Health Tip: Getting Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that protect against cell damage caused by molecules called free radicals. Studies have linked free radicals to cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The Cleveland Clinic offers this list of common antioxidants, and the foods in which they're found:
* Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits and juices; berries and other fruits; dark green vegetables; red and yellow peppers.
* Vitamin E, found in vegetable oils, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables.
* Selenium, found in whole grains, most vegetables, chicken, eggs, and most dairy products.
* Beta carotene, found in colorful fruits and vegetables like broccoli, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, red and yellow peppers, apricots, cantaloupes and mangoes.
Health Tip: Having Blood Drawn?
Many doctors ask their patients to provide a blood sample to test for a specific disease or condition, or to help gauge the patient's overall health.
Modern blood tests are very safe procedures, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation says. You are at no risk of catching a disease, such as AIDS or hepatitis, or getting an infection from having your blood drawn. The people who draw your blood should always wear gloves and use one-time, disposable needles.
Side effects from having blood drawn typically are quite minor, and may include:
* Bruising or minor swelling at the site of the injection. These symptoms can be soothed with an ice pack.
* Light-headedness or dizziness from watching someone draw your blood.
* People who take blood-thinning medications such as Coumadin may require a pressure bandage.
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