The September issue of the Personal Best newsletter is now online.
The traits that characterize a strong relationship between two people also are the cornerstones of family harmony. In this month's issue, read more about these traits in Signs of a Strong Family.
Weight Loss Lessons addresses some of the false and misleading claims made by companies who sell pills and gimmick products promising quick weight loss. The article also provides four steps to success in losing weight and maintaining weight loss.
The odds of living longer and better increase if a person stays physically active. People who are even moderately fit can reduce their risk of premature death, according to the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research. Regular, moderate exercise helps prevent heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, hypertension and certain cancers. Staying fit and active also can help reduce physical disabilities in later years. Read this month's Fitness article for more information.
A new school year brings change for parents and children. This month's issue of Personal Best has some suggestions to make the morning run smoothly and on time. And in the Homeward Bound section, find some tips on how to make it home safely at the end of the day when tired or distracted.
National Men's Health Week has come and gone, but staying healthy and preventing disease requires an ongoing awareness. This month's newsletter has a Men's Health Checklist that is based on the latest guidelines from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
September is Baby Safety Month and Safety Solutions has a list of precautions for each room of the home.
The body needs a certain amount of fat to maintain health. Compared to saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fats appear to be especially beneficial. According to the Harvard Nurses' Health Study, monounsaturated fats lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol and may slightly boost HDL ("good") cholesterol - helpful for reducing plaque formation in the arteries. The Nutrition article has information on dietary fat needs and some basics on the different mono-rich oils.
The recipe of the month is Walnut Vinaigrette Dressing.
Also in this issue: Retain your brain; September is National 5-A-Day Month; LASIK eye surgery; low-carb claims; life in America: new trends; explore your spiritual side; mismanaging money; calcium and vitamin D; women with HIV/AIDS; first aid for choking; menopausal depression and; does smoking cause wrinkles?
Personal Best is published by Scott Publishing in Edmonds, Wash., and is part of the Lab's Positive Health Directions program in Occupational Medicine (HSR-2) and Benefits and Employment Services (HR-B).