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HYPERTENSION GOES UNCONTROLLED -- A new study finds 27 percent of the population has high blood pressure, but only 23 percent takes medications to effectively control their condition. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the leading reason for visits to the doctor's office in the United States. With the new guidelines recently release on what is considered "high" blood pressure, doctors say anyone with a blood pressure of 130 over 85 or higher should be at least making changes in their lifestyle to help the condition. Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas analyzed information from more than 16,000 adults participating in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Researchers examined data to determine access to and use of health care in the treatment of hypertension. Researchers found of the nearly 42 million Americans with hypertension, 31 percent were unaware they had it; 17 percent were aware of their condition but not receiving any treatment; 29 percent were being treated but were not controlled and just 23 percent were taking medication that controlled their blood pressure. Researchers found the majority of patients with uncontrolled or untreated high blood pressure had health insurance. Authors of the study write, "Most cases of uncontrolled hypertension in the United States consist of isolated, mild systolic (top number of reading) hypertension in older adults, most of whom have access to health care and relatively frequent contact with physicians."

FYI -- According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, two of three people who run red lights are males. More than half of men who run the lights have college educations.

HIGHWAY SAFETY STATISTICS -- Motor vehicle travel is the primary means of transportation in the United States, providing an unprecedented degree of mobility. Yet for all its advantages, deaths and injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for persons of every age from 6 to 33 years old! Each year there are more than 6 million police-reported traffic crashes in which over 40,000 people are killed and over 3 million people are injured; over 4 million crashes involve property damage only. Death or serious injury are more likely to occur in rural areas where speed is less monitored, roads are less maintained, and emergency help is farther away. For additional information regarding traffic and highway safety issues, including: statistics, service bulletins, recall notices, crash tests, regulations and standards, and more, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration web site at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/

SHELLFISH WARNING -- Raw Gulf of Mexico oysters may be tasty, but one Washington food safety organization warns that the oysters might be dangerous to your health. The Center for Science in the Public Interest released "Death on the Half Shell," a report with recommendations to protect consumers from bacteria found in shellfish that can lead to a deadly disease. According to the center's statistics, there have been 135 deaths related to oysters since 1989, and it estimates that 15 to 20 people will die this year. People with compromised immune systems who eat raw shellfish, such as oysters and mussels, tainted with Vibrio vulnificus bacteria may contract a disease called septicemia. This disease kills 50 percent of those it infects, according to the center.

CUT THE FAT -- For a moist, low-fat fish dish: wrap skinless fish fillets in parchment paper or foil. Include some vegetables, seasonings, and a small amount of broth. Bake at 400 degrees F. for 10 to 15 minutes or until done.

ST. JOHN'S WORT: AN EFFECTIVE ANTIDEPRESSANT -- The largest controlled trial of St. John's Wort extract for mild to moderate depression has found that it is as effective as the conventional antidepressant imipramine, while being much less likely to cause adverse effects. Researchers conducted the study on 324 subjects in 40 outpatient clinics in Germany. Approximately half the subjects took 250 mg twice a day of a St. John's Wort extract while the rest took 75 mg twice a day of imipramine, a potent tricyclic antidepressant. Various assessments, including the Hamilton depression rating scale, were used to evaluate subjects' moods. After six weeks the two groups had similar rates of improvement, although patients with anxiety associated with their depression derived even more benefit from taking St. John's Wort compared to the drug. The subjects who had been taking the St. John's Wort also had significantly fewer adverse effects - only 3 percent in the St. John's Wort group had to withdraw from the study due to adverse effects compared to 16 percent in the imipramine group. "In view of its superior safety record," the authors concluded, "St. John's Wort should be considered for first line treatment in mild to moderate depression, especially in general practice where the milder forms of depression are most commonly seen." Looking for a high-quality St. John's Wort product? Please see http://www.aomega.com/ahs/s4048a.htm for more information.

YOUR SKIN HAS FEELINGS TOO -- Skin problems are often linked to emotional distress. In a five-year study at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital in Canterbury, England, more than two-thirds of those experiencing skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis had experienced a major life event around the time skin problems began. When the patients talked about their distress, 63 percent of the patients experienced improvement in their skin health.

