Health briefs
Weighing in
Thanks to new legislation, the makers of dietary supplements marketed in the U.S. must now provide reports of “serious” adverse events to the Food and Drug Administration within 15 days of their occurrence. Such events would include death, hospitalization, a birth defect or persistent disability. The provisions also cover over-the-counter drugs. Manufacturers have less than a year to prepare before the requirements take effect.

Relax, naturally
The 4-7-8 breathing method is one of the simplest ways to evoke your body’s natural relaxation response. Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth. Exhale through your mouth around your tongue with your lips slightly pursed. Follow these steps:
            Empty your lungs, making a whooshing sound
            Close your mouth and inhale throughout your nose to a mental count of four
            Hold your breath for a count of seven
            Again, blow out through your mouth, making a whooshing sound to the count of eight
            This is one breath – repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths

Do good, feel better
Volunteers live longer, have a higher functional ability, less incidence of heart disease and fewer bouts of depression, according to a recent study by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The research suggests that volunteering is particularly beneficial to the health of older adults and those serving 100 hours annually. “These findings complement the Administration on Aging’s ongoing efforts to harness the power of prevention and wellness for all older Americans. Volunteerism is an important tool in our strategy to promote health and prevent disease,” said Josefina G. Carbonell, Assistant Secretary for Aging at the U.s. Department of Health and Human Services.

Pass the pomegranate
Pomegranates, which are higher in antioxidant activity than red wine and green tea, may prevent skin cancer and kill breast and prostate cancer cells, a bevy of new studies show. In addition, say Israeli scientists, a daily drink of pomegranate juice can help diabetics curtail the absorption of bad cholesterol into their systems. The fruit has also helped reduce brain degeneration associated with aging, researchers said.

Weekend carpenters, beware!
Emergency room physicians warn of an increasing number of accidents involving pneumatic nail guns purchased at home improvement stores. Such accidents more than tripled between 1991 and 2005, and 96 percent of victims were males whose average age was 35. Untrained weekend carpenters are especially vulnerable to injury, say researchers, who suggest such consumers purchase nail guns with a sequential trip trigger, which prevents accidental or uncontrolled firing.

Make time for tea
People who sip a cup of tea before bedtime may have a lower risk of two common forms of skin cancer, say medical experts. In a study of nearly 2,200 adults, researchers determined that tea drinkers had a lower risk of developing squamous cell or basal cell carcinoma. Those who drank one or more cups of tea a day were 20 to 30 percent less likely to develop the cancers than those who didn’t drink tea.

Take steps against depression
According to a study from the Seattle area, living in a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood may help shield older men from depression. Researchers found that among 740 older adults, those who lived in neighborhoods that welcomed walkers tended to show fewer depression symptoms than men from less walker-friendly environs.

Tone down the snores
Problem snoring is more common in men and in people who are overweight, and snoring usually gets worse with age. The American Academy of Otolaryngology reports an estimated 45 percent of normal adults snore occasionally, and 25 percent do so habitually. Over-the-counter sprays and pills have yet to prove effective, so researchers tend to recommend lifestyle changes and natural remedies like these:
            Changing sleep position, from lying flat on your back to lying on your side
            Raising the head of your bed four inches (by placing blocks or a wedge under the mattress)
            Losing 10 percent of your body weight
            Avoiding alcohol and sedatives
            Inhaling steam before bed – use a steam vaporizer, run hot water or putting a towel over your head and inhaling steam
            Trying nasal strips, which can help if snoring is coming from your nose; unfortunately, most often snoring originates from the base of the tongue or soft palate

Food for thought
Top chefs say grapeseed is just as healthy but less costly than olive oil, and more versatile because of its mild flavor. Try it in salad dressings or marinades or use it to fry or sauté. Another tip: oil the food instead of the pan when grilling or frying. Fish fillets, vegetables and meats will soak up just a fraction of the calories and taste just as good.