Bolstering the notion that a strong body equals a strong mind, new research indicates that the more inactive seniors are, the higher their risk for dementia. The finding stems from a look at the onset of dementia among nearly 50,000 Brits. All were at least 60 years old when information about typical daily activity routines… read on > read on >
All Do It Herself:
An Exercise-Induced Hormone Might Help Protect Against Alzheimer’s
Therapies based on a hormone people make while exercising may be the next frontier in treating Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study. Researchers have found that the exercise-induced hormone irisin may reduce both the plaque and the tau tangles characteristic of the disease. Before this, this same team developed the first 3D human cell… read on > read on >
Fitter Folks Need Fewer Psychiatric Meds, Study Finds
Being fit doesn’t just help your body — it also helps your mind, a new study reports. People in better physical condition appear to have less need for drugs to treat mood disorders, Norwegian researchers have found. “We find that people who are in better shape fill fewer prescriptions for anxiety and depression medications,” said… read on > read on >
Mountain Biking May Not Be as Risky as You Think
If mountain biking is your exercise of choice, go for it. A new study finds that the benefits of this sport outweigh the risks, dashing a common view that it’s always dangerous, injury-inducing and meant for thrill seekers. “Mountain biking and hiking are some of the fastest growing recreation activities in the world, so understanding… read on > read on >
‘Couch Potato’ Childhoods Could Mean Heavier, Less Healthy Hearts Later
Children need to get up off the sofa and move more, according to a new study that linked childhood sitting time with heart damage in young adulthood. That was true even when the adult’s blood pressure and weight were healthy, according to researchers. “All those hours of screen time in young people add up to… read on > read on >
Stay Fit to Avoid A-Fib and Stroke
People can help reduce their odds of developing atrial fibrillation or stroke through one piece of standard medical advice: stay fit. According to a new study in 15,000 people, physical fitness was found to have a lower likelihood of these conditions. The findings will be presented this weekend at the European Society of Cardiology Congress… read on > read on >
Great Step for Baby: Walkable Neighborhoods Linked to Safer Pregnancies
Walkable neighborhoods — with sidewalks, parks and paths — encourage pregnant women to get more exercise, which leads to good outcomes for both mom and baby. New research looks at the influence of these walkable communities on this activity, which is considered safe for pregnant women. “Gestational diabetes is a growing issue and low birth… read on > read on >
Women With Larger Breasts May Be Less Likely to Exercise, Study Finds
Women who have larger breasts tend to exercise less or less intensely, according to a new study that suggests having breast reduction surgery could be a game changer. Australian researchers looking at exercise participation for women in this category called for more accessible, publicly funded breast reduction and other interventions. The study used survey results… read on > read on >
Fit When Young? You May Have a Lower Risk of 9 Cancers as You Age
Having good fitness while young can really pay off when it comes to cancer risk later in life. New research found that cardiorespiratory fitness — the ability to do aerobic exercise — was associated with up to 42% lower risk of nine cancers, including head and neck, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, colon, kidney and lung.… read on > read on >
What’s Your Exercise ‘Fat-Burning Zone’?
A more personalized approach to exercise may be necessary, claims a new study that found fat burning varied widely between individuals. Even worse, this rate often does not align with the “fat-burning zone” on commercial exercise machines, the researchers added. Clinical exercise testing, a diagnostic procedure to measure a person’s physiological response to exercise, may… read on > read on >