Questions from our Readers...
Q: Our doctor wants to test our kids for high cholesterol as part of their regular check-ups. Is this necessary?
A: Because most children with high cholesterol don't have high cholesterol as adults, more authorities are recommending against screening children.
Q: I have high blood pressure and cholesterol. I'm not able to drink red wine. Are there any other foods that provide similar benefits? AM
A: Be sure to look at whatever alternative necessary to address your health care needs. Regarding red wine, you don't need to drink it to get some of its health benefits. Resveratrol, the substance in red wine which lowers cholesterol, is also found in grape juice. Also, the alcohol in red wine, and most other alcoholic beverages, may have health benefits as well. Regarding high blood pressure, scientists have isolated a substance in celery which can lower pressure.
Q: My company now has a fitness center. Why do they seem to be pushing this on us? G.A.
A: Basically, because they will save money. However, you have a great opportunity (one that's free and convenient) to get personal health and fitness benefits. Your company knows that fitness programs increase productivity and decrease sick days, injuries, employee turnover and company medical costs. Also, companies that implement smoking policies find that about a third of the smokers smoke less. Of these, another third quit altogether.
Q: The water on our new house was tested and found safe, but the pH was listed at 6.7. Is this safe? B.W.
A: Pure water (distilled) has a pH of 7.0. Above that is alkaline and below is acid. One danger of slightly acid tap water is the risk of copper (or lead from solder or old lead pipes) being leached out into the drinking water. Also, acidic water may lower the oral pH predisposing you to more dental decay. You may wish to test your water a few times a year since the seasons may change the pH.
If you're concerned, you should attempt to find the source of the low pH, if possible. If not controllable, a properly placed water filter may help. Bottled water has various pH ranges too. So if you're considering that, check with the company. A slightly alkaline pH may be best.
Some bottled mineral waters that are more alkaline include Deer Park (New York) at 7.4, Evian (France) at 7.2, Mountain Valley (Arkansas) at 7.6, and San Pellegrino (Italy) at 7.3. Saratoga Vichy (New York) and Vichy Celestins (France) are the strongest alkaline waters. Acidic waters include Spa Reine and Bru from Belgium, 5.8 and 6.5, and Fachingen (Germany) at 6.1. Caddo Valley (Arkansas), Contrexeville (France) and Vittel (France) are neutral at 7.0.
Q: What effect does stress have on cholesterol? P.W.
A: Many so called "risk factors" which have been shown to adversely effect cholesterol and can increase the risk of heart disease are actually part of a stressful lifestyle. Paul Rosch, M.D., from the American Institute of Stress says that "stress has a far more powerful effect on blood cholesterol than does dietary fat intake."
Q: I am sensitive to sodium and must restrict it. I purchased a device that senses the amount of sodium in foods. How accurate are these items? N.P.
A: Sold as the Salt Sensor, this device supposed to measure the amount of salt in your food. However, it does NOT measure sodium. It measures all salts, including potassium and calcium salts, and not just sodium salt. In tests by Consumer Reports, it was found to be very inaccurate as well as inconsistent.
Q: With all the fuss over food, air and water, where might one start making healthy changes? B.C.
A: Although negative information on health is hitting us daily, you still have more control over your health than anyone else. The first step is to realize that you are an individual, and your needs are specific. An applied kinesiologist can evaluate your health individually. Second, there are some basic "lifestyle" factors which you should consider. A recent study, for example, showed that men who followed six of the following seven healthy habits had a life expectancy 11 years longer than those who followed less than four:
1. Abstaining from tobacco
2. Keeping body weight within 20% of "normal"
3. Getting regular exercise
4. Eating breakfast
5. Avoiding between meal snacks
6. Using alcohol in moderation if at all
7. Sleeping not more or less than about eight hours daily
Q: Although my husband and I are the same height, our new exercise bike doesn't seem compatible. When it's set up right for him, my knees hurt, and when I adjust it so my knees don't hurt, his back hurts. Does this make sense? B & L M.
A: Did you know that men and women are different? Of course. And one of the differences, even if you are both the same height, are your proportions. The arms, legs, torso, hips, and feet are very different indeed. You would probably find the same problem on other types of exercise equipment: rowing machines, some weight machines, outdoor bikes, etc. Despite identical heights, women have:
… shorter torso … wider hips
… shorter arms … narrower shoulders
… longer legs … smaller hands and feet
In your situation, you will have to adjust your bike each time it's used if your husband has been exercising on it.