AVOID WEST NILE VIRUS THIS SEASON -- West Nile Virus is an encephalitis-like disease that is spread by bites from infected mosquitoes. Most people who meet up with an infected mosquito will suffer only mild flu-like symptoms that go away in a few days. But at its worst, this virus can cause permanent neurological damage or even death. Seek immediate medical assistance if you or a family member suffers sudden onset of severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of consciousness, muscle weakness, or light sensitivity. Children, the elderly, and those with immune system disorders are most vulnerable. For more information, a comprehensive "questions and answers" regarding the West Nile Virus can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/q&a.htm

TIPS FOR FIGHTING MOSQUITOS -- Get rid of any standing water in your yard, gutters, flower pots, etc. Change water in birdbaths and fountains weekly. Keep proper chlorination in pools and drain away water that collects on the cover. Get rid of discarded tires on your property. Wear light-colored clothing, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks. Minimize perfume while outdoors. Apply insecticide containing 10-30 percent DEET to clothing, not to skin. Use no more than 10% for children and 30% for adults, and follow label directions. Try to stay inside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. Make sure your door and window screens are in good repair and fit tightly.

THE EYES HAVE IT -- It is never too early to begin eating for eye health, especially if poor vision runs in the family. Make dark, leafy greens, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fish a part of your daily diet.

MORE EYE INFO -- A ray of light is shining directly on the carotenoid lutein, offering hope for improving visual function and preventing ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. However, lutein may have to share its place in the sun. Zeaxanthin, lutein's rose-colored cousin, is also richly concentrated in the eye, but unlike lutein, is far more elusive in the diet. Both carotenoids seem to prefer residing in a region of the eye's retina called the macular pigment, made up almost exclusively of dietary lutein and zeaxanthin, with an even higher concentration of the latter. Zeaxanthin is abundant in spinach, lycii berry fruit (Lycium barbarum), the green algae spirulina, and other types of commercially produced algae. More studies are needed to conclusively determine if supplementation with zeaxanthin and/or lutein truly produces a functional improvement in vision and alters the course of AMD and/or cataracts.

BENEFITS OF SELENIUM -- Selenium is an essential trace mineral that is not naturally produced by our bodies so it must be obtained through the diet. In a recent study, subjects were given 180 mcg of selenium and reported better moods, describing themselves as more clear-headed and happier. Soybeans and grains such as wheat, rye, and rice as well as eggs, garlic, and onions are all selenium sources. The more inorganic forms of selenium, selenite and sellenate, are more difficult to absorb. However, selenium that is organically bonded to yeast, such as selenomethionine, is considered the most useful by the body.

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THE HERBAL CORNER

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Traditionally, the numerous species of ANGELICA, a tall, celery-like plant in the parsley family, provide a variety of health benefits. A species called American ANGELICA (ANGELICA atropurpurea) is a popular folk remedy taken to alleviate respiratory complaints, including colds and the flu, as well as digestive problems. Species referred to as Chinese ANGELICA (ANGELICA sinensis, ANGELICA pubescens), also called dang-qui, dong quai, and tang kue, are used mainly for female problems and are supported by significantly more research. In China, they are used to "harmonize vital energy and nourish blood."

Today, ANGELICA can be used for fighting several health problems. American ANGELICA has compounds that can relax the windpipe and intestines and thus may be beneficial for bronchitis, asthma, indigestion, and heartburn. Chinese ANGELICA species offer liver-protective, antioxidant, and immune-enhancing properties. They may also inhibit proliferation of cancer cells. One recent animal study found that ANGELICA sinensis can treat lung fibrosis caused by the cancer chemotherapy agent bleomycin. Chinese ANGELICA species may help prevent heart disease. ANGELICA pubescens controls high blood pressure and inhibits platelet aggregation (blood clotting) both of which can lead to heart attacks. ANGELICA sinensis may help protect against cardiac ischemia (lack of blood flow to the heart.) Germany's Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices lists ANGELICA's uses as "Loss of appetite, peptic discomforts such as mild spasms of the gastrointestinal tract, feeling of fullness, and flatulence."

ANGELICA root is frequently prescribed by practitioners of Chinese medicine as a pain reliever. Remedies made from the plant are used to alleviate the pain and numbness in joints and muscles (especially of the lower body) that are attributed to cold, damp weather conditions.

Recent findings suggest that Chinese ANGELICA species have long been attributed with the ability to regulate estrogen and ease the symptoms of PMS and menopause. One recent American study indicates no benefit from taking ANGELICA, but the authors note that the Chinese invariably use this herb in combination with others in gynecological support formulas.

In regards to safety, Germany's Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices lists no contraindications, and traditional Chinese medical texts list no contraindication for pregnancy. However, prudence dictates that as gynecological herbs, neither American nor Chinese ANGELICA should be used by pregnant women. ANGELICA is light-sensitizing, and its use should also be avoided during prolonged exposure to sunlight.

ANGELICA products that are available at Chinese pharmacies, Asian food markets, and some Western health food stores. The roots are sold dried. ANGELICA is also sold in capsules, concentrated drops, extracts, and tinctures. Currently, species of ANGELICA may be standardized for a chemical compound called ligustillide at 0.9%. However, there is no assurance that this is the only active compound in the plant.

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HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH