather on sunblock, especially for women: melasma (muh-LAZ-muh). Melasma is a condition that causes blotches to appear on the skin that are darker than one’s normal skin color. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, they typically appear on the face, but can also pop up on the forearms or neck. This happens when the cells in our skin that produce color, called melanocytes (muh-lan-UH-sites), become overactive. People who are not Caucasian are most likely to have melasma because they typically have melanocytes that are more active in the first place. Sun exposure often is the culprit that leads to melasma, but hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, can play a role, too. Ninety percent of people who develop melasma are women. For some women, melasma pops up as a side effect of taking birth control pills and disappears when they stop. Other women develop melasma during pregnancy. In such cases, it’s known as chloasma (kloh-AZ-muh) and has a nickname: the “pregnancy mask.” This kind of melasma may go away on its own after the baby is born. When melasma doesn’t clear up naturally, a dermatologist can prescribe topical medications. These are not safe for unborn babies, so pregnant women should not use them. Some relatively simple procedures also may help. Because sun exposure often triggers melasma, using sunscreen and wearing wide-brimmed hats and other protective clothing may prevent episodes. Melasma isn’t known to be harmful, but many consider it unattractive. Since protecting skin from the sun helps prevent skin cancer, doing your best to prevent melasma is a healthful move. Don’t let the sun mar your look. Get out the hats and sunscreen, and enjoy summer safely.  

While the hot days of summer lure you to the great outdoors for a swim or encourage you to spend time with family and friends at the barbecue du jour, it’s also the season for that dreaded chore: trimming the forest of grass that sprouts every time it rains. This mundane task is necessary for enjoying the best of summer days. But if you aren’t careful it can lead to injuries, especially for children. Letting your kids help mow the lawn seems innocent in their quest for summer cash, but handling the mower could end their summer plans before they begin. Each year, lawnmower accidents account for more than sixteen-thousand injuries to children under the age of 19, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Injuries run the gamut from scrapes to broken bones … and even severed digits and limbs. Eye injuries also occur when mowers kick up sharp objects. Though most lawnmower models have safety features that reduce incidents such as tipover, rollover and body contact with the rotating blade, accidents still happen. So how can you stay happy and healthy this summer? First, enlist children to pick up stones, toys and debris from the lawn to prevent objects from flying when you mow. Don’t let little ones operate a lawnmower and never allow them as passengers on ride-on mowers. Lastly, make sure youngsters under 12 are far from the area you are mowing … maybe by keeping them indoors working on those other pesky chores.  

Being a kid during the summer means playing tag, riding bikes, swimming in the pool, running through sprinklers and climbing monkey bars. But if you’re a kid with juvenile arthritis, playing can be painful. July is Juvenile Arthritis Month and time to shed light on a disease that affects about one in every 1,000 kids each year. Juvenile arthritis actually covers a number of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that affect children under 16. In juvenile arthritis, or J-A, as it is commonly known, the immune system attacks the body’s own joint cells and tissues, resulting in painful swelling. It usually strikes joints, but it can also affect eyes, skin and the gastrointestinal tract and may cause chronic fever and anemia. It can affect the heart, lungs, eyes and nervous system. The most common type of J-A, is juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The standard for a diagnosis of juvenile arthritis is swelling in joints for at least six weeks, but pinpointing which variety your child has can take longer. Symptoms include tightening of muscles and soft tissues, bone erosion, joint misalignment and changes in growth patterns. Doctors don’t know why kids get J-A, but genetics could be to blame. There is no cure for juvenile arthritis, but a treatment plan involving a trifecta of medication, physical activity and eye care can help children lead a normal life. The goal is to alleviate inflammation and pain so kids can be kids. Moderate physical activity, like walking or swimming, keeps joints flexible and supple and also helps kids keep the pounds off. Any extra weight puts extra pressure and pain on joints. So don’t let juvenile arthritis get in the way of summertime play — plan family activities like hiking and swimming so kids can stay in the fun and sun. With a watchful eye and can-do spirit, juvenile arthritis doesn’t have to keep kids on the sideline.  

It’s a well-known mandate of motherhood that you will sacrifice sleep when baby arrives. But what happens when the tables are turned? Sometimes moms with a case of the baby blues can disturb their baby’s sleep, too. New research published online in Child Development found that moms with more symptoms of depression were more likely to pick up and cuddle their little one, often waking them without need. Researchers videotaped moms putting their babies to bed and saw that those with more depressive symptoms were also more likely to respond to any sounds, even the ones that didn’t need attention. Compared with new moms who didn’t feel depressed, these women were less apt to perform soothing bedtime rituals, like reading and singing lullabies, and in some cases left the T-V blaring. Depressed moms also found it difficult to set limits during bedtime. But a newborn’s sleep is even more important than mom’s. Newborns need to snooze at least 16 hours a day, requiring less as they get older. Sufficient sleep is critical for development. The experts said they think a melancholy mom’s restlessness arises from anxiety about her little one’s needs, as well as from her own emotional needs. Sad moms may seek out their infants to soothe themselves. And the more depressive symptoms the moms reported, the more anxious they felt at night. The solution, say docs, is simple: Women experiencing postpartum depression should seek help from therapy, not their baby. Counseling and medication can help get hormones and emotions back on track. As for getting baby to bed, pediatricians offer a few secrets for success as well. Set a routine with the same nap time every day and avoid late afternoon naps. And know that sneezing, sighs, hiccups, whimpers and even squeaks are normal baby sleep noises, so let a sleeping baby lie.  

