Magazine Article Review: Feel More Connected

Feel More Connected by Sharlene Breakey, Prevention, October 2025, 26-35.

Even with social network friends and family and workmates, many people still feel alone.  This article explores things you can do to build ties.  Recent studies show that true connection is just as important as diet, exercise and not smoking to physical and mental well-being.  Loneliness or lack of connection have become a real threat to health and well-being.  Connection is not just being around friends more often.  It is being connected to the planet and its creatures.  This includes mature, art, shop keepers, neighbors, a higher power, and even random people.

Six ideas for being more connected:

1. Connect through creativity.  Creating just for the fun of it creates positive emotions.  It is not important to be good, but to enjoy.  Dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin are released leading to increased empathy and joy.  But there is more, creativity is a way to connect with yourself.  You have positive inner talk and positive emotions.  

2. Find value in smaller moments.  Small moments would be casual conversations with neighbors or local store clerks.  Frequenting local business and talking with neighbors can create a sense that there are good people in the world, and lead to feelings of security.

3. Take the talk deeper.  People want to be connected as well, and having a sense of curiosity can help.  Every person has their own story to tell. 

4. Deepen your bond to nature.  Being part of something, having an awe experience reminds us we are part of an incredible large and beautiful universe.  The awe experience can happen in nature, or seeing a beautiful painting, or listening to a beautiful symphony.  Awe and wonder strengthen empathy and kindness.

5. Find a sense of Purpose.  Random acts of kindness and serving is the most important thing you can do to create connectedness for the world and yourself.  Acts of kindness have a bounce back effect which furthers belonging.  Volunteering has the same effect.

6. Find spiritual peace within.  Using prayer, mediation or pondering can lead to focus and deep calm.  This can also lead to deep gratitude.  This emotion itself leads to a well spring if interconnectedness.

Being connected effects the health of others as well, and it can be like a ripple in a lake and have a positive effect on many.  

Magazine Article Review: 5 Myths Behind Recent Food Headlines

 5 Myths Behind Recent Food Headlines, Prevention, October 2025, 18-23.

This is a short article, using myths to provide up to date information about nutrition.

1. Eating red meat is a direct route to dementia.  The truth is not red meat, but processed red meat is the culprit.  This includes hot dogs, salami, sausage, bologna and bacon.  Diets high in fat and sodium are worse for the brain.  This describes processed meat.  People who eat more than half a hot dog, half a slice of bacon etc have lower brain functioning on average.  As for red meat no evidence it effects brain functioning, but they are high in saturated fats and should be eaten sparingly.

2. You should avoid all processed foods.  Processed food would include yogurt, eve sugar free caned vegetables and canned fish which can be part of a healthy diet.  Ultra processed foods however should be avoided.  These are foods with ingredients not found in nature.  You should choose foods you can make at home, otherwise they may have chemicals and lead to cancer, diabetes and other ailments.

3. Seed oils up your risk for diabetes, obesity, and other diseases.  These oils contain omega-6 fatty acids, which if used in excess can cause inflammation.  However they also have health benefits such as better heart health, lower risk of cancer and lower risk of diabetes.  Polyunsaturated fats play a vital role in the structure of cells.  Used in moderation there should be no ill effects.

4. Your favorite chocolate is full of harmful metals.  Yes chocolate has been shown to contain metals such as lead.  This is because the plant attracts these from the soil.  However there is not enough metal or lead in chocolate to cause any real concern. A health dose of chocolate daily is about one ounce.

5. Bananas should never be used in smoothies.  A study with only 8 subjects showed that combining bananas with fruits high in anti-oxidants (flavonoids) such as berries, the the flavonoids do not digest as well.  The study is too small to detrmine anything, and even if it is true eating more berries at other times will. oungteract any bad effcts.  Bananas are rich in potassium which is good for your heart and blood pressure.  

Magazine Article Review: How to Sooth a Sunburn

 How to Sooth a Sunburn, Prevention, August 2025, 13-15.

The best protection against sunburn and increasing your skin cancer risk is sunscreen.  However even with sunscreen, if misapplied you may burn.  These steps may help smooth a burn:

1. Take a burn seriously and treat with care.  Avoid popping blisters and picking at skin.  Aloe vera, moisturizer or petroleum jelly may increase healing.

