Preventing Diabetes There are simple ways to drastically reduce your chance of developing type 2 diabetes: exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. In a long-term study of 85,000 female nurses published in the September 13, 2001 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers reported that a whopping 91% of the participants who developed diabetes could attribute their disease to unhealthy behavior. They suggest that healthy habits, such as eating a well-balanced diet and regular exercise, can reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

-- Anonymous, December 28, 2002

Answers

Crash Course On Crunches We often hear that most people perform crunches, or sit-ups, incorrectly. Here's the right way:

1. Laying on your back, press your spine flat against the floor. Bend your knees and keep your feet on the floor. 2. Leave arms at your sides, and raise your upper-body until your shoulder blades are no longer touching the floor. 3. Begin "walking" your fingers forward, forcing your upper body to curl, then crunch a little farther from here, exhaling on the effort. 4. Work within this small range of motion, taking 2 seconds on the way up, 1 second to squeeze, and 2 seconds coming down (not all the way).

-- Anonymous, December 28, 2002

Eyelid Hygiene Inflammation of the margins of the eyelids is known as blepharitis. This condition is very common, especially among older individuals. If you have blepharitis, you might notice swollen, itchy, or red eyelids. A close exam might even show scales or crusting on the eyelids. If untreated, blepharitis can lead to eye infections such as sties. If you think you have blepharitis, see your eye doctor. You can help eliminate blepharitis by cleaning your eyelids twice daily with an over-the-counter eyelid scrub or a 50/50 mixture of warm water and baby shampoo.

- M. Ellman

-- Anonymous, December 28, 2002