PETER'S PRINCIPLES - April 23 -
27, 2007
Dan from Westland is a pack a day smoker. He emails asking about the potential impact on his family.
Dan - I know you're family comes first! That's why you should find a way to kick the habit for good.
A new study shows why its so important. Scientists find that quitting before your kids reach the third
grade reduces their chances of smoking by at least forty percent!
That's because kids are most likely to begin smoking between
the ages of eight and twenty.
The same statistics show that if kids don't see their parents smoking- they won't either!
It's a no-brainer! Not smoking is good for you and your family. It really is a matter of life or breath!
Tom from Allen Park emails asking which is more important
when it comes to exercise-- duration or intensity.
Tom- the latest research shows that when it comes to heart
health it pays to be intense! Rowing- running- weights- and brisk walking are especially
effective.
Your best bet is to boost your level of aerobic exercise while throwing weight training into the mix. Researchers tracked 45,000 men aged 40 to 75 for 12 years. Those who ran for an hour or more per day decreased their risk of heart attack by 40 percent or more! Those lifting weights for at least 30 minutes each week cut their risk by 23 percent. Rowing cut the risk by 18 percent.
The findings are startling!
Talk to a personal trainer to find the intensity level that's right for you!
Jeff from Rochester Hills suffers from chronic back pain
and is looking to break the cycle of pain.
Jeff... the best way to help your back is to get off of it!
When your back is aching:.. exercise is probably the last thing
you're thinking about doing, but it's one of the most
important.
Research shows that more than 2 days of inactivity is harmful to those with minor to moderate back pain. 85 percent of American do... or will suffer from back pain. But lying down causes the back muscles to weaken... and get less flexible.
Exercise keeps blood flowing to joints... discs... and muscles. So put your back into it... get off the couch... and live life to the fullest.
Mary from Birmingham has a friend who suffers from Celiac
disease. She emails for more information on the condition.
Mary-- Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that disrupts the
bodies ability to absorb a protein called gluten.
New research shows its a lot more common than previously
thought!
Scientists find that 1.5 million Americans suffer from the disease! That's one out of every one hundred and thirty three people! Previous estimates had been one out of every ten thousand!
Celiac disease can be a major health concern. It damages the lining of the small intestine. Symptoms include things like bloating --cramps - diarrhea- constipation- fatigue and weight loss!
The only real treatment is a gluten free diet. You have to avoid things like wheat, rye, barley and some oats-- plus hundreds of other food ingredients!
Getting tested is key to coming up with a health life strategy!
Margaret from Waterford emails for exercises to reduce her
risk of hip fracture.
Margaret- you're smart to ask that question! Hip injury is one of
the most serious health threats to older Americans.
My principle for the day: hit the ground walking! Women who walk or do aerobic exercise are much less likely to suffer a serious hip injury.
So what's a good rule of thumb when it comes to hip health? The faster the walk the lower the risk! Women walking an average of 2.9 miles per hour have a 49% lower risk than women with a slower pace of two miles per hour. Women walking at a brisk pace of four miles per hour cut their hip injury risk by 65%.
It just goes to show that when it comes to hip health- pacing can be everything!
Do you have a question you've been working on? Send me an email!