2. Heed red flags.  If you have a severe burn and other issues pop up you may need medical attention.  These include: fever, nausea and headache and may be signs of a heat related illness such as heat stroke.  Heat stroke requires medical attention.

3. Try ibuprofen.  This anti-inflammatory may help reduce pain so you heal more comfortably.

4. Take a chilly bath or shower.  This will cool down your body rapidly.  Don't forget moisturizer after to rehydrate dry skin.

5. Apply an ice pack.  You can pop a cool damp wash clothe in the freezer for a few minutes to make one.  Also a topical anti-inflammatory such as hydrocortisone may be helpful.

6. Check your medicine cabinet.  If you are using sun screen and you are still burning there may be another cause.  Certain medicines may increase risk.  These include mental health medications, antihistamines, antibiotics, blood pressure medicines and others.  If you take these medicines you may need to avoid the sun if possible.

Magazine Artivle Review: The New-ish Fight Over Flouride

The New-ish Fight Over Fluoride: What to Know about the Controversial Mineral in your Water and Toothpaste by Erica Sweeney and Marty Munson, Men's Health Magazine, Hearst Magazines International, January-February 2025 pp 18-19.

This is an argument in which I have a vested interest.  I was born and lived in an area with natural fluoride until I was six years old.  My older siblings swore it greatly improved their teeth and helped them avoid cavities.  I can't say the same for myself.  My sister passed away of esophogeal cancer tens years ago.  My brother and I have both been treated for skin cancer.  Is there a correlation?  Proba bly not with the skin cancers; we spent lots of time in the sun.  But with my sister maybe.  We also lived close to a nuclear energy site in Richland, Washington.

Anyway to the article.  About 75 percent of us get fluoride through their water supply.  It has been called toxic, Robert F. Kennedy calls it industrial waster that causes many health problems.  While dentists and public health advocates say it is important to your health.   Dentists first noticed that people who lived where fluoride was naturally occurring had less cavities.  Fluoride combines with our teeth to make them stronger.  Cavities and loss of teeth can be a big problem.  Fluoridated water reduces cavities by 25 percent.  Consequently there is less pain in teeth and less need for dental care which can be painful.  

There is worry the fluoride may cause problems in the body elsewhere.  However this does not pan out, except for possible decrease ingtelligence in children.  No significant difference for adults.  However there are holes in the research and more study is needed.  Health risks from fluoride may be at levels way beyond what is normally used.  

Magazine Article Review: Eating Season: And if You're on a GLP-1 Medication Holiday Feasts Might Mean more Side Effects

 Eating Season: And if You're on a GLP-1 Medication Holiday Feasts Might Mean more Side Effects, Karen Ansel, M.S., R.D.N., Prevention, November 2025, pp 48-55, Hearst Magazine International, New York.

I have been taking an injectable for diabetes for about ten years nw, starting with Victoza when I still lived in San Jose.  Due to insurance I was switched to Trulicity.  Now for the past few months I have been taking Monjauro.  Victoza was a daily shot while Trulicity and Monjaro are weekly.  This article talks about how to prevent or lessen side effects, particularly heartburn and upset stomach.  \However long-term use of the medication is sketchy.  This is due to the cost of the medication, but also the side effects, particularly nausea and vomiting.

They give seven ideas: 1. Eat smaller but more frequesnt meals.  Because the digestive system is slowed, food stays in the digestive system for a longer time.  This can result in nausea, bloating, heartburn and stomach pain.  Three mini meals and two snacks is recommended.  However they must be packed with nutrition as you eat less overall.  2. Prioritize protein.  Proteins supply the enzymes your body needs.  It is important to eat proteins first in your meal so you get them before you fill up.  Exanples are almonds, an egg, nut butter, cooked chickpeas, lentils or beans, lean beef, portk or chicken, fich or shrimp.  Low-fat dairy can also provide protein. 3. Go lighter on fat.  Eating too much fat can slow down digestion and lead to heartburn.  However healthy fats should not be avoided, such as avocado, olive or canola oil, peanut and almond butter, nuts and seeds.  Meat that is grilled or broiled is better than deep fried.  4. Consider other Gut issues.  Some food may especially cause problems.  For example chili powder or Cajun spices may be an issues.  Garlic and curry may also cause problems.  Some vegetables may cause gas or bloating.  With this regards best to experiment and see what does or doesn't work for you.  5.  Don't cut all carbs.  Carbs are an important energy source.  Especially good to include high fiber foods.  Avoid sugary sodas and lemonades.  6.  Be strategic with fiber.  Fiber digests more slowly so can help prevent sugar spikes.  It can also keep the digestive flow regular.  for some people it can cause diahrea so should be eaen carefully.  8. Drink up.  Water intake is important, expecially if you are eating lots of fiber.  With GLP-1s dfrinking lots of water is vital.  two to three liters of water a day are recommended, that is 80 to 100 ounces.  

