Dr. V in the News

A Primer on Flu and Colds: How We Get Them, How We Can Fight Them.
This article originally appeared in LowCarb Energy Magazine. For more information visit www.LowCarbEnergy.com.

Tough viruses spread by touch and also by droplets emitted when we breath, sneeze, or cough.

Almost like microscopic stealth fighers, flu and cold viruses travel invisibly and hit their targets with sickening precision.

Knowing a bit about their flight paths can help ? but not always totally prevent ? the viruses from making you sick. There are ways to avoid the viruses and to strengthen your immune system against them. But most experts agree that once you get the flu or a cold, there is little that can be done except to treat the symptoms.

Bacteria that cause flu and colds live in our respiratory tracts, mainly our throats and chests.

The viruses "are almost always spread by direct contact with people or with droplets that people spew when they cough, sneeze or talk," says Dr. Allison McGeer, director of infection control for Mount Sinai Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto.

"It is much more likely to be a person rather than an inanimate object" that spreads the virus, McGeer adds.

Lurking Around

And you don't have to physically touch a person harboring the flu or a cold to get sick.

"When a person exhales, he can transmit a virus to a person standing within three feet. And because these minute secretions can get on our hands, hands are also a vehicle of transmission," says Dr. William Schaffner, chairman of the Department of Preventive Medicine and a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

Adding to these pesky viruses' intrusiveness is the fact that virus germs can be spread by a person even before he or she has symptoms of the flu or a cold.

"The virus is present in our secretions for a day or two before we get sick. That's why the strategy some people have of 'i'll just avoid everyone who's coughing' is an imperfect strategy," Schaffner says.

Uncomfortable vs. Sick
He adds that while colds and flu are transmitted similarly, they differ in their degree of severity. Colds "give us relatively minor illnesses ? and are localized to the upper respiratory tract. But influenza gets down into the chest, infects our bronchial tubes and can affect the whole body. True influenza infections are associated with pneumonia, hospitalizations and even sometimes death, Schaffner says.

About 115,000 people in the U.S. will be hospitalized for influenza and 36,000 of them (mostly over the age of 65) will die.

There are the obvious things one can do to cut the chances of getting flu and colds: wash your hands well and often, be careful of what you touch in public places, such as bathroom door handles and water left around bathroom sinks.

Another key "don't", the experts say, is to keep your hands away from your face. People touch their faces unconsciously several times an hour.

"We don't have proof about how important that is, but it's probably really quite important," McGeer says.

We don't have proof about how important that is, but it's probably really quite important," McGeer says.

One other thing to do "is to avoid crowds and yes, by avoiding people who are sick, you do reduce your risk somewhat," Schaffner says.

Boosting Immune System
Both McGeer and Schaffner tell their patients that the best way to boost their immune systems to fight off the flu is to get enough sleep, eat balanced meals, wash hands, and get a flu shot.

McGeer says the effectiveness of using Vitamin C supplements to keep from getting a cold has not been scientifically proven. "There's no evidence that taking shortcuts or supplements really does any good," she says.

Nevertheless, eating a health diet full of vitamins and minerals does give the immune system a boost. And "tweaking" your immune system with certain types of supplements can help during flu season, says Dr. Fred Vagnini, a cardiologist and medical director of The Heart, Diabetes and Weight Loss Centers of New York.

Vagnini, a well-known practitioner of nutritional medicine, says that getting a good night's sleep and eating a good diet "are a given" in keeping one's immune system strong. But several supplements have strong anti-oxidant powers and other immune-boosting properties.

Vagnini said there are numerous supplements that he recommends to patients, but five particularly strong ones are: Vitamin C, 500 mg three times a day at the onset of flu or even during flu season; echinancea and golden seal, two herbs that boost immunity; Co-Q10, a supplement believed to repair damaged mitrochondia, the power houses of our cells; selenium and zinc; and probiotics, products which repopulate the gastrointestinal system with healthy bacteria and help restore stomach health.

"These are not cure-alls," Dr. Vagnini says, but they can help many people during the flu and cold system.

Lost the Battle?
If you end up getting the flu or a cold, there are no magic cures. Echinacea is a popular herb that has been shown in some tests to reduce the symptoms and duration of colds and flu symptoms. It appears to provide a short-term stimulation of the immune system, however, it is not recommended for long-term use. And because Echinacea is not regulated, some brands are more effective than others.

