Potassium Protects the Heart A


ccording to the American Heart As- sociation, heart disease is the leading


cause of death and a major contributor to disability in this country. A recent study sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that in addition to cutting dietary sodium to improve heart health, Americans should increase consumption of a key mineral found in many fruits and vegetables: po- tassium. The study of more than 12,000 adults reported that people eating a diet


high in sodium and low in potassium have a 50 percent increased risk of death from any disease than average and about twice the risk of death from heart attacks. Sodium, a key component of salt, raises blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease. Potassium has been found to offset sodium’s impact on blood pressure.


Current U.S. dietary guidelines recommend an adult daily potassium intake of 4,700 milligrams and a maximum sodium intake of 2,300 milligrams (about a teaspoon of salt); or less than 1,500 milligrams for people age 51 and older, African-Americans or those that suffer from hypertension, diabetes or chronic kidney disease. The CDC reveals that the average American adult consumes 3,400 milligrams


of sodium a day, about 80 percent from processed or restaurant foods. To achieve a healthier sodium-potassium ratio, the CDC recommends a diet that emphasizes fresh, unprocessed foods and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Foods high in potas- sium include sweet and white potatoes, spinach, tomatoes and bananas, as well as orange and prune juice, dates, plain yogurt and fish.


Regular Bedtimes Make Kids Smarter A


by the Lake LUBE & TUNE


Family Owned & Operated!


WE GO THE EXTRA MILE BECAUSE


YOU’RE LIKE FAMILY


FULL MECHANICAL AUto SErvICE & rEpAIr


• We do Brakes, Starters, Radiators and More • AAA customer satisfaction rate = 100%


ccording to research presented at the 24th annual meeting of the As- sociated Professional Sleep Societies, children that get adequate sleep score higher on a range of developmental as- sessments. The researchers emphasized that having a regular bedtime was the most consistent predictor of positive de- velopmental outcomes at 4 years of age. Scores for receptive and expressive language skills, awareness of sound-word structure, literacy and early math abili- ties were higher in children whose parents maintained rules about going to bed at a prescribed time. Having an earlier bedtime further supported higher scores for most developmental measures. The study involved a nationally representative sample of approximately


8,000 children that completed a direct assessment at 4 years of age. They were part of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort.


Source: American Academy of Sleep Medicine


• Engine Diagnostics • Air Conditioning Service • 30/60/90K Scheduled Maintenance


• State Inspections • Courtesy Drop Off/Pick Up • Children’s Playroom


$3.00 oFF


oIL CHANGE 8810 Garland Rd.


Across From the Arboretum


8-6 Weekdays 8-5 Saturday


www.KwikKarBytheLake.com 214-319-8989


natural awakenings February 2012 11


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40