KATHY SUMMERS . . . writes about health, fitness, nutrition, and the environment
HEALTH
HEALTH
NUTRITION
FITNESS
ENVIRONMENT
PEOPLE
PLACES
PARENTING
PETS
It's Easy Being Green
Fit Pregnancy (Cover Story, June 2007)
During pregnancy, making simple lifestyle changes can lessen your exposure to toxic chemicals. And while the most environmentally correct options may not always seem like the most practical, baby steps add up. Here's how to reduce, reuse, and recycle your way through all three trimesters and beyond. Read It.
It's In Your Genes
Alternative Medicine (October 2007)
We all know we need to eat our vegetables, but do some of us need extra servings of spinach to stay healthy while others get by on tomato-based condiments? Nutrigenomics--the science of how the chemicals in food interact with our genes--may be the missing piece of the puzzle that explains the role of genes and diet in causing diseases. Read It
The Chemo Conundrum
Alternative Medicine (October 2007)
Think chemotherapy, and hair loss often comes to mind. But loss of appetite, a far more serious problem, often accompanies treatment as well. Both chemo and radiation therapy cause cancer patients to become underweight and malnourished, drained of the energy and strength they need to heal. Here's how to stay healthy when robbed of essential nutrients. Read It
You Snooze, You Win
Alternative Medicine (September 2007)
As we rush to meet life's demands, we often miss out on badly needed beauty sleep. Instead of drifting off to dreamland, we toss and turn and then wake up the next morning looking bedraggled, with a sallow complexion, sagging posture, and puffy dark-rimmed eyes. But is there any real science behind the myth of beauty sleep? Read It
Tired? Try Some Sushi
Health (May 2007)
A common thyroid gland disorder can pile on pounds, sap your energy, and leave you achy, bloated, and moody--all at once. The problem: hypothyroidism, or when you're low on thyroid hormones. Experts now think lifestyle changes--even a little sushi--may help prevent or delay it. If you have warning signs, act now. Read it
Lost in Translation
Alternative Medicine (Cover Story, January 2007)
The body’s electrical messages to the brain--not the brain itself--color our world. But what if your body’s messages misfire, as they do in children with Sensory Processing Disorder? Then Mozart might sound monstrous, and a barefoot walk in the grass could feel like a walk over worms. Read it
Healing under Pressure
Alternative Medicine (February 2006)
Last summer I broke the neck of my femur clear through (technically a hip fracture) when my horse launched me like a rubber band into the dirt. Instead of a hip replacement, the orthopedic surgeon recommended hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Research shows this peculiar therapy may heal bones, brains, bruising, and more. by request
Heading Off Hair Loss
Alternative Medicine (October 2005)
The men in my family stoically accepted their early hair loss. Finding no suitable alternative, my father and brother compensate by sporting dashing beards. But when my mother's once thick hair began to thin, she anxiously searched for a better solution. by request
Fertility Piques
Shape (August 2004)
Have you ever criticized a female friend's looks to a man? If so, you might have been ovulating and unconsciously motivated by survival-of-the-species issues. Women often dis the competition during their most fertile time of the month, a York University. New research explains why. by request
Thinking Green
Fit Pregnancy (Cover Story, June/July 2005)
When you're expecting, your immediate environment is more important than ever. The most difficult part: protecting yourself and your unborn child from toxins present in the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink and the products we use. Here's how to have a green pregnancy. read it
Take Life Easy: 3 more reasons to let go of stress
AdvantEdge (2005)
A stress-induced hormone rush is the right response, when you're running for your life. On a daily basis, though, scientists say strong reactions to stressful situations can cause heart disease, premature aging, and death. To stress the point, this article looks at the health effects of everyday life. read it
Joint Venture
experience Life (Cover story, January 2004)
Degenerative joint disease can cause debilitating pain, loss of mobility and function, even severe disability. But what if you’re just starting to suffer from a little wear and tear? Here’s how to work with your joints—not against them. read itDiabetes Dos and Don'ts: 101 Sugar Free Tips
Custom Booklet (2005)
If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, you’ll want to make some changes to help you get the best out of life. The good news is you now know what’s causing some of your symptoms. What you do--and don’t do--can go a long way to preventing or slowing complications of the disease. That means finally following that to-do list for better eating and exercising. by request
Web published
White-Coat Hypertension
revolution health (January 2007)
If you're so nervous during a medical checkup that your blood pressure skyrockets, you may have what's known as white-coat hypertension. That means your blood pressure may only be high temporarily when your doctor tests it. by request
Web published
Holistic Health Insurance? Here's What's Covered
revolution health (January 2007)
If you’re like 62 percent of Americans, you use some form of complementary and alternative medicine. In fact, a Harvard Medical School survey says Americans make about 425 million visits a year to holistic providers. But do you know which of those your policy covers? by request
Web published
Holistic help for 5 Men's Health Concerns
revolution health (January 2007)
Blame male sex hormones and heredity, but the average American man’s life is still 5.2 years shorter than the average woman’s. The good news is you can lower your risk of at least 4 leading causes of death and one bonus problem with the following holistic health strategies. by requestWeb published