Magazine Article Review: Gratitude = Good Health: Prevention Pulse

 Prevention Pulse, Take Out Your Pencil: Gratitude = Good Health, Prevention, November 2025, p 7.

A little article mentions something I shared before, an attitude of gratitude improves health.  "Feeling thankful is an effective way to improve mental well-being, sleep quality, and heart health, and it could even help you live longer."  The article says this is according to a long term study.  Then the article gives an assignment.  This is from Dr. Judy Ho Ph.D. 

Jot down kind thoughts about three people your life.  This will prompt feelings of appreciation.  This can be part of a gratitude ritual.

I found a website quoting Dr. Ho which gives some other ideas.  1. Start the day by saying or writing one thing you are grateful for.  2. Make a gratitude card in the morning. Write down something you are grateful for and review it during the day.  Share it with someone, or yourself at the end of the day.  3. Write a letter to someone you love expressing your appreciation for them.  details make it extra special.

Breast Cancer Prevention: Know Your Lemons

Knowyourlemons is a website devoted to breast cancer prevention.  Using lemons it includes descriptions of 12 different signs of breast cancer.  It also promotes regular medical exams and mammography to prevent or detect breast cancer.  It also provides information on self-exam.
I was informed of this website from the Utah State Magazine in an article about Corrine Ellsworth Beaumont, USU alumnus.  Her own grandmothers had succumbed to the disease which motivated her to look for information on breast cancer.  This website is the result.

The Ambulance Down in the Valley (Prevention)

I think this is the social worker in me that likes this poem.  I came across it while participating with a community group looking at teen pregnancy in Roosevelt, Utah.

A Fence or an Ambulance

[A poetic case for the value of prevention]

'Twas a dangerous cliff, as they freely confessed,
Though to walk near its crest was so pleasant;
But over its terrible edge there had slipped
A duke and full many a peasant.
So the people said something would have to be done,
But their projects did not at all tally;
Some said, "Put a fence 'round the edge of the cliff,"
Some, "An ambulance down in the valley."

But the cry for the ambulance carried the day,
For it spread through the neighboring city;
A fence may be useful or not, it is true,
But each heart became full of pity
For those who slipped over the dangerous cliff;
And the dwellers in highway and alley
Gave pounds and gave pence, not to put up a fence,
But an ambulance down in the valley.

"For the cliff is all right, if you're careful," they said,
"And, if folks even slip and are dropping,
It isn't the slipping that hurts them so much
As the shock down below when they're stopping."
So day after day, as these mishaps occurred,
Quick forth would those rescuers sally
To pick up the victims who fell off the cliff,
With their ambulance down in the valley.

Then an old sage remarked: "It's a marvel to me
That people give far more attention
To repairing results than to stopping the cause,
When they'd much better aim at prevention.
Let us stop at its source all this mischief," cried he,
"Come, neighbors and friends, let us rally;
If the cliff we will fence, we might almost dispense
With the ambulance down in the valley."

"Oh he's a fanatic," the others rejoined,
"Dispense with the ambulance? Never!
He'd dispense with all charities, too, if he could;
No! No! We'll support them forever.
Aren't we picking up folks just as fast as they fall?
And shall this man dictate to us? Shall he?
Why should people of sense stop to put up a fence,
While the ambulance works in the valley?"

But the sensible few, who are practical too,
Will not bear with such nonsense much longer;
They believe that prevention is better than cure,
And their party will soon be the stronger.
Encourage them then, with your purse, voice, and pen,
And while other philanthropists dally,
They will scorn all pretense, and put up a stout fence
On the cliff that hangs over the valley.

Better guide well the young than reclaim them when old,
For the voice of true wisdom is calling.
"To rescue the fallen is good, but 'tis best
To prevent other people from falling."
Better close up the source of temptation and crime
Than deliver from dungeon or galley;
Better put a strong fence 'round the top of the cliff
Than an ambulance down in the valley.

