live-related stories
Eat less, live longer
Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Nutrition & Supplements
Think you can cut just 300 to 500 calories a day from your diet? If so, it could be the very thing that keeps you living longer.It's been said before: Limiting caloric intake can slow the aging process. This theory, based on the study of rats and mice, goes like this: Fewer daily calories decrease production of the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3), which then slows metabolism and tissue aging. Now, a new study adds to this theory and shows that this hormone decrease occurs when humans regularly skip rich desserts or forgo the Big Mac for a turkey sandwich instead.
So, researchers know now that calorie restriction does indeed slow hormone production in both animals and humans. Great news. What they need to determine now is whether the restriction actually slows the aging process. Common sense says that it does -- there's lots of evidence that cutting back on calories can limit risk for many common diseases, like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Avoid these diseases, and yes, you will live longer.
Daily Fit Tip: Get planting!
House doesn't feel like home? Why not add a little 'green' to the interior? Having a houseplant can have an amazing effect on your health, mood and decor.
When I grow up I want to be...
Healthy Aging, Healthy Habits, Healthy Home, Womens Health, Obesity, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Motivation, Nutrition & Supplements, Men's Health
When I grow up, I want to be just like the adorable and inspiring 85 year old women I saw following along as best as they could in the back of a cardio kickboxing class today. I stood in awe watching them in their elastic waisted linen pants and button-down collared shirts jabbing and crossing with energy.
I thought about the things I do today to increase my health and preserve my athleticism. Will I be able to do the same things those amazing women were doing today while surrounded by others more than half their age? I bust my butt to ensure a long healthy life, but I when I watch things like that....it just seems like a bit of a miracle as well. That's what I'm working for. With all of my being, I want to be just like them.
The Blue Zones: 9 tips for living longer life
Healthy Habits, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Motivation, Nutrition & Supplements
Want to feel better, look younger, and add years to your life? Want to do it without pills, expensive therapy, or wacky supplements? It's possible, says Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner, author of the book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest. All it takes is a change in lifestyle.An explorer and longevity researcher, Buettner has spent the past five years traveling to regions where people live the longest. What he's discovered are nine common denominators among the folks who live in the longevity hot spots, or Blue Zones. The Power 9 he calls them. And here they are.
- Move Naturally. Be active by focusing on activities you love.
- Eat Less. Cut calories by 20 percent.
- Plant Slant. Avoid meat and processed food.
- Grapes of Life. Drink red wine (in moderation).
- Purpose Now. Articulate your life purpose.
- Down Shift. Punctuate your days with calm.
- Belong. Be a part of a spiritual community.
- Loved Ones First. Make family a priority.
- Right Tribe. Be surrounded by those who share Blue Zone values.
This may seem like small stuff. But the payoff from committing to the Power 9 is huge. Buettner says the average American can add 14 good years of life by putting these habits to work.
Jumpstart Your Fitness: With habits to help you live longer
Finding a way to thwart death and live forever is the stuff of movies and legends -- how many characters have gone in search of the fountain of youth? That's all just fiction and fun, of course, but in real life there are real things you can do to help not only get the most years out of your life as possible but also the most quality years out of your life. A good start to a solid fitness plan is implementing healthy (i.e. life-extending) habits. So try these on for size:- Get enough sleep, but not too much! Studies show that people who sleep too much (generally 8+ hours per night) have shorter life expectancies, but then again so do those who don't get enough sleep (less than 6 hours). It seems there's a magical number of just enough sleep, which for most people lands somewhere between 6 and 8 hours.
How to make it to 100
Healthy Habits, Obesity, Diet & Weight Loss
Despite the glaring fact that obesity, unhealthy diets, and an overall lack of exercise pose quite a threat to our nation, we are making some pretty good health advances -- healthy eating is on the rise, smoking is on the decline, and medical progress is clearly evident.
Now, more than ever, it's actually possible to make it to the ripe old age of 100. I'm not sure if I personally want to reach this number but for those who do, here's one take on what you've got to do.
Go Mediterranean
A Mediterranean diet is the best for healthy aging and disease prevention.
Read the Paper
Keeping up with current events can extend your life.
Reproduce
Having kids, especially if you're a woman, can help you live longer.
Drink! Drink!
Certain beverages tend to lower the rates of death from cardiovascular disease and other causes.
Slim Down
Obese 100-year-olds just don't exist.
Get Married
Married people live longer than singles.
Have Faith
You can expect to live longer if you have some kind of regular religious practice or belief.
Head to the Country
Avoid the city and long you will live.
Now, more than ever, it's actually possible to make it to the ripe old age of 100. I'm not sure if I personally want to reach this number but for those who do, here's one take on what you've got to do.
Go Mediterranean
A Mediterranean diet is the best for healthy aging and disease prevention.
Read the Paper
Keeping up with current events can extend your life.
Reproduce
Having kids, especially if you're a woman, can help you live longer.
