WHAT DO OATS AND GARLIC HAVE IN COMMON?
They could help start a great casserole, but the real answer is far more exciting: These foods may help reduce your risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. High blood LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels increase the risk of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. This risk is even greater if you have diabetes. Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance that can clog arteries and interfere with the flow of blood. It comes in two forms: LDL (bad) cholesterol, which clogs the arteries with plaque and HDL (good) cholesterol, which helps remove the bad cholesterol from the arteries. Some researchers believe that the bad cholesterol also may injure the blood vessels when it changes from a liquid into a solid inside the blood vessels. When this happens, the cholesterol expands and tears the arteries’ walls.
Healthy food choices, regular physical activity and medicines (if needed) can help you meet the cholesterol and triglyceride goals set by the American Diabetes Association. In addition to following a healthy lifestyle and taking medicine as directed, you also can get added help in reaching your heart-healthy goals from some commonly found foods and supplements.
OATS
Many studies show that eating oats and other whole grain foods with fiber offers significant heart-healthy benefits. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2003) showed that people who consumed whole grains in place of refined grains had a lower risk of developing coronary artery disease. To include oats in your day, sprinkle some into meatball or meatloaf recipes, bake them into muffins and cookies or enjoy a tasty bowl of hot oatmeal at breakfast.
GARLIC
Garlic contains a substance called allicin that helps encourage a moderate, short-term reduction in total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as demonstrated in studies published in a variety of scientific journals. Raw, roasted, dried or powdered garlic can be added to many recipes, including soups, sauces, salad dressings and vegetable dishes. If you take a garlic supplement and will be having a surgical procedure, be sure to discontinue the supplement prior to the surgery. It can thin the blood, which could cause healing problems.
FLAXSEED
Flaxseed, the subject of numerous studies, contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce triglyceride levels and improve HDL levels. Ground flaxseeds can be baked into muffins or breads or sprinkled onto breakfast cereal or low-fat yogurt. Whole seeds can be used, as well, but the benefits are the greatest when the seeds have been crushed or chewed well.
FISH OILS
Oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines and albacore tuna, contain two beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids. These may help reduce the risk for heart disease and blood vessel cardiovascular disease. Fish oil capsules usually have more concentrated doses of the fatty acids EPA and DHA. This may help reduce triglyceride levels and may enhance the effectiveness of statin drugs that are used to improve cholesterol levels. There are many fish oil products available at Walgreens. All of us want to stay healthy. It is nice to know that many common food items and supplements found in your kitchens and/or Walgreens pharmacies can help you achieve that goal.
Some Questions and Answers About Your Medicare Drug Benefit
Q. When is the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan Enrollment Period?
A. November 15 through December 31, 2006 is the "open enrollment" period.
Q. Why is this Important for Me?
A. This is the only time you will be able to sign up for a plan, or switch to a new plan if you are not happy with your current plan. If you're already signed up for a plan, keep a look out in the mail in October for your plan's Annual Notice of Change. This notice includes information regarding specific changes in Medicare and plan benefits, plan premiums and plan rules effective January 1, 2007.
Q. How Can Walgreens help me with my Medicare Part D needs?
A. Walgreens Pharmacists can answer any questions you may have about Medicare Prescription Insurance, plus they can provide you with a FREE, personalized report that will tell you which plans cover your current medications. So if you're signing up for the first time or your medication needs have changed and you're looking to switch plans, this report can provide you with information you need to help you make a decision.
Q. What Plans Does Walgreens Accept?
A. Walgreens accepts all major Medicare prescription insurance plans.