-- Joseph Malins (1895)

Summer Safety: Yellow Jackets

Yellow jackets can be nasty.  They can sting over and over.  The build paper nests made from wood and saliva.  It is a good idea not to provoke them.  Swinging or arms will not deter them.  Instead cover your face and walk away.  Do not try to approach their nests as they are known to swarm and will defend their nest.  Prevention is best.  Keep lids on trash cans, eliminate standing water, clear dirty dishes immediately, cover sugary drinks, hand traps away from where people will be.  If stung use soap and water, cover with a bandaid, watch for signs of allergic reaction (breathing issues).  If you are sensitive, go to the doctor immediately.

**Poster: Pain Isn't Always Obvioius

Another poster reminding us that suicide is preventable.  There are now over 80,000 suicides annually in the United States.  Too many families are effected by this tragedy.  If you are feeling suicidal, reach out for help.  The Santa Clara County Suicide and Crisis number is 1-855-278-4204.  If you think someone you know may be suicidal, please take action.  You can call the same number for advice.

**Diabetic Health: Where I Am At

This is my reaction and self report of an article from Everyday Health called "Seven 'Must Dos' to Improve You Diabetic Health."
It first indicates decisions with regards to eating healthy, being active, taking your medication, and maintaining a positive attitude are important.  In then gives seven ideas as to how to do this:
Say "Bye Bye" to Diets:  By this they are saying that portion control and switching a few foods for healthier foods should be all that is needed.  Too often we diet, and then gain back more than we lost.  I generally follow this principle, but have some issues with portion control.  However I have avoided for the most part any bounce back, and over the last several years my weight is down twenty pounds and stayed there.  I would like to loss some more however.  My next goal is 259.  I got there once and Now want to get there again and then break that barrier.
Get "the Skinny" on Fat:  They point out that diets too high in carbs are not really that great (especially diabetics,)  It is OK to eat healthy proteins and fats.
Shun "Made for Diabetics" Food: Special foods are usually not food for you.  Read an article on Facebook about artificial sweeteners that was scary.  Natural and whole grain foods are the best.
Know How to Prevent or Delay Diabetic Complications:  This is talking about self inspection of feet, wearing shoes, frequent foot and eye exams.  But most importantly it is talking about maintaining your blood sugar numbers.  My afternoon blood count is usually pretty good.  However my morning is not where it should be.
Find and Activity that Fits You  I enjoy basketball, but rarely play.  I also like to walk, when I have energy.  I stopped playing basketball when my shoulder hurt.  It is doing better so I need to get back into playing.
Keep Track of your Medicines and Supplies:  When I take my medicines correctly, my blood sugar numbers are better.  I usually do well, but sometimes forget p.m. pills especially on weekends.
Know that YOU are the most Important Member of your Medical Team:  I know this.  Diabetes clinic wanted to schedule with me and I never called back.  My goal is to follow through with this.

**The Power of Fruit

http://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition-pictures/the-healthiest-power-fruits-next-door.aspx?pos=1&xid=nl_EverydayHealthManagingDiabetes_20131124#/slide-1

That regular everyday fruit is good for you.  We have heard since we were little, "An apple a day, keeps the doctor away."  This article explains that apples help to reduce bad cholesterol levels.  The also help with lungs, fighting asthma and COPD.
Other fruits it mentions that are helpful, blue berries fight fat, grapefruit helps to stabilize sugar.  Consuming 1/2 grapefruit one time a day lowers sugar levels.  Tangerines are good for your metabolism fighting sugar issues and coronary artery disease and thus reducing stroke.   Strawberries fight cancer and dried prunes are good for your bones.  Cranberries are good to fight bacteria in the mouth, and thus good for teeth.  However cranberry jellies are not always good in this regard.  Grapes are also beneficial.  White help with fighting inflammation and red grapes as an immune booster.
I know their are other healthy fruits not mentioned in this article.  Bananas are rich in potassium which is good for the heart.  Sour cherries have antioxidants and vitamin C.  If you are pregnant, oranges help with the neurological development of the baby.  Pears have lots of soluble fiber which helps the digestive track. 
A good balanced diet requires food from many different areas, but fruits are delicious and aren't we glad they are good for us too.