Figuring out whether your weight is in the healthy range involves multiplication, division and calculating your height in inches, squared. If you do all that right, you’ll get your Body Mass Index (BMI), which ideally should be in the range of 19 to 24. A Nevada professor of applied statistics has come up with an easier formula you probably can do in your head. Here’s how: for women, the baseline height is 5 feet and the maximum weight limit (MWL) is 125, meaning that if you’re 5 feet tall and weigh more than 125 you’re over your MWL. If you’re taller, add 4.5 pounds for every extra inch – so if you’re 5’5", your MWL would be 147.5 (125 + 22.5). If you’re less than 5 feet tall, subtract 4.5 pounds for every inch below that baseline. For men, the baseline height is 5’9" and MWL is 175. For every additional inch, add five pounds (or subtract five for every inch under 5’9"). Results closely correspond to your BMI. Professor George Fernandez presented his new method at the Sept. 22, 2009 Nevada Public Health Association Conference.
Achieving a Healthy Weight
Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging can help you achieve your weight goals: Fitness guidance from Dr. Weil's personal trainer, healthy recipes and eating guides, and a supportive community provide the tools, knowledge and support to keep you on the right track - sign up for your 14-day free trial today and save 30%!
Zinc Deficiency May Be Common And Damage DNA
We all need zinc to help protect against oxidative stress and complete DNA repair, but deficiencies in this trace mineral may be common and increase risks of cancer, DNA damage, infectious diseases and suboptimal immune function. The older you get, the greater the risk of running low on zinc. An estimated 12 percent of the U.S. population is probably at risk of zinc deficiency, and up to 40 percent of seniors may be deficient because absorption of zinc slows with age and because dietary intake may not meet your nutritional needs, according to experts at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. One recent study found that even a minor zinc deficiency can result in increased DNA damage. Zinc deficiencies have been linked to prostate cancer and to esophageal, breast and head and neck cancers and may contribute to infections and to autoimmune diseases. Unfortunately, tests for zinc status aren’t very good. The best dietary sources are beef and poultry; zinc is poorly absorbed from plants. The recommended daily allowance is 8 mg for women and 11 mg for men, but I generally recommend taking 15 mg of zinc daily - or up to 30 mg daily if you don't eat many foods of animal origin.
Are You Getting Enough Zinc?
Find out - get your free personalized supplement evaluation from the new and improved Dr. Weil's Vitamin Advisor. It is based on your health history and lifestyle, and provides science-based dosage and supplement recommendations. Visit today and when you make your first purchase save up to 25%!
Wash Your Hands 10 Times Daily to Prevent Flu
That sounds like a lot, but an updated review of available methods to protect against flu shows that hand washing more than 10 times a day is one of the most effective strategies. (None of the studies reviewed determined whether adding antiseptics to plain soap and water really helps.)Wearing gloves, masks and gowns (the types medical personnel don in hospitals) works as well, particularly if you combine tactics. And, if you’re thinking of buying a mask, note that a costly and uncomfortable facial mask (called N95) offered no practical advantage over simple surgical masks, according to the review authors. The study also compared other strategies including quarantine/isolation, distancing sick people from healthy people through non-quarantine methods and better hygiene. Overall, the review found that the highest quality studies showed that the spread of disease can be lowered through hygiene in households and among young children. The authors suggested instituting school programs to encourage hand washing. The update was published online Sept. 22, 2009 in BMJ.
Worried About Flu?
In addition to practicing common-sense safety precautions such as washing your hands, covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze, and avoiding those who are sick, consider taking Dr. Weil’s Immune Support Formula to help maintain a strong defense against the flu. It contains astragalus, a traditional herb that boosts immunity. Learn more and buy it with just one click.
True Food Kitchen Recipe: Lemon Olive Oil Cake
A True Food Kitchen restaurant exclusive! While you might be hesitant to use olive oil in a dessert recipe, such fears are groundless. Olive oil gives this cake a unique flavor and richness that is balanced out by a little sweetness and the light freshness of lemons. Hesitate no more!
View Recipe
Food as Medicine
Compounds known as limonins in the cells of citrus fruits have been shown to help reduce the risk of cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon.
Healthy Aging Tip
Courtesy of Dr.Weil on Healthy Aging
Seasonal Foods: Apples. Nothing says fall more than apple picking, and this pome (a botanical classification that includes pears, loquats and quince) fruit is an easily portable source of nutrients including soluble and insoluble dietary fiber and vitamin C. Choose apples free of blemishes, and always seek out organically grown apples to avoid pesticide exposure.
Featured Discussion:
"Do you have any good sardine recipes?" asks Crack.
(I’m)…ready to take the plunge into the world of sardines, after avoiding them for no good reason for all of my life. (Does) anyone have any good recipes/ways of preparing them? (Are there) any canned varieties you recommend?
Sponsor
A Diet for Healthy Aging
Want to help reduce the risk of age-related diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer's and many forms of cancer? Simply follow the Dr. Weil-recommended anti-inflammatory diet available on Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging. It's your online guide to the anti-inflammatory diet, with shopping guides, eating tips, recipes and more. Start your 14-day free trial now!
What's New
Dr. Weil's NEW Book on Sale Now!
Why Our Health Matters: A Vision of Medicine That Can Transform Our Future
Dr. Weil's new book illuminates how healthcare in America has become overpriced, ineffective and ultimately disastrous - and what can be done to fix it. Here is a list of all promotional events on the book tour.
20th Annual Bioneers Conference
October 16-18, 2009, San Rafael, California
Dr. Weil will be speaking about environmental health and environmental medicine. The conference is a leading-edge forum where you can see tomorrow today: a future environment of hope. Social and scientific innovators focus on breakthrough solutions inspired by nature and human ingenuity. You can connect with hundreds or thousands of engaged folks making a real difference. Registration information.
Healthy Aging Workshop
October 25-28, 2009, Tucson, Arizona
Join us for this special educational offering featuring Dr. Weil and the faculty and directors of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at Miraval Resort and Spa, in Tucson, Arizona. This unique four-day healthy aging workshop was developed by Dr. Andrew Weil and will feature the latest information from leading experts in the field of integrative medicine. For rates, reservations and availability for this event, visit the Miraval website, or call 1-800-232-3969.
Dr. Andrew Weil to Present at TEDMED 2009
What Are the Myths and Realities of America's Health Care?
October 27-30, 2009, San Diego, California
Dr. Weil will present at the TEDMED 2009 conference at the historic Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego California. This is an engaging and thought-provoking event, bringing together the top leaders and luminaries from numerous disciplines that intersect the fields of medicine and healthcare. Conference registration information.
FEATURED PRODUCTS
Newsletters
