Monday, January 31, 2011

Fun Facts

Last night while I was studying I came across some interesting facts you may enjoy...or maybe not. But here they are...

1. By age 70, you've lost approximately 70% of your taste buds. Also, as you age, your GI tract loses a lot of its ability to adapt quickly to changes in diet. So try not to give your grandparents a hard time about their odd eating habits, they can't help it. And neither can you.

2. If for some reason you are undergoing complete liver failure, you've got 12 hours before your life here on earth comes to an end. Be nice to your liver. Drink in moderation. And, easy on the meds if you can help it.

3. But just in case, if you do have to have some of you liver removed, its capacity for regeneration can be as much as 75%!

4. Are you a supertaster? You may have more tastebuds than your peers, making you a "supertaster". Put some food coloring on your tongue to enhance the bumps (fungiform papillae) on your tongue that house taste buds. Compare with a friend.

5.  1 in 5 US deaths is caused by smoking. It's so hard to quit, nicotine is as addictive as cocaine or heroine. 70% of smokers see their physician for an annual visit and 70% show interest in quiting. Less criticism, more encouragement I say.

6. More than 1 of every 2 people over the age of 60 has high blood pressure. To prevent or manage hypertension you can: (Not like you haven't heard that before...but clearly most people aren't understanding)
- maintain an optimal weight
- decrease sodium intake
- exercise 30 minutes/day most days of the week,
- women, a maximum of 1 alocoholic drink/day and men, less than 2
- increase potassium intake
- eat a diet rich in fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy products
- Oh, and don't smoke :)





1 comment:

  1. HA! I should show this to our cook at the home who likes to make gourmet food for the residents and then half of them don't eat it. I'm a fan, but them....not so much

    ReplyDelete