PlaneTalk masthead, cleaned, 12-10
June 2015
PlaneTree Health Talks
     The PlaneTree Health Information Center is presenting three lectures this month. In our last issue, we featured 4 talks by Mehrdad Ayati, M.D., of Stanford University and Stanford Hospital. Two have been rescheduled, as follows:
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. . "Paths to Healthy Aging" (in English)

       In addition, the S. Ku Foundation is co-sponsoring a talk by Peining Chang from the Alzheimer's Association. Print materials in Traditional Chinese and English will be provided.
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. . "Healthy Habits for a Healthier You" (in Mandarin)
. . Cupertino Community Hall
. . Sat., June 27, 1:30 p.m.

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News You Can Use

Looking Your Best
Antique image of girl with powder puff      Have you ever wondered about the effectiveness of the "clinically proven" and "dermatologist tested" skin care products that promise a more attractive, healthier complexion? This journalist did.
     Whether you are a man or a woman, we recommend this time-honored and science-tested technique for maximizing your attractiveness. Devotees also experience improved physical, mental, and emotional health.

Home Medical Alert Systems
Graphic of an alarm bell      If you are concerned about your own ability, or a loved one's ability, to summon help after a fall or during a medical crisis, you may be shopping for an emergency alert system. Determining the best combination of affordability and service is difficult.
     A recent Consumer Reports article has lots of helpful advice, plus a table listing the key features offered by six alert system providers. These additional tips may also help.

A Slimmer Waist
Overweight man with a tape measure      Carrying a disproportionate amount of weight in the abdomen is particularly associated with poor health. Fortunately, visceral fat is more vulnerable than other fat to the salutary effects of moderate exercise.

Treating Hay Fever
     Is hay fever making you miserable despite your current drug regimen? Here are guides to over-the-counter steroid nasal sprays and the newer antihistamines. (Below the article on antihistamines is a linkWoman about to sneeze to a more in-depth report.)
     If you frequently take older varieties of antihistamine - for example, diphenhydramine (Benadryl Allergy�) or chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton Allergy�) - please read about a major, recent study suggesting long-term, daily use should be avoided.
     Whether or not you use medications, nasal irrigation may ease your symptoms.

Flavored Vapes
E-cigarettes      If you or a loved one uses a hookah, vape pen, or e-cigarette with flavored "e-juice," you may want to read about the agents used to create those delectable aromas. (The article is equally relevant to adults and kids, despite its title.)

Memory & Aging
     A recent series of articles in the New York Times focused on Graphic of neural connections aging and memory:
  • first and most broadly helpful - normal changes in memory as we age and lifestyle approaches to maintaining brain fitness
  • second - the popularity of and research on "brain training" programs
  • third - diagnostic testing for memory disorders.
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Mental Health During Pregnancy 
  Sillouetted pregnant woman at a window     Although seldom publicly acknowledged, depression and anxiety are often experienced by expectant mothers. A pregnant woman with a significant mental illness must make difficult choices, balancing her own health against that of the developing fetus.
     This informative, beautifully written article may comfort those who have faced - or are facing - this dilemma.
In This Issue
News You Can Use
Mental Health During Pregnancy
Chocolate-covered Research
Events
Silhouette of oak tree at sunrise
    All events are open to the public. Some events require pre-registration.
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  * Fee for participation
  ^ Scroll down the linked page
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Communicating with teens & tweens
Santa Clara - Tues., June 2

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Explaining your child's differences to others

--- ADHD: San Jose - Tues., June 2

--- Autism spectrum*: Stanford - Sat., June 6

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Film screening & discussion (of In Organic We Trust)
Sunnyvale - Wed, June 3

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Coping with & helping a psychotic family member*
Albany - workshop on Fri. & Sat., June 5-6

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Cancer survivorship
Mountain View - Sat., June 6
or Sat., June 13

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Writing as a healing activity for cancer patients^ (scroll to p. 9)
Mountain View - Sat., June 6

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Treating psychotic disorders
San Jose - Tues., June 9

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Cosmetic procedures
Mountain View - Tues., June 9

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Familial high cholesterol^
Palo Alto - Thurs., June 11

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Advance care planning for members of the Chinese community
Palo Alto - Sat., June 13

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Weight control after menopause
Mountain View - Tues., June 16

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Eating mindfully
Sunnyvale - Tues., June 16

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Skin care & cosmetics for cancer patients & survivors^
Palo Alto - Thurs., June 18

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Brain health
Sunnyvale - Thurs., June 18

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Applying for SSI*
San Jose - Fri., June 19

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Wheelchair tennis for teens & adults*
San Jose - 9-week session begins Sat., June 20

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Men's health fair
Mountain View - Sat., Jun 20

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Exercise for fall prevention*
Los Gatos - 4-week class begins Tues., Jun 23

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CrossFit training
Sunnyvale - Tues., June 23
Gilroy - Sat., Jun 27

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Living with a mental illness^
San Jose - Wed., June 24

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High blood pressure
San Jose - Sun., June 28

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Nutrition for people with dementia
Sunnyvale - Wed., July 8 

 

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Chocolate-covered Research
Chunks of dark chocolate      Hoping to educate other journalists and consumers about the need to carefully evaluate medical and nutrition news, one science journalist pulled an elaborate prank. After conducting purposely bogus research (on chocolate as an aid to weight loss, naturally), he got it published in a illustrious-sounding journal, distributed a glowing press release, and then watched as media outlets across the world carried breathlessly positive news articles.
     Although agreeing with the prankster's goals, many scientists and media experts question the wisdom of his approach. Details of this curious tale and the resulting controversy were reported by NPR.
     Inaccurately reported health stories were the focus of a 2014 PlaneTalk article of which we are particularly proud, "Spotting the News You Shouldn't Use." If you missed it the first time, we recommend it to our health information consumers.