Take Ownership of Your Health: Hold Yourself Accountable

Over the years, I've conducted extensive research on health topics such as obesity, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. I have also studied theories of behavior change. What jumps out at me the most is how many of these conditions are preventable. Yes, there are non-modifiable factors however, it is our behaviors that are causing damage to our health and wellness. Essentially, we are all aware of our unhealthy behaviors and the consequences associated with them. I feel like I'm a misfit in society because I actually enjoy physical activity, going to the gym and pushing my body to its limits. I was also criticised heavily because it took me nearly two weeks to finishing watching the third season of Stranger Things. Let that sink in. We live in a society where it is the norm to watch an entire season of a television series over a weekend, let alone one day and this is completely acceptable, even encouraged. I feel like I have to justify why I don't binge watch television, why I wake up early to exercise and why I restrict processed foods (among many other ingredients) from my diet.

My reason is simple, I do it for my health. Health is a priority to me and I want to face the daily challenges of life with the least amount of pain, discomfort and illness as possible. I'm not a machine, I get sick on occasion and I have a history of injuries. I watch television and movies and I'm known to indulge in a meal or snack of the unhealthy variety on occasion. I try to keep my immune system optimal and reduce my risk of injury through strength and flexibility training. Let's examine exercise. Most of us know that it is beneficial to our health, not just physically but emotionally as well. Increased levels of physical activity have the potential to lower the risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease (among many more) according to multiple sources. We know that being inactive increases the risk of the mentioned conditions, yet many of us choose to do nothing about it. There is a disconnect between what we know and what we do. Do we not prioritize our health and quality of life? Do we get distracted with the ease of technology and everything available at the touch of a button? Do we know how many deaths can be prevented each year by modifying our behaviors?

So much of what we experience is preventable if we take the necessary precautions. We don't have to wait until we get diagnosed to make a change. We can make changes so that we don't get diagnosed. We do have the time if we make it a priority. We can find a plethora of excuses why we don't exercises of we can focus on reasons why we should. I can honestly say that I am 100% responsible for all of the injuries I've sustained in my lifetime. Whether it was negligence, ignorance or ego, I was at fault and I take full ownership of that. Now let's take ownership of our health and strive for progression.

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What Will Happen If You Start Eating Oats Every Day

Obesity And Overweight: Five Diseases And Health Conditions

A health care professional can readily tell if you are obese, overweight, or healthy by simply measuring your Body Mass Index, or BMI, in short. It effectively determines your weight in proportion to your height and the further it goes outside the scope of the standard range, the greater your odds are of developing a host of critical health issues from obesity and overweight.

Accomplishing and sustaining a healthy weight is something that cannot be achieved overnight and might turn out to be a challenging task for obese and overweight individuals in the long-term. Ensuring a healthy weight through appropriate means or at least preventing yourself from gaining more weight can help overweight people reduce the likelihood of developing specific medical conditions.

Obesity is on the verge of becoming a national epidemic in the USA and is associated with several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. The grave medical condition is responsible for an astounding 18% mortality rate in the age group of 40 to 85 among American population, as observed by a health research study carried out in 2013, questioning the deeply-rooted, prevailing notion of the medical and scientific community that a mere 5 in every 100 deaths in the country are related to obesity. The new finding essentially suggests that it is as fatal as cigarette smoking, when it comes to the discussion of public health hazards, as the particular way of nicotine consumption can be linked to 20 in every 100 deaths in the USA and is acknowledged as the major preventable cause of mortality in the country.

Almost 2 in every 5 American adults were diagnosed with obesity in 2015-16, which is a significant increase from 34% in 2007-08, and its impact became more profound with a steep increase from 5.7% to 7.7% during that time. While not a single state reported an obesity rate of over 15% in 1985, as many as 5 of them registered rates higher than 35% for the year 2016.

Obesity and overweight are often associated with emotional health issues like depression. People who are either obese or overweight may also experience weight bias as well as face the stigma of the medical care services providers and others, which, in turn, can result in guilt, feeling of rejection, or shame, further worsening the prevailing problems concerning one's mental well-being.

The major diseases and health complications caused by obesity and overweight are illustrated below in brief.

I. TYPE 2 DIABETES
When the blood glucose concentration becomes abnormally high on a permanent basis, the particular medical condition is termed as type 2 diabetes. About 4 in every 5 individuals with the said form of diabetes are known to be either obese or overweight. High blood sugar levels can manifest a large number of medical conditions, such as stroke, heart conditions, eye issues, neuropathic damage, eye problems, and other health issues.
Allowing yourself to engage in periodic physical activities and reducing 5% to 7% of your weight may prevent or postpone type 2 diabetes onset in the event you belong to the risk group for the particular disease.

II. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
When the blood passes through the blood vessels in your body with significantly more force, the particular medical condition is known as hypertension, or more commonly, high blood pressure. It can cause an alarmingly great level of damage to your blood vessels, strain your heart, and help increase the odds of stroke, kidney disease, heart attack, and even death.

III. HEART DISEASE
The umbrella term heart disease is routinely used to indicate a wide and diverse gamut of medical conditions that can affect the overall well-being of the organ. If you are diagnosed with heart disease, you are at a greater risk of having heart failure, sudden cardiac death, angina, heart attack, or a heart rhythm that is not considered normal. Elevated fat levels in your bloodstream, high blood sugar concentrations, and high blood pressure may increase the odds of heart disease. Blood lipids or blood fats necessarily refer to triglycerides, High-Density Lipoprotein or HDL cholesterol, and Low-Density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol. Reducing 5% to 10% of your body mass is likely to help you mitigate the risks of developing heart disease and can help improve your blood flow, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure.

IV. STROKE
If there is a blockage or an incidence of blood vessel rupture in your neck or brain, it causes the blood supply in your brain to restrain all on a sudden, and the particular medical condition is known as stroke. A stroke can cause reversible or irreversible damage to your brain, resulting in partial or complete paralysis and thus, making you incapable of speaking or initiating body movements. To suffice, hypertension is recognized as being the vital cause of strokes.

V. SLEEP APNEA
Sleep apnea is a medical condition when an individual does not breathe frequently and is pretty much common in a large number of people around the globe. One may also cease breathing altogether for small intervals. If the said sleeping disorder continues to remain undiagnosed and untreated, it may increase the odds of other critical health issues, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Sudarsana Chakrabarti is a primary and urgent care doctor in Homer Glen, Illinois. She is actively engaged in health blogging over a decade and has penned umpteen blogs, articles, and guest posts concerning numerous medical complications and disease prevention/treatment, such as diabetes and blood glucose (sugar) monitoring, migraine and headaches, allergy testing, hypertension (high blood pressure), cough, rash, and sore throat, to name a few.

