June 9
Math Problems
	Do you have an adolescent daughter who's struggling with math? Instead of a tutor - you may want to get help from your doctor. Researchers at the University of Rochester found the lower the iron in the blood - the lower the scores on a math test. And it doesn’t even need to be a full-blown anemia - just lower iron levels. Between ages 6-12 it’s estimated that 3% of American kids are lacking in iron. But in adolescent girls that number jumps to almost 9% - the reason- menstrual periods begin.
Walk More Often
	Walk more often, not faster - that’s the conclusion of a new study of 40 thousand women, which finds it’s not how fast you go that will help protect you against heart disease – it’s just the fact you are going. The study showed that it’s the amount of calories you burn that’s important ... so a stroll can be just as protective as a brisk walk, as long as its done on a regular basis. The study looked at women age 45 and older--so it’s never too late to get started.
Working Out The Pain
	And speaking of exercise - if you have chronic pain – the solution may not be a pill but a workout. A study presented at the recent American College of Sports Medicine meeting shows exercise may raise your pain threshold - meaning you don’t feel the pain so easily. The study found that moderate aerobic exercise was especially helpful to people with chronic muscular pain, such as low back pain.
	Going back to the anemia story — should we be giving our children iron pills? Not necessarily—too much iron can be toxic. It’s important to promote a healthy diet —fortified cereals and leafy vegetables are good sources of iron. But if you don’t think your child is eating a balanced diet, is fatigued easily, or is doing poorly in school, talk to your doctor.