Seniors Stay Fit By Adding More Activity To Their Day

Life is busy. Older adults are working harder and sometimes longer hours. It can be hard to fit a formal exercise session into your daily routine. But, you can fit more physical activity into your day with a few helpful hints.

When you are tired at the end of a busy day, the last thing you're thinking about is a regular workout. You know that you need to exercise daily but you are having trouble finding a way to fit exercise into your day.

For many people, exercise is something that they grow to love as the results of their labors become apparent. If you struggle finding time for a workout, or even are not fond of formal fitness programs, adding more activity into your day can be the boost your body needs.

So, what’s the big deal about doing all this exercise as we age? The big deal is this - exercise will give you energy, and that's something we all need whether we are 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100!

Exercise improves your overall health. Exercise keeps you at a healthy weight, strengthens your muscles, and lowers your risk of disease. You are improving your lifestyle and quality of life when you add physical activity to your day.

How can you add physical activity to your day, little by little, to build a strong foundation for a healthy life? Here are a few suggestions.

1. Perform housework on purpose – Cleaning is rarely anyone’s favorite thing to do, but if you make purposeful moves as you clean and do chores around the house, you will get more benefits than just a clean house. For example, as you sweep, tighten your abdominal muscles and turn from the waist. When you pull weeds, use a squat position. As you rise to a standing position, tighten your butt muscles and leg muscles.
2. Walk after meals – Whether home or at work, when you finish your meal and still have ten or fifteen minutes to spend, take a walk outside. That fresh air and sunny vitamin D will help strengthen your lungs, muscles, and bones Your heart will start pumping and your brain will get some much needed oxygen. You'll feel better and before you know it you'll look better, too!
3. Take your bike for short errands – The next time you have a quick errand that's nearby, hop on your bike. Ride over to the convenience store to pick up the Sunday newspaper. Leave the car in the driveway whenever possible and run those errands on your trusty bicycle.
4. Take the stairs – Instead of crowding in the elevator, take the stairs at work, doctor’s offices and at the mall. This little technique is surprisingly effective. Over a years time, you'll be surprised how many steps you take up and down stairs if you avoid elevators.
5. Plan active vacations – When you decide to take that getaway, do so at a destination where there are lots of indoor and outdoor activities to do. Active vacations will keep you moving, which will keep you full of energy during your vacation, and improve your health at the same time.

Once you start moving around more in your daily life, you will improve your overall health. With improved health and strength, you will soon be anxious to do even more... maybe even start a routine fitness program!

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Always check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

Fitness Over 40: Staying Fit at 40 Plus

CLUCK FOR THE CURE PART 1, AND NOW PART 2

Regular readers of Natural Health News are aware of the concerns we have raised over "cause marketing".

I am very pleased that Dr. Moss has also recognized this serious issue and I will add Part II when it is published.

My advice for now is not to engage in the 'Race for the Cure', eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and skip the pink bucket from KFC.

Cluck for the Cure PART 1
By Ralph Moss, PhD Sunday, 25 April 2010

Last week we were told that fruit and vegetable consumption allegedly has no beneficial effect on cancer incidence. This week we learn that in order to fight cancer we should buy a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken. The sprawling chicken purveyor and Susan G. Komen for the Cure® have teamed up "to raise funds and spread breast cancer awareness and educational messaging" via a campaign at 5,000 KFC restaurants.

Participating franchises will sell "specially designed pink buckets of grilled and Original Recipe chicken" and KFC will then give 50 cents to Komen for every pink bucket that is ordered during the promotion period. In addition, the lids of these special pink buckets "will have a call to action to get involved." The names of "breast cancer survivors and those who have lost their battle with breast cancer will be listed on the sides of the bucket." The campaign is called "Buckets for the Cure."

