Category: Exercise

by Theresa Nybo   Muscles don’t just belong to body builders and athletes They are important for all of us. They keep our bones in place and keep us upright. They give us the ability to move, lift, eat and enjoy life. When exercised they even increase our metabolism, which can help with weight loss,…

In 1954 researchers Doll and Hill published a ground-breaking study linking cigarette smoking with cancer. Up until that point, smoking was not generally considered a health hazard and, in some instances, even recommended for other ailments. This study set the tone for change and by 1962, cigarette sells fell for the first time in a…

Many people enjoy the companionship of a dog. They are loyal, trusting, loving and lots of fun. But did you know that canine pets can impact human health as well? A recent study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes found that owning a dog can bring more than just companionship. There are actual physical…

You could see it on her, the stately older woman sitting across the table from me. The once clear, bright eyes seemed dim with a sense of confusion and worry clouding the countenance. Sometimes, she knew exactly what was going on around her, other times perplexity reigned. It was dementia robbing her of what was…

Even modest levels of physical activity benefit the heart.   Are you tempted to say you are too tired or too busy to exercise? Or perhaps you are too old? A recent study found an interesting link between physical activity and heart disease. This was an 18-year study of 24,000 adults ages 39-79.   The…

If you have ever watched a child that has to sit still for any length of time, you understand that children are made to move. Movement is vital for their physical development. It helps their bones to get strong and their muscles to grow. However, it is not just physically that children benefit from movement….

Fibromyalgia, a disorder affecting women more often than men, is characterized by widespread muscular pain, fatigue, as well as sleep and mood problems. At present there is no cure for it, but it is managed often by medications. However, following a careful review of current evidence, a multidisciplinary group from 12 European countries, has unanimously…

A Swiss study found that burnout was lower among students that exercised, than those that were more sedentary. This study looked at 56 vocational students and found that those who were meeting recommended physical activity levels scored higher on mental toughness and reported fewer symptoms of burnout. (See chart for current Nordic recommendations for physical…

Exercise has many health benefits and these go beyond the strictly physical ones. A study looking at anxiety disorders and perceptions, found that exercise positively impacted the participants. Their perceptions to what previously was perceived as a threatening situation, was normalized after exercise. This study provides a helpful basis for working with anxiety disorders. Other…

  Childhood physical activity increases bone mineral density and muscle strength.   Children who exercised more during the first 8 years of school showed a sharply decreased risk of bone fractures, especially during the 7th and 8th grades. This was reported by Dr. Marcus Coster at the meeting of the American Society for Bone and…

  Even if you gain weight during holiday indulgence, exercise can reduce other negative effects. Research has found that 45 minutes of daily exercise can reduce the negative metabolic effects from “holiday indulgence” (short term overeating and inactivity). Even if it won’t keep all the extra weight off, it will help your body manage blood…