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Monday, September 6, 2010 – Daily News – 5A Vitality & health By Drs. KAY JUDGE and MAXINE BARISH- WREDEN McClatchy Newspapers Perhaps the next pre- scription from your doctor will be for something a little different: contact with nature. Many studies have looked at the positive impact of nature on emo- tional and physical health. Some research has suggest- ed that we are genetically hard-wired to seek green surroundings for our health and well-being. What are some health benefits of contact with nature and greenery? Here are surprising find- ings from studies over the past few years: • Green environments improve mental acuity. Children who play in play- grounds seem to have high- er scores for attention than those who play on asphalt. In a study of 96 children diagnosed with attention- deficit hyperactivity disor- der, the greener the play area, the better the concen- tration and mental function- ing. • Green environments reduce aggression and crime. A 2001 study showed that housing blocks in Chicago with high levels of greenery had about 50 percent fewer property and violent crimes, compared with housing areas with lit- tle vegetation. • Green environments reduce stress, depression and anxiety. A 2005 study in Sweden found that the more often one visits green areas, the less often one reports stress-related sick- ness. Other studies have shown that doing exercise in nature reduces depression and anxiety in adults. • Green environments improve the functioning of the body's immune system. A 2007 study in Japan showed that a three-day exposure to nature increased the body's natural "killer cells" by 50 percent. A 2008 study showed that enhanced activity of white blood cells lasted more than a week after exposure to nature. • Green environments lower blood pressure. In a study this year of 280 peo- Nutrition Quiz: Supplements to avoid Nutritional supplements are a $26 billion-a-year industry, but there is no Food and Drug Administra- tion oversight. It's up to watchdogs like Consumer Reports to keep the public informed. Recently, the magazine consulted clinical research and case reports to come up with its list of "12 supple- ments you should avoid." Take our quiz based on the list. 1. Kava, a South Ameri- can plant, has been used to treat anxiety. But it's been shown to cause liver dam- age. Which of these coun- tries has not banned the use of kava? a) Germany b) United States c) Canada 2. Country mallow, used to treat allergies and bron- chitis, and to promote weight loss, contains ephedrine, an ampheta- mine-like stimulant banned by the FDA in 2004. What are among the possible dan- gers of ingesting the supple- ment? a) heart attack b) kidney failure c) neurological disorders 3. Coltsfoot, a plant used to treat sore throats and asthma that has been shown to cause cancer and liver damage, goes by many other names. Which is not one of the pseudonyms? a) ass's foot b) foal's foot c) nag's foot 4. Aconite, popular in Hong Kong, has caused res- a) weight loss b) gout c) joint pain 5. The bark of yohimbe, an evergreen tree found in Zaire, can lead to heart problems and death. What is foremost among the herb's purported properties? a) It's an aphrodisiac b) It's a "natural" muscle builder c) It's a hangover cure Source: www.consumer- reports.org/ health/natural- health/dietary-supple- ments/supplement-side- effects/index.htm. ple in Japan, scientists found that walking through a forest or other wooded area for a few hours lowered concentrations of the stress hormone cortisol, lowered the pulse rate and lowered blood pressure. • Green environments make one feel healthy. A 2006 epidemiological study piratory system paralysis and death due to herbal poi- soning. For which of these is the plant not purportedly useful? fitness Integrative medicine: Awalk in a green place may do you good in the Netherlands on more than 250,000 people showed that the percentage of green space in a living environment has a positive association with residents' perceived general health. This was most apparent among the elderly, house- wives and lower socioeco- nomic groups. In fact, the Japanese have a name for exposure to greenery, "Shinrin-yoku" _ roughly translating as tak- ing in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing. We think this is a great prescription for overall good health and should be taken often. Take one Shinrin-yoku and call us in the morning. Stepping Stones Gifts anon Shop Tuesday thru Saturday Hrs: Noon - 7pm • Medallions • T-Shirts • Greeting Cards • Jewelry • Big Book Covers • Literature Cards 20% off all inventory AA meetings held here Tuesday thru Saturday @ 5:30pm 616 Washington St. Red Bluff 366-4773 steppingstones_store@yahoo.com PAID ADVERTISEMENT I For information on participation in Kids & Families call (530) 527-2151 P.A.W.S. (Partners for Animal Welfare & Safety) A Volunteer Program Dedicated to the Prevention of Litters, Not the Destruction of Unwanted animals. HOW CAN YOU HELP? CALL US! 528-8018 Please leave your number we WILL call you back P.O. Box 8908, Red Bluff CA 96080 For information on participation in Kids & Families call (530) 527-2151 P.A.W.S. (Partners for Animal Welfare & Safety) P.A.W.S. SAYS...A SPECIAL THANK YOU LADIES.... The Wilcox Oaks Ladies Golf Association held their Annual Tournament and Luncheon on September 1st. On that beautiful day and with the generous animal loving hearts of the ladies of the association, PAWS once again was a Winner! PAWS was handed $647 in cash and checks and we are ever so grateful! Although PAWS is suspending the Spay Neuter Certificate program effective in September, PAWS is not closing other programs at this time. All donations are welcome and will be used to rebuild our funds to benefit the Pet population and citizens of Tehama County. We will be informing you weekly here in this section of the Red Bluff Daily News. Look for us every Monday for updates and other information on our programs. Thank you all for continuing to use your Food Maxx Share cards. If you know someone wishing one, please call 528-8018 Accepting Enrollment for 2010-2011 Kindergarten through Eighth Grade Call (530) 527-7040 Serving Tehama County Since 1970 R H L C O O O H M C M S U N N T I A I Y NOW OPEN S C T ANSWERS:1: b; 2: a; 3: c; 4: a; 5: c