Holistic help for 5 Women's Health Concerns
revolution health (January 2007)
Women are better than men--at least about getting regular checkups. They’re also more likely than men to prevent health problems with holistic solutions. Try these alternative strategies to manage 5 top women's health concerns. by request
NUTRITION
Eating for Energy
Experience Life (June 2007)
If you're running on empty, drop the candy bar and fuel up on healthy foods that keep you going strong. Making a few small changes in the way you eat can free up reserves of energy you didn’t realize you had. Once you understand how your current habits undermine your energy, you’ll know exactly how to turn your fuel crisis around. Read it
It's In Your Genes
Alternative Medicine (October 2007)
We all know we need to eat our vegetables, but do some of us need extra servings of spinach to stay healthy while others get by on tomato-based condiments? Nutrigenomics--the science of how the chemicals in food interact with our genes--may be the missing piece of the puzzle that explains the role of genes and diet in causing diseases. by request
The Chemo Conundrum
Alternative Medicine (October 2007)
Think chemotherapy, and hair loss often comes to mind. But loss of appetite, a far more serious problem, often accompanies treatment as well. As a consequence, cancer patients can become underweight and malnourished, drained of energy and strength they need to heal. While individual needs vary, here are six of the experts' top picks for nutritional support. by request
In Good Taste: The Way to a Healthy Heart
Source (February 2007)
As the popular Peanuts character Charlie Brown once lamented, “Nothing takes the taste out of peanut butter quite like unrequited love.” Then again, nothing improves the taste like knowing it can actually help your heart. Some of the richest, most decadent and seductive foods are also heart-smart, making them the ultimate--if not quite requited--expressions of love. by request
Running Start: What to eat to finish the race
HealthSmart Today (Winter 2005)
The beauty of running your first 5k race is that it's short enough for the average person to prepare for and long enough to give you a sense of accomplishment. No matter what your natural running ability, most people can train for--and finish--a 5k sprint-distance race. read it
Balancing Act: Filling the gaps in popular diets
Healthsmart Today (Cover Story, Fall 2005)
If you have a few pounds to lose, chances are you'll choose a diet that lets you eat more of the foods you love no matter what the experts say. If you pine for pasta you'll pick Pritikin or the Zone, but if you crave a juicy ribeye you'll opt for Atkins. The diet that works for you is the one you'll stay on--whether its popularity is peaking or passing. read it
We're Not Bitter: Why some people won't eat greens
AdvantEdge (2005)
Sure, we know veggies are good for us--they defend against cancer, heart disease, and a host of other ills. But around 75 percent of people say broccoli and spinach just don't pass their taste bud test. Blame it on heredity, say researchers. A study published in the journal Pediatrics shows that a taste for greens may be in our genes. read it
How to Read A Nutrition Label
Arthritis Today (April 2004)
For health-conscious consumers, nutrition labels make great reading. Everything you need to know to make healthy food choices is right there in black and white. Here's how to decipher the daily values and translate the trans fats. by request
Chocolate's Sweet Science
Delicious Living (February 2004)
Forget poets and philosophers. Scientists, studying the chemistry of the heart, are the ones who can explain our obsession with chocolate. We crave chocolate when we’re feeling blue, they tell us, because it contains a chemical that may raise endorphin levels in the brain. What other health benefits come in a heart-shaped box? read it
Foods that Feed the Brain
Source (June/July 2007)
Who doesn't want to boost brain power, memory, and mental focus? The brain is a hungry organ, and the foods we eat play a key role in keeping it healthy. Research shows certain foods may protect the brain from diseases that destroy memory and cognitive function, such as Alzheimer's. Although eating a well-balanced diet is always a smart idea, some foods go to the head of the class. Here are four foods that deserve high marks. by request
Trans Fat vs. Cholesterol
Source (June/July 2007)
If you were Chief of the Food Police, would the food pyramid call for five daily servings of cookies, cakes, crackers, potato chips, and French fries? If so, you'd attract a very big fan club--and, unfortunately, big trans-fat trouble from the Cholesterol Cops. Here’s why (along with how to handle good and bad cholesterol). by request
Let Them Eat ... Organic
Source (June/July 2007)
Once upon a time the word "organic" on a restaurant's menu marked it as too trendy for mainstream customers. Times have changed. Organic is now the "fastest growing U.S. food segment," according to the USDA. Tucking a few wholesome, organic ingredients into favorite recipes now marks an eatery as enlightened. Here are five easy ways to introduce organic foods to your restaurant business. by request
How to Read a Nutrition Label
Source (June/July 2007)
When your goal is to eat healthier, the little cheat sheet printed on packaged foods, called the Nutrition Facts label, comes in handy once you know how to decode it. You may already use it to cut down on sodium and limit fat calories. But it can also help you get more of the nutrients you need for a balanced diet. Here’s how the Nutrition Facts label works. by request
Health View (column)
HealthSmart Today (Spring 2005)
Migraines Demystified
Fuzzy Thinking Ironed Out
Fast Food Finagling
Addicted to Food? Take a whiff of this
read it
FYI Health News (column)
Energy For Women (March 2004)
Liquid News: What's up in your cup?
