Oliver Sacks and Melanoma of the Eye
Oliver Sacks died this week at age 82 of a melanoma in his eye that was diagnosed 11 years ago and recently had spread to his liver. He was a neurologist who wrote more than a dozen popular books that sold millions of copies, making him probably the most-read...
Should You Avoid Gluten?
Twenty-one percent of North Americans are trying to avoid gluten, a component of wheat, when fewer than one percent actually need to do so. If following a gluten-free diet causes people to consume fewer foods made with flour — such as bread, muffins, cookies and pasta — they may lose weight and lower their risk for diabetes, even though these benefits have nothing to do with avoiding gluten. However, many people hop on the “gluten-free” bandwagon and consume huge amounts of gluten-free flour products which are just as unhealtful as those made with wheat flour.
The 30-20-10 Plan to Boost Your Exercise Progam
If you hate the idea of intense exercise, try the 30-20-10 Plan developed by Jens Bangsbo at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. Dr. Bangsbo asked 132 middle-aged recreational runners to replace their casual workouts with his 30-20-10 Plan.
Dave’s Zucchini “Pasta” with Shrimp
3-4 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic, crushed 4 anchovy filets (optional) 1/2 pound peeled shrimp 1/2 cup chopped onions 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into small pieces 2 medium zucchini, "spiralized" into pasta (see note below) or cut into matchstick strips Fresh...
Why I STILL Restrict Meat, Eggs and Milk
TMAO May Explain the Risk in Eating Red Meat, Eggs or Milk. Red meat, eggs and milk contain lecithin, and lecithin is broken down into another chemical called choline. Your intestinal bacteria use choline as a source for their energy and then release a breakdown product called TMAO (trimethylamine oxide).
High-Plant Diet Lowers Blood Pressure
More than 90 percent of North Americans will develop high blood pressure. A new study shows that a diet high in potassium appears to protect teenagers from high blood pressure in adulthood, while a low-salt diet has no effect (JAMA Pediatr, June 2015;169(6):560-568)....
Emile Zola and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Emile Zola was a famous French writer of the late 19th century and perhaps one of the most honorable and courageous men of all time. He repeatedly risked his life to defend Alfred Dreyfus, an innocent man who was falsely accused by corrupt French military and...
Irregular Heartbeats in Senior Athletes and Exercisers
Fit people are less likely to suffer a particular form of irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation, and a regular exercise program reduces a person’s chances of developing atrial fibrillation Extreme endurance exercisers such as bicycle racers, cross country skiers and long-distance runners who compete into their 40s and beyond may be at increased risk for atrial fibrillation
Diet Shown to Reduce Risk for Dementia
A study from Rush Medical School in Chicago shows that a special diet can reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s disease by 53 percent in those who follow the diet rigorously, and by 35 percent in those who follow it and cheat some of the time.
Mike Pyle: Head Injuries and Dementia
Former Chicago Bears tight end Mike Pyle died this month of a brain hemorrhage at age 76. He had been one of the smartest players in the National Football League. In 1960, he was captain of the undefeated Yale football team that destroyed Harvard 39–6, and received...