The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas is home to some of the nation's leading experts on human disease, medical research, nutrition, psychology, emergency medicine, and children's health.
The UT Southwestern Office of News and Publications can help print, television and radio reporters get interviews with experts in numerous health and science fields. Please call 214-648-3404, let us know what you're working on and we'll get you in touch with the person you need to make your story happen. E-mail enquiries should be sent to [email protected].
Here are some holiday news tips for your use, or call us if you're interested in expanding on the subject and need more information.
DON'T FORGET TO REFRIGERATE YOUR HOLIDAY LEFTOVERS
Storing leftovers properly and promptly will save your family from unwanted stomachaches and illnesses during this holiday season.
Proper food storage is important for protection against bacteria growth, says Dr. Vickie Vaclavik, clinical assistant professor of clinical nutrition at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.
Common symptoms that can result from improper food storage include vomiting, nausea and diarrhea.
Doctors say hot leftover food items should be cooled on the counter for 20 to 30 minutes before they are stored in the refrigerator. The refrigeration temperature should be set at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or less, and the food items should be covered.
"I would suggest serving small batches of a food item while additional plates or trays of the same food are kept cold in the refrigerator, or in a heated oven for later use," Vaclavik says.
Media Contact: Amy Shields
ONE MORE REASON TO JUST SAY NO TO FAST FOOD: MOTION SICKNESS
If you are driving or flying to grandma's house this holiday season, you might want to avoid fast-food stops along the way.
Most people know that reading while traveling can trigger motion sickness, but did you know that alcohol and spicy or greasy foods may also contribute to queasiness?
If you are planning to fly, arrive early to avoid stress; travel at the least busiest time; and sit over the wing, which provides a more stable feeling, doctors say.
For car travel, sit in the front seat so that the scenery can be taken in from a distance.
In addition to skipping fast food and getting plenty of sleep the night before a big trip, doctors says it's a good idea to sit facing forward so that your eyes see the same motion your body feels.
So plan on keeping that book in your travel bag. Pack a few healthy snacks to tide you over during your trip, and look forward -- to the good food at grandma's house.
Media Contact: Mindy Baxter
JUST DO IT, BUT EXPECT SLOW IMPROVEMENT
If you're one of the millions of Americans who've resolved to improve your health by starting an exercise program, be patient.
"People start exercising with good intentions, but their high expectations could be a recipe for failure," says Dr. Peter Snell, an exercise physiologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. "It took years for your body to get out of shape, don't expect results overnight. It takes six to eight weeks for your heart and lungs to become conditioned to the exercise demands."
For the most benefit, exercise a minimum of 30 minutes, three times a week at the equivalent of a brisk walking pace. To avoid burnout, find an activity you enjoy and that you can do at a regular time free of conflicts. Exercising with a friend and keeping an exercise diary will provide additional motivation, Snell says.
If you are age 40 or older, have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, get a physical examination before starting any kind of exercise program. But the most important thing you can do is to just get out and do it, Snell says.
Media Contact: Amy Shields
WHICH BUG IS TO BLAME WHEN YOU'RE UNDER THE WEATHER?
You're sneezing, coughing and feverish. You could have a cold; or you might have the flu. How can you know just what bug you've caught?
Telling the difference between colds and the flu can be tricky. Both can make you sneeze, cough, run a low temperature and generally feel bad. But the flu causes a higher fever and is usually accompanied by muscle aches, a severe headache, loss of appetite and chills, says Dr. Shelley Roaten, chairman of family practice and community medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.
"Colds happen all the time," Roaten says. "But influenza runs in epidemics. If you know several people who've had the flu recently, you might have it, too."
He also says people with the flu generally feel worse than those with a cold do and take longer to recover.
Laboratory tests for the flu are useful for research, but they are not helpful for treatment since the disease has run its course before the results are available. The quickest diagnosis comes from your physician.
Media Contact: Mindy Baxter
PNEUMONIA VACCINE CAN SAVE LIVES
Pneumonia can be deadly. Each year the illness claims more than 40,000 American lives, and those who are 65 and older are especially vulnerable.
There are two types of pneumonia -- viral pneumonia and bacterial pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia is the more serious of the two and is commonly caused by pneumococci. Currently there is a vaccine to combat the most prevalent types of these bacteria.
"The pneumococcal vaccine is safe and effective," says Dr. Craig Rubin, UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas geriatrician. "It can be given at any time of the year, and for most people it is a once-in-a-lifetime vaccination." Medicare covers the vaccination.
Besides senior citizens, those who have a chronic illness or weakened immune system also may be at risk and should ask their physicians if the vaccine is right for them.
Media Contact: Mindy Baxter
YOU SAY YOU WANT A RESOLUTION? HOW ABOUT IMPROVING YOUR BONES
If you made a traditional New Year's resolution to lose weight and exercise, you may lose pounds, but you may also strengthen bone in the process.
