Make Friends with a Pomegranate
This funky fruit has two or three times the antioxidants in green tea or red wine. Pomegranate is loaded with Vitamins B6 and C and potassium. The juice may improve heart health by reducing the oxidation of "bad" cholesterol.

Preserve Your Hearing
Hearing loss affects more people than heart disease, cancer, tuberculosis, blindness, and kidney disease combined. More than 28 million Americans experience some degree of it. 14.9 % of children between the ages of 7 and 19 years have a hearing loss in one or both ears. Youth are especially vulnerable to hazardous noise levels. Hearing studies attract less than 1% of the dollars spent on medical research--perhaps because it is less obvious or noticeable.With long-term exposure, sounds over 85 decibels (dB) may cause permanent hearing loss. Many audio and music professionals are regularly exposed to levels above 85 dB. Once the inner ear is damaged permanent hearing loss occurs. A lawn mower measures 90 dB, a rock concert is around 100 dB and a jackhammer is 120 dB. Portable CD/MP3 players at full volume can range from 100 to 115 decibels.

Follow these tips from the House Ear Institute to prevent hearing loss: 1. Avoid hazardous sound environments without wearing hearing protection. 2. Monitor sound pressure levels. If you must shout to be heard you may be at risk. 3. Take 15-minute quiet breaks every few hours if you are exposed to sound levels above 85 dB. 4. Musicians and other entertainers should avoid practicing at "concert hall levels" whenever possible. 5. Have your hearing checked every year by a licensed audiologist.

The House Ear Institute is part of The House Ear Clinic and the incredible surgeons who performed my surgeries. To find out more and learn about hearing protection devices log onto www.hei.org/education/soundpartners/sp.htm

Checking Blood Pressure
For a more accurate reading, blood pressure should be checked in both arms while you are lying down. If there is a difference of 15% or more (significant) there may be some type of blockage in the blood vessels. Have your doctor check this.

Internet Addicts
News from Beijing Military Region Central Hospital. This is China's first in-patient Internet addiction center and it is usually booked to capacity with young males between the ages of 13 and 18. The concern over teenagers falling prey to the Internet is so widespread that the government has sought to ban youths under the age of 18 from going into Internet cafes. Tao Ran, the head of the center's addiction ward says the country's crowded urban environment is mostly to blame. He says they treat patients with counseling, physical activity and antidepressants. Patients are also on a strict schedule. Tao Ran says Internet addiction is much easier to cure than smoking or drinking. He treated one patient who went into an Internet cafe and didn't come out for 6 months!

Wanna Help?
There is an amazing program called Cut it Out--salons against domestic abuse. Salon professionals and others are trained to spot domestic violence. Go to www.cutitout.org

Fun--Bite
Seen on a truck: "The Drain Surgeon--For all your Plumbing Disorders".

Healing Angels
Do have a friend who could use a healing gift or perhaps you need a lift? Look at our beautiful, comforting, one-of-a-kind angels www.makingwellnessfun.com/angels.php

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Happy, Healthy Spring!

Until next month,
Miluna Fausch