-Healthy Perspective in the News
    -Kidney stones and diet - startling new findings
    -Tap water may be risky for unborn children
    -Brain chemistry and body size

-Healthy Kitchen Tip
    -The orange peeling "spoon trick"
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WINTER
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Winter is here!  At this writing, this morning we awoke to snow on the ground!  This may not seem extraordinary to most of you, as it is January, but we live in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Our home is just north of San Francisco, in Sonoma Valley, the heart of California's Wine Country (where it's never supposed to snow!).  So right now we cannot gloat about our warm California sunshine, while so many of you are shivering through your winter.  Humility can be a good thing, however.  Besides, the anomaly of seeing our yard covered with snow was really something - a winter wonderland.

We hope you are enjoying the winter produce.  Aren't oranges wonderful right now?!  And if you see some imported, out-of-season fruit in your market that appeals to you, consider purchasing and enjoying it.  We have had some nice berries and a cantaloupe lately.  And, of course, the imported tropical fruit is always wonderful (pineapples, coconuts, mangoes - yum!). Of course, these foods are priced higher than we might like, but I like what I overheard a lady say, "If a piece of produce that I want to purchase costs less per pound than See's candy [which currently sells for about $12 per pound], I figure it's a bargain.  And think of all the calories I'm saving!"  And, of course, the health benefits are incomparable.

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HEALTHY PERSPECTIVE IN THE NEWS
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Kidney Stones and Diet - Startling New Findings
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According to an Associated Press (AP) story, posted by CNN on January 10, 2002,

"A diet low in salt and meat can dramatically reduce the risk of kidney stones, according to an Italian study that could spell the end for the low-calcium diet that doctors have been recommending for years."

For years, doctors have told patients with kidney stones, or a propensity toward them, to adhere to a diet low in calcium.  This was thought to help, as kidney stones are comprised of a calcium compound.  However, according to a new study, this advice is not only ineffective in avoiding kidney stones, but may actually PROMOTE them, and can lead to other problems, such as osteoporosis.  This can be easily explained.  A person on a low calcium diet excretes less calcium in his urine, but excretes more oxalate (which combines with calcium to form most kidney stones!).

The study, conducted at the University of Parma and published in the New England Journal of Medicine earlier this month, found that a diet low in meat and low in salt is the best prevention for kidney stones.  This is easily explained as well.  The consumption of salt and a protein common in meat cause more calcium to be excreted in the urine, contributing to the formation of kidney stones.

Another great help in preventing kidney stones is simple as well - drink lots of water (10 to 12 big glasses per day).

Dr. Umberto Maggiore, one of the study's authors, is concerned that although this new diet, low in salt and meat, has been found to be quite effective, it will not be well adhered to in America, as meat makes up such a great part of the standard American diet.  We certainly hope he is incorrect!  Anyone who has suffered kidney stones will certainly do all he can to prevent a reoccurrence.  And a diet low in salt and meat brings so many other health benefits as well.  It's a win win situation (for more information on the benefits of a vegetarian diet, you may read the article, "Vegetarianism - Scientific Discoveries and Popular Myths" at http://www.healthyperspective.com/veg.html).
 

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Tap Water May Be Risky for Unborn Children
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According to an Associated Press (AP) story from Washington, posted on CNN January 8, 2002:

"Millions of Americans have been drinking tap water contaminated with chemical byproducts from chlorine that are far more than what studies suggest may be safe for pregnant women, two environmental groups say in a new study."

The study, released early this month by the Environmental Working Group and Public Interest Research Groups cited health risks that include, "miscarriage, neural tube defects and reduced fetal growth from women drinking chlorination byproducts."

As you know, chlorine is commonly used to disinfect our drinking water.  According to this study, it's when the chlorine combines with other chemicals, such as runoff from lawns or farms that it then forms dangerous compounds such as chloroform.

According to the AP report, Jane Houlihan, Research Director for The Environmental Working Group, says that "pregnant women need to drink plenty of water, but they can reduce their exposure to potential risks through simple measures such as home filters and purchasing bottled water."

We at Healthy Perspective think Ms. Houlihan's advice is good, not only for pregnant women, but for all of us.
 

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Brain Chemistry and Body Size
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Having trouble keeping that New Year's resolution to lose weight?  You're not alone!

Have you ever wondered why your skinny friend seems to have no trouble staying that way, while sticking to a weight loss regimen is torture for you?  You're sure you have self control, willpower, and all that other good stuff in other areas of your life.  So what's the problem?

According to an ABC news piece entitled, "Can't Resist the Taste" [http://abcnews.go.com/sections/wnt/WorldNewsTonight/medfile_010625.html] (June 25, 2001):

"Researchers at the Brookhaven National Laboratory report obese people have more activity in brain regions controlling the mouth, tongue and lips than lean people do. They say the findings suggest obese people have a higher sensory response to food, making the act of eating more rewarding."

It's time overweight individuals quit "beating themselves up" and realize they are not lazy or lacking in character.  It feels difficult because it is difficult!  And friends and family members, please be loving and understanding, not judgmental.

Does this mean losing weight is impossible?  Not at all!!  But it is important to understand the difficulties and hurdles.

Kimberly has lost weight just by going on a vegetarian diet, and is continuing weight loss with the AIM SlimMetrix (tm) program (she's gone from a size 26 to a size 16 - and is still going down!).  This is a healthy regimen where you don't feel hungry or deprived - and it works!  If you are interested in learning more about this, go to http://healthyperspective.com/slimmetrix2.html.  And if you're interested in a money saving special, go to http://healthyperspective.com/slimmetrix.html.

Improved health should be the cornerstone to any weight loss program.

And don't get discouraged.  Here's something you can hold onto:  "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:  Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:21-23 (NIV)
 

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HEALTHY KITCHEN TIP
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The Orange Peeling "Spoon Trick"

Do you love those nice, sweet, juicy navel oranges that are available right now, but you hate to peel them?  We've learned a little trick that makes getting into that yummy fruit a lot easier (and keeps your thumbs from getting sore!).  Our navel orange consumption has at least doubled since we learned this.

First, take a knife (a dinner knife will do) and slice the peel of the stem end (not the navel end) off your orange.  Now here's the trick.  Take an ordinary dinnerware tablespoon from your silverware drawer.  Put the spoon's point at the opening you've made (with the spoon pointing down toward the navel).  Gently glide the spoon between the orange's peel and its flesh, pushing downward toward the navel, while following the rounded contour of the orange.  Push as far as you comfortably can.  Gently pull the spoon out and continue the same movement all around the circumference of the orange.  Now you have an orange that will practically peel itself.  Enjoy!
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If you have some particular concerns or questions, regarding health or spiritual matters, feel free to email us.  We'll do our best to help provide you with the information you seek, and we can certainly pray with you.

May God bless and keep you.
-Rev. Clarence Russell, Kimberly and Nicole
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