Obesity 'lifts inflammation risk'

Obesity and lack of fitness raise the risk of illness by impacting negatively on the body's internal chemistry, research suggests.

June Davison, cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: "These findings add to evidence that regular physical activity and keeping close to a healthy weight have huge benefits for your heart health."

And John Brewer, performance director at the Lucozade Sport Science Academy in Slough, stressed that an unhealthy lifestyle posed "real dangers" to health.

He said: "Whilst studies like this one, and initiatives from the government and health-promotion agencies, can raise awareness of the risks, ultimately it is down to individuals to chose a lifestyle and habits that give them the best chance of leading a healthy, active life."

More and more research is pointing to the inflammatory response as being key to understanding many disease processes.

Study: Men to Blame for Women's Fluctuating Waistlines

"A study analyzing the ups and downs a female's weight cycle found that happiness – or the lack thereof – greatly affected a woman’s waistline, London's Daily Mail reported Thursday."

I think this is about "state." How we feel affect so much in terms of health and wellness.

Doctors warn of rash from mobile phone use

LONDON (Reuters) - Doctors baffled by an unexplained rash on people's ears or cheeks should be on alert for a skin allergy caused by too much mobile phone use, the British Association of Dermatologists said on Thursday.

Mind power moves paralysed limbs

"Scientists have shown it is possible to harness brain signals and redirect them to make paralysed limbs move."


This has amazing potential for those suffering from various forms of nerve damage. It is just a matter of time.

Workout for brain just a few clicks away

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Searching the Internet may help middle-aged and older adults keep their memories sharp, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday.

"In doing the Internet search task, there was much greater activity, but only in the Internet-savvy group."

More indication that the brains, like muscles, continues to respond positive to use (exercise). The old "use it or lose it" saying is true.

Get Moving: Feds Say Adults Should Get 2 1/2 Hours of Exercise a Week

"Get moving: The nation's new exercise guidelines set a minimum sweat allotment for good health. For most adults, that's 2 1/2 hours a week.

How much physical activity you need depends largely on age and level of fitness.

Moderate exercise adds up for sluggish adults. Rake leaves, take a quick walk around the block or suit up for the neighborhood softball game. More fit adults could pack in their week's requirement in 75 minutes with vigorous exercise, such as jogging, hiking uphill, a bike race or speedy laps in the pool.

Children and teens need more — pretty brisk activities for at least an hour a day, say the government guidelines being released Tuesday.

Consider it the exercise version of the food pyramid. The guidelines, from the Health and Human Services Department, aim to end years of confusion about how much physical activity is enough, while making clear that there are lots of ways to achieve it."

Meat 'ups prostate cancer risk'

"Eating meat and dairy products may increase the risk of prostate cancer, research suggests.

Such a diet raises levels of a hormone called Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) which promotes cell growth."

These studies are just  beginning, but are consistant with other research. Moderation and exercise should inform our lifestyle choices.

Why Andorrans live longer

"Besides the clean air and stunning mountain views from every window, Andorrans have what the WHO ranks as the third-best public health system in the world to maintain them."

Genetics, clean air, plenty of natural exercise and a great healthcare system.

Comments?

'Illusions driving market havoc'

"The mind naturally creates illusions and superstitions at times of stress - and this could be adding to the global financial crisis, say scientists."

This ties in with what we are studying about the brain and stress.

Music tastes link to personality

Musical tastes and personality type are closely related, according to a study of more than 36,000 people from around the world.

What do you think? Does this match your music tastes?

MUSICAL STYLES VERSUS PERSONALITY TRAITS

BLUES

High self-esteem, creative, outgoing, gentle and at ease

JAZZ

High self-esteem, creative, outgoing and at ease

CLASSICAL MUSIC

High self-esteem, creative, introvert and at ease

RAP

High self-esteem, outgoing

OPERA

High self-esteem, creative, gentle

COUNTRY AND WESTERN

Hardworking, outgoing

REGGAE

High self-esteem, creative, not hardworking, outgoing, gentle and at ease

DANCE

Creative, outgoing, not gentle

INDIE

Low self-esteem, creative, not hard working, not gentle

BOLLYWOOD

Creative, outgoing

ROCK/HEAVY METAL

Low self-esteem, creative, not hard-working, not outgoing, gentle, at ease

CHART POP

High self-esteem, not creative, hardworking, outgoing, gentle, not at ease

SOUL

High self-esteem, creative, outgoing, gentle, at ease

Running 'can slow ageing process'

Running on a regular basis can slow the effects of ageing, a study by US researchers shows.

"Elderly joggers were half as likely to die prematurely from conditions like cancer than non-runners.

They also enjoyed a healthier life with fewer disabilities, the Stanford University Medical Center team found.

Experts said the findings in Archives of Internal Medicine reinforced the importance that older people exercise regularly."

Aging is associated with disuse. The more active we are the more fit we remain as we age.

Music 'boosts exercise endurance'

A study has confirmed what many gym users already knew - listening to music can boost your capacity for exercise.

This ties in with what we are studying in Ch 4. Music effects brain chemistry. Also notice the the beat for exercise is 120 or 140/min. Entrainment with an exercise heart rhythm.