The ABCs of ACLs
Fat Weekends
In a state? Meditate
Is it the ADD or the Additives?
read it
FITNESS
The Path to Endurance
Experience Life (October 2007)
The driving force behind stamina is more--as in the more you do, the more you can do. When you exercise regularly and progressively, your body responds by rebuilding, regenerating, and making you stronger, just in case you want to do more again tomorrow. Find out how your endurance affects your overall health. by request
Bell Curves
Pilates Style (July/August 2007)
Who wouldn’t want better body tone, greater flexibility and more control? Throw in even more power, all-day endurance and quicker fat loss--all from an item we can hold in our hand like a Prada purse--and we might have the ultimate fashion accessory. read it
Annual Quizzical
Pilates Style (Quiz, January 2007)
Does the science of health and wellness leave you feeling confident or confused? To give your health news knowledge a quick check-up, check out this quiz--twenty questions and answers to help you brush up on the latest science in fitness, nutrition, and healthy living. by request
Fitting In Fitness
Source (January 2007)
If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to get more exercise, but you’re still having trouble fitting fitness into your busy schedule, you’re not alone. The good news is you’re part of a very big club. Here’s how to check a few more fitness activities off your to-do list during your visit to Sam’s Club.
by request
Running Start: What to eat to finish the race
HealthSmart Today (Winter 2005)
The beauty of running your first 5k race is that it's short enough for the average person to prepare for and long enough to give you a sense of accomplishment. No matter what your natural running ability, most people can train for--and finish--a 5k sprint-distance race. read it
Joint Venture
experience Life (Cover story, January 2004)
Degenerative joint disease can cause debilitating pain, loss of mobility and function, even severe disability. But what if you’re just starting to suffer from a little wear and tear? Here’s how to work with your joints—not against them. read it
The Science Of Staying In Shape (quiz)
Energy For Women (March 2004)
Everyone knows a regular workout makes you feel great. And when new research proves how great it is for you, it feels like extra credit. Knowing the facts behind fitness can help you stay motivated, but have you been keeping up? Take the quiz and find out. read itWeb published
Get Out of Your Fitness Slump
revolution health (January 2007)
Top competitors, recreational athletes and the average person who works out to stay in shape share this in common — they all fall into fitness slumps. What's the difference? Athletes have experts to coach them out of the slump. Here's how they do it. by request
ENVIRONMENT
It's Easy Being Green
Fit Pregnancy (Cover Story, June 2007)
During pregnancy, making simple changes in the foods you eat and the products you use can lessen your exposure to toxic chemicals. And while the most environmentally correct options may not always seem like the most practical, baby steps add up. Here's how to reduce, reuse, and recycle your way through all three trimesters and beyond. by request
Thinking Green
Fit Pregnancy (Cover Story, June/July 2005)
When you're expecting, your immediate environment is more important than ever. The most difficult part: protecting yourself and your unborn child from toxins present in the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink and the products we use. Here's how to have a green pregnancy. read it
Cities Go Kyoto
Alternative Medicine (May 2006)
Cities of every type and political stripe are reducing greenhouse gas emissions--even without the US signing the Kyoto treaty. Starting at the local level, where pollution often begins, citizens and city officials are working together to create action plans. read it
Let Them Eat ... Organic
Source (June/July 2007)
Once upon a time the word "organic" on a restaurant's menu marked it as too trendy for mainstream customers. Times have changed. Organic is now the "fastest growing U.S. food segment," according to the USDA. Tucking a few wholesome, organic ingredients into favorite recipes now marks an eatery as enlightened. Here are five easy ways to introduce organic foods to your restaurant business. by request
PEOPLE
Weaving Navajo Tradition
American Profile (November 2006)
D.Y. Begay holds centuries of Navajo history in her skillful hands as she weaves earth-inspired designs on her wooden loom. Like her mother and grandmother who taught her the craft, Begay shears her own sheep, then cleans, cards, dyes and spins the wool before creating traditional and original patterns. Read it
Devouring the West's Weeds
American Profile (October 2006)
Lani Malmberg wanders the meadows, hillsides and waterways of the West, hooked staff in hand, pitting 1,500 cashmere goats against pockets of unwanted weeds that infest the landscape. Read it
*appears in Hometown Heroes (HarperCollins, May 2007).
