Longmont United Hospital

Summer 2013

Aspire is a magazine published by Longmont United Hospital in Colorado. It provides education on topics related to health and wellness and information on classes and programs offered to help our patients and community maintain a healthy lifestyle

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303.651.5111 Men's LUHCARES.ORG Calcium Conundrum Calcium has long been equated with strong bones and reduced risk of fractures. But for men, it may negatively affect another part of the body—the heart. HEART-RELATED DEATHS are higher among men who take calcium supplements, according to a new study by the National Cancer Institute. Researchers followed nearly 400,000 people between ages 50 and 71 and discovered men who took calcium supplements were 20 percent more likely to die of cardiovascular disease during the course of a decade than those who didn't. GETTING THE RIGHT AMOUNT Approximately one in two men involved in the study took a calcium supplement, and the association with heart disease was evident among men who took more than 1,000 milligrams of supplemental calcium daily. According to the National Institutes of Health, most men younger than 70 don't need more than 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day, including calcium from food. In most cases, men can get an adequate amount of calcium through a well-balanced diet that includes low-fat dairy products. For instance, 8 ounces of plain, low-fat yogurt provides 415 milligrams of calcium. Other common calcium-rich foods include milk, cheese, oatmeal, salmon, kale, and broccoli. To schedule an appointment with a cardiologist, call Milestone Medical Group at 720.652.8400. Can you remember the names of all your medications, their dosages, and why you take each one? orders weight-loss supplements online. One day his heart starts racing, and no one knows why. His doctor is puzzled, too. ROGER, 52 years old, is meticulous about recording every conversation with every physician. He takes medications for celiac disease, an intestinal disorder, and for chronic pain. He tracks his medicine on an Excel spreadsheet, which he protects with a password. One day, Roger passes out at work. He's rushed to the hospital. Does he need medications regularly? Has he missed a dose? No one in his family knows what medicines he's taking. BRUCE, 40 years old, knows his medicines. He reads up on the drugs he takes, since some medicines and OTC drugs or supplements may not mix well. Bruce is up-front with his physician about everything he's taking, supplements included. He has also told family members where they can find the comprehensive list he keeps of his medications. That way, someone will be able to advise emergency providers, if the need arises. Medication questions? We can help. Visit luhcares.org and click "find a physician." 3

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