The Medical journal of Australia
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Dairy foods provide the major, readily absorbed sources of calcium. Women aged 40 years and over should consume 3-4 serves of low-fat dairy food per day. If calcium supplements are required, the best absorption rate is from a dose of 500-600 mg of calcium once or twice daily. ⋯ Vitamin D supplements may be necessary for women with inadequate sun exposure. Salty foods and the addition of salt to food should be avoided. While there is emerging evidence for the role of phytoestrogens in bone health, more human trials are required to strengthen this evidence.
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Slow weight reduction in overweight women can help to elevate mood. Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may play a role in mental wellbeing. Eating breakfast regularly leads to improved mood, better memory, more energy and feelings of calmness. Eating regular meals and nutritious afternoon snacks may improve cognitive performance.
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Significant health benefits are associated with moderate-intensity physical activity. Only half of the women in Australia are adequately active. Strategies aimed at promoting physical activity among women should provide suitable activities and take into account the dominant barriers faced by women at different life stages.
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We describe 17 children with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. All had elevated levels of serum liver enzymes and 16 were morbidly obese. Liver biopsy showed variable steatosis and fibrosis in nine patients. At follow-up, 12 of 14 patients had persistent morbid obesity and 11 had elevated liver enzyme levels.