A recent study published in the June 16, 2009 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine shows the efficacy of Red Yeast Rice in lowering cholesterol. 62 patients with elevated cholesterol levels and the side effect of myalgias while on statin therapy were randomized to 1800mg twice daily of red yeast rice or placebo. Patients were followed for 24 weeks. Red yeast rice significantly decreased LDL and total cholesterol compared to placebo and did not increase the incidence of myalgias over a 24 week period.

I tell my patients all the time, don’t waste your money on vitamins. No large scale study has proven that they have any beneficial effects. A recent study published in May 2009 supports this. Researchers in Germany gave half of the studies participants moderate doses of vitamins C and E and had them exercise. They then measured sensitivity to insulin as well as indicators of the body’s natural defenses to oxidative damage. The group taking vitamins had no improvement in insulin sensitivity and almost no activation of the body’s natural defense mechanism against oxidative damage. It seems that the vitamins block our bodies own mechanisms to combat free radicals.

What are swine flu symptoms?

Flu symptoms

The flu is characterized by a collection of symptoms that can often occur suddenly, including:

1. Fever (higher than 100° F)
   A fever occurs when your body temperature increases in response to illness or injury. Your temperature is considered elevated when it is higher than 100°F.
2. Chills
   Body chills that are not related to a cold environment can be a sign of the flu.
3. Headache
   A headache associated with the flu may appear suddenly, and be related to body aches or nasal congestion you’re experiencing.
4. Extreme tiredness
   It’s normal to feel tired at the end of a long day or when you don’t get adequate sleep, but unexplained tiredness can be a sign of the flu.
5. Dry cough
   Know your cough. A productive cough (coughing up mucus) is common with a cold, while a non-productive or dry cough (with no mucus) is associated with the flu.
6. Sore throat
   Swelling in the throat can lead to a sore throat.
7. Runny nose
   Runny nose may also occur but is more common in children than adults.
8. Muscle aches
   While it is normal to feel body aches from physical overexertion, body aches that are sudden and unexplained can be a sign of the flu.
9. Stomach symptoms
   Stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are more common in children than in adults
10. Chest discomfort
    Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.

Swine Flu Philadelphia

According to the CDC, the swine flu is spreading in the United States and internationally. Today, the CDC reported additional confirmed human infections, hospitalizations and the nation’s first fatality from this outbreak. The more recent illnesses and the reported death suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the U.S. Most people will not have immunity to this new virus and, as it continues to spread, more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths are expected in the coming days and weeks. As of this morning a total of 91 cases have been reported in the US, with 51 cases confirmed in New York. I suspect this is a low number as it takes time for test results to come back and some states had not submitted results yet. There has been one fatality, a 23 month old boy from Mexico, it seems as if he was taken to the hospital too late. When he arrived he was already in critical condition. So far it appears that given the modern medical care in the U.S., patients who come down with the virus should fare much better than patients in Mexico.It’s unclear what will happen with this outbreak, the best case would be that it would die out in a few weeks, however the virus could mutate and become more virulent and cause widespread serious illness and death. If you come down with a fever and severe cold symtoms call you doctor or report to the emergency room. Don’t wait until your breathing is compromised to seek medical attention. 4/30/09 10:28am

Antioxidant found in berries prevents wrinkles and sun damage

Another study presented this week supports the use of antioxidants in preventing wrinkles and premature aging of the skin. Using a topical application of the antioxidant ellagic acid, found in berries, nuts, pomegranates, researchers at Hallym University in the Republic of Korea markedly prevented collagen destruction and inflammatory response – a major causes of wrinkles — in both human skin cells and the sensitive skin of hairless mice following continuing exposure to UV-B, the sun’s skin-damaging ultraviolet radioactive rays. So continue to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoid the sun, apply a high spf sunscreen and use an antioxidant serum. See http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/health/tips_info/Before_Botox__Try_Berries_Philadelphia.html

Are you sneezing and itching?: An Update on Seasonal Allergies

Have you been experiencing itching eyes and nose, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, difficulty sleeping…it could be seasonal allergies. With the warm weather starts the spring allergy season which is a result of allergies to tree pollen. How to feel better, limit your time outside, keep windows closed and shower off after outdoor activities, rinsing your nasal passages with saline also helps. If you are still having symptoms, try an over the counter antihistamine, or see your doctor for a prescription for a steroid nasal spray.  http://cbs3.com/video/?cid=6091