Coincidentally, KFC has been in the news recently for a great innovation in dining: the Doubledown. This is an all-meat sandwich, consisting of two pieces of bacon, two slices of cheese and the famous Colonel's Sauce, which contains soybean oil, sugar, chicken fat, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and other goodies. All of this cholesterol is packed between two boneless fried chicken fillets! This "breadless wonder" (as the Toronto Sun called it) first made its appearance at a few locations last summer and was so successful that it was launched across the entire US in April 2010. The original recipe version contains 540 calories, 1380 mg of salt and 32 grams of fat. The company's Web site boasts: "This product is so meaty, there's no room for a bun!" Apologists for the fast food industry have pointed out that Burger King's Triple Whopper has 76 grams of fat. The Doubledown is dietetic by comparison.

Then there's the acrylamide issue. In 2000 Swedish scientists discovered a chemical called acrylamide in such foods as potato chips, French fried potatoes, etc. (Tareke 2000). The Food and Drug Administration then conducted an analysis of the American food supply for acrylamide content and found between 117 and 313 parts per billion (ppb) in KFC French fries, depending on the location sampled. Relatively speaking, this is a very high amount.

Acrylamide is considered a "probable human carcinogen" (Hogervorst 2010). In rat studies, it increased the incidence of mammary gland (breast) cancer as well as thyroid tumors and scrotal mesothelioma. In humans, there is an increased risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers, renal cell cancer and oral cavity cancer, even in non-smoking women (ibid.).

A 2009 Dutch epidemiological study showed "some indications of a positive association between dietary acrylamide intake and receptor-positive breast cancer risk in postmenopausal never-smoking women (Pedersen 2009). Comparing the highest consumers of acrylamide to women in the lowest group there was a 43 percent increase in breast cancer in women with ER and PR positive cancers. (A Harvard study found no such association.).

Cluck for the Cure - Part II
Sunday, 02 May 2010

Last week we began a discussion of the alliance between Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). We conclude, with references, this week.

Pinkwashing

Barbara Brenner of Breast Cancer Action (BCA) calls the alliance between Komen and KFC an egregious example of "pinkwashing." This occurs "when a company purports to care about breast cancer by promoting a pink ribboned product, but manufactures products that are linked to the disease. Make no mistake," Brenner adds, "every pink bucket purchase will do more to benefit KFC's bottom line than it will to cure breast cancer."

She also points out that KFC, like most fast food chains, is overwhelmingly present in communities that have poor health outcomes. These social inequities can affect breast cancer mortality rates. "Given this disconnect, we are especially disturbed by this partnership," Brenner says. BCA has launched a campaign to break up the Komen-KFC liaison.

I am a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of Breast Cancer Action. In the past I have also been an advisor to Susan G. Komen. Frankly, I think Komen has made a misstep here. Although they will raise money for cancer research by this gambit, they have also providing cover to KFC by doing so. At a time when healthy eating is under broad attack, Komen has chosen to associate itself with products that may, ironically, be linked to an increased incidence of breast cancer, especially in poor and minority communities.

To quote Barbara Brenner: "What the cluck?"

Fast Food Info

I found this menu of 41 fast foods to be totally outrageous! The information, especially the sodium content in these menu items is a real eye opener.

Can you imaging that eating bacon with melted cheese between two slices of fried chicken? Not only is this a gut buster, it's a real health buster too!

And then there is the mac & cheese served up in a bowl of bread. I can only wonder who is dreaming up these combos.

Has this fitness expert gone crazy?

Well, I think one of my favorite fitness trainers, Craig Ballantyne, may have gone crazy over the weekend.

Check this out...it's the most OUTRAGEOUS fitness offer ever...

Men's Health and Women's Health fitness expert, Craig Ballantyne, is offering you a chance to "practically steal" his world-famous Turbulence Training fat loss program for only $1.

For 21-days you'll get to try the Turbulence Training workouts and all you pay is $1 during that time. Heck, that's less than the cost of a soda!

This program usually costs $39.95, but you can start a 21-day trial for only $1. If you like it, you'll be billed the remaining  $38.95 investment at the end of your 21-day trial period.

And nothing will be held back. You'll get access to the entire Turbulence Training for Fat Loss system, including a free 3-month membership into the Turbulence Training Inner Circle where you can ask Craig any question you want about your fat loss workouts and nutrition program.

You have nothing to lose. If you don't like the program, you can ask for your money back. So there is no risk to you.