Chicken soup has also been shown to provide some relief and while this may or may not be scientifically sound, if it makes you feel better, by all means, indulge yourself.

"Do whatever makes you feel comfortable. There is no evidence that anything makes the flu go away faster," McGeer says.

Caffeine: What's the buzz?
Jennifer Newton Reents

Some low-carb regimens forbid caffeine, claiming it causes spikes in insulin and drops in blood sugar, leaving you craving carbs. Others allow caffeine in moderation. So what's the buzz?

"Caffeine is one of the most extensively researched ingredients in our food supply," says Dee Grasso, a registered dietitian and nutrition director at CAN DO Fitness Centers in New Jersey. "The consensus is that, consumed in moderation, caffeine does not have a negative effect on one's health, and it may have a positive effect on mental alertness. However, caffeine also acts much like a drug to which people respond...differently."

Grasso says. "With that... my recommendation would be tailored to each [person's] medical conditions and physiological response to caffeine consumption."

The science of caffeine
Gregory Ellis, PhD, an exercise physiologist, biochemist and certified nutrition specialist in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, sees no reason why his low-carb clients need to stop consuming caffeine because of its effect on metabolism and fat burning.

The primary effect of carb restriction is to reduce insulin and increase glucagons, creating a favorable environment for fat release and fat burning, Ellis says. The net effect of increasing fat use at the whole-body level? Reduced feeding. Hence, one loses body fat.

Depending on the dose, caffeine can add to this effect, says Ellis, author of Ultimate Diet Secrets, in which he teaches his low-carb approach."

Caffeine causes a physiological response that leads to the release of catecholamines, chemical agents that increase metabolism. Caffeine. [stimulates] thermogenesis [heat production, or calorie burning] and [increases] the release of fat from the fat cell."

In general, Grasso recommends low-carbers consume caffeine in moderation -- two to three cups of coffee a day, or no more than 300mg. "[Low-carbers] often feel deprived having to cut out many of their favorite foods, and they look forward to that cup of coffee as a 'treat.' It helps them overcome the fatigue [that] might cause them to binge," she says.

One potential problem has less to do with intake and more to do with what's not consumed. "My biggest concern related to coffee consumption is that it displaces water," says Grasso. Another is the typical accompaniments to favorite caffeinated beverages. "There are often lots of added calories in the half-and-half.or the special flavored syrups we like to add. On any diet, it is easy to miss the calories we drink."

Kim Hardie, 42, of Eastlake, Ohio, has been low-carbing for about a year for weight reduction and to treat autoimmune conditions that have since disappeared.

Prior to starting her low-carb regimen, she drank about eight cups of coffee a day with cream and sugar. She began by first cutting caffeine out completely. She later added it back in, drinking about five cups a day.

"My weight loss was slow compared to [that of] many but very steady, and that may be attributed to coffee and caffeine," says Hardie. She lost 20 pounds in six months. "I recently decided to try to lose the coffee at work, and for the last week or so, I've done well. I keep my coffee cup within my reach filled with water instead of coffee. So far, it seems to be working with no ill effects."

Frederic Vagnini, MD, medical director of the Heart, Diabetes and Weight Loss Centers of New York, co-author of The Carbohydrate Addict's Healthy Heart and author of Dr. Vagnini's Healthy Heart Plan, also suggests moderation when it comes to caffeine.

"Often, it is not only the coffee that interferes with the body, but what is put into it," Dr Vagnini says. "By putting sugar or artificial sweeteners in coffee, people actually get hungrier. the quick shot of sugar is a 'tease,' making the body think it's going to get more food."

Dr Vagnini says caffeine increases catecholamines, the adrenaline- like substances that can speed up the heart rate and then cause a sudden energy dip. "This, of course, is not good for dieting individuals, since many have high blood pressure, and it can cause rapid/irregular heart beat," he adds.

Additionally, he says, caffeine has been shown to increase homocystine, which is a significant risk factor for heart disease. There has been no research that shows caffeine can interfere with the way fat and protein metabolize, he says.

While caffeine is in a variety of things we eat and drink, not all caffeine is created equal. "Stay away from caffeinated products such as chocolate, coffee, tea, green tea and certain supplements. In general, these substances should be avoided or not consumed excessively," Dr Vagnini says.

