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April Body Bulletin and online Personal Best newsletters now available

The April issue of the Body Bulletin newsletter is being distributed to Laboratory employee mail stops and the online Personal Best is now online.

Although both newsletters contain the same information, additional or expanded articles can be found in the online Personal Best.

"Blood Pressure Basics" is the cover story for this month's newsletter. Readers can test their knowledge of factors that lead to high blood pressure and symptoms of high blood pressure. At 11:30 a.m., April 29, the Laboratory's health promotion program is hosting a blood pressure program, "In charge: Healthy Ways to a Healthier Heart," in conjunction with Blue Cross/Blue Shield New Mexico. Dr. Peter Barnett will speak in the Otowi Building cafeteria side rooms at Technical Area 3. The presentation will be preceded and followed by free blood pressure screenings starting at 11 a.m.

Need to reduce stress? This month's article offers two strategies – laughter and walking. Laughter has the physiological effect of reducing muscle tension and increasing blood flow. Find more humor in life by following the tips in the article "Laugh More, Relieve Stress… and protect your heart."

Walking has been proven to reduce stress and several common diseases. This summer, the Wellness Center encourages Laboratory workers to get out and walk by participating in the annual walking program. This year's program is "Walk this Weigh." Watch for a kickoff walking event on National Employee Health and Fitness Day, May 21. The Lab's walking month program runs from mid-May through June. Coordinators are needed for Laboratory organizations. Check the Wellness Center Web page at http://www.wellness.lanl.gov/ online for more information or call 7-7166.

Walking also is a recommended activity for individuals suffering from exercise-induced asthma. Learn more about how to reduce the risk of an asthma flare-up in the article, "Asthma? Exercise these guidelines to stay active." More information about exercise-induced asthma can be found in a previous Laboratory panel presentation on asthma and allergies. Download and view the presentation using Real Media software.

May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. The Laboratory's health promotion team is hosting a presentation at 9:30 a.m., May 8, by Dr. James Sussman of Asthma and Allergy Associates of New Mexico. Sussman speaks in the Otowi Building cafeteria side rooms at TA-3. Following the presentation, training classes will be held on the use of a peak flow meter for asthma management. Attendance at a training class is required to obtain a free meter. Classes will be held every half-hour from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. No pre-registration is required but seating is limited.

Many back injuries result from improper lifting techniques. Six steps to smart lifting are noted in the article, "Do Your Back a Favor, Lift Smart to Avoid Injury." For a hands-on approach to back health, the Wellness Center at TA-3 offers a free back clinic from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. Monday mornings. Contact Cindy Lawton of Occupational Medicine (HSR-2) at 7-7166 or write to cindyl@lanl.gov by electronic mail.

The recipe of the month is Almond Cauliflower.

Also in this month's hardcopy and online issues: increasing concentration skills; cancer odds; safe travel on wheels; a cooking oil comparison; and risk factors for osteoarthritis.

Body Bulletin and online Personal Best are published by Scott Publishing in Edmonds, Wash., and are part of the Lab's Positive Health Directions program in HSR-2 and Benefits and Employment Services (HR-B).

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