Revisionist Health

Contrary to popular belief, “sugar free” foods may contain sugar alcohols which can raise a person’s blood sugar. To find out more information, read this article written in the NY Times.

We're glad more of you are lifting weights;
BUT PLEASE BE CAREFUL!!

Read the article in the NY Times

Lack of sleep increases weight.

One of the five Components of Physical Fitness, a chart that can be found displayed on the wall outside the group exercise room at J's, indicates that SLEEP is key to fitness. For more details, see the NY Times.



BENCH PRESS
Watch Hristo, (Kris) winner of the first bench press competition at J's lift 405 pounds. WOW!!

GREAT Competition: Read about it in the Manhattan Times:

The Fountain of Youth

"...a new series of studies prompts me to again review the myriad benefits to body, mind and longevity of regular physical activity for people of all ages.

Regular exercise is the only well-established fountain of youth, and it’s free. What, I’d like to know, will persuade the majority of Americans who remain sedentary to get off their duffs and give their bodies the workout they deserve? My hope is that every new testimonial to the value of exercise will win a few more converts until everyone is doing it."

Even More Reasons to Get a Move On by Jane Brody, The New York Times, March 1, 2010

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/02/health/02brod.html

EAT BREAKFAST!
You should know this - but whether you do or not here it is, as written by the pros.

After eight to 12 hours overnight without food, your body needs to refuel its glucose levels. Without breakfast, your brain and your muscles will not have the energy they need to sustain activity throughout the day.
Research has found people who skip breakfast often feel more tired, irritable and restless in the morning. On the other hand, those who do eat breakfast have a better attitude toward work, higher productivity and better ability to handle tasks that require memory.
Breakfast eaters also have more strength and endurance and better concentration and problem-solving ability. Plus, breakfast helps you reach your recommended calories and nutrients.
You can make a healthy breakfast in as little as one minute: a bran muffin with yogurt topped with berries, for example. Other suggestions include:
• Whole-grain cereal with fruit and milk
• Whole-grain cereal with a cup of yogurt
• Toasted waffles topped with peanut butter
• Instant oatmeal with milk and dried fruit
• A whole-wheat pita stuffed with sliced hard-cooked eggs.

If your taste buds just don't crave breakfast foods, enjoy a sandwich or leftovers like pizza, pasta or rice in the morning. Just make sure to start your day the healthy way - with breakfast. 1.
COFFEE
How can we talk about breakfast and not include coffee?
According to several studies, coffee drinkers have a lower rate of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. A recent study from Harvard University included data from more than 120,000 people and found that drinking one to 3 cups of coffee per day dropped risk of diabetes by single digits but drinking 6 cups or more dropped risk by 30% in women and 54% in men. Other studies have shown a reduced risk of Parkinson's disease, cirrhosis, gallstones and colon cancer in those who drink coffee on a regular basis. 2.
On the other hand, it is clear that coffee is not for everyone. In excessive amounts - meaning more than whatever an individual's body can tolerate - coffee can cause nervousness, jitters, and rapid heartbeat.
Studies indicate that in some people, drinking excessive amounts of coffee might cause elevated cholesterol levels.
Most recent large studies show no significant adverse affects on most healthy people, although pregnant women, heart patients, and those at risk for osteoporosis may still be advised to limit or avoid coffee. 3.

Jay says: KNOCK YOURSELF OUT! This is your chance to eat.

Stay clear of bagels, sugary (most) cereals and donuts.

There’s plenty to eat. MIX IT UP!

Coffee – NO more than 2 cups a day.

1. http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=3261&terms=breakfast
2. http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=3715&terms=coffee
3. http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20050617/research-links-coffee-to-heart-risks-for-some

TWO LEFT FEET? HOW ABOUT SOME BALANCE

Balance skills are an integral component of healthy aging. Simple activities like reaching into the cupboard, bending down to put on a shoe, lifting a leg up into the car, and traveling up and down stairs require subtle shifts in the amount of weight placed on each leg. The ability to remain stable as body stance fluctuates requires a healthy sense of balance. Unfortunately, as individuals age and become more sedentary, movement becomes restricted and balance and stability skills may decline to dangerous levels. Eventually, even the most basic activities like walking become a challenge. Instability may lead to falls, resulting in broken bones, serious hip fractures, head trauma and even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accidental falls are the leading cause of death and injury among older adults, affecting more than one third of adults over age 65 in the United States each year. 1

Jay says:
The younger ones among us may be reading this and asking, what is Jay talking about? or worse, you may be saying who cares?
You wouldn’t wait until you are in your 40’s or 50’s to do strength training - don’t think you can ‘get away’ with putting off balance exercises.
ALL puns intended:

exercise is a balance:
aerobics/cardio; balance/flexibility; strength.

Future articles will discuss exercises to help you achieve and maintain balance and flexibility.

1. http://quezi.com/290