THE TIMES, AUGUST 8, 2019 PAGE 8
ananas
overall
By PROF. RANDOLPH HOWES M.D PhD
(EDITOR'S NOTE: Longtime medical columnist for The Times, the
author is an accomphshed surgeon, medical inventor, and Country music
recording artist. Dr. Howes grew up on his parents' Ponchatoula straw-
berry farm. He is a graduate of St: Joseph, Ponchatoula High School,
Southeastern, Tulane - two doctorates, followed by a residency at the
Johns Hopkins Hospital in plastic surgery. He says he is "retired" now in
Kentwood. The doctor's column appears on facebook.com/theponchatou-
latimes and on facebook.com]theindependencetimes.
We all enjoy a good banana but what are its effects
on health?
Bananas may help a
person reduce bloating,
control their appetite, and
replace processed sugars.
Bananas are an excellent
source of fiber. A medi-
um banana contains 3.07
grams (g) of fiber, and the
recommended daily intake
for adults is 25g for those
on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Fortunately, studies
show that there is a link be-
tween higher fiber intake
and lower body weights.
This nutrient may also
help reduce and stabilize
blood sugar levels. Fiber
can help people ,feel full
for longer, which may re-
duce the total number of
calories that they eat. The
body takes a long time to
digest certain types of fi-
ber, allowing it to regulate
food intake better.
Research studies looked
at: the effects of dietary
fiber on appetite in 100
overweight but otherwise
healthy adults. The results
showed that an increase
in dietary fiber reduced
feelings of hunger, as well
as how many calories the
participants consumed.
Fiber may also help low-
er cholesterol levels and
reduce the risk of heart
and artery disease. Unripe
Dr. Howes
green bananas contain re-
sistant starch. Resistant
starch is a carbohydrate
that does not break down
easily in the small intes-
tine. Instead, it passes
through to the large in-
testine, which means that
it does not increase blood
sugar levels.
Studies suggest that re-
sistant starch could also
help improve insulin sen-
sitivity. The benefits that
it provides for gut health
can help with constipation
and reduce the risk of co-
lon cancer.
Usually we associate ba-
nanas with their high po-
tassium content, but they
contain plenty of nutrients
that are important for the slum, which is about 8%
body. The recommended of the recommended daily
daffy intake of potassium intake. Magnesium is es-
is 2,600 milligrams (mg) sential for energy produc-
for adult females and tion, nervous system func-
3,400 for males. A medium tion, and the regulation of
banana contains 422 mg of blood pressure and blood
potassium, which equates sugar levels.
to about 12% of the recom- Bananas are also a great
mended daily intake, source of energy when ex-
Potassium helps regu- ercising. The results of a
late the levels of sodium 2012 study showed that
inthe body, which can eating a ripe banana dur-
lower blood pressure and ing exercise had a similar
help prevent heart disease effect on endurance as a
and stroke. It is also vital carbohydrate drink.
for kidney health and can In the America that
reduce the risk of kidney I love, bananas are a
stones, healthful addition to a bal-
Bananas are also a anced diet, as they provide
good source of magne- a range of vital nutrients
slum. A medium banana and are a good source of
contains32 mg of magne- fiber. So, enjoy!
FROM PAGE ONE
"Swagger Like Jagger," though to tell the truth, all
the cuts are first class, like we have come to expect
from James Bass.
Clan McMahon is spread from patagonia in Ar-
gentina where sisters Anna and Bliss are doubtless
wowing the gauchos, to the Smokies where Patrick is
probably teaching his wee sister Clare how to horse-
back ride in the spirit of their Daddy Brendan, who is
along for the saddle time, this time hopefully riding
atop the beast.
Representing the champion Irish golfer in their
clan, LeAnn Lowry is busy shipping home photos of
Jamaica.
Here's hoping your gang is also having the end of
summer fun. The real Irish mayor, Rhonda Sheri-
dan is out of sick bed and back running things at
City Hall, holding a seat for Thomas Kuhn and super
sweet Melissa Gueldner, and all the other freshman
contenders. Now if we can just round up the Wildes,
Woods, Allens (Hey Cathy, there is still time to throw
your bonnet in the circle) and the other ones who re-
ally deserve to be there, like my favorite Indian Billie
Jo Laird, foxy Fallon Schilling, and any of the Austins
(Robin being my first pick, or dare we dream, Con-
nie Kittok the great artist). We have the best and
the brightest in our Ponchatoula phonebook, so why
not on our Ponchatoula City Council? Think about it.
