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Characterized by central obesity, hypertension, and adverse glucose and insulin metabolism, Metabolic Syndrome is a condition associated with increased risk of type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Eva Prescott, from Bispebjerg University (Denmark), and colleagues conducted a study that included both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, using data from the Copenhagen City Heart Study. For the cross-sectional analysis, the researchers included 10,135 subjects evaluated between 1991 and 1994, while the longitudinal analysis included 3,992 subjects seen between 2001 and 2003. The team observed that brisk walking halved the risk that metabolic syndrome would develop over a 10-year period. Leisurely walking, even for more than an hour each day, had no preventive effects. In the longitudinal analysis, the team found that both brisk walking and jogging were associated with an adjusted lower risk for developing metabolic syndrome, as was an overall high level of physical activity. Citing the factor that higher intensity exercise boosts cardiorespiratory fitness, the study authors conclude that: “Our results confirm the role of physical activity in reducing [metabolic syndrome] risk and suggest that intensity more than volume of physical activity is important.” Adam Hoegsbro Laursen, Ole P Kristiansen, Jacob Louis Marott, Peter Schnohr, Eva Prescott. “Intensity versus duration of physical activity: implications for the metabolic syndrome. A prospective cohort study.” BMJ Open 2012;2:5 e001711.
Sitting for protracted periods of time increases risk of diabetes, heart disease, and death.
Regional (US) stroke registry data suggests that stroke may be shifting from a disease of the elderly to a mid-life health concern.
A regular exercise program that focuses on intensity of activity, rather than duration, may significantly reduce the risk of markers implicated in diabetes
By keeping the lungs healthy, people may increase their retention of cognitive functions as they age.
Lycopene, an antioxidant compound that gives tomatoes their bright color, reduces the risk of stroke by up to 55%.
Increased magnesium in the diet may reduce the risk of developing colon cancer.
Economists and public health researchers report that happiness and mental health are highest among people who eat seven portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
The compound thymol, extracted from thyme, works synergistically with conventional antifungal medications to boost their efficacy.
Daily supplements of curcumin, the pigment that gives the curry spice turmeric its yellow color, help to lower cholesterol levels and markers of inflammation.
As little as 6 months of exercise can improve memory, language, thinking and judgment problems by almost 50%, in people affected by stroke.
The longer you drive to work, the more likely you are to be overweight and have high blood pressure.
Eating tree nuts helps to lower body weight and body mass index, while improving cholesterol levels and markers of inflammation.
Regular physical activity associates with positive health outcomes, particularly for women.
Among older people with glucose intolerance, daily resveratrol supplementation improved insulin sensitivity and reduced post-meal spikes in blood sugar.
An increased risk for colorectal cancer may exist among older women with high levels of serum glucose.
A diet high in fiber, but not necessarily low in saturated fat or cholesterol, associates with lower risks of heart disease and type II diabetes, in adolescents
Drinking a barley extract-enriched beverage may help to improve insulin sensitivity and prevent against type 2 diabetes.
Walking, jogging, and cycling may be key in the battle against metabolic syndrome, whereas resistance training has little impact.
Daily supplements of L-carnitine, an amino acid, may improve how the body handles glucose, and prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.
Consuming high-phosphate foods, such as biscuits, cakes, and sweets, increases cholesterol deposits on arterial walls, in a lab animal model.
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#67 - Strength for Life
While aerobic exercise is important to keep weight within a healthy range and improve the cardiovascular system, strength training is just as important. Strength training, also referred to as resistance training, enables men and women at any age to improve their overall health and fitness by increasing muscular strength, endurance, and bone density. This particular type of physical activity also improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism...
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