Thanks to something called “assortative mating,” we tend to choose mates that have behaviors similar to our own. Too often, however, that means our bad habits are their bad habits, too. Smoking? Couch potato? A sweet tooth? Birds of a feather, goes the old saying. Thankfully, when we finally wise up and decide… Continue Reading
physical activity
Leisure-Time Physical Activity Adds Years to Life
Looking to lose inches around your waist while adding years to your life? Then you may want to start by taking a short, brisk walk each day, according to a new study published in PLOS Medicine. We all know that exercise is good for us. Physical activity keeps muscles and joints strong, helps with… Continue Reading
Physically Active Women Reach Menopause Earlier
Women who exercise more frequently along with those who consume foods high in heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats may experience menopause earlier, suggests a new study published in the journal Menopause. Dr. Chisato Nagata and his colleagues at Japan’s Gifu University and Sakihai Institute studied 3,115 premenopausal Japanese women ranging from 35 to 56 years old… Continue Reading
Government Sets New Health Goals for Nation
In less than a month, many of us will be making New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, eat healthier, exercise more or stop smoking. In a similar manner, the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) just issued its new health goals for Americans. The only difference is that we have 10 years to… Continue Reading
Physically Fit Adults Experience Fewer Colds
Adults who considered themselves physically fit or who more likely engaged in regular aerobic exercise, had fewer and milder colds, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Finding a cure for the common cold is unrealistic given that more than 200 different types of viruses cause Upper Respiratory… Continue Reading
New Dietary Guidelines Aimed at Stemming Obesity Trend
The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee issued its Report earlier this week, providing updated dietary recommendations for Americans. Upon their review, the Secretaries from the Department of Agriculture (USDA ) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will issue its final version, Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010, due for release later this year. Since… Continue Reading
Physical Activity Lowers Mortality & Improves Health in Elderly
Among the very old, not only continuing but initiating physical activity was associated with better survival and function, according to a new study. Most studies conducted on physical activity have focused on middle-aged adults. Researchers from Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center wanted to determine the relationship of physical activity, function and longevity among the… Continue Reading