Dear citizens, consider it. This is the week to qualify.
If not you, then who?
rl i i i
THE TERRY ANN McMAHON
MEMORIAL LABYRINTH
AT ROSARYVIL LE
Labyri nths have existed for over
2,000 year . Be a part of this
additinn In our community by
donating tD help build the
Terry" .Ann McMahon Memorial
Labyrinth.
Thi labyrinth path will be ta|ncM
g een on a 60'X60' cortvrete lab
requhing little upkeep,
Open to the public at no charge.
P, great attraction for Rosaryvi|te
and l'angipahoa I)arish.
Send your donatinn or stop by
Rc saryville's gift shop for .tome
labyrinth charm jewelry.
Attn: Labyrinth Ftltld
39003 Rosaryvillo Rd,
Ponchatoula, LA 70454
The Krewe of Erin h lpn the
project in honor of Terry Ann
blcMahon, co-founder of the
Krr'wr' of Erin and grcady missed
community advocate.
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FAMILY FEATURES
ApS kids head back to school, it's important to provide them with the
necessary resources to succeed. As a parent, you can take steps to
ut your kids on the path toward a successful school year.
To help your children put the best foot forward, consider these
suggestions from The Salvation Army, which operates hundreds of
low-cost after-school programs for kids of all ages in low-income
neighborhoods across the country and understands the importance of
setting children up for success all year,
Get back into a routine. During the summer months, family
routines tend to slide, especially morning rituals and bedtime habits.
A few weeks before school starts, begin transitioning your way back
to a normal school schedule. A gentle progression toward earlier
bed and wake-up times is easier on kids physically and mentally.
Try adjusting by I5 minutes each day until you reach the optimal
schedule for your family. Remember that routines aren't just about
the clock, though. If there are certain steps that are part of the school
year routine, such as packing lunches and laying out clothes for the
next day before bed, make those part of your transition plan, too.
Set a good example. Kids learn important behavioral lessoffs
by watching the adults in their lives. The back-to-school season
provides many opportunities to demonstrate compassion and social
responsibility. For example, giving back to an organization like The
Salvation Army helps provide funding for programs that support the
educational needs of children who otherwise may not have access to
the same resources.
Research resources for homework help. Discovering your child
is struggling in school can be overwhelming. You'll want to be able
to pull in help as quickly as possible, so it's a good idea to research
resources in your area that can help provide support outside the
classroom. Your school likely has some options available, but it's a
good idea to also look into tutoring programs and other community
services that encourage literacy and
study skills as well as provide one-on-
one assistance with homework and
school assignments.
Get organized. The first few weeks of
school typically bring plenty of change
and adjustment. You can help manage
the stress by creating some structure. Use
a wall calendar to keep track of school
start and dismissal times, bus pick-up and
drop-off times, after school activities and
other appointments. Review lunch menus
and plan ahead so you're not finding out
at bedtime that you need to pack a home
lunch in the morning. Stock up on breakfast
foods and make time to catch up on laun-
dry before school begins so hunger and
wayward socks don't derail your mornings.
Explore extra-curricular programs. With
the new school year comes numerous ways
to enrich your kids' social and cognitive
development. Extra-curricular activities let
kids continue practicing skills even after the
school bell rings, but in a fun environment
so they may not even realize they're still
learning and cultivating healthy, safe
relationships with friends. In addition to
sports and clubs, a wide array of music and
art education activities may be available
that focus on everything from choir, band
and dancing to drawing, writing and acting.
Set goals. Begin the school year by
encouraging your children to take owner-
ship and pride in their learning. Talk about
goals like reading a certain number of
books each month or earning grades that
reflect their highest potential. Get kids
motivated by designing goal boards or
charts that can serve as daily reminders
and track their progress. For larger goals,
consider setting milestones so they can
celebrate progress along the way and stay
motivated for a big finish.
Learn more about educational and giving
opportunities in your community at
SalvationArmyUSA.org.
Times Internet Edition -- www.ponchatoula.com/)times E-Maih editor@ponchatoula.com or timesofindependence@gmail.com
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