Search Results for: blog walking can reduce chance of having a stroke

Physical Activity Reduces Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer’s

After just writing about the importance of seeing fitness as something that encompasses body, mind and spirit, I wasn’t surprised to read about research just published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, which indicate that regular exercise may help prevent cognitive problems.  Specifically it’s found that those who remain physically fit during the mid-life years were almost 40% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s or dementia. Previous research has found that regular exercise can prevent a host of other health problems, such as arthritis, certain types of cancer and stroke. It’s also been found that an individual’s level of health during … Continue reading →

Exercise Each Days Keeps Illness Away

In my blogs, I talk a lot about the long-term health benefits to a fit lifestyle. I emphasize how fitness is about more than just losing weight; it is about preventing serious diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Well last week I read an article about immediate health benefits you can reap as a result of exercising. It was found that it could reduce the number of days you miss work because of respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold. Are you one of those people that always seem to catch a cold? Do you find that you … Continue reading →

How Much Do You Value Your Life?

How much value do you place on your life? I was reading an article in the “Huffington Post” the other day where it was reported that by the year 2030, there will be 42% of Americans who are obese. Think about that…nearly half of the population in this nation will be at risk of developing serious health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. And that’s not even taking into consideration those who don’t quite fall into the obese category, such as the overweight. After I read this article the first thought that crossed my mind was, “Do we really … Continue reading →

Men Exercise More Than Women

I recently read in an article that the recommended guidelines of getting in at least 30 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity at least four to five times a week is more likely to happen with men. Yes women, men are apparently doing better at meeting fitness guidelines. The importance of exercise cannot be understated. It can prevent more than just putting on extra weight. It can ward off serious health problems. One of the biggest concerns in this country is a condition called metabolic syndrome. It usually strikes individuals who are obese. It is a set … Continue reading →

Link between Your Walking and Dementia

If you’ve read any of my blogs, you probably know I am getting close to “that age” – the one the most women dread. And, I know that brain fog is to be expected, but sometimes I worry that maybe it is worse than it should be. I think as Baby Boomers age, many are worried about dementia. This week, I read about a study conducted by the Boston Medical Centre that shows a link between slow walking, a weak grip, and poor mental health in the future. The study looked at 2,400 men and women around the age of … Continue reading →

Focus on Fitness

Although many of us base our fitness on weight and body mass index (BMI), new research from the “Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study” indicates that it’s not as important as making overall fitness changes. So if you want to reduce the risk of serious health problems, then put your focus back on fitness. We can easily get wrapped up in numbers. Personally, I have never been one to say that I want to weigh a certain amount. For me it has been about fitting in a certain size. When I focus less on the number and more on the clothing I … Continue reading →

Even Skinny People Can Be Unhealthy

Well here’s some good news…a new study finds that the key to a healthy body (which means a reduced risk of stroke or heart disease) is not necessarily in losing weight but in maintaining a fit lifestyle. Although for some of us losing weight is the number one goal when it comes to fitness, for others it is about warding off some of the serious medical conditions that can shorten a person’s life. In reality, this actually is the most important factor in fitness. Losing weight is definitely a way to help reduce the risk of serious health problems but … Continue reading →

Your Waist Size and Walking

People are often most concerned about their weight, using it a measuring tool to determine success. I know I am guilty of this too, but there is something else I am more concerned about- waist size. Research has show that the size of your waist can determine if you are likely to have heart disease and other health problems. Several research articles I have read encourage woman to have a less than a 35 inch waist and men to have less than a 40 inch waist. Following these guidelines can help save your heart and life. The research shows that … Continue reading →

Midlife Fitness Level May Predict Future Heart Health

What if there was a way to predict what your future heart health might look like? Well there just may be and it’s done by measuring your fitness level mid-life, starting in your 40’s. Two studies were done…one by the Cooper Institute in Dallas and another by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. The results of both indicated that potential heart problems could be predicted by determining your level of fitness. We already know that certain risk factors can also indicate whether or not you are more likely to have future heart problems, such as smoking and obesity. But … Continue reading →

Thinking Ahead to Spring

This week the temperature here in Wisconsin is supposed to hit near 60 degrees. Since there are still remnants of snow scattered throughout my city, this is more than just good news. This is great news and a sure sign that spring is just around the corner. So now I am thinking ahead to a fit spring. How can I make the most of the upcoming season and the warmer days ahead? While it has been cold I have been using my Wii Fit and treadmill. But I am definitely looking forward to getting outdoors and implementing additional types of … Continue reading →