We're pleased to thank our founding sponsors: IU Medical Group, Clarian Health and Wishard Health Services. Is there a medical topic you'd like us to cover? Reach us by email: soundmed@iu.edu or by phone: (317) 274-4848. Read our Privacy Policy Health Quiz -- Sodium Intake If you eat an in-a-bowl meal for lunch, and then have spaghetti with meatballs for dinner at a restaurant, what is the total quantity of sodium you would be ingesting? A. About a teaspoon B. About two teaspoons C. Two tablespoons Find out! Medical Mystery -- Muscle Twitching During Sleep Just as the body falls into sleep, a little burst of muscle activity may give the false impression of wakefulness. Perhaps you have noticed muscle twitching in yourself or someone else who is falling asleep. What causes the muscles to twitch and jerk during this earliest stage of sleep? Find out!

Sound Medicine -- November 8, 2003

Hosts Barbara Lewis and Dr. Ora Pescovitz talk to physicians and researchers about:

Health Benefits of Peanuts

Ground Zero and Lessons for Indiana

Entrepreneurs on the Run

Real Media | Windows Media

Health Benefits of Peanuts

Everyone likes to complain about airline food. But the next time a flight attendant offers you peanuts, ask for seconds. Contrary to popular belief, this high-fat snack is actually beneficial -- peanuts are rich in unsaturated fats that reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

According to research by Dr. Richard Mattes, a professor of foods and nutrition at Purdue University, regular peanut consumption does not pose a risk of weight gain because peanuts cause a person to feel full. Therefore, people are less likely to overindulge. Although Dr. Mattes' research was conducted on peanuts, he theorizes that other nuts, such as almonds and cashews, would have a similarly beneficial effect on humans. Chocolate peanut butter cups, however, are not as healthy.

Resources:

Read more about Dr. Mattes' research into the health benefits of peanuts in this Purdue news release.

Confused about the differences between "good fat" and "bad fat"? This resouce explains the differences between the two.

Peanuts also contain a phytosterol thought to inhibit cancer and help the heart.

Ground Zero and Lessons for Indiana

On Sept. 11, 2001, Dr. Michael Olinger was attending a conference about emergency medicine in upstate New York. He was to speak about treatment for patients injured by bombs exploding in buildings. But his agenda for the day quickly changed as he headed for Ground Zero, where he was among the first medical responders at the World Trade Center. Dr. Olinger has helped coordinate medical services for FEMA at many disaster sites, including the World Trade Center, the Oklahoma City federal building following the bombing in 1995, and in the U.S. Virgin Islands following Hurricane Marilyn, also in 1995. He also helped direct the recovery team in response to the crash of the Space Shuttle Columbia earlier this year and provided medical support at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta and the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

Dr. Olinger is associate professor of clinical emergency medicine at the IU School of Medicine, medical director of emergency medical and ambulance services at Wishard Hospital, and state medical director of the Rural Metro Ambulance Service. He also is a member of the Indianapolis Mayor's Hospital Task Force on Bioterrorism and Indiana's Emergency Medical Services Commission. Dr. Olinger tells us about his experiences with national disasters, and suggests ways in which Indiana can improve its preparedness.

Resources:

Read more about Dr. Olinger's experiences in New York after the World Trade Center disaster, as well as the perspectives of two young IU physicians also at the scene.

Learn about Indiana Task Force 1, the local rescue team dispatched to Ground Zero.

Entrepreneurs on the Run

The difference between success and failure in sales may be a pair of running shoes or a set of weights. At the Human Performance Lab at Ball State University, a survey was conducted on over 300 entrepreneurs in order to gauge their success in sales and their satisfaction with their careers. Those who were the happiest and the most successful at "running" their own business were indeed dedicated runners as well. Dr. Mike Goldsby, an entrepreunership professor at Ball State and an avid runner, shares his research with us.

Entrepreneurs are often stressed, and in need of relaxation. Exercise provides a physical and mental release, and this in turn frees their minds and allows for creative thought. Although it is likely that many types of exercise have beneficial effects on business owners, Dr. Goldsby studied running and weightlifting because these activities tend to be enjoyed year-round, and many enthusiasts exercise daily.

Resources:

Read more about Dr. Goldsby's research in this Ball State press release.

Stress affects us all, but it can be especially difficult for the self-employed and for small-business owners.

This articles suggests ways to help business owners reduce stress and fit exercise into their busy schedules.