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| Vol. 22, No. 12 |
| July 1, 2000 |
 Valid Data on Supplements for Osteoarthritis Limited While many older athletes are turning to glucosamine to help maintain healthy joints and cartilage, some sports medicine experts say its true effectiveness is still unknown. "There is some information in the veterinary literature about the effects of glucosamine supplementation, but we still do not have any substantial scientific studies in humans," says Dr. Lon Castle, a sports medicine specialist at Baylor College of Medicine. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring amino sugar involved in the formation of nails, tendons, skin, eyes, bones, ligaments and heart valves. It is commonly combined with sulfate and taken as a dietary supplement. These supplements are reported to reduce pain and tenderness associated with osteoarthritis, reduce swelling, improve range of motion and help cartilage retain its "shock absorbing" property. In addition to supporting healthy joints, these supplements are also thought to assist the body in generating connective tissue. "The bottom line is that we don't know a lot about glucosamine, but it does not seem to be harmful," Dr. Castle says. "However, not every person is going to get the results they hope for." - From Baylor College of Medicine Triglycer-whats? We often hear that to be heart healthy, we not only have to watch our cholesterol levels in our blood, but also, we need to pay attention to our triglycerides. So, what are they? Triglycerides are a type of fat in the bloodstream that the body uses for energy. When we eat, calories that are not used immediately by the body are converted into fatty acids and stored in fat cells. When the body needs energy between meals, they are released again into the blood. "High levels of triglycerides in the bloodstream - more than 200 mg/dL - are of concern because it is often associated with a low level of HDL, or so-called `good' cholesterol," says Dr. Efrain Garcia, a Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital cardiologist. "Low levels of HDL may be as important as high levels of LDL or `bad' cholesterol in the development of atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries." A blood test taken at your doctor's office is the best way to determine your triglyceride levels. For the most accurate results, the test should be conducted after fasting from food and alcohol the night before. "The presence of an excess amount of triglycerides may be associated with heart problems, such as coronary artery disease, or it may be a manifestation of diseases such as diabetes mellitus," says Dr. Garcia. "It may also be associated with metabolic problems such as low thyroid function, a familial or primary lipid problem, or other medical problems." To keep your triglycerides in check, Dr. Garcia recommends adapting, and maintaining, a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes achieving your ideal body weight through sensible eating habits and exercise. And if you smoke, quit. "Smoking is the most controllable risk factor for any type of heart disease," adds Dr. Garcia. "The sooner you quit, the better your cardiovascular health." Some people with high triglycerides may require medications in addition to lifestyle changes. Regular monitoring by a physician is important to make sure the medication is working properly. - From Texas Heart Institute Drink If You're Over 65 Drink water, that is. Make a point of drinking eight 8-oz. glasses of water a day to rehydrate yourself. With aging, the important body mechanisms used to regulate body water content can be compromised. Your ability to respond to dehydration and retain water is limited, while thirst sensations may also be reduced. Certain medications can also increase the risk of water imbalance in older people. -From The University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center Depression is Treatable Depression can strike at any age, but it tends to be particularly common among seniors. More than 20 percent of those 65 and older experience some level of depression. It is thought that an additional 10 percent who have been given a diagnosis of dementia may actually be suffering from depression. Signs of depression include:
Depression is treatable, no matter what the person's age. If someone is experiencing one or more of the above signs, contact a mental health professional for more information. - From the Harris County Psychiatric Center Staying Cool Make sure elderly family members have functional air conditioning and that they utilize it during the hottest parts of the day in the summer. In 1999, five elderly Houstonians died in their homes due to excessive heat and no air conditioning. In 1998, 13 elderly people died in their homes due to heat. As little as two hours a day of refrigerated air conditioning can provide life-saving relief to an elderly person. It is not necessary to air condition the entire house. During the heat of the summer, it may be difficult for the elderly to care for their yard. Well placed and trimmed trees and shrubs will contribute significantly to indoor temperature reduction. Well maintained grass is cooler than hard-packed earth or concrete. Seniors with no or limited air conditioning should restrict their indoor and outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day in the summer. - From the Houston Department of Health and Human Services Seniors at Risk for `Economy Class Syndrome' Pregnant women and people over age 60 are most likely to be affected by a condition called "Economy Class Syndrome." According to Dr. Cliff Dacso with Baylor College of Medicine, ECS was first coined in 1988 to describe airline passengers who developed blood clots in their legs after sitting for long periods in cramped seats. "These blood clots can travel to the lungs or other areas, causing severe organ damage," he says. Symptoms can be anything from pain and swelling in the legs and shortness of breath to heart attacks and strokes. To prevent ECS:
- From Baylor College of Medicine Study Reports Gender Disparity in Medicare According to the recent report "Women's Health in the Greater Houston Area," women comprise 56 percent of all Medicare recipients. Some findings in the report:
- From Texas Woman's University-Houston Center and The Greater Houston Women's Foundation Got Dentures? Think you don't ever need to see a dentist again? Guess again. You still need to see your dentist reguarly for an oral examination because your mouth is continually changing. Mouth tissue can reveal signs of diseases, such as diabetes, that first reveal themselves in the mouth. Besides checking your dentures for wear and tear, the dentist will check your mouth for signs of oral cancer, and examine your gum ridges, tongue and jaw joints. - From The University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center Briefs Compiled by Kristina Van Arsdel
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