Health bulletin

The power of the peel

Citrus zest is full of compounds that fight cancer. When you squeeze a lemon (or peel an orange), save the skin. Scientists at De Montfort University in the United Kingdom found that a compound in tangerine peel called salvestrol Q40 kills an enzyme that spurs the growth of human cancer cells. Previous research has shown that limonene, a compound found in lemon, orange, and grapefruit peel, might also decrease cancer risk. Zest the well-washed fruit -- toss the bitter white pith -- and add to soups, baked goods, yogurt, or hot tea.

Exercise combo alleviates pain

Combining strength-training, stretching, and walking in a single exercise program alleviated chronic pain symptoms in fibromyalgia patients, according to a study at Boston hospitals. Among 135 women already on pain meds, the vast majority saw physical and mental improvements after 16 weeks that had not diminished six months later.

Walk off harmful fats

Brisk walkers may outpace joggers in lowering triglycerides, a blood fat linked with increased heart disease risk. Adults in a Duke University study who walked for 50 minutes four times a week decreased triglyceride levels by 22 percent, nearly twice as much as those who ran for the same time. Lower intensity workouts may control triglycerides better because they use fats as their primary fuel, while high-intensity efforts draw on the quick energy of glucose.

Lose a little, drop a lot

If you're a bit heavy, shedding just a few pounds could bring your blood pressure back into the normal range. Dr. Roberto Fogari and colleagues at the University of Pavia in Italy asked 210 overweight, but not obese, adults with hypertension -- systolic readings were 140 to 159, diastolic 90 to 99 -- to lose 5 percent of their body weight. Roughly half of the subjects met their weight loss goal, and of those, regardless of their method, 53 percent reduced their blood pressure to less than 140/90 -- without needing any hypertension medication.

Protect skin from dry airplane air

Humidity levels at 35,000 feet can be as low as 5 percent, stripping moisture and making wrinkles more pronounced, says Miami dermatologist Leslie Baumann. Think of these tips as a first-class ticket to beautiful skin:

• Forgo makeup so you can moisturize often.

• Every hour, spritz with a face mist and then apply lotion to seal in added hydration.

• Amp up sun protection to at least SPF 30; UV light is stronger at higher altitudes and easily penetrates glass.

Keep record of OTC meds

Although 68 percent of Americans keep an up-to-date record of their prescription drugs, only 46 percent include their OTC medications and vitamins, according to a new American Pharmacists Association survey. Even more alarming, only 20 percent list the herbs on which they rely. Some OTC products interact with prescription drugs; for example, garlic may interfere with blood-thinning medications. Keep your record complete to help doctors and EMTs prevent complications during an emergency.