|
NUTRITION,
VITAMINS, SUPPLEMENTS
E-mail
this page to a friend!
Nutrition, Vitamins & Supplements for Seniors
Vitamin D is ‘It’ Nutrient with Success Against
Diabetes, Cancer, Heart Disease, Osteoporosis
Many of the 23 million Americans with diabetes have
low vitamin D levels
Jan. 12, 2009 - Vitamin D may prevent or delay the
onset of diabetes and reduce complications for those who have already
been diagnosed. Welcome news for many senior citizens, who are also
eyeing Vitamin D because of other recent reports showing it offers
health benefits for diseases, including cancer, osteoporosis, heart
disease.
Read
more...
Evidence Mounts that Vitamin E Does Not Stop
Prostate Cancer, Nor Does Selenium, Vitamin C
JAMA publishes 2 studies released early in public
interest on supplements’ ineffectiveness in preventing cancer
Jan.
7, 2009 - In perhaps the largest cancer chemoprevention trial ever
conducted, researchers have found that supplementation with vitamin E or
selenium, alone or in combination, was not associated with a lower risk
of prostate cancer or other cancers. And, in a second study in today’s
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), long-term
supplementation with vitamin E or C did not reduce the risk of prostate
or other cancers. Both reports were released early online in December due to public
health implications.
Read
more...
Grape Seed Extract Causes Leukemia Cells to Commit Suicide in Laboratory
Test
Possible implications for prevention or treatment of
hematological malignancies, other cancers
Dec.
31, 2008 - An extract from grape seeds forces laboratory leukemia cells to
commit cell suicide, according to researchers from the University of
Kentucky. They found that within 24 hours, 76 percent of leukemia cells had
died after being exposed to the extract.
Read
more...
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Info for
Seniors Added to NIHSeniorHealth.com
Website is joint effort of the National Institute on
Aging and National Library of Medicine
Dec. 15, 2008 – The use of complementary and
alternative medicine declines as Americans move up into the ranks of
senior citizens – probably due to lack of coverage by Medicare for most
of these – but still a substantial number of seniors use CAM. To help
seniors make better therapy choices, the topic has been added to
NIHSeniorHealth.com.
Read more...
Lack of Medicare Coverage May Account for Decline in
Alternative Medicine Use by Seniors
New survey finds 38 percent of adults use
complimentary and alternative medicine: pain primary reason
Dec. 12, 2008 – A new survey finds complimentary
and alternative medicine in the US is primarily used to fight pain, yet,
usage tends to decline as adults become senior citizens, who are the
most likely to suffer with pain. The decline is probably because
Medicare does not cover “alternative therapies,” other than chiropractic
care.
Read more...
Vitamins C, E and Selenium Fail to Prevent Prostate
Cancer in Massive Studies
Do not work against other cancers either say
studies released early by JAMA
Dec.
9, 2008 – Two major cancer prevention studies have found that two of the
most popular vitamins – E, and C - nor the supplement selenium do not
lower the risk for prostate cancer, or other cancers. Both studies will
be published January 7 in the Journal of the American Medical
Association (JAMA)
but are bring released early because of the important public health
implications.
Read more...
Scientists Find New Way to Detect, Treat Vitamin D
Deficiency that Threatens Heart
Lack of vitamin D spells heart trouble as well as
a lot of other ailments
Dec. 2, 2008 – There is little doubt left that a
deficiency of vitamin D is a warning sign for cardiovascular disease –
as well as many other ailments from bone weakness to Parkinson’s
disease. A new review of available research has produced practical
recommendations for detecting and treating this potentially critical
problem.
Read more...
Ginkgo Biloba Does Not Appear To Prevent Dementia,
Alzheimer's Disease in Elderly
The rate of total dementia did not differ between
seniors assigned to Ginkgo biloba vs. placebo
Nov. 18, 2008 - The herb Ginkgo biloba has been
aggressively marketed to senior citizens around the world as a way to
improve memory and even prevent dementia. A new study, however, says the
herb is not effective in reducing the rate of dementia or Alzheimer’s
disease among senior citizens age 75 or older.
Read
more...
Vitamin E Nor C Supplements Offer Cancer Protection
for Older Men; Nor Heart Protection
Eating a diet rich in vitamins E and C was found
to lower risk of cancer in earlier studies
Nov. 17, 2008 – It has not been a good month for
vitamins E and C. A study released yesterday found no protective effect
from vitamin E on prostate cancer or vitamin C supplementation on total
cancer. This follows a study released earlier in the month that says
neither vitamin E nor vitamin C
supplements reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events in a study
of older men.
Read more...
Vitamins E and C Fail to Beat Placebo in Preventing
Cardiovascular Disease in Older Men
Earlier studies have suggested E helps fight
cardiovascular disease, C reduces risk of heart disease
Nov. 10, 2008 - Neither vitamin E nor vitamin C
supplements reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events in a large,
long-term study of older male physicians, according to a study in the
November 12 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The article was released early online
yesterday to coincide with the scientific presentation of the study
findings at the American Heart Association meeting.
Read more...
Grapes May Be Ultimate Weapon to Fight High Blood
Pressure, Salty Diet and Protect Heart
|
|
|
|
'Something within the grapes themselves has a direct impact on
cardiovascular risk' |
|
Research shows grape intake reduces hypertension,
signs of heart muscle damage, and improves heart function in lab rats
Oct. 29, 2008 - Could eating grapes help fight high
blood pressure related to a salty diet? And could grapes calm other
factors that are also related to heart diseases such as heart failure?
...Read
more...
Health & Medicine for Senior Citizen
Selenium or Vitamin E to Stop Prostate Cancer May Do
More Harm Than Good
National Cancer Institute stops clinical trial from
going forward
Oct. 27, 2008 – Selenium and vitamin E supplements,
taken either alone or together, did not prevent prostate cancer in a
study funded by the National Cancer Institute. The data did show,
however, two concerning trends: a small but not statistically
significant increase in the number of prostate cancer cases among the
over 35,000 men age 50 and older in the trial taking only vitamin E, and
a small, but not statistically significant increase in the number of
cases of adult onset diabetes in men taking only selenium.
Read more...
Nutrition, Vitamins & Supplements for Seniors
Annual Report on Dietary Supplement Studies in 2007
Has a Few Nuggets for Senior Citizens
Selected top papers refer to seniors and folic acid,
genistein, beta-carotene, vitamins E, B, C,
Oct.
23, 2008 - There were just a few valuable nuggets for senior citizens in
the ninth issue of the Annual Bibliography of Significant Advances in
Dietary Supplement Research, which was published today by the Office of
Dietary Supplements (ODS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Read more...
Eating Fruits and Vegetables Can Help Cancer
Patients Respond Better to Chemotherapy
Naturally occurring apigenin facilitates the death of cancer cells
in UC Riverside study
Oct.
22, 2008 – The leading cause of death in all cancer patients continues
to be the resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapy, a treatment in
which chemicals are used to kill cells. A new study has found that
ingesting apigenin – a naturally occurring dietary agent found in
vegetables and fruit – improves cancer cells' response to chemotherapy.
Read
more...
Drinking Alcohol May Protect Hearts in Older People
but It Shrinks Their Brains
The more alcohol consumed, the smaller the total
brain volume; stronger in women
Oct.
13, 2008 – Senior citizens who have reveled for years in the thought
that their daily dose of alcohol was good for their health got a real
shock today. It may be good for your heart, and even your health, but it
shrinks your brain, researchers say in a new study. The more alcohol
consumed, the smaller the total brain volume.
Read more...
Dementia Won’t Improve for Older People by Taking
Procaine but Health Might Suffer
A topical anesthetic, normally, procaine has been
touted as anti-aging drug that might prevent or even reverse dementia
Oct.
9, 2008 - Procaine, a medication that is normally used as a topical
anesthetic , has been touted as an anti-aging drug that might prevent or
even reverse dementia. A new Cochrane Review, however, suggests that the
risks of bad side effects outweigh any benefit. Procaine
is also known as novocaine.
Read more...
Vitamin C May Help Old Men Maintain Stronger Bones,
Fight Osteoporosis
Did not see significant effects of vitamin C intake
on bone in old women
By Rosalie Marion
Bliss, ARS
Oct.
8, 2008 - Findings from a new study suggest vitamin C may be protective
against bone loss in older men. Researchers funded by the Agricultural
Research Service (ARS) reported the findings in the October issue of the
Journal of Nutrition.
Read
more...
Red Wine Lowers Lung Cancer Risk in Older Men,
Especially Smokers
Two percent lower lung cancer risk with each glass of
red wine consumed per month
Oct.
7, 2008 – Moderate drinking of red wine may lower the risk of lung
cancer in older men, particularly if they are smokers, according to a
report in the October issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers &
Prevention¸ a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.
Read
more...
Remember the Bump? It's Back for Older Women as Way
to Prevent Falls, Hip Fractures
Website
to fight falls and fractured hips, Survey finds women not well informed
– offers calcium calculator
Sept. 13, 2008 - Fall is just around the corner,
and hopefully it is the change of season kind, rather than the fall
caused by change in your ability to balance. But, more than 352,000
people – mostly female senior citizens – will suffer a broken hip this
year and 90 percent of these will be due to a fall. But there may be
help found in that old dance called the “bump” – the dance in
which people bump hips to the beat of the music.
Read
more...
Calcium Calculator Now Online to Help Senior
Citizens Fight Osteoporosis, Bone Breaks
People who are physically active and get enough
calcium can strengthen their bones - even in old age
Sept.
12, 2008 - A stumble, a fall - a broken bone: many older people are
afraid of this happening, according to the German Institute for Quality
and Efficiency in Health Care, which today made available online a
calcium calculator. Research shows that regular adequate intake of
calcium and exercise can strengthen the bones and prevent falls.
Read more...
Vitamin B Deficiency Linked to Cognitive Impairment;
Senior Citizens Often Low on B6
Nutrition research center on aging at Tufts U.
releases second recent study on vitamin B
Sept. 2, 2008 – Just a few months ago, researchers
identified senior citizens as a group that tended to have levels of
vitamin B6 that are consistently too low. The same research center
released a new study today showing that a deficiency of B-vitamins may
cause cognitive impairment. Mice with a deficiency of three B-vitamins -
folate, B12 and B6 - developed cognitive dysfunction in the study.
Read more...
Shotgun Approach with Black Raspberry Agents Does
Best Job of Slowing Cancer
Black raspberries have vitamins, minerals, phenols
and phytosterols, many of which prevent cancer in animals
Aug. 27, 2008 – A shotgun approach may be more
effective than a rifle’s pin point accuracy, when it comes to stopping
cancer growth. New research has found that a mix of preventative agents,
such as those found in concentrated black raspberries, more effectively
inhibit cancer development than single agents aimed at shutting down one
particular gene.
Read
more...
New Reason Seniors May Need to Avoid Grapefruit,
Other Juices with Medications
Consult
with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications
with grapefruit juice or other fruits and juices |
Life-saving drugs may become ineffective, if patient
consumes grapefruit or even other common fruit juices, including orange
and apple
Aug. 19, 2008 – Drugs often prescribed for senior
citizens fighting life threatening conditions, such as heart disease,
cancer, organ-transplant rejection and infection, may become ineffective
if the patient consumes grapefruit or even other common fruit juices,
including orange and apple.
Read more...
Study of Older People Finds Cocoa Flavanol Improves
Blood Flow to the Brain
Better brain blood flow could impact cognitive
behavior, offer protection from dementia and stroke
Aug.
18, 2008 - In a scientific study of healthy, older adults ages 59 to 83,
Harvard medical scientists found that study participants who regularly
drank a cocoa flavanol-rich beverage made using the Mars, Incorporated
Cocoapro process had an eight percent increase in brain blood flow after
one week, and 10 percent increase after two weeks.
Read more...
Low Level of Vitamin D Seems to Be Invitation to
Most Deadly Diseases: Increases Death Risk
May be associated with death through effect on blood
pressure, the body’s ability to respond to insulin, obesity and diabetes
risk
Aug.
12, 2008 – The studies are piling up that show a low level of vitamin D
increases your risk of death. The latest study in the Archives of
Internal Medicine says a lack of the sun vitamin puts you at higher risk
of death from all causes. This follows a study of older people released
in June that reached the same conclusion.
Read more...
Eat Oily Fish at Least Once a Week to Protect Your
Eyesight in Old Age
Consumption of oily fish at least once a week makes
you 50% less likely to have wet AMD
Aug.
8, 2008 - Eating oily fish once a week may reduce age-related macular
degeneration (AMD), which is the major cause of blindness and poor
vision in senior citizens. It is also the number three cause of
blindness in the world, according to a study published today in the
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Read
more...
Herbs
and Spices Found to be Good Soldiers in War on Aging and Diabetes
Season
food liberally with herbs and spices to double or even triple the medicinal
value of your meal without increasing the caloric content
Aug. 6, 2008 – Herbs and spices – low in calories and
relatively inexpensive – could be a good choice for senior citizens battling
aging and diabetes. University of Georgia researchers have found they are
potent inhibitors of tissue damage and inflammation caused by high levels of
blood sugar.
Read
more...
More Sugar-Sweetened Drinks, Less Fruit Both
Increase Diabetes Risk; Low-Fat Diet a Wash
‘Our number one goal for the reduction of new cases
of type 2 diabetes mellitus should be to reduce the intake of
high-energy, low-benefit foods’
July 29, 2008 - Senior citizens are increasingly
alert to the risk of diabetes as they see it attack more and more of
their peers. Three new studies offer interesting insight into eating
habits and their association with the disease. Drinking more
sugar-sweetened sodas or eating fewer fruits and vegetables
may
both be associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. On
the other hand, eating a low-fat diet does not appear to be associated
with any change in diabetes risk.
Read
more...
Tilapia Not the Good Fish
Seniors Assumed for
Fighting Heart Disease with Omega 3
Potentially dangerous for patients with heart
disease, arthritis, asthma and other allergic and auto-immune diseases –
mostly senior citizens
July
8, 2008 – When the healthcare community recommends something – like
eating fish – as a way to guard against heart disease, the most
endangered Americans – that would be senior citizens – rush to comply.
This time, however, things are being thrown into reverse by new research
finding that farm-raised tilapia, which became one of America’s
favorites in this rush to the fish shop, has very low levels of
beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and, perhaps worse, very high levels of
omega-6 fatty acids.
Read
more...
Resverstrol in Red Wine Prevents Breast Cancer
Development in Laboratory Study
Prevents first step when estrogen starts process that
leads to cancer by blocking formation of DNA adducts
July
7, 2008 – Resverstrol, that substance found in red wine that so often
gets that drink publicity as a health benefit, has been found in a
laboratory study to suppresses the abnormal cell formation that leads to
most types of breast cancer, suggesting a potential role for the agent
in breast cancer prevention.
