Health Notes
Selections from our monthly newsletter by Dr. Gary Hullquist, MD

Weight a Minute! Sometimes that's all it takes to make a change--up or down. Though there are some who have trouble gaining weight, the bigger problem in this country is loosing it. Basic laws determine weight control. Obviously, fat, fried, rich, sugary food will not only taste good to you, it'll look good on you. Safe fare can be found in fresh, live food with high water content: mostly fruits and raw veggies. Not only what you eat, but when is critically important. Calories should be loaded into the early part of a day: eat deserts with a substantial breakfast, and keep suppers simple. This works because our physical activity can burn off morning calories, while bedtime banquets merely get stored. And exercise is the key to keeping our balance. Fuel that doesn't get burned for physical energy needs just stays around and around. Fewer meals may be better for many instead of grazing throughout the day. Remember: more snacks mean bigger slacks. Wonderful Water Wouldn't we want a way to work without worrying why we wear out? Well, we can when we have enough water in our system. Yes, water is the true elixer of life: universal solvent for things external and universal transport medium for everything else internal to the human body. Although it is possible to overdose on water (very rare in the absence of heart or kidney failure), the occurance of water deficiency is alarmingly common. When water levels dip below the optimum for peak performance, a multitude of functions can suffer. Digestion, thermal regulation of body temperature, metabolic waste removal, mental agility, memory, and physical endurance are all impaired in the face of dehydration. And our sense of thirst is an unreliable indicator of water needs. By the time we notice that dry mouth need for quenching it, we're already 5% dehydrated. Pure, undiluted (and unchlorinated) water is the best. A good rule for dosing is two 8-ounce glasses first thing on waking up, followed by a glass an hour until you've downed your quota of 8-10 for the day. Another handy tip: keep the water going out as clear and colorless as the water going in (unless you're taking medication or vitamin B-complex that dyes the urine). Water on the outside, both hot and cold, is excellent for stimulating circulation, normalizing hypo- and hyperthermic states, and aids in general toxin removal (your skin is the largest excretory organ). So drink up, and shower down, or relax in a soothing soak.