Health & Wellness Tips
Walk to Reduce Stress Levels
Research reveals that three 10-minute walks taken at different times of the day are
as effective at relieving tension and anxiety as one 30-minute walk. To keep stress
levels under control, take a quick walk before work, take a 10-minute stroll at
lunchtime, and then finish your day with a brisk power walk around the block when
you get home.
Accumulating brisk walking for fitness, cardiovascular risk, and psychological health.
Murphy, M., Nevill, A., Neville, C., Biddle, S., Hardman, A., Medicine and Science in
Sports and Exercise 2002 Sep;34(9):1468-1474.
Cauliflower is Good for You
You may get an extra measure of colon protection if you add cauliflower florets to
your weekly menu. Research has revealed that a natural compound found in
cauliflower may inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells in the colon. Just be sure to
skip the cheese sauce, which can be loaded with saturated fat. Instead, season a
steamed cauliflower head with olive oil and lemon, or use raw florets to scoop up
low-fat yogurt dip.
The compound s-methyl methane thiosulfonate (MMTS), found in cauliflower, may be
anticarcinogenic. Cauliflower also is a good source of vitamin C and potassium. One
cup of florets contains 46 milligrams of vitamin C and 300 milligrams of potassium.
To keep cauliflower fresh, store it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator and keep it dry.
Although it is available year-round, cauliflower is particularly plentiful in the spring
and fall.
Chemoprevention of azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis by dietary feeding
of S-methyl methane thiosulfonate in male F344 rats. Kawamori, T., Tanaka, T.,
Ohnishi, M., Hirose, Y., Nakamura, Y., Satoh, K., Hara, A., Mori, H., Cancer Research
1995 Sep 15;55(18):4053-4058.
S-methyl methane thiosulfonate, a new antimutagenic compound isolated from
Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis. Nakamura, Y., Matsuo, T., Shimoi, K., Nakamura,
Y., Tomita, I., Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin 1993 Feb;16(2):207-209.
Protect Yourself from Pollution
If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high
traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares.
Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning
when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution
and dirt from the street deterrent.