So for the next 3 days, you can get started on the world's most popular home-gym fat burning workout program that you can do with minimal equipment for just pennies.

Say goodbye to long, slow, boring cardio workouts that don't burn anything but your time away. Plus, you'll get Dr. Chris Mohr's Nutrition for Fat Loss Guidelines, and all of the bonus workouts that come in the Turbulence Training for Fat Loss package.

If you are sick and tired of doing all that cardio and getting NO results, then change your workout today and grab the Turbulence Training system for only $1.

Your results are also guaranteed by the Turbulence Training 100% money back promise. If you aren't fully satisfied with your results from the program, just let Craig know before the end of the 21-day trial and you won't be billed again.

You have nothing to lose but your body fat and your belly. Get started with Turbulence Training immediately here:

=> http://bit.ly/cjWUaQ

 

 

[Note: I’m an affiliate for the provider of goods and services mentioned in this post and as such may be compensated if you make a purchase.]

Where's the rest of the story?

An interesting study reports fluoride based serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs kill cancer cells in the lab.

This article includes no reference to how long the study lasted, nor did it say how long the drug continued to kill cells, or what dose was used.

What one has to wonder is which filing cabinet drawer or round file this will got to once replication occurs, and a review of the horrendous side effects associated with fluoride are.

Additionally there is no mention that fluoride based drugs suppress your thyroid and nothing is said about the known damaging side effects, including homicide and suicide.

Maybe the latter two refer to a new way to kill cancer...

Now what happens to this class of drugs and the Black Box warnings?
"This, combined with many years of experience in treating patients with these drugs, means that doctors can be confident that the treatment will not cause significant effects on normal tissues and is safe for virtually all patients."

New study claims Prozac can help in the battle with cancer
Prozac and other well established antidepressants could be the latest weapon in the fight against cancer, claim scientists who found they stop tumours from growing.

By Richard Alleyne, Science Correspondent, 23 Apr 2010

Researchers in Britain have found that the commonly used drug suppresses tumour growth by as much as 90 per cent and could be used to boost the effectiveness of other cancer fighting treatments.

And because it has already been tested, it should mean that it could be available for use far more quickly than new drugs that have to go through numerous safety trials.

The team at the University of Birmingham found that the active ingredients from Prozac, medical name fluoxetine, could bring on apoptosis (a kind of natural death) in cancer cells cultivated in the laboratory.

Further trials on actual live tissue – blood with leukaemia – showed that it dramatically reduced tumour growth by up to 90 per cent.

Now they believe clinical trials on humans will see the results replicated in real cancer patients.

"We were thrilled to see these results," said Professor Barnes. "It shows a real opportunity to maintain the pressure on tumours in between chemotherapy cycles."

The findings, published in the journal Leukaemia Research, showed that both Prozac (Fluoxetine) and another antidepressant Chlomipramine were effective against cancer cells in leukaemia and lymphoma patients.

Professor Nick Barnes, one of the study leaders, believes that by using the drug along with traditional chemotherapy survival rates could be dramatically improved.

One of the big problems with chemotherapy is that it is so powerful that treatments have to be done in cycles as the drugs are so damaging to healthy cells as well as cancer cells.

That means cancer cells have the ability to regroup and spread in-between treatments. Prozac could be used to "keep a lid" on cancer growth between cycles.

Ken Campbell, a spokesman for the charity Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, said: "This research holds the promise of safe, less toxic treatments for the most common group of blood cancers.

"This, combined with many years of experience in treating patients with these drugs, means that doctors can be confident that the treatment will not cause significant effects on normal tissues and is safe for virtually all patients." http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7624419/Prozac-can-help-in-the-battle-with-cancer.html

Fungus Fears and worthwhile options for considertation

The appearance of a virulent fungus has been reported in the Pacific Northwest. Reports say that people have been treated with antiobiotics and I haven't seen much reference to antifungal drugs. While I'm scratching my head on that one, since both classes of drugs can have deleterious side effects, I'm certain my approach hasn't been calculated in mainstream medicine.

Many years ago now, when the SARS virus was circulating, I suggested some different antiviral and antifungal therapies.

