known health authority in the United States, flew in recently to serve as guest speaker at a symposium on health and nutrition at Al-Habib Hospital. More than 300 medical practitioners and clinicians from various hospitals and health centers throughout the Kingdom came to hear him speak. Dr. Crapo is an expert on alternative medicine, nutrition, sex, sports and acupuncture education. He earned his bachelor of science degree, cum laude, from the Central Michigan University and holds a doctorate in Oriental medicine. He began his lecture with a brief introduction on the history of medicine from 2000 B.C. up to the present. Medicine, he said, has come full circle with renewed interest in herbal- and plant- based medicine. According to him, there are two basic types of nutritional deficiencies: vitamin and micro deficiencies, which are major diseases. Most people will tend to have the latter. He stressed that to maintain good health, one must eat a good and balanced diet because a healthy diet prolongs life. He advised for ladies who want to look and stay beautiful to take in lots of Vitamin C, which helps fight wrinkles and cellulites. It is also important for joints and can affect moods. He cited studies that have shown at least 500 ml of Vitamin C a day can extend life by about 5 ½ years. Based on his research findings, there are major killer diseases that affect men and women. For men, the most common killers are heart disease, cancer, stroke, lung disease, HIV and diabetes. They are also more likely to die due to suicide and homicide. Women, on the other hand, may more commonly suffer from heart disease, cancer, stroke, lung disease, kidney failure and blood poisoning. Survey results provided by medical practitioners in the Gulf region indicate that as much as 85% of women have diabetes. Dr. Crapo said that this number is incredibly high and quite alarming. In the US, around 15 million people have diabetes, which is the No. 1 cause of blindness all over the world. It can also lead to complications and other conditions like cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease, eye problems, limb amputation and premature death. Dr. Crapo also warned that stroke is the most common cause of serious long-term disability. Those who have a stroke end up needing care 24/7, which could be a huge strain on the pockets as well as on the patient's family. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking and obesity — all of which are related to too many processed carbohydrates in one's diet. The doctor's first order is to avoid “white” in one's diet: no white sugar, white bread or pasta. “White ain't right; brown is best,” he said, and went on to recommend whole grains, fibers and vitamins, adding that the only white that is good for one's diet is white meat. Dr. Mohsin Shaikh Al-Hassan opened the event and spoke about its relevance and importance while the program's host, Gina Abitona, welcomed the guests, media representatives and sponsors. Henry Amos introduced Dr. Crapo. Among the attendees were Corporation USA's Executive Field Vice President and CEO for GCC Josie Medina; Symmetry Arabia Manager Robert Gaspar; Manager of Al-Zaahra Medical Company Zain Abdulqassim Mishal; The Riyadh Eagles-Symmetry Genesis Arabia; Dr. Al-Hokair; doctors and nurses from Sulaiman Habib Hospitals and Clinics; representatives from the Computer Society of Filipinos International, Inc.; Security Forces Hospital; King Saud University Medical Complex; King Saud University; College of Dentistry (MUC); Riyadh Military Hospital; King Khalid Hospital; King Faisal Specialist Hospital; as well as Saudi TV and print media representatives. The seminar was organized by Habib Hospital medical staff, Al-Zaahra Medical Group of Companies, and Symmetry Genesis Arabia business partners spearheaded Evelyn Lugo, with special assistance and coordination of Ed Estrada, Ryan Sallidin, Nader Sallidin, and the Riyadh Eagles of the Symmetry Genesis Arabia representatives. __
