Health
Studying the chill factor
No doubt, cold weather can be hard on your health, but there may be a silver lining or two. (Updated: 02/09/10 8:21 AM )
Foods with extra vitamins may be waste of money
These days, it’s not difficult to consume 600 percent of your daily recommended value of B vitamins or 2,000 percent of the recommended amount of vitamin C— all before lunchtime. (Updated: 02/09/10 8:30 AM )
Lifeline
Give leafy greens extra rinse (Updated: 02/09/10 6:40 AM )
Health Notes
“Living with Diabetes,“ a four-session series of self-management classes, will be held from 1 to 3:30 p. m. Wednesday in the Mary C. Dyster Community Education Room at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, 621 10th St., Niagara Falls. The series will continue Thursday, and Feb. 17 and 18. For required preregistration, call 278-4102. (Updated: 02/09/10 6:40 AM )
Out of sync: Shift work disrupts our internal clocks
“Working 9 to 5” is a catchy song lyric, but it doesn’t describe the real-life experience of about 15 million Americans. That’s how many shift workers — on duty evenings, nights, or in some rotating or otherwise irregular schedule — the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates are in the work force (or were in 2001). (Updated: 02/01/10 8:20 AM )
The latest on berries and health benefits
The health halo that crowns berries — the original “superfruit” — hasn’t slipped a bit over the years. Ever since it was discovered that berries have very high total antioxidant capacity, the public has had a veritable love fest with berries, making them its favorite fruit. (Updated: 02/01/10 8:22 AM )
Health Notes
A prenatal class to prepare expectant parents for childbearing and parenting will be offered from 6:30 to 8:30 p. m. Tuesday in Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. It continues Feb. 9, 16, and 23. To register, call 278-4433. (Updated: 02/01/10 6:35 AM )
Lifeline
Foreclosures are on the rise across the United States (and in other countries), as the economic downturn places financial pressure on homeowners. A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has found that these homeowners may be experiencing a significant psychological toll, as well. (Updated: 02/01/10 6:35 AM )
Diagnosing post-traumatic stress disorder
MINNEAPOLIS—There’s never been a simple test to diagnose post-traumatic stress, but a group of Minnesota scientists say they’ve found a high-tech way to identify people who have the disorder — by studying their brain signals. (Updated: 01/26/10 8:11 AM )
The ups and downs of thyroid disease
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — Danielle Gayden of Oakland, Calif., had to stick her face in front of a fan for almost an hour to cool down. Second to her intolerance for heat was the anxiety, which caused her heart to beat 200 times a minute and sent her to the emergency room a dozen times in six months. (Updated: 01/26/10 6:57 AM )
Lifeline
Making food choices as you age (Updated: 01/26/10 6:57 AM )
Health Notes
SOS Badge to Badge, an addiction recovery support group for law enforcement personnel, meets Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6 p. m. in the Center for Inquiry, 1310 Sweet Home Road, Amherst. The meeting is open to law enforcement and corrections officers only. Call 636-4869, Ext. 318. (Updated: 01/26/10 6:57 AM )
Power of positive thinking
So, be honest: Is that glass half-full or half-empty? (Updated: 01/19/10 8:20 AM )
Breaking the cycle that leads to hypoglycemia
Do you ever find yourself feeling faint and irritable when you’ve skipped a meal? Do you feel fatigued, depressed or worried when you don’t have enough food or have gone too long between meals? Do you crave sugars and carbohydrates and feel immediate relief and satisfaction after eating them? You may be suffering from hypoglycemia, a common result of poor dietary choices and in some cases, genetics. (Updated: 01/19/10 8:23 AM )
Health Notes
“The Weight Is Over,” a nutrition education program, will be offered on Tuesdays (Jan. 19 through March 9) at 7 p. m. at Southtowns Family YMCA, 1620 Southwestern Blvd., West Seneca. Topics will include sorting facts, metabolism, whole grain truth, portion sizes, defensive eating, supplements, healthy cooking and meal planning. The $150 cost is covered for those with Blue-Cross/BlueShield health insurance, and in part for those with Independent Health. To register, call 565-6000, Ext. 115. (Updated: 01/19/10 6:41 AM )