Drink! Drink!
Certain beverages tend to lower the rates of death from cardiovascular disease and other causes.
Slim Down
Obese 100-year-olds just don't exist.
Get Married
Married people live longer than singles.
Have Faith
You can expect to live longer if you have some kind of regular religious practice or belief.
Head to the Country
Avoid the city and long you will live.
Regis and Kelly feature staff slim down
Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Nutrition & Supplements
Three years ago, seven staffers from the Live with Regis and Kelly show faced off in a fitness and weight loss challenge. Partnering with SELF magazine's exercise and nutrition experts, these challengers lost loads of weight and body fat. Fast forward to now and many have gained back both the pounds and the fat. Some put on a little weight -- one contestant gained one pound -- and some are carrying upwards of 20 extra pounds. So they're back at it -- the same seven, another 12-week challenge, again with SELF magazine, and this time the stakes are higher: Everyone involved wants the results to stick.
It's not always people who fail at weight loss, remarked one SELF editor on Tuesday's Regis and Kelly weigh-in show. In fact, 85 percent of those who lose weight gain it back. It's often the diets that fail. Find the right diet, the right exercise, the right commitment and change should be permanent -- right? Only time will tell for this crew.
To chart the progress of the hopeful seven, turn that TV on each morning or simply log on to liveregisandkelly.com for updates -- and for tips you can use at home.
It's not always people who fail at weight loss, remarked one SELF editor on Tuesday's Regis and Kelly weigh-in show. In fact, 85 percent of those who lose weight gain it back. It's often the diets that fail. Find the right diet, the right exercise, the right commitment and change should be permanent -- right? Only time will tell for this crew.
To chart the progress of the hopeful seven, turn that TV on each morning or simply log on to liveregisandkelly.com for updates -- and for tips you can use at home.
The 4 habits that can add 14 years to your life
We all want to live as long and as well as possible, but anymore it seems like that's near impossible with the regular bombardment of unhealthy food choices, sedentary job options, and daily stress levels skyrocketing higher every day. There are all kinds of good habits that are known to help with a longer healthier life (this site is full of them!) but recent research has found 4 specific good habits that have a measurable effect on longevity: altogether they can add as much as 14 years!- Drink moderately
- Exercise
- Quit smoking (or even better never start)
- Eat 5 servings of fruit and veggies daily
Hulk Hogan shares New Year's resolutions
Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Motivation
While running and walking on the treadmill today at the gym, I tuned into Live with Regis and Kelly on my cardio theater TV. Well, it was Pat Sajak and Kelly this morning but the format was still the same -- chit-chat over coffee, a review of a few newsy items, spinning of the prize wheel, and then a few guests. The show kept me entertained, passed the time while I pounded away on the rubber beneath my feet, and actually gave me something to think about.One of today's guests was Hulk Hogan, semi-retired professional wrestler, actor, and sometimes rock bassist who starred on his own VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best and is the new host of NBC's American Gladiators.
Anyone who knows what Hulk Hogan looks like knows the man is bursting at the seams with muscle. This is exactly what prompted host Kelly, who admitted she was admiring his biceps, to ask this giant person about his New Year's resolutions. Did he resolve to go to the gym more? Or less? Nope on both counts, said Hulk Hogan, who shared he spends two hours every day in the gym. His resolutions this year are (1) To stay positive and (2) To be happy.
I like these resolutions. I just might adopt them as guiding principles for the year. For each scenario that faces me, I think I'll strive for the most positive attitude possible. And I'll only choose courses of action that truly make me happy. Now I plan to go to my fitness center more too, unlike Hulk Hogan who doesn't really need any more gym time, but as for my non-specific resolutions, I say Cheers! to being both positive and happy.
Fitness, not fat, is what counts
Healthy Habits, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness
I happen to be concerned with both my fitness and my fat as I strive for optimal health. But one is more important than the other, it seems.
When determining who will live longer, cardiovascular fitness is a better indicator than body fat, researchers say. A study of people over 60 found that those who died during a 12-year period of time had lower fitness levels. For those with similar body fat, the subjects who had better cardio ratings were more likely to survive. Overall, death rates for those with tip-top fitness were less than half of the rates of the unfit.
If nothing else, this study makes clear that it may be possible to reduce all-cause death rates among older adults, including those who are obese, by promoting regular physical activity. It can be as simple as brisk walking for 30 minutes or more on most days of the week. Fat or no fat, exercise is key.
Do-gooders give themselves better health
Feeling charitable? Then get out there and give of yourself. It's good for others, and it's good for you too.
Studies investigating the link between health and volunteering show that givers live longer and have lower rates of depression than those not engaged in altruistic acts. Seems right. I know I aways feel better when I help someone. The feeling of brightening someone's day works wonders on my spirit. It also distracts me from my own issues.
Check out this article supporting the scientific evidence that helping out produces health benefits. And take a look at this website to locate volunteer opportunities near you.
