New Study Shows Benefits of Active Lifestyles

exerciseA new study shows that people who begin an active lifestyle at a young age, and keep it up into their middle years, can greatly lessen mid-life weight gain and other health issues. People generally focus on exercise as a way to eliminate excess weight, as opposed to a way to prevent it. The results of the study show that this may be a mistake. Dr. Arlene L. Hankinson, the lead researcher explained that “it’s not so much about achieving some dramatically high activity level. It’s about maintaining a level of daily physical activity over time.”

Generally, health experts suggest that adults get a minimum of 30 minutes of medium-intensity exercise (such as brisk walking), five days a week. Many people claim that they are too busy for a daily visit at a gym, to which Hankinson says “it should be about finding an activity that you actually like and can maintain. But you should also look into the choices you make in your daily life. Do you walk to the store, take the stairs instead of the elevator, park your car further away so you have to walk more…?”

Aspirin May Reduce Cancer Risks

A new Oxford University study has shown that a small amount of aspirin (75mg), taken daily, can greatly reduce cancer death rates. Professor Peter Rothwell, who directed the research, explained that healthy households should not start taking aspirin as if it were a vitamin, although the new discovery “tips things towards it being well worth it.”

The results were described as “promising” by Cancer Research UK, and family health expert Ed Yong said that they “encourage anyone interested in taking aspirin on a regular basis to talk to their GP first.” The full results of the study were publicized in the Lancet Medical Journal.

Why You Should Drink Orange Juice

Everyone knows that orange juice is the perfect beverage to go with breakfast, and that it is recommended even by doctors. However, the reasons for this are less known.

Orange juice is in fact incredibly healthy, and here’s why:
• It contains a high amount of vitamin C, which is known to significantly boost the immune system and help prevent illnesses.
• Medical studies have shown that OJ can lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, two problems common in middle aged women
• It is rich in antioxidants, which are believed to prevent certain forms of cancer
• It is rich in potassium, which is a significant nutrient of the body.
• It improves blood circulation.
• It contains Folate, a substance involved in the reproduction of new cells, which can help with healing processes.
• It has anti-inflammatory qualities, and may help relieve arthritis-related pain.

Vegetarians and Iron

/Iron-oreVegetarians and vegans often worry about the level of iron that they consume, as meat, poultry and fish are all rich sources of this nutrient. In reality, the amount of iron found in beans, leafy green vegetables and enriched cereals comes pretty close to that in meats. Why, then, are vegetarians and vegans often lacking iron in their blood?

Iron comes in two forms: nonheme and heme. Meats and other animal products contain iron in the ‘heme’ form. This form of iron is easily absorbed and stored in the human body. Nonheme iron, on the other hand, is not processed as efficiently in the body, and so it is more difficult to maintain healthy stores of iron with foods that contain it. Also, many vegetarian foods contain phytate, a protein which interferes with iron absorption. Vegetables, grains, soy; all these foods contain such proteins.

The Health Benefits of Horseback Riding Part II

horse-ridingHorseback riding can be therapeutic for people with mental disabilities, emotional disorders, and people who are handicapped. The motion and position of the rider while on a horse greatly improves the balance, spatial awareness, coordination and motor development, all of which are common problems in such people. The control of the mind and body which are required to ride can help the person become more sensitive to his or her surroundings, and also to consider other factors in his situation besides himself. This also helps improve the person’s reaction time.

Building a strong, consistent relationship between the horse and the rider through the riding as well as grooming teaches people about trust and loyalty, as well as responsibility.