September 5, 2001 - Vol1 Issue1

Welcome to the premier edition of the Wellness Insider! We welcome your feedback and questions. To contact us, please click here.  A Message from Dr. Cooper Statin Medications and the Recall of Baycol You may have seen a recent headline that has generated plenty of questions to my office and to the staff of The Aerobics Center. It dealt with the recall of Baycol. Baycol is one of several cholesterol lowering drugs known as "statins." Other statin medications include Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, and Pravachol. The statin drugs have had great success in controlling the cholesterol of millions of Americans, and have also been shown to provide other benefits including reducing the incidence of stroke, osteoporosis and even Alzheimer's disease. more...  Nutrition Something Fishy  Melinda Black, R.D., L.D. Just about everyone seems to be talking about fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids. All kinds of claims have been made about how they can not only help prevent heart disease and strokes but lessen the severity of arthritis, asthma, Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit disorder, osteoporosis, and lupus. They are also beneficial for brain and eye function, infant development, and a healthy immune system. The amount of omega-3s needed to help all of the conditions mentioned above remains unclear. However, some studies suggest that the real importance isn't how much fish you eat - but that you eat it at all. The Cooper Clinic nutrition program recommends at least three servings of fish per week to get your omega-3s. Omega-3 fatty acids are found mainly in cold-water fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, herring, mullet, lake trout, and anchovies. While fish is one of the richest sources of omega-3s, several non-meat sources are available, including canola oil, tofu, soybeans, flaxseed, walnuts, mangos, wheat germ, and leafy green vegetables. more...  Vitamin Supplementation Popping these pills is good for your health, "The ABC's of Vitamin Supplementation"  Angela Marks, Cooper Concepts, Inc. The hype is everywhere. Pills to keep you young, vitamins to restore your vitality, "natural" weight loss supplements, herbs to help you chill out. Where can you turn for truth in the midst of confusing, conflicting evidence? The answer lies in research-and maybe a bit of common sense. Vitamins are often lumped together and simply referred to as dietary supplements. However, there's a vast difference. The savvy consumer will learn to distinguish between what is generally considered safe and what could be harmful. Dr. Cooper provides a few guidelines. more...  Physical Training Some Like It Hot, But Better Not  Jill Armayor, Cooper Ventures Fall is approaching rapidly, but many of us aren't out of the woods yet. Because of the death of Minnesota offensive tackle Korey Stringer, concern among outdoor exercisers has surfaced regarding heat-related illness. Stringer, who played in last season's pro bowl, had a core body temperature of 108° F when he arrived at the hospital. He had suffered from heat exhaustion at football practice earlier in the week. Figures from the University of North Carolina show that 18 high school and collegiate athletes have died from heat-related causes since 1995. With proper education, incidence of heat-related illness will decrease. By knowing the heat index (temperature and humidity), outdoor activities can be properly arranged to include plenty of fluids, appropriate attire, enough rest breaks, and awareness for everyone participating. When the heat index rises above 90° F, beware, experts caution. more...  Women's Health Our View on Women's Health  Brought to you exclusively from the women physicians at The Cooper Clinic Welcome to our new monthly column on women's health! The goal of this column is to inform and educate you about topics that are important to women who are trying to get healthy or stay healthy. We'll tell you what you need to know in language that is easy to understand. In addition, we will give you realistic strategies on how to maximize your wellness even if you are one of those many women who is already busy juggling roles such as mother, daughter, wife, community volunteer, employer or employee. more...

Weekly Recipe Steamed Salmon with Fresh Herbs Degeneration of the macula (the center of the retina) is the leading cause of blindness in Americans over 65 years of age. Although there are few treatments, there is recent evidence that men and women may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration by 40% by eating fish that is rich in omega 3 fatty acids more than once a week. Here is a very simple salmon recipe that you should try! Ingredients: 8 oz. salmon fillets 1 / 8 tsp. lemon peel 2 sprigs (-2 T.) fresh tarragon, dill weed or basil 2 T. white wine Directions: Cut salmon into 2-pieces and lay each on a piece of aluminum foil measuring 12x12 inches. Sprinkle with lemon pepper and lay herbs on top. Fold sides of foil up halfway and add white wine. Fold foil, sealing all edges and allowing a pocket of space over salmon. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes, until salmon is cooked through. Yield: 2 servings Per Serving: 173 cal, 7 gm fat, 22 gm pro, 1 gm carb, 60 mg chol, 50 mg sodium, 0 gm dietary fiber from: More of What's Cooking by Veronica C. Coronado with Patty Kirk, R.D., L.D.  Shop Online: The Cooper Aerobics Center Sweatshirt Suit up for Fall with The Cooper Aerobics Center sweatshirt... Made of premium weight, 10 oz. fleece (90% cotton/10%polyester). The ultimate in natural comfort by Hanes. Available in Grey and Navy.  Discount Code: Discount Code: PREMIER Purchase $100 or more and take $10 off!!! As a newsletter subscriber, we are happy to provide a special discount for your online purchases. To receive your discount, type in PREMIER into the "Coupon Code" section when checking out...