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Ageing Gracefully Is a Gift

I believe happiness is a choice. Every new day we have the opportunity to turn life's circumstances into a gift or to grumble about our problems. We bring a treasure chest of gifts to that magic age of 55 and the senior years. But what does it take to draw out those gifts to create a quality of life that is sustainable, enjoyable, and substantive? Here's my prescription for making the most of our gifts:

1. Reflect on what's important in life

• Gift of life and life's memories - I am blessed to have lived long enough to have memories. Life was not a rose garden, nor a crystal stair, but I wouldn't trade my life for anyone else's. It's made me who I am. I consider it a blessing to have memories... whether happy or sad... they're mine.

• Remember - I believe I carry around too much in my brain. What's in there? What is important enough to store in my brain? I must decide what to keep and what to throw away. It's my brain; I need to guard what comes in through all my senses and emotions. I must guard my tongue, so that I will speak life.

2. Imagine possibilities

• Gift of options - It is a blessing to have choices. My life has been full of changes, turns, and dips in the road. Someone once said the mind is a factory of imagination. Having a fertile imagination gives me an opportunity to seize the moment, run with an idea, find the rut in the path, and fill the pothole... aiding me to enjoy the next level in my life. Wow! That's personal power.

• Intentional Inventory - Every so often, I need to take a moment to do an inventory of who I am, what makes me happy, and what value I bring to the community of mankind. Do I like what I see in myself? Do I know my assets? Can I learn something new that will prepare me for the next phase of my journey? What will it take for me to do what I can to be all that I can be? An honest evaluation of our talents and skills, strengths and challenges, values and hopes, disappointments and expectations, along with a recognition that we didn't do all this ourselves, can lead to an enhanced life that abounds in hope and joy.

3. Have an attitude of gratitude

• Gift of time - As the years go by, I am so grateful for each new 'number' I attain. Every milestone is a gift that lets me know how blessed I really am. As I work to Embed the 'fruit of the spirit' in my daily life, I can exponentially grow in the riches of new relationships, new ideas, and invigorating and exciting activities. I am grateful for each new moment, because the promise that I keep today pays off now and generationally, in both my life and yours.

• Find the tickle spot - Laughter has medicinal value. Research indicates that those who laugh everyday live longer, have infectious attitudes of gratitude, and are a joy to be around. So, laugh frequently! Be around energizing people and place yourself in situations where joy is the ultimate outcome. Recognize that, even in the saddest situations, we can usually find something to laugh about, if we allow ourselves. Use laughter generously and graciously.

Navigating through all the transitions of life, and into the senior years, is laudable and really not that hard. But, as my grandfather once said, "It takes strong nerves to watch it sometimes!" Ageing gracefully is a gift. Enjoy your gifts... enjoy living!

Enjoy your gifts of agehttps://ezinearticles.com/?Aging-Gracefully-Is-a-Gift&id=9895864ng gracefully... enjoy living!

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The Benefits of Swimming Over Running

Whether you choose to run or swim, they both help you lose weight and improve cardio fitness. It's just the advantages of swimming outweigh those of running for many reasons.

What's so good about Swimming?

• Resistance effect in water - strengthens the body
• Burns Calories
• Keeps blood pressure down - good cardiovascular workout without straining the heart.
• Weightlessness of water - no stress on the joints, lengthens the spine

Resistance Effect

A great natural advantage to swimming is the resistance effect. Water is 1000 times more dense than air, so when you swim, it's like weight training without the dumbbells. The water itself is your weight training.

You get a full body workout when you swim that puts little stress on your joints. You engage the muscles of the upper and lower body. This includes the legs, core, the upper and lower back, the arms, shoulders and chest.

Just like weight training, swimming engages and tones muscle due to the resistance. Although running is a great cardio workout, it does little to enhance a dynamic muscular body.

Burns the Calories

A moderate-intensity workout classifies keeping your heart-rate at 50-70 % of maximum heart rate.

A rigorous workout runs at 70-85 % max heart-rate. After an intensive 30 minute breaststroke swim, you can burn up to 300 calories. This can vary according to your weight. The heavier you are, the more calories you burn. By burning 500 calories more than you eat every day, you can lose a pound of fat a week. Okay, this does not sound much. But think long-term. After a month you can lose about 4-5 pounds - almost half a stone. Multiply that by 6 months and you have lost 2 stone of body fat.

Why Swimming helps the Heart Work More Efficiently?

When the body is in an upright position (e.g. when run or jump),the heart has to work hard to pump blood and oxygen to and from the lower extremities. This increase demand on the heart can lead to spikes in blood pressure - not good for the heart.

The American College of Sports Medicine states: 'Swimming works the cardiovascular system without causing major increases in blood pressure.' Because the body is in a horizontal position whilst swimming, the heart does have to work as hard. There is almost no gravity involved, so the blood pressure stays down.

The Weightlessness of Water

Yet another benefit swimming has over running, is the weightlessness effect in water. At the end of every stroke - breast stroke, freestyle etc, your body stretches out. Because the water holds your body up, it enables you to stretch out whilst in motion. The spine can then lengthen, elongating the gaps between the vertebrae.

Physiotherapists encourage patients with disc problems to swim because of this spine lengthening effect. It takes pressure off the discs.

Benefits and Risks of Running

Running generally has great benefits.

It reduces the chances of contracting:-

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Depression
• Cardiovascular disease

It improves:-

• Bone density
• Weight control

The risks of long distance running without a supervised trainer needs consideration though. They can advice you on nutrition, rest and good running technique. For safety reasons:- A medical check to look out for heart conditions, bio mechanical issues or other risk factors are a must.

Marathon running over extends the immune system. It makes the body produce excessive amounts of cortisol to reduce swelling. The advice to runners is to increase vitamin C, get plenty of sleep and avoid outside stresses. This helps recuperation and boosts immunity.

To Sum Up

I do not want to put runners off what they obviously love doing. It's health benefits are undeniable. However, long distance running does put enormous strains on the ankle, hip and knee joints.

Swimming has pluses for strength, weight loss, low joint stress and cardiovascular endurance.

There's no negative points about swimming apart from the necessity to learn how to swim. It can be a problem for many who were not introduced to the water at an early age. I say, it's never too late to learn. Swimming lessons are not expensive and there are plenty of instructors pool side whatever venue you choose.