PLACES
Sunshine and Urban Sprawl
Mobile Travel Guide: NASCAR travel planner (December 15, 2004)
As Arizonans continue to mow down hills, arroyos, and desert flora to build malls and golf courses, there’s less to recognize of the old Southwest. Roads are wider now, too—to accommodate more SUVs—and there are more of them, so getting around the metropolitan area takes time. Still, with more than 300 days of low humidity and warm sunshine annually, chances are any weekend at the races will be spectacular. read it
Cities Go Kyoto
Alternative Medicine (May 2006)
Cities of every type and political stripe are reducing greenhouse gas emissions--even without the US signing the Kyoto treaty. Starting at the local level, where pollution often begins, citizens and city officials are working together to create action plans. read it
Cowboy Lies and Indian Legends
Journey (May 2004)
The glory days of the American cowboy and Indian may have faded, but their symbolic power over the national psyche still shines like the Arizona sun at high noon. Believe that and some folks at the National Festival Of The West will tell you another. In fact they run a contest to see who tells the biggest cowboy lie, uh, tale. And they're not just squatting with their spurs on either. read it
Haunted Hotels
Journey (October 2004)
Guests wandering the haunted hallways of the Hotel San Carlos often report hearing the unearthly laughter and frolicking footsteps of four schoolchildren fatefully lost in time. Others notice an aura of water from the old well that drowned them. read it
PARENTING
It's Easy Being Green
Fit Pregnancy (Cover Story, June 2007)
During pregnancy, making simple changes in the foods you eat and the products you use can lessen your exposure to toxic chemicals. And while the most environmentally correct options may not always seem like the most practical, baby steps add up. Here's how to reduce, reuse, and recycle your way through all three trimesters and beyond. by request
Lost in Translation
Alternative Medicine (Cover Story, January 2007)
The body’s electrical messages to the brain--not the brain itself--color our world. But what if your body’s messages misfire, as they do in children with Sensory Processing Disorder? Then Mozart might sound monstrous, and a barefoot walk in the grass could feel like a walk over worms. Read it
Thinking Green
Fit Pregnancy (Cover Story, June/July 2005)
When you're expecting, your immediate environment is more important than ever. The most difficult part: protecting yourself and your unborn child from toxins present in the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink and the products we use. Here's how to have a green pregnancy. read it
The Science of Sleepwalking
Pediatrics for Parents (January 2004)
Sleepwalking usually begins during the preschool years, continues through elementary school, and is mostly outgrown by adolescence. Though sleepwalking seems to run in families, until now scientists didn't know why. read it
Cesarean Light
ePregnancy (2003)
If you have to have a cesarean, how about ordering it ... light. A new technique called the "cesarean light" takes about 20 minutes and leaves out several traditional steps that are now thought to be unnecessary. read it
Swaddle Me, Coddle Me
ePregnancy (2003)
Infants sleep better and wake less when they're swaddled and placed on their backs, a new study from Washington University School of Medicine confirms. Swaddled newborns startle less and feel more secure, like they're still in the womb, so they sleep longer. read it
Nope to Soap?
ePregnancy (2003)
What could a little soap and water hurt, you ask? When it comes to keeping newborns' umbilical stumps clean, doctors believed in switching from potentially carcinogenic dyes to soap, once infants were home with their mothers. But scientists found soap causes a higher risk of infection. read it
Turn, Turn, Turn
ePregnancy (2003)
Most babies are born head first, but if your baby plans to land like a paratrooper, your doctor may be able to gently persuade him to tuck and roll. Doctors can externally rotate the fetus from a breech to a vertex presentation in a procedure called external cephalic version. read it
PETS
Out of the Bag
Alternative Medicine (October 2006)
For cats and dogs, raw meat has its rewards. But if hunting down fresh game isn't on your to-do list, you can cart home the next best thing from the health food market. Good commercial food does exist, but you have to know what to look for. Here's how to support your pet's inner predator--even with commercial chow. read it
Trail Fix
Alternative Medicine (June 2006)
Summer has a way of unleashing a dog lover's adventurous nature--lucky for dogs. But runs, hikes, and all-out romps in the wild put your dog at risk for minor mishaps. Here's how to treat your trail-buddy's bumps, bruises, and abrasions with low-tech fixes you can toss into your day-pack. by request