Read
more...
Measuring Calcium Deposits in Heart’s Arteries
Predicts Heart Attack Risk in Elderly
‘Calcium scans can be the best predictor
available to detect who is likely to suffer a heart attack’
July
2, 2008 – Senior citizens who worry if they are at risk of a heart
attack, which probably includes about all of them, may be surprised by a
very large new study that finds measuring calcium deposits in the
heart's arteries is probably the best way to predict overall death risk
in American adults, even when they are elderly. Read more...
Mounting Evidence that Low Levels of Vitamin D
Increase Death Risk for Older People
Death rates from any cause and from cardiovascular
causes were higher with low vitamin D
June
23, 2008 – Vitamin D is something we used to not worry about. Most of us
got plenty from the sun and being a little low was only a worry that
your bones may not be the strongest. Mostly, however, we thought that
was something our mothers said just to get us to drink more milk. There
is, however, mounting evidence that vitamin D is far more important that
many of us thought.
Read more...
Women Drinking Large Amounts of Coffee May Lower
Their Risk of Death
Study finds coffee drinkers – caffeinated and decaf -
with slightly lower death rates; men about even
June 17, 2008 – A new study published today in
Annals of Internal Medicine has good news for coffee drinkers: Regular
coffee drinking (up to 6 cups per day) is not associated with increased
deaths in either men or women. In fact, both caffeinated and
decaffeinated coffee consumption is associated with a somewhat smaller
rate of death from heart disease.
Read
more...
Low Sodium Makes it Difficult for Older Adults to
Think, Focus, Maintain Balance
Clinical trial seeks older patients to test
medicine's impact on cognitive abilities - more news on low sodium
June
13, 2008 - Low sodium in the blood can make it harder to think and
focus, and it is common in older adults. Simple things such as
forgetting your golf score, struggling with crossword puzzles, or having
a loss of balance, could be a sign of low sodium. A new clinical trial
is seeking some older Americans to test a drug that may help seniors
whose brain function is impaired by low sodium.
Read
more...
Vitamin
D Called the ‘Heart Tranquilizer’ in New Treatment for Heart Failure
Treatments with activated vitamin D prevented heart
muscle cells from growing bigger
By Anne Rueter, University Michigan
June 12, 2008 – Strong bones, a healthy immune
system, protection against some types of cancer: Recent studies suggest
there’s yet another item for the expanding list of Vitamin D benefits.
Vitamin D, “the sunshine vitamin,” keeps the heart, the body’s
long-distance runner, fit for life’s demands.
University of Michigan pharmacologist Robert U. Simpson, Ph.D.,
thinks it’s apt to call vitamin D “the heart tranquilizer.”
Read
more...
Increased Risk of Heart Attack Now Added to Dangers
for Men with Low Vitamin D Level
Vitamin D deficiency related to an increasing number
of conditions and to total mortality
June
9, 2008 – Older men with low levels of vitamin D in their systems appear to be
at an increased risk of a heart attack. This is just the latest in a
series of studies that have found vitamin D playing a key role in
preventing serious health problems, including depression, cancer, high
blood pressure, falls by elderly, and the list goes on. One study last
September said it lowers the risk of death from any cause.
Read
more...
More Evidence that Chinese Red Yeast Rice Has
Stunning Ability to Prevent Heart Attacks
Latest study in American Journal of Cardiology says
cancer mortality also reduced by two-thirds, all mortality one-third
June
9, 2008 – A study released today joins a steady flow in the last ten
years that indicate Chinese red yeast rice has a stunning ability to
protect against heart attacks. The latest report found a partially
purified extract of the rice, known as Xuezhikang (XZK), reduced the
risk of a repeat heart attack by 45% in patients who had already
suffered one attack. It also claims cancer mortality risk was reduced by
two-thirds and total mortality by one-third.
Read
more...
Resveratrol in Red Wine May Achieve Same Longevity
Results as Starvation Dieting
Study important because it suggests that resveratrol
and caloric restriction may govern the same master genetic pathways
related to aging
June 4, 2008 – Scientists have long maintained
senior citizens can extend their lives by strict adherence to a diet
that rigidly restricts calorie intake. Now, scientists may have
discovered how to accomplish this without starving yourself. It is a
choice most seniors will gladly choose over severe calorie restriction –
drinking red wine. A new study says low doses of the resveratrol in red
wine may achieve the same longevity results as starvation dieting.
Read
more...
Starving Yourself to Vastly Extended Life Span
Suggested by Recent Study
Report 10-fold life span extension in
simple organism – baker’s yeast
June 4, 2008 - Biologists have created baker’s
yeast capable of living to 800 in yeast years without apparent side
effects and this may suggest strategies for helping humans live
healthier and longer. The basic but important discovery, achieved
through a combination of dietary and genetic changes, brings science
closer to controlling the survival and health of the unit of all living
systems: the cell.
Read
more...
|
Seniors Avoiding All Fats to Prevent Heart Disease
Are Missing Benefits of Some
American Heart Association finds most unaware "Better
Fats" help, expands national fats awareness campaign
May 22, 2008 – Senior citizens, more aware of the
threat of heart disease than most young people, are very often among those
who avoid all “fat” in their foods. Unfortunately, the American Heart
Association has found that most people do not know you should not avoid
all fats. The “better” fats - monounsaturated and polyunsaturated - can
help reduce their risk of heart disease.
Read
more...link to video
Senior Citizens Offered Tips on Eating Well as You
Age by National Institutes of Health
Eating well is vital at any age, but as you get
older, your daily food choices can make an important difference in your
health
May 12, 2008 - How should you eat as you get older?
Which foods are likely to keep you most healthy and which ones should
you limit? Is it possible to eat well and stay within a healthy weight?
These and other questions are addressed in "Eating Well as You Get
Older," the latest topic to be added to NIHSeniorHealth, the health and
wellness Web site developed by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and
the National Library of Medicine (NLM), both part of the National
Institutes of Health.
Read more...
Low Blood Levels of Vitamin D May Be Associated With
Depression in Older Adults
May
5, 2008 - Older adults with low blood levels of vitamin D and high blood
levels of a hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands may have a higher
risk of depression, according to a report in the May issue of Archives
of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Read
more...
DASH Diet to Control Blood Pressure May Also Lower
Risk of Heart Disease for Women
April 14, 2008 - Women who eat diets similar to the
Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet—which is low in
animal protein, moderate in low-fat dairy products and high in plant
proteins, fruits and vegetables—appear to have a lower risk of coronary
heart disease and stroke, according to a report in the April 14 issue of
Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Read
more...
Senior Citizen Health & Medicine
Another Study Points to Higher Breast Cancer Risk
from Alcohol for Older Women
The more older (postmenopausal) women drink the
greater the risk
April 14, 2008 – A large study has confirmed
several previous studies showing that drinking alcohol is a substantial
risk factor among older women for the development of breast cancer. This
study focused on the most common type of breast cancer – the 70% found
positive for both estrogen and progesterone receptors, referred to as
"ER+/PR+" breast cancer. And, the study says the more one drinks the
higher the risk.
Read more...
Tart
Cherries May Become Senior Citizen Favorite – Lower Risks for Heart
Disease, Diabetes
|
Pain
Relief, Too
See full report below news story. |
|
Inflammation, body fat, weight gain and blood cholesterol
all lower in rats fed cherries on top of high-fat, Western-style diet
April 7, 2008 - Tart cherries – frequently sold dried,
frozen or in juice – may have more than just good taste and bright red color
going for them, according to new animal research from the University of
Michigan Cardiovascular Center.
Read more...
how cherries help fight arthritis pain, too.
New Study Confirms Red Wine Antioxidant Kills Cancer
Researchers pinpoint how resveratrol induces
pancreatic cancer cell death
March
26, 2008 - Researchers showed for the first time that a natural
antioxidant found in grape skins and red wine can help destroy
pancreatic cancer cells by reaching to the cell's core energy source, or
mitochondria, and crippling its function. The study is published in the
March edition of the journal, Advances in Experimental Medicine and
Biology.
Read more...
Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids,
Advice on
Use Presented by Mayo Clinic
Thousands of studies have documented the
cardiovascular benefits
March 10, 2008 – Thousands of studies have
documented the cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. The March
issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings wades through the data to provide
physicians and consumers with the current findings and recommendations
related to these oils.
Read more...
Magic Bullet to Zap Cholesterol May Be Visit with a
Dietitian
Many patients can reach LDL cholesterol goal
through dietary changes alone
March 4, 2008 - Worried about your cholesterol? You
certainly have plenty of company among senior citizens. One idea for
help may be a few appointments with a registered dietitian, to get some
sound advice about how to shape up your eating habits, according to a
new national study led by University of Michigan Health System
researchers. Almost half of those in this study reduced bad cholesterol
at least 15 percent.
Read more....
Vitamin E May Increase Lung Cancer Risk; Other
Vitamins Fail to Lower Risk Like Fruit
Supplement use comes from the desire to mimic the
benefits of a healthy diet with convenient pill
Feb.29, 2008 - Vitamin supplements do not protect
against lung cancer, according to a study of more than 77,000 vitamin
users. In fact, some supplements may even increase the risk of
developing it. On the other hand, eating fruit daily may reduce risk for
lung cancer, as well as reduced risk of several other cancers and
cardiovascular disease.
Read more...
Bladder Tumors’ Cut More than Half by Eating Extract
of Broccoli Sprouts
More evidence that cruciferous vegetables offer
cancer protection
Feb. 28, 2008 – A concentrated extract of freeze
dried broccoli sprouts cut development of bladder tumors in an animal
model by more than half, according to a report in the March 1 issue of
Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer
Research.
Read
more...
Men Should Swap Multivitamins for Vitamin D, Says
Harvard Health Watch
It’s time put multivitamins on hold to reassess the
value, safety
Feb. 28, 2008 - Although physician-scientists and
supplement manufacturers are often at odds, they don’t spend much time
sparring over multivitamins. In fact, half the physicians on the Harvard
Men’s Health Watch advisory board report taking a multivitamin
themselves.
Read
more...
Fat Free Milk, with Calcium, Vitamin D Foods Reduces
High Blood Pressure Risk for Older Women
Hypertension a rising risk for U.S. women says
American Heart Association
Feb.
20, 2008 - Women who drank more fat free milk and had higher intakes of
calcium and vitamin D from foods, and not supplements, tended to have a
lower risk for developing hypertension or high blood pressure, according
to a new study published in the American Heart Association journal,
Hypertension.
Read
more...
Most Cancer Survivors Found to Depend on Vitamins,
Mineral Supplements
Current evidence of benefit is lacking; Research has
been minimal
Breast cancer survivors report
highest use (75-87%); prostate cancer survivors report least
(26-35%) |
Feb. 1, 2008 – Although some research suggests that
certain supplements may actually interfere with treatment or even
accelerate cancer growth, among the 10 million adults who survive cancer
there is widespread use of vitamin and mineral supplements – 64-81% of
survivors versus 50% of general population.
Read more...
Senior Citizen Health & Medicine
Caffeine Appears to Lower Ovarian Cancer Risk;
Smoking, Alcohol No Effect
Caffeine may lower risk, particularly in women not
using hormones
Jan. 23, 2008 - A very large new study has found
that cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption do not have an effect on
ovarian cancer risk, while caffeine intake may lower the risk,
particularly in women not using hormones. The study is published in the
March 1, 2008 issue of CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American
Cancer Society.
Read more...
Nutrition, Vitamins & Supplements for Seniors
Senior Citizens Low on Vitamin E May See Decline in
Physical Function
Authors don’t recommend vitamin supplements but
suggest
almonds, tomato sauce, and sunflower seeds, etc.
Jan. 22, 2008 – A
study of senior citizens to see if low levels of certain micronutrients
lead to a decline in physical function has concluded that low levels of
vitamin E does indeed indicate poor nutrition and progressive physical
decline. The study will be in the Jan. 23 issue of the Journal of the
American Medical Association.
Read more...
Aspirin Reduces Colorectal Cancer Risk with Regular,
Long-Term Use
Men using aspirin regularly experienced a
significantly lower risk
Jan. 22, 2008 – The regular, long-term use of
aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduces the
risk associated with colorectal cancer, according to a study published
in Gastroenterology. However, the use of aspirin to stop or prevent
(chemoprevention) colorectal cancer may require using the drug at doses
that are higher than recommended over a long period of time, which may
cause serious side effects including gastrointestinal bleeding.
Read
more...
Calcium Loses Ability to Prevent Bone Loss Unless
Bolstered with Vitamin D
Study of elderly women finds D2 with
calcium keeps on working
Jan. 17, 2008 – Elderly women fighting to prevent
bone loss saw their calcium pills become no more effective than placebos
after about three years, in a recent study. The researchers found,
however, that combining vitamin D with the calcium sustained the bone
loss prevention throughout the five year study.
Read
more...
Vitamin D2 Helps Prevent Falls Among High-Risk Female Senior Citizens
Vitamin D2 reduced risk of having at least one fall
by 19%
Jan.
14, 2008 - Vitamin D2 supplements appear to reduce the risk of falls
among senior citizen women with a history of falling and low blood
vitamin D levels living in sunny climates, especially during the winter,
according to a report in the January 14 issue of Archives of Internal
Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Read more &
links to more on vitamin D...
Senior Citizens Get Their Own Food Pyramid Updated
by Tufts Researchers
Tufts scientists work with federal agencies to
establish the USDA Dietary Guidelines
Dec. 20, 2007 - Tufts University researchers have
updated their Food Guide Pyramid for Older Adults to correspond with the
USDA food pyramid, now known as MyPyramid. The Tufts version is
specifically designed for older adults and has changed in appearance and
content. The Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults continues to emphasize
nutrient-dense food choices and the importance of fluid balance, but has
added additional guidance about forms of foods that could best meet the
unique needs of older adults and about the importance of regular
physical activity.
Read
more...
Green Tea Antioxidants Provide Double Whammy When Citrus Added
Catechins, naturally occurring antioxidants in tea, stay available after
digestion
Nov. 14, 2007 – Many senior citizens are among those who drink green tea
for the reported health benefits, like reduced risk of cancer, heart
attack and stroke. But, a new study suggests you can get even more of a
boost by just adding a little juice to the tea.
Read more...
