BODY WATCH : Holistic Road to Women’s Health

Women have a chance to sidestep some common ailments. The American Dietetic Assn.’s Nutrition and Health Campaign advocates a regimen of good nutrition and exercise to reduce the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and breast cancer.

Emphasis is on achieving and maintaining a healthy weight (100 pounds plus five pounds for every inch over 5 feet) through a balanced diet and exercise plan. Women should aim for a diet low in fat and high in fruits, vegetables, grains, calcium and Vitamin D.

“In the past, there was a tendency to look at various nutritional components--such as fat or calories--in isolation,” says Susan Calvert Finn, former ADA president. “What now seems clear is that total lifestyle approach, incorporating healthy weight and increased physical activity, may be a common disease preventive for women.”

Marrow Comes to the Rescue

Researchers are using bone marrow in some breast cancer patients as a “rescue” from the otherwise fatal effects of unusually high doses of chemotherapy. The treatment is being used in patients whose tumors have metastasized or invaded lymph nodes under the armpits.

The marrow, donated by the patient, is returned to her bloodstream post-chemotherapy.

Duke University Cancer Center reports promising results in two key groups with poor prognoses: those with metastatic cancer and newly diagnosed patients at high risk of recurrence. But health insurance companies are not convinced of the necessity of the costly procedure. Blue Cross/Blue Shield is helping to pay for three studies, conducted by the National Cancer Institute.

Results will not be available for at least three years.

It’s Not the Age of the Animal--It’s the Wear

The ratio of one dog year to seven human years is a myth and should not be used to gauge health care for aging animals, the American Animal Hospital Assn. says. Most animals reach sexual maturity at 6 months and full maturity at 12 to 14 months. The first year equates to 16 to 20 human years for most cats and dogs. Thereafter, aging slows to the equivalent of one animal year to four human years.

As animals age, look for weight gain, thinning and graying fur, behavioral changes, hearing/vision loss and less bladder control. Dr. Clayton MacKay adds: “It’s not the pet’s actual age that’s important, but the wear the animal shows.”

Seems to be true of most bipeds we know, too.