Studies investigating the link between health and volunteering show that givers live longer and have lower rates of depression than those not engaged in altruistic acts. Seems right. I know I aways feel better when I help someone. The feeling of brightening someone's day works wonders on my spirit. It also distracts me from my own issues.
Check out this article supporting the scientific evidence that helping out produces health benefits. And take a look at this website to locate volunteer opportunities near you.
Marie Osmond passes out after Live Dancing with the Stars routine
Moments ago, after her very athletic Dancing with the Stars routine on Live television, Marie Osmond passed out and fell back on stage. Tom Bergeron, while shocked, kept it together enough to call for a commercial break. Now that the break is over, Marie confessed it happens sometimes "when she's working really hard and forgets to breath". Makes us trainers seem less silly for coaching our clients to breath regularly, huh? First words out of Marie's mouth when she came to were "Oh crap!"
Rhythm Nation tops workout song list
Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment
While doing my indoor exercise routine yesterday morning -- my outdoor running and walking is on hiatus while my shin splints heal -- I tuned in to a little Live with Regis & Kelly. Survivor host Jeff Probst was sitting in for Regis, and he and Kelly happily welcomed Janet Jackson for her very fist visit to the show. The spunky threesome talked about Jackson's new movie -- Why Did I Get Married? -- and her new diet and weight loss book. They even discussed a little fitness trivia.
Ripa was thrilled to announce this fitness flash: Rhythm Nation, one of Jackson's smash hits, is reportedly the most listened-to song by those who rock while working out. This information comes courtesy of Fitness Magazine, said Ripa, who happens to have this very song on her iPod. When no one is watching her on the treadmill, she told her audience, she breaks into a total Rhythm Nation dance routine. On the treadmill? Yep, that's what she said.
What's your favorite workout song? And tell us -- do you bust a few moves when no one is looking?
Ripa was thrilled to announce this fitness flash: Rhythm Nation, one of Jackson's smash hits, is reportedly the most listened-to song by those who rock while working out. This information comes courtesy of Fitness Magazine, said Ripa, who happens to have this very song on her iPod. When no one is watching her on the treadmill, she told her audience, she breaks into a total Rhythm Nation dance routine. On the treadmill? Yep, that's what she said.
What's your favorite workout song? And tell us -- do you bust a few moves when no one is looking?
Wanna live longer? Banish the sweet tooth
Diet & Weight Loss, Nutrition & Supplements
Did you know worms live longer when they are unable to process the simple sugar glucose? Sure enough. And this finding, published in the October issue of Cell Metabolism, may mean for humans that glucose could have a negative effect on life span. Study of these little worms may have other human implications too.
Already, researchers think their findings cast some doubt on traditional Type 2 diabetes treatments, all of which target lowering blood levels of glucose by increasing the amount of sugar taken up by body tissues. Questions are also being raised about the widespread use of antioxidant supplements -- antioxidants and vitamins given to the worms canceled out the life-extending benefits of sugar deprivation.
While banishing refined sugar is definitely a wise idea -- surely, we all agree on that, right? -- no one recommends tossing the multivitamins just yet. I mean, we're talking worms here. Still, some good food for thought, don't you think?
Already, researchers think their findings cast some doubt on traditional Type 2 diabetes treatments, all of which target lowering blood levels of glucose by increasing the amount of sugar taken up by body tissues. Questions are also being raised about the widespread use of antioxidant supplements -- antioxidants and vitamins given to the worms canceled out the life-extending benefits of sugar deprivation.
While banishing refined sugar is definitely a wise idea -- surely, we all agree on that, right? -- no one recommends tossing the multivitamins just yet. I mean, we're talking worms here. Still, some good food for thought, don't you think?
What's the point of living longer if you can't eat the yummy stuff?
On a recent post, one reader left the title of this post as a comment. And it's a good question indeed. Just what IS the point of life if you have to spend it eating salads and stuff that tastes like cardboard instead of stuff you actually like -- pizza, donuts, french fries, bacon and so forth?
Here's another question: What's more important to you -- A sinful meal or your family and friends? I'm willing to bet that hardly anyone ever lies on their death bed wishing they'd ate more junk food -- but they will wish they had more time with their loved ones, and they'll wish they'd enjoyed time with their family more. Don't you think? That's not to say that for the sake of your family you should completly change your life and cut out every single enjoyable food, but why not make the effort to practice healthy habits at least most of the time? Aren't they worth it? Isn't your quality of life worth it?
Here's another question: What's more important to you -- A sinful meal or your family and friends? I'm willing to bet that hardly anyone ever lies on their death bed wishing they'd ate more junk food -- but they will wish they had more time with their loved ones, and they'll wish they'd enjoyed time with their family more. Don't you think? That's not to say that for the sake of your family you should completly change your life and cut out every single enjoyable food, but why not make the effort to practice healthy habits at least most of the time? Aren't they worth it? Isn't your quality of life worth it?
