Supplements: How do I know they are good?

The FDA has estimated the supplement industry makes more than 10 million dollars a year. 48% come from vitamins, 28% from herbals, 9% from sports nutrition, 6% from meal supplements, and 6% from minerals and specialties.

A viable tool to ensure if a supplement meets the strict guidelines of the FDA is looking for a USP (US Pharmacopeia) seal on each bottle.

USP verifies the identity, strength, purity, and quality of dietary supplement finished products, dietary supplement ingredients, and pharmaceutical ingredients. Products and ingredients that pass all USP verification requirements– product and ingredient testing, and manufacturing documentation review–are awarded use of the distinctive "USP Verified" mark.

Participation is voluntary and available to manufacturers worldwide…used today in more than 130 countries around the world. If you find an USP seal, you know the following will be true:

• What's on the label is in fact in the bottle—all the listed ingredients in the declared amount.
• The supplement does not contain harmful levels of contaminants.
• The supplement will break down and release ingredients in the body
• The supplement has been made under good manufacturing practices

Protecting Yourself from the Sun

As seasons change, and we begin to go into warmer periods of the year or maybe even travel to warmer climates, here are some basic tools to help you choose what type of protection you should use to avoid sun damage.

UVA (Ultraviolet A), and UVB (Ultraviolet B) are both harmful rays that come from the sun and will damage your skin. Sunscreens are particularly helpful to use to block these rays by using SPF (sun protection factor). Choose sunscreen that has a broad spectrum SPF, which means it defends against both UVA and UVB and have an SPF of at least 15 or greater.

How about the clothes we wear? Some clothing have special sun protection built into them. Look for UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) when choosing summer clothes. Clothing which have a UPF of 30 or more is recommended.

Remember to wear sunscreen, use an umbrella and protective clothing that is long sleeved. Wear long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat if you are working outside. If your job requires you to be outside, wear light-colored, light-weight, and tightly woven fabrics that don't allow light in.

Sand Traps In Your Golf Game

Believe it or not, stretching also applies to your golf game. One part of your game that stretching is critical in is your swing, specifically your shoulders, and even more particular your lead shoulder (ie. left shoulder for right-handed golfers). A poor swing may indicate tight shoulders and make your vulnerable to injury.

To help prevent injury, work on your flexibility with these golf specific stretches. Stretching can increase blood flow, improve range of motion and maybe even improve your handicap. Try this stretch, it is both effective, functional, and promotes healthy living.

1. With your feet shoulder width apart, stand as your about to tee off. Hold your left elbow with your right hand and rotate your trunk to the right pulling your elbow to the right until you feel a stretch in your back. Hold for 15 seconds.

2. Don't forget about the trailing shoulder. Grab your right elbow and rotate your trunk to the left as you finish your swing. (for right handed golfers). Hold for 15 seconds.

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

The CDC has now documented 403 cases of the H1N1 flu in the United States. One death has been reported in Texas with many more cases and deaths anticipated to rise in the coming months.

Just like any other influenza virus (flu), it is airborne, but anyone can catch it by contact as well. If you are under the age of 5 or over the age of 65 or are pregnant you are at higher risk for infection.

Some of the symptoms of the H1N1 virus can include: fever, chills, headache, upper respiratory tract symptoms (cough, sore throat, rhinorrhea, shortness of breath), myalgias, arthralgias, fatigue, vomiting, or diarrhea.

If you feel you may have similar symptoms, please seek a health care provider for further testing. Below are some general guidelines the CDC have published to help you stay healthy:

• Stay informed. Please visit, http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
  
• Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
  1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  2. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  3. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
  4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
  5. Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
  
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety.
• Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.