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Teresa-On-Camera:

Welcome to Healthy Living. I'm your host, Teresa Tanoos. Thanks for joining us.

Never before in the history of civilization ave we witnessed such significant technological advancements as we have in modern medicine. We literally hover on the brink of curing genetic diseases - even unlocking the mystery of the origin of life itself. In fact, we now stand poised on the newest frontier - the creation of life.

Yet, in spite of these so-called modern medical miracles, epidemics continue to ravish parts of the world, while other parts struggle with a rising incidence of chronic, debilitating diseases. We have new diseases our ancenstors never heard of before, like AIDS. Then there's Anthrax, the current health crisis we're just now trying to understand.

We are beset with conflicting scientific research, as well as diversity in cultural medicine. We've moved from the time when doctors were once considered demigods, into a 21st century that demands proactive involvement in one's health. As a 22-year cancer survivor, I understand the importance of becoming personally involved in one's treatment first hand, and I learned the hard way that an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.

With today's skyrocketing healthcare costs, managed care, and an ever-changing healthcare industry that's turned the practice of medicine into major business, it's more important than ever to take charge of your own health destiny now...before it's too late.

It starts with education, but where do you start? Can the average person - you – navigate their way through the portals of modern medicine? Can you distinguish the difference between health information that's fact or fiction, truth or lie, reality or myth? If not, you are in the vast majority of people who admit they don't know where to go for reliable health news they can actually use.

That's why this show was created. We WILL bring you tomorrow's health information today, and you can trust that it based on the latest medical research available. Ultimately, we hope to become your primary source for timely, reliable health news on television today.

So sit back, relax and learn about living healthy as we enter the world of "Healthy Living"...

Teresa:

Our first story is about a serious illness that can affect all of us, but is particularly dangerous to college students who dorm.

Preparing your new collegiate usually involves a flurry of clothing and school supply shopping, packing cartons, arranging for new bank accounts and insurance policies, as well as a host of other stressful but happy activities. ONE ongoing health issue, though has continued to pervade that happy freshman send off. As recently as August 2001, the University of South Dakota reported the death of a female volley-ball player. The cause of death – MENINGITIS.
We go to our Senior Health Correspondent Amy Hendel for the report.

Narration:

The fall is a time of year when thousands of incoming college freshmen face the next exciting phase of their lives. They will agonize over scheduling classes and buying books and their dorm room assignments. One health issue continues to loom on this happy horizon, though- the threat of a meningitis outbreak.

Sound bite from Doctor:

Meningitis is a viral or in this case bacterial infection of the coverings of the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria and viruses that cause the infection are transmitted through close contact with bodily fluids like saliva or mucous. Viral meningitis will usually go away on its own, in 7-10 days. Bacterial meningitis, on the other hand, is a serious disease that can be fatal if not treated promptly. Even when treated IT CAN STILL leave its victim with brain damage, hearing loss, learning disabilities, or even the loss of a limb.

Narration:

The symptoms of meningitis can vary but often include:

1 headache
2 fever
3 stiff neck

Other symptoms can include:

* sensitivity to light

1 nausea and vomiting
2 drowsiness
3 confusion
4 seizures

Narration:

Since the 1990’s, new vaccines given to children as part of their routine immunizations, has reduced the occurrence of Haemophilus Influenza, type B meningitis. Today streptococcus pneumoniae and specifically in the case of collegiates, Neisseria meningitis are the leading causes of bacterial meningitis.

Narration:

Meningitis is diagnosed by testing some of the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord for the presence of disease causing bacteria or infection fighting cells. If diagnosed promptly, meningitis can be treated with a number of effective antibiotics. The course of medication needed for bacterial meningitis depends on the person’s age, response to the medication and other factors.

On Camera: (In dormitory)

The potentially life threatening meningitis can be spread through prolonged personal contact such as kissing, sharing a drinking glass or cigarette, making college students a perfect target for the disease. If you then factor in the close quarters that dorm life presents, you have a group of individuals at serious risk for this disease.

Sound bites from students on campus, whether they have been vaccinated or not

Sound bite from the Health center Director on being vaccinated, and on crowded living arrangements, stress and indulging in shared behaviors like kissing, smoking and drinking certainly supplies us with obvious risk factors for these young adults. And we are talking about a preventable or at minimum a controllable health situation.

On Camera: (Outside Health Center)

In one study it was found that of 9% of college students who died from the infection, nearly 70% of them were infected with a strain of the disease that is preventable with a vaccine. Currently, the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC as it is referred to) recommends the use of Nisseria meningitis vaccine for all entering freshman and for all college students who missed being vaccinated when the entered their college of choice. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that incoming freshmen who plan to dorm and their parents be advised of the increased risk of infection and the benefits of vaccination.

