Researchers at the University of Cali- fornia, Davis, found that some types of beer are a good source of dietary silicon, which is known to increase bone density. The study, published in The Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, found beers with high lev- els of hops to be the richest in bone- strengthening silicon, including India Pale Ale at 42.1mg/L; second best were ales at 32.8 mg/L. Other sources of sil- icon include beets, bell peppers and leafy green vegetables.
Five Ways to Protect Yourself
20 to 50 milligrams of silicon a day is good.
Find an advocate. If you’re in the hospital, do everything you can to have a friend or family member at your bedside 24/7. Ask them to work in shifts; they can check medications before they’re administered and follow up on test results. Insist on hand-washing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1.7 million patients per year are affected by “healthcare-associated infections”—meaning infections you get while you’re in a healthcare facility. Ask people whether they washed their hands before you let them treat you and insist that they wear gloves. Keep records with you. Ask for copies of test results and lab work to prevent duplicated procedures and facilitate communication between providers. Stay vigilant. If you’re having surgery, mark your own surgical site with a nontoxic pen or ask your advocate to triple-check that the site marked is correct. Drug errors are also common. Check that the medication and dosage is intended for you. Be an empowered patient. Know your condition, know your medications and treatment plan, and don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions, get a second (or third) opinion or speak up. — lisa lindell, author of 108 Days (March 5 Publishing, 2005)
Amputee Coalition of America
On average, more than 500 people lose a limb every day in the U.S. That number is expected to almost double by 2050. But thanks to the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA), located in Knoxville, Tennessee, there is a chance to change those numbers and give hope to those who have experi- enced limb loss. The ACA is the leading national nonprofi t organi- zation dedicated to serving the needs of people affected by limb loss or limb difference. Their mission is clear: to empower people
to achieve their full potential through education, support and advocacy, and to promote limb loss prevention. Volunteer opportuni- ties at ACA include a National Peer Network that trains people with limb loss to reach out to new amputees and offer support and advice and a Youth Camp where volunteers work with children ages 10-17 who have lost arms and/or legs or who were born with limb differences. To learn more about ACA’s volunteer opportunities and its mission, call 888-267-5669, or you can learn more on the ACA’s website at www.amputee-coalition.org.
Enlist family and friends to help manage your hospital care.