Vital Pursuits

04/10/2024

"Chrononutrition" is mentioned in this article as the new research trend that shows eating breakfast and dinner early aligns with our circadian rhythm and leads to better weight management.
https://scitechdaily.com/weight-loss-secrets-scientists-identify-two-key-habits-linked-to-a-lower-bmi/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFtGIdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHTAbnvNq-99Lyu5tuJHPLqrHGSVZChY0fDt9__rOUyN3orSNBUgKVptC3g_aem_hJRRf38r6V8cfGfFZziz7Q

A study indicates new patterns in how mealtimes relate to body weight. To manage weight effectively, it's important to focus not just on what we eat, but also on when we eat. A study in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity highlights two key habits linked to a low

11/06/2024

Here's another research study just published on Monday showing the health benefits of a plant-based diet, which is also now being called a "planet friendly" diet because it helps reduce the release of devastating greenhouse gases that threaten our planet. This article is eye-opening and worth reading! Awareness and deciding to make some dietary changes benefit us and the planet.

When it comes to what you eat, what’s good for the planet is also good for you and may even lengthen your life, according to a new study.

15/04/2024

Research has long shown that exercise reduces heart disease risk, but a new study finds the connection between the two may be a decrease in the brain’s stress signals.

26/01/2024

I realized 2024 is a landmark year for two lifestyle habits that have kept me healthy. I started running for cardio exercise in 1974, and now 50 years later, I am still running. (I enjoyed a 70 minute outdoor run today!) I became a vegetarian in 1999, and now 25 years later, I am still eating a healthy vegetarian diet. (I enjoyed a dinner of vegetarian soup and a green salad tonight!) Choices I've made day after day, year after year, have rewarded me with good health all along the way.😃

15/04/2022

Here's a great article referencing recent studies showing that exercise improves mental health. It doesn't take much exercise to fight depression. https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/14/health/exercise-depression-study-wellness/index.html

Exercise improves mood, but just how much activity do you need to do to see a benefit? A new study sheds light.

04/03/2022

I've eaten a diet low in refined sugar for most of my adult life and know that it has contributed to my good health. Here's an interesting article about how sugar affects the brain.
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/how-sugar-affects-the-brain-according-to-a-neuroscience-expert?utm_source=pocket-newtab

Not surprisingly, you need sugar to function—but cravings are actually a result of too much.

11/02/2022

Ways to Slightly Improve Your Life Without Really Trying: Here are some tips I read in a Pocket article and wanted to share them!
Bring fruit to work. Plant spring bulbs, even if they’re just in a pot.
Keep a bird feeder by a window, ideally the kitchen. Set aside 10 minutes a day to do something you really enjoy. Go for a walk without your phone. Read a poem every day. Say hello to your neighbors. Call an old friend out of the blue. Go to bed earlier. Cook something new. Volunteer. Give compliments freely. Laugh at your own jokes. Sing!
Do you have simple ways to add to the list? Please share them.

03/02/2022

Even small increases in physical activity have a been shown to have a positive effect on longevity. This article authored by Dr. Cedric Bryant, President and Chief Science Officer of the American Council on Exercise (and a fantastic visiting professor for one of my Master's Degree courses) outlines some specific recent research on this topic.
https://www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/professional/expert-articles/8047/the-ultimate-benefit-of-physical-activity/

As all health coaches and exercise professionals know, regular physical activity yields countless health benefits, from improved cardiometabolic health to reduced risk of depression for people of all ages, from reduced risk of certain cancers in adults to a lower risk of falls among older adults.

27/01/2022

For brain health, make exercise a priority today and every day. This article discusses some of the most recent scientific research showing how exercise actually restructures the brain.
https://www.realclearscience.com/blog/2022/01/27/how_regular_exercise_restructures_the_brain_811919.html

Physical activity can do wonders for the body. Exercise can trim weight, chisel muscles, and strengthen the lower back, among many other benefits. Less overt, but no less consequential, physical activ

12/09/2021

I took some time to reflect on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 today. In 2001, Americans came together united in purpose and support for one another after the tragic events of that day. May we find that same strength and purpose to come together as we face today's challenges twenty years later. We are indeed stronger together!

23/08/2021

HOW MUCH MONEY IN HEALTHCARE COSTS DOES REGULAR EXERCISE SAVE YOU?
An analysis conducted by scientists at the CDC and the National Cancer Institute recently published to the journal BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine sheds some light on the subject. The researchers pored through data from the NIH-Formerly AARP Diet and Health Study to examine "how leisure-time physical activity participation from adolescence (15–18 years) into early (19–29 years), middle (35–39 years) and later adulthood (43–64 years) is associated with subsequent Medicare costs." They ultimately tracked the healthcare costs of 21,750 people who responded to in-depth questionnaires about their physical activity. As expected, cost-savings were significant. Adults who maintained moderate or high physical activity throughout life saved around $1,300 per year in Medicare costs after age 65. Adults who were most active in early adulthood saved $1,874 dollars in yearly Medicare costs. Regular physical activity in middle age was particularly effective at lowering average annualized total healthcare costs after age 65. People who exercised between one and three hours per week during this time saved $1,365 compared to people reporting less than one hour of activity. People who exercised 7+ hours saved $2,079.

12/06/2021

12/06/2021

Here's a great article about all the health benefits of asparagus. We've been enjoying grilled asparagus several times a week throughout the spring!

Asparagus is a tasty, nutritious vegetable with health benefits that make it an excellent addition to any diet! It’s super adaptable to any meal or cooking process, as it can be steamed, blanched, grilled, roasted and added to stir fry or salad.

31/05/2021

Remembering all the men and women who served our country and sacrificed their lives for our freedom. I'm especially remembering my Uncle Bill who gave his life as a Marine at Iwo Jima in 1945.