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Cardiologists at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that sedentary behaviors may lower cardiorespiratory fitness levels. New evidence suggests that two hours of sedentary behavior can be just as harmful as 20 minutes of exercise is beneficial. The study, published in today's online edition of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, examined the association between fitness levels, daily exercise, and sedentary behavior, based on data from 2,223 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Sedentary behavior involves low levels of energy expenditure activities such as … [Read more...] about Sitting too much, not just lack of exercise, is detrimental to cardiovascular health

  A new study in women suggests that experiencing one or more stressful events the day before eating a single high-fat meal can slow the body's metabolism, potentially contributing to weight gain. Researchers questioned study participants about the previous day's stressors before giving them a meal consisting of 930 calories and 60 grams of fat. The scientists then measured their metabolic rate -- how long it took the women to burn calories and fat -- and took measures of blood sugar, triglycerides, insulin and the stress hormone cortisol. On average, the women in the study who … [Read more...] about Weighty issue: Stress and high-fat meals combine to slow metabolism in women

  The deleterious effects of high cholesterol - particularly LDL, the "bad" kind - are well known and include heart disease, stroke and atherosclerosis. But in a new study, researchers have discovered how cholesterol activates a cellular signaling pathway linked to cancer. The researchers, led by Prof. Wonhwa Cho, professor of chemistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago, publish their findings in Nature Communications. Previous studies have connected cholesterol to certain cancers. For example, Medical News Today recently reported on a study that linked high cholesterol to … [Read more...] about New study reveals how cholesterol promotes cancer

To what extent technology addiction or Internet addiction can be considered a genuine medical disorder is contentious. The term has been in popular use since the mid-1990s but is still not fully recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Now, as technology addiction clinics open across many countries in an attempt to ween citizens off their smartphones and computers, we look at some of the arguments surrounding this most modern of addictions. Earlier this month, India became the latest country to sign up to what some concerned nations are depicting as a war on … [Read more...] about How should ‘technology addiction’ be treated?

With Summer in full effect, now is the time that everyone starts growing their own fruits and vegetables. In this article by Katie Cavuto, she gives some great tips on creating the perfect satisfying plate. Look around – it’s hard not to be inspired by your lush garden or your local farmers market overflowing with its colorful bounty. But for most omnivores, the idea of planning a meal around carrots sounds, well, lackluster at best. Fortunately, the concept of creating a vegetable-centric plate can, and often does, include meat, fish and poultry. The key is mindfully rearranging your plate … [Read more...] about Inspiring the Omnivore: 5 Tips for Creating a Satisfying Veggie-Centric Plate

Barbeques, three-day weekends, blockbuster movies. Oh, and don't forget about the stifling heat that leaves you in a constant state of sweat. You may wind up forgoing the barbecue for an air-conditioned paradise and possibly replacing your outdoor runs with crowded gym routines – or worse – skipping exercise altogether. Don't let the heat break your spirit! With just a few steps, you can have a fighting chance to beat the heat. And with some background knowledge, you'll be able to recognize and handle heat illness, should you lose the fight. Acclimate yourself to the environment. Humans can … [Read more...] about Summer Workouts: How to Handle the Heat

  Drinking just four glasses of wine for women or five glasses for men in 2 hours - the official definition of binge drinking - may do more harm to a person's health than previously thought, according to new research. Dr. Gyongyi Szabo and colleagues from the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester report their findings in the journal PLOS ONE. They found even a single alcohol binge drinking episode increases toxins in the blood - due to bacteria leaking from the gut - to levels that can trigger immune cells involved in fever, inflammation and tissue destruction. Dr. … [Read more...] about Just one binge drinking session may harm health

Many Americans suffer every day from nagging injuries like low back pain, hip pain, shin splints, and calf cramps to name a few. Most go to visit their doctor and he either dismisses there aches and pains with some pain medicine or recommends an injection. There is a great non-invasive device called a foam roller that might help you fix some of the issues you may be having. In this article from the NY Times, the columnist Shivani Vora explains how it has helped her. I’ve toyed with the idea of using a foam roller to help release muscle tension after rigorous workouts. The stretching area at … [Read more...] about Are you in Pain? The foam roller might be the answer to your problems?