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Fitness Is About Health and Staying Healthy Is About Good Body Maintenance

Some are born with an inbuilt knowledge of what one's body needs. Others are easily misguided and led by fashion, popularity, and peer pressure into things that should be avoided. There is also the bodies willingness or otherwise to partake of harmful substances. In my case my body could not tolerate chemicals or anything that affected the brain. This was guided by my keen desire for knowledge and making my intelligence number one.

The lessons learned are that what we do when we are young has an impact on ageing and on what diseases and handicaps we will face as the years pile up. Good body maintenance is about avoiding anything toxic and that includes even dangerous rides at carnivals.

The latest fad is to take rides on vehicles that cause a drop and sudden stop, as in some crazy fairground roller coaster adventures. Watching one of these recently it was hard for me to believe that people not only put their own bodies at risk but that of their children in the name of having fun. The human brain is soft and very easily damaged.

The body warns of impending danger through the adrenalin glands and the sensation that many find addictive. As adrenalin flows it increases the heart rate and provides us with a flight or fight experience. In other words, it prepares for recovery from harm.

As the body jerks into a sudden stop the cranium and brain collide. This causes a degree of bruising and can even result in death or paralysis. But that doesn't have to happen immediately as delayed response may see the effects of concussion several hours or even a day after the event.

Headaches; nausea; dizziness; memory problems; irritability; as well as balance and sleeping difficulties may follow. Look at these symptoms and compare them to those of Alzheimer's or dementia patients. With the latter there are huge changes in brain functions that include memory loss.While there is no proven correlation to support the linking of the two it doesn't mean it is not correct.

Drugs also affect the brain and taking pills on a regular basis may also be leading to the onset of Alzheimer's or dementia. While there are no studies to prove this is the case it's still a matter of common sense.

If one is looking for a fitness regime then start with the brain and all other things will surely follow. It has the ability to tell us when we are going wrong. Drugs, on the other hand, interfere with that side of nature. We educate the brain by what we do to our bodies. If we stuff ourselves with things like sweets and alcohol, and tell it that the odd adrenalin rush is OK, then changes in that vital organ will impel us to take more of it.

Norma Holt has knowledge that enables her to understand many issues. Politics, health, social and behavioural problems are usually on her list for discussion as well as anything to do with the Spirit of the Universe and reincarnation, which she experienced. She is happy to hear from any of her readers.

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Why Exercise? Here's Why

In my mid 30's I was diagnosed with some pretty severe health problems. I can recall the days that I was so run down and so sick, that my work days were shortened to about 3-4 hours a day. This made it tough for my clients because my best hours were from 10:00- 2:00. For that reason, most of my work had to be done from my home office.

During that time I would make it a point to go for a walk at 10:00 in the evening. This was extremely tough for me. As I struggled to make a mile, I wondered if I'd ever get my health back? Exercise and physical activity were always a huge part of my life. Now I spent the majority of my days in bed.

Around age 40 my wife really started to push me. Not in a way that was bad. But, in a way from inspiration. Slowly our walks became longer. I started to workout again in the mornings. While some days I could only manage 10 minutes. My thought process was 10 minutes beats 5. And given my health at that time, I was willing to take any little victory I could get.

Over the course of 3 decades working in mental health, I would often make lateral moves into the fitness industry as a consultant in health and wellness. Working with both local and national chains, I managed several weight loss programs. I knew how weight affected the individual both from a health and mental health standpoint. So, while I would focus on diet from a disease perspective, I would use exercise for overall wellness.

There is no doubt that we all can benefit from daily exercise. And you really do not need to invest in a lot of time to get results. Personally I strive for an hour a day 7 days a week. That's just feels right to me. When I finally was able to regain my health, I promised myself that I would do everything to preserve it. That said, you can see real results in as little as 20 minutes a day 3-4 times a week. What kind of results? Lets take a look at some of the benefits in regular exercise.

1. Reduce stress, depression and anxiety. Exercise has a direct effect on our brain chemistry. A good 30 minute walk or run should release those endorphins. When this happens, you'll feel less stress and increased energy.

2. Confidence does not come easily for most of us. How do we build it? Get moving. Exercise gets you feeling good. When you feel good, you tend to have a better self- image. Better self- image? Oh yeah. There's your confidence.

3. Slows down the aging process. More importantly the cognitive decline. Exercise will not stop this process completely. But, it will help slow it down. And the earlier you start to exercise, the better off you should be.

*Exercise is important at all stages of life. But for cognitive function, starting to exercise between the ages of 25-45 seem most important.

4. Can help control addiction. This can happen two- fold. First, as you exercise you brain releases dopamine {the feel good chemical.} For many in recovery this can be a good substitute. Secondly, exercise can give your life some sense of order, meaning that leads to self- worth. And as an added bonus, exercise that is built into your daily schedule can offer as a distraction for those cravings.

From time to time I hear someone argue that exercise is just another form of addiction. Well it can be. Just as food, porn, shopping and most anything else. But, ask yourself if you would rather be addicted to exercise or drugs? Be stronger than your excuses.

5. When the blood gets flowing we seem to become more creative. This especially happens when we exercise outdoors.

There are so many good reason to start exercising. Some of my biggest success with clients didn't come in the form of a mental health session. They came for a weight loss session. When a person has been diagnosed with several life threatening conditions and then they commit to a wellness process, that is a big success.

In my early 30's I received a call from a women who wanted to see me as a Hypnotherapist. However, when she arrived at my office and I was doing my intake on her, she went onto talk about how she was diagnosed with a brain tumour, breast cancer and several digestive disorders. I quickly thought to myself that my office manager gave me the wrong client file, and that she was there for end of life issues. Or to see the doctor that I worked alongside of. When I questioned her about what she was being seen for, she said without hesitation, I am here to lose 20 pounds so I look good in a bathing suit on vacation. Wow! I love it.

Over the next couple of weeks not only did we use hypnosis, but she was open to change. With some corrections to diet and adding some exercise, not only did she drop the weight, but her digestive problems faded away. I never did see her again after she left for vacation. I can't help but believe we added to the quality of life that she had before.

And just as I found out years later about the power of movement, there are no wonder drug to be found. But if there were, exercise would be one of them.

Now stop reading and get off the computer. Get yourself moving!

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5 Most Common Health Concerns For Seniors

Getting older is inevitable, but a healthy lifestyle can ensure that you make the most of your golden days. It is rightly said that what you do in your 20s affects your 50s, therefore you must take deliberate steps towards a healthy lifestyle. However, knowing the possible chronic illnesses that attack during the golden years, you can consciously stave off the illness as you age.