The knife drawer, toxic cleaners, hard-edged tables, tile floors, kitty cat claws … these are things moms and dads tend to worry about when it comes to objects that could hurt an unsuspecting toddler. Sippy cups, bottles and pacifiers are solidly in most parents’ safe-for-little-one list, along with snuggly teddy bears. But, as many parents know, almost anything can pose a hazard when it comes to your child … and staples like bottles and binkies are no exception. In fact, a new study in the journal Pediatrics shows that more than 2,000 children under 3 wind up in emergency rooms each year for injuries related to bottles, sippy cups and pacifiers. The study’s authors say this is equivalent to one child every four hours. The problem, generally, is not the objects themselves, but what kids do when they have them. One-year-olds faced the most risk because that’s prime age for learning to walk, and toddlers fall ... a lot. When children fall with a bottle or binky, cuts and injuries to the face, teeth and mouth can occur. According to the study, two-thirds of injuries were related to bottles and one-fifth involved pacifiers. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to wean babies from pacifiers around 6 months of age. A-A-P guidelines also call for parents to switch from bottles to regular cups when baby turns 1 and is beginning to walk. However, a Canadian study found that nearly 90 percent of children between 1 and 2 use sippy cups with lids. Because these cups prevent spills, children often walk around with them, increasing their risk of injury. Short of strapping your toddler into a helmet, here are a few tips to keep your tot safe. Follow A-A-P guidelines and wean from bottles at age 1. Also, avoid letting your child walk around with drinks or objects in his or her mouth. It just might save you a trip to the emergency room.  

With the Fourth of July just around the corner, it’s time to plan your Independence Day celebration with plenty of burger-grilling, parade-watching, flag-waving and of course, firework-watching. Whether you’ll watch bombs bursting in air from a safe distance and let the pros handle the heavy work, or put on a show of your own, following a few tips can ensure you enjoy a happy, healthy holiday. First and foremost, keep those peepers protected. According to Prevent Blindness America, eyes are the second-most injured body part around the Fourth of July. Children under 14 are especially susceptible, with firecrackers causing the greatest number of injuries, followed by sparklers and roman candles. Putting on your own show? The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers a few more tips for making sure no one loses an eye, or worse. Don’t try to alter, combine or make your own fireworks. Never relight a “dud” firework; wait twenty minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water. Use a hard, flat surface as a launching pad and keep the area clear of obstructions and dry grass. Keep a hose or bucket of water handy and light fireworks outdoors only. Remember that alcohol and fireworks don’t mix… have a "designated shooter." Not surprisingly, smoke from fireworks can be harmful, too, especially for those who suffer from asthma or cardiovascular problems. Overexposure to miniscule metallic particles, small enough for firework-watchers to inhale deeply into lungs, could cause problems later in life, according to one study. Some smoke even contains lethal lead. Researchers compare exposure to firework smoke to that of tobacco; the less, the better. Stake out a seat upwind of the display, if possible. And of course, use common sense. A trip to the emergency room, while certainly memorable, is a sure way to ruin an otherwise fun-filled holiday.  

If you’ve sampled every gel, cream, wash, scrub, masque and supplement to erase your acne, take a tip from your spice rack: try thyme. The herb used to season meats and stews in Middle Eastern, French, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine can also calm your complexion. Researchers from Leeds University in London found that when steeped in alcohol, thyme packed the most potent punch fighting pimples compared with marigold and myrrh. It even beat classic anti-acne chemicals benzoyl peroxide and salicylic (sal-uh-SILL-ick) acid. And unlike many acne treatments that contain these stringent solutions, which can irritate skin and cause dryness, herbal remedies like thyme soothe skin with their anti-inflammatory properties. While a promising proposal, it’s too soon to tell whether thyme can truly stand in for drugstore staples. And scientists warn not to try making your own thyme tincture at home — it’s different than what’s produced in labs. So hold off on slathering thyme on your face, but feel free to spice up your chicken Provençal (pro-van-SALL) with the stuff. Dermatologists say you can eat your way to great skin with the right diet. Almonds fight sun damage with their antioxidants, and the vitamin A in carrots helps ward off breakouts by preventing the overproduction of cells in the skin's outer layer. And good news for chocoholics: Antioxidants in cocoa and dark chocolate smooth skin texture and fortify cells’ defense against damaging U-V rays. Omega-three fatty acids in flax seeds, walnuts and salmon attract water to cells, reducing wrinkles. Last, don’t forget your greens. The water in spinach and other leafy vegetables helps plump up skin, too. So until a thyme-tinged face wash hits the market, stick to dermatologist-recommended solutions … and don’t skip the salad bar. You’re only a spinach and almond salad away from a glowing complexion.  

