BAN6ALORE

THE HINDU

SUNDAY, AUGUST L9,2OT2

BP treats lf your blood pressure

inches into

lanything above 124/84, you're

more likely to suffer. Wait-and-see

wisdom isn't heart-smart, say two

new reports.

Here's why: Ignore early blood

le

nins, that revup your body's arterypampering antioxidant defenses. Raisins: Contain blood-pressurefriendly potassium, as well as fibre and beneficial compounds called polyphenols that keep artery walls

tt

io

t-

h
ry
e.

pressure increases and you ignore hear! damage. The first study explains how blood pressure increase in your 30s, 40s or 50s enlarges your heart, even if you're otherwise healthy.

flexible.
Pumptin seeds, cashew nuts and waF

nuts: Contain magnesium that

helps keep blood pressure down by balancing levels of sodium and calcium. Plus, the healthy fat in wal-

le
rd

The second study shows that high blood pressure

at age 55 increases risk
a

ls
rh

for

nuts keeps inflammation out ofyour arteries and protects the level of nitric oxide.
Proteln:

"heart event" forboth men

t.,4

it'
as

andwomen. So airn for

the

Yo-

ghurt,

roast

,.s

1d ve

healthiest,

chicken, smoked salmon will keep

:ir
.re

most heart-

blood
sugar

In
nd is

friendly BP - rt5/76 by reducing stress,

lower and

steadier.
Dark chocolate: Flavonols packed

eating smart, getting plenty of

'nt
rIIa

physical activity and enjoying these

six surprising
treats:

pressure-lowering with anthocya-

ire

Potatoes: are packed

to dark chocolate boost production of artery-relaxing nitric oxide. Pair a square with berries, orange sections or your favourite fruit.

in-

1r

ls

nd
erJe-

In

)ng the

cff. lth, the [he the

By

len
ors
ude

her
ring

Less is more
llfhen your little one has an ear llinfection or a bad cold and is
crying half the night, all you want is a magic pill to make it better but, sometimes, no pill is the best choice. Do not automaticallygive kids antibiotics for ear infections, flu and bronchitis (all ofwhich are usually caused by viruses). Antibiotics are designed to knock out bacterial infections, not viruses. Yet, every year, mole eSsary and for antibiotics are written to "treat" common viral infections. This only

resistant bacteria. Antibiotics are

wonder drugs but be wise about using them: Giving kids antibiotics may eradicate good gut bacteria in their de-

nes

of
urd

uld aIy
ncy
and

veloping intestines. This, in turn, may damage their immune systems.

lbe
<ing

The result? Resehrchers think the ever-increasing use of antibiotics may be what's causing the number

xdl-

tis
And

of cases of allergiQ asthma to skyrocket. When your child comes down with a cold, flu or upper-re5p-iatou {lness, ask if antibiotics
are really the best solution. Sometimes less is more.
PHOTO: P.V. SIVAKUMAR

tos-

worsens the spread of antibiotic-