Sound bite from Doctor:

This is a devastating disease with a horrible prognosis if left untreated or not diagnosed promptly. And remember, we are talking about a population of individuals who may miss or disregard the initial symptoms, thinking that it is the flu or simply a question of too much partying. We need doctors and college health services to take a more proactive role in alerting students and their families about the dangers of this disease and the easy and affordable answer- a vaccination- for prevention.

On Camera: (see changes) (In health center waiting room)

The fatality rate for this disease can be as high as 10%. A recent review of 79 cases of college students infected with meningitis revealed that 54 of those cases had vaccine preventable strains. Current vaccines will provide protection through the four years of undergraduate dorm living. As one doctor commented when asked about the vaccination, “It’s not that different than getting a flu vaccine. And at a cost of about $70 per shot, it’s on par with the purchase of a good pair of athletic shoes.”

Narration:

Some other important facts you should know:

1 The bacteria may be carried by around 10-25% of the general population at any time
2 3,000 cases of meningococcal disease occur each year in the U.S.
3 There is no vaccine for viral meningitis
4 The bacterial form of meningitis is spread through close, not casual contact or by touching contaminated objects
5 Freshman living in dorms have 3X the risk of all college students to contract meningitis

Teresa:

How do You feel about using medical therapies that come from other cultures?

(Well,)

Back in 1971, New York Times reporter James Reston wrote about how doctors in Beijing, China, used needles to help ease abdominal pain after he had sugery. This 2,000 year old medical procedure is one of the oldest and most commonly used therapies in the world today. References to acupuncture occur in documents dating from the second century B.C. Here in the United States, over the last 20 years, its popularity has continued to grow.

In 1993, Americans were making 9-12 visits per year and collectively spending over $500 million on acupuncture treatments. By 1995, 10,000 nationally certified acupuncturists were practicing in the United States. Today, 1/3 of all practicing acupuncturists in the U.S. are medical doctors. There are also over 200 clinics for the treatment of drug addiction with acupuncture nationwide. Here’s Anna Garcia with more on this story.

Sound bite from doctor or narration:

Traditional medicine theorizes that there are over 2000 acupuncture points on the body. They connect with 12 main and 8 secondary pathways called meridians.

Narration:

Acupuncture theory is based on the premise that energy, called Qi, travels along pathways or meridians within the body. Qi is influenced by opposing forces known as yin and yang. When yin and yang are balanced, they work with the natural flow of this energy to help the body achieve and maintain health. Any disturbance in the flow, or qi, will result in disease. Disturbances can include excesses or deficiencies in the energy levels. Acupuncture includes different procedures or techniques that stimulate specified points on the body and re-establish or regulate the energy flow.

Sound bite from acupuncturist:

Stimulation of acupuncture points is achieved most often by the insertion of very thin needles, like these, which pierce the skin over points in the pathway. On other occasions, moxibustion, which involves herbs placed on top of inserted acupuncture needles and burned, can be used.

On Camera: (In acupuncturist examining room - near chart)

Western scientists have found meridians hard to identify because meridians do not DIRECTLY correspond to nerve or blood circulation pathways. There is one view that believes meridians are located throughout the body’s connective tissue. Another traditional science view is that meridians simply do not exist. These obvious differences in opinion have continued to make acupuncture a source of controversy.

Sound bite from Doctor that is not convinced about acupuncture

Sound bite from Acupuncturist who believes in the power of the therapy

On Camera: (While doctor examines patient)

Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to release chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These chemicals either change the patient’s experience of pain, or cause the release of hormones that influence the body’s self regulation. This process can occur through a)conduction of electromagnetic signals,(b) activation of the opioid systems naturally occuring chemicals in the brain that reduce pain or induce sleep or (c)changes in brain chemistry, sensation and involuntary body functions, affecting blood flow, body temperature and even blood pressure.

Narration:

Since November of 1997, clinical trials do seem to report that acupuncture appears to be somewhat effective as a primary or complementary therapy for the following conditions:

1 Drug and alcohol addiction
2 Headaches
3 Menstrual cramps
4 Tennis elbow
5 Osteoarthritis
6 Lower back pain
7 Asthma
8 Hayfever
9 Stroke rehabilitation
10 Post labor and delivery
11 Dental surgery
12 Depression
13 ADD
14 Nausea associated with chemotherapy
15 Carpal tunnel syndrome

The World Health Organization of the United Nations also includes:

1 Bronchitis
2 Hepatitis
3 Eczema and acne
4 Ringing in the ears
5 Ulcers
6 Diabetes
7 PMS and infertility

And a host of other conditions.

