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Study shows tea may offer healthy benefits Stop by the Health 1st Wellness Wednesday table between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Oct. 15 in the Children’s Hospital lobby to taste different types of iced tea. by Jasmine Bautista and Alison Church Dietetic Interns Some people might wonder what are most popular beverages are  across the globe. While water is the first choice, the next in line of favorites is not soda, coffee or wine, but tea.   Tea is the second most commonly consumed beverage worldwide. Many have found comfort in a cup of freshly brewed tea for centuries. Tea consumption originated in China thousands of years ago, but India is the world’s largest tea-drinking nation. South Carolina has its own longstanding tradition with tea. In fact, South Carolina was the first state in the nation to grow tea and produce it commercially.   For as long as tea has been around, its healing properties have been merely suggested. It wasn’t until recently that its healthful benefits were scientifically studied. Though research is continuing, current study results indicate that tea consumption may promote heart health; bone health; immune system health; oral health; decreased risk for certain cancers; and enhanced metabolism.   What tea contains that boosts health, whether all teas produce the same results, and if it’s OK to drink quantities of sweet tea will be subjects of Wellness Wednesdays, Oct. 15.   A “Taste for Tea” will be held in the Children’s Hospital lobby from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. where samples of different refreshing iced teas will be offered while the dietetic interns provide insight on the latest news in the healing properties and benefits of this ancient beverage. Health 1st events Smoking Cessation Classes—Ready to quit......for life? Health 1st and Robert Mallin, M.D., of the Department of Family Medicine want to help smokers succeed in quitting. Sign up for this series of free classes and receive a free medical consultation and prescriptions for any approved smoking cessation medications. Call 792-9959 for information. Worksite Screenings- Subscribers of the State Health Plan, BlueChoice/Companion, Cigna, and MUSC Options can receive a through preventive health screening on campus. The screening includes height, weight, blood pressure, and blood will be drawn for a blood chemistry profile, hemogram, and blood lipid profile. In most health care settings this screening is valued at $200 but will be available to MUSC employees for $15. Screenings are offered monthly, and the next one will be Oct. 23 at the Education Center/Library Building. Mammogram—A quick and convenient way to have a mammogram is available with the Hollings Cancer Center Mobile Van, which will be parked at the Basic Science Building loading dock from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Oct. 15. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged (call 792-0878). La Leche League—This is a nonprofit, volunteer mother-to-mother support organization that provides support, education, information, and encouragement for breastfeeding moms and expecting moms. La Leche League classes are held on campus every fourth Wednesday of the month. The next class will be held Oct. 22 in the Children’s Hospital conference room 501. Farmers Market—Get your fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers right here at MUSC every Friday from 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. in the Horseshoe area, and now a fresh market located behind Charleston Memorial Hospital (in the grassy area in the rear next to parking garage and ART.)   For new classes, screenings and information, visit http://www.musc.edu/medcenter/health1st; or to suggest classes to offer e-mail health1st@musc.edu. To register for any of the following classes/screenings, call Beka Hardin at 792-9959.   Friday, Oct. 10, 2008 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.