M. A. SMITH
A PROFESSIONAL LAW CORPORATION
Michael A. Smith, Attorney at Law
E-mail: masaplc@hotmail.com
319 E. Foothill Blvd., #C Voice - (626) 357-1177
Arcadia, CA 91006 Facsimile - (626) 357-4588
January 2006 No. 8
RECOGNIZING A STROKE
If a neurologist can get to a stroke victim within three hours of the event, the stroke effects can be totally reversed. These three steps to recognizing a stroke are very important:
1. Ask the person to SMILE.
2. Ask the person to RAISE both arms.
3. Ask the person to SPEAK a simple sentence (must be coherent) i.e., "It is sunny out today."
If the person has trouble with any of these tasks, call for help immediately.
Widespread use of this simple test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage. Pass it on!
Thanks Don C. and Judi M.
PREVENTING SKIN CANCER
According a the Queensland Institute of Medical Research study, regularly taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) drugs such as aspirin, could offer increased protection against skin cancer and sunspots.
Aspirin blocks COX enzymes which are involved in inflammation. They are also used by cancer cells to stimulate blood cells, according to Agnece France-Presse.
But, keep in mind, taking NSAIDs on a regular basis over a period of time can have serious consequences to one's stomach and digestive system. Thanks Fred.
FOR THE MEN
The University of Michigan Medical School and Harvard Medical School-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, discovered a possible cause of prostate cancer. Their findings show a recurring pattern of scrambled chromosomes that leads to the merging of specific genes. The activity which only occurs in prostate cancer. Thanks Fred.
ALZHEIMER'S UPDATE
Insulin production in the brain declines as Alzheimer's advances. Insulin disappears early and dramatically in Alzheimer's, said Suzanne de la Monte, Brown University Medical School. Many of the unexplained features of Alzheimer's, such as cell death and tangles in the brain, appear to be linked to abnormalities in insulin signaling. This demonstrates the disease is most likely a neuroendocrine disorder, or another type of diabetes.
It was just recently discovered that the brain produces insulin and de la Monte's group found brain insulin produced by patients with Alzheimer's tends to fall below normal levels. Her group also discovered brain levels of insulin and its related cellular receptors fall abruptly during the early stages of Alzheimer's and insulin levels continue to drop progressively as the disease advances. Thanks Fred.
THE BENEFITS OF TEA
Tea may be a major contributor of health-promoting nutrients by providing more flavonoids than any food or beverage in the US food supply. There is no recommended dietary intake for flavonoids but studies suggest consumption of 600 to 1,000 mg of flavonoids (3 to 4 cups of tea) are associated with potential health benefits.
Flavonoids are a major class of dietary phytonutrients, found mostly in fruits, tea, cocoa and wine. They are potent antioxidants and help neutralize free radicals (scavenging cells, associated with heart disease and certain cancers). Thanks Fred.
MORE ON YOUR GOOD HEALTH
The Johns Hopkins' newsletter contained a notice about Dioxin chemicals causing cancer and how to avoid them. Their advice:
1. Do not freeze plastic bottles with water, or other liquids, in them.
2. Do not use plastic or styrofoam to microwave food, especially fatty foods.
3. Do no cover food with plastic wrap when microwaving.
The combination of freezing or high heat, fats and plastic causes dioxins to be released into the foods and ultimately, ingested. Instead, use glass, ceramic or paper containers, or plates, to microwave foods and cover them with paper towels. Thanks Olga S.
WAL-MART--GOOD OR BAD?
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. ("WM"), based in Bentonville, AR, the world's largest employer, asked nine economists to assess its effect on the economy. WM sponsored a forum to examine its effect on jobs, inflation and income growth as part of a campaign to address criticism of its workplace policies. The Findings:
1. Total payroll wages per person declined by almost five percent where WM stores are located, due to WM's low wages.
2. WM increased Medicaid costs an average of $898 per worker.
3. A 1 percent increase in WM market share is accompanied by a 1.5 percent increase in Medicaid spending.
4. WM insures fewer than half its employees, many of whom cannot afford to pay for their own health coverage.
5. Government aid to needy families decreased by 3.3 percent with every 1 percent increase in WM's market share.
6. WM's strategy of importing goods lowered wages for unskilled workers.
7. WM's entrance into a market lowers food prices about 25 percent, including savings from rivals' price cuts.
8. The spread of super centers has the greatest impact on poorer and minority households.
9. WM has reduced long-term prices of some staples such as laundry detergent and toothpaste by up to 13 percent. Thanks Fred.
COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS?
Call Paula at (626) 357-1177 or, if you prefer, e-mail her at paulasmith1000@hotmail.com.