On Camera: (In waiting room)

Currently, most Americans seek acupuncture to relieve chronic pain, especially from lower back disorders and arthritis. Sound bite from patient why they are doing this and what they feel

Narration:

The FDA requires that acupuncture use either single use, disposable needles, or properly sterilized needles. Puncture sites should be swabbed with alcohol or another disinfectant. Acupuncture may be covered by your insurance, if not, expect to pay between 30 to 100 dollars per visit. It usually takes a series of treatments to significantly impact a particular condition. Do expect a thorough physical examination as well as a detailed investigation of your health condition, lifestyle and behavior during your first visit with the acupuncturist.

On Camera: (In doctorís office near diplomas) (This may be cut if piece too long)

About 30 states have established training standards for certification to practice acupuncture, but not all states require practitioners to obtain a license. Two national organizations, The Accreditation Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and The National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine provide accreditation criteria and educational standards for training programs. The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture offers a referral list of doctors who practice acupuncture. Finally, The National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance lists thousands of acupuncturists on its web site.

Narration:

The most common systemic reactions to acupuncture include:

1 Tiredness
2 Drowsiness
3 Aggravation of pre-existing conditions
4 Itching in the puncture regions
5 Dizziness or vertigo
6 Feelings of faintness or nausea during treatment
7 Headache
8 Chest Pain

Local reactions may include:

1 Bleeding on withdrawal of the needles
2 Pain on insertion of the needle
3 Small bleeding points under the skin or even larger back and blue marks
4 Pain or ache in the areas of puncture after needle insertion and or removal

On Camera:

One of the more interesting applications of acupuncture involves treating animals with certain conditions. These conditions can include respiratory depression caused by anesthesia in horses, cats, and dogs; painful trigger points in dogs; chronic back pain in horses, and even disc disease in dogs.

Sound bite from vet. - regarding basis of use in animals

Sound bite from pet owner - Why acupuncture? Has it helped? What condition does animal have?

On Camera:

Currently the National Institute of Health continues to fund research studies on acupuncture. It’s use as a primary treatment is still not fully accepted here in the U.S. We all recognize the fact that lifestyle, age, physiology and other factors, combine to make each of us an individual. You, as a health care consumer, can discuss the possible use of acupuncture as a primary or complementary form of medical therapy with your doctor.

Narration:

Some facts to leave you with :

1 Your doctor may be your best resource for referral to a licensed acupuncturist
2 Since 1996, 70-80% of the nations insurers covered some acupuncture treatments
3 Moxibustion, a form of acupuncture involving herbs, was found to help certain women with breech birth presentations convert to normal head first babies.

Teresa:

Our next story should really pump you up. In recent years a new premise to pervade the world of nutrition and athletic performance is the idea that a high carbohydrate diet makes you fat AND hurts your athletic performance. The shared theme of these diets is that Americans should eat a high protein diet and not the traditional high carbohydrate diet recommended by most nutritionists and health professionals. These diets also offer meal replacement or energy bars that conform to the carbohydrate/protein and fat balance of the eating plan. Is high protein, in fact, the right approach for peak performance in all, if any, athletic programs? Are these bars the best nutrition for refueling or supporting your exercise demands? And is the timing of your energy bar “boost” vital to avoiding burn out and achieving the ultimate goals of your exercise program? Mark Kriski has more for us on this report. Hi Mark

On Camera: (In cardio/weight room)

All athletes have basic needs that must be met so that peak performance can occur. Whether you are a professional athlete, or someone who just likes to exercise for fun-you do have to meet certain nutritional guidelines so that you have the necessary fuel for your activity of choice.

Narration:

Carbohydrates are the gold standard for athletic performance. They provide basic fuel to the brain and the body. They are used short term like gas in a tank. Energy from these foods is stored as glycogen in your muscles and liver. The types and amounts of carbohydrates used to provide the right fuel mix and the timing of their intake will determine how well you perform.

Narration:

Protein is a building material. It is used long term to grow a better body, like putting new tires on the car or a new carburetor in the car. Contrary to popular belief, exercise and genetics, NOT extra dietary protein, builds muscles. And if you choose a high protein diet, you will not have enough fuel to meet your exercise needs. Obviously if you choose poor quality protein, the structures of your body will suffer over time. You will also not reach ultimate performance in exercise because your body simply cannot serve you well.