Here are the five most common health concerns for seniors:

1. Arthritis: 
It is one of the most common problems among seniors. A poor and inactive lifestyle could lead to arthritis. Symptoms such as knee pain, ankle pain, and joints pain could be a sign that you are suffering from arthritis. Do not avoid the symptoms. Seeking medical advice at an early stage could help you keep arthritis and arthritis pain relief products at bay. Doing exercise could be difficult for seniors, but a little exercise is essential to keep your bones and joints healthy and to ensure that the knee pain doesn't deter you from enjoying your golden days.

2. Cancer: 
Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases that affect not only seniors, but also people from other age groups. It is the second most cause of death amongst people of over 65 years with 413,885 deaths in 2014, reveals a survey. The CDC reports that 21% of women and 28% of men of over 65 years are living with Cancer.

If detected early, cancer is curable. However, there is no sure shot way of curing cancer. There are ways to reduce the suffering and the side effects of the medicines.
Joint pains, knee pain, sore throat, and weakness are few of the many side effects of the medicines that cure cancer.

3. Alzheimer's:
One in nine people of age 65 and above suffers from Alzheimer's, which is nearly 11%, reveals the Alzheimer's Association. This disease can influence the well-being of the sufferer and their family too. It is important to deal with it patiently, be open about it, and seek medical assistance. Because this disease is related to brain and memory, the family members must take special care about the safety of the patient.

4. Osteoporosis: 
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle. Although treatment can help, the condition cannot be completely cured. Therefore, is very important to identify Osteoporosis at an early stage and treat it immediately. Many people have no symptoms of Osteoporosis until they have a bone fracture. Chronic knee pain could be a sign that your bones need assistance. One must use knee brace, and ankle brace to prevent falling and collapsing.

5. Falls:
As the body ages, the strength of the body and the health of the bones and joints begin to deplete. Because of which, people become prone to falling. Every year nearly 2.5 million people of over 65 years are taken to the hospital because of falling, states CDC. The recovery process also slows down as we age, therefore such falls could lead to partial or complete immobility. It is important to treat early signs such as knee pain, trembling legs, weak joints immediately. Eating things that are rich in calcium and vitamins could help in keeping the joints and knees healthy. This would prevent knee pain and falls.

Older people are advised to wear knee braces, ankle braces, and walk with a supporter to prevent mishaps & they must follow proper diet by eating things that are rich in calcium and vitamins could help in keeping the joints and knees healthy. Visit - https://www.seniority.in/arthritis.html

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5 best exercises for beginners over 40 from home

How Massage Helps More Than Just Muscles

Think of massage and your mind will probably conjure up images of smouldering candles, soft ivory fluffy towels and all things that ooze rest and relaxation. But while massage is a popular way for many people to unwind, it also has some incredible health benefits.

Here are just a few that may surprise you:

1: It can help with lower back pain
Massage can be an effective way to treat both acute and chronic lower back pain and is often combined with other holistic exercises. Many people who book a massage do so to help alleviate pain, stiffness and soreness as a result of a chronic health condition or injury.

2: It can lower high blood pressure
Massage is widely believed to be an effective way to help control blood pressure and pre-hypertension. Getting regular massage treatment can encourage relaxation, which can help to maintain healthy blood pressure pressure levels.

3: It can help with depression and anxiety
Massage therapy is an effective way to help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, as well as the fatigue that is often associated with such conditions. It is widely believed that depression can lead to heightened muscle pain and tension. Massage can result in improvements in patients displaying chronic pain and muscle tension. It can also help to reverse the depression cycle and improve energy levels.

4: It can help to regulate diabetes
Massage therapy has been used to help manage diabetes for over 100 years. It can be helpful in promoting relaxation, reducing the risk of neuropathy and helping to restore the correct use of insulin. Massage is now a popular alternative medicine for many conditions.

5: It can help to prevent injuries
Specific types of massages, such as sports massages, can play a role in supporting athletic performance and aid injury recovery while helping to prevent future injuries such as ligament traumas.

So how exactly does massage work?

Massage combines the benefits of soft tissue manipulation and the release of chemicals due to the relaxation response. Improved circulation enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the body's muscular cells. As cellular health improves, tissues can function more efficiently.

Applying pressure to the skin helps to relax muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The release of superficial layers of muscles may also affect deeper layers which can lead to both sets of muscles becoming more balanced.

When muscles, bones, or nerves are distressed, organs can sometimes become affected. Massage can benefit organs as they share neurological pathways with these muscles, bones and nerves.

Fancy a relaxing massage to unwind after a hard day's work? You could end up giving your health a boost at the same time!

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Exercises for Older People Just Starting Out

We always encourage older people to begin an exercise program, but when they are just starting out it is important to know how to exercise safely. Whoever you are exercising has to meet that person's needs, and obviously by starting a program when at 60 those requirements aren't going to be the same as somebody who is exercising at 30 years old. First, a consultation with a doctor is always recommended just to be informed of what the exercise plan will be.

Then you can get started. This following routine will get your body going if you do them three or four times a week. These are some of the simple exercises that will get you started:

1. Knee lifts. As we age our hips and core can lose some suppleness if we fail to keep them full flexed. Do these by starting with your feet about shoulders apart. With hands on hips put all of your weight on your right foot, bend your left knee toward your chest. After one minute do this with the other leg. This will also be an excellent exercise for balance. To begin you might want to use a hand on the wall for support.

2. Calf raises. This is a great workout for strengthening the calve muscles. While standing with your feet shoulder distance apart, lift up on your toes slowly. Hold that position for a couple of seconds and then drop back down to your heels. Repeat this for one minute. To add intensity as you progress you can carry small weights in your hands. If you want to work on balance do the same motion but only one foot at a time.

3. Step and tap. This is another great exercise for balance, but it is also good for a light aerobics workout. While standing imagine that there is a line on the ground next to you. Step sideways over that line one foot at a time, then when both feet are across that imaginary line step back with each foot. Do this for about one minute at whatever speed feels comfortable for you. As you advance you can bounce back and forth with both feet together.

4. Arm circles. One of the areas that can lock up when not used is the shoulder joints. Like the knees they are big joints and should be exercise regularly to keep that full range of motion you will need as you age. This is a great exercise for keeping the joints supple, and it is to stand with your arms on your side outward in a T-shape with your body. Begin moving your hands in a circular motion, graduate making wider and wider circles with your hands. After one minute makes circles in the opposite direction for a minute. This can be enhanced by holding small weights.

5. Standing crunches. We all know that crunches are great exercises for the abs, but they are quite difficult to do. Standing crunches are easier and will still give the abdominal muscles a workout. With your feet slightly wider than your shoulders lift your left arm above and over your right side until you feel the left side stretch. Bring your left elbow down and crunch to the left and compress your torso as you bring your left knee up. Have the feeling of pinching something between your elbow and knee. After returning to the original position, continue with this again for one minute and then switch sides.

Where you carry your weight has a lot to do with your overall health, as it is a  marker for issues  having to do with the kidneys and liver. Read more about how to put on good weight through diet and exercise on our website  http://muscle4weightloss.com/. Rich Carroll is a writer and avid health advocate now living in Chicago.

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Exercise Is King - Again

Exercise is King

Like most mature adults, I am on high blood pressure medication. Which I find really irritating. SO I have been looking for ways to reduce my blood pressure enough to not need the chemical medications I am taking.

As always, research beckoned, where I found so many offerings that I almost got lost in the research instead of what I really intended to do.

1. I hate to admit it, but the first thing that came up was, to lose weight, taking particular note of your waist measurements, (under 40 in for men, 35 in for women), so assuming there are others out there like me, I am passing some of them on to you.

The following is from the staff at The Mayo Clinic

"Blood pressure often increases as weight increases. Being overweight also can cause disrupted breathing while you sleep (sleep apnea), which further raises your blood pressure.

Weight loss is one of the most effective lifestyle changes for controlling blood pressure. Losing just 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) can help reduce your blood pressure.

Besides shedding pounds, you generally should also keep an eye on your waistline. Carrying too much weight around your waist can put you at greater risk of high blood pressure."

2. Then, exercise:- Just 30 mins most days of the week (I try to manage 5), can have an enormous impact and can lower your blood pressure by as much as 4 to 9 ml mercury (mm Hg). I am so up for that! Best options - walking, jogging, cycling, swimming or dancing, or even strength training.

I think most of us can manage a walk or two and for me, if it's not an option, then I work out on some floor exercises at home. For weights I use a couple of bottles of water and sit on the edge of the sofa for leg workouts.

3. Keep to a healthy diet. It is recommended that you Be a smart shopper. Read food labels when you shop and stick to your healthy-eating plan when you're dining out, too. It's not always easy, but the benefits are huge.

Try to eat fewer processed foods. Only a small amount of sodium occurs naturally in foods. Most sodium is added during processing. Checking the labels will show just how much sodium (salt) and sugars of various kinds are added during the processing. These are added as much to increase the shelf life of a product, which doesn't appeal to me in the slightest.

These days I've started freezing my own vegetables, which I found so much less complicated and difficult than I thought. So now I have a freezer full of frozen vegetables that contain no sugar, salt which I admittedly added to the water. But, I only blanched the veggies and used the same water for any that don't add a strong flavour to the water. So my salt use is kept to a minimum.

I then checked out some foods etc that can help with lowering blood pressure. Now I've never gone in much for flavoured teas, except green and Earl Grey, but on the research front I came across the following.

Hibiscus tea contains phytochemicals that play a role in reducing blood pressure, Soy contains Isoflavones which can also help reduce the systolic blood pressure reading (the one on top). They also help in the production of nitric oxide enzymes, which help in the relaxation of blood vessels, reducing blood pressure.

4. Quit smoking

5. Work on reducing your stress levels.

6. Every cell in the body has a receptor for Vitamin D so work on absorbing, or taking Vitamin D. This can be found first and foremost in the sun's rays. It needs to be noted that if you live more than 35% up or down from the equator, this can lead to very little being absorbed as the sun's rays are weaker. Although, exposing arms and legs to the sun for 5-45 minutes between the hours of 10am - 3pm, is usually enough to meed the daily requirements for most skin types.

It can be found in oily fish, fish liver oil and egg yolks, among others. Every cell in our bodies have a receptor for Vitamin D. It's deficiency is also linked to type 1 Diabetes, MS, high blood pressure and thyroid problems.

Thanks to Authority Nutrition at Healthline.

Overweight people can also need higher amounts of the vitamin.

Don't forget alcohol -

Generally more than one drink a day for women and for men older than age 65, or more than two a day for men age 65 and younger. One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor.

Drinking more than moderate amounts of alcohol can actually raise blood pressure by several points. It can also reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications.

Sadly (for me), Caffeine is also bad for blood pressure levels. But then, having reduced my intake has been quite good really, so can't complain.

Generally, Overall -

Blood pressure needs to be less than 120/80

To avoid high cholesterol - Keep numbers to less than

100 mg for LDL (bad) cholesterol.

60 mg + for HDL (good) cholesterol.

If overweight, or to prevent becoming overweight, watch waist measurements stay under 40 in - men, 35 in - women.

Exercise regularly

Eat less than 7% of calories in saturated fat.

Eat less than 200 mg of dietary cholesterol foods.

So, if we want to avoid, or reverse our dependency on chemicals, following a diet plan that can actually help, is a no brainer really, isn't it?

A final note, Statins are partly responsible for making recipients tired and suffering from memory loss. Another reason for being able to avoid having to take such medications I think.

This research is an amazing way of finding and, where possible, avoiding the common situations many of us encounter when we reach adulthood, for some, this doesn't just mean when we are past the age of 55.

If you have any questions, or comments, or even, Heaven forbid, criticisms or corrections, I can be reached at hilary@hilaryagreen.com

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How to Control High Blood Pressure - 5 Tips

The force with which the blood flows in your arteries is called blood pressure. A normal blood pressure is around 120/80 mmHg. If you have a cardiac problem, the force may get stronger and the blood will flow with more pressure in your veins. As a result, the higher pressure puts more stress on your heart and veins. This may cause damage to your heart. In severe cases, patients suffer from a heart attack because of high blood pressure. Therefore, it's important that you control your blood pressure with the following home remedies.

Get moving

It's a good idea to exercise for at least 30 minutes in the morning on a regular basis. This can bring the reading down by up to 9 mmHg. However, you should keep in mind that you should take a slow start and then keep on picking up the pace as well as the frequency of your workouts.

If you don't want to join a gym, you can go for a swim, jog or a hike. Actually, what you need to do is get moving. Aside from this, you can give a go to doing pushups, and lifting weights.

Change your diet

If you follow a good diet, you can reduce your blood pressure by up to 14mmHg. Ideally, your diet should include whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Apart from this, you may want to try fish, nuts, lean meats and dairy products that are low in fat. The food that you should eliminate from your diet should be fatty meats, fatty dairy products and products that are high in fat. It's also a good idea to avoid sweetened beverages like fruit punch and soda.