Cutting caffeine
Want to kick the habit altogether or cut back? Take it slowly.

"When you are used to drinking caffeine and you suddenly cut it out, you will most likely suffer the infamous withdrawal headache, causing you to run to the nearest coffee place to get your fix," Grasso says. "It would be ideal to decrease your caffeine consumption by a half cup a day -- be it coffee, tea or soda. You can easily do this by using an 8-ounce cup instead of a 16-ounce cup or by mixing half caffeinated and half decaf."

Grasso says caffeine withdrawal effects can be difficult to endure but may be lessened by getting adequate sleep and exercising regularly.

Cheryl Hutcherson, 49, of Vancouver, British Columbia, has lost about 60 pounds since starting her low-carb diet a year ago. She says she used to drink two liters of diet soda and two to three cups of coffee a day before going low carb. Now she drinks one to two glasses of diet soda a month.

"Quitting the [cola] habit was a biggie for me," she says. "When you drink two liters a day, you can safely assume you are addicted to the caffeine."

And while water had rarely touched her lips before Hutcherson realized how important it is, she made a deal with herself: For every liter of water she drank, she'd allow herself a 20-ounce bottle of diet soda. Her goal was to consume three liters -- 101 ounces -- of water a day.

"But three liters is a lot of water. I didn't have room for diet cola on top of that," Hutcherson says. "When I started this deal with myself, I drank two cans or so of diet cola along with the water, but then one day, I just didn't need or want one. I got my water down and that was it. I was shocked. My weaning went really smoothly. It was as if I had never been addicted."

All she needed was a little positive self-talk. "I told myself every successful day is a notch in the belt. But if I were to so much as pick up a two-liter diet cola, then I would have to start counting caffeinefree days all over again. For some reason, that seemed to work for me because I really didn't want to tell people I had to start over again, or especially, myself."

So should you limit your caffeine intake? The answer depends on who you listen to and how your body responds to the substance. As with any health concern, consult your healthcare provider to learn what's best for you.

Flavored coffee? Sure!
So you like flavored coffee, but you're worried about calories and carbs in flavored syrups? Da Vinci Gourmet offers a line of 40 sugar-free/zero-calorie syrups that are sweetened with Splenda -- so you can add some zing to your morning brew but no calories and almost no carbs.

Da Vinci Gourmet syrups are also great for creating dessert drinks! Try mixing your favorite sugar-free syrup with ice and heavy cream for a smooth shake that's low in carbs and easy to make on hot summer days. Here are a couple more tasty ideas, courtesy of Da Vinci Gourmet:

Check out www.davincigourmet.com for more recipes and information.

How to Love Halloween Without Joining the Obesity Epidemic
By Dr. Fred Vagnini

On the ramp-up to Halloween, the pollsters set out to determine which candy bar is the favorite among trick-or-treaters. The nominees are: Three Musketeers, Baby Ruth, Twix, Kit Kat, Hershey's Chocolate, Butterfinger, M & Ms, Snickers, and Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. From my standpoint, it doesn't matter which one wins. Candy bars are notorious for their delivery of sugar ? and to audience that is mostly children. Candy bars provide none of the nutrients required in a youngster's healthy diet and their fat content (check it out on the wrapper) is a serious factor in causing overweight. One major food manufacturer of candy (you could guess the name) has been singled out as a business that produces no nutritional foods whatsoever.

Has any one noticed that U.S. health authorities, the people who are responsible for providing advise to keep the country healthy, has declared an obesity epidemic among children? According to statistics released by the American Obesity Association, 15.5% of teens (ages 12-19) and 15.3% of children (ages 6-11) are obese. When these children become middle age adults they are certain to have serious health problems: diabetes, hypertension, heart disease. A health commentator has predicted that the current generation of young g people will be the first to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.

Obesity is a multifaceted health problem. Genes, lack of exercise, poor diet, are just a few of the factors causing Americans to be too fat. Sugar, a pure carbohydrate, metabolizes into fat when there is too much of it in the diet. Oh sure, sugar, all carbohydrates, give an energy boost; that's why we like them. And they taste good too. As the slogan for one well-know candy bar boasts, it is "indescribably delicious." A part of America's bounty is to have shelves and shelves of candy bars piled high in bright colorful wrappers in our big chain pharmacies. This is not the little candy store on the corner where it took you five minutes to pick out one or two candy treats. No. In the supermarket, you drop a bag full of your favorite mini candy bars into your shopping cart without giving it a second thought.

