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This first story confirms that if you're overweight, walking is good exercise. Walk fast, walk slow - but walk to lose weight and stay healthy. Bottom line of this story - walking slow is safer for your knees - though walking faster benefits your heart more. So listen to your knees but walk!
Walk Slowly For Weight Loss, According To University Of Colorado Study
Leisurely walking for distance combined with low-impact cardiovascular activity appears to be the best formula for obese people seeking to get into shape and stay healthy, according to a University of Colorado at Boulder study.
Ray Browning at University of Colorado said the results show that people who walk a mile at a leisurely pace burn more calories than if they walk a mile at their normal pace. In addition, those who walk at 2 miles per hour rather than 3 miles per hour reduce the loads on their knee joints by up to 25 percent.
"The message is that by walking more slowly, obese individuals can burn more calories per mile and may reduce the risk of arthritis or joint injury," he said.
The researchers tested 20 men and 20 women on treadmills and sidewalks, half of whom were of normal weight and half classified as class 2 obese, meaning they have a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 to 40. A 5-foot 4-inch tall woman with a BMI of 30 weighs about 175 pounds, while a 6-foot man with a BMI of 30 weighs about 225 pounds.
The results show that brisk walking dramatically increases the knee joint forces, which can lead to a variety of problems including joint injuries and arthritis, the researchers said.
"This study also pointed up the phenomenal accomplishments of obese people," said Kram. "Our test subjects lead productive lives, and if you weigh 300 pounds, many everyday activities are athletic endeavors."
Because walking slowly may not significantly improve an obese person's level of cardiovascular fitness, performing other vigorous lower-impact activities like swimming, cycling, step routines and elliptical training workouts also are recommended, said Browning.
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http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/06/050616061516.htm
If you take supplements, this next story gives you the latest research on a very popular one - Folic Acid. Several benefits have been reported. Now it's good for your memory . . . and it's very safe.
Extra Folic Acid May Help Memory
Jun 21
WASHINGTON - High-dose folic acid pills — providing as much of the nutrient as 2.5 pounds of strawberries — might help slow the cognitive decline of aging. So says a Dutch study that's the first to show a vitamin could really improve memory.
The research, unveiled Monday at a meeting of Alzheimer's researchers, adds to mounting evidence that a diet higher in folate is important for a variety of health effects. It's already proven to reduce birth defects, and research suggests it helps ward off heart disease and strokes, too.
But as people age, some decline in memory and other brain functions is inevitable. Taking 800 micrograms of folic acid a day slowed that brain drain, reported lead researcher Jane Durga.
In the study, 818 cognitively healthy people ages 50 to 75 swallowed either folic acid or a dummy pill for three years. On memory tests, the supplement users had scores comparable to people 5.5 years younger, Durga said. On tests of cognitive speed, the folic acid helped users perform as well as people 1.9 years younger.
Previous studies have shown that people with low folate levels in their blood are more at risk for both heart disease and diminished cognitive function.
Durga said it's not clear how folic acid might work to protect the brain. Some studies suggest folate lowers inflammation; others suggest it may play a role in expression of dementia-related genes.
Folate is found in such foods as oranges and strawberries, dark-green leafy vegetables and beans. In the United States, it also is added to cereal and flour products. The recommended daily dose here is 400 micrograms; doctors advise women of childbearing age to take a supplement to ensure they get that much.
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http://cbsnewyork.com/healthwatch/health_story_171221331.htmlI don't always agree with the Canadians, but here's an example where they're cutting edge. They approved the morning-after-pill as "over the counter" in April of this year. Our government still doesn't think it's a good idea. Someday they'll see the light.
Canada Oks Non-Prescription 'Morning After Pill'
April 20, 2005
April 20, 2005
TORONTO (Reuters) - The Canadian government decided the controversial "morning after pill," under the brand name Plan B, would be allowed to be dispensed by pharmacists without a prescription.
The pill is 95 percent effective in preventing unintended pregnancy if taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex and is 85 percent effective if taken within 72 hours.
"Emergency contraception has the potential to significantly reduce the incidence of unintended pregnancy and the number of abortions performed," said Andre Lalonde, with the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada.
However, some groups such as Campaign Life Coalition slammed the decision, calling Health Canada irresponsible.
Vyta Senikas, a doctor and an executive with the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, rebuffed claims that the drug would be used as a regular method of birth control. "People seem to have the idea that adolescents are going to run rampant because they have this emergency contraceptive available and that due diligence will not be done. But there are several studies that show repeat offenders don't exist or exist in extremely small portions." she said.
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http://s115631744.onlinehome.us/rxmeds/2005/04/21/canada-oks-non-prescription-morning-after-pill/The above is not meant to be medical advice or a substitute for professional evaluation or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider before any modification in the treatment of any medical condition. Also, please read the attached Disclaimer, Etc.
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