FitSugar

Another Reason to Run: It Lengthens Your Life

FitSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 05:30:00 -0700

Have you been thinking about taking up running? Well this new study may give you the kick in the pants to start today. It turns out that runners live longer. According to researchers at Stanford University, not only does running reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, but it also helps prevents cancer and neurological conditions like Alzheimer's.

The study followed 284 members of a running club and 156 similar healthy people who didn't run, all 50 and over. The control group did exercise, about 20 minutes a week, and the runners exercised as much as 200 minutes a week (that's about 30 minutes a day). The researchers discovered that after 20 years, 15 percent of those running had passed away, as compared to 34 percent of the non-runners.

OK, so the exact activity of running isn't necessarily the magic pill, but it's the regular physical activity you should be after. It doesn't have to be running, but biking, swimming, dancing, or anything else that gets your heart rate up, and strengthens your muscles, will support your immune system and make you healthier overall. So try to work exercise into your daily schedule. Not only will you feel better, but you'll be able to enjoy life a little longer.

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Cut Calories and Live Longer?

FitSugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0700

If you're looking to dip into the Fountain of Youth, cutting some calories daily just might help. Calorie restriction has long been proven to slow down the aging process in mice and rats, and researchers at Saint Louis University decided to test this theory on a human population.

In a year-long study, subjects who eliminated 300 to 500 calories from their diet a day showed a decrease in the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3). Scientists think decreasing the T3 hormone slows down the aging process, because it helps to slow metabolism and tissue aging. The calorie restriction methods used in the study were nothing extreme, just simple acts like skipping out on dessert, cutting out sugary beverages, or making healthier choices such as a turkey sandwich instead of fried chicken and French fries. The doctor in charge of the study is not encouraging you to skip out on meals or starve yourself, but rather to eat a nutrient-rich diet. Long term studies are necessary to determine if a decrease in the T3 hormone from calorie restriction really affects the length of life in people.

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Another Reason to Eat Healthy: Live Longer

FitSugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Healthy eating adds years to your life. Seriously.

I know when I repeat the call to eat a diet that is full of fruits and vegetables and low in fat and sugar sort of makes me sound like a broken record at this point. Yet some folks are still sticking to diets full of red and processed meat, French fries, refined grains and sweets (aka a typical "western diet"), so when more evidence comes out stressing the importance of eating healthy, I like to share it with you.

New research has found that a diet high in fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish and poultry protects women against death from heart disease and other causes by as much as 22 percent more than if those who primarily eat red meat, fried foods and refined grains. So give yourself a pat on the back if you're already eating healthy; if not then today is as good a day as any to start. After all, it could add years onto your life.

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Another Reason to Go Mediterranean

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:00:00 -0800

I am a big fan of the Mediterranean Diet. It is full of nuts, whole grains, and healthy fats - what's not to like? A new study provides yet another reason to go Mediterranean – it could help you live longer.

In a large five-year study conducted jointly by the National Institute of Health and AARP, both men and women who followed a Mediterranean-style diet were about 20 percent less likely to die during the study. In particular, deaths from cancer or cardiovascular disease were significantly lower in the Med style diet group as well.

Eating a diet rich in fish, nuts, fruits, and veggies and eating red meat and milk products in limited amounts seems to be the way to go. To read more on this style of eating, check out: What's the Deal With: The Mediterranean Diet.

Also look for the med mark stamp on food labels; they will appear on foods that are considered healthy Mediterranean Diet food, drinks, and products.

Hummus here I come!

The Power of Positive Thinking: Optimists Live Longer

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 03:00:00 -0700

Do you see this glass as half full or half empty? Careful now: how you answer could determine the length of your life.

This may not come as much of a surprise, but optimists live longer. Using data from 100,000 women over age 50, the Women's Health Initiative, which began in 1994, found that self-described optimists were more likely to be alive after the first eight years of tracking participants' health. While these optimists were less likely to die from any cause, research found that 30 percent of participating women were less likely to die from heart disease, the leading cause of death in women in the US. Conversely, pessimistic women had a "higher overall death rate," and they were also 23 percent more likely to die from conditions related to cancer.

This, the first study to focus on women and optimism versus pessimism, took many factors into account when determining the longevity of the positive thinkers, and winnowed out factors like income, education, health behaviors, smoking, and physical activity. Researchers believe that optimists in general have larger social networks to turn to during crises, and that they just cope better with stress, which has been associated with heart disease.

So look at that glass again, and try to see it as half full. It will do you a world of good. DearSugar is curious about your state of mind too, and wants to know if you're having a hard time feeling optimistic?

