CORVALLIS, Ore. - Lipoic acid may inhibit formation of arterial lesions, lower triglycerides and reduce blood vessel inflammation and weight gain, a U.S. study found. Scientists at the Linus Pauling Institute and College of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University and the University of Washington said that their study in mice cannot be directly extrapolated beyond the laboratory but they strongly suggest that lipoic acid supplementation may be useful as an inexpensive but effective intervention ... [full story]

Over the last decade medical science has found many health issues that can be eased, if not completely cured, by a daily constitutional. Now a new study has added the reduction of stress and depression associated with the onset of menopause to those conditions already found to be relieved by regular brisk walks. The study was published in the January issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. "With the aging population, physical activity represents one ... [full story]

The moves: Performing pelvic tilts while sitting on an exercise ball.   PREVENT BACK INJURY - To improve lumbar spine mobility and help prevent lower back injury, firefighter Patricia Stone sits on a stability ball and alternates tucking the tailbone under and arching the lower back. CNS Photo by Nadia Borowski Scott. Works on: Lumbar spine mobility; abdominal muscles; lower-back injury prevention by learning control of the lower-back area. Set up: Sit on the ball with the ... [full story]

  Exercising is one of the best things you can do for yourself in planning a successful lifestyle. Lack of time is the No. 1 barrier against exercising. A few suggestions on time management include …  [full story]

Even a modest amount of brisk walking has significant health benefits, a new Duke University study has found, reducing waistlines and the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS), an increasingly common condition linked to obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.   NO PAIN, NO GAIN - Even a modest amount of brisk walking has significant health benefits, a new Duke University study has found. CNS Photo.    MEDTRONICA - The Needy Meds Web site at www.needymeds.com connects you to programs ... [full story]

Contrary to popular belief, life for the poor in the United States offers little protection from the kinds of parasitic infections found in the Third World, says a study published in December in the Public Library of Science Neglected Tropical Diseases, a free, online, peer-reviewed medical journal. Peter Hotez of the George Washington University and the Sabin Vaccine Institute says that there is evidence that the parasitic diseases are very common in the United States, ... [full story]

The moves: Performing a bench dip with the feet on an exercise ball.   BENCH DIP - Firefighter Jill Murray performs a bench dip with her feet on a stability ball and her torso erect. CNS Photo by Nadia Borowski Scott. Works on: Chest and triceps strength, trunk stability. Set up: Sit sideways on a flat bench with an exercise ball at your feet. Place one leg at a time on top of the ball and raise ... [full story]

  The birth control pill known as the “combination pill” is the most commonly prescribed oral contraceptive. It contains a combination of the hormones estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation …  [full story]

A study out of The Ohio State University has found that eliminating household fleas can be done effectively without the use of toxic chemicals. All it takes is regular use of a vacuum cleaner. Researchers have determined that vacuuming kills fleas in all stages of their lives, with an average of 96 percent success in adult fleas and 100 percent destruction of fleas in their immature pupal or larval stages. The results of the study ... [full story]

The moves: Performing a crunch in a push-up position.   REVERSE CRUNCH - Working on upper extremity strength and core stability, firefighter Jeffrey Butkowski performs reverse crunches as he bends and pulls in his knees while his feet are positioned on a stability ball. CNS Photo by Nadia Borowski Scott. Works on: Upper extremity strength, shoulder and abdominal stabilization. Set-up: Kneel on the ground in front of an exercise ball. Lay your chest onto the ball and ... [full story]

  Following simple precautions (like washing your hands often, disinfecting work surfaces, avoiding touching your nose, mouth and eyes and staying away from people who have a cold or flu) can help prevent you from getting ill.  [full story]

Every U.S. president since Ronald Reagan in 1981 has proclaimed December as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. The week between Christmas and New Year's Day is generally considered by transportation officials to be one of the most dangerous times to be on the road. Alcohol and icy roads make a dangerous mix. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2005, 16,885 Americans died in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes, accounting for 39 ... [full story]

The moves: Performing a bent-over row with the knees on an exercise ball.   ADVANCED CLASS - In an advanced exercise for the rhomboid and posterior deltoid muscles, firefighter Piper Denlinger performs bent-over rows with a dumbbell while kneeling on a stability ball and holding onto a bench. CNS Photo by Nadia Borowski Scott. Works on: Rowing arm: rhomboid, posterior deltoid, biceps strength. Stabilizing arm: pectoral and anterior deltoid strength. Trunk: Core stabilization. Setup: Face the end ... [full story]