SPC Wellness

Coffee, Cherries and Nuts

Here are nutritional updates from recent studies that highlights some of your favorite foods, or foods that you should eat more of:

• Is coffee a health food?

 Research suggests that consuming caffeine equal to 2-3 cups of coffee a day may reduce your risk of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, disease, kidney stones and gallstones, increase mental alertness and mood and offers a mild analgesic (pain killing) effect. Also, caffeine, found in coffee and other foods and beverages, cause blood vessels in the brain to constrict, off setting headaches caused when vessels in the brain dilate.

Coffee is also rich in antioxidants which protect against heart disease.1, 2

According to Doctors Roizen and Oz, some of these health benefits also come from drinking decafinated coffee.

For all the positive findings, there are many reasons why we should not over consume caffeine. Over consumption will interrupt sleep, may reduce fertility, and increase the risk of miscarriage, cause stomach upset and will increase blood pressure and anxiety. 1, 2

 An 8 oz cup of coffee has 90-135 mg of caffeine; 8 oz of tea has 15 to 50 mg of caffeine, and, 40-60 mg in a can of cola.

• Cherries

 A bowl of cherries is loaded with nutritional goodness. One cup of fresh cherries, about 25 cherries, has less than 100 calories and is rich in vitamin C and fiber. Cherries are rich in phytochemicles; plant based compounds found in fruits, vegetables and other foods that offer a positive health effect. These positive health benefits include a reduced risk of heart disease, reduced inflammation and may minimize the joint pain of gout, caused by a buildup in the joints of uric acid. 3

• Nuts

Nuts  are high in fat, so eat in moderation, but don’t exclude from your diet because a handful of nuts as a snack have much to offer nutritionally.

Almonds can lower the LDL or bad cholesterol. A hand full of walnuts can offer a great source of Omega 3 fats. Both nuts are a good source vitamin E, an antioxidant vitamin.3

For additional articles on wellness and prevention, visit our wellness page on the HR home page.

To participate in a Healthy Lifestyle lunch and learn series on your campus, contact shears.cathleen@spcollege.edu or call Ext. 3083.

1 Nutrition Action Healthletter March 2008

2 YOU: The Owners Manual , M. Roizen and M. Oz, M.D.

3 Environmental Nutrition, June 2008

Staph bacteria are the No. 1 cause of skin infections, and MRSA - methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus - is the strain of staph that may be the most dangerous because it is resistant to common antibiotics. MRSA, which is on the rise, can cause serious damage and can be fatal.

Some MRSA facts:

• MRSA also is called a “superbug” due to its resistance to common antibiotics.
• MRSA is spread mostly by hand-to-hand contact.
• It is possible for the MRSA bacteria to be found on surfaces, such as gym equipment and other inanimate objects, and to survive for several hours.
• About a third of our population are “colonized” with staph bacteria. That means they may have it on their skin, or in nasal passages, without becoming ill, and can pass it on to others.
• Community-based MRSA infections may resemble a boil or a spider bite.
• Older adults and those with repeated hospital stays are most at risk to exposure.
• CDC data reported in the Oct. 17, 2007 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association estimated that 18,650 people in the U.S. died of MRSA-related illnesses in 2005, more than from the AIDS virus.

How to avoid getting or spreading MRSA:

• Infections can be prevented by good hand-washing techniques and or use of hand sanitizers.
• Infections can be minimized by early treatment to skin inflammations.
• To minimize the spread in the community, it is advised not to share personal items such as towels, razors and sports equipment.
• Keep wounds and cuts clean and covered.
• Wipe down shared surfaces, such as computer keyboards, before use.

For more information on MRSA, go to MayoClinic.com.

For additional articles on wellness and prevention, visit our wellness page on the HR home page.

To participate in a Healthy Lifestyle Lunch and Learn series on your campus, contact shears.cathleen@spcollege.edu or call Ext. 3083.