My boyfriend has severe asthma and I would like to ask a question from your
personal experiences & knowledge rather than medical ‘facts’ – does having
good general health and fitness levels make a dramatic difference to asthma?

My boyfriend never exercises and his diet, though improved recently, is by
no means healthy, (high in saturated fat and simple, refined carbs, low in
fruit/veg.) Would this vastly effect his asthma and would regularly airing
pillows, mattresses etc in the sun, pulling up carpet etc make a significant
difference also?

fitness and good health are always worth aiming for…in my
personal experience it’s hard to tell if there is any direct
effect since I tend to be least healthy when my asthma is worse
(it’s when I get least exercise)…I would have thought that it
can make a huge difference in the event of a serious attack
though

diet is also important indirectly…it’s important in terms of
being able to deal with colds and flu etc…and you can’t be
healthy without a decent diet…I was lucky, I shared a kitchen
with a student from Hong Kong when I was at College…so my first
real experience of cooking for myself was being taught how to
make a very healthy meal in a matter of a couple of minutes

keeping bedding clean and aired helps directly…as does
replacing carpets with tiles or laminates…replacing curtains
with blinds helped me too…generally, dust is not my friend, and
anything that helps avoid it with a minimum of effort is a Good
Thing

A diet high in saturated fat is not always a problem. Genetics plays an
importaint part in that. He should have his cholesterol checked befor
determining if it is a problem for him. I had mine check a few years ago
whin my cholesterol intake was at its highest and my levels were at 128/65
so I dont personaly worry about that. (course, I’ve had problems with having
a hyper metabolism and have herd that low cholesterol is farly normal under
that situation)

Eating more fruit would help as fruits contain anti oxidents that help the
immune system. Being in general good health (which can only happen if ones
diet is balanced) reduces the risk of infections. Lung infections are
generaly very bad whin it comes to asthma.

Airing out bedding ect is a good thing
The Lung Association recomends that all bedding including pillows get washed
in hot water and dried eather on the line in the sun or in a hot dryer (like
your going to put pillows on the line, it take all day to dry pillows in the
dryer) as oftain as once a week.

Few areas of health generate more controversy than nutritional supplements.
More than half of all Americans take them-and at least 25 percent take them
daily. That means millions of people are spending billions of dollars in the
belief that supplements will improve their health. Are they getting their money’s
worth?

DON’T ASSUME THAT BECAUSE A PRODUCT IS “ALL NATURAL” IT’S SAFE.

It depends on whom you ask.

You don’t even have to ask the manufacturers and salespeople-they’ll take every
opportunity to tell you that supplements are excellent, even essential. Their
claimsare impressive, and when they appear in print or on a TV or computer screen,
theytake on the voice of authority. Unfortunately, it’s a voice that’s affected by
financialinterest. And since Congress removed supplements from the FDA’s jurisdiction in
1994, salespeople have been able to hype their products without the need to
substantiate their claims.

If you ask a person who takes supplements, you may get an enthusiastic
endorsement. But even though your friends and relatives aren’t motivated by
profit,they’re not a reliable source of information. That’s because testimonials and
anecdotes, however sincere and well intentioned, don’t convey scientific facts.

If you can’t rely on package labels and friends, your next resource is obvious:
your doctor. Keep in mind, however, that the scientific information on most
supplements is scant at best. In addition, physicians have traditionally believed that a
good diet will provide all the vitamins and minerals you need to prevent any deficiency.
That is a valid opinion, but it overlooks emerging information that suggests some
supplements may have benefits above and beyond preventing deficiencies.

SUPPLEMENTS MAY HAVE BENEFITS ABOVE AND BEYOND PREVENTING DEFICIENCIES.

PERSPECTIVES AND PRECAUTIONS
Don’t take supplements to feel or function better; vitamins, minerals and herbs
do not increase energy, improve sexual performance, reduce stress, prevent
infections, promote sleep, or sharpen the mind. If you take supplements, use
them carefully, choosing among those that have a real chance of reducing your
long-term risk of heart disease or other ailments.

