==========================================

DON'T DRINK THE WATER -- Airline passengers have long complained about the quality of the food, but they may want to worry more about the water. Samples of water from galley and lavatory taps on 14 different flights headed everywhere from London to St. Louis contained a variety of disease-causing bacteria, including E. coli, salmonella, and the germ that causes Legionnaires’ disease. There were even maggot eggs. "Contamination was the rule, not the exception," said the journalists who collected the samples. Passengers can limit their exposure by drinking bottled water, but they should be careful when washing their hands and brushing their teeth, and when flight attendants serve cups of water. Airlines say no passengers have reported getting sick from their water, but health experts point out that those who get sick are likely to assume that they picked up a bug in transit.

NATURAL EAR INFECTION PREVENTATIVE -- Cod liver oil, used as a supplement in years past, shows promise of a natural way to prevent middle ear infections in children. Recent research has shown that a daily teaspoon of cod liver oil combined with a multivitamin containing selenium seems to prevent middle ear infections (otitis media) in children. In a study at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, investigators found that the youngsters prone to otitis media had lower than normal levels of EPA (an anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acid), vitamin A, and selenium. When they gave the youngsters cod liver oil, a multivitamin, and selenium, they found that the children suffered fewer ear infections. The findings were published in the July 2002 issue of the "Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology."

SHOULD WE GET A SMALLPOX VACCINE? -- The scare from terrorists has brought fears of biologic warfare, and some people are wondering about such agents as smallpox. The Centers for Disease Control has sent out copies of their guidelines on smallpox, recommending NOT to be vaccinated, because the supply of virus is essentially zero, and the risks of serious side effects of the vaccine are far greater than other vaccines.

ARTIFICIAL FINGERNAIL WARNING -- Acrylic nails are highly flammable, and serious burns have been reported from using stoves or cigarette lighters with false nails. They are also reported to cause skin rashes, up to the elbows and even on the eyelids, and rarely cyanide poisoning (from the nail remover). Nail infections are common due to the damage to the nail bed from artificial nails.

TEA FOR HEALTH? -- Research from Boston University indicates that drinking tea can help protect against heart attacks and certain types of cancer. The latest study found that tea containing flavonoids (also called polyphenols) - disease-fighting antioxidant compounds also found in red wine, purple grape juice, and onions - may improve the function of the inner lining of the artery walls. This could lead to the formation of fewer blood clots, which are a major cause of heart disease and stroke. Polyphenols from black tea were found to destroy colon cancer cells. In another study, mice that were fed green tea had a lower risk of breast tumors compared to those who were fed only water.

FORGET ABOUT CRASH DIETS -- Losing weight the healthy way takes time and patience. Crash diets, however tempting they may sound, are not the answer. Although you may Lose weight initially, the chances are you end up putting it all back on. Quick-fix and faddy diets do not teach you how to change your eating habits, on a long-term basis, which is what you really need to do if you are going to keep the weight off. So forget about crash dieting - think about a whole new way of eating. Successful dieters are those people who learn how to change both their eating habits and attitude towards food permanently.

==========================================

HEALTH ARTICLE-OF-THE-MONTH

==========================================

As the festive holiday season is upon us, many Americans find it stressful to keep up with often-unrealistic demands and expectations of family, friends, and events. The solution to an enjoyable celebration is to relax and take good care of ourselves, which in turn will increase energy and reduce stress levels. To keep happy and safe this season, the American Council on Exercise (ACE) offers 10 tips for surviving the holidays.

1. Take time for yourself. Although spending time with friends and family is essential, it is also important to set aside at least five minutes for yourself to relax. Try practicing deep breathing exercises when you feel stressed out.

2. Do not set unrealistic exercise goals. Aim to exercise 30 minutes a day instead of an hour. You will be sure to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day without feeling disappointed if you do not complete an hour.

3. Enlist a friend or family member to exercise with you. Walking and talking with a friend can be a great way to burn extra calories and reduce your stress level.

4. Create new, more active traditions. Instead of throwing a dessert or cocktail party, try snowshoeing or ice-skating as an alternate holiday event. Play powder puff football or build a snowman.

5. Do not try to lose weight or stick to a restrictive diet this holiday season. If you enjoy your favorite foods in small portions, you will feel more satisfied. Trying to stay away from certain foods may leave you feeling deprived, which may cause you to eat more than you planned.

6. Drink plenty of water. Although the cold weather may make you less inclined to grab a glass of water, it is just as important in the winter as it is during the summer. Water helps counter the dehydrating effects of travel or drinking alcoholic beverages, and it may also help satiate your appetite since thirst is often mistaken for hunger.

7. Spread out meals. Do not feel like you have to eat everything at once. Try eating dinner early and then taking a walk before sitting down for dessert.

8. Do not overdo it with alcohol or caffeine. These stimulants will only cause you more grief in the long-run by adding to your feelings of stress. Try drinking hot herbal tea instead of coffee and keep the number of alcoholic drinks to a minimum.

9. Do not aim for perfection, and enjoy the imperfections. There is no such thing as the perfect party or the perfect decorations or the perfect way to spend the holidays. Do not set yourself up for disappointment by placing unrealistic demands on yourself.

10. Laugh. Laughing is a great tension reliever. It burns calories, reduces stress, and usually means that you and those individuals in your presence are having an enjoyable time.

==========================================

HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH