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Apple of your eye With fall fast approaching, pay homage to that red fruit that packs a nutritional punch: the mighty apple. Apples provide 4 grams of fiber, about 15 percent of the recommended daily intake for adults. Most of that fiber is soluble, which may lower cholesterol and keep your digestive tract in working order. Their peels contain the antioxidant quercetin, which may promote heart health and inhibit cancer growth. Apple juice contains tannins, which may help keep gums healthy. Plus, they’re only 80 calories each! For some apple inspiration, try this curried butternut apple soup recipe: 1/4 cup reduced-fat margarine 2 cups chopped onion 1 rib celery, chopped 4 tsp. curry powder 2 medium butternut squash (about 2½ to 3 pounds) peeled, seeded and cut into cubes 3 medium apples—peeled, cored and chopped 3 cups water, chicken stock or vegetable broth 1 cup cider In a heavy kettle, combine margarine, onion, celery and curry powder. Cover and cook over low heat until vegetables are tender (10 to 15 minutes), stirring often. Add squash, apples and liquid (water, stock or broth), and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 20–30 minutes or until squash and apples are cooked thoroughly. Strain liquid and set aside. Puree the apple-squash mixture with 1 cup of the strained liquid. Add cider and remaining liquid to reach desired consistency. Garnish with grated apple or yogurt. Per serving (1/10 of recipe): 130 calories, 4 g fat (1 g saturated), 0 mg cholesterol, 55 mg sodium, 26 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein Recipe courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention It’s not too early to get your cholesterol screening Experts recommend young adults—men ages 20 to 35 and women 20 to 45—who are at an increased risk for heart disease get screened for high cholesterol levels. And it’s no wonder, with one government study finding that up to a quarter of them have elevated bad LDL cholesterol, a big risk factor for heart disease. However, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study reports that fewer than half of individuals, who are either at risk or have no known risk factors, actually get tested. Based on an analysis of more than 2,500 young adults, the findings say about 55 percent of them have at least one other risk factor for heart disease, including high blood pressure, a family history of heart disease, obesity or smoking. The rate of elevated LDL rose with each risk factor: 7 percent of young adults with no other risk factors, 12 percent in those with one other risk factor and 26 percent with two or more other risk factors. Higher LDL levels can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication. If you haven’t had your cholesterol tested yet, talk with your physician today about getting this simple blood test called a lipid panel. The surprise ingredient? Gluten! Eating can already be a challenge for people who have celiac disease. Avoiding gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley and rye—is key to keeping their immune system in check and stopping a reaction that damages the small intestine and prevents nutrients from being absorbed. But it may even be trickier than that. In a recent study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, naturally gluten-free foods, such as oat, millet and rice, were often contaminated with the protein. Researchers examined 22 gluten-free grains, seeds and flours from supermarkets and found traces of the protein in some products—probably from being grown or processed near gluten-containing grains. Seven of the products actually failed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s gluten-free test. While the study was considered too small in scale to determine the extent of gluten contamination on supermarket shelves, experts encourage the food industry to be more diligent in their testing. And while a gluten-free label may not ensure just that, still consider purchasing foods that are so labeled as they’re more likely to have been tested. ABCs of VOCs Sage or cornflower blue? That’s your dilemma as you decide what color to finally paint your living room. But here’s something else to ponder: Products like paint may contain potentially dangerous substances called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emit as gases from solids or liquids. VOCs can also be found in paint strippers, adhesives, cleaners, pesticides, building materials and office equipment, says the National Women’s Health Information Center. If exposed to VOCs, you may experience eye, nose or throat irritation; dizziness and nausea; and memory loss. Long-term exposure could cause more serious damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system, and possibly lead to cancer. To avoid VOCs, look at a product’s ingredients list. Be wary if you see formaldehyde, methylene chloride or benzene. Perchloroethylene (perc) found in dry cleaning, also a VOC, has been shown to cause reproductive problems and fetal harm. To minimize exposure: Consider a safer product, such as low-VOC paint. Read and carefully follow directions on all chemicals, using them in well-ventilated areas. Store chemicals in ventilated, out-of-the-way areas, as gases can leak from them. Or, dispose of them following the label’s directions. Look for the formaldehyde content of pressed-wood products before purchasing. Reduce formaldehyde in the air by increasing ventilation, keeping your house cool and using a dehumidifier. Go to a dry cleaner that uses alternative methods. Check out McCullough-Hyde's hospital happenings! McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital has a new, updated Web site. Check out our work in progress at www.mhmh.org. Visit McCullough-Hyde's at www.mhmh.org and click on "Calendar" for a complete event listing, including our monthly Lunch & Learn series. McCullough-Hyde offers vascular ultrasound screenings Monday through Friday. Vascular ultrasound screenings could help you avoid possible stroke, heart disease or death. Call 513-524-5400 to schedule your appointment. A physician's order is not required, and test results are sent to you and your physician. Cost for all three ultrasounds (abdominal, carotid and legs) is $75. Read Hot Health Topics on McCullough-Hyde’s Web page and click on HealthWise.
	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.
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