*** News You Can Use! -- 25 May 1996 ***
Scientists want to find out whether estrogen can prevent or delay Alzheimer's disease. They're launching a 16 million dollar nationwide study to measure the hormone's effect. Researchers will give about 8,000 post-menopausal women either estrogen or a dummy pill, and then track their health over the next 6-to-9 years. The Alzheimer's Association supports the study, but urges volunteers to discuss it with their doctors first. To enroll in the study, call 800-549-6636. Lab studies shown estrogen may promote connections between neurons in the brain. Alzheimer's disease disrupts the flow of messages.(USA Today, Associated Press, 23 May 1996)
The United States Census Bureau forecasts the 65-and-over population from one in eight Americans today, to one in six within 24 years. The fastest-growing segment of the population? People 85 and over, who are expected to double to 7 million by the year 2020. The Bureau says more people will reach old age without ever having married, and more will be divorced and not remarried. Plus, today's "baby boomers" had smaller families, so there are fewer children to care for their aging parents later. One positive note: Americans are approaching retirement in better health, and more prepared to cope with aging. (Associated Press, 20 May 1996)
Researchers from London's Imperial College of Science have added more evidence suggesting too much salt is bad for your health. The authors say cutting salt intake by a-third would reduce strokes by 22%, and heart attacks by 16%. The researchers also say that cutting salt out of your diet is more difficult than you might imagine, becuase much of it is hidden in processed foods such as cereal and bread. (Associated Press, 17 May 1996)
Just last week in News You Can Use! we told you that doctors were concerned that some symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may be caused instead by lead poisoning. This week, The World Bank called for a worldwide phaseout of leaded gasoline, saying it will help reduce problems like high blood pressure and heart disease. Children are most at risk, since they swiftly absorb minute particles of lead into their digestive systems. Thailand's four-year phase-out is regarded as a success, since the average child's IQ in Bangkok went up four points. The World Bank says countries who convert to unleaded gas can recover five to ten times the cost, in health and economic savings. (Associated Press, 18 May 1996)
Hasbro's Playskool Division is hoping to attract the health-conscious parent, with a highchair they say kills germs on the tray, before babies can spread them around playing with their food. The tray is made of Microban plastic, which is already used in hospitals. Microban is a process where "antibacterial additives" are locked into a product for life. The plastic is designed to halt the spread of bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella. Look for the Microban process in future products, such as towels and carpets.(Associated Press, 22 May 1996)
The substance that makes red hot chili peppers so hot -- capsaicin -- may be an effective treatment for some burning pain. When someone has a major procedure such as a mastectomy or lung operation, they can be left with a lingering, burning pain in their surgical scars, even after those scars have healed. A new study says many such people found relief using an ointment containing capsaicin. It's believed to block a natural chemical that carries pain impulses between nerve cells. (Associated Press, 20 May 1996)
It's well known that a rapid heart rate during treadmill stress tests could be a sign of coronary prblems. Now a new study found that slow heart rates during exercise stress-testing is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and death. The study's lead author was Dr. Michael Lauer, staff cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He says that stress test heart rates, when considered along with electrocardiograms and blood pressure, give physicians a better picture of a person's risk of heart attack. (Associated Press, 14 May 1996)
In observance of the Memorial Day weekend, The American Oceans Campaign is reminding people that the beach begins right in your own back yard. That's because all the chemicals you put on your lawn and dump on your driveway could be washed to the nation's waterways. "Urban runoff" -- as it's called -- is responsible for more than half the water pollution in the country. Some ways to prevent chemicals from getting into groundwater: don't over-water lawns, sweep driveways clean instead of hosing them, reduce your use of pesticides and fertilizers. (Associated Press, 25 May 1996)
In a new report, the Environmental Protection Agency notes that good water is also good business. Clean water sources are essential to the United States' second largest employer -- the recreation and tourism industry. The report also ties clean water to the 45 billion dollar commercial fishing industry. On the down side, the EPA also says 40% of the rivers, lakes and streams in the survey are still too polluted for fishing or swimming. (Associated Press, 24 May 1996)
STB's News You Can Use! edited and written by --
Tom Connolly, for Infant Moose Web Page Creations.
Past newsletters: 9 May 1996 | 16 May 1996
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