Say Cheese for Good Dental Health

Nothing can take the place of good dental hygiene and regular checkups. However, a recent study suggests that cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss and American cheeses may help protect against tooth decay.

According to Dr. Bruce Carter, chief of the Dental Clinic at Texas Children's Hospital, important nutrients found in cheese, such as calcium, protein and phosphorus, stimulate saliva production in the mouth, helping break down decay-causing acids.

These same nutrients help to build and strengthen teeth and bones.

First-aid Care Package Can Perk Up College Students

Not only is it difficult for many parents to say goodbye to their college-bound children, it can be stressful to be so far away in times of sickness or injury.

Dr. Hubert Ho, a pediatrician with Texas Children's Pediatric Associates, suggests compiling a first-aid kit for minor illnesses and emergencies.

"Stock a plastic container with bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, antibiotic ointment, an ice pack or chemical cold pack for sprains, and a thermometer," Dr. Ho says. "You'll also want to include medicines for diarrhea, upset stomach, headache, cold or flu, allergies, general aches and pains, and sore throat lozenges or spray. If your child is on prescription medication, make sure he or she locates a nearby pharmacy for prescription refills."

Ho advises parents to make sure college students receive the meningococcal vaccine since they can be extremely susceptible to this type of meninigitis.

Hamstring Injuries Tie Up Athletes

Hamstring injuries are something even the world's fastest men can't outrun.

American sprinter Michael Johnson found out firsthand at the recent U.S. Olympic Trials when he came up lame in the 200-meter finals, failing to qualify in that race for the Summer Olympic Games in Australia.

Dr. Charles Kevorkian, a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine, says that athletes with hamstring injuries should take it easy.

"The best thing you can do is rest and do a gentle stretch," Dr. Kevorkian says. "If the injury doesn't improve or there is considerable pain, see a doctor."

Dr. Kevorkian says hamstring injuries, which are common among runners and soccer players, might be avoided by doing exercises to increase strength and flexibility.

As a basic strengthening exercise for the recreational athlete, he recommends that you put on ankle weights, get on your stomach and bend the leg at the knees pressing against the hamstring.

"The exercise is relatively easy to do, and it doesn't require a great deal of weight," Dr. Kevorkian says.

Kevorkian also recommends a regular stretching program.

Preparing for a marathon is a time-consuming process.

Dr. Joe Chorley, a sports medicine expert at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and medical care coordinator for Houston Fit, a marathon training program, says runners need to prepare year-round for the grueling challenge that awaits them.

"Completing a marathon is no easy task, but there are a few things runners can do to help them get ready for race day," Dr. Chorley says.

Dr. Chorley offers the following advice for those launching a marathon training program:

• Focus on form, not on time or distance. Runners should pay attention to the little things such as arm swing, stride and posture that allow them to run more relaxed.
• Monitor fluid intake. While the weather is hot, runners should take a break every 25 minutes and consume six to eight ounces of fluid. Even as it gets cooler, they should stop periodically and drink at least every 30-35 minutes.
• Get the right shoes. Runners should always buy shoes to fit their foot type. For example, those with high arches should select cushion shoes, those who are flat-footed should choose stability and those with normal feet might opt for motion control. In addition, runners should replace their shoes every six to eight months, or 300 to 500 miles.
• Concentrate on the weekend runs. Early on, runners often make the mistake of trying to log too many miles, especially on weekdays. Studies have proven that runners are often more successful if they do their longer runs on the weekends and get adequate rest the remainder of the week.

Dr. Chorley says these simple approaches to training might help runners avoid injuries and stay fresher leading up to a race.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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