Use less salt

You may want to use salt sparingly to keep your blood pressure normal. When you use too much salt, your body retains liquid. As a result, your BP goes up. According to doctors, you should not take more than 1.4 grams of salt per day. In other words, the maximum amount of salt you can take is half a teaspoon in 24 hours. As an alternative to salt, you can use herbs and spices.

Control your weight

Your weight has a significant impact on your blood pressure. So, if you are overweight, losing even a few pounds like 4 kg can help a lot. Therefore, we suggest that you keep an eye on your waistline. Ideally, if you are a man, your waist should not measure more than 40 inches. On the other hand, the maximum allowance for women is 35 inches.

Lower your stress level

Since this is a fast-paced world, it is difficult to slow down and unwind for a while. Stress is a result of the never-ending daily chores. So, it's important that you get some time off and reduce your stress. As a matter of fact, stress raises your blood pressure putting you at a higher risk of heart attacks.

So, if you have been looking for natural ways to keep your blood pressure normal, we suggest that you follow the methods given in this article.

Are you trying to find out how to control high blood pressure? If so, we suggest that you check out Baba Ramdev Medicines.

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Calcium Needs At All Life Stages

It is the most abundant mineral in the body, present mainly in the bones and teeth. From the start, toddlers have an increased need for dietary calcium to support bone growth and skeletal development that takes place rapidly in the early years of life. This development and its need - continues into the teenage years and is particularly crucial for adolescent girls who need to stock their calcium supplies to prevent osteoporosis later in life. Adequate intake at this stage is needed to support ongoing bone growth and to achieve peak bone mass. It is an essential dietary element required in optimal amounts for good bone health, efficient nerve and muscle function, and overall cardiovascular health. Without enough of it throughout life, a person's bones can begin to weaken over time. That can make it more difficult to stay active while also creating a higher risk of fractures and osteoporosis. A person's bone density will generally reach its peak at roughly age 30, and then begin to fade after that. Adequate daily intake can help maintain proper bone density and help prevent osteoporosis - which creates porous and fragile bones. It makes up about three percent of the earth's crust and is a basic component of most animals and plants. Eating a diet rich in calcium helps to restore it to the bones; supplements can help as well.

Why is calcium necessary?

It is known mostly for its role in building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, but it is also required for proper functioning of the heart, muscles and nervous system. It plays a role in maintaining normal blood pressure, regulating blood clotting. It is also associated with relieving mood swings, food cravings, and decreasing the pain, tenderness and bloating associated with premenstrual syndrome.

What are the deficiency signs?

Deficiency symptoms (also known as hypocalcemia) range from minor - numbness or tingling of the fingers, muscle cramps, lethargy and poor appetite - to more severe, including mental confusion, skeletal malformations, dermatitis, and in infants, delayed development. Illnesses such as osteoporosis (brittle, thin, porous bones that easily break) and rickets are also associated with a deficiency.

How much, and what kind, does an adult need?

If vitamin D levels are optimal, most adults should be able to meet their daily calcium needs via a varied diet. When individuals are unable to get enough of it through a diet or for those who may need more than the recommended daily allowance, supplements can help. Doctors recommends women supplement with 500 to 700 mg of calcium citrate in two divided doses taken with meals for a total of 1,000-1,200 mg a day from all sources. Supplementing with its citrate form, which is more easily absorbed than other forms, taken with half the dosage amount of magnesium.

How much does a child need?

The normal daily recommended intake for children is as follows: infants through three years of age is 400-800 mg; children between 4 and 10 years of age is 800 mg; adolescent males is 800-1,200 mg; and adolescent females is 800-1,200 mg daily.
How do you get enough from foods?

An abundant source of this mineral in the American diet is dairy products - two glasses of milk per day provide 1,000-1,200 mg. If you choose to get via dairy products - and this is not essential, as there are many other calcium-rich foods - make sure you use only hormone-free, organic dairy products to reduce your exposure to the antibiotics and hormones found in many dairy products. Non-dairy foods include: greens such as collards, mustard, kale, and bok choy; canned salmon (with bones) and sardines; tofu, soy milk, fruit juice and cereals; blackstrap molasses; and broccoli.

Are there any risks associated with too much?

Its supplements can be constipating, and should be balanced with magnesium as discussed above. Excessive amounts in the blood may have negative effects, including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and increased urination. More serious complications include kidney toxicity, confusion, and irregular heart rhythm. Studies indicate that men who take too much may have an increased risk of prostate cancer, and should limit their dietary intake to 500-600 mg daily from all sources.

Who should we take it as supplements?

It is an important mineral for the human body. It helps build and protect your teeth and bones. Getting enough of it over your lifetime can help prevent osteoporosis. Most people get it through their normal diet. Dairy foods and leafy green vegetables have high levels of calcium. Your health care provider will tell you if you need to take extra dose id required.

TYPES OF CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS

Forms of calcium include:
Calcium Type
Pros
Calcium citrate (21% calcium)
Most easily absorbed
Calcium carbonate
Least expensive; has more elemental calcium

Calcium carbonate. Over-the-counter (OTC) antacid products contain it and these sources of it do not cost much. Each pill or chew provides 200 mg or more of calcium.

Calcium citrate. This is a more expensive form of calcium. It is absorbed well on an empty or full stomach. People with low levels of stomach acid (a condition that is more common in people over age 50) absorb this better than other forms.

HOW TO TAKE HIGHER DOSE

Increase the dose of your supplement slowly. Your provider may suggest that you start with 500 mg a day for a week, and then add more over time.Try to spread the extra dose you take over the day. DO NOT take more than 500 mg at a time. Taking it throughout the day will:

Allow more calcium to be absorbed

Cut down on side effects such as gas, bloating, and constipation
The total amount adults need every day from food and supplements:
19 to 50 years: 1,000 mg/day
51 to 70 years: Men - 1,000 mg/day; Women - 1,200 mg/day
71 years and over: 1,200 mg/day

SIDE EFFECTS AND SAFETY

DO NOT take more than the recommended amount of it. Try the following if you have side effects from taking extra calcium:

Drink more fluids.

Eat high-fiber foods

Switch to another form of calcium if the diet changes do not help.

Always tell your provider and pharmacist if you are taking extra dose. Its supplements may change the way your body absorbs some medicines. These include certain types of antibiotics and iron pills.

Are there any other special considerations?

Vitamin D is key to absorbing and so make sure to get adequate intake of vitamin D. Vitamin D, often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin," is actually a fat-soluble hormone that the body can synthesize naturally. There are several forms, including two that are important to humans: D2 and D3. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is synthesized by plants, and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is synthesized by humans when skin is exposed to ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays from sunlight. The active form of the vitamin is calcitriol, synthesized from either D2 or D3 in the kidneys. Vitamin D helps to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus.

