ENAFS Connection Newsletter

 

LINKING RESEARCH AND EDUCATION FOR FLORIDA'S ELDERS

September 2000

This project is possible thanks to funding by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs in partnership with state, county, and local agencies.

Herbs Can be Harmful

Many elders use herbs in the belief that they are "natural" and, therefore, are not harmful. We know that this is not necessarily true, and that there can be concerns about the manufacturing process, dosage used, and potential for sensitivity reactions or interactions with prescription or OTC drugs. The latter is particularly a concern for elders who may be taking several medications concurrently.

A recent study points out another potential concern - increased risk for renal disease and cancer associated with use of Chinese herbs. Pills used for weight reduction containing the Chinese herbs Stephania tetrandra and Magnolia officinalis have been prescribed by physicians in Belgium. Many women who took the pills developed progressive renal disease.

Eighteen of 39 women (46%) who were being treated for end-stage nephropathy due to chinese herb use, were also diagnosed with urothelial cancer (ureter, renal pelvis, or bladder); this was caused by a manufacturing error that resulted in a different Chinese herb being included in the diet pills. Only two of the women who had taken the Chinese herbs were without symptoms.

The researchers indicate that cases of Chinese herb nephropathy have been identified in a number of other countries. They suggest that if renal disease or urothelial tumors of unknown origin occur, the use of herbal medicines should be investigated. Clearly, consumers need to be aware that use of herbals is not without potential side effects and/or serious harm to health.

Source: Nortier, JL, et al., Urothelial carcinoma associated with the use of a Chinese herb (Aristolochia fangchi). New England Journal of Medicine, 2000; 342:1686-92. LBB

 

Strength Training for Independence

A recent study by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston reported that if everyone did just 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity such as brisk walking, most days of the week, the U.S. would save $24.3 billion a year in health care costs. For frail elders moderate aerobic activities may not be attainable, yet their health continues to decrease. Strength training builds muscle and bone, both of which decline with age. Muscle strengthening is another way to help reclaim an elder's independence and decrease costs due to hospital stays. In studies of strength training with frail elders it was shown that after one to two months of training elders can see a significant increase in their independent functioning.

The following are some tips for elders who wish to start a strength training program. Before beginning any kind of exercise program they should see their doctor. Strength training needs to be done 2 to 3 times a week for 30 to 40 minutes. Never exercise the same muscle groups two days in a row. For beginners, household items such as soup cans or milk jugs filled with water or sand can be used as weights. With help, elders can achieve a higher level of independence and quality of life.

LAM

Source: Lancet 2000, 355: 629-636.

 

 

 Fast Facts

  • In 1997, the average American consumed 81 more pounds of vegetables than in 1970; 65 more pounds of grain products; 13 more pounds of red meat, poultry, and fish; 13 more pounds of added fats and oils; and 7 gallons less of milk.
  • Take-out meals and snacks totaled 45% of the U.S. food dollar in 1997, compared to 39% in 1980 and 34% in 1970.

Source: Food Review, December 1999.

 

Web Sites - Check It Out!

September 10-16 is 5 A Day Week!

Eating at least 5 fruits and vegetables a day continues to be a key message for all Americans, including elders. The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans promote fruits and vegetables as "key parts of your daily diet." Fruits and vegetables help protect against chronic diseases, provide nutrients and fiber, and promote healthy bowel function, a significant issue for many elders.

The Dietary Guidelines also encourage us to try a variety of fruits and vegetables, including sources of carotenoids, vitamin C, folate, and potassium. The 5 A Day program from the National Cancer Institute and the Produce for Better Health Foundation helps promote consumption of at least 5 fruits and vegetables a day through their supermarket displays and other educational materials. You can get more information about their products and services, and about 5 A Day Week, at their Web site: www.5aday.com. LBB

Dietary Guidelines 2000

The latest edition of the USDA/USDHHS publication, Nutrition and Your Health: Dietary Guidelines for Americans, was released in June. The Guidelines are organized around three easy-to-remember messages that are called the ABC's for your health and that of your family:

Aim for Fitness, Build a Healthy Base, Choose Sensibly

Within these three messages are ten guidelines intended for children ages two and older and adults of all ages. The guidelines are designed to promote health and reduce risk for chronic diseases. The ten guidelines are:

Aim for Fitness

Aim for a healthy weight.

Be physically active each day.

Build a Healthy Base

Let the Pyramid guide your food choices.

Choose a variety of grains daily, especially whole grains.

Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables daily.

Keep food safe to eat.

Choose Sensibly

Choose a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol and moderate in total fat.

Choose beverages and foods to moderate your intake of sugars.

Choose and prepare foods with less salt.

If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation.

The Dietary Guidelines take a very positive approach in encouraging people to enjoy a lifestyle that promotes health. The publication is available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in PDF format at http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/. LBB

 

Food Safety Education Month - September

Cook It Safely is the theme for National Food Safety Education Month (NFSEM). This year, NFSEM is dedicated to increasing public awareness of keeping food safe from harmful bacteria. Not all consumers understand the importance of cooking foods to the temperatures necessary to kill bacteria and other germs. According to a 1998 FDA-USDA consumer food survey, a significant number of people eat undercooked foods, such as raw eggs and undercooked hamburgers.

Three ENAFS food safety leaflets have been distributed to educators throughout Florida. The ENAFS Project will continue to produce and distribute food safety leaflets for use at congregate meal sites and with home delivered meal programs.

 

New ENAFS Nutrition Educator/Trainer

The ENAFS Project recently hired Ms. Jennifer Hillan, MSH, RD, LD/N as the ENAFS Nutrition Educator/Trainer. Jennifer has a BS in nutrition from the University of Florida and a MSH from the University of North Florida. Jennifer has worked in long-term care, conducted nutrition counseling, developed low-literacy educational materials, and taught a nutrition course at Valencia Community College. She is glad to be back at her alma mater. Please join us in welcoming Jen to the ENAFS Project when you see her at training this fall.

 

ENAFS Newsletter Update

The ENAFS newsletters can be viewed on the University of Florida/Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences web page at: http://fycs.ifas.ufl.edu. Click newsletters, then click ENAFS Connection (for professionals) or ENAFS Connection . . . In Brief (for consumers). The ENAFS Connection . . . In Brief is provided as a PDF file so the newsletter or portions of the newsletter can be printed for your elder audiences.

 

National Diabetes Month

November is National Diabetes month and the ENAFS Project has recently received feedback from other professionals throughout the state on our diabetes lesson plan. We are currently revising the lesson and will distribute it before November. We hope this lesson helps you educate Florida's elders.

If you are interested in reviewing future ENAFS lesson plans and/or consumer education materials please contact Linda Bobroff (phone: 352/392-1895 x 240 or e-mail: bobroff@ufl.edu )

Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences
PO Box 110310
Gainesville FL 32611-0310

Articles from ENAFS Connection newsletters may be reprinted with credit given to the ENAFS Project. Contributors to this newsletter are: Linda Bobroff and Leigh Ann Martin. Originally published: September 2000.