Alzheimer's, Dementia & Mental Health
Senior Citizens Significantly Lower Dementia Risk
Eating Fish, Omega-3 Oils, Fruits, Veggies
Watch for omega-6 oils – they can increase your
chances of memory problems finds study of older people
Nov. 13, 2007 – A study of senior citizens – 8,085
men and women over age 65 – has determined that a diet rich in fish,
omega-3 oils, fruits and vegetables may lower your risk of dementia and
Alzheimer’s disease, whereas consuming omega-6 rich oils could increase
chances of developing memory problems. This is certainly not the first
research to reach this conclusion.
Read
more...
Nutrition, Vitamins & Supplements for Seniors
Study Finds Long-Term Use of Beta Carotene May
Prevent Cognitive Decline
No convincing justification to recommend the use of
antioxidant dietary supplements to maintain cognitive performance:
editorial
Nov. 12, 2007 - Men who take beta carotene
supplements for 15 years or longer may have less cognitive decline,
according to a report in the November 12 issue of Archives of Internal
Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. Beta carotene is a colorful
fat-soluble compound naturally present in many fruits, grains, oil and
vegetables.
Read
more...
Mormons Have Less Heart Disease Due to Monthly
Fasting Says Study
|
"...In
addition to occasional special fasts that we might have for
personal or family reasons, we are expected to fast once a month
on the first Sunday. We are taught that there are three aspects
to a proper fast day observance: first, abstaining from food and
drink for two consecutive meals or, in other words, 24 hours;
second, attending fast and testimony meeting; and third, giving
a generous fast offering. – Elder
Carl B. Pratt, “The
Blessings of a Proper Fast,” Ensign, Nov 2004,
Click to more. |
|
Report to American Heart Association says people
who skip meals better off
Nov. 6, 2007 – Members of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS or Mormons) have lower rates of heart
disease than other Americans and a new study of older people indicates
it may be linked to their religious practice of skipping food for one
day a month. The Mormon religion also prohibits smoking and it was
previously assumed this was the reason they enjoyed healthier hearts.
Read
more...
Vitamin D Does Not Deter Cancer Deaths but Does
Reduce Colon Cancer Risk
Highly hyped vitamin D takes a blow from massive
study but not dead yet
Oct. 30, 2007 – Vitamin D has received considerable
favorable attention lately, primarily as a way to stop cancer, but idea came crashing down today with the release of a large study – 16,818
participants – that concluded a higher vitamin D level is not associated
with a lower risk of drying from cancer. But wait, the hype is not
totally dead – this study did conclude that D substantially decreases
the risk of colorectal cancer.
Read
more...
Older Men Can Reduce Heart Failure Risk by Eating
More Whole Grain Cereal
Breakfast cereals with at least 25% oat or bran
content were used in study
Oct. 23, 2007 - Men who consume a higher amount of
whole grain breakfast cereals may have a reduced risk of heart failure,
according to a report in the October 22 issue of Archives of Internal
Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Read more...
Senior Citizens Prefer American Food More Than Other
Adults When Eating Out
Matures 3-to-1 more likely to choose
French food, cool to Japanese
Oct. 19, 2007 - When senior citizens, or “Matures,”
as Harris Interactive calls them, go out to eat they want American food.
Harris found, in fact, thisis the favorite food for most American
adults, but no age group is as adamant about their meat and potatoes as
are the oldest Americans.
Read more...
Diet Counseling Leads to Only Modest Improvement in
Heart Risks
Those with risk factor elevation - such as high
blood pressure or cholesterol - respond better than those at ‘average’
levels
Oct. 17, 2007 – Senior citizens, in their unending
fight against heart disease, are frequently advised to select a diet
that will help reduce their risk. A review of 38 studies, however, finds
the that dietary advice does lead to modest improvement in risk factors
such as high cholesterol and blood pressure, especially in people at
higher risk.The reviewer suggests, however, these diets may lead to more
health improvements than the study indicates.
Read
more...
Low-Fat Diet Appears to Lower Risk of Ovarian Cancer
for Older Women
Women
on diet low in fat 40% less likely to
develop ovarian cancer
Oct. 10, 2007 - A diet low in fat could reduce the
risk of ovarian cancer in healthy older (postmenopausal) women,
according to new results from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI)
Dietary Modification Trial. Researchers found that after four years,
women who decreased the amount of dietary fat they consumed were 40
percent less likely to develop ovarian cancer than women who followed
normal dietary patterns.
Read
more...
Senior Citizens May Not Get Calcium Needed Due to
Confusing Food Labels
Consumers often don't get nutritional information
they need due to confusion
Oct. 5, 2007 - Current food labeling leads to
under-consumption of calcium, an important additive for senior citizens
fighting against osteoporosis, and this is probably true for other nutrients,
according to a new study. The problem can be improved, the researchers
say, if consumers are taught to better translate the information on the
food package label.
Read
more...
Quercetin Identified as Flavonol to Reduce Risk of
Pancreatic Cancer
Smokers benefit most from intake of 'hidden' plant
nutrients
Oct. 4, 2007 - Eating flavonol-rich foods may help
reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer, says a team of international
researchers. Quercetin, which is found naturally in apples, onions and
red wine, has been identified as one of the most beneficial flavonols
(subgroup of flavonoids) in preventing and reducing the risk of
pancreatic cancer.
Read
more...
Ornish Diet Best, USDA Food Pyramid Down the List
for Improving Heart Health
Study ranks popular weight-loss plans for reducing
cardiovascular risk
Oct. 1, 2007 - The Department of Agriculture’s Food
Pyramid needs repair, at least when it comes to diets that improve heart
health, according to researchers who compared ten diet plans to see
which one could best reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, the
major killer of senior citizens. The Pyramid plan came in sixth in this
test with the leader being the Ornish diet plan, which is specifically
targeted at protection from heart disease.
Read
more...
Wine, Beer, Liquor It Doesn't Matter – Too Much
Jumps Breast Cancer Risk
Three drinks of alcohol a day is as bad as smoking a
pack a day
Sept.
27, 2007 – It makes no difference if women drink wine, beer or liquor -
too much of any alcoholic drink is likely to trigger cancer. The
increased risk of breast cancer from drinking three or more alcoholic
drinks a day is similar to the increased risk from smoking one pack of
cigarettes a day, concludes one of the largest studies ever on the
effects of alcohol on breast cancer risk.
Read
more...
Vitamin E Studies Have Been Fatally Flawed for Years
Says New Study
Amount needed to reduce oxidative stress far higher
than used in clinical trials
Sept. 24, 2007 – Many senior citizens have kept a
close eye on research about Vitamin E after studies indicated it could
provide protection from heart disease, the number one killer of the
elderly. But, the research to determine the power of Vitamin E to reduce
oxidative stress and, therefore, preventing cardiovascular disease, has
produced widely varying results. Now researchers say generations of
studies on vitamin E may be largely meaningless, because the levels
necessary to reduce oxidative stress are far higher than those that have
been commonly used in clinical trials.
Read more...
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Risk Lowered by
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Pigment found in spinach, egg yolk, corn protect
the macula from blue light
Sept. 12, 2007 – A new study seems to confirm
previous findings that consuming high levels of the plant pigments
lutein and zeaxanthin may lower the risk for senior citizens of
age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness
in older people.
Read
more...
Vitamin D Supplements Appear to Lower Death Risk
from Any Cause
Editorial: ‘moderate sun exposure, food fortification
with vitamin D and higher-dose vitamin D supplements for adults need to
be debated’
Sept. 11, 2007 – People who regularly take vitamin
D supplements appear to have a lower risk of death from any cause,
at least according to a study that followed the participants over six
years. This amazing finding is reported today in the Archives of
Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Read more...
Chemists
Say They Now Know How to Remove Bitterness from Coffee
Great news for senior citizens who already prefer coffee
to sex
Aug.
22, 2007 – Chemists think they can make coffee taste better. That’s
staggering news to millions of senior citizens who said in a poll that they
would prefer to give up sex before their coffee. But, the scientists claim
they have discovered what makes java bitter and say this could lead to even
better tasting coffee.
Read more...
Adequate Vitamin D3 Could Prevent 600,000 Breast,
Colon Cancer Cases
Vitamin D3 is obtained through diet, supplements and sunlight
Aug. 22, 2007 – Vitamin D continues to win praise
for its contribution to better health. This time it is a study that says
600,000 cases of breast and colon cancer could be prevented around the
globe – 150,000 in the U.S. - each year if more people reached the
recommended levels of vitamin D3.
Read more...
Report Highlights Benefits of Vitamin D Supplements
for Senior Citizens
Report will be basis of NIH conference on Vitamin D
and bone health
Aug. 20, 2007 - A new report highlights the
evidence for bone health benefits in postmenopausal women and older men
(the majority over 60 years of age) from taking vitamin D supplements.
It also confirms that vitamin D from ultraviolet-B (sunlight) exposure,
fortified foods, or dietary supplements are all effective in raising the
level of circulating vitamin D.
Read
more...
Western Red Meat-White Flour Diet Can Lead to Colon
Cancer, Its Return and Death
Diet high in red and processed meats, sweets and
desserts, french fries, and refined grains increases the risk of cancer
recurrence and decreases survival
Aug. 14, 2007 – Regularly eating a “western diet” –
lots of red meat, refined grains, fat and deserts, that many senior
citizens grew up on – not only increases your risk of colon cancer, but
it increases the chances that the cancer will return and you will die,
according to new research to appear in the Journal of the American
Medical Association tomorrow. The study compared these western diet
eaters with those who had diets high in fruits and vegetables, and
poultry and fish.
Read
more... Link to video with story.
Senior Citizens Find Guidance on Better Health with
Omega-3 in Mayo Newsletter
Benefits for seniors: heart protection, lower blood
pressure, even relief from rheumatoid arthritis
Aug. 14, 2007 – Omega-3 fatty acids should be as
much a part of the healthy diet as are lots fruits and vegetables and
very little fat and cholesterol, according to the Mayo Clinic Health
Letter, which provides detailed advice on consuming these healthy fatty
acids. This form of acid appears to have many health benefits for senior
citizens, including heart protection, lower blood pressure and even
relief from rheumatoid arthritis.
Read more...
Antioxidant Supplements Fail to Protect High Risk
Women from Cardiovascular Deaths
Use of vitamins C, E and beta carotene for
cardiovascular protection not warranted
Aug. 13, 2007 – Those eating lots of fruits and
vegetables, which are rich with antioxidants, are known to lower their
risk of cardiovascular disease, but the results from a new study
indicates these antioxidants to be effective may have to come from the
plant foods, rather than from supplements like Vitamins C and E and beta
carotene, all high in antioxidants.
Read
more...
Senior Citizens Need
Just a Little More Protein-Rich Food to
Maintain Muscle
Elderly just as able to turn protein into muscle as
younger people
Aug. 13, 2007 - A new study suggests that a diet containing a
moderate amount of protein-rich food such as beef, fish, pork, chicken,
dairy or nuts may help slow the deterioration of elderly people’s
muscles and, it also finds, that older bodies are just as capable as
younger ones in turning this protein-rich food into muscle.
Read
more...
Older Women Who Drink Three Cups of Coffee Daily
Protect Memory
Caffeine appears to reduce cognitive decline, but not
in men
Aug. 7, 2007 – Women who have reached age 65 can
protect their thinking ability by taking a heavy dose of caffeine – as
in three cups of coffee a day. Even better news is the finding that this
power increases with age – the older the women, the memory loss is less.
The bad news is the study found it does not work for men.
Read
more...
Calcium, Vitamin D, Magnesium in Milk Reduce Risk of
Type 2 Diabetes
15% lower risk among individuals with the highest
dairy intake
July 10, 2007 – Most Americans, including senior
citizens, fail to get the calcium and vitamin D they need, but this
shortfall could be affecting more than their bones. It may, at least in
part, be one reason behind the epidemic of type 2 diabetes, suggests new
research conducted at Tufts University.
Read more...
FDA Rules on Dietary Supplement Manufacturers Good
News for Boomers, Senior Citizens
What you need to know about supplements. Government
already provides lots of helpful information
|
More about what you
need to know about dietary supplements - See below news report:
> Consumer article
by FDA
>Link to special FDA
guide for senior citizens
> Links to info at
USDA and National Institutes of Health
> What are dietary
supplements? |
|
July 5, 2007 - The Food and Drug Administration
made a significant move on June 22 to establish regulations to require
the manufacturers of dietary supplements to adhere to practices that
will ensure the products are produced in a quality manner, do not
contain contaminants or impurities, and are accurately labeled. It
should be welcomed news to senior citizens and baby boomers – in
particular women, who are the leading consumers of these products
designed to enhance health.
Read more...
Blood Pressure Lowered by Just Small Amounts of Dark
Chocolate
Small enough to avoid weight gain - good news for millions of
senior citizens
|
Percent of senior citizens with high blood
pressure - 2003-04 - Centers for Disease Control
Green = Men
Gold = Women |
|
|
July 5, 2007 – High blood pressure, or
hypertension, is the leading chronic disease for senior citizens,
affecting over half of all those age 65 or
older. It presents on on-going battle for those afflicted, but here is
news to make their life a little sweeter – eating about 30 calories of
dark chocolate daily will lower their blood pressure, without adding
inches to their waistline.
Read
more...
Omega-3 Protects Eyes from Retinopathy as in Major
Causes of Blindness in Senior Citizens
Diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular
degeneration may be helped
June 25, 2007 - Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty
acids, found in certain fish and supplements, protect against the
development and progression of retinopathy in mice - a deterioration of
the retina. Retinopathy is a general term referring to some form of
non-inflammatory damage to the retina of the eye and includes the major
sources of blindness in senior citizens – age-related macular
degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, although the disease tested in
this study was most closely associated with retinopathy of prematurity.
Read more...
All Omega Fats Not Created Equal, One is Detrimental
to Health, Says New Book
Ultimate Omega-3 Diet warns of difference between
omega-3 and omega-6
June 20, 2007 – Report after report tells Americans
how they can improve their health by consuming more omega-3 fatty
acids, most often found in certain fish. But, a new book warns, not all
omega fats are healthy and too many people are loading up on omega-6
fats that contribute to the problems senior citizens fear most -
Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, heart attacks, strokes, arthritis, vision
disorders, learning disorders, PMS, cancer, mood disorders, stress, and
insulin resistance.
Read
more...
Is the Government Increasing Your Risk for Colon
Cancer? Urgent Need for Research
Plea by co-author of JAMA report that folic acid
supplements do not prevent colon cancer but may increase risk
June 9, 2007 – In view of new research showing
folic acid supplements do not reduce the risk of precancerous tumors in
the colon – and may even increase the risk – the government may be
contributing to this risk due to its mandate that folic acid be added to
foods such as bread, flour and pasta. Research into this possibility
should be a high priority, according to Robert Sandler, M.D., a
co-author of the study.
