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Diabetes 101 What You Need To Know About
One of the leading causes of death in the US is diabetes. It affects the way the body uses food after digestion, for growth and energy, known as metabolic disorder. If proper treatment and medication is not administered, at times aggressively, it...
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The inability of a male to sustain an erection for intercourse is termed as Erectile Dysfunction (ED) or male impotence. It affects one out of every ten men in America. As 30 million of men are affected due to ED and men in the age group 40 and...
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To say that Americans are obsessed with dieting is an understatement! Pick up any magazine, tune-in or turn-on any source of advertising and you're bombarded with the latest diet schemes and food fads. More often than not, they are endorsed by some...
MEN AND CANDIDA
Most people think of fungal yeast infections or Candida albicans (also known as Thrush and Balanitis) as a female issue, however, men frequently develop the condition. Candida in men occurs in the groin area; it can cause soreness, itching, and...
Overall Risk of Cancer Cut By 37%...
What do you think about this? * Overall cancer risk reduced by 37% * Overall reduction in cancer mortality rates by 50% * 30% reduction of colorectal cancer. Sounds like the sort of claims someone standing on a soapbox trying to sell...
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Secrets to Longevity
Secrets to Longevity
What’s the secret to living a long life? Millions of people are constantly searching for an answer to this question. Many have lived well past the average age expectancy. These people are looked upon with great admiration and envy, for having beaten the odds, having defied death for so long. When asked what they attribute their longevity to, their replies often differ.
Some say that it’s one key ingredient in their diet that’s the secret. “Cod liver oil…that made the difference” one older person claimed. One man for example believes that having 2 drinks of brandy every day has carried him past the century mark. While a woman who has reached one hundred years of life said the key to her longevity is due to avoiding alcohol.
Certain scientists believe that a person’s life span is determined by their genetic make-up. Other scientists however claim that people, who have higher risks in developing chronic diseases from heredity, may be able to avoid them by taking certain steps and may still attain longevity.
In fact, studies have shown that through behavior modification including stress management, exercise participation, diet improvement, and even medication, a person can overcome certain diseases and in some cases can prevent them from happening entirely, just by reducing certain health risk factors.
In a report from CNN.com, Dr. Collazo-Clavell says that diabetes patients can significantly reduce chances of developing heart disease if preventive steps are taken. Diabetes patients are normally against the odds with the risk of developing heart disease. But this doesn’t have to be the case. According to Dr. Collazo-Clavell, taking aggressive action and making certain lifestyle changes a person with diabetes can beat the odds. (1)
There is little doubt however that genetics play a significant role in determining a person’s life span. Just as heredity plays a role in passing down or increasing risks of developing certain health conditions, it plays a similar role in increasing chances of longevity.
According to research by Robert W. Griffith, MD, people that lived over a hundred years, on some occasions had siblings or someone in their family tree that also passed the hundred year mark. (2)
It seems that a large percentage of elderly people have one thing in common. They have been fairly active most of their lives. And have stayed active well into the late stages of life. Or, at least as long as their health condition has allowed them to.
A study from the Harvard School of Public Health and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, shows that exercise participation is very important in maintaining health and longevity. (3)
A significant percentage of elderly people have also enjoyed lower stress levels. This does not mean, necessarily, that they have been subjected to lower amounts of stress than others. It may mean that they were better able to manage stressful situations than others.
You will find that a lot of these older people
possess a sense of inner peace, and many are very proud of their longevity. In addition, these people are testament to the multitude of studies conducted on the many benefits of exercise. One of which is improved psychological condition.
In fact physical activity may have a multifold effect on a person’s psychological state. First of all, evidence has shown that certain forms of exercise trigger the release of chemical substances in the brain which have a positive effect on mental attitude.
Secondly, regular exercise improves body composition, by reducing body fat and increasing lean body mass. As a result a person’s physical appearance improves and becomes more appealing, triggering feelings of accomplishment and self satisfaction.
Consequently, the subject’s self image improves as the state of mind switches to a more positive level. Being in this state more often, enables the person to be more resourceful, better able to handle crisis situations. As we can see, the benefits of exercise participation come in a snow ball type of effect.
Along with improved physical appearance and psychological condition, there are many other health benefits of regular exercise. Exercise participation, studies show, has tremendous positive effects on human health. Even a low intensity exercise activity like walking, for example, can substantially improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels. (4)
In summary, exercise activity, whether in the form of an organized extra curricular activity, or a product of a particular lifestyle, is a legitimate factor in living a long life. Although there is no one secret ingredient to longevity, exercise plays a very important role. There are other factors that come in to play as well such as preventative nutrition, stress management and avoidance of excessive lifestyles.
