Da Kine
Star-Bulletin staff
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Cherries protect your arteries
What's more appealing than a cluster of big, sweet Bing cherries? Knowing that indulging in them helps protect your arteries from disease. In a USDA study, researchers gave 18 adults 2 1/3 cups of sweet cherries to eat every day for four weeks. By the end of the study, participants' blood levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of artery-damaging inflammation, had dropped by 25 percent. What doused the flames? Anthocyanins, the antioxidants that give cherries their color.
LOWERING YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE
Sit in chair for proper reading
To get lower blood pressure in seconds, take a seat. University of Virginia researchers tested 100 volunteers while they perched on a doctor's table, feet dangling, and then again as they sat in a chair with both feet resting on the floor and their back and arms supported. The subjects' systolic pressure -- the higher number -- dropped by 13 points on average while sitting in the chair. Why?
"If your arm, back, and legs are not supported, then you're exerting energy while being tested," says study author Melly Turner, RN.
The American Heart Association has been recommending the chair method, but harried medical staff often don't employ it. Get rechecked if your last reading was above 120/80. Sit quietly in a proper chair for five minutes beforehand, and be sure the arm being tested rests on a flat surface or in your nurse's hands.
Global Rocktoberfest combats breast cancer
Hard Rock International has joined with The Go-Go's to raise money for breast cancer research and awareness.
A special limited edition Hard Rock Breast Cancer Awareness Pin will be sold at Hard Rock International properties, with all profits donated to breast cancer organizations, according to a news release.
Proceeds in the United States will benefit the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation. Local breast cancer research organizations will be selected as beneficiaries in other countries.
Hard Rock Cafes worldwide this month will host Rocktoberfest, with live music events featuring female artists such as The Go-Gos.
"In past years, we've donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to breast cancer research and this year we are raising the bar with the global Rocktoberfest initiative by doing what we do best -- rockin' -- and raising funds for worthy causes," said Sean Dee, Hard Rock International chief marketing officer.
Program aims to help diabetics stay employed
The state has received a three-year $7.9 million federal grant to help diabetic adults maintain their health so they can continue working, state Human Services Director Lillian Koller announced.
The cost of the project is $14.1 million, with 76 percent funded by federal and state agencies and 24 percent from employers and other non-governmental sources.
The state's portion of funding is about $100,000 a year.
"By providing preventive medical services and other forms of intervention, we intend to show that diabetics at high risk of becoming disabled can effectively manage their illness, remain employed and lead active, productive lives," Koller said.
The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services grant is providing more than half the money for the Hawaii Demonstration to Maintain Independence and Employment project.
Participants will be residents 18 to 60 years old diagnosed with potentially disabling types of diabetes. The study will look at whether a comprehensive program of medical assistance and other support can prevent or delay loss of self-sufficiency caused by the chronic, sometimes fatal disease.