Drinking (coffee) to your good health

According to the Oxford Dictionary blog, three unusual words for a cup of coffee are: “skilly,” nautical slang for a too-weak brew; “sergeant-major,” military slang for coffee with milk and sugar; and “coffee Biggin,” a cup brewed in a filtered drip pot invented by George Biggin.

But whatever you call it, this universal beverage improves cognitive function and heart health. And a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine showed that drinking at least three cups a day improved liver and immune function and, during 16 years of the study’s followup, reduced the chance of an untimely death.

But if coffee isn’t your beverage of choice, here are some other great beverages that confer bountiful health benefits.

Green tea: Helps lower lousy LDL cholesterol, and a Japanese study showed that five cups a day reduces your risk of death from cardiovascular disease, including stroke.

Black tea: Although most tea studies feature green tea, drinking black tea is also a heart healthy choice.

Chicken broth: Some studies show that drinking it may help tamp down the common cold and stimulate nasal fluids that help block infections. Others indicate it may be an anti-inflammatory.

No ED meds before anesthesia

We have a warning from the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists to guys taking erectile dysfunction drugs who are heading into surgery: When combined with anesthesia, medications such as Viagra (sildenafil), Levitra (vardenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) can cause a dangerously severe drop in blood pressure. ED meds contain — and promote the body’s ability to produce — nitric oxide. Nitric oxide opens blood vessels and relaxes muscles. Adding anesthesia and other medications used during surgery can increase those effects.

Since the average American male can expect to undergo more than nine surgical procedures during his lifetime, this is a warning to take seriously.

Our advice if you’re taking an ED medication and headed for surgery:

■ Stop taking ED drugs 48 hours before the procedure; that will allow the drug to clear your system.

■ Alert your anesthesiologist to all medications and supplements you’re taking. Your emergency contact also should know to tell medical staff about any ED drug use.

Email questions for Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen to youdocsdaily@sharecare. com.