In Question

I’ve been told that breast-feeding is better for babies. Is that true?

Breast-feeding is a good idea for many reasons. Breast milk is easily digested and contains the ideal mix of nutrients for your baby. Plus, breast milk has antibodies that protect against various types of infections that cause diarrhea, ear aches, colds and other illnesses. Children who are breast fed also have less allergies. Breast feeding also benefits mom. It is cheaper than using formula, and there are no bottles to wash or formula to mix. It also helps the uterus contract back to its normal size more quickly. Some women and babies find breast-feeding difficult at first. If you and your baby are having problems getting started, talk with a lactation consultant or your child’s physician.

How can I make sure fruits and vegetables are safe to eat?

Recent reports of outbreaks of foodborne illness have been linked to spinach, lettuce and other produce that was contaminated with harmful bacteria. Although this doesn’t happen often, you can take steps to protect your family from illness. Buy fruits and vegetables that aren’t bruised. Keep produce refrigerated. Before eating, wash produce well under running water. Scrub firmer fruits and vegetables with a brush, including those with peels, such as oranges. Use separate cutting boards for raw meats and fresh produce to avoid cross-contamination. Visit www.homefoodsafety.org/pages/tips/tips/produce_safe.jsp for more produce safety tips.

Will a healthy lifestyle really help me live longer?

While there are many factors that contribute to a person’s life span, there’s plenty of evidence that healthy habits can help lead to a longer life. A recent study followed more than 20,000 people for 11 years. Researchers found that those who had certain healthy habits lived an average of 14 years longer than people without those habits. The behaviors that lead to longevity are: not smoking; exercising regularly (30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week); drinking alcohol in moderation (2 or fewer standard drinks per day for men and 1 or fewer standard drinks per day for women) and eating a healthful diet that consists of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Check out www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/pdf/brochure.pdf.

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