Striving to maintain a good balance between all the above factors and to follow a principle of variety and moderation with all aspects of life would be good advice.
References:
1 CNN.com, “Diabetes and heart disease: Overcoming the odds”, retrieved 15 Jan. 2005 from http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DA/00052.html
2 healthandage.com, “Centenarians - The Role of Genetics”, retrieved 16 Jan. 2005 from http://www.healthandage.com/PHome/gid2=2899
3 http://www.hsph.harvard.edu, “Study Finds that Both Weight and Exercise Are Key to Longevity”, retrieved 17 Jan. 2005 from http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/press/releases/press12222004.html
4 http://www.physsportsmed.com, “Exercise in Treating Hypertension - Tailoring Therapies for Active Patients”, retrieved 18 Jan. 2005 from http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/2002/03_02/lowenthal.htm
About the Author
John Tiniakos is the author of NL Natural Weight Loss Program which can be found at http://www.nulife-weightloss.com/natural.htm. He also writes a free monthly newsletter with valuable news, tips and advice on diet, health and weight loss. For a free subscription go to http://www.nulife-weightloss.com/natural.htm.
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American Diabetes Association Home Page |
Their mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by this disease. Available in English and Spanish. |
www.diabetes.org |
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Diabetes Information - American Diabetes Association |
The American Diabetes Association recommends the FPG because it is easier, ... Take the first steps toward better diabetes care by visiting the Diabetes ... |
www.diabetes.org |
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Diabetes UK home page - Diabetes UK |
Diabetes UK is the largest organisation in the UK working for people with diabetes, funding research, campaigning and helping people live with the ... |
www.diabetes.org.uk |
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Canadian Diabetes Association |
To promote the health of Canadians through diabetes research, education, service, and advocacy. |
www.diabetes.ca |
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Diabetes information including treating type 2 diabetes at ... |
Offers dietary recommendations, including recipes and tips on managing blood sugar levels. From GlaxoSmithKline. |
www.diabetes.com |
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Diabetes |
Web site for Diabetes. ... publishes Diabetes. Stanford University Libraries' HighWire Press ® assists in the publication of Diabetes Online ... |
diabetes.diabetesjournals.org |
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CDC Diabetes Public Health Resource |
The diabetes information homepage of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, provided by the CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation. |
www.cdc.gov |
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CDC - Health Topic: Diabetes |
Diabetes · Diabetes and Research Diagnostics · Diabetes Surveillance Report · FAQ's on Diabetes · Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon ... |
www.cdc.gov |
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National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse |
Provides educational materials to increase knowledge and understanding about diabetes among patients, health care professionals, and the general public. |
diabetes.niddk.nih.gov |
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Diabetes mellitus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
For diabetes mellitus in pets, see diabetes in cats and dogs. ... Type 1 diabetes mellitus - formerly known as insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM), ... |
en.wikipedia.org |
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MedlinePlus: Diabetes |
(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) - Links to PDF ... Select services and providers for Diabetes in your area. ... |
www.nlm.nih.gov |
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MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Diabetes |
Diabetes affects about 18 million Americans. There are many risk factors for ... These levels are considered to be risk factors for type 2 diabetes and its ... |
www.nlm.nih.gov |
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Diabetes |
What to expect from your diabetes diagnosis? Get up-to-the-minute information about medications, insulin, blood sugar management, nutrition requirements, ... |
diabetes.about.com |
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WebMD Diabetes Health Center - Information on Type 1 and Type 2 ... |
Find in-depth information here about diabetes prevention, diet, ... Study Shows Burned-Out Staffers More Likely to Get Type 2 DiabetesGo To Article ... |
www.webmd.com |
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WebMD Health - 404 Error |
Allergies|Anxiety Disorders|Arthritis|Asthma|Back Pain|Bipolar Disorder|Cancer|Children's Health|Cholesterol|Depression| Diabetes|Diet & Nutrition|Erectile ... |
www.webmd.com |
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Diabetes Overview |
Defines diabetes, including the various types and treatments. Provides information on the impact and cost of the disease, its increasing prevalence, ... |
www.niddk.nih.gov |
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Diabetes News - The New York Times |
A free collection of articles about diabetes published in The New York Times. |
topics.nytimes.com |
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children with DIABETES Online Community |
An online community for kids, families, and adults with diabetes, featuring message boards, chat rooms, and questions/answers from medical professionals. |
www.childrenwithdiabetes.com |
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International Diabetes Institute - Diabetes Research, Education ... |
The International Diabetes Institute is the leading national and international centre for diabetes research, diabetes education and diabetes care. |
www.diabetes.com.au |
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Diabetes New Zealand |
Educates and informs people about diabetes, its treatment, prevention, and cure of diabetes. |
www.diabetes.org.nz |
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