Vim & Vigor - Summer 2009 - (Page 1)

health briefs healthy steps An extra couple of inches around the waist could indicate poor heart health— even if you’re not overweight. Excess belly fat puts you at increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Women should keep their waist size below 35 inches and men below 40 inches for optimum heart health, according to the National Institutes of Health. Want a more in-depth assessment of your heart health? Learn more on page 6. take measure 1 super-fast ways to improve your health 4 drink up If you’re headed to the mountains this summer, be sure to drink extra water. As you climb in altitude, your kidneys signal your body to produce more oxygencarrying red blood cells. To make room for those blood cells, your body dumps fluid from your blood that is released as urine, increasing your chances of dangerous dehydration. Read what the experts have to say on page 54. 2 4 Eating five fruits and vegetables a day has nearly as much health benefit as not smoking, according to a long-term British study. On average, people who didn’t smoke, ate their fruits and vegetables, exercised and limited alcohol lived 14 years longer than those who didn’t. This summer, try adding just one extra fruit or vegetable to your diet each day. Choose locally grown produce and you’ll also be helping the environment by avoiding transportation. To find out where you can pick your own produce locally, go online to pickyourown.org. add a fruit 3 The simple act of being grateful can improve your mental health, numerous studies have found. One way to be grateful this month is to show your appreciation to a healthcare worker. May includes national celebrations for nurses, hospital workers, doctors and emergency medical providers. Write a quick thank-you note to your doctor, drop off a bouquet of daisies at your local hospital or take a basket of fruit to your closest fire station. If your favorite healthcare hero works for Centura Health, you can even give him or her a halo. Find out how on page 52. vim & vigor • s ummer 2009 give thanks 1 http://www.pickyourown.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Summer 2009

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2009
Healthy Steps
Nurturing Health
Contents
Finally... Relief from Pain
Helping Hearts
Take Action
Check Your Tech
Small Wonders
Positively Healthy
On the Cover
Culinary Cures
In a Heartbeat
Make it Last
Safe Harbor
5 Million Lives
Under the Cyberknife
Around the Region
Ask the Experts
Community Connections

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2009

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