Newsletter
We're Nuts about Almonds:
Almonds are a food that offers exceptional nutritional value. Yes, almonds are relatively high in calories, but all calories are not created equal. Almonds (and other nuts, olives, olive oil, and avocados) get their calories from monounsaturated fat, a substance that actually decreases your risk for heart disease and may protect against certain cancers and diabetes as well. That's why recent research recommend eating an ounce of almonds (a handful, or about 23 nuts) a day. The same research shows that this tasty addition to your diet does not lead to weight gain, either. How can that be? One theory is that because almonds are so fibrous, their fat is not completely absorbed by the body. It may also be that almonds provide the perfect combination of nutrients (protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals) to actually curb your hunger and help you eat less overall. When shopping for almonds, choose plain almonds- no sugary or salty coatings. If they're in bulk bins, make sure that the store has a frequent turnover and that the bins are sealed to ensure freshness. Pick almonds that are firm and uniform in color. Almonds will keep for up to six months in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.
Walk Your Way to Health:
Walking is undeniably the safest exercise in which one can participate. It does not require a significant degree of preconditioning or training, and it does not involve excessive physical exertion. Walking is not as stressful on the body or joints as most other exercises, and in fact, the design of the body is such that walking is more natural than standing, sitting or running. Generally, walking is a low impact aerobic activity. The impact of heel strike (about 1 ½ times the persons body weight) is only about one-third of what it is during jogging. Here are just a few of the benefits that one accrues with regular walking activities: Walking burns calories (approximately 400 calories per hour with a 12-minute mile pace), it improves heart capacity, lowers blood pressure, reduces levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), reduces the risk of heart attack, slows down bones loss in osteoporosis, improves bowel health and regularity, increases stamina and energy, reduces tension and anxiety, reduces depression, and reduces appetite. And that is just to name a few. So grab a friend and take a walk. Your body will thank you!
Acupuncture for Hot Flashes:
Up to 75 percent of menopausal women experience some form of hot flashes. These episodes, caused by a rapid decline of estrogen levels in the body, can lead to sleep disturbance, intense heat and rapid heartbeat. More than a passing nuisance, hot flashes can make it difficult to concentrate, disrupting a womans regular routine. Studies have shown acupuncture can stimulate endorphins and neurotransmitters, including serotonin, that help you feel good. It also may regulate the brain production of nitric oxide, which affects pathways in the brain that are connected to your central thermostat. (In the absence of estrogen this thermostat becomes upset and instigates hot flashes.) In a study of 29 women with frequent, daily hot flashes, researchers found that those who received acupuncture began to have fewer and less severe symptoms during the night. As nighttime hot flashes improved, so did the quality of the women's sleep. If you or someone you know are suffering from these annoying hot flashes, call 680-9500 today and make an appointment with Dr. Talley.
Announcements:
1. Dr. Talley will be out of the office on Friday April 4th, Monday April 7th, and Tuesday April 8th. We will resume regular office hours on Wednesday April 9th.