Read more...
Evidence Mounts that Vitamin D Provides Powerful
Cancer Protection
Older women in study reduced risk 60% with vitamin
D3 and calcium
June 8, 2007 - Most Americans and others are not
taking enough vitamin D, a fact that may put them at significant risk
for developing cancer, according to a landmark study conducted by
Creighton University School of Medicine. A study of older American women
found a 60% reduction in cancer risk in people taking vitamin D3 and
calcium. It is the latest in a growing list of studies finding very
significant health benefits, in particular for senior citizens, from the
"sunshine vitamin."
Read
more... links to more Vitamin D reports...
Folic Acid
Supplements Do Not Appear to Reduce Risk of Colorectal Tumors
Previous studies found folate may help prevent colorectal
tumors
June
6, 2007 - New research indicates that folic acid supplementation does not
decrease the risk of benign colorectal tumors, but may possibly increase the
risk for some type of colorectal tumors, according to a study in the June 6
issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Previous studies
have suggested that folate supplementation may help to prevent colorectal
tumors. Read
more... link to video
Americans – Even Old Ones – Can Maintain Weight Loss
Study of people up to age 84 finds 60% hold
weight loss; Hispanics most likely to regain
June 5, 2007 - Every so often, another study comes
out depicting the average American as an incorrigible yo-yo dieter and
committed couch potato; however, nearly six in 10 people maintained
their weight loss to within 5 percent over a year’s time in a new study
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that included people
up to age 84.
Read
more...
Nutrients Must Come from Food, Not Pills to Ward Off
Pancreatic Cancer
Vitamins B6, B12 and folate found to work for lean
people; multivitamins set off alarm
June 1, 2007 – Researchers trying to find nutrients
that may protect men from pancreatic cancer have made an unexpected
discovery. They found, at least in lean people, that certain nutrients
do provide cancer protection, but only if they come from food, not
vitamin supplements. They also found that multivitamins may actually
increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Read more...
Older Women with Hypertension May Reduce Blood
Pressure, Cholesterol with Soy Nuts
Reduced bad cholesterol 11%, systolic, diastolic
blood pressure 9.9%, 6.8%
May 29, 2007 – Older women with high blood pressure,
which includes more than half of all senior citizens,
may be able to lower their blood pressure and reduce their cholesterol
levels by substituting soy nuts for other protein sources in a healthy
diet. Women with hypertension have four times the risk of heart disease
compared to those with normal blood pressure and it is estimated that
about half of all senior citizens suffer with this problem.
Read
more...
Drinking Coffee May Offer Senior Men Protection from
Gout Arthritis
Something in coffee lowers uric acid levels in
blood
May 25, 2007 – Gout, the most common inflammatory
arthritis in adult men, follows the development of high uric acid levels
in the blood. Researchers now think drinking coffee, but not tea, may help fight the
disease because it seems to lower uric acid levels.
Read
more...
Senior Citizen Health & Medicine
Risk of Progressive Lung Disease (COPD) Cut in Half
by Mediterranean Diet
Risk of lung cancer from COPD reduced by high-dose
inhaled corticosteroid, finds another study
May 16, 2007 – There is no known cure for chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which primarily strikes older
people and becomes a chronic disease for many senior citizens, but a
large study has found the chances of developing this progressive
inflammatory lung disease can by cut in half by eating a Mediterranean
diet. Read
more..
Nutrition, Vitamins & Supplements for Seniors
Heavy Multivitamin Use May Double Risk of Advanced
Prostate Cancer
Was not found to increase risk of developing
prostate cancer
May 16, 2007 – New research says men taking
multivitamins more than seven times a week may double their risk of
advanced and fatal prostate cancer over those not taking multivitamins.
But, it found no association between multivitamin use and the
development of localized prostate cancer.
Read more...
More Grain Fiber, Magnesium Lowers Risk of Major
Senior Citizen Illness – Type 2 Diabetes
Eating fiber from fruits, vegetables doesn't effect
diabetes risk
May 15, 2007 – Type 2 diabetes is one of those
chronic diseases that plague senior citizens but there is good news on
how to lower this risk of getting it – eat more fiber from cereals,
bread and other grain products and increase magnesium in take. (More
information on fiber and magnesium below news report.)
Read
more...
Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish, Vitamin D Fight
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
No known way to prevent this major cause of blindness
in senior citizens
May 14, 2007 - Individuals who have higher dietary
intake of foods with omega-3 fatty acids and higher fish consumption
have a reduced risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration, while
those with higher serum levels of vitamin D may have a reduced risk of
the early stages of the disease, according to two reports in the May
issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Read
more...
Older Women May Prevent Some Weight Gain
by taking
Calcium Plus Vitamin D
May stimulate the breakdown of fat cells and
suppress the development of new ones
May 14, 2007 - Postmenopausal women, age 50 to
79 in this study, who take calcium and vitamin D supplements may gain
less weight than those who do not, although the overall effect is small,
according to a report in the May 14 issue of Archives of Internal
Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. The benefit is greater in
those who had not previously been getting the daily recommended amount
of calcium.
Read
more...
Omega-3 from Fish Oil May Halt Muscle Loss in Senior
Citizens, Athletes
Ability to convert food into muscle proteins
decreases with age
May 9, 2007 – Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil
have been found to benefit senior citizens in many areas associated with
aging. Now, researchers have added one more - a big one. It appears to
prevent the loss of muscle mass, which is the cause of many problems for
the elderly.
Read more...
Green Tea May be a Therapy for People with
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Anti-inflammatory compound inhibits destruction of
cartilage, bone
April 30, 2007 - A new study from the University of
Michigan Health System suggests that a compound in green tea may provide
therapeutic benefits to people with rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers
found that the compound -- called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) --
inhibited the production of several molecules in the immune system that
contribute to inflammation and joint damage in people with rheumatoid
arthritis.
Read more...
Safety, Effectiveness of Dietary Supplements Focus
of Major Conference
$4 billion a year spent on herbal products for
better health, memory, sex
April 25, 2007 – Senior citizens, probably the most
ardent seekers of better health, are among the Americans that consume
more than $4 billion worth of St. John’s wort, echinacea, Ginkgo biloba
and other herbal products each year in hopes of improving their health,
memory and even their sex lives. A major conference opens next week at
the University of Mississippi to explore the latest studies on the
safety and quality of botanical dietary supplements.
Read
more, link to video...
Low Vitamin D Level Linked to Physical Problems in
Older Adults
Key role in bone health; may protect against
diabetes, cancer, colds, tuberculosis
April 23, 2007 - Older adults who don't get enough
vitamin D – either from their diets or exposure to the sun – may be at
increased risk for poor physical performance and disability, according
to new research from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and
colleagues.
Read
more...
Vegetables, Fruit, Soy May Prevent Certain Cancers
Studies show results with breast, ovarian,
pancreatic, head and neck cancer
April 16, 2007 - When Mom said eat your vegetables,
you should have listened and kept on doing it right into old age as a
way to fight cancer. We all know eating fruits, vegetables and soy
products provides essential nutrition for a healthy lifestyle and
avoiding obesity, but new research is finding many of these products may
also prevent cancer.
Read
more...
Calorie Reduction Late in Life Restores Health,
Longevity of Life-Long Diet
Researcher says it's never too late, searches for
anti-aging drugs
April 12, 2007 – Reducing calorie intake later in
life can still induce many of the health and longevity benefits of
life-long calorie reduction, according to research by Stephen Spindler,
Professor at the University of California, and his collaborators. They
are now using this knowledge to establish a novel screening technique to
find drugs which mimic this longevity effect.
Read
more...
New Website Can Help Senior Citizens Better Manage
Bad Fats in Diet
American Heart Association launches Face the Fats
April 10, 2007- Senior citizens, the age group most
endanger of heart attack death, have a new source of expert information
available online to learn more about minimizing the dangerous trans fat
in their diets, without falling back on compensating with more saturated
fat. The American Heart Association has launched "Face the Fats," an
education and entertaining Website where the Bad Fats Brothers – Sat and
Trans – come to life. It also provides an interactive fat calculator and
recipes by celebrity chef Alton Brown.
Read
more...
Fountain of Youth in Napa? Sales of Red Wine Boom on
Health, Aging Benefits
Boomers, senior citizens especially interested in the
health effects
April 2, 2007 - When Juan Ponce de León landed in
Florida to find the fountain of youth, maybe he failed because he was on
the wrong coast. Many Americans are thinking it must be in Napa Valley,
California, where they bottle it and call in red wine. Sales of red wine
out gained all wine sales by 40 percent in the 20 weeks prior to March
10, according to The Nielsen Company, which says the hot sales are due
to recent studies highlighting the health benefits of red wine.
Read
more...
Crazy Looking Pomegranate Still Being Found to Have
More Curing Powers
Harvard Men's Health Watch says two studies show
juice
fights prostate cancer
By Tucker Sutherland, editor
March 30, 2007 – In September 2005 we wrote a story
with the headline, "Pomegranate Hottest Health Remedy: Fad or Fact?" It
was highly read in 2005 and was still the fourth most read story on
SeniorJournal.com in all of 2006. Yet, the attention for this odd shaped
fruit with the upside down crown still mounts. Next month's Harvard
Men's Health Watch focuses on recent research saying pomegranate juice
may help fight prostate cancer.
Read
more...
High Trans Fat in Blood
Triples Risk of Heart Disease for Women
Harvard says it's strongest evidence
connecting trans fat and heart disease
March 27, 2007 - High consumption of trans fat,
found mainly in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils and widely used by
the food industry, has been linked to an increased risk of coronary
heart disease (CHD). A new study from the Harvard School of Public
Health (HSPH) provides the strongest association to date between trans
fat and heart disease.
Read
more...
JAMA Review Saying Some Antioxidants Increase Death
Risk Draws Attention
NBC Today explores 'Can taking vitamins be
dangerous?'
March 21, 2007 – The NBC Today show
this morning followed up a
report in the Journal of the American Medical Association,
warning that the antioxidant supplements beta carotene, vitamin A, and
vitamin E may increase the risk of death, with an analysis by their
nutritionist, Joy Bauer, of this report and her advice on vitamins. She
says, "These results certainly sound disturbing," but she points out
many health experts criticize the study.
Read
more...
It's Baby Boomers, Not Senior Citizens, Gobbling
Down Alternative Medicines
Boomers 'questioned authority - and medicine is a
form of authority'
By Katherine Kahn, Contributing Writer
Health Behavior News Service
March 13, 2007 - Even though older adults generally
have poorer health, middle-aged adults are most likely to turn to
complementary and alternative medicine, a new study shows. The study
also found that adults of different races or ethnic backgrounds use
these self-care methods in similar proportions.
Read
more...
Compound in Cocoa Significantly Cuts Risk of
Diseases that Kill Senior Citizens
Researcher says epecatechin discovery as important as
penicillin
March 12, 2007 – A compound found in cocoa,
epecatechin, is believed to have reduced the risk of four of the five
most common killer diseases among senior citizens to less than 10
percent among the Kuna people of Panama. The health benefits are so
striking that the Harvard medical professor who has studied the effect
for years says this could rival penicillin and anesthesia in importance
to public health.
Read
more...
Omega-3s Boost the Brain's Grey Matter to Improve
Mood
Eating fatty fish protects senior citizens' hearts,
may make them happier
March
7, 2007 – Consuming fish with omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and tuna,
may not only protect senior citizens from heart disease, it may make
them happier. A previous study found people with higher blood levels of
omega-3s were more agreeable and less likely to be depressed. The latest
study finds omega-3 increases the grey matter in the brain that is
associated with mood and behavior.
Read more...
Garlic
Does Not Lower Bad Cholesterol but Still May be Good for Heart
Study confirms findings of others that found only slight
change
Feb.26,
2007 – A new study confirms what several others have indicated – eating
garlic will not make a significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL),
the bad cholesterol. The results do not demonstrate, however, that the
popular dietary supplement is not usefulness in the prevention of
cardiovascular disease, according to an editorial published with the study
in today's issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives
journals.
Read more...
Senior Citizens Drinking Lots of Caffeine Lower Risk
of Heart Disease Death
No significant protective effect in patients below the
age of 65
Feb. 23, 2007 – It's news about health that most
senior citizens like to hear – it's more good news about coffee. The
regular drinking of caffeinated beverages by senior citizens – persons
age 65 and older – appears to protect them from heart disease and death,
says a new study.
Read more...
Vitamin D May Prevent Half
of Breast Cancers,
Two-Thirds of Colorectal Cancer
Daily intake of 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 best
achieved with diet, supplements and sunlight
Feb. 6, 2007 – A new prescriptions for possibly
preventing up to half of the cases of breast cancer and two-thirds of
the cases of colorectal cancer in the United States – vitamin D - has
been found in two studies. The studies using a sophisticated form of
analysis called meta-analysis, in which data from multiple reports is
combined, was conducted by a core team of cancer prevention specialists
at the Moores Cancer Center at University of California, San Diego (UCSD),
and colleagues from both coasts. (Data on vitamin D below news
report.)
Read
more...
Senior Citizen Health & Medicine
Senior Citizens Find Surprisingly ‘Good News’ in 30
Years of Coffee Research
'Many negative health myths about coffee drinking may
now be transformed into validated health benefits'
January 22, 2007 – Senior citizens, many who said
in a survey that they had rather give up sex than coffee, can find new
support for their cherished drink in a report saying that 30 years of
research indicates moderate drinking of this beverage is shown to have
generally positive and even protective effects against a host of ills,
including diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, kidney stones, depression,
cancer and more.
Read more...
Nutrition, Vitamins & Supplements for Seniors
AARP Pulling Senior Citizen Vitamin Off the Market
After Report on MSNBC
ConsumerLab.com says it finds problems in about
half of vitamins
January 19, 2007 – AARP has pulled its vitamin AARP
Maturity Formula from the market and is offering refunds to purchasers
after an investigation of vitamins was conducted by ConsumerLab.com and
reported on MSNBC and NBC’s Today Show. “If you're banking on a daily
vitamin to make up for any deficiencies in your diet, you may be getting
a whole lot more — or less — than you bargained for,” says the lead on
this story by Jacqueline Stenson.
Read
more...
Boomers, Senior Citizens Do Not Discuss Alternative
Medicine with Doctors
Most say it is because their physicians never asked
January 18, 2007 - In spite of the high use of
complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among people age 50 or
older, 69 percent of those who use CAM do not talk to their doctors
about it, according to a new survey conducted by AARP and the National
Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the
National Institutes of Health. The survey examined conversations between
patients and their physicians regarding CAM use.
Read
more...
Senior Citizen Alerts
Growth Hormone is Not the Anti-Aging Bullet for
Healthy Senior Citizens
Promoters
of GH as an anti-aging therapy target the healthy elderly
January 17, 2007 – Almost every senior citizen has
been tempted by advertising for products containing "GH." It stands for
"human growth hormone" and has been promoted as the ultimate in
anti-aging supplements. That's not true, says a new review of published
data on use GH by healthy elderly people. The study found that the
synthetic hormone was associated with small changes in body composition
but not in body weight or other clinically important outcomes.
Read more...
Nutrition, Vitamins & Supplements for Seniors
Senior Citizens May Lower Alzheimer's Risk with More
Folate Intake
Combination of
dietary folate with supplements
appears to work
January 9, 2007 - Senior citizens and younger
adults who take in higher levels of
the nutrient folate through both diet and supplements may have a reduced
risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to a report in the
January issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives
journals.
Read more...
FDA Proposal Emphasizes Nutrients in Dairy, Exercise
to Fight Osteoporosis
Calcium, vitamin D, physical activity needed to
reduce the risk in later life
January 6, 2007 - The Food and Drug Administration
has proposed an amended health claim that would communicate to consumers
the value of foods high in calcium and vitamin D for reducing the risk
of osteoporosis, according to the National Dairy Council. The language
also puts a strong emphasis on physical activity as part of the plan to
reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later life.
Read
more...
Senior Citizen Alerts
Weight Loss Pills More Likely to Make Your Wallet
Thinner Says FTC
Recovers $25 million from Xenadrine EFX, CortiSlim,
TrimSpa, and One-A-Day WeightSmart
January 5, 2007 – Senior citizens and baby boomers,
the age groups most tempted by claims of easy weight loss products,
should heed the deceptive marketing done by some of the most popular of
these 'magic' pills. Marketers of the four products –Xenadrine EFX,
CortiSlim, TrimSpa, and One-A-Day WeightSmart – have settled with the
FTC, surrendered cash and other assets worth at least $25 million, and
agreed to limit their future advertising claims.
Read more....
Senior Citizens May Live Longer, Healthier by
Spicing Up Their Lives
Expert offers tips on adding herbs and spices for a
better diet in 2007
January 2, 2007 – There are probably few senior
citizens in America that made resolutions for the new year that did not
include something that is beneficial to their health and longevity. A
researcher at the University of Michigan is offering some tips that
could be helpful to seniors in eating healthier using more herbs and
spices. She provides ten tips to add "spice" to your life in 2007. For
example, to fight aging she says eat rosemary, one of nature’s most
powerful antioxidants and thought to help with memory.
Read more...
Moderate Drinking May Help Older Women Live Longer,
Better
Women in 70's see significant
benefits in cardiovascular health
and overall quality of life
December 14, 2006 – There is another study finding
that moderate drinking may lead to increased quality of life and
survival for older women. The latest study included 12,000 women in
their 70’s who were monitored over six years. The group was comprised of
non-drinkers, occasional drinkers and moderate drinkers.
Read
more...
Do Low-Fat Foods Seduce Us into Obesity?
Mindless eating leads to 28-45% more calories
if
foods are 'low-fat'
December 8, 2006 - Recent Cornell studies in movie
theatres, holiday receptions, and homes showed people eat an average of
28% more total calories when they eat low-fat snacks than regular ones.
"Obese people can eat up to 45% more," reports lead researcher Brian
Wansink (Ph.D.), in the book, Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We
Think.
Read more...
Use Folic Acid to Reduce Heart Disease, Say Experts
November 25, 2006 - The scientific evidence is
strong enough to justify using folic acid as a cheap and simple way of
reducing heart disease and strokes, say researchers in this week’s
British Medical Journal (BMJ).
Read more...
Adding Sugar to Your Coffee Could Lead to Pancreatic
Cancer
Adding sugar to food or drinks five times a day
increases risk 70%
November 8, 2006 – Like sugar in your coffee,
creamed fruit and fizzy drinks? New research says these are three common
ways you may be increasing your risk of developing deadly pancreatic
cancer.
Read more...
Senior Citizen Health & Medicine
Red Wine Element Reverses Pathways of Obesity
That Cause Age-Related Diseases
Resveratrol
previously found to extend lifespan of other organisms may help against
heart disease, diabetes
November 2, 2006 – The headlines on a new study
focused on the discovery that resveratrol, found in red wine, when given
to obese mice significantly increased their lifespan. Too often obesity
is associated with physical appearance, but this test did not make the
thinner - it helped them live longer. These
researchers emphasize that the drug reversed gene expression
patterns associated with diabetes, heart disease and other diseases
related to obesity. Resveratrol has previously been shown to extend the
life of several other organisms.
Read more...
Nutrition, Vitamins & Supplements for Seniors
Asian Spice Turmeric May Prevent Rheumatoid
Arthritis and Osteoporosis
U. of Arizona researchers say it may fight
other inflammatory disorders, too
October 30, 2006 - An ancient spice, long used in
traditional Asian medicine, may hold promise for the prevention of both
rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis, according to a recently completed
study at The University of Arizona College of Medicine. It is
encouraging news for millions of senior citizens concerned about both
conditions. Turmeric, the spice that flavors and gives its yellow color
to many curries and other foods, has been used for centuries by
practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammatory disorders.
Read
more...
Questionable Evidence Shows Chinese Herbal Medicine
Helps Angina Patients
Studies that
evaluated medicine were of poor quality, says reviewer
By Amy Sutton, Contributing Writer, Health Behavior News Service
October 26, 2006 - An herbal medicine used to treat
cardiovascular diseases in China may improve symptoms of chest
pain when used in conjunction with traditional treatments, according to
a new systematic review.
Read
more...
Senior Citizens Can Slow Cognitive Decline by Eating
More Vegetables
It is probably the vitamin E that does the trick
October 24, 2006 - Eating vegetables, not fruit,
helps slow down the rate of cognitive change in older adults, according
to a study published in today's issue of Neurology, the
scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Read
more...
Red Wine but Not White Reduces Risk of Colon Cancer
Study says it is the resveratrol in red wine
that provides protection
October 23, 2006 - Drinking more than three glasses
of red wine a week reduced the risk for colon cancer, according to
research presented at the 71st Annual Scientific Meeting of the American
College of Gastroenterology in Las Vegas.
Read
more...
Senior Citizen Health & Medicine
Eating Fish Reduces Coronary Death Risk by Stunning
36 Percent
Review in JAMA of past studies says death rate
reduced 17%
October 18, 2006 – Researchers who reviewed all the
previous studies on the health impact of eating fish have concluded that
avoiding modest fish consumption due to confusion regarding risks and
benefits could result in thousands of excess coronary heart disease
deaths annually. They found it reduces risk of coronary death by a
stunning 36 percent and the rate of death by 17 percent.
Read more...
Senior Citizen Nutrition, Vitamins, Supplements
Senior Coffee Addicts Who Choose Decaf to Avoid
Caffeine May Be in for a Jolt
Decaffeinated coffee is not caffeine-free, says UF
study
October
11, 2006 - Senior citizen coffee addicts – and we can assume
there are millions since a poll not long ago found most seniors would
prefer giving up sex before their coffee drinking – may switch to decaf
for health reasons. But, that change does not free them from the
clutches of caffeine. A new study by University of Florida researchers
has discovered that almost all decaffeinated coffee contains some
measure of caffeine.
Read
more...
Senior Citizen Health & Medicine
Osteoporosis Risk Increases for Older Women Drinking
Cola
All the facts aren't in, say experts, but women may
want to hold off on cola
October 6, 2006 – They are not sure why, but a
study of older women found cola consumption was associated with lower
bone mineral density and increased risk for osteoporosis. An expert at
the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging suggests women
concerned about osteoporosis may want to steer away from drinking cola
until more study is conducted.
Read more...
Green Tea Lowers Death Risk for Everything but
Cancer
Older Japanese adults show drop in
cardiovascular disease
September 25, 2006 – Drinking green tea appears to
lower the risk of dying from about anything except cancer, says a study
of Japanese adults. The more green tea the adults drank, the lower the
death risk from even cardiovascular disease, says the study in the
September 13 issue of JAMA. It seems to work best for women.
Read
more...
Aging News for Senior Citizens
Almost Half of Adults Seeking Sleep with Alternative
Therapy Say It Works
Studies say a majority of senior citizens have
sleep problems
September 18, 2006 - More than 1.6 million U.S.
adults are estimated to use complementary and alternative therapies to
treat insomnia or trouble sleeping, and almost half say it helps them
sleep but a clear majority says it is beneficial to their health and
well-being. Read
more...
Senior Citizen Nutrition, Vitamins, Supplements
Vitamin D Cuts Risk of Deadly Pancreatic Cancer
Almost in Half
Not determined if dietary sources or
sunlight are preferable
September 13, 2006 - The risk of getting pancreatic
cancer, a quick killer and the fourth-leading cause of cancer deaths in
the United States, can be cut almost in half by taking daily the
recommended dosage of Vitamin D tablets, according to a study led by
researchers at Northwestern and Harvard universities.
Read more...
Cranberry Juice Compounds Show Promise as
Alternatives to Antibiotics
Tannins in cranberries are potentially potent
antibacterial agents
September
11, 2006 – A new study says cranberry juice may provide an alternative
to antibiotics, particularly for combating E. coli bacteria that have
become resistant to conventional treatment. For years research has
pointed to the beneficial health aspects of cranberry juice, but most
have focused on its ability to prevent urinary tract infections, which
affect eight million people annually, with senior citizens making up a
large percentage of these victims.
Read
more...
Growing Older, Eating Better: FDA Offers Advice for
Senior Citizens
Good nutrition can lessen effects of diseases
among older people
September 5, 2006 - Nutrition remains important
throughout life. Many chronic diseases that develop late in life, such
as osteoporosis, can be influenced by earlier poor habits. Not enough
exercise and calcium, especially during adolescence and early adulthood,
can significantly increase the risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a
disease that causes bones to become brittle and crack or break easily.
Read more...
Food for Thought: Berries and Grapes Boost Brain
Power
September 1, 2006 – Loss of clear thinking is a
major concern of aging senior citizens and baby boomers and many are
reaching for foods high in antioxidants. They may be on the right track
if they reach for berries or grapes, according to new findings reported
by Agricultural Research Service-funded scientists.
Read
more...
Drinking Fruit, Vegetable Juices Lowers Alzheimer's
Risk 76 Percent in New Study
Another study pointing to health benefits of
polyphenols
September 1, 2006 - People who drank three or more
servings of fruit and vegetable juices per week had a 76 percent lower
risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who drank juice less
than once per week, according to a large new study. Even drinking juice
once or twice per week was found to reduce the risk by 16 percent.
Read more...
Fish Fatty Acids May Prevent More Sudden Deaths Than
Defibrillators
Omega-3
fatty acids lowered death rates 6.4% in computer study
By Becky Ham, Science Writer
Health Behavior News Service
August 30, 2006 - Omega-3 fatty acids may prevent
more sudden deaths than automated external defibrillators in homes and
public places or implanted defibrillators, according to the results of a
new study.
Read more...
Pomegranate Juice Could Benefit Diabetics and Slow
Bad Cholesterol
Another research report touting the
health benefits of the drink
August 24, 2006 – Pomegranate juice can reduce the
risk for atherosclerosis, and thus the risk of death for diabetics,
since the condition leads to arterial wall thickening and hardening, and
accounts for 80 percent of deaths for diabetic patients. It also reduces
the uptake of bad cholesterol, according to studies at Technion-Isreal
Institute of Technology.
Read
more...
Plant-Based Diet with Stress Reduction Slows
Progression of Prostate Cancer
More whole grains, cruciferous, leafy green
vegetables, beans, and fruit; less meat, dairy, and refined
carbohydrates
August 15, 2006 -Statistics say that one out of six
American men – primarily senior citizens, with the average age of
diagnosis being 70 - will develop prostate cancer. More than a third of
them will experience a recurrence after undergoing treatment, putting
them at high risk to die of the disease. A small study has found,
however, that diet changes, reinforced by stress management training,
appeared to be effective in slowing or halting the spread of this deadly
cancer.
Read more...
Pigments in Corn, Squash and other Vegetables Help
Protect Against Age-Related Vision Loss
The carotenoids fight
age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
August 14, 2006 – Women, at least those younger
than age 75, who eat diets rich in the yellow plant pigments lutein and
zeaxanthin may have a reduced risk of developing the eye disease
age-related macular degeneration, according to a report in the August
issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives
journals.
Read more...
New Link Found Between Walnuts and a Healthy Heart
by Ag Research
Senior citizens looking at walnuts to reduce bad
cholesterol have new reason to consider
July 31, 2006 - Walnuts, already shown in some
studies to reduce "bad" (LDL) cholesterol, may have yet another way of
enhancing cardiovascular health that will interest many senior citizens.
Read more...
Mediterranean Diet Beats Low-Fat in Lowering Heart
Disease Risk for Older People
July 7, 2006 – The benefits of a "Mediterranean
Diet" in reducing the risks of heart attack and cardiovascular disease
received a significant boost from research published in the latest issue
of the Annals of Internal Medicine. Spanish researchers say their study
of older people indicates it is easier to stay on these diets than
low-fat diets and the cardiovascular risk may be reduced as much as 50
percent. (Take test below story on Mediterranean diet by Walnut
Marketing Board.)
Read
more...
Nutrition for Senior Citizens
Eating Right Is Worth the Effort for Health Aging
Making the effort to
eat right isn’t always a picnic for senior citizens
July 4, 2006 - Eating a nourishing diet is one of the top three
life habits that can protect health and delay disability -- and may be
more influential than genetics in helping older people stave off the
decline that can come with aging, according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. Making the effort to eat right isn’t always a
picnic for older adults, but the rewards are many.
Read more...
Pomegranate Juice Helps Older Men Recover from
Prostate Cancer Treatment
July 1, 2006 - Pomegranate juice packs a punch on
prostate cancer that prolongs post-surgery PSA doubling time, drives
down cancer cell proliferation and causes prostate cancer cells to die,
according to a study of older men published in the July 1 issue of
Clinical Cancer Research.
Read more...
Hardening of Arteries Significantly Reduced by
Vegetable Diet
Study of vegi-fed mice results in 38 percent
atherosclerosis risk reduction
June 17, 2006 – Hardening of the arteries
(atherosclerosis) is one of the conditions most feared by senior
citizens, who are the most frequent victims. This artery-clogging
condition significantly increases the risk of heart attack and severe
pain. Although experts have long advocated a diet of whole grains,
fruits, and vegetables, and low in salt and saturated fat, a new study
says it may be possible to reduce the risk by 38 percent with a
vegetable diet.
Read
more...
Program Helps Low-Income Seniors Use Dietary
Supplements Wisely
By Becky Ham, Science Writer
Health Behavior News Service
June 14, 2006 - Five short classes about dietary supplements,
delivered alongside a hot meal, helped a group of low-income older North
Carolinians to safely increase their vitamin use, according to a new
study. Read
more...
Coffee Drinking Associated with Lower Risk for
Alcohol-Related Liver Disease
If coffee prevents cirrhosis, senior citizens
should be safe, since most prefer coffee to sex
June 13, 2006 – Most senior citizens should be safe
from developing the liver disease alcoholic cirrhosis. New research says
coffee may reduce the risk of cirrhosis. An old study says senior
citizens had rather give up sex than their coffee. The new report is in
the June 12 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the
JAMA/Archives journals.
Read more...
Encouraging Results for Folic Acid as a Cancer
Prevention Drug
June 12, 2006 - Folic acid supplements may prevent
cancer progression and promote regression of disease, according to a
new, but small, study. The study found that 31 of 43 patients with the
precancerous laryngeal lesion called leucoplakia demonstrated 50 percent
or greater reduction in the lesion size after six months of taking
folate supplements.
Read more...
Cancer-Blocking Ability of Selenium Explained in
Study
May 23, 2006 - Selenium, an essential dietary
mineral that can act as an antioxidant when incorporated into proteins,
has been shown in many studies to reduce the incidence of cancers --
notably lung, colorectal and prostate. "The problem is, nobody seems to
know how the mechanism works, and that's not trivial," says the
principal investigator, who thinks he has found some answers.
Read more...
Senior Citizen Health & Medicine
Obesity Linked to All Types of Breast Cancer in
Older Women
Risk for spread of disease increased for all women
who gained weight
May 22, 2006 - According to a new study, women who
gain weight in adulthood face a higher lifetime risk of all types of
breast cancer even if they do not take hormone replacement therapy after
menopause. The study of postmenopausal women is the first to investigate
the relationship between weight gain and type of breast cancer.
Read more...
Vitamin E Offshoot Transformed to Potent Cancer
Killer
'Such an agent might help reduce the risk of
prostate, colon and other cancers'
May 20, 2006 - Researchers have learned how a
derivative of vitamin E causes the death of cancer cells and have used
this knowledge to make the agent an even more potent cancer killer.
Read
more...
Seniors Protected from Atrial Fibrillation by Fish
with Omega-3, but Not Young Men
New study suggests varying effects of fish
consumption on heart
May 18, 2006 – A previous study of eating fish rich
in omega-3 fatty acids by senior citizens, over age 65, found it offered
protection against the development of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most
common type of heart rhythm abnormality. A new study found that eating
fish more frequently was associated with a higher risk of developing
atrial fibrillation among healthy male physicians. After adjustment for
multiple risk factors for AF, lifestyle factors, and other dietary
factors, men who ate fish more than five times a week were at a 61
percent increased risk of developing AF as compared to men who ate fish
once a month.
Read more...
Antioxidants and Zinc Reduce Risk of Age-Related
Macular Degeneration Says New Report
This 2001 study now
confirmed by NIH panel
May 17, 2006 – A study of multivitamin and mineral
research by an independent panel organized by the National Institutes of
Health, yesterday recommended high levels of antioxidants and zinc to
reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the major
cause of blindness in senior citizens. Following is the news release
issued by the National Eye Institute on Oct. 12, 2001 reporting on the
ground-breaking study.
Read
more...
Government Panel Has Ideas on Supplements, Undecided
on Multivitamins
They do want more government oversight on
vitamins and dietary supplements
By Tucker Sutherland, editor
May 18, 2006 – The vast majority of senior citizens
take multivitamins and other dietary supplements. Although usage
increases with age, it is a growing trend for all Americans, with more
than half spending $23 billion a year for the hope of better health.
Unfortunately, the National Institutes of Health's panel concluded their
extensive study yesterday with the conclusion – "more rigorous
scientific research is needed before strong recommendations can be made
regarding MVM use to prevent chronic diseases." Their report is not
without some minimal guidance about supplements, including two
recommendations for seniors, and also adds new questions to the debate,
particularly about regulation.
Read
more...
Broccoli, Cauliflower Fight Genetic Colon Cancer
Cancer-fighting
ability of sulforaphane gets another passing score
May 17, 2006 – There is a new reason senior
citizens need to eat vegetables, in particularly broccoli and
cauliflower. A new study at Rutgers shows that these vegetables have
natural ingredients that may reduce the risk of developing hereditary
cancers.
Read
more...
Eldercare & Nutrition
Elderly May Need Extra Pounds to Live Longer Lives
Body Mass Index may need to be adjusted for those
over 80
May 16, 2006 - If you’re more than 80 years old,
carrying a few extra pounds might not be such a bad idea. In fact, it
may be beneficial. That’s one of the findings from a joint UC Irvine and
University of Southern California analysis of body mass index (BMI) and
mortality rates from participants of a large-scale study based in a
Southern California retirement community.
Read
more...
Americans Don't Connect Obesity to Cancer
Cancer Society launches Great American Eat Right
Challenge
May 16, 2006 -For anyone who needs one more reason
to tip the scale toward a healthier lifestyle, the American Cancer
Society has it: being overweight is a risk factor for many forms of
cancer.
Read
more...
Scientist Know Cause of Grapefruit Interaction with
Some Drugs
Furanocoumarins cause danger with blood pressure, cholesterol drugs
May 9, 2006 – For years senior citizens have been
told by their doctors and pharmacists to avoid grapefruit juice, if they
are being treated with certain medications, including some drugs that
control blood pressure or lower cholesterol. Studies have shown that
grapefruit juice can cause more of these drugs to enter the blood
stream, resulting in undesirable and even dangerous side effects. Now,
researchers say they know why.
Read more...
Fish Oil Reduces Neck and Back Pain in Study
May 2, 2006 – Fish oil, already made popular with
many senior citizens because of its ability to lower the risk of
cardiovascular disease, now has a new use that many older people will
appreciate. A new study in the April issue of Surgical Neurology says it
is effective in fighting pain caused by chronic neck and low-back pain.
Read more...
Even Excessive Coffee Drinking Does Not Increase
Risk of Coronary Heart Disease
April 25, 2006 – The latest study of coffee
consumption did not find any evidence that coffee consumption, at any
volume, increases the risk of coronary heart disease. In fact, the
heaviest coffee drinkers in the study had the lowest risk. This
certainly challenges studies that many senior citizens have read about
for years, saying the stimulant in caffeine is bad for your heart. It
still has not stopped many seniors from drinking coffee - research in
2004 said seniors would not give up coffee for sex.
Read more...
Calcium Supplements Don't Work for Elderly Women to
Prevent Fractures – They Won't Take Them
You can lead an elderly woman to
her medicine, but can't make her take it
April 25, 2006 - Calcium supplements appear to be
effective for preventing bone fractures in elderly women who take the
supplements regularly. Generally, however, it is an ineffective
treatment, because so many senior women do not stick with the therapy.
Read
more...
Devil's Claw and Other Herbals Effective for
Low-Back Pain in the Short Term
By Lise Millay Stevens, Contributing Writer
Health Behavior News Service
April 19, 2006 - The herbal preparations devil's
claw, white willow bark and cayenne plasters may be as effective as pain
medication for short-term low back pain and are better than placebo, a
new systematic review of studies has found.
Read more...
Two Studies Indicate We Can Live Longer,
Better With Proper
Diets
Reducing calories
worked in one, DASH diet with exercise in the second
April 5, 2006 – Two studies released this week
indicates that diets – one reducing calories and the other using the
DASH diet – can make a significant contribution to longer life. Reducing
calories, even without more physical activity, over six months resulted
in a decrease in fasting insulin levels and body temperature, two
biomarkers of longevity. The DASH study was of people with elevated
blood pressure who increased physical activity while eating on the DASH
plan, resulting in much lower hypertension and less risk of the major
killers – heart disease and stroke.
Read
more...
Fishing Makes Seniors Happy, So Does Eating the
Catch
Omega-3 in fish influences mood, personality and
behavior
March 4, 2006 – We have all known fishing makes
many a senior citizen a happy fellow. Now there is scientific evidence that
eating fish is not only good for your health but can also make you a
happier, friendlier person.
Read
more...
Vitamin E Gets Mixed Reviews Because It's a
Double-Edged Sword
March 3, 2006 – Vitamin E – good or bad – has been
a hot topic in medicine for the last couple of years. New research at
Ohio State University, looking at how two forms of vitamin E act inside
animal cells, has concluded this powerful antioxidant, popular with
senior citizens, is "truly a
double-edged sword."
Read more...
Staggering Reality of Senior Hunger Cited by Meals
On Wheels
One-Fourth of U.S. adults don't think hunger is a
very big problem for seniors
March 1, 2006 - Today, more than three quarters of
a million American senior citizens over 65 and living alone have
difficulty providing themselves with a steady supply of food and
experience some degree of hunger, according to the Meals On Wheels
Association. Hunger can strike at any age, but many people are not aware
of the devastating effects it has on our senior citizens, says MOWAA in
kicking off March For Meals, the fifth annual nationwide public
awareness and fundraising campaign.
Read
more...
USDA Says New Apple Bars Equal Nutrition of Two
Apples
Developed
by Agricultural Research Service which calls them "delicious"
By
Tucker Sutherland, editor
Feb. 24, 2006 – Every senior citizen knows the
health value of apples – highly touted for slowing memory loss in the
elderly and even preventing some cancer – but keeping apples fresh and
available is not always easy. Today, however, the Agricultural
Research Service has announced an apple bar with the nutritional boost
of two fresh apples.
Read
more...
Vitamin D Inhibits Progress of Some Prostate Cancers
Drink milk, get modest exposure to the sun and take a vitamin pill
Feb. 8, 2006 - Vitamin D can inhibit the spread of
prostate cancer cells by limiting the activity of two specific enzymes,
University of Rochester Medical Center scientists report. It's good news
for senior citizens, since prostate cancer – the number one cancer found
in American men – is usually discovered after men reach 70 years of age.
Read
more...
Study of Postmenopausal Women
Low-Fat Diet with Fruit, Veggies, Grains Does NOT
Reduce Heart, Breast Cancer or Colon Cancer Risks
Study findings send shock waves through health
care community
Feb. 6, 2006 – Results of new studies were
released today that indicate a diet low in fat, but high in fruit,
vegetables and grains, does not significantly reduce the risk of breast
cancer, colorectal cancer or cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal
women. These findings that run counter to what has been
preached by health experts for years. The three articles will be
published in tomorrow's Journal of the American Medical Association
(JAMA), but they have already stirred up a storm of caution.
Read more...
Senior Citizens Reduce Cardiovascular, Diabetes
Risks Eating More Whole Grains
Feb. 6, 2006 – Senior citizens can lower their risk
of cardiovascular disease and reduce the threat of metabolic syndrome by
consuming a diet rich in whole-grain foods. Metabolic syndrome is a
collection of risk factors that puts people at an increased risk of
cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Read
more...
Can Women Heal Their Heart with Wine and Chocolate?
New book says consumed daily it reduces heart disease
risk 54%
Feb. 1, 2006 - If women would drink a glass of red
wine a day and eat an ounce of dark chocolate, they could help reduce
their risk of heart disease by 54 percent, says a new book officially
being released today just two days before the Wear Red for Women
observance aimed at educating women about heart disease. This may be the
most pleasurable lesson they get. And, it is sure to catch the eye of
many senior citizens, wary of heart disease.
Read more...
Is There Something Fishy About Omega-3 Fatty Acid
Studies?
New study says omega-3 does not lower cancer risk -
probably
By Tucker Sutherland, editor
Jan. 25, 2006 – On the same day an international
consulting group introduced their report on the boom in Omega-3 fatty
acid foods and supplements, the Journal of the American Medical
Association announced publication of research countering previous
studies that have indicated these products reduce the risk of developing
cancer. While I'm still reeling from news that coffee is good for you,
after all my years of guilt as a coffee addict, now I have to question
my recent investment in dozens of cans and bags of tuna.
Read
more...
Bring on the Bran
Senior Citizens Live Longer, Healthier Eating Whole
Grain Bread
Expert finds protection from diabetes, heart disease
and cancer
Jan.18, 2006 - It doesn’t matter how old you are,
whole grain bread is still better for you than white bread. An expert on
nutrition for senior citizens has found that older adults who eat whole
grains foods, instead of refined grain products, have lower incidence of
health conditions that can lead to diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
Read more...
Is Coffee the Solution to Everything from Cancer to
Female Sex Drive?
Latest study says coffee protects women at high risk
of breast cancer
Jan. 18, 2006 – Women at high risk of breast cancer
before reaching age 70 reduced this pending danger by 80 percent by
drinking six or more cups of coffee a day, says a new study – just one
of several recent reports claiming health benefits of coffee. Health
conscious senior citizens, always seeking the latest miracle drug, may
find they have been taking it all along.
Read
more...
Broccoli and Curry May Save American Men from
Prostate Cancer
Jan. 15, 2006 – The most common cancer in American
men – prostate cancer – may be prevented and possibly treated by
something as easy as eating certain vegetables, like broccoli and the
curry spice turmeric, says a new study. Age is considered the most important risk factor
for prostate cancer, since the average age of diagnosis is 70. But,
evidence is mounting that a diet high in fats and red meat play a
significant role in increasing this risk. American men, heavy consumers
of red meat, have the highest rates of prostate cancer in the world.
In the next 24 hours, prostate cancer will
claim the lives of 83 American men, according to the National Prostate
Cancer Coalition.
Read more...
Low-Fat, High-Carb Diets Don't Cause Weight Gain in
Older Women
Another blow for promoters of the low carbohydrate
diets
Jan. 4, 2005 – A very large study of older women
has concluded that low-fat, high-carb diets do not result in excessive
weight gain. This strikes a blow against those who have promoted
low-carbohydrate diets as the answer to the countries highly hyped
"obesity crisis."
Read more...
Antioxidants May Reduce Risk of Age-Related Macular
Degeneration
Dec. 28, 2005 - A diet with a high intake of beta
carotene, vitamins C and E, and zinc is associated with a substantially
reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration in elderly persons,
according to a study in today's issue of JAMA.
Read
more...
Why Longevity is Extended by Restricting Food Gets
New Look
Researchers find new genes that control longevity
Nov. 23, 2005 – Scientist have long known that
restricting food intake in animals will increase their longevity by as
much as 40 percent. A new model for how this happens is emerging from
studies led by Howard Hughes Medical Institute researchers who have
identified 10 new genes that regulate longevity in yeast… and maybe in
higher organisms.
Read
more...
Vitamin D Intake by Older People Should be Increased
for Bone Health
Osteoporosis experts reach consensus on role of
vitamin D for those over 50
Nov. 17, 2005 - The American Medical Women's
Association (AMWA) today issued physician recommendations to generate
greater understanding of the role of vitamin D in bone health in women
and men over 50, calling for an increase in currently recommended
vitamin D intake and encouraging individualized treatment in senior
citizen and late boomer patients.
Read more...
Osteoarthritis Risk, Severity Higher With Low
Selenium Levels
Nov. 14, 2005 - People without enough selenium in
their bodies face a higher risk of knee osteoarthritis, a
first-of-its-kind new study suggests. Not only are they more at risk,
the level of severity is higher for those with low selenium.
Osteoarthritis is often considered an ailment of senior citizens but
increasingly it is being found in baby boomers.
Read more...
Fish Good, Government Warning Bad, Says Research
Eating one fish meal per week gives significant nutritional benefit
Oct. 19, 2005 - A comparison of the risks and benefits of fish
consumption suggests that government advisories warning women of
childbearing age about mercury exposure should be issued with caution.
The study warns that if advisories cause fish consumption in the general
public to drop out of fear about the effects of mercury, substantial
nutritional benefits could be lost.
Read more...
Cardiovascular Benefits Found in Dark Chocolate says
Yale Study
Oct. 19, 2005 – The Hershey Company is sweet on
research it funded at Yale that concludes eating dark chocolate can
result in short-term improvements in arterial function and blood
pressure. The report released today is also likely to catch the eye of
many senior citizens – always alert to cardiovascular benefits.
Read
more...
Senior Citizens Slow Cognitive Decline Eating Fish
Weekly
Up to 13% reduction is the equivalent of being three
to four years younger
Oct.
11, 2005 - Consuming fish at least once a week was associated with a 10
percent per year slower rate of cognitive decline in elderly people,
according to a new study posted online yesterday from Archives of
Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. The study will be
published in the December print edition of the journal.
Read more...
Pomegranate Hottest Health Remedy: Fad or Fact?
What’s all this hype about
a little known and rarely seen fruit
By Tucker Sutherland, editor
Sept.
29, 2005 – So what’s with this surge of pomegranate hype. This fruit is
being touted as a miracle drug for aging, Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart
disease, arthritis and even protecting unborn babies from brain
injuries. It cures about anything that can ail an aging senior citizen.
It has become a popular ingredient for mixed drinks, ice cream and even
bottled water. It’s now a popular decoration for table displays.
President Bush even brought it up in his meeting in May with Afghanistan
President Karzai, suggesting they grow these trees rather than poppies.
The Centers for Disease Control honored it by naming it the fruit of the
month. Read
more...
Coffee is Number One Source of Antioxidants in
American Diet
Seniors Citizens Told Antioxidants Good for
Preventing Almost Anything
Aug.
28, 2005 – Senior citizens are pounded with information about the
benefits of antioxidants. There is research that says they are good for
preventing about everything from Alzheimer’s to cancer, to heart disease,
and even dementia in old dogs. The facts in a paper presented this
morning, however, may surprise most people – coffee is by far the number
one source of antioxidants in the American diet.
Read
more...
Red Wine Drinkers Decrease Risk of Cataracts
Researchers studying older people say beer drinkers
don’t do as well
Aug. 15, 2005 - Red wine consumption decreases the
risk of cataract but beer does not seem to work, say researchers who
studied older people in Iceland.
Read
more...
Cataract Researchers Say Vitamin E and B Good, Fat
Bad
Age-related cataracts in Baby Boomers and senior
citizens studied by nutritionist
Aug. 9, 2005 - Age-related cataract, the world's
leading cause of blindness, affects more than 20 million Americans over
the age of 40 years. Surgical correction is currently the only known
option for intervention, but new research says Vitamin E and B may help
but fat may increase the risk.
Read
more...
Vitamin D Should be Increased for Senior Citizens to
Prevent More Factures
Aug.
9, 2005 - While vitamin D has been shown to reduce the risk of fracture
in the elderly, a study recently published in the Journal of the
American Medical Association (JAMA) says the daily recommendation for
vitamin D may should be increased substantially.
Read
more...
Vitamin E Battle Rages On
Kava
Won’t Calm You, Valerian Won’t Help You Sleep, Says Study
July
21, 2005 - Two popular herbal remedies—kava, commonly used for anxiety,
and valerian, used for insomnia—are no more effective than an inactive
placebo, concludes a study in the July issue of Medicine.
Disappointing results, these were, for many senior citizens seeking a
safe and inexpensive way to calm their anxiety or get some sleep.
Read
more...
Women's Health Study
Vitamin E Not Recommended for Older Women to Protect
Heart or Prevent Cancer
July 6, 2005 – While advocates and manufacturers of
Vitamin E hailed a new study as proof that Vitamin E is safe and lowers
the risk of cardiovascular death for older, healthy women, the authors
of this large study say the report “does not support recommending
vitamin E supplementation for CVD or cancer prevention among healthy
women.”
Read
more...
Women's Health Study
Vitamin E Is Safe and Shows Big Reduction in Heart
Risk for Older Women
Largest study ever says cardiovascular deaths
declined for boomers 24%, seniors 49%
July 5, 2005 - The Women's Health Study, to be
published tomorrow in the Journal of the American Medical
Association (JAMA), found 600IU vitamin E is safe and significantly
reduces the risk of cardiovascular death in older, healthy women.
Read more...
Green Tea Does Not Lower Cancer Risk, Says FDA
July 2, 2005 – Green tea, often promoted as a mean
of lowering cancer risk, does not work, says the Food and Drug
Administration. The FDA reviewed studies involving breast and prostate
cancer but also concluded that “existing evidence does not support
qualified health claims for green tea consumption and a reduced risk of
any other type of cancer.”
Read more...
Unzipping Zinc’s Secrets
Zinc Reduces Prostate Cancer Risk
June 24, 2005 - Scientists have known for decades
that zinc may play an important part in the health of the prostate, a
walnut-sized gland in males, located near the bladder. The prostate
secretes a zinc-containing liquid that’s a component of seminal fluid.
Read more...
Eating Fish Helps Older People Avoid Heart Failure
Prior research shows it also lowers heart attack risk
June 21, 2005 - Older people who ate fish once or
twice a week had a 20 percent lower risk of developing congestive heart
failure during 12 years of follow-up, according to a new study, which
emphasizes this does not include fried fish.
Read
more...
You May Be Old Enough for More Vitamin D
|
As we
age, the ability of our skin to convert vitamin D to its active
form decreases, so older Americans (greater than age 50) are
thought to have a higher risk of developing vitamin D
deficiency. |
Senior citizens are most likely to develop vitamin D
deficiency
May 12, 2005 - Vitamin D has long been known to
help keep your bones in good shape. The May issue of Mayo Clinic Health
Letter covers new research that shows vitamin D may play a much bigger
role in overall health.
Read more...
Consumer Reports Ranks Diet Plans, Allows Free Use
of Personal Calorie Calculator
Weight Watchers, Slim Fast led the weight-loss plans
for nutrition and effectiveness
May 10, 2005 – Consumer Reports has released its
analysis of the most popular weight-loss diets and ranked them for
nutrition and effectiveness. What maybe of at least equal interest to
many senior citizens is that the magazine is allowing free use of their
calorie-needs calculator that will provide specific information on an
individuals daily calorie needs.
Read more...
Senior Journal Opinion
New Food Pyramid Website Excellent Tool for Senior
Citizens
It’s easy to use online and creates several personal
tools for you
By Tucker Sutherland, editor
May 10, 2005 – Diet and nutrition are particularly
important to older people as our body makes adjustments to aging. Most
of us senior citizens are too fat, do not exercise enough and don’t eat
the right foods, according to those who like to study us. The new food
pyramid Website by the USDA, which is extremely simple to use, should be
an information source that all seniors use for nutrition guidance. It
also has great tools for helping you in your quest for a healthy balance
of nutrition and exercise over time.
Read
more...
including links to more info on nutrition for seniors.
Mediterranean-Style Diet, Exercise Reduce
Cardiovascular Risk, Weight
May 2, 2005 – A Mediterranean-style diet combined
with exercise improved cardiovascular risk as quickly as eight weeks
after the program began and participants also lost weight, according to
a study presented this weekend at the American Heart Association's Sixth
Annual Conference on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology.
Read more...
New Food Pyramid Introduces an Online System for
Determining Individual Needs
Senior Citizens can learn their individual food group
daily needs
April
19, 2005 – On the same day one government agency releases statistics
showing a surprising number of deaths among the underweight elderly,
another released the new food pyramid that emphasizes the need for a
more individualized approach to improving diet and lifestyle. The new food pyramid, called MyPyramid,
incorporates recommendations from the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for
Americans.
Read more...
Study Finds More Deaths Than Expected Among
Underweight Elderly
April 19, 2005 - The government issued new
statistics on obesity today, and, although it is clear that being
overweight can have fatal results, for the elderly being underweight
also appears lethal. The new study found 34,000 more deaths than
expected among the underweight and most of these deaths were among
people age 70 or older.
Read
more...
Vitamin E Does Ease Colds for Elderly
April 19, 2005 – Researchers claim they have found
“hard evidence” that Vitamin E can sooth the problems of the common cold
in the elderly.
Read more...
Hearts of Senior Citizens Benefit from Fish, Soy Oil
April 12, 2005 - Taking daily supplements of fish
or soy oil may improve cardiac function and protect against heart
attacks in the short-term for senior citizens. The researchers of
elderly patients say their results are the first to show soy oil
increases heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of cardiac autonomic
function.
Read more...
Senior Citizens Can Extend Life with Mediterranean
Diet: New Study
April
8, 2005- Senior citizens can adhere to the Mediterranean diet to extend
their lives, according to research with elderly Europeans published
today in the BMJ. The authors say a healthy man aged 60 can add a year
to his life on the diet.
Read more...
Hunger Among America’s Seniors is Growing, Says
Council on Aging
Federal, State programs found on BenefitsCheckup can
help
April 6, 2005 - Despite living in the world's most
bountiful food- producing country, the number of senior citizens who
suffer from hunger in the U.S. is growing rapidly, according to The
National Council on the Aging (NCOA). According to the USDA, more than
three quarters of a million Americans over 65 and living alone have
difficulty providing themselves with a steady supply of food and
experience some degree of hunger.
Read more...
Vitamin E Study Sees More Heart Failure Risk for
Seniors
Storm of controversy surrounds HOPE trials saying Vitamin
E failed to prevent cancer, cardiovascular problems
March
16, 2005 – The battle over the benefits of Vitamin E raged on today with an
article saying the supplement – used long-term – may increase the risk for
heart failure and does not prevent cancer or major cardiovascular problems
in older people who already have vascular disease or diabetes. A dietary
supplement industry group fired back urging caution because the “isolated
findings applied only to an older group of patients with a history of heart
disease, stroke or diabetes.” And, the American Cancer Society issued a news
release on the study that began with “Taking regular vitamin E supplements
probably won't protect you from cancer or heart disease.”
Read more...
Vitamin E: Popular with Seniors But Mired in
Controversy
Harvard Medical Pulls Back Support, Supporters Going Full
Blast include Industry Group, National Eye Institute
By Tucker Sutherland, editor
Feb.
20, 2005 - Vitamin E is one of the most widely used
supplements, taken regularly by nearly a quarter of senior adults ages 55 and
over. But recent research suggests that it may not do as much good in
preventing cancer and other diseases as once thought, and it might
actually cause harm. But this popular vitamin still has plenty of
supporters. (See links to related stories.)
Read
more...
Grapefruit Drug Interaction Report Challenged by
Florida
Jan. 19, 2005 - The Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC)
is seeking clarification on allegations about grapefruit-drug
interactions made, they say, "without appropriate scientific support" in a University
of Rochester Medical Center's press release, which was published
yesterday in SeniorJournal.com. The FDOC says their first priority is the health of consumers in regards to possible
interactions between grapefruit and certain drugs.
Read
more...
Grapefruit Juice with Certain Medications Can Be
Deadly Mix
Jan. 18, 2005 - Grapefruit juice can be, and has
been, deadly for people on certain medications, nurse researchers remind
doctors, nurses, and everyone who takes medicine and enjoys grapefruit
juice, in a paper in the American Journal of Nursing, a journal of the
American Nurses Association. The authors also provide a list of drugs,
many frequently used by seniors, that interact with grapefruit juice.
Read more...
Review Supports Vitamin E Dosage for Age-Related
Macular Degeneration
Jan. 18, 2005 -
Following recent media stories concerning the danger of high dosages of
vitamin E, the National Eye Institute has reviewed the 2001 findings of
the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), a study of nearly 5,000
patients with varying stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) a
leading cause of vision loss in senior citizens. The study concludes
that NEI still recommends 400 international units (IU) for those at high
risk of AMD.
Read
more...
Dietary Guidelines Get Push From Three Top Health
Groups
Jan. 14, 2005 - Three of the nation’s largest and
best-known health groups have joined forces in a public awareness
campaign and the launch of a Website to help promote the key messages
addressed by the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which was
released this week by the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services
(DHHS) and Agriculture (USDA).
More...
1/14/05*
New Dietary Guidelines Emphasize Physical Fitness,
Nutrition
Jan. 12, 2005 – The Dietary Guidelines for
Americans 2005 were officially released today after being drafted early
last year and going through a long approval process. As much of what has
been suggested about better health in the last few years, the report
emphasizes physical fitness and nutrition.
More...
1/12/05*
Eggs Get Hype for Helping Older People in Weight
Loss and Risk of Vision Loss
Dec. 1, 2004 – Eggs, which not long ago were taking
a beating in nutrition circles, are touted today in the Journal of the
American College of Nutrition as helping older women in weight loss and
reducing the risk of cataract and age-related macular degeneration
(AMD). More...
12/01/04
Some Good News for Vitamin E – It Helps Some Diabetics
Nov. 19, 2004 - Despite
a recent report suggesting use of high-dose vitamin E supplements is
associated with a higher overall risk of dying, at least one group
stands to benefit greatly from the same vitamin. About 40 percent of
diabetic patients can reduce their risk of heart attacks and of dying
from heart disease by taking vitamin E supplements, according to a study
published in the November 2004 Diabetes Care.
More...
