Weekly Health Quiz: Biology, Heart Attacks and Alzheimer’s

1 Which of the following is a necessity for all biological processes in your body, catalyzing biochemical reactions that otherwise cannot occur?

• Vitamin D
• Antioxidants
• Protein
• Enzymes
  

  Enzymes are necessary for all physiological processes. They catalyze biological functions that otherwise would not occur at physiological temperatures, so they’re absolutely vital for optimal health and life. Learn more.

2 WebMD was recently acquired by a global investment firm with ties to which industry?

• Tobacco
  

  Last year, KKR announced its acquisition of WebMD. KKR used to own tobacco conglomerate RJR Nabisco, and after buying the Weekly Reader, research showed its tobacco ties led to subtle changes in anti-tobacco messaging that sent a contrary message to children. Learn more.

• Alcohol
• Opioids
• Marijuana

3 Vehicle emissions have long been a primary source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to the creation of ozone and fine particulate matter pollution. Which of the following sources has now been identified as being just as great a source of VOCs as car exhaust?

• Building materials such as brick and cement
• Household plants
• Computers and other technologies
• Consumer household products, especially chemical cleaning products
  

  VOCs released by consumer and industrial products are two to three times higher than previously estimated, and contributions to air pollution from household products are now estimated to be 50 percent of VOC air pollution. Learn more.

4 Which of the following is a leading cause of heart attacks in otherwise healthy women under 55?

• Extreme physical exercise
• Extreme emotional stress and/or “heartbreak”
• Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD)
  

  Symptoms of an uncommon type of heart attack known as SCAD are easily overlooked, as few SCAD patients have risk factors for heart disease. Yet it’s a leading cause of heart attacks in healthy women under 55; 80 percent of SCAD patients are women and 20 percent have recently given birth. Learn more.

• Smoking

5 Rhabdomyolysis is a condition triggered by:

• Muscle trauma
  

  Muscle trauma due to overexercise, accidents, prolonged immobilization, medication or certain metabolic and genetic disorders can lead to rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition that can lead to kidney damage, renal failure and death. Learn more.

• Dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Hormone imbalances

6 While dozens of variables can have a significant influence on Alzheimer’s, this degenerative neurological disease is primarily rooted in:

• Insufficient exercise
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Lack of mental engagement
• Mitochondrial dysfunction

  Dr. Dale Bredesen has identified more than four dozen variables that can have a significant influence on Alzheimer’s, but at the heart of it all is mitochondrial dysfunction. Learn more.

7 Which of the following organizations provide the highest level of organic standards and certification?

• U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Organic Certifiers
• Quality Assurance International
• Biodynamic/Demeter
  

  The next-gen in organics is regenerative organics, also known as biodynamic farming, which has far stricter rules than USDA organics. Demeter is a global biodynamic certification agency. Learn more.