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Q: Which artificial sweetener is best for your health?

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A: All artificial sweeteners currently sold in the U.S. have been approved and deemed safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, says FDA spokesperson Michael Herndon. What’s more, despite persistent rumors that some sweeteners cause cancer, the National Cancer Institute has found no evidence of cancer risk in humans. The only caution is for people who have difficulty metabolizing phenylalanine due to a rare hereditary disease called phenylketonuria, or PKU. Since aspartame contains phenylalanine, aspartame should be avoided by people with PKU. Other than that, you can rest assured that all five sugar substitutes currently on the market -- aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, sucralose and neotame -- are considered safe for your health. 

But before you start filling up on artificially sweetened foods, consider why you’re consuming them in the first place. For people with diabetes, sugar substitutes can make healthful additions to the diet because they don’t raise blood glucose levels, according to the American Diabetes Association. However, the jury is still out on whether these sweeteners actually help you lose weight. Recent animal studies conducted at Purdue University have suggested that artificial sweeteners may contribute to weight gain because when the body gets something sweet to eat, it anticipates calories. With artificial sweeteners, there’s no caloric payoff, so you may crave more food to feel satisfied. What’s more, if you load up on artificially sweetened foods, you miss out on more nutritious choices, notes Cindy Moore, a registered dietitian and director of nutrition therapy for the Cleveland Clinic. So don’t look at sugar substitutes as a free ticket. “The best plan is to eat a variety of foods, with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains,” says Moore.

Q: Could my grandmother's forgetfulness be Alzheimer's?

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A: Some minor memory changes are a normal part of aging. However, if those changes are more than mild and occasional -- for example, if a family member is getting repetitive, saying things or asking questions over and over again -- a doctor’s evaluation can help determine whether it’s simple age-related forgetfulness or something more serious, such as Alzheimer’s disease, says Claudia H. Kawas, M.D., professor of neurology and of neurobiology and behavior at the University of California, Irvine, and spokesperson for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Warning signs that a loved one needs further evaluation include:

• Memory loss Forgets entire experiences, rather than just part of an experience
  
• Difficulty performing familiar tasks Can’t remember how to do everyday tasks, such as cooking a favorite meal
  
• Language problems Difficulty recalling everyday words, such as toothpaste or soap
  
• Disorientation Gets lost in a familiar place or forgets how to get home
  
• Poor judgment Makes reckless decisions or falls prey to fraud
  
• Mood swings Shifts mood quickly from peaceful to angry, without provocation

While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, treatment and support are available and may help ease symptoms and improve the quality of life for both Alzheimer’s patients and their families.

Q: Can I catch MRSA bacteria at the gym?

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A: While there haven’t been any reports of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) outbreaks at exercise facilities, it is possible to contract it while working out. This type of staph bacteria is frequently passed through skin-to-skin contact; sharing items, such as towels and bandages; and handling frequently touched surfaces, such as weight-training equipment, says Jeff Hageman, an epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MRSA is resistant to antibiotics, making it more difficult to treat. In addition, serious complications, such as pneumonia and blood or bone infections are possible, though rare.

However, most MRSA infections are minor and treatable, and fear of MRSA should not keep you from going to the gym. Exercise is important, and gyms are safe when you take proper precautions. MRSA is most often transmitted through small cuts and breaks in the skin, which allow the bacteria to enter and cause infection, resulting in sores or boils that may be red, swollen or full of pus. So bandage any cuts or sores before you head to the gym; wash hands thoroughly after exercise with liquid hand soap or use an alcohol-based hand rub; shower immediately after your workout; bring a towel from home, and don’t share it with a buddy; and be sure to wash your towel and exercise clothing after each use.

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