On Camera: (In front of an ongoing class)

Athletes of all levels do require fat in their diet, however, fat is not the primary source of energy fuel for their activities. Fat does make us feel full and also helps us absorb certain fat-soluble vitamins and maintain immunity. But remember, fat weighs in at 9 cal per gram compared to protein and carbohydrates that weigh in at 4 cal per gram each. Energy bars that are high in fat, especially unhealthy saturated or processed fat, will undermine your physical productivity and offer extra unnecessary calories.

Sound bite from athletes on what bar they eat and why

On Camera: Mark

Asking nutritionist

What is the best training diet for someone who does not require weight loss?

Nutritionist:

The best training diet is composed of 60-70% carbohydrate, 10-20 % protein, and 25% fat.

On Camera: Mark

Do energy bars have a place in this eating plan?

Nutritionist:

Yes, the right bar may provide convenience and a quick pick me up before exercise or a good replenishment post exercise. The point is to remember it is fuel and therefore should contain predominantly complex carbohydrates. And remember, only exercise that is longer than 2 hours would require nutrition during the exercise. Otherwise, adequate nutrition before or replenishment after is the way to go.

Narration:

So what are the best bars to fuel our workout?

1 The Clif- Luna bar has 27 gms of carbohydrates with 180 cal and would be considered a snack. It does however contain (Video circle in yellow as she highlights the ingredients) unhealthy fractionated palm kernel oil.

1 The Go- Lean Kashi Bar has 49 gms of carbohydrates and weighs in at 290 calories. This amount of calories is moving you closer to meal replacement if accompanied by a piece of fruit and beverage. It also contains the unhealthy fractionated palm kernel oil.

2 The Clif bar a soft texture energy bar, contains 230 calories with 3.5 grams of fat, of which 1.5 gms are saturated fat. The bar contains 10 gms of protein. No transfatty acids are present.

3 The MetRX bar a favorite of body builders, has a whopping 320 calories, with 2.5 gms of fat, 48 gms of carbohydrate and 27 gms of protein. This would be considered a meal size replacement with a very large, almost unnecessary amount of protein based on most sports nutrition recommendations for specific calorie replacement.

1 The Power bar - one of the first energy bars created, contains 45 grams of carbohydrates along with 10 gms of protein. It gets most of its sugar from high fructose corn syrup and has minimal saturated fat, without any unhealthy trans fatty acids.

1 Finally, if you’re following The Zone Diet, understand that the energy bars provide 22 gms of carbohydrate and 14 grams of protein, not the highest option of carbohydrate fuel available on the market, but certainly free of unhealthy fats. It is a worthy post exercise bar.

On Camera: (In front of weight lifter)

And what about timing your nutrition in response to your activities?

Before exercise, a meal or snack should provide adequate fluid, be low in healthy fat and fiber to minimize abdominal distress, be high in carbohydrate to help maintain energy stores and moderate in protein. Individuals need to decide the exact timing that works for them.

During exercise, only fluid in the form of water is needed, unless the exercise lasts for longer than two hours, or the person did not adequately pre-load.

After exercise, your goal is to replenish empty glycogen stores, which a balanced energy bar can do quite adequately. Keep in mind that for strenuous activity there are actual formulas to follow for post exercise nutrition, so evaluate your workout or performance for

1. intensity
2. frequency
3. duration

and consult with a professional for guidelines.

Narration:

There is no doubt that research supports the benefits that sensible nutrition has on exercise performance. As interest in the concept of sports nutrition has increased, so have the sales of supplements, herbal preparations, diet aids, and convenience meals. There is much hype and many claims surrounding these new products. When pressed for time, or on the go, energy bars may provide the ultimate convenient snack. Sports nutritionists do agree that following good nutrition and hydration and eating a variety of fresh, wholesome foods will yield an optimal exercise performance. (toss the bar in a bag and bite into a banana)

Teresa:

Thanks for the report Mark, Some other things you should know

1 Fat becomes available 20 minutes after exercise begins, and most people do not work out long enough to burn significant amounts of fat during a workout.
2 Regular workout can create a calorie deficit that promotes gradual fat loss over the long haul
3 High protein, low carbohydrate diets promote poor athletic performance
4 Energy bars can contain hidden unhealthy fats posted in the ingredient part of the label
5 Even active people and athletes can gain weight if they consume more calories than they burn.

ìA True Life Survivorî

ìA True Lifestyle Survivorî

ìA To Do List To Your Healthî

Teresa

This next story takes goal setting to a whole new level.

All of us probably know one individual who seems to defy the very rules of life itself - an individual who lives life with a passion and spirit of adventure. These men and women often seem far younger than their ìtrue age.î The impact seems to come from their willingness to embrace positive, life affirming goals.

Research supports the fact that lifestyle choices - healthy nutrition, exercise, not smoking or drinking, stress reduction - can and do diminish and prevent disease and possibly prolong life, or at minimum improve the quality of life. Though some biologists argue that aging has been ìprogrammedî by evolution to avoid overpopulation, research shows we can off set that reality. A recent longevity study revealed that a healthy, emotionally stable and studious youth helped individuals enter their twilight years in good mental and physical health. Another study has even shown that when people wrote down their positive experiences between ages 18 and 32, they lived longer. But can setting and repeatedly reaching new goals truly impact a personís quality of life and even add years on? Here is the story of one of lifeís ìtrue survivors.î

Narration:

At the age of 15, John Goddard was inspired to write a list of 127 things to do - a goal list, if you will. He has spent his life checking off those individual goals and even adding more to the list.

Sound bite - John Goddard tells us why he wrote the to do list

Narration:

John set off on his quest to explore rivers worldwide, study primitive cultures, climb the worldís tallest mountains, and visit the wonders of the world. He also challenged his other senses by reading an entire encyclopedia, learning to play several instruments and acquiring the talents of fencing and jujitsu.

Sound bite from John Goddard on why the broad range of choices -( looking for a comment on the importance of diversity in goal choices - they should include spiritual, social as well as physical and adventurous aspects)

Narration

There are six dimensions of wellness for older individuals. They include:

- The Physical dimension
- The Emotional dimension
- The Intellectual dimension
- The Spiritual dimension
- The Social dimension
- The Vocational dimension

Sound bite from Gerentologist about the impact of goal setting and activity on longevity and quality of life

Narration:

With just advancements in medicine, pharmacy and technology, the population aged 65 and older is growing faster than any other age group. But it seems to be the pursuits and goals that individuals set early on in life that may ultimately impact the nature and quality of those older years.

Sound Bite from John Goddard:

ìI have continued to pursue completion of my original list while adding on additional goals. The list now contains close to 400 goals. I try not to waste time - I try to dare myself. To fail is to fear. So many people look back and say, ëwhat a wasted life.í I can look back and say my life was and is so full.î

On camera in front of screen with senior gym class OR narration:

When we get older, muscle strength and endurance will decline, unless we challenge ourselves. If we donít keep moving our bodies, we will(bullet point)

- lose balance
- have a slower reaction time
- have stiffer limbs
- and experience decreased independence

We also become more susceptible to chronic medical conditions like: arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, osteoporosis, Alzheimerís disease and Parkinsonís.

On camera in front of screen with John lecturing to kids OR narration:

Individuals like John Goddard implement the 6 dimensions of wellness by creating ìto doî lists that cover a variety of goals. Some are more easily obtained while some provide great challenge and even the possibility of failure. In Johnís case - the list provided a structure in his life that kept him going even when the challenge seemed insurmountable.

Sound Bites from John:

-How important reaching his 127th goal - living to the year 2000
-His cancer issue
-The impact of his to do list and goal keeping in his cancer battle

Sound bite from gerentologist on Johnís story and what people can possibly accomplish following his goal oriented approach to life.

Narration:

John has continued to add to his list - the number of goals now tops 400. He even embraces some out of the world ideas.

Sound bite on John wanting to go to the moon and keeping challenge in his life.

Sound bite on the impact of the to do list on the quality of his life and the possible issue of longevity

Narration:

Individuals like John embody the very meaning of seizing a moment in life and living that moment to its fullest. He has done this again and again and continues to battle and beat one of his fiercest adversaries so that he can continue to add to his ìto do list,î keeping his life warm and rich and multi-dimensional. Science seems to support the theory that taking control of oneís life by adding meaning and passion through goal setting WILL add quality if not years on to onesí life.

I personally will continue to watch the news (smile), waiting to see if John Goddard shoots for the moon. For the moment I await the release of his newest book,Ö..

Narrate or graph on screen:

- For physical wellness set goals that include regular activity and healthy eating
- Emphasize awareness and acceptance of your own feelings
- Use your mind to enhance knowledge and battle the effects of aging
- Seek purpose and meaning in life
- Nurture healthy relationships and family harmony
- Establish personal interests and engage in meaningful activities

For further information on the life of John Goddard as well as ìReal Ageî tips and health information please log on to our website atÖÖ..

Closing narration

SHOW CLOSING

Thank you for joining us today - please tune in next week when we talk about “The Newest Blood Plague” and have world- renowned (or celebrity) chef ___________ accept our challenge to create a “light and healthy” version of his______________. (or most noted recipe)

Until next time - this is Teresa Tanous for Healthy Living.