• The Good News About Cancer Prevention
• Burning Calories and Staying Active After 50
• Coenzyme Q10 and Parkinson’s Disease
• Using Flax Seed for Your Health

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Dear Health Conscious Individual,

Welcome to House Calls with Dr. Cutler!

This issue is full of good news! First, some good news about cancer, for a change. Though we still don’t have cures for many types of cancer, we
have made great strides in at least two-thirds of cancers overall. Check out my first article for more information.

I’ve also included a list of activities and suggestions on how to stay active and fit, even if you’re over 50.

Finally, I think you’ll benefit from the articles on foods which, when included as a regular part of your diet, can help prevent some of our most debilitating illnesses.

Yours for healthy living,

Michael Cutler, M.D.
Medical Advisor, True Health™

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The Good News About Cancer Prevention

According to a recent article, global rates of cancer could rise 50 percent by 2020, but one-third can be cured and one-third can be prevented through lifestyle changes and curbing infections.

A Reuters article from London states: “Once considered a Western disease, cancer now affects and kills more people in the developing world than in industrialized nations. In many countries it accounts for more than a quarter of all deaths… but with existing knowledge it is possible to prevent at least one-third of the cases that occur each year throughout the world. By 2020 there will be a 50-percent increase in the number of
people diagnosed with cancer unless steps are taken now,” said Dr. Bernard Stewart.

“The overall message is that we can prevent a third of cancers, we can probably cure a third of cancers and for the remainder we can certainly do something for quality of life if pain management is adequate.”

A recent report filed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organization (WHO), calls for action to stem smoking, improve diet and physical activity and to prevent infections in order to curb the disease that kills six million people worldwide each year.

Tobacco consumption is the most important avoidable cancer risk worldwide. An estimated 100 million people died of tobacco-related diseases in the 20th century, the report said. Smokers have a 20- to 30-times greater risk of lung cancer and more likelihood of developing bladder, renal, stomach, liver, kidney and oral cavity cancers, the report stated.

Health experts predict the biggest reduction in cancer deaths in the coming decades will be due to curbing smoking. The report also says changes in diet—eating more fruits and vegetables—increasing exercise and preventing infections linked to liver, cervical and stomach cancers, will make inroads.

So if you are a smoker, take this message to heart and quit now! And if you’re following the recommendations in House Calls with Dr. Cutler™ newsletters, then you’re already on your way to a better diet and increased exercise!

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Herb Tip: Garlic—Good for So Many Things!

A lot has been said about garlic in the last few years. I must add my voice to those who are touting its health benefits. Garlic contains many
beneficial chemicals such as beta-carotene and sulfur, and many nutrients such as calcium, iron and zinc.

The benefits of garlic are many. Garlic is known to detoxify the body and protect against infection. It is also known to stabilize blood sugar
levels and aid in the treatment of arthritis, asthma, cancer, digestion and heart disorders. And garlic’s many sulfur compounds promote healing.

To enjoy the benefits of garlic in your diet, try purchasing fresh garlic every two weeks and use it fresh on a salad, on steamed vegetables or sautéed in light cooking. Just don’t plan on getting your garlic each day from a lot of heavy pasta dishes or fattening cooking—that defeats the purpose.

Store garlic in a cool, dry place. A paper bag in the pantry is ideal.

There are also many odorless garlic supplements now available at your local health food store or even in some local grocery stores. They work
just as well and may be easier for consistent consumption.

Garlic truly is a readily available, enjoyable herb that packs a healthy punch!

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Burning Calories and Staying Active After 50

I am often asked about my recommendations for an exercise plan for people over the age of 50. This is something that depends a lot on the
health of each individual.

By far the most important factor is consistency in doing an activity you enjoy. Stay active on a regular basis and watch a youthful feeling
begin to flood your body. You’ll feel more energy and vitality, and the energy will stay with you through more of the day. You’ll feel less need for sugar or caffeine pick-me-ups in the middle of the day.

Here are some activities and the corresponding caloric burn rate for each:

• Sitting: burns 80 calories an hour
• Weight lifting: burns 215 calories per hour (non-vigorous)
• Volleyball: burns 215 calories per hour (recreational)
• Golf: burns 250 calories per hour (played with cart)
• Lawn mowing: burns 325 calories per hour
• Walking: burns 325 calories per hour at 4mph
• Kayaking: burns 360 calories per hour
• Dancing: burns 395 calories per hour (nightclub)
• Water skiing: burns 430 calories per hour
• Hiking: burns 430 calories per hour
• Aerobics: burns 505 calories per hour (high impact)
• Racquetball: burns 505 calories per hour (recreational)
• Tennis: burns 505 calories per hour
• In-line skating: burns 505 calories per hour
• Skiing: burns 575 calories per hour (cross country)
• Hockey: burns 575 calories per hour (ice or field)
• Martial arts: burns 720 calories per hour
• Bicycling: burns 720 calories per hour at 15mph
• Running: burns 720 calories per hour at 10-minute-per-mile pace
• Swimming: burns 790 calories per hour with crawl stroke

All averages are for 150-pound person.

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Coenzyme Q10 and Parkinson’s

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) works to support the immune system and cellular antioxidation. But it also appears to help with Parkinson’s disease.

The basis for many neurodegenerative diseases is called mitochondria dysfunction. The powerhouse of each cell is the mitochondria. If the
powerhouse of the cell is disrupted or loses energy, the body is vulnerable to attack at the cellular level. This can be devastating and can result in many chronic diseases.

Research shows that Coenzyme Q10 may protect neurons from damage by protecting the mitochondria.

However, it’s important to remember that Coenzyme Q10 may not cure Parkinson’s or even alleviate some symptoms, but it may slow the progress of the disease. It is recommended only as a supplement for prevention. Healthy people will usually benefit from 30 mg to 100 mg a day.

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Q & A

Each week in the Q & Asection of House Calls with Dr. Cutler, I will share with you some of the many questions I get every week from subscribers to my monthly advisory newsletter, Easy Health Options”. For more information on Easy Health Options”, visit www.easyhealthoptions.com.

Flax Seed

Dear Dr. Cutler,

You’ve written about flax seed in the past, and I have always wondered if those little seeds ever digested in your stomach and if any of the oil got into your system. Do you recommend putting them into a nutrition drink in the blender (such as with other fruits, veggies, protein powders, yogurt, etc.)? Would that make them more absorbable?—Irene O. (79 and still working as a physical therapist)

Dear Irene,

Putting flaxseeds into a blended nutrition drink is a good way to grind them up before consumption.

Ground flax seed provides more nutritional benefits than does the whole seed, although chewing the seeds has other beneficial effects, such as activating enzymes for digestion. Yet they are very hard and some people cannot chew them well. If whole flax seeds remain unbroken, they may pass undigested through the body, reducing the nutritional advantage of eating flax seed in the first place.

The good news is that flax seeds are easy to grind, and you likely have the right tool in your kitchen. Grind flax seeds at home using a coffee grinder, food processor or blender. Like coffee beans, you can grind flax seeds coarsely or finely, but generally, recipes call for finely ground
flax seed.

You can buy whole flax seed and packaged ground flax seed at many bulk food and health food stores. Conveniently, many supermarkets are also selling flax seed in their bulk food sections. Check your local stores, as more outlets are carrying flax seed now than ever before. This trend will continue as flax seed becomes a more popular food item.

All the Best!

Respectfully,
Michael Cutler, M.D.