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Taking our pulse

Everything you wanted to know about your one-a-day

MultivitaminsMany of us diligently take our multivitamin each day, hoping that it might somehow make up for all our dietary transgressions.

But even if you take a multi, you still need a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Here are some other things you should know about your vitamin:

  • Look for “USP” on the label. That means the product
    meets the standard of the U.S. Pharmacopeia and has
    been tested under laboratory conditions.
  • Look for 100 percent of the daily value of these
    vitamins: D, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, and folic acid. And
    you need at least 20 micrograms of K.
  • Look for 100 percent of the daily value of these
    minerals: copper, zinc, iodine, selenium, and
    chromium. And you need some magnesium.
  • Look for 250–500 milligrams of vitamin C.
  • You’ll need to take a calcium supplement — everyone
    needs 1,000 milligrams a day, and women over 50 and
    men over 65 need 1,200–1,500 milligrams daily.
  • Take your multivitamin with food.

— Adapted from the University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter

A road not-so-well traveled

Man asleep

We’ve all had times when we feel as if we’re going to fall asleep at the wheel. But did you know that being awake for 18 consecutive hours can impair your driving as much as if you had consumed two shots of alcohol?

Not only might you fall asleep, you have an increased chance of getting in an accident because of delayed reaction time, poor hand-eye coordination, and impaired judgment, according to an Australian study.

— Adapted from the University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter


Brainpower

BrainpowerExperts believe that to maintain a healthy brain over your entire life, you should treat brain health the same way you would, say, heart health. Yes, you can make lifestyle choices that directly affect your long-term brain health.

Here are some things you can do to nurture brain health:

  • Form and maintain strong relationships with family and friends.
  • Maintain a purpose in your life.
  • Maintain a healthy weight, and include antioxidants in your diet.
  • Find your own brand of spirituality.
  • Maintain financial security.
  • Be social.
  • Exercise daily.
  • Keep learning.
  • Get regular checkups.
  • Don’t smoke.

— Adapted from the Alzheimer’s Association Web site