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Oct 29, 2003 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- GLYCEMIC INDEX FOR HEALTHY EATING
The glycemic index is gaining acceptance among nutritionalists and doctors as a guide for a proper diet. The index, which ranks foods based on the degree to which they raise blood sugar over a two-hour period, was not intended for consumer use when it was developed over 20 years ago, said diabetes educator Patti Geil. Research is showing, though, that foods that do not provoke large rises and subsequent falls in blood sugar increase energy levels and may have other lasting health benefits, so the glycemic index has become a hot topic.
CHILDREN NEED CALCIUM
Two recent studies confirm that sufficient calcium intake is essential to children's growth and development. An American Medical Association study cites poor calcium intake during peak bone growth periods, as well as change in daily physical activity, as likely causes for an increase in adolescent forearm fractures during 1999-2001 compared to 30 years prior. A second study finds nearly 9 out of 10 teenage girls and 7 out of 10 teenage boys fail to get the recommended amount of calcium in their diets. The study found adolescent boys who consume three servings of milk a day have twice the increase in bone density as those who drank juice. The same boys had higher intakes of calcium, as well as vitamins A and D.
NOSE FORETELLS PSYCHOSIS
People who cannot correctly identify smells have a higher risk of developing psychosis, a study finds. Scientists and clinicians have long known people suffering from schizophrenia and other forms of psychosis often mistake one smell for another: canned tuna for gasoline, leather for chocolate. Now, researchers at the University of Melbourne find this trait precedes the onset of psychotic illness and can be serve as a tool for early diagnosis. Dr. Warrick Brewer says in humans smell is intimately linked to emotions and the non-language related functions of the brain. "It is the only sense that passes straight to this area of the brain, and so any vulnerability involving these neural circuits can affect our labeling of smell," he said. A reliable diagnostic tool for schizophrenia could allow for early treatment or prevention.
HOPE FOR THE SEVERELY INCONTINENT
A new surgical treatment may offer relief to thousands of people suffering from severe stress incontinence. Stress incontinence typically occurs after trauma or disease, or childbirth-related issues prevent the sphincter muscle from dependably keeping urine in the bladder. University of Melbourne scientists have developed a way to create a replacement bladder sphincter from a ring of muscle from the patient's own body. Controlled by an implanted electrical stimulator, the replacement sphincter simulates the natural signals to urinate and patients regain control. "The only surgical solutions available until now have involved prosthetic devices that have had problems with leakage, failure and adverse tissue reactions," says Professor John Furness. The researchers predict the new technology will be available to patients in about five years.
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(EDITORS: For more information on GLYCEMIC contact Jennifer Scanlon at (312) 988-2017 or jscanlon@webershandwick.com. For CALCIUM contact Schaelene Rollins at (916) 263-3560 or srollins@dairycouncilofca.org. For PSYCHOSIS and INCONTINENCE contact Jason Major at 61-383-440-181 or jmajor@unimelb.edu.au.)
Copyright 2003 by United Press International.
