Major research review backs the antidepressant effects of fish oils.

In regions and populations where there is a higher intake of fish oil fatty acids (EPA and DHA) there is a lower prevalence of depression. This has generated a great deal of interest in using them as antidepressants.

In this analysis of existing studies scientists pooled the data on 10 human clinical trials that used EPA and DHA to treat depression or bipolar disorder. The omega-3 fatty acids had a significant antidepressant effect. The study review is published in the July 2007 issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. Commentary by Jerry Hickey, R.Ph.; because fish oils are so safe and they have benefits far exceeding those for mental health I regularly and frequently recommend their use. Because of these benefits I not only recommend them for mood and mental health but for heart disease patients, diabetics, pregnant mothers, patients with allergies, lung disease, autoimmune disease, kidney damage, liver damage, pancreatic issues, and to ameliorate inflammation in the intestines and joints.

How safe is high school football?

Football injuries in high school are twice as common as basketball injuries. According to a study published in the August issue of the American Journal of Sports Medicine, 4 out of every 1,000 high school football exposures resulted in injury while 8 out of every 1,000 collegiate football exposures resulted in injury. There was a total of 517,726 football related injuries during last years high school season. However, high school footballers sustained a greater proportion of season ending injuries including fractures and concussions compared to collegiate footballers. Running plays were the leading cause of injury and significantly more of these injuries occurred during games than during practice. There was a high level of ankle and knee injuries mostly due to ligament sprains. Positions with the greatest risk of injury were running backs and linebackers. The research was led by scientists at the Ohio State University College of Medicine along with other institutions including the NCAA.

Commentary by Jerry Hickey, R.Ph.; The researchers suggest improving the conditioning of the ankles and knees - two sites prone to injury and rule changes aimed at protecting these vulnerable body sites. Since the injuries to these sites were often due to ligament strains, targeted stretching exercises may help. Additional instruction on appropriate tackling and blocking might also protect these younger athletes.

The following supplements may also afford protection and I regularly recommend these to high school athletes; Creatine Monohydrate, lots of water and replenishing electrolytes, L-Carnitine, L-Carnosine, GliSODin, Fish Oil Capsules, Reds Hx, and a Multiple-Vitamin, Mineral supplement.