Don’t take mega doses. Vitamins and minerals are essential for health in small
doses, but they can be toxic in high doses. Don’t assume that because a product
is “all-natural” it’s safe. Remember that supplements are not subject to the
standards of safety, efficacy, purity and quality that apply to medication.

Don’t waste your money on expensive brands or designer supplements. Natural
vitamins are no better than synthetic vitamins; choose the least costly
preparation from a reputable supplier. Select products that are fully
labeled-with content, dosage and expiration date. Supplements that conform to
the standards of the United States Pharmacopeia are desirable.

Remember that food is the best source of vitamins, minerals and other
nutrients. In particular, vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain products supply
dietary fiber and many other important vitamins and nutrients. Excessive
cooking and processing can remove vitamins from fresh and whole foods.

Above all, never take supplements as substitutes for good nutrition and sound
health habits. Nature is smarter than the finest chemist; vitamins, minerals,
herbs and extracts may not retain the beneficial properties of real food.

Source: Harvard Men’s Health Watch, Vol. 4, No. 7, pp. 1-5
This Harvard Special Report is brought to you in collaboration with Harvard
Health Publications, the consumer education division of Harvard Medical School.
For information on Harvard Men’s Health Watch and subscriptions to other
Harvard medical consumer newsletters and publications, visit their web site at
www.health.harvard.edu/fhg.

This is a yes and no question. Science has definately shown that supplements
are helping and fewer people are now having doctor visits. In addition, we are
living longer. Unfortunately, this doesn’t address the new strains of virus
and bacteria that our out there.

The negative side to supplements is that taking the wrong supplement will
depress or short out the thyroid and adrenals. Doing this will yield acid and
toxicity which
are the perfect environments for all disease and illness. Moreover, I have
read where taking the wrong supplement for extended periods of time will
actually rot out organs.

I personally will not take anything unless my clinical kinesiologist tests it
on me. These doctors can muscle test products against your body for weakness
or strength. I have found over the past six years that almost every store
bought product tests out bad on me. I searched feverishly for a natural green
food product and even those tested out bad. My conclusion is that you should
only take supplements for a specific amount of time to correct a specific
problem.. When I have a thyroid problem, my holistic doctor gives me something
for a few weeks and them I am off of it. I get everything that I need from raw
and live foods, essential oils, and distilled water.

Vitamins are an important part of a health diet. Unlike carbohydrates,
proteins, and fats, vitamins do not directly provide building blocks or
energy for your body; vitamins function as assistants to your body in
creating and breakdown down building blocks and storing and releasing
energy.

Vitamins come in two basic types: water-soluble and fat-soluble (see
the table on the website below)

Quick-Guide to Vitamins by Shoppe.MD Online Pharmacy

If your diet generally follows the USDA Food Guide Pyramid, you will
get the recommended daily allowances of vitamins (the amount people
generally need). But there are many reasons why these guidelines might
not get us the vitamins we need.

* Day-to-day living: In the rush of daily life, it may be hard to eat a
consistently balanced diet. Sometimes we skip meals or buy them from
sources (like fast-food restaurants) where we do not have easy access
to information about nutritional value.

* Pregnancy: If you are pregnant (or breastfeeding), you may need to
significantly change your vitamin intake. Folic acid is crucial to the
brain and nervous system development of, but at the same time an excess
of other vitamins (including vitamin A) can cause serious fetal injury.

* Seniority: Seniors often have difficulties eating or digesting
certain foods, including those that can provide vitamins

* Diets: Being on low-calorie diets or diets that restrict certain
types of food can significantly impact getting enough of all kinds of
vitamins.

So for many of us, vitamin supplements will be helpful in getting and
staying healthy. But like anything else we do for our health, it’s as
important to know the risks as the benefits.

