The April issue of the Personal Best health and wellness newsletter is now online.
To celebrate Cancer Control month in April, the Lab's Positive Health Directions program is conducting a Colorectal Cancer Awareness program from April through July. A health educator is available to travel to Laboratory worksites and give a 15-minute presentation on colorectal cancer and to distribute free home-testing kits. The Positive Health Directions Web site has more information on this disease and the testing kits. Contact Diane Min Fa at 7-7166 or write to dianemf@lanl.gov by electronic mail to schedule a presentation.
Diets rich in fiber can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, help with blood glucose control, maintain healthy gastrointestinal function and aid in weight control. Fiber has been identified as a "shortfall" nutrient – Americans typically are falling short of recommendations. To check fiber intake, see the checklist and "Fiber Favorites" table in Finding Fiber.
Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s slogan for raising awareness of heart disease in women. This month’s cover story summarizes the AHA’s latest advice. The guidelines include assessing your risk, modifying your lifestyle and working with your provider.
The Special Report this month talks about superfoods – foods which offer the most health benefits – and why they are superfoods. Personal Best also lists some undesirable foods.
On Your Mind this month addresses the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, which can affect anyone who has experienced a life-threatening event or violent act. The condition is diagnosed when symptoms resulting from the traumatic event last a month or longer. Experts recommend various approaches to working through post-traumatic stress disorder, including talk therapy. Read more in this month’s newsletter about the benefits of the different therapies and how to optimize treatment.
Shift workers often find it difficult to make time for exercise and staying fit. The Workplace has some suggestions for squeezing some physical activity into a busy schedule.
There are many substances around the house that are flammable, corrosive, caustic or toxic to humans and pets. These include disinfectants, automotive cleaners, stain removers, paints, pesticides, weed killers and wood strippers, to name a few. This month’s newsletter has the basics to staying safe around household Hazardous Chemicals.
Also in Safety Solutions this month are tips for staying safe on the road, both as a pedestrian and motorist.
The recipe of the month is High-Fiber Bean Salad.
Also in this issue: money management tips, physical activity in schools; 30 or 60 minutes of exercise? Sleep needs; smoking risks; good health advice; effects of alcohol on health; hiccups; does excess body fat lead to cancer?
Personal Best is published by Scott Publishing in Edmonds, Wash., and is part of the Lab's Positive Health Directions program in Occupational Medicine (HSR-2) and Benefits and Employment Services (HR-B).