Currently we have a new garlic formula available in the form of Alli-C Garlic is an outstanding antibiotic and antifungal. This new form is the equivalent of 35 cloves of garlic in one capsule.

Colloidal Silver is a very good product to consider,and when used only to treat infection or other issues it can be very helpful. I am not one to encourage the everyday prophylactic use of colloidal silver. I'll have a new article coming soon with more information on the history and use of CS.

I suggest vitamin A in a combination form that allows for the conversion of beta-carotene to vitamin A. This helps protect the lining of your lungs and respiratory system as well as assisting should you develop pneumonia.

And for heavy hitting I am all for pure therapeutic essential oils.

Get a high quality professional nebulizer and a supply of one or more of these excellent choices - organic is best -

Oregano

Lemon

Melaleuca (can also be helpful with malaria and tuberculosis)

Chest congestion may be helped with old fashioned mustard plasters, staying adequately hydrated (two cups of sage tea daily unless you have seizure disorder, or peppermint tea). Lemonade is also very good as it adds flavor, helps cleanse your liver, adds vitamin C, and you can eat the peel if it is organic.

Up your intake of vitamin C to tolerance levels and make sure you taking adequate amounts of vitamin D3 and E.

Hydrotherapy may also assist you in relaxing and removing toxins from your body. Drinking a cup of yarrow tea while soaking encourages detoxification and fever reducing. If you'd like more information please let us know.

You may order any of these supplies from our organization; all profits help keep us on-line.

See also:
http://www.recombinomics.com/News/04231001/US_PI_Spike.html

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36722426

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0%2C8599%2C1984337%2C00.html?xid=rss-topstories

Water Activities For Older Adults To Stay Fit

When you were a kid, you probably spent most of your time in the water during the summer months. It was just good fun to swim and you didn't even realize you were getting exercise! In your older years, returning to the water activities of your youth is both healthy and enjoyable.

What is it about being in the water? It just feels good to be suspended, weightless. The pressures of gravity on your body are gone.

Activities that you do in the water are non-jarring, low impact. If you suffer from joint issues such as arthritis, swimming and aquatic exercises are a perfect fit for your exercise program. You move almost effortlessly when you exercise in the water, without the pain in your joints that exercise can cause outside the pool. And, even though the exercise seems effortless, when you emerge, you can feel that you have had a good work out.

Water activities are perfect for older adults for many reasons. It promotes social interaction. Spending time in a pool, swimming and exercising, is a great way to meet new people with your same interests. Sharing those interests can give you a new zest for life and fitness.

Water activities improve cardiovascular functioning. Aerobic activity improves the heart's condition by lowering blood pressure, lowering weight and increasing metabolism. The same benefits you get from running or floor exercises can be found with water aerobics, but in a low impact, non-jarring, joint friendly way.

Your body can reap the same benefits of strength training while you're exercising in water. Plastic or Styrofoam dumbbells are specifically designed for aquatic exercises. They are quite light on land, but get them in the water, and you'll feel the difference right away. Pushing and pulling these Styrofoam dumbbells through the water requires the same effort as working out with regular dumbbells on land. The difference is that you're not stressing your joints when you're in the water.

Strength training, whether in the water or on land, improves muscle strength. Improve your muscle strength and you will improve your balance, flexibility and mobility. As we age, these three things become more and more important.

Even if you don't have an exercise routine planned in the water, simply swimming is a water activity that is great for older adults. Your core muscles, which are your lower back and abdominal muscles, are strengthened right along with your shoulder and upper back muscles. Your cardiovascular fitness improves also as you are able to swim longer and longer sessions.

Any form of exercise improves not only the body, but also the mind. With physical activity, the brain releases endorphins, those “feel good” substances that help to improve mood and overall outlook. With increased oxygen to the brain, your mind is also sharper with more clarity of thought.

Are you a senior looking for fun exercise that is also low-impact? Do you remember how much you enjoyed swimming as a kid? Then, check out your local swimming pool and start a fitness program that will improve your overall health and have fun at the same time.

 

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Always check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

Fitness Over 40: Staying Fit at 40 Plus