* The “Too Much of a Good Thing” Trap: Vitamins in the proper doses
are good for you. But many vitamins are toxic in large quantities, so
taking more than enough may be a bad idea. Excess vitamin A can lead to
nausea, vomiting, and peeling skin, and over the long-term can lead to
significant damage to bones, brain and nerves. It can also be very
dangerous for a developing fetus. Vitamin E can cause a rise in LDL
(“bad”) cholesterol, and like all fat-soluble vitamins, is stored
in the liver, so if you take a little bit extra every day, the impact
can show up over time. Even vitamin D, the bone-building vitamin, can
actually encourage bone loss if taken in excess.

* Vitamins are not food: Vitamins are sometimes called
“micronutrients.” Small doses can keep us healthy. However, they
are not a substitute for the food that your body needs to make energy
and rebuild damaged tissue. Diets that severely restrict or eliminate
proteins, fats, or carbohydrates can impair functioning, and vitamins
cannot make up for that.

* Fetuses and children are not grown-ups: Children have special
vitamins for a reason – their bodies need different things than adults
do. Treat children’s supplements like any other medication; they may
taste like candy, but letting your child take more than the recommended
dose can have significant consequences. To keep a fetus growing
steadily and correctly, a vitamin discussion should be part of your
regular prenatal care.

Well, maybe it’s the current trends and I’m too old to catch on, but
the issue I just received of MAN Magazine contains (3) ARF and (1) park flier
review(s).

I guess after nearly 8 years of subscribing I’ll not be renewing my
subscription next year. That’s not the kind of stuff that holds my
interest.
I hope someone else picks up the slack.

I still have RCM, R/C Report, MA, and the IMAA rag delivered.

It’s a shame. What do you guys think?

I agree with you 100%. I have a bunch of back issues from 1979 to
present. Take a look at one of the mags from the 80’s and compare it to
today. Of course, the technology and products look dated, but look how much
good information there was. And after that recent bloody pheromone ad, that
was the last straw. MAN Magazine sits on the shelves from now on. If I feel
I must read an article, I will read it for free at Chapters, or go to the local
library. I certainly will not buy it, until things change. Maybe we’re just
getting to be modelling “Old Farts” – I don’t know.

Never took MAN Magazine on a subscription ’cause they always had more kit reviews
and non of the electronic projects of RCM.
After 20 years I’ve just cancelled RCM and should have done it 5 years
ago , content is 65% advertisment 15% american club scene and contests,
10% ARF review, 10% kit review, 5% real modeling.
With the current dollar rate that’s a load of money for less than 5%
interesting content.
I’ll stick with the German and French magasines which come each month
with a free plan and plenty of real modelling ( how to make your own CNC
router or foam core cutter, that’s what I call real) .
Probably is the trend : fast food, ready made model airplanes, quick
affaires, short term profits ….. but please die slowly so that the doc
can make easy money on keeping you mechanicaly alive as long as
profitable :-).

Hmm, I cancelled my sub to MAN Magazine over a year ago. They even had someone call
to ask why. Simple;

I get all the tips and tricks I could ever use from the guys at the field,
at various websites, OLD modeling mags, and here. I’ve had no use for ARFs
yet, and don’t see it happening anytime soon. Just don’t have any faith in a
laboror’s glue joint that I can’t inspect and redo. I have the most
difficult time visualizing a guy taking pride in a model that was built by
unskilled labor in a sweat shop, and calling it his own. Electrics intrigue
me, but I’m having way too much fun with nitrometh to be distracted.

