The Dirt The Benefits of Probiotics Probiotics are defined by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization and the World Health Organization as “live Human intestines naturally contain about 70 trillion good bacteria, which keep us healthy and help our digestion function properly. Typically, probiotic bacteria can be separated into two groups, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. If something contains an active ingredient from either of these groups, it is considered a probiotic product. “Poor diet, stress, infections, malnourishment, and the use of antibiotics can all change a person’s intestinal flora,” says Dr. Sareena Jaspal, a San Francisco−based pediatrician. “Even though they didn’t teach this in medical school, we’ve seen positive effects by helping restore good flora in patients’ intestinal tracts. “A great, inexpensive way to get probiotics is to eat yogurt,” says Dr. Jaspal. Yogurt is a well-known home remedy for side effects associated with antibiotic use, such as yeast infections, diarrhea, and gas. The medical community is now researching the promising effects that yogurt, as a probiotic product, has on other systematic ailments, such as asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, eczema, and allergies. For more information on probiotics, visit the National Institutes of Health at www.nccam.nih.gov. Running Through A War Zone In 2004 the first combat-deployed marathon was run Duty during combat deployment is typically 12 to 15 hours a day, seven days a week, which makes training very challenging for most soldiers. A marathon for anyone is a huge achievement, but for the average soldier whose only day off may be that race day it is an incredible feat. I had time for only about 2 to 3 miles of running a day, and the Iraq marathon is the first race I actually trained for. Our combat amputees who have stepped up to do marathons after their recoveries are the ultimate inspiration to me. At the same time that running in Iraq is a huge stress buster, there are still constant reminders of where you are. When I was in Afghanistan, my daily run route took me right past a minefield, which was the ultimate reminder of where I was training. The high altitude at Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan, was also certainly something to contend with that I have never experienced anywhere else. Running in the vicinity of an airfield was awesome as all of the non-Aviation runners were able to see our men and women in action; often pilots, crew chiefs, and gunners are unseen heroes who quietly bring a lot of security to the guys on the ground. On race day, however, as we ran we were able to see these guardian angels launch, land, and launch again in support of the many operations going on right outside the gate. Although we had elaborate contingency plans for what would happen if we received rocket and/or mortar fire on that day, we were blessed with a quiet run, affording nothing but good memories of the race. The camaraderie was phenomenal! Many of us runners began three-year tours together and had run the marathon in Afghanistan with one another two years prior; the Iraq marathon would be our last marathon we would complete as members of the same infantry division. The finish line was a veritable family reunion for us. The volunteers and spectators went all out on race day. Our brothers in arms from the 82nd Airborne Division were actually using a set of binoculars to spot bib numbers so they could shout out by name encouragement through a bullhorn to each and every runner. I cannot even begin to describe the deep connection we had to the Hawaii runners. There were several deployed runners whose spouses were running the Oahu marathon; we had an emotional videoconference with several spouses, who recounted training “together” for the event that they would complete several time zones apart. Along the way I have learned to keep my goals firmly in mind, practice regular positive mental imagery, and strive to live up to the example of my mentors and role models. Believe in yourself and your mission. Pull together with others, train hard, and you will never fail. —As told to Bryn Fox Flight Anxiety Studies indicate that as much as 60 percent of the population has some degree of fear of flying. Yet air travel is 29 times safer than traveling by car, so why are so many people affected? According to Dr. Albert Forgione, founder of the Institute for Psychology of Air Travel, it’s due to the lack of control we have over the plane. Also, more than 50 percent of those who suffer from flight anxiety learn it from a parent, spouse, or other travel companion. If you follow these tips, however, you just might be on your way to a healthy relationship with flying the friendly skies. What to Do Before You Get on the Plane • “Never rush to make a flight,” says Dr. Forgione. Rushing causes anxiety, which leaves your body slowly. If you rush onto a plane, you’re likely to still feel anxious during take- off, which, because it’s thought of as the most stressful part of flying, is the time you want to be the most relaxed. • Eat something nutritious before and during a flight. When you don’t eat, your body releases adrenaline, which can cause anxiety. To maintain an even blood-sugar level, eat every three hours. • “Practice your ability to focus awareness,” says Dr. Forgione. Focus on positive thoughts and avoid thinking about the flight itself or about all of the possible things that could go wrong. Think of something like lying on a beach, and go back to that vision every time negative thoughts try and creep into your mind. What to Do During the Flight • Repeat the mantra Just because I am anxious doesn’t mean something bad is going to happen. “Many people have problems when they’re experiencing anxiety, and they don’t know where it is coming from or how to stop it,” says Dr. Forgione. It is important at these times to repeat the mantra. • Breathe from your diaphragm. The last thing you want when you’re nervous is to be unable to breathe. Recline your seat and place a pillow under the small of your back. Place a hand above your belly button and watch your hand Helpful Tip #1 Skin Soother Is the change of season wreaking havoc on your hands and cuticles? New York−based skin care expert Raechel Cunningham offers this easy homemade remedy that will have your hands feeling soft in no time. Mojito Hand Scrub Chop up mint leaves and squeeze lime juice into a mixing bowl. Combine with remaining ingredients. Massage scrub into your hands. Jumpstart Your Vote It’s a year away, but it’s coming! Tuesday, November 4, 2008, is Election Day for national, state, and local officials. And it’s not too early to start familiarizing yourself with the candidates and the issues. Here are some tips on how to raise your political IQ so you can get a jump on the elections. Register to Vote First of all, if you’re not registered, do it now. These websites can help you do it today: ≥ Project Vote Smart. www.vote-smart.org ≥ League of Women Voters. Information site, www.vote411.org ≥ Declare Yourself. Focused on young voters, www.declareyourself.org ≥ Women’s Voices. Women Vote. Information for single women voters, www.wvwv.org Voting 101: Getting Familiar with the Issues As simple as it sounds, according to Deborah Howell, ombudsman for the Washington Times, the best way to start understanding political issues is to read the newspaper. “When it comes to voting, most people know who they want to vote for in the presidential election. It’s the state and local elections where they’re not as familiar with the candidates and issues. Read your local newspaper, with a focus on political issues and candidates, and you’ll gain a better sense of the important issues.” Online Resources Going to candidates’ websites can also help you get familiar with them. Professor Hahrie Han, Knafel assistant professor of social sciences at Wellesley College, says, “There is so much available on the web. You can also go on websites like the League of Women Voters [a national nonpartisan organization]. They post voter guides, which give a lot of information about candidates and their positions on issues.” Another great nonpartisan tool that Han recommends is Project Vote Smart (www.vote-smart.org). Based in Butte, Montana, Project Vote Smart is a consortium of politicians and volunteers who have built a powerful engine that pulls together information to better inform Americans about current political representatives and the candidates running for office. Just type your ZIP code, and it automatically generates an impressive amount of in-depth information about the politicians who govern your community, your state, and the country. Local Civic Groups To learn more about politics in your community, Howell says, “See what issues are being raised by your local civic groups. This is a good way to quickly identify the important local issues being discussed and decided in the election.” Although there is still a year to get organized and informed for the next elections, make it a goal to know whom you’re voting for on the local, state, and national levels. —M. L. |
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microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” The medical community has been focusing increasingly more attention on them and the health benefits of the foods that contain them.