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Look on the Sunny Side of Life For Heart Health

FitSugar — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:00:00 -0700

Having a positive attitude is how underdog sports teams come from behind to cinch victory. It makes for exciting games, but a positive attitude is also important for your personal health - it fights heart disease. New research from University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that seeing the glass half full appears to protect the heart against disease and death, and conversely pessimism increases the risk of heart disease. The 15-year study of 97,000 postmenopausal women involved surveys designed to assess the participants sense of optimism. The women responded "yes" or "no" to statements like, "In unclear times, I usually expect the best," or "If something can go wrong for me, it will."

See if docs understand the power of positive thinking.

Catching Up With Biggest Loser Tara Costa

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:47:08 -0800

Even though she is no longer required to pull big numbers at the weekly Biggest Loser weigh-ins, Tara Costa is still working it. She told Life and Style that she's "still battling the last 10 pounds."

Tara currently weighs 164 pounds (down from 294 at the start of the show), but the second runner-up of from last year's season says she'd "love to live at 155-ish." Her plan of attack is twofold. She's headed for a week-long stay at the Biggest Loser Resort and Spa, located in Ivins, UT, where guests can reenact the rigors of the weight-loss reality show: six hours of daily exercise and a healthy diet. Her second method is running. Tara ran in the New York City Marathon last Sunday, completing the 26.2-mile course in 4 hours, 23 minutes, and 12 seconds.

I love keeping up with past contestants from the show and seeing that they are still living healthy lives. Like Tara, are you battling the last few pesky pounds that refuse to go away? Join the Weight Loss Support group, to meet like-minded people who share your goals.

Photos courtesy of NBC and Getty

5 Signs You’ll Live Longer Than You Think

FitSugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:30:00 -0700

I am always trying to do what I can to extend my own life expectancy. Sometimes I consciously make decisions that I know will keep me around longer (like not smoking), but there are also many things that we all do (some we have no control over), which influence how long we're going to live. Prevention recently listed some surprising signs you’ll live longer than you think. So instead of thinking you need to change up your habits, give yourself a pat on the back for the ones you already do. Check out my favorites from the list in this slideshow.

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PMDD: My Dirty Little Secret

FitSugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Three years ago I was diagnosed with PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) - it's sort of like PMS on overdrive, except way worse. Before the diagnosis I was embarrassed at how unstable I felt as my period approached, especially when all of my girlfriends seemed to be handling their PMS symptoms in a manageable way.

My menstrual cycles were always preceded by feelings of severe depression, crying bouts, anxiety, fatigue, and extreme back pain that would disappear the day my period started. I decided that I could no longer live like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and had a conversation with my doctor. To my relief she confirmed that what I was going through was much more severe than PMS.

For those of you who might be suffering with PMDD, here are some tips I've learned from my doctor over the years to make life more bearable. You'll want to do everything on this list during the two weeks leading up to your period.

To see my tips, read more.

Keep a rigorous calendar of your cycle so you can anticipate when your symptoms will start. Knowing this time frame helps calm anxiety and allows you to take the necessary precautions to offset PMDD. It's also helpful to let those close to you anticipate these dates since they can help offer extra support during this time.
Exercise has been shown to help decrease symptoms of PMDD - go on more walks or bike rides leading up to your menstrual cycle.
Uncontrollable cravings and fatigue are signs of PMDD and can be offset by having a balanced diet of fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. Adjust your diet by reducing caffeine, salt, refined sugars, and high carb meals.
Take the herbal remedies chasteberry and L-tryptophan. In clinical trials, both have shown to help decrease the emotional effects of PMDD.

If these tips don't improve your PMDD, talk to your doctor about other options. I've also had great success taking Yaz, the only birth control pill approved to treat PMDD, but some health experts are not convinced that Yaz is as safe as it claims to be.

Many women have symptoms so severe that they go on short cycles of antidepressants each month or take oral contraceptives to help with hormone regulation.

Volunteer and Get Fit With Fido

FitSugar — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:30:57 -0700

Exercise and volunteering can seem like extras in our lives that we just don't have time for, so why not combine the two? There are organizations such as Get Fit With Fido in Seattle where you can volunteer to exercise shelter dogs. Walking or running with a dog is a great skill you can offer, and not only will the pooch love the attention and fresh air, but you'll also benefit from the furry companionship. Not to mention, both of you can stay fit together. Another plus is that when you take the dogs out, you can help them find a home faster since more people will get to meet them. Obese dogs that trim down will also find homes quicker since pudgier pooches tend to get overlooked by people wanting to adopt. Exercised dogs are also calmer and train more easily, so their good manners and friendly demeanor are also a bonus for prospective pet owners.

So if you don't have your own dog to run with, borrow one that is in need of your love and attention. Call up your local shelter to see if they offer programs where a group of volunteers take dogs out together. If they don't, I'm sure they'll be excited to have you exercise dogs on your own. Go on your lunch break once a week, a few times a week, or for longer workouts, go on your days off.