James Stabile Informational Newsletter

 June 2005

Health, Fitness and Lifestyle...

Millions of health conscious Americans are turning to the Internet to search for medical remedies for a variety of diseases, ailments or symptoms. Internet user, beware. Don't believe everything you read on the Internet. By now, most people, even people with a minimal knowledge of technology and the Internet, are aware of the Internet pitfalls. A word to the wise - be careful. 

When looking for medical information, try using reliable, truthful and free sites. The Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, 05.18.05 edition, offers some recommended sites for medical research:
www.MedlinePlus.gov  is a comprehensive site compiled and monitored by the National Library of Medicine at the National Institute of Health;
www.Medem.com has information for both consumers and physicians and is sponsored by a group of medical societies that contribute to its library and screen for accuracy and utility;
www.WebMd.com contains information on a variety of health topics, compiled by doctors from reputable sources. 

Never take an Internet site as gospel truth. Always consult your health care professional about any medical situation. 

One of my favorite news shows is Larry King Live on CNN. Diabetes was discussed on Larry King, 05.20.05. A panel of celebrities including Morgan Fairchild, Jerry Mathers (as the Beaver), Robert Guillaume (Benson), among others, discussed life with diabetes. A competent medical doctor presented medical updates and developments. I learned a lot about diabetes. The major cause of adult diabetes is linked to obesity. As a person grows old, obesity and lack of physical activity adds to ones chances of developing diabetes. The major point that I got from the discussion - adult diabetes is preventable. A healthy lifestyle including moderate, healthy eating and moderate physical activity (30 minutes 5 times a week, even walking) will do much to "ward off" the onset of the dreaded and deadly disease. Fitness has many health related applications. Fitness is more than aesthetic, it's life saving.

The sun - good for cancer prevention! Yes! In the last three months alone, four separate studies found that the sun helped protect individuals against lymphoma and cancers of the prostate, lung, colon and, ironically, the skin. Doctors are now saying that moderate exposure to the sun, 15 minutes 3 times a week, without sun screen, is beneficial in preventing a variety of cancers. It is also beneficial in the treatment of such cancers. 

People are not getting enough vitamin D in their diets. There are many reasons for this - diet, age and race are among the most problematic. Direct exposure to the sun is a sure way of getting enough vitamin D to live a healthy life. 

Caution: Don't fry on the beach. Too much sun will lead to skin cancer, take it from me. Sun light in moderation, 15 minutes of exposure 3 times a week without sun screen is what the doctors order. Isn't it funny how important moderation and balance is in the well being of the human organism. Everything in moderation.

In spite of this discussion, I think one should still use a daily sun screen. I apply Lubriderm Daily Moisture with SPF 15 to the exposed parts of my body every morning after my shower. I think geography plays a part in that 15 minutes, 3 times a week sun exposure routine. Where I live, the sun shines mostly every day. I don't wear a hat and I don't apply sun screen to my scalp, hence a way to get those unblocked rays of the sun and that vital vitamin D. For me, I think sun screen is still a must each and every day, rain or shine.

Again the sun is important, but in moderation and on a balanced basis.

June 2005 Newsletter  
Discussion of the Month     Entertainment     Health, Fitness and Lifestyle     Politics
 Religion and Spiritualism     Technology and Business     Too Strange, Weird or Just Funny