Issue Date: March 14, 2004
HealthSmart -- Tedd Mitchell, M.D.
Investigating supplements
The Food and Drug Administration finally said enough is enough: In a few weeks, dangerous ephedra can't be legally sold. The supplement industry complains that this FDA "interference" will lead to restrictions on safe, effective products. But doctors are applauding. In fact, a 2003 editorial in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" suggested that if a substance has "biological activity," treat it as a drug. If it doesn't, don't allow health claims.
If it sounds too good to be true ...
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For now, it's up to you to become a dietary supplement detective. I have three recommendations:
First, understand that labels legally can make claims not backed up by science. The label may say a product will regrow your hair, but research may disagree.
Next, discuss supplements with a doctor who knows your health. Most doctors have had no formal training in supplements, and some dismiss them. But we're learning. Many of us recommend glucosamine and chondroitin for joint aches, but we tell diabetics to be cautious because, despite a recent reassuring study, these supplements might hurt blood sugar. Your physician can work with you. Any doctor who is unapproachable about this is unapproachable about other topics, too, so it's time to make a change. Your doctor should be open to having a two-way conversation on any health topic.
Finally, bone up. Research before you buy. Ignore hype; focus on ingredients. A good resource is 2003's "Physicians' Desk Reference for Nonprescription Drugs and Dietary Supplements." Also, try the American Botanical Council (herbalgram.org).
Supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids and much more. Often my patients take something simply because a friend said it would be a good idea. Please don't.
Tedd Mitchell, M.D., directs the Wellness Program at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas.
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EatSmart -- Jean Carper
You can't beet 'em
Science says beets' anti-cancer chemicals inhibit skin, lung and liver tumors in mice. Beets also may help the heart by lowering artery-damaging homocysteine. You can use canned beets, but freshly cooked ones retain more nutrients.
Beets With Orange & Ginger
6 medium beets
1 cup orange juice
2 Tbs. candied ginger
2 Tbs. maple syrup
1/2 cup walnuts
1 Tb. white vinegar
1 Tb. cornstarch
Scrub beets, leaving on root and 1 inch of stem. Place beets in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer 45 to 60 minutes or until tender. Drain. Remove skins and cut beets into wedges. In a saucepan, combine remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil; simmer until thickened. Add beets and toss. Serves 6.
Per serving: 115 calories, 14g carbohydrates, 2g protein, 6g fat (0.6g saturated), 1g fiber, 18mg sodium.
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TravelSmart -- Everett Potter
"Legal" luggage locks
When the U.S. Transportation Security Administration asked air travelers to leave their bags unlocked or risk having the locks broken off, more than a few travelers grew uneasy about the possibility of theft. But recently a new, TSA-approved lock was introduced by Travel Sentry, a company founded by former TSA consultant John W. Vermilye. The locks are emblazoned with a red-and-white diamond-shaped logo and can be opened by TSA screeners at more than 400 airports with a combination of codes and a special tool. After inspection, the screener can re-lock the bag.
Travel Sentry created the standards for the lock, but it is manufactured by a number of companies and sold nationwide at Brookstone and various luggage stores. Expect to pay $6 to $10 for one lock. Samsonite is working on a certified built-in locking system for hard-sided suitcases.
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MoneySmart -- Jean Chatzky
The IRS allows you $1,000 per kid under 17.
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Little deductions
With much hoopla, the tax credit for dependent children under age 17 went up to $1,000 per child for the 2003 tax year. But don't go spending your anticipated refund yet. Here's why:
If you claimed the credit for 2002, the IRS figured you'd claim it again for 2003. So it sent you an advance -- the $400-per-child check you likely received last summer. If you got the advance, you are due only as much as $600 per child, not $1,000. Which means that if you're banking on a fat refund based on $1,000 per kid, you're going to be disappointed.
Note: The last time the IRS sent out rebate checks (in 2001), so many filers forgot about it that 10 million returns had to be corrected. To avoid the hassle of refiling, fill out the worksheet in your tax instructions to calculate exactly how much you can claim. The credit starts phasing out for joint filers who earn $110,000 and is completely gone if they earn $130,000-plus. The phaseout starts for single parents at $75,000 and is gone at $95,000.
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