H E A L T H
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Even as Americans endurea hard times, we never lost our generous spirit.
So says the 2010 World Giving Index, an international survey conducted
by Gallup. Among the findings: 60 percent of Americans donated to a
charitable group in 2010; 39 percent volunteered time; and 65 percent
helped a stranger in need, ranking the U.S. fifth among 153 nations
surveyed. Bonus: Previous research shows that altruistic acts can improve
mental health. Visit charitynavigator.org to find a worthy cause.
J
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C P R
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Pop quiz: What should you do if you see someone go
into cardiac arrest? Surprisingly, mouth-to-mouth CPR
might not be the answer. A five-year study found that
chest com pressions alone—a sim pler technique
know n as hands-only CPR—im proved survival
rates. Among patients who received classic CPR,
7.8 percent survived, while 13.3 percent of those who
received only chest compressions did.
For instructions,
go to
h a n d s o n l y c p r . o r g .
R
o o m
f o
r
D
- b a t e
Q:
Some of my friends are now taking
vitamin D pills. Is this necessary
when D is found in food, and skin
makes the vitamin on its own?
A:
While skin
d oes
produce vitamin D after
sun exposure, its ability to do so declines
with age. Plus, factors such as use of
sunscreen and even air pollution can
further interfere with this process. As for
food, it’s tough to get enough D through
diet. Research shows that most adults
need 800-1,000 IU of vitamin D per day to guard against diseases
such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular illness. Yet natural dietary
sources—such as tuna and salmon—are few. And food companies
are prohibited from adding large amounts of D to their products.
For these reasons, at least a third of all Americans are believed to
have inadequate vitamin D levels. Ask your doctor if it makes sense
for you to have your blood levels checked or to take a supplement. ■
O n e o f o n ly a f e w h u n d r e d
p h y s ic ia n n u t r it io n s p e c ia lis ts
in t h e c o u n t r y , D r . J a m p o lis is
h e lp in g le a d th e w a y in p r o m o tin g
h e a lth t h r o u g h d ie t.
Have a question about how to improve your health?
E-mail us at
B H G f e a t u r e s @ m e r e d i t h . c o m .
We’ll select one question every issue and
ask our health advisory panel to answer it.
MyBONIVA is a free program that gives
you tips from Sally, ideas, and support
to help m anage your osteoporosis.
You'll get:
• O ne month of BONIVA free*
• Sally Field's tips on m anaging your
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• Helpful monthly rem inders to take
your BONIVA, delivered by phone,
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• Q uarterly newsletters filled with
bone-strengthening exercises and
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*You must be
18
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The free trial offer is limited to one per patient.
MyBONIVA is a registered trademark of Roche Therapeutics Inc.
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