11/19/04*
Safety of DHEA?
Publicity on Diet Supplement for Senior Citizens
Needs Caution Sign
Nov. 12, 2004 - An over-the-counter hormone
supplement reduces belly fat and the chance of diabetes in older adults,
says a study reported this week in the Journal of the American Medical
Association. But, this was a study with only 56 participants and the
supplement known as DHEA has not been highly regarded in the past.
More... 11/12/04*
Will Vitamin E Kill You, Or Save Your Life?
Research results send conflicting messages with
latest saying it increases risk of dying
Nov. 10, 2004 – A research report will be presented
today that says daily doses of Vitamin E in excess of 400 IU
(international units) is associated with a higher overall risk of dying.
This is not the first study reporting on dangers of Vitamin E, but there
are many recent studies saying it helps senior citizens in the fight
against Alzheimer’s, heart disease and even vision problems.
More...
11/10/04*
Certain Fatty Acids
Show Signs of Protecting from Heart Disease
Protection from sudden
cardiac death in women may be linked with a diet rich in alpha-linolenic
acid
Nov. 8, 2004 - Women
who reported eating diets rich in oils containing alpha-linolenic acid
(ALA) seemed to have a lower risk of dying from heart disease and sudden
cardiac death than women whose diets are low in the plant-derived fatty
acid, researchers reported at the American Heart Association’s
Scientific Sessions 2004.
More...
11/08/04*
Actra-Rx or Yilishen
FDA Warns Against Sexual Enhancement Supplement for
Men
Nov. 2,2004 - The Food and Drug Administration
today warned consumers not to purchase or consume Actra-Rx or Yilishen,
two products promoted for sale on Web sites as "dietary supplements" for
treating erectile dysfunction and enhancing sexual performance for men.
These products, the FDA says, contain the active prescription drug
ingredient sildenafil. Senior men are frequently targeted consumers for
these products. More... 11/02/04*
Vitamin D for
Elderly Could Reduce Leading Cause of Injury Deaths
Oct. 27, 2004 -
Falls lead to 40 percent of all nursing home admissions and are the
largest single cause of injury-related deaths among the elderly but
these statistics could improve if older people receive supplemental
vitamin D, according to an analysis by the Agriculture Research Service.
More...
10/27/04*
Vitamins May Slow Weight Gain in Middle Age
Sept. 9, 2004 - Aging Americans gain the least
weight during middle age if they consume multivitamins, Vitamin B-6,
Vitamin B-12 and chromium and are categorized as either overweight or
obese at age 45, according to a new study.
More... 9/09/04*
Study Supports Evidence of Adding Fatty Acid to
Diet May Protect Against Alzheimer's Disease
Sept. 1, 2004 – There is nothing more feared by
senior citizens than Alzheimer’s Disease and the evidence continues to
mount that by adding fish to your diet you may be able to avoid the
disease. A new study released today takes a closer look at how this
protection works. (See links to other stories on fatty acid below
story.)
Read More...
An Egg a Day May Keep Macular Degeneration Away
Aug. 18, 2004 – An egg a day may help keep
age-related macular degeneration away, according to a new study that
says people are better able to absorb eye-healthy lutein from eggs than
any other dietary source.
More... 8/18/04*
Atkins Responds to Attack on Low-Carb Diet by Alliance
for Aging Research, Others
June 25, 2004 - In response to an
attack on low-carb diets and a demand for government action to determine
its potential harm, Atkins Health & Medical Information Services issued
a news release asking people to study their lifestyle food pyramid.
More...
6/25/04*
Alliance for Aging Research Leader in New Group
Attacking Low-Carb Diets
They want government action
on low-carb claims
June 23, 2004- A new organization
that includes the Alliance for Aging Research attacking low-carb diets
as “unlikely to lead to sustained long term weight loss” and says they
can lead to in increase in risk for a number of life-threatening medical
conditions.
More... 6/23/04*
Largest USDA Study Of Food Antioxidants Reveals Best
Sources
June 23, 2004 - Artichokes and beans
may not be at the top of your list of favorite foods, but when it comes
to antioxidants, these veggies earn a coveted place. They are among a
growing variety of foods found to contain surprisingly high levels of
these disease-fighting compounds, according to a new USDA study, which
researchers say is the largest, most comprehensive analysis to date of
the antioxidant content of commonly consumed foods.
More...
6/23/04*
ALL ONE Products Accepted for Feingold Approved
Listing
June 17, 2004 – The Feingold
Association, a non-profit that publishes approved food lists to help people
avoid certain synthetic food additives, has accepted several products
marketed by ALL ONE for their Food List & Shopping Guide.
More... 6/17/04*
U.S. Agency Confirms Fish Oil Helps Fight Heart
Disease
Other benefits include lower blood pressure, less risk of
artery reblockage, increased exercise ability and reduced risk of irregular
heart beat
April 23, 2004 - Fish oil can help
reduce deaths from heart disease, according to new evidence reports
announced yesterday by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
More... 4/23/04*
Mushroom Derived Product Boosts Energy in Senior
Citizens
April 21, 2004 - At the 1993 Chinese
National Games, Chinese women athletes astounded the world of international
track and field by setting several new records. The source of the increased
energy was the Cordyceps mushroom, found primarily in isolated areas of
southwestern China. A new study of healthy, sedentary males and females of
age 40-70 claims a product from the mushroom is effective in enhancing
aerobic exercise capability, endurance exercise performance, and exercise
metabolism and alleviating fatigue among older adults.
More... 4/21/04*
Folic acid may have lowered stroke
deaths
March 6, 2004 – Fortifying enriched grain products with folic
acid in the 1990s appears to have been followed by a decline in stroke and ischemic heart disease deaths, government researchers reported yesterday.
More... 3/6/04*
Adverse Effects of Testosterone Therapy in Older Males: Report Says Study
Needed
Nov.
12, 2003 - Is testosterone replacement for older men safe? The Institute of
Medicine of the National Academies released a report today setting a direction
for the study of the safety of testosterone replacement therapy for older
men.
Tens of thousands of aging men are trying testosterone
shots, patches and gel in hopes of regaining youthful vigor and virility.
This report uncovers little evidence it works - or that the therapy is even
safe - but recommends careful study to find out.
More of story and link to report... 11/12/03*
Ginkgo Biloba Improves Recall for Senior Citizens
Nov. 10,
2003 - Seniors citizens and Baby Boomers with memory problems who took ginkgo
biloba experienced significant improvement in verbal recall, according to a
UCLA study.
Read More...
11/10/03*
Green Tea’s
Cancer-Fighting Allure Becomes More Potent
Aug. 4, 2003 - Green tea's ability to fight cancer
is even more potent and varied than scientists suspected, say researchers who
have discovered that chemicals in green tea shut down one of the key molecules
that tobacco relies upon to cause cancer. It's a find that could help explain
why people who drink green tea are less likely to develop cancer.
Click
May Block Other Cancers, Too
Aspirin, Ibuprofen May
Reduce Woman’s Risk Of Developing Breast Cancer by Up to 50%
July 16, 2003 -
– New research suggests that regular ibuprofen use may cut a woman’s risk of
developing breast cancer in half.
Click 7/16/03
Polypill – Super Pill
New Pill Could Reduce Heart Disease by 80%,
Say Researchers
June 26, 2003 - A single pill taken by everyone
over 54 years old could reduce heart attacks and strokes by over 80 percent,
according to researchers who are publishing their findings this week in the
British Medical Journal.
Click 6/26/03*
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish Oil Pills Protect from Heart Disease, Says
Consumer Reports
June 19, 2003 - Consumed either from fish
or fish-oil pills, omega-3 fatty acids appear to offer as much
protection against dying from coronary heart diseases as do
cholesterol-lowering drugs, according to a report in the July issue of
Consumer Reports Magazine that is also available free on the Web.
Click
6/19/03*
Consumer Reports Says Don’t Take Ephedra or
Others Like It
Feb. 26, 2003 - Consumer
Reports Magazine has been warning about the dangers of the herbal
stimulant ephedra, and after new suspicions caused by the death of a
professional athlete, they want the FDA to ban it.
Click
3/26/03*
Improved Immunity in Senior Citizens Linked to New
Multivitamin
Boston, MA, Dec. 6, ‘02 - Taking the
right daily multivitamin daily will improve immunity in the over 50
age population, according to one of the world’s leading authorities on
nutrition and immunity.
Click
12/6/02*
Vitamins Valuable For Baby
Boomers’ Eye Disease
Oct. 31, 02
- Prescribing high doses of vitamin supplements to aging baby boomers with
vision loss due to macular degeneration – the leading cause of blindness in
patients over 50 years old – could save the North American health care system
more than $1.5 billion in the next 10 years, a Queen's University researcher
has discovered.
Click 10/31/2*
Nutrition, Exercise Boost Effectiveness of Flu Shot in Older People
Sept. 30, 02 - Two recent studies suggest that the flu vaccine might be even
more effective in older adults when supplemented with calories, vitamins,
minerals, and exercise. Current influenza vaccines are 50 to 60 percent
effective in preventing illness in older people. Click
9/30/2*
Ginkgo Does Not Help Memory in Senior Citizens,
Study Says
Aug. 20, 2002 - Several
over-the-counter treatments are marketed as having the ability to improve
memory, attention, and related cognitive functions and ginkgo is one of the
most notable. A new study says it provides no measurable benefit in memory or
related cognitive function to senior adults with healthy cognitive function.
Click 8/20/2*
Will A Banana A Day Keep A Stroke Away? Low Potassium
Intake May Increase Stroke Risk
Aug.
13, 2002 - People with a low amount of potassium in their diet may have an
increased risk of stroke, according to a study published in the August 13
issue of Neurology, the scientific journal of the American Academy of
Neurology. Click
8/13/2*
Report on Medical Innovation Helping Seniors Live Longer
Released by HSS
July 12, 2002 - HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson yesterday
released a new report highlighting the importance of medical innovation and
new technology, especially new drugs, in helping seniors live longer and
healthier lives. The report,
Securing
the Benefits of Medical Innovation for Seniors: The Role of Prescription Drugs
and Drug Coverage, highlights advances in disease treatment and
prevention as key factors improving health for older Americans.
Click
7/12/2*
Anti-Aging Products May Be
Dangerous to Your Health, Says GAO Report
The General Accounting
Office prepared a report on anti-aging and alternative health products for the
Special Senate Committee on Aging and concluded that "many senior citizens use
anti-aging products and that consumers who suffer from aging-related health
conditions may be at risk of physical and economic harm from some anti-aging
and alternative health products, including dietary supplements, that make
misleading advertising and labeling claims."
For the full text of the
report Click Here
6/4/2*
Fatty acid from
fish oil fights sudden death for heart attack survivors
DALLAS, April 9 - Daily
supplements of a fatty acid found in fish oil halves the risk of sudden death
in heart attack survivors, researchers report in today's Circulation:
Journal of the American Heart Association
Click 4/14/2*.
Nutrition
Management
&
Restorative
Dining
For
Older
Adults
(U.S.
Health
Care
Financing
Administration) Click***
New
Guide
Gives
Tips
On
Using
Dietary
Supplements
FDA's
Center
for
Food
Safety
and
Applied
Nutrition
has
posted
"Tips
for
the
Savvy
Supplement
User,"
a
guide
to
making
informed
decisions
about
the
use
of
dietary
supplements.
Click
1/23/2***
Critical
Hearings
on
Anti-Aging
Frauds |
Government
Report
to
Senate
Committee
Warns
Seniors
About
Dietary
Supplements
-
Click
9/14/1*
The
Elderly
Can
Greatly
Benefit
From
Dietary
Supplements
-
Says
Industry
Council
-
Click
9/14/1*
Tips
on
How
to
Avoid
Fraudulent
"Anti-Aging"
Products
Click
9/17/1*
|
Soyfoods
in
Diet
Help
Reach
100-Year
Age
On
Japanese
Island
of
Okinawa,
Study
Says
Aug.
9,
2001
--
Diets
containing soyfoods
have
contributed
to
the
longevity
of
people
of
Okinawa,
Japan,
who
have
lived
to
be
100
years
of
age
or
older,
according
to
a
report
in
a
Johns
Hopkins
Medical
Institutions
publication.
Click
8/10/01*
Older
People
May
Not
Be
Getting
Adequate
Protein
The
current
recommended
dietary
allowance
(RDA)
for
protein
may
not
be
adequate
for
some
older
people
to
maintain
their
skeletal
muscle,
according
to
a
study
by
a
team
of
researchers
in
Arkansas
and
Texas.
Click
to
story
5/22/01*
Soy
Products
Gain
Popularity
-
Maybe
Seniors
Should
Watch
There
is
no
doubt
that
soy
products
are
gaining
in
popularity
and
the
supporters
claim
it
helps
prevent
heart
disease
and
cancer.
We
are
not
recommending
it
but
it
is
worth
watching.
Click*
2/1/01*
Report
Helps
Clear
Vitamin
Confusion
-
Or
Does
It
Jan. 9, 2001 - Call
it
vitamania:
About
40
percent
of
Americans
pop
vitamin
pills.
But
just
how
much
of
each
vitamin
does
your
body
need?
When
does
food
provide
enough?
And
how
much
is
too
much? Read
more...
USDA
Releases
New
Guidelines
for
Organic
Foods
12/20/00*
Dec. 20, 2000 - Agriculture
Secretary
Dan
Glickman
today
announced
the
final
national
standards
for
the
production,
handling,
and
processing
of
organically
grown
agricultural
products.
Can
a
vitamin
a
day
keep
heart
disease
away? B12, Folate Work for
Older Adults
Dec. 11, 2000 - Researchers
report
Americans
could
live
longer
if
more
got
the
recommended
daily
level
of
folic
acid
and
vitamin
B12
in
middle
age
and
beyond.
Soy
Gaining
in
Popularity:
New
Spread
Sept. 15, 2000 - More
Americans
than
ever
before
believe
that
soyfoods
are
healthful
--
including
popular
new
snack
foods
and
a
new
margarine
--
and
are
changing
their
eating
habits
to
incorporate
soy
into
their
regular
diets. Read
more...
USDA
Releases
Updated
Dietary
Guidelines
for
Americans
June 5, 2000 - The federal government today released the fifth edition of "Dietary
Guidelines for Americans," providing easily understood, science-based
information on how Americans can choose diets that promote good health. The
new guidelines are more
consumer-friendly, contain more specific scientific
recommendations and address the need for safe food handling to prevent
illness.
Sorting Out the Confusion About Nutrition
May 24, 2000 - The "nutrition study of the week" grabs your attention, and often contradicts the previous study or traditional health advice.
|
|