PETER'S PRINCIPLES - Jan. 8 - 12, 2007
Brad from Sterling Heights says he has high blood pressure and knows he needs to exercise. He says he doesn't have long stretches of time -- what can he do?
Well, Brad, I have good news for you! Taking four short strolls a day could be even more beneficial than a long workout!
Researchers compared two groups of people with high blood pressure. One group took four 10-minute walks a day the other group took one 40-minute walk. The found the blood pressure in both groups dropped the same amount. But the benefits of the short walks lasted longer -- 11 hours compared to just 7 hours for one long walk! The excuse of "I don't have time to exercise" just won't cut it!
It's as easy as parking farther away from the supermarket or office, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. During your lunch break -- take a 10-minute walk before sitting down to eat. Some simple steps to good health!
Sharon from Wyandotte suffers from migraines and emails asking for the latest information on the painful condition.
Sharon, science is still trying to figure out some of the things that can trigger a migraine attack. There are some pretty interesting clues. For instance - kids who have parents that are migraine sufferers are 50 percent more likely to get the headaches themselves.
The various causes behind migraines are known as triggers. They include things like alcohol, lack of sleep, missed meals, food preservatives like MSG, and especially, too much stress. Women get migraines more than men and usually during their peak reproductive years. That's why some doctors are focusing on hormones as a key factor, but with so many of the triggers I mentioned, pinning down an exact cause can be tricky.
A great way to track your triggers is by keeping a diary of the symptoms. Note things like when you get the headaches. And keep track of what you think may have caused the migraine.
Knowing what to avoid can be a great why to cut the frequency of the painful headaches!
Rich from Livonia emails for diet tips on avoiding diabetes.
Rich, new research may help you munch your way to a reduced risk!
Whole grain foods like popcorn, brown rice, oatmeal and wheat bread could prevent insulin resistance, and that could cut your risk of diabetes! Insulin resistance is a pre-diabetic condition where the body's ability to control blood sugar declines. Researchers aren't sure why it works -- but they say getting the right amount of whole grains can really help! Dairy foods may also work.
A ten-year study shows that overweight subjects eating dairy foods five times a day were seventy-two percent less likely to develop insulin resistance. Doctors are looking into whether liposuction may also fight the disease.
Researchers will check to see whether patients who have ten pounds or more removed get the same benefits as folks who lose weight the natural way.
Do you have a question you've been working on? Send me an email!
