• THE MONTH’S EXTENDED TOP NEWS PICKS •

The Murky Politics of Mind-Body
“From Plato and Aristotle to Descartes, the great thinkers have for millennia argued over what is known in philosophy as the ‘mind-body problem,’ the relationship between spirit and flesh. Dualism tends to win the day: The mind and the body, while linked, are separate. They exist independently, perhaps mingling but not The debate lives on these days in less abstract form in the United States: How much of a difference should it make to health care — and health insurance — if a condition is physical or mental?….” By SARAH KERSHAW. Published NY Times: March 30, 2008.

Pain as an Art Form
“Pain doesn’t show up on a body scan and can’t be measured in a test. As a result, many chronic pain sufferers turn to art, opting to paint, draw or sculpt images in an effort to depict their pain.” By TARA PARKER-POPE. Published NY Times: April 22, 2008.

A Hard Plastic Is Raising Hard Questions
“Are toxic plastics lurking in your kitchen? It’s a question many families are asking after reports last week that a chemical used to make baby bottles, water bottles and food containers is facing increasing scrutiny by health officials in Canada and the United States.” By TARA PARKER-POPE. Published NY TIMES: April 22, 2008

Respiratory infections in villages raise alarm
“CDC STUDY: Villages that have to haul water have higher illness rates. Rural Alaska Natives in homes without running water experience far higher rates of pneumonia and other serious lower respiratory tract infections than do Natives in homes where water is readily available for bathing and hand-washing, according to a new study by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention….” By GEORGE BRYSON. Published in the Anchorage Daily News: April 2nd, 2008.

House Panel Criticizes F.D.A. Role in Drug Cases
House members chastised the Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday for not doing more inspections of foreign drug manufacturers in the wake of a litany of problems with the blood thinner heparin and other products.” By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS. Published by NEW TIMES: April 23, 2008.

Senate Passes Genetic Discrimination Bill
“People learning through genetic testing that they might be susceptible to devastating diseases wouldn’t also have to worry about losing their jobs or their health insurance under anti-discrimination legislation the Senate passed Thursday.” By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Published: April 24, 2008.

Researchers Examine A Possible Link Between Bacteria Found In The Human Digestive System And Obesity
“Obesity is more than a cosmetic concern because it increases a person’s risk for developing high blood pressure, diabetes and many other serious health problems. It’s well understood that consuming more calories than you expend through exercise and daily activities causes weight gain. But with about one in every three American adults now considered obese, researchers are attempting to identify additional factors that affect a person’s tendency to gain and retain excess weight. In the April issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, researchers from Mayo Clinic Arizona and Arizona State University examine the role that bacteria in the human gastrointestinal tract play in regulating weight and the development of obesity.” Published by Medical News Today: April 2, 2008.

Study Finds Many Patients Dissatisfied With Hospitals
“Many hospital patients are dissatisfied with some aspects of their care and might not recommend their hospitals to friends and relatives, the federal government said Friday as it issued ratings for most of the nation’s hospitals, based on the first uniform national survey of patients. The survey was meant to provide a constructive way for patients to complain about arrogant doctors, crabby nurses and dirty or noisy hospital rooms. Medical experts said that some of the complaints bore directly on the quality of care….” By ROBERT PEAR. Published NY Times: March 29, 2008.

IN-CAM Outcomes Database: Collaborative Research Database To Benefit Complementary And Alternative Medicine
“The McGill University Health Centre Research Institute and the University of Calgary in collaboration with Centennial College are launching the first-ever searchable database of outcome measures intended for complementary and alternative medicine researchers - the IN-CAM Outcomes Database….” Published by Medical News Today: April 1, 2008.

• THE MONTH’S HEALTHY RECIPE •

A recipe for the localvore and urban forager interested in Asparagus:

ASPARAGUS RISOTTO
Serves 4

Ingredients
6 cups Vegetable Broth, divided
2 tablespoons oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 - 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups dry arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and bias cut into 1-inch pieces
1 juice and zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup + 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil,* divided
2 tablespoons shredded fresh basil, divided
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
1/2 cup chopped tomato
1 salt, to taste
1 white pepper, to taste

Heat broth over low heat. Have a ladle handy. Heat oil in a large, wide skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the onion, garlic, and rice. Cook, stirring constantly, until the rice begins to brown. Do not let more than one-tenth of the rice brown. Add wine and cook, stirring, until the rice absorbs the liquid. Add 1 cup of the broth. Reduce the heat to medium. Cook, stirring, until most of the broth is absorbed. Do not allow the rice to brown or stick to the pan. Continue adding the broth, 1 cup at a time, and cook until it is nearly all absorbed. When adding the last cup of broth, add the asparagus.

When the broth is absorbed and the asparagus is just tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, half the zest, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon basil, tarragon, and tomato. Mix gently so the asparagus doesn’t fall apart. Add salt and white pepper to taste.

Divide the risotto among four large, shallow bowls. Garnish with the remaining basil and top with some lemon zest. Drizzle a teaspoon or so of the olive oil. Serve immediately.

Source: TJ’s Restaurant & Lounge, Richmond, Virginia. Published in Best in the World II, Jennifer Keller, R.D., editor.

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