Medicine for People!

Late June 2005

Contents

• The New Food Pyramid
• Help for Tired Legs

The New Food Pyramid

What's New About It? Here are some highlights

• It has an interactive tool that gives you "personalized" recommendations based on age, gender, and activity level.
• It groups vegetables by nutrient value.
• It promotes whole grains over refined products.
• It includes vegetarian options.
• It recommends 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each and every day.
• It emphasizes need for gradual improvement.

How Good is It?

The old pyramid was out of date, but this one is based on current research. Most people who follow the guidelines should enjoy better health. Some of you, especially those in our Solutions Weight Management Program, are already eating better than their guidelines suggest, so just pat yourself on the back and keep up the good work.

Help for Tired Legs

Support stockings can relieve "tired legs" for those who work on their feet all day, can slow the progression of varicose veins, and can dramatically improve the quality of life for people with severe fluid retention (lymphedema, to be technical). For years people have had to drive to Seattle to obtain skilled help in choosing among the many types and sizes of stockings. Now Port Townsend has a trained and certified fitter, Melanie Hundley. One thing she will give you is a great deal of her time and an excellent price on stockings. She is a real resource for those who suffer from leg problems.

CJK May 10, 2006

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Medicine for People! is published by Douwe Rienstra, MD at Port Townsend, Washington. Edited by Carolyn Latteier.

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