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This Friday, December 1st is once again World AIDS Awareness Day. What has this got to do with aging women? Lots! You too are affected - and in growing numbers. You can read more here –> Older Women & HIV.

One company is doing something to donate money. Yes, it’s a pharmaceutical company, but they are donating money none-the-less. Go to Unite to Light and light a candle. The company will donate $1.00 for each candle that is lit. Go on…light a candle.

We’ve known for a long time that folic acid is good for pregnant women. And actually, we’ve known for a while that folic acid can lower homocystine levels (which is thought to damage the linings of your arteries) in those whose levels are high. In a recent British study, they looked again at folic acid and found that it can cut an individuals risk of heart attacks by 10-20%. About one in ten are thought to have a genetic mutation which can increase homocystine levels.

So which veggies are high in folate/folic acid? The green leafy ones….bok choy, spinach, kale, mustard and collard greens, Swiss Chard, etc.

Bon Appétit!

An article in todays Women’s eNews starts out with the statement: “Women are frequent targets of direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical ads, which have helped fuel a boom in drug sales over the past decade. Critics say their gender focus is often misleading and can pose a hazard to women’s health.”

As a health care provider, I’ve always been concerned about these ads. I cannot tell you how many men and women have come into the office asking for something they have seen on TV. Because I don’t watch TV, I have to figure out what the “gotta go pill” is and then explain why it is or (far more often) is not a good idea for that person. And then in most cases, these pills are not covered on this persons insurance plan or it is covered…but on the highest tier - usually 50% of the cost.

Interestingly, these direct-to-consumer ads are banned in ALL countries of the world except New Zealand and the US.
I’m all for consumer education and for consumers taking charge of their health care. It’s just not as easy and advertising a “purple” pill.

What do you really think of these ads? Feel free to leave your comment.

Women who say no to carbs, but yes to protein as recommended in the South Beach and Zone diets, do not increase their risk of coronary heart disease, according to researchers here.

And women who consume low-carbohydrate diets that emphasize vegetables rather than animals as the source of protein and fat may be rewarded with a moderate reduction in risk of heart disease.

Read More:No Heart Risk for Women Who Favor Protein Over Carbs

A recently published study proved something we all know to be true…the more active you are…the healthier you will be. This study was done in Seattle and was actually looking at the effect of exercise on markers of breast cancer risk. But they also noted something else.

They found that women (average age of 61) who particpated in a moderate exercise program (most often walking for 45 minutes 3 days a week) were shown to have less colds that those who did did not particpate. Note that they are talking about a moderate level of exercise, as other studies have shown that excessive, exhaustive exercise can deplete immune function and increase the risk of colds and other infections.

There are so many benefits to exercise…this just adds to the list! Dust of cobwebs off your sneakers and go enjoy a long walk. While your at it, make sure you kick up a few leaves.