By Rita Zenzen Heck
Guest Columnist

After checking over a prescription I was given by a doctor’s assistant, I recognized three highly advertised prescription drugs.

Each of them were for a different condition, all specified on the same sheet. In the TV ads, each of the drugs have warnings about the possible bad side effects they might induce.

But mixed together, it seemed to me that the negative effects far outweighed the positive. I asked the pharmacist what they were for. One of them was for allergies (which I have).

Another one was for stomach ulcers (which I don’t have). The last one was for something I didn’t have.

According to my primary doctor, most patients over the age of 50 want a pill for everything. They might be getting more than they need. So be sure to question what purpose your prescription(s) will serve, and double check that combinations will not endanger your well being. It never hurts to ask, but it might if you don’t.

Late rebates: Even though Feb. 17, 2009, seems a long time away, now is the time to request your digital TV rebate coupon.

The coupon is for TVs that have an outside antenna or “rabbit ears.” After that date, you’ll have a blank screen unless you have the digital converter.

According to recent reports, the National Telecommunications and Administration office has received millions of requests. They have received many more than they expected, and are still processing those received.

If you haven’t already, get your request in now to insure your rebate: $40 for each converter box, limit two per family. Expect a six to eight week turnaround. For more information, go to www.dtv2009.gov, or call (888) 388-2009.

Refuel your brain: According to Waneen Spirduso, Ed. D., a professor at the University of Texas and author of “Exercise and Its Mediating Effects on Cognition,” exercise improves the memory and abstract reasoning among older adults.

Exercise may even delay the onset of Alzheimers. Aerobic exercise increases blood flow, which nourishes brain cells and allows them to function more effectively.

A recent study, explained by Gabrielle deGroot Redford’s article in an AARP Magazine article, showed that exercise actually promotes the growth of new neurons (brain cells) in the part of the brain that controls memory and learning.

Scientists previously believed that once brain cells died, they were gone forever. The new theory is that any exercise, even walking, can stimulate brain cell growth.

Adding to the article, Janet Kinosian refers to Master Choa Kok Sui’s Superbrain Yoga book, which presents an exercise being practiced across the country as an antidote to brain drain.

The simple moves boost brain function by stimulating acupressure points on the earlobes according to Yale-trained neurobiologist Eutenius Ang: Place your left hand on your right earlobe, thumb forward and the second finger behind.

Cross over with your right arm and grasp your left earlobe with the right thumb in the same manner. As you press both earlobes, squat down, keeping your back straight.

Then do 10 to 12 deep knee bends, inhaling through the nose on the way down. Exhale through the mouth on the way up. You may place a chair nearby for safety.

Repeat this daily. I’m going to try it!