When I grew up, about the time I was going around the neighborhood trick-or-treating, I recall my mother disciplining me about too much candy or sugar, because she had been listening to the daily radio show of Carlton Fredericks. Dr. Fredericks campaigned against sugar and its excesses and its impact on the human constitution. He may have been considered "on the fringe" then, but today his contentions have been verified in the work of Dr. Robert Atkins. In his famous diet books, Dr. Atkins explains how carbohydrates (sugar sources) turn into fats in the body's metabolism. His diets have been successful in helping many people lose weight by cutting carbohydrates out of their meals.

I would not want to deprive children one of childhood's traditional pleasures, Halloween candies. I only intend to call attention to the problems sugar and over weight present, and give you a heads up on how you and your children can avoid getting caught up in our nation's obesity epidemic. How serious is obesity among children and teenagers? The U.S. Congress is concerned, and has ordered the National Academies of Science and Health to work up a plan for prevention. The report's recommendations are to the point:

Schools should create a healthy food environment for students: make sure that school meals include nutritional foods and beverages; cut back on the vending machines (candy bars) that compete with school meal programs. (98% of high schools allow competitive fast food vendors on their premises.); require at least 30 minutes of physical exercise daily for all students.

Parents should introduce new foods at meals, serve smaller portions, watch the sugar content of foods (by age 14, 52% of kids are drinking three or more eight-ounce servings of non-nutritional soda pop a day); limit TV and video games to two hours a day; measure children according to BMI (body mass index) norms.

Keep these advisories in mind, and let the Halloween celebrations be an occasion when we enjoy looking at all the candy bars around us and learn the importance of disciplining ourselves to enjoy them in moderation . . . strict moderation!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Diane Bates/Jennifer Keel
blue sky communications
212.995.1777

PATHWAYS to BEAUTY and WELL-BEING SELF Magazine Nutrition & Health Pavilion aims to help women live longer, healthier lives

This September 10-12 at the groundbreaking consumer expo, PATHWAYS to BEAUTY and WELL-BEINGSM, women will have the opportunity to take part in some of the most exciting nutrition and health seminars ever to be offered under one roof. Set to take place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in NYC, seminars include one-of-a-kind presentations on nutrition and health from top experts in each field. They’ll also have an opportunity to learn the scoop on new products, techniques on looking and feeling better, etc. The Nutrition & Health Pavilion is being sponsored by Self Magazine. These seminars are filled with all the latest and greatest news just for women.

One of the featured speakers of the SELF seminar program is Dr. Vagnini of the Heart, Diabetes & Weight Centers of New York. Dr. Vagnini, known as “The Prevention Doctor”, is a best-selling author on health and nutrition and hosts a weekly radio show in New York, “The Heart Show” on WOR 710 AM, Sundays 4-5pm. He will speak about his 10-step program for a longer and healthier life – with special emphasis on women and heart disease, and how these 10 steps can help reduce the risks. The presentation will include improving your health through diet, exercise, and nutrition with a special focus on the real story behind the lo-carb revolution. Dr. Vagnini will be speaking at PATHWAYS on September 11th from 10:45-11:45. He will also be available for personal consultations at the Heart, Diabetes & Weight Centers of New York booth at the exhibition.

“PATHWAYS to BEAUTY and WELL-BEINGSM presents an unmatched opportunity for us to meet with women looking for ways to enjoy healthier, longer, fulfilling lives – our programs offer specifics for ‘getting on the path to health,” explains Dr. Vagnini. “At our Centers we are dedicated to helping people live well and feel great and we are honored to be given the chance to speak to consumers one-on-one."

In addition to Dr. Vagnini’s presentation, there will be many other exciting seminars in the SELF Nutrition & Health seminars. Some of those include: The Top Ten Things You Can Do to Help Your Health Today, Why You Need to Take a Break, Taking Control of your Life, The Crucial First Steps In Being Healthy, How Much Exercise Do you Need For Good Health, Picking and Preparing The Best Fruits & Vegetables of the Season, Women’s Health, Menopause, Perimenopause and Osteoporosis, Heart Health For Women, etc. For a full list of daily seminars with dates and times please refer to the attached seminar track grid or log onto www.pathways2.com for an up-to-the-minute list of all show features and activities.

