sept-2017

18 19 J ust in time for late-summer vacations and students returning to campuses,Terminix released a list of the top 20 bed bug-infested cities in America, based on service requests the company received during the first half of 2017. The bed bug experts at Terminix say that infestations have significantly increased since the late 1990s, and while researchers are unsure of the exact causes, factors such as increased international travel and insecticide resistance likely bear some responsibility. “Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eradicate,” said Paul Curtis,Director of Technical Services at Terminix,“and they can travel to new locations very easily—hitching a ride on clothing, handbags, suitcases and taxis,which can create substantial infestations in no time.” Without the help of a professional, bed bugs can hide undetected for months. Signs of an infestation include reddish-brown blood spots on sheets or mattresses, a strong musty odor, or sightings of the pests themselves,which are the size, shape and color of an apple seed.Home or business owners who suspect a bed bug problem should contact a pest control company as soon as possible to schedule an inspection. RESEARCH EXAMINESAVOCADOS’ POTENTIAL IMPACT ON COGNITIVE HEALTH INOLDERADULTS OPENING LINES C onsuming one fresh avocado per day may lead to improved cognitive function in healthy older adults due to increased lutein levels in the brain and eye, according to new research published in the journal Nutrients. The research tracked how 40 healthy adults ages 50 and over who ate one fresh avocado a day for six months experienced a 25% increase in lutein levels in their eyes and significantly improved working memory and problem-solving skills. Lutein is a carotenoid, or pigment, commonly found in fruits and vegetables that accumulates in the blood, eye, and brain and may act as an anti-in- flammatory agent and antioxi- dant. As study participants incor- porated one medium avocado into their daily diet, research- ers monitored gradual growth in the amount of lutein in their eyes and progressive im- provement in cognition skills as measured by tests designed to evaluate memory, processing speed, and attention levels. In contrast, the control group which did not eat avocados experienced fewer improvements in cognitive health during the study period. The research, “Avocado Consumption Increases Macular Pigment Density in Older Adults: A Randomized, Controlled Trial,” was conducted at Tufts University and supported by the Hass Avocado Board. These findings are based on the consumption of one whole avocado each day (369 mcg lutein). Additional research is needed to determine whether the results could be replicated with consumption of the rec- ognized serving size of 1/3 of an avocado per day (136 mcg lutein). The control diet included either one medium potato, or one cup of chickpeas in place of the avocado. Chickpeas and potatoes were used as the control diet because they provided a similar level of calories, but a negligible amount of lutein and monounsaturat- ed fats. “The results of this study suggest that the monounsaturated fats, fiber, lutein, and oth- er bioactives make avocados particularly effective at enriching neural lutein lev- els, which may provide benefits for not only eye health, but for brain health,” said Elizabeth Johnson, Ph.D., lead investigator of the study from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University. “Furthermore, the re- sults of this new research reveal that lutein levels in the eye more than doubled in subjects that con- sumed fresh avocados, compared to a supplement, as evidenced by my previous published research. Thus, a balanced diet that includes fresh av- ocados may be an effective strategy for cognitive health.” “While the conclusions drawn are from a single study that cannot be generalized to all populations, the study’s outcome helps to rein- force and advance the body of published research on avocado benefits and their role in everyday healthy living,” said Nikki Ford, Ph.D., Director of Nutrition of the Hass Avocado Board. “Avocados are a nutrient-dense, cholesterol-free fruit with naturally good fats, and are a delicious and easy way to add more fruits and vegetables to everyday healthy eating plans.” 1.Cleveland, Ohio 2. Cincinnati, Ohio 3. Detroit, Mich. 4. Las Vegas, Nev. 5. Denver, Colo. 6. Houston, Texas 7. Phoenix, Ariz. 8. Indianapolis, Ind. 9. Oklahoma City, Okla. 10. Philadelphia, Pa. 11. Baltimore, Md. 12. Pittsburgh, Pa. 13.Washington, D.C. 14. Tucson, Ariz. 15. San Francisco, Calif. 16. St. Louis, Mo. 17. Atlanta, Ga. 18. Tampa, Fla. 19. Memphis, Tenn. 20. San Diego, Calif. TERMINIX RELEASES LIST OF TOP 20 BED BUG CITIES THE TOP 20 CITIES FOR BED BUG INFESTATIONS: