Disease Proof : Disease Proof : Health & Nutrition News & Commentary : Dr. Joel Fuhrman

Barack Obama, like presidents before him, exercises regularly, even on Election Day! Nowadays, Obama, a former smoker still trying to quit, and his wife, future First Lady Michelle, are both avid gym rats, playing basketball, lifting weights and doing cardio; The NY Daily News investigates.

Obama’s lead is perfect for our chronically sedentary nation. And actually, his predecessor George W. Bush also fought hard for exercise, recently unveiling a presidential fitness test for adults.

Now, Dr. Fuhrman insists regular exercise is an important part of longevity. Even centenarians urge staying active. So get out there and move, running, Yoga, Tai Chi, whatever!

Via That'sFit.
 

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Chocolate is my weakness. Sometimes I need it! But next time a craving hits, I’ll try walking it off. A new study in Appetite claims a brisk 15-minute walk can halt chocolate cravings. And short spurts of exercise, like walking, might help improve mood and alertness too; Reuters reports.

For a healthier chocolate alternative, give my chocolate pudding a try!
 

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I’m a guy. I watch football. I curse. I spit. And I’ll say it, I’m downright manly. But I also do Yoga. And I’m cool with it! But apparently a lot of men aren’t. Some say it’s too girly. Others claim they’re not flexible enough. Phooey!

Okay guys, I’m a proud yogi. Are you? Stand up and be counted. Om shanti damn it!

Via That’sFit.
 

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About 40 million Americans don’t get enough sleep. Not cool, especially when you consider a recent report linking insufficient sleep with greater risk of cancer. Even when adjusted for age and exercise of level of participants, sleep played an important role in cancer; Reuters explains.

Skipping sleep is a nasty habit too, I’m guilty of it, but I don’t watch very much television. Good thing, because a new study in Social Indicators Research claims people that watch a lot of TV are unhappy. Unlike people who don’t and are involved in activities, they’re happier; via LiveScience.

Obesity is also a major risk-factor for both cancer and depression.
 

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That’s Burlington, Vermont and it’s the healthiest city in the United States. The CDC reports Burlington, with 95%, has the largest percentage of people in good or great health. The population is younger, more affluent and very active in outdoors. They eat better too, enjoying plenty of vegan restaurants and co-ops; from the Associated Press.

Seems to agree with other reports, previously researchers from Harvard University's School of Public Health in Boston determined people living in neighborhoods with good walking environments and easy access to healthy foods were leaner than those living in less desirable communities. I guess Las Vegas is bad then. Because it was named the fattest city, twice!
 

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Sex, if we didn’t do it, we wouldn’t exist! So for those you not getting any, myself included, here are some great tips for boosting your sex drive, like exercising, relaxing and adding a little romance; from On Women.

I guess we can add sex as an AWESOME motivation to keep exercising. And, the sexed and non-sexed alike could always relax more—try yoga! As for the romance part, healthy emotions keep us healthy too.

Via That’sFit.
 

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New research in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine reveals sedentary people can start exercising, but struggle to stick with it. Even if they have home equipment; Reuters reports.

Okay, if you need motivation, consider this. Previous reports suggest runners live longer, Tai Chi helps fight arthritis and diabetes and exercise makes it easier to poop, reason enough!
 

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A recent study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology shows beta-blockers, used to lower blood pressure, actually INCREASE heart attack-risk.

Dr. Fuhrman's thoughts:

Patients should be given the clear facts that medications do not have a significant impact on reducing heart attacks, the leading cause of death in people with high blood pressure. In fact, because of their negative effect on lipids and glucose levels, drug treatments such as beta-blockers and diuretics may even increase the risk of heart attacks in some individuals.

Instead, Dr. Fuhrman recommends exercise and dietary intervention, like avoiding salt and eating more fruits and vegetables, to treat hypertension.

Pomegranates are particularly AMAZING for blood pressure!

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According to the CDC the rate of new diabetes cases in the United States nearly DOUBLED over the last 10 years. West Virginia has the highest rate, 13 in 1,000 adults, while Minnesota boasted the lowest rate with 5 in 1,000 adults having diabetes; the Associated Press reports.

And, to make matters worse, new studies in Archives of Internal Medicine show U.S. diabetics have doubled their spending on diabetes-related drugs. Posting a total bill of $12.5 BILLION! Experts suggest finding ways to drive down the cost; via the Associated Press.

Now, a more frugal option would be HALTING the spread of diabetes! A vegetable-based nutrient-dense diet can prevent and reserves the effects of diabetes. So does exercise, like Tai Chi. And previous research shows eating more green veggies helps lower diabetes-risk too.
 

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