Vitamin K2 is a beneficial form of Vitamin K for bones. Unlike Vitamin K1 which is used to activate blood clotting proteins, Vitamin K2 is beneficial for activating proteins which help bind calcium to bones. Vitamin K2 is found in food but not in anywhere near the concentration found in Osteo-K. Taking Osteo-K helps boost daily intake of vitamin K2 to support bone health. Older people may need to take it in extra larger doses because they do not absorb it as well as younger people.

If you take oral vitamin D,you also need to take vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 helps to move calcium to proper areas where its needed and removes it from sites where it shouldn't be present like arteries and soft tissues. When you take vitamin D, your body creates more of these vitamin K2-dependent proteins, the proteins that will move it around. They have a lot of potential health benefits. But until the K2 comes in to activate those proteins, those benefits aren't realized. So, really, if you're taking vitamin D, you're creating an increased demand for K2. Vitamin K2 deficiency is one of the reason why people suffer from vitamin D toxicity symptoms which includes improper calcification leading to hardening of arteries. And vitamin D and K2 work together to strengthen your bones and improve your heart health.

It seems likely that 150 to 200 mgs of vitamin k2 is enough to activate your K2 dependent proteins to shuttle calcium to proper areas.

How can you tell that you are deficit of vitamin k2?

There is no specific tests for finding it. By assessing the lifestyle and diet you eat,one can find whether he is lacking the critical nutrients needed for the body. If you face following health conditions then you are likely deficient in vitamin K2.

Do you have osteoporosis?

Do you have heart disease?

Do you have diabetes?

If you are facing such symptoms, its better to think on deficiencies and take necessary steps.

For More Information about Vitamin D For Calcium Absorption Supplement, Contact us at (+91) 7777038883 or Email us at - sales@madhukarpharma.com / sales1@madhukarpharma.com

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Yoga For Seniors And More Proven To Help Many From Normal Ageing Being Frightening

You, me, my neighbour, your neighbour, and everyone that we will ever have a conversation with in our lives, will sooner or later have to deal with the negative results of ageing.

This can vary in all ages and from your physical appearance to certainly more major issues that address your health and daily living.

- A concern that many people have as they age is Alzheimer's.

One terrific method to help keep the mind more focused and exercised are things like mindfulness meditation practice, yoga, and some have told me about learning a foreign language.

Even the ever-increasing popular chair yoga for senior citizens is wonderful.

Numerous research studies have actually been conducted which show that individuals who understand more than one language have actually a postponed start of Alzheimer's.

- Any language will do so select one that you feel would be fun to learn.

The Body Doesn't want that Nicotine!

Quitting smoking is by far an essential way to secure every element of your body as you age.

Since cigarette smoking already has negative effects like reduced breath, heart disease, and even lowering your taste for good foods.

A heart doctor once told my friend Ronnie when convincing Ron to quit smoking, which he did do, that the "three top causes of heart disease" are: "Smoking, smoking, and smoking."

There you have it!

To put it simply, giving up cigarettes like right NOW, is an apparent method to slow and reduce the impacts of aging.

Aging can have numerous undesirable impacts on the body, and nobody looks forward to the obvious signs of getting old.

To have a much easier time as you age, you have to make certain that you take care of yourself now, no matter how old you are.

Always be Moving Forward in Life

Previously I discussed facing life challenges by keep pushing forward in all areas of life.

Again, pushing forward might mean to consume a well-balanced diet, and attempt not to carry around additional weight is also key to the anti-ageing tips.

Not only will that make your everyday life much easier, it will likewise expand your life.

- Start an exercise for senior's commitment with weights, or yoga perhaps for many results, and so much more to keep the mind healthy.

As you age, you start to lose your muscle density, so you have to make the most out of the muscle mass you have left.

Enter a routine of weight-lifting a couple of times a week so that you can remain strong even as you enter into your later years.

- Vitamin A is great for skin.

Not just does it avoid acne and cancer, it also assists to rid the skin of complimentary radicals that are understood to trigger wrinkles.

Products that have retinol in them have vitamin A, or you can take a vitamin A supplement daily.

A crucial tip for those starting the ageing procedure is to look for the support and relationship of others in comparable circumstances and communicate with your Creator.

The Course in Miracles states, "Whenever you are in doubt what you should do, think of His Presence in you, and tell yourself this, and only this: He leadeth me and knows the way, which I know not."

Staying Active

By getting associated with social activities and peer groups, you will be able to keep your mind sharp and develop lasting relationships that will sustain you during the regularly tough process of getting older.

Noted above are a few of the best examples of ways to handle the effects of aging.

With assiduous application of this guidance, you will begin to feel and look like a newer, more youthful you, and it's never far too late to begin, either.

Agehttps://ezinearticles.com/?Yoga-For-Seniors-And-More-Proven-To-Help-Many-From-Normal-Ageing-Being-Frightening&id=9949384ing can have lots of unwanted effects on the body and already listed above are some of the finest examples of how to deal with the impacts of aging.

Getting old is a fact of life so embrace it and don't hide from it, but indeed do make the best of it.

(I like to always suggest searching the web for more helpful material on dealing with adversity and facing challenges in life.)

To embracing the grace of age!

You can find related info on topics like, 'perhaps boost your confidence, here we uncover how to overcome adversity in life,' and so much more: http://jamesnussbaumer.com/boost-your-confidence-now-a-better-life-podcast-overcoming-adversity/

The link above gives you access to further helpful material and for folks who are interested in letting go of the past and moving on in life to attaining Real Abundance, Purpose, and Wellness in their lives.

Hi, I'm James Nussbaumer, I'd like to introduce myself through my thought provoking self-improvement and inspirational books, articles, videos, Podcast, and other content for a better life, where I reflect on the principles of A Course in Miracles. It's about being all you can be and a life of success and happiness. Thank you for visiting.

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Exercise Does Lower Blood Pressure!

Can you "walk off" your high blood pressure with an investment of just two hours a week? Read the results of this exciting new study...

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. If your numbers aren't at 140/90 or below, you've got it. What do you get with it? A massively increased risk of having stroke - high blood pressure is the #1 cause of that disabling condition - and heart disease.

The good news is that many studies have shown that a combination of exercise, stress reduction and a change in dietary habits can reduce that pressure as well as better than those drugs.

Now there's even better news. A ground-breaking new study offers conclusive proof that just engaging in a regular exercise programme can drop your numbers enough to pretty much make those drugs unnecessary.

Got 2 Hours a Week?

That's all it took. The researchers started out with 27 overweight, out-of-shape men with mild hypertension, weaned them off any blood-pressure medications they were taking and broke them into two groups.

One group did the real exercise: a half-hour of "fast walking," jogging and/or stationary cycling four times a week at 65 to 80 per cent of their maximum heart rate.

The men in the other group did a fake exercise. They did "slow calisthenics and stretching" for an equal amount of time, but their heart rate stayed below 60 per cent of the maximum.

Heart rate was carefully monitored in both groups of men so that the researchers could be certain the real exercisers were keeping theirs above 65 per cent and those doing the fake workout stayed below 60 per cent. (If they moved out of those ranges, an alarm sounded!) This "proof of exercise intensity" makes this study fairly unique.

And the Results?

At the end of 6 weeks, you could see a significant difference in the two groups. The men doing the real exercise had lowered their diastolic reading (the bottom one) by an average of more than 6 points.

At the end of 10 weeks, it was down almost 10 points; from an average of 94.8 to an average of 85.2. Those doing the fake workout saw their diastolic reading go up: from 93.7 to 94.4.

Systolic, the top reading, went down 6 points in the real exercisers from an average of 136.6 to 130.2. In the fake exercisers, it went up from 134.9 to 135.8.

Or, as the researchers put it, 9 out of 10 men in the real exercise group got their diastolic reading down to less than the magic 90. All of the men doing the fake exercises were 90 or higher.

As the researchers explain, previous studies about exercise's effects on blood pressure have come up with all kinds of results. But this one has several edges.

The researchers monitored the men's exercise levels like never before and insisted that they make no changes in their diet. They kept the weight and fat levels the same in both groups Why? Because some people had felt that such "confounding variables" as diet and weight loss were the cause of any drops in BP in earlier studies, and not the exercise itself.

The researchers might also be the first in medical history to include a group that did placebo exercises for comparison.

The result is powerful evidence that many men can literally "walk off" their high blood pressure with an exercise investment of two hours a week.

There are millions hits on the internet search drive for Wellness - from mental to physical health, cardiac fitness, cancer, yoga, how to overcome certain ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, stoke, and tips on weight loss and how to grow taller, with many other ideas getting honorable mention. It takes quite a bit of research to find any one site that has so much to offer on all these fronts, let alone one that can combine all the needs for your innermost wellness - joy, bliss and beyond. For wellness' sake you can stop looking out there, and take some time for yourself, a sort of one-stop-shop: Balanced Lifestyle Wikipedia.

Also, stay informed about genuine reviews of the trendy products like Lean Belly Breakthrough, Grow Taller 4 Idiots, bioptimizers masszymes and many more to nourish and transform your everyday self.

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Baby Boomers: Turn Back the Clock on Your Heart 20 Years With Exercise

I'm loving this latest report. According to a new study, even if you've been pretty much a couch potato for most your life, it's not too late. You can still get in shape now in late middle-age and help your heart function as if it were 20 years younger.

The study published in the American Heart Association's journal, Circulation, looked at healthy but sedentary people between the ages of 45 and 64.

Individuals were put into two different groups. The first group participated in a program of non-aerobic exercise such as yoga, balance training, and weight training three times a week. The second group, did moderate- to high-intensity aerobic exercise for four or more days a week.

After two years, the group engaging in the higher-intensity exercise saw a dramatic improvement in the function of their hearts.

"We took these 50-year-old hearts and turned the clock back to 30- or 35-year-old hearts," said Dr. Ben Levine, a sports cardiologist at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and director of the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital. "Their hearts processed oxygen more efficiently and were notably less stiff."

Sorry, but walking the dog around the block a couple days a week doesn't seem to do the trick. Of course, any kind of exercise is better than nothing at all, but if you want to turn the clock back on your heart, a bit more is needed. A key part of the effective exercise regimen was interval training - short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by a few minutes of recovery.

The researchers eased the exercise group into its routine with three, 30-minute, moderate exercise sessions a week for the first three months and built up to a regular set of workouts that peaked at 10 months and included:

*Two days of high-intensity intervals: four minutes at 95 percent of a person's maximum ability (for example, running at a brisk pace or pedallhttps://ezinearticles.com/?Baby-Boomers:-Turn-Back-the-Clock-on-Your-Heart-20-Years-With-Exercise&id=9912077ing fast against resistance), followed by three minutes of active recovery (jogging slower, walking briskly, or pedalling slower), repeated four times.

*One day of an hour-long moderate-intensity exercise that raised the heart rate and the participant enjoyed like dancing, tennis, swimming, cycling, or a brisk walk.

*One or two days of 30-minute sessions of moderate-intensity exercise, meaning the participant would break a sweat, be a little short of breath, but still be able to carry on a conversation.

*One or two weekly strength training sessions using weights or exercise machines either on a separate day or after an exercise session.

The participants were encouraged to use diversification with lots of different exercise equipment (stationary bikes, treadmills, elliptical trainers) and engage in outdoor exercises (jogging and cycling) to keep themselves motivated and interested, Levine said.

The intense workout was important, Levine emphasized, even if it was just once a week. Pushing as hard as you can for four minutes stresses the heart, he explained, and forces it to function more efficiently. Repeating the intervals helps strengthen both the heart and the circulatory system.

Another benefit? "It breaks up the monotony of just the walking," he said. "Most people really enjoy the high intensity work. You would think that they wouldn't but they like the fact that it's short and they like the fact that they feel stronger afterwards."

The participants tracked their heart rate, which is ideal. But as an alternative, use the simple talk test. During the high-intensity intervals, you should be working hard enough and breathing heavy enough that you can't talk comfortably in long sentences.

Don't wait too long, Levine warned. "The sweet spot in life to get off the couch and start exercising is in late middle-age when the heart still has plasticity," Levine said. You may not be able to reverse the aging of your heart if you wait until after 70 to begin.

But you'll still see benefits from exercising. A research team at Tufts University found that frail people as old as 89 could tolerate an exercise regime that included walking, leg lifts, and stretching. The participants may not have turned back the clock on their hearts, but they improved in ways that could make a big difference. Exercising helped them maintain their mobility and decreased their chances of becoming physically disabled.

"You are never too old, or never too weak, or never too impaired [to benefit from a physical activity program]," said Roger Fielding of Tufts, who led the study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Of course, before starting any strenuous exercise program, be sure and check with your doctor. Then get off that couch and start moving!

Julie Gorges is an author, freelance writer, and blogger. During the past 20 years of professional writing, she has authored three books, had hundreds of article published in national and regional magazines, and won three journalism awards. You can visit her blog at http://www.babyboomerbliss.net.

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