July is National Ice Cream Month, and there couldn’t be a better time to celebrate the joys of this frozen treat. Stepping outside feels like stepping into an inferno, and a bowl of cold, sweet ice cream relieves the exhausting heat. But while ice cream is a delicious and refreshing treat, it is also a threat to your waistline and wallet. A pint of ice cream can cost four dollars or more and pack more than 800 calories and 60 grams of fat. Also, for people who are lactose-intolerant or lactose-sensitive, ice cream can cause abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. But there are a few ways to enjoy the delicious treat during the hot summer months without negative side effects or expensive ingredients. Best of all, they can be made from the comfort of your own air-conditioned home. The vegan secret to healthy, non-dairy ice cream requires only one common ingredient: bananas. Place a few, peeled bananas in the freezer, wait until they’re solid and throw them into a food processor or blender. Within moments, the bananas turn into creamy custard that can be topped with peanut butter and honey for a guilt-free treat. If bananas don’t tickle your taste buds, blend a cup of whipped cream, two tablespoons of honey and one cup of low-fat milk or lactose-free milk. Blend the ingredients on a high setting for three minutes, then pour the blend into a bowl and freeze. Stir the contents every 30 to 40 minutes until you have a bowl of ice cream. Although not technically ice cream, frozen yogurt has become popular for its flavor without the calories or fat. So if you prefer fro-yo, blend one pound of yogurt that has been drained of its moisture, one cup of fruit, one-fourth of a cup of water and two tablespoons of honey. Blend until smooth and freeze. Celebrate National Ice Cream Month by making your own delish treat. Your beach body and wallet will thank you.  

Art is known to sooth the soul, and now it could heal the head. A study from the University of Rome Tor Vergata (tore ver-gah-tah) found that stroke patients who had an appreciation for the arts enjoyed more energy, better mobility and better overall general health. Scientists asked the group of nearly 200 stroke survivors whether they enjoyed the arts. Those who did also reported feeling happier, less anxious and depressed and had better memory and communication skills. Music especially affects peace of mind because it releases the feel-good hormone dopamine in the brain. This surge of the feel-good hormone can help the brain recover from injury such as a stroke over time. In fact, a related study from Finland found that stroke patients who listened to music had better verbal memory and more positive moods compared with those who didn’t mellow out to their favorite tunes. Scientists say music serves as a sort of analgesic for the brain, warding off post-stroke depression and making patients more amenable to therapy. Not only does music help stroke patients feel better, it can help them salvage their ability to speak, too. Even if a patient can’t say ‘Happy birthday,’ often times they can sing it. More research is needed to determine whether other art forms have the same effect, but past studies have found that music also reduces anxiety in cancer patients, enhances pain relief and well-being in palliative care patients and even prevents organ transplant rejection by influencing the immune system. But even if you’re perfectly healthy and stroke-free, you can reap the benefits of music. Whether you like reggae or rockabilly, music can help lower blood pressure, improve your heart rate and increase your ability to think and remember. Who knew your favorite singer could be such a lifesaver?  

There's little that's more frustrating than tossing and turning in bed and not being able to fall asleep. Sleep experts say insomnia may be due to several factors, including age, stress or depression … and it's become commonplace for sufferers to turn to medication to get a good night's sleep. But current research shows those prescriptions may be far more dangerous than the losing sleep itself. In a study recently published in the journal BMJ, researchers followed more than 10,500 adults who had underlying health issues and had been taking sleeping pills for an average of two-and-a-half years. The scientists compared them to people who did not take sleeping pills, looking specifically at risks for death and cancer. Other factors were also taken into account, such as gender, ethnicity, marital status, smoking, alcohol use, as well as other health conditions that might affect the results. In the final analysis, the investigators found a dramatic correlation. Even among people who only took prescription pills 18 times in one year, the death rate was three-point-six times higher than it was in people who who did not rely on sleep aids. That rate jumped to four times higher for those who took between 18 and 132 doses per year. And for people who took more than 132 doses a year, the death rate was five times higher. The risk of developing several types of cancer was also elevated for those taking the highest doses of prescription sleep medicine. The researchers acknowledged they are not certain if the increased risk has more to do with the pills or the reasons people take them. Those underlying health conditions could be playing a role. Regardless, patients should consult a health-care professional before taking sleep medications or losing any sleep over the study's results.