Memory improves in older, overweight women after they lose weight by dieting, and their brain activity actually changes in the regions of the brain that are important for memory tasks, a new study finds. The results were presented today at The Endocrine Society's 95th Annual Meeting in San Francisco. "Our findings suggest that obesity-associated impairments in memory function are reversible, adding incentive for weight loss," said lead author Andreas Pettersson, MD, a PhD student at Umea University, Umea, Sweden. Previous research has shown that obese people have impaired episodic memory, … [Read more...] about Weight Loss Improves Memory and Alters Brain Activity in Overweight Women
Improving Overall Employee Wellness Could Yield Multiple Benefits
Controlling health care costs is crucial for Iowa manufacturers to remain competitive. But a big question for many companies is whether investing in an employee wellness program will cut costs and improve productivity. To help answer that question, a team of Iowa State University researchers is conducting a pilot program with three Iowa manufacturers. "All our evidence says there will be a net positive financial return for the companies," said Mike O'Donnell, program director for CIRAS, the Center for Industrial Research and Service at Iowa State. "While we're relatively sure helping … [Read more...] about Improving Overall Employee Wellness Could Yield Multiple Benefits
If only grapes were the Whole story??
Wine has been described as the perfect beverage because the grapes contain all the ingredients necessary to create their transformation. Put grapes in a vat, and over time the yeasts coating the skins set alchemy in motion, converting the sugar in the juice into alcohol. Most adults tend to enjoy a glass or two of wine along with dinner or possibly afterwards as a way to relax. In this article by Eric Asimov, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to what is added to the wine to make it complete. It was just this sort of unbidden fermentation that inspired humans so long ago to spend … [Read more...] about If only grapes were the Whole story??
Tough Mudder 2013
For those of you unfamiliar with the Tough Mudder Competition, it is a grueling event with distances ranging from 10 to 13 miles. Not only does a participant have to run the distance but there is about 22 challenging obstacles that are spaced throughout the miles to add to the fun. This year Xcellerated Speed Training had a phenomenal team named the Xcellerated Speed Freaks. The participants trained for the last year performing endurance exercises combined with distance running to prepare for the event. This event requires a commitment to eat, hydrate, and train properly in order to excel at … [Read more...] about Tough Mudder 2013
Fitness in Middle Age May Help Shield Men From Cancer Later
Exercise obviously has many benefits for both male and female individuals. It lowers blood pressure, helps with prevention of diabetes, improves self-confidence and helps regulate hormone levels. In this latest article by Kathleen Doheny, there is a ton of research that shows how great exercise is for men specifically. Men who are physically fit in middle age have a lower risk of developing and dying from certain cancers, new research indicates. "Fitness is a huge predictor of [cancer] risk," said Dr. Susan Lakoski, an assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of … [Read more...] about Fitness in Middle Age May Help Shield Men From Cancer Later
Small restaurants serving big calories, salt: studies
As our society grows increasingly more time deficient, many families rely on restaurants to provide their family with their dinner time meals. Most times one parent is shuffling the kids to and from practices, meetings, and activities while trying to get something into their stomachs before they reach their destination. In this article by Andrew M. Seaman, he talks about the problem with consuming meals at neighborhood restaurants because they are loaded with salt and calories. Despite public health progress in cutting calories, as well as salt and fat from fast foods and supermarket … [Read more...] about Small restaurants serving big calories, salt: studies
Physical education is key to improving a child’s confidence, brainpower and long-term health
Exercise is such a powerful tool in our repertoire of modalities to mold our children into healthy functioning individuals. It often gets overlooked in both the lives of adults and children. This great article by Mike Adams has so much great information on our role as role models to our children. One of the most important things parents can give to their children is a physical education or involvement in organized sports activity. Physical education has slipped in priority over the last few years, especially in our public schools. Some schools don't even have recess anymore. They're … [Read more...] about Physical education is key to improving a child’s confidence, brainpower and long-term health
Busy moms need to put themselves first sometimes.
With Mother's day just 2 days past us, it got me to thinking about all of the mother's out there who do everything for every one except themselves. If you have a fantastic mother like I do, your mom is probably always taking time out of her day to fulfill your needs whether it is to feed you, give you moral support, guide you, teach you, or yell at you because you are making a mess. Mother's are typically some of the most selfless individuals and it can be problematic when they don't get some time for themselves. They need to enjoy some time to themselves to partake in things that they may … [Read more...] about Busy moms need to put themselves first sometimes.