S 1 :4 Andrew E. Segal, M.D. and Lawrence Krugel, M.D. P.C. BEFORE invite you to call for a free, no-obligation consultation with our new associate and specialist in hair restoration surgery: 29877 Telegraph Road Suite 300 Southfield, MI 48034 (810) 353 0880 Fax (810) 352 8666 - - It's the Talk of the Town! Here's what people are saying about us... Reducing The Risk Of Cataracts ALISON ASHTON SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS C ataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world. The condition leads to clouding of the eye's lens, and cataract surgery is the most common surgical proce- dure performed on people 65 and older. The annual Medicare cost for the surgery is $3 billion. But why have surgery when you can reduce the risk of cataracts? Prevent Blindness America offers these tips: Reduce exposure to ultravio- let radiation. Wear sunglasses that block 99 percent to 100 per- cent of UV. Look for a pair that fits snugly; wraparound models offer even more protection. Also, a wide-brimmed hat can block up to 50 percent of the UV radi- ation that can enter the eye around the glasses. Alison Ashton is a writer for Copley News Service. Stop smoking. Cigarette smoke contains substances that interfere with the eye's anti-ox- idant defense mechanisms. Lower alcohol consumption. Some studies show that more than one drink a day increases the risk of cataracts. Maintain proper weight. New research shows that obesity may be a risk factor. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially dark, leafy greens. These contain anti-oxi- dants that may boost the eye's natural ability to fight UV-in- duced damage to the lens. How- ever, the jury is still out on whether vitamin supplements do any good, so in the meantime, eat your greens. Have regular eye exams. Pre- vent Blindness America recom- mends eye exams every two to four years for people 40 to 64, every one to two years for those 65 and older. Folic Acid Alert ALISON ASHTON SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS F "This place is unbelievable. Who knew you could get treated like royalty just three blocks from home." - Carol Nolta "I got kind of busy and missed my workout for a few days. I couldn't believe it when my trainer called me to make sure everything was all right. He wasn't about to let me-slack off - and I appreciate that!" - Tom Morgan - Roney & Company •"OAC is incredibly convenient. I can get there, do a half-hour circuit, shower, and be back to the hospital in an hour, door-to- door. Plus, they have the highest quality aerobic and progressive resistance equipment I've used." Blake A. Bergeon, MD Find out for yourself. For a complimentary visit, call 810-540-9596 today. C.f) w MOAKLAND Alison Ashton is a writer for Copley News Service. -L Cf) ATHLETIC CLUB Zaske Sarafa Financial Center 355 S. Woodward, Suite 290 Birmingham, MI 48009 "Great Equipment..." "Friendly..." "Clean...""Beautiful..." State-o -the-art..." "First Class..." Lu LJJ 8 grains," says Dr. Mark Dykewicz, associate professor of internal medicine in the division of aller- gy and immunology. "Although this order has been made for ex- cellent reasons, the change will expose more people to folic acid supplements and may increase the number of people having al- lergic reactions." Synthetic folic acid is often found in vitamins prescribed for pregnant women to help reduce their risk of having babies with neural tube defects. Dr. Dykewicz says pregnant women should con- tinue taking vitamins with folic acid. If they develop severe aller- gic symptoms, their doctor can confirm the allergy with a skin test. Those who are allergic to syn- thetic folic acid can get the vita- min in its natural form by consuming dark-green leafy veg- etables, liver and nuts. ❑ I-- CD cc olic acid has been in the news lately, but researchers at St. Louis University School of Medicine have demonstrated in a laboratory that people can have antibodies that cause an allergic reaction to folic acid found in vitamins and sup- plements. The allergic antibody is di- rected against folic acid when combined with protein, resulting in hives, breathing problems, ab- dominal cramps and itchy skin in some people. The allergy is rare, say researchers, and asso- ciated with synthetic folic acid. `This information is especially important and timely following the Food and Drug Administra- tion's recent order to add folic acid to bread, flower, pasta and other in our Classified Section HOT SHOTS Do you have an item for "Hot Shots"? "Hot Shots" is a periodic column recognizing medical professionals for achievements in their field. Please . send items to Jill Davidson Sklar at The Jewish News, 27676 Franklin, Southfield, MI 48034. A picture would be appreciated. It can be color or black-and-white, but it must be in focus. If you wish to have the picture returned, you must enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.