Health Pulse Germs, germs, everywhere The COVID-19 pandemic may dominate the news cycle, but other germs haven’t taken a holiday. Here’s how to keep the bugs away from some of the germiest items you’re likely to use: ▶▶Cellphone: Admit it: you’ve taken your cellphone to the bathroom. Maybe that’s why cellphones can be 10 times dirtier than toilet seats. The fix: give your cellphone a good wipe. Often. ▶▶Remote control: When not in somebody’s germy hands, the remote control often finds its way between the sofa cushions, where the moist, dark environment helps bacteria proliferate. Cleaning it with antibacterial wipes can reduce the microbial load. ▶▶Toothbrush holder: Toothpaste may kill germs, but your toothbrush holder has one of the highest bacterial counts of anything you touch. Clean it frequently. ▶▶Dog toys: When Fifi drools on her squeaky ball, she doesn’t just transfer bacteria to the toy, she creates the ideal breeding ground for other germs. Clean rubber toys by hand or on the top shelf of the dishwasher, and throw fabric ones into the laundry. ▶▶Cash: COVID-19 is nudging us toward no-contact payments, but people still trade in cash. All that touching coats bills with up to 3,000 types of bacteria, so you’d do well to wash up after you handle them. Source: WebMD Brain supplements: boost or bust? Before spending money on supplements that promise to make you smarter, it helps to know what the science says. Take vitamin B, for instance. While B6, B12 and B9 (folic acid) all play a role in brain health, a supplement won’t help unless your body truly lacks these compounds − or possibly if you’re at high risk for Alzheimer’s disease. If you already have memory problems, vitamin E supplements could slow the decline. Early studies raised hopes that ginseng and gingko − both staples in complementary medicine − could give brain cells a helping hand, but high-quality research laid that promise to rest. Similarly, the lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease in India have generated interest in curcumin, a popular Indian spice. While one small study found that curcumin supplements improve scores onmemory tests, other research hasn’t duplicated this result. Plain old coffee, on the other hand, promotes the release of brain chemicals that may improve mental performance and slow age-related cognitive decline. Stay clear of caffeine supplements, however, as you risk overdosing. Besides, the real thing tastes so good, and goes down extra well with a brain-boosting crossword puzzle. Sources: WebMD, Harvard Health Eating for your age As you get older, you need fewer calories but more nutrients. Start with fibre: not only does it relieve constipation, it can help normalize your cholesterol and blood pressure, leading to a healthier heart. Think broccoli, whole grains, fruits and legumes. By the same token, upping your protein intake can slow the rate of muscle loss and actually help you build more muscle. Proteinrich foods such as fish and eggs also deliver high doses of vitamin B12, a nutritional powerhouse that becomes harder for your body to absorb beyond age 50. Your bones lose strength as you age, making calcium a higher priority. Try a yogurt fortified with vitamin D to help your body absorb and use the calcium. Bonus: yogurt pairs beautifully with blueberries, which come packed with antioxidants and other nutrients to keep your cells healthy. Some people find that food loses some of its taste and appeal as they get older. If you’re not in the mood to cook, a fistful of nuts provides calories, protein, unsaturated fats and fibre in a handy format. Two dozen almonds or thirty-five peanuts (count ’em!) give you a one-ounce serving. And no dishes to clean. Sources: WebMD, Healthline, National Institutes of Health, Victoria (Australia) state government CSANews | FALL 2020 | 51
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