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Welcome to the Community Health newsletter, brought to you by McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital. Twice a month, Community Health brings to your mailbox timely medical news and health and wellness information that matter to you and your family. To visit the McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital Web site, >> click here.
Breastfeed now to get slim laterThe American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all babies be breastfed for at least the first six months of life, as breastfeeding offers your baby the best possible start to life. But as a breastfeeding mom, you’ll also benefit by reducing your risk of ovarian and breast cancers, keeping your bones strong and—a benefit that gets a lot of attention—burning more calories. New research shows that women who breastfeed also have reduced amounts of belly fat—the unhealthiest fat—even many years after nursing. Researchers looked at 351 women with an average age of 51 who had two children born roughly 19 years earlier. The moms were divided into three groups: Those who never breastfed (29 percent); those who breastfed inconsistently (29 percent); and those who consistently breastfed (42 percent). Women who were premenopausal or in early perimenopause and had never breastfed had 28 percent more belly fat than women who had breastfed all their children. These same women had 42 percent more belly fat than women who’d never given birth. Excess belly fat increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain types of cancers. More research is needed to confirm the findings, but this is another benefit to add to the list of breastfeeding pros.>>McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital's obstetrics services provide individual prenatal breastfeeding education, lactation support during your hospital stay, outpatient lactation consultant visits, a breast pump rental station and a breastfeeding supply retail station. For more information, call 513-524-5689. |
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Keeping kid athletes safeAs the thermometer rises, more and more kids will take a break from the computer, television and video game console and head out to baseball diamonds, basketball courts, parks and soccer fields. Playing sports is a great way to help kids stay healthy, but experts warn that there’s a silent epidemic lurking in that fresh outdoor air. Youth sports injuries are on the rise. In 2003, more than 3.5 million sports-related injuries in children under age 15 were reported to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. But by paying attention to soreness and fatigue and taking preventive measures you can keep your kids off the bench and in the game. To prevent injuries, be sure that your young athletes:
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Vitamin D fights infectionWe’ve long known how important vitamin D is for bone health, but a new study suggests that the so-called “sunshine vitamin” is crucial when it comes to fighting off colds, flu and other infectious diseases. According to researchers in Denmark, it seems T-cells, a key player in fighting infection, need vitamin D to do their job. When germs, viruses or other unwelcome guests enter your system, T-cells immediately seek out vitamin D. The cells become either “killer cells” that will attack the intruder or “helper cells” that will help the immune system remember the intruder and be able to launch a more effective battle the next time. When no vitamin D is found, the cells can’t activate. The National Institutes of Health suggests people ages 19 to 50 get 200 IU (international units) of vitamin D a day. Those ages 51 to 70 need 400 IU and anyone older than 71 needs 600 IU. How can you get enough vitamin D? Just go outside! Vitamin D is the only vitamin the body manufactures itself, and all it takes is a little sunshine. It’s thought that just 15 minutes of sun exposure a few times a week is enough to prevent deficiencies. However, using sunscreen—as we all should—limits the absorption of the necessary rays, so look for alternatives. Vitamin D is found in very few foods (eggs, fish liver oil and fatty fish such as salmon, herring and mackerel are the best sources), so dietary supplements may be necessary. If you’re concerned about your vitamin D level, talk with your doctor at your next visit. |
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Time for a pizza tax?Last April, the federal government increased taxes on tobacco products in hopes of discouraging smoking. Researchers are now suggesting the same tactic to reduce the obesity epidemic. The study, in the Archives of Internal Medicine, suggests that an 18 percent tax increase on pizza and soda could help Americans drop an average of five pounds a year. In the 20-year study, researchers analyzed the diet, weight and insulin levels of more than 5,000 people and found that when the prices of fast foods went up by just 10 percent, participants took in 7.1 percent fewer calories from soda and 11.5 percent fewer calories from pizza. This translates to about 56 calories less per person a day. But you don’t have to wait for imposed taxes to keep your calorie intake down. To cut calories, try topping your pizza with vegetables and a light sprinkle of cheese instead of fatty meats and heavy cheese. And instead of soda, opt for a sparkling water to get your carbonation fix. |
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McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital
110 N. POPLAR ST. / OXFORD, OH 45056 / 513-523-2111 / www.mhmh.org
Community Health is designed to provide general health news and wellness information. This information is not designed to, nor should it, be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or nutrition or exercise program.
