UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER
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May 1, 1997 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sarah Ellis (303) 315-5571 [email protected]
May Health Tips from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center 1) The truth about herbal medicine 2) High altitude living can affect people of all ages 3) There are several warning signs for gum disease
1) Herbal remedies should be treated with the same caution and respect as prescription drugs, says David Kroll, PhD, assistant professor of pharmacology at the University of Colorado School of Pharmacy.
Many herbal medicines have the same biochemical means of action as their prescription counterparts. However, prescription medicines are more carefully controlled and standardized.
Dr. Kroll urges consumers to educate themselves, and not take any herbal remedy lightly. "When buying herbal medicine, look for some listing of either the actual plant ingredient, as well as any sort of evidence that the medicine's been standardized for a certain medicinal compound known to be active in that particular plant," he says. "Consult with your doctor or pharmacist before you take any over-the-counter herbal remedy, particularly if you already take other medications regularly."
2) People traveling to mountainous areas this Spring and Summer might want to prepare themselves for the possible affects of high-altitude living.
If they are accustomed to living at or slightly above sea level, guests may experience a variety of high-altitude symptoms: headaches, dizzy spells, lack of energy or trouble sleeping.
Older people with heart and respiratory problems are especially vulnerable. If the symptoms become acute, they may need to consult a doctor or even go home.
"People with emphysema and bronchitis should know that altitude does impact them adversely," says John Reeves, MD, professor of medicine and pediatrics at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and co-founder of the Colorado Altitude Research Center at Keystone.
Dr. Reeves suggests the following ways to adjust to the altitude and avoid altitude-related problems: ï Take it easy the first day or two at higher altitude. ï Alcoholic beverages dehydrate the body and their effects are more pronounced at high altitude. Avoid them for the first couple of days and then drink only in moderation. ï Drink more water, eat less salt and eat more high-carbohydrate foods.
Avoid overexerting yourself in extreme heat or cold, or if it is windy.
3) Gum disease affects 75 percent of us. The following symptoms may be signs of the disease: ï Puffy or red gums; ï Bleeding gums; ï Persistent bad breath; ï Widening spaces between teeth; ï Loose teeth; ï Receding gums.
A good oral home care routine, however, can prevent gingivitis from progressing into a more serious form of gum disease, says Gail Cross-Poline, RDH, MS, director of the dental hygiene program at the University of Colorado School of Dentistry. This should include daily brushing and flossing, maintaining a healthy diet, and regular visits to your dental hygienist and dentist.
If gum disease is caught early, you can get the care you need in time to prevent more extensive and costly treatment.
The University of Colorado Health Sciences Center is one of four campuses in the University of Colorado system. Located in Denver, Colo., the campus includes schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, graduate school and two hospitals.
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