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Negative Consequences of Yo-Yo Dieting

Most of us know that yo-yo dieting (losing weight, gaining weight, losing again, gaining again) isn’t good for your health.  Studies in the past have suggested that it could lead to gallbladder disease, high cholesterol and blood pressure. It may also have a negative psychological impact, such as leading to depression.  It can actually decrease your motivation and make you feel that weight loss will never happen. According to new research by Wake Forest University, in postmenopausal women yo-yo dieting may actually increase the risk of developing heart disease.  One of the things that can happen is that although blood … Continue reading →

How Pets Help Our Health

It’s something I grew up thinking, and I don’t even remember where I first heard the idea: pets improve your health. They’re especially good for the elderly or others living alone. Pets give you someone to care about and look after, bringing additional purpose and companionship to your life. Some recent medical studies, however, indicate that owning pets might have a more direct effect on our health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claim that pet ownership can decrease our blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride. Their studies also indicate that rates of stress, loneliness, and depression are lower among … Continue reading →

Men Can Inherit Heart Disease From Their Father

You may have heard that heart disease is something that can run in families. A new study shows that there is a form of heart disease that a father can give to his son via the Y chromosome. Genealogists who are putting together a medical family tree might want to make a note of this discovery. Heart disease can run in families. Does it run in yours? Your parents might know the answer to that question. Genealogists can ask family members if any relatives have been diagnosed with heart disease. Ask if anyone was diabetic, or had high blood pressure, … Continue reading →

8 Ways We Self-Medicate Anxiety

Everyone knows what it’s like to have anxious moments. In fact, our body’s natural stress response is an invaluable tool we need to respond appropriately in times of crisis or danger. But when it is a near-constant companion – fueled by everyday thoughts or situations that do not warrant a heightened stress response – anxiety can be harmful. In fact, it can hurt so much our minds and bodies become desperate for relief, any relief, as fleeting as it may be. Though there are healthy means of relieving anxiety, such as exercise, meditation and prayer, all too often we choose … Continue reading →

Yet Another Reason to Run

We all know that running is an excellent way to get fit. An exercise program, which includes running, can help you lose weight, build stamina and muscle, lower your blood pressure, increase metabolism, and decrease body fat. Now, health experts are adding one more benefit to the list: Prevention of bone mineral density (BMD). A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Missouri found that high-impact activities, such as running, might have a greater positive effect on BMD than resistance training. The new information is welcome news for individuals who are at high risk of developing osteoporosis. The … Continue reading →

Fitness Reminders

I don’t know about you, but I struggle to squeeze in daily exercise. Whereas I do have a fitness routine (which is punctuated with several hours per week of marathon training) I also mother a child, work, run a household, and basically try to keep my head above water on a daily basis. Needless to say, when I do have time to get to the gym I don’t have the luxury of spending hours upon hours there. I need to get in, get out, and get on with my schedule. In doing so I often forget to complete basic portions … Continue reading →

More Ways to Burn Major Calories

Let’s face it; the majority of us exercise because we want to lose weight. Sure, some folks workout to maintain their weight, while others adopt a fitness regime to combat the signs of aging. But the core group of walkers, runners, bikers and swimmers that you see in the gym, on the road and in the pool are trying to burn as many calories as possible. In my previous blog I provided a list of some of the best calorie burning exercises available. While we all know the best cardio exercise is the one you are motivated to do consistently … Continue reading →

The Best Exercises to Burn Major Calories

If you are a busy parent, who spends his or her day in a chaotic hurricane cooking, cleaning, changing diapers, and carting kids to and from school then finding the most efficient and effective exercises is critical. So, which cardio exercises burn the most calories? Fitness experts say the answer is not exactly as clear cut as most people think. When it comes to cardio training there are two major categories: “Slow and Steady” and “High Intensity.” The former consists of low intensity exercises that help preserve your joints and are done for roughly 60 minutes at a time. In … Continue reading →

Exercising on the Road: No Excuses

Hopefully, you have been inspired by the change of seasons (and perhaps my blogs) and are now a few weeks into your new fitness routine. Now that you are advancing nicely you want to make sure you stay on track. This means following your exercise regime regardless of if you are at home or on the road. Whether you are traveling for business or you’re taking a short family vacation, being away from your gym shouldn’t be an excuse to halt your workouts. Executing your fitness plan on the road may be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Instead of looking … Continue reading →

Exercise More Forget Less

A new study says adding even a few minutes of exercise to your daily routine can help improve your memory and brain function by a measurable amount. We all know exercise can help us lose weight, relieve stress and boost energy, but this particular study set out to prove that engaging in moderate exercise (“moderate” being the operative word here, and I will explain why in just a bit) may also be used as a weapon in the fight against diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. The study included more than 1,700 adult participants aged 65 and older who didn’t … Continue reading →