Healthcare Traveler - November 2008 - (Page 42)

Clinical Tips CLINICAL PEARLS FROM THE EXPERTS 100% Fruit juice not related to obesity W hile some clinicians have discouraged giving juice to toddlers and children, believing that juice consumption is linked to obesity, a new study suggests that drinking 100% fruit juice does not negatively influence weight and may in fact improve nutrient intake. A study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine examined the diets of 3,618 children ages 2 to 11 and found that those drinking 100% juice had signi cantly higher intake of energy, carbohydrates, vitamins C and B6, potassium, ribo avin, magnesium, iron and folate, and lower levels of total fat and added sugar (compared to non–juice drinkers). e 100% juice drinkers also ate more servings of whole fruit. ere was no correlation between 100% juice intake and weight. Researchers also found that children who did not drink 100% juice were more likely to drink other juice drinks and sodas. Encourage parents to look for 100% fruit juice, instead of juice drinks, and stress the bene ts of 100% juice as part of a healthy diet. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2008;162(6):557. Jennifer L. W. Fink, RN, BSN Turn up the lights Brighter lighting may be beneficial for patients with dementia. A study conducted in The Netherlands revealed that exposure to increased levels of daytime light can improve cognitive and noncognitive symptoms in elderly patients with dementia. This study agrees with similar studies, which suggest that light therapy improves the sleep of patients with dementia, and may improve behavioral patterns. The Netherlands study used ceiling mounted light fixtures with glass diffusers. Patients exposed to bright light were exposed to 1000 lux, while other patients were exposed to dim light (300 lux). Those receiving light therapy showed slight improvement in cognitive ability and a 19% decrease in depression symptoms. There were no adverse effects to light therapy. Be sure that patients with dementia are exposed to plenty of daytime light. 42 Healthcare Traveler November 2008 Open shades and blinds to bring in as much natural sunlight as possible, and ensure that indoor lighting approximates daytime brightness. JAMA. 2008; 299(22):2642-2655. www.ncbi.nlm. nih.gov/pubmet/10440971 www.bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi.content/full/327/ 7413/468-b Jennifer L. W. Fink, RN, BSN Anti-aging: Another reason to exercise Telomeres—caps at the ends of chromosomes, which tend to shorten as we age—are longer in people who are physically active. Several studies have linked the longer telomere to fewer wrinkles, stronger muscles, and more resistance to disease. As we age, our telomeres become shorter, leaving cells more susceptible to damage and death. However, a research study found active people had longer telomeres than their sedentary counterparts. A sedentary lifestyle causes oxidative stress and telomere erosion, which increases the risks associated with agingrelated diseases. In fact, the study suggested that the inactive participants were biologically older, by 10 years, compared with the more active subjects. What’s more, exercise reduces psychological stress levels which, when high, also can shrink telomeres. Just another incentive to keep moving! www.twin-research.ac.uk/Publications/2008/ Cherkas.%20Archiv%20Inter%20Med.Exercise% 20208.pdf Photo: Getty Images/C Squared Studios Dana Sterner, RN This department originally appeared in RN, a sister publication. For subscription information, call 800-284-8945 or visit www.rnweb.com. www.healthcaretraveler.com http://www.twin-research.ac.uk/ http://www.bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi.content/full/327/7413/468-b http://www.twin-research.ac.uk/ http://www.rnweb.com http://www.healthcaretraveler.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Healthcare Traveler - November 2008

Healthcare Traveler - November 2008 Editor’s Desk Contents In a Flash Paws for Thought Field Notes You Said It Perks and Preferences A Latitude Adjustment Drug Update Clinical Tips Advice of Counsel Cityscape Advertiser’s Index Name It When In. . . It’s in the Bag Contest Rules Big Deals Tax Facts Going the Distance Allied Corner Classifieds Tales from the Road

Healthcare Traveler - November 2008

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