To each their own. The “popular” mags are going for the dough, whatever. I
like to build and the magazines are offering less and less for the buck
where building is concerned. And I’ve found that I don’t miss them that
much. I’m not in this hobby to be with the popular group, but to enjoy
myself doing what turns me on. Same reason that a lot of guys give a sh!t
who’s running the AMA; This is a hobby, we didn’t get into this to play
politics, but to enjoy ourselves. History is full of folks who want nothing
but to have some kind of control over the rest of us. This hobby is just
another example of that. I think that ALL these AMA politicos are pathetic,
but that’s for me to think…

Is Gordan still publishing RC Report? Hell, I’ve got a bunch of way back
issues, but thought he’d quit…

It’s a thought I’ve always had but never actually said it out
loud until the past few months. Isn’t it a shame that we can
all pretty much get medical coverage to fill prescription
drugs that we need, but not to fill vitamins or even herbs that
we need. Health Insurance companies will pay for us to fill
our bodies with the heavy chemical drugs, but they won’t pay
for us to fill our bodies with any healthy vitamins/herbs.

They don’t seem to care if somebody is getting better off of
a natural remedy, but they’ll pay for the unnatural remedy,
the one that often gives you dangerous side effects in the
long run, or the one that may make you sicker in the long run
which will cause you to need to spend the insurances money
again and get another drug to counter-act the first one, and
so on. I for one would like to heal my body the natural way,
from the earth, not with man-made chemicals, but I just cannot
afford to go the health route. (although I do know some health
remedies have dangerous side effects too.)

Well, that was just my two cents worth. I was just thinking
out loud to yall. (And since it’s hard to tell what one’s
demeanor is just by reading their words on the screen, I’ll
tell you what mine is: calm, small gentle smile, quiet, prudent
thinker….I’ll let you know when I’m screaming, ok?)

Such a system would be nice. But, for the most part in the USA, we do
not have a health care system but rather a health crisis intervention
system. We do not promote wellness and prevention, rather we respond
to the ills that have developed from lifestyles known to result in poor
health. There is much more money to be made in treating an illness
than there is in its prevention.

It’s not a conspiracy issue here as much as it is that people tend to
take their health for granted. The poor health habits we kept as a teen
do not hit us until we reach 40+. And then it hits pretty hard. We
are then forced to realize that “Hey! maybe I’m not invincible after all.”

Nothing like an illness that drops you to make you realize what a
blessing you had when you were healthy. Sadly, it seems that this is
something that a person must learn first hand. I am certain everyone
on this list has a bit more wisdom concerning health issues now.
Do you think that a healthy person would heed your warning?

One in three people can expect to get cancer. You would think that
this statistic would deter people from smoking. It’s on the rise in
teens. The odds of winning the lottery are much worse and many people
play that, anticipating winning. One in three, 30 percent. You see
people that keep more healthy lifestyles than your own, being stricken
with this disease and for some reason we think ourselves immune.

A major medical emergency will wipe you out financially. There are
probably more than a few on this list that have spent tens of thousands
of dollars in just getting a correct diagnosis of their illness. Fear
of financial ruin sells insurance. This fear creates financial gain
in the insurance industry.

I see the day approaching where this practice is going to bite the
insurance companies. When we have a nation of sickly people requiring
medical care, the financial demands placed on the insurance companies
will break them. Then you have a sick nation without means of medical
care. And how will future generations deal with this problem? Well,
I think the kevorkian technique will become very popular. Today, it
is gaining more acceptance. This is kind of frightening.

How will the insurance companies protect themselves financially
from this health care catastrophe which they in part are responsible
for? They will raise rates and limit coverage. And we see that
happening already within the industry.

It has been my experience that health care, wellness, and prevention
do not sell well. I have encountered relatively few people outside the
medical profession, and people dealing with a major illness, that know
anything about how their body works. They don’t care how it works, they
just want to know what pill they have to take to feel better.

I know a woman that thought two 32oz. soda’s daily provided her body
with all the fluid requirements that her body needed. She rarely ever
drank anything else. She broke her ankle. The bones would not mend.
After a year they had to operate to put pins in the bones. Do you think
there is a connection here? I think so. Do you think she changed her
habit of drinking sodas? Not a chance.

I have recommended people to investigate learning more about microwater.
No one bothers to even read the articles. I guess 5 pages is just too
much text.

As it concerns health care, you can pay now, or you can pay later. But
eventually, everyone pays.