PATHWAYS to BEAUTY and WELL-BEINGSM is the most innovative consumer show for women ever held. Tens of thousands of women are expected to attend. “PATHWAYS to BEAUTY and WELL-BEINGSM” features hundreds of booths in five pavilions, covering beauty, personal care, nutrition and health, fitness, active living and personal growth. There will be thousands of products to sample, make-overs, lots of experts to meet and a full program of intriguing seminars to attend. The show will also be raising money for two wonderful women’s causes: Dress for Success® and The Greater New York City Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation will each receive $1 from every fully paid admission. Additionally, attendees will be able to shop “guilt-free” in the Pathways Shoppe, which contains products for sale donated by exhibitors. All proceeds from the Shoppe will be donated to Dress for Success® and Susan G. Komen.

For further information, please visit www.pathways2.com.

	WVOX AM- Let's Talk About It with Lauren Howard Interviewed DR. V on Thursday, 45 minutes about Y Cook Cafe and his own stand on nutrition and diet.
	The Bill Mazer Show - WVOX radio in Westchester Dr. V did a live interview discussing nutrition, anti-aging and the Y Cook Caf?on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 at 3:30 pm.
	News 12 Westchester- Monday, March 29, 2004 Chef Michael Mazzei did a cooking segment featuring lamb pinwheels.
	News 12 Westchester - Tuesday, March 30, 2004 Dr. V did a low-carb segment discussing the Metabolic Syndrome, the Y Cook Caf?good carbs/bad carbs and more.
	Eyewitness News Sunday (WABC - TV) Dr. V did a segment on spring cleaning your pantry for good health. The live segment aired on April 11, 2004.
	WeightWatchers.com WeightWatchers.com ran an interview with Dr. V about working out at work on May 3rd, 2004.
	Westchester Magazine Mentioned Y-Cook in a Mother's Day restaurant roundup in the May issue.
	Good Day New York Dr. V was a live guest on the May 11th edition of Good Day New York. Dr. Vagnini discussed ways to prevent fatigue.
	Extra Dr. Vagnini was interviewed about Robin Quivers cleansing diet. The interview aired on May4th.
	WWOR-TV Ch. 9 The station interviewed Dr. Vagnini for a story on poor air quality. A patient of Dr. V's was also interviewed. The segment ran on Monday, May 24, 2004 during the 10 o'clock news.
	Woman's World The magazine interviewed Dr. Vagnini about the health benefits of a diet high in fruits and vegetables. The article ran in the June 1, 2004 issue.
	Women's Health and Fitness Interviewed Dr.V on 5.17.04 for a sidebar on a story about boosting your immune system with a hobby or activity.
	LifetimeTV.com Interviewed Dr. V on 3/5/04 for a story on foods that boost the immune system.
	Low Carb Energy magazine Interviewed Dr. V about the effects of caffeine on the low-carb diet.
	Vitality magazine - Dr. V? Interviewed on March 18, 2004 for an article about the fitness pyramid. This is a health publication distributed by employers throughout the country - circulation is 450,000. Reporter is Sandra Gordon.
	Rodale Publications Dr. V was interviewed?by Selene Yeager who is working on a book aboutexercise and detoxing the body.
	Low Carb Living magazine Interviewed Dr. V for a story on the health benefits/hazards of artificial sweeteners.
	Us Weekly Zoe Alexander interviewed Dr.V? for a story about Brittany Spear's weight loss.
	LongLifeClub.com Dr. V was interviewed for a story by Andy Walker about anti-aging medical spas. He talked about HIS Pulse PROGRAM and the interview will be posted on the website The LongLifeClub.com is a Web site dedicated to helping people better understand the issues around aging and longevity.?Dr. V will serve on the advisory board for LongLifeClub. story?appeared in? a special Wellness section of the Journal News - article ran on April 14th.
	Reader's Digest Dr. V to be a consultant on a Reader's Digest book - 30 Minutes to a Healthy Heart.