"Weight-bearing exercise can maintain bone density," says Dr. Howard Heller, assistant professor of internal medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.
"The bone is believed to have mechanical sensors that are used to adapt the strength of the bone. So, for example, tennis players have a much higher bone mass in their dominant arm."
Low bone density can lead to osteoporosis, a thinning of bones.Weight-bearing exercises like aerobics, weight training, walking and tai chi are effective at maintaining bone density. By exercising regularly and eating a well-balanced diet, women of all ages have a much better chance of maintaining their bone strength.
Media Contact: Amy Shields
TIME TO DEBUNK COLD-SEASON MYTHS
Your mother probably told you never to go outside with wet hair or you might catch a cold. But infectious disease experts at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say wet hair, cold temperatures or going without a coat outside can't cause a cold.
"Colds are caused by viruses transmitted person to person," says Dr. Daniel Skiest, associate professor of internal medicine. "Being outside with wet hair is not going to give you a cold."
A recent study found that nearly half of the people surveyed thought they could catch a cold by not wearing a coat in winter or by going outside with wet hair. Almost 60 percent believed chilly weather could cause a cold. But Skiest says these old adages don't hold up to scientific fact. "The best way to prevent yourself from getting a cold is to wash your hands to prevent spread of the virus through contact," he said.
Even if you can't catch a cold from going outside without a coat or wet hair, doctors state that common sense should prevail. Dry your hair and button up your coat.
Media Contact: Mindy Baxter
MAKE A NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION TO FLOSS
A healthy set of pearly whites is not the only benefit of flossing. This process, which eliminates plaque from in between teeth and aids in the prevention of periodontal (gum) disease, may also lower heart-disease risks.
"Inflammation has been shown to increase the risk for heart disease, and it has been postulated that periodontal disease may be a source for systemic inflammation," says Dr. James de Lemos, assistant professor of internal medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.
"Periodontal disease possibly could raise levels of C-reactive protein and other markers of coronary artery inflammation, which could lead secondarily to an increased heart disease risk."
Flossing daily, de Lemos says, could prevent periodontal disease and thus may lower the risk of developing heart disease.
Media Contact: Amy Shields
THE ONLY GOOD FLAKES ARE SNOW FLAKES
The cold weather and indoor heating that rob skin of moisture during winter can also exacerbate dandruff.
Dandruff is an itchy, persistent disorder caused by excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp, says Dr. Paul Bergstresser, chairman of dermatology at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.
"Although there isn't a cure for dandruff, it can be controlled," Bergstresser says. "Over-the-counter shampoos, especially those containing tar, are effective in restoring moisture balance to the scalp and reducing flaking."
Bergstresser suggests visiting a dermatologist if flaking or itching persists and is accompanied by redness and greasy scaling on the face, eyebrows and eyelashes.
Media Contact: Ione Echeverria
DON'T BE A TURKEY: GOBBLE SENSIBLY
For people who suffer from bouts of heartburn, indulging in the traditional Thanksgiving fare can leave them feeling as stuffed as the main course.
But there are ways to reduce the severity of indigestion, says Dr. Stuart Spechler, professor of internal medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.
"Overeating and indulging in fatty foods usually contribute to heartburn," Spechler says. "So rethink whether you are willing to endure the discomfort for that extra slice of pecan pie, and try to serve yourself moderate portions."
If you know you are prone to heartburn, try taking an H2-blocker, such as over-the-counter medications Tagamet and Zantac, just before the meal to reduce stomach acid. Also, avoid lying down for about three hours after ingesting a large meal.
Media Contact: Ione Echeverria
DON'T SKIP OUT ON YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY TREAT THIS YEAR
Looking for a guilt-free way to enjoy your favorite holiday treat? Try consuming fewer calories the day before and after the holiday, says Dr. Jo Ann Carson, an associate professor of clinical nutrition at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.
"It's basically a matter of calorie balance. By consuming 500 calories less the day before and after a holiday, you're leaving room for 1,000 extra calories."
Therefore, having a rich meal on Thanksgiving Day can be balanced by a lighter meal the day after, Carson added. And an extra 1,000 calories will allow room for a favorite holiday dessert or casserole, she says.
"Just be sure not to go overboard. Although you may reserve 1,000 calories for an occasional special treat, it's important to maintain your overall healthy eating habits for the entire holiday season."
Media Contact: Amy Shields
ALCOHOL CAN HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES
Alcohol and holiday parties may go hand in hand, but alcohol and driving never should.
"Seventy-five percent of the serious motor-vehicle accident injuries we see in the emergency room are alcohol-related," says Dr. Kathleen Delaney, UT Southwestern professor of emergency medicine. "Very serious consequences can ensue from drinking and driving."
Delaney suggests calling a taxi, arranging for a designated driver or simply not drinking to stay safe during the holiday party season."It's just never safe to drink and drive," she says.
Media Contact: Mindy Baxter
RSS