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Monday, December 11, 2006
Cardio and your Health
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women. Research has shown that aerobic exercise and hgh levels of aerobic fitness decrease the risk for cardiovascular disease. People who exercise aerobically on a regular basis are half as likely to have a heart attack. On the other hand, low aerobic fitness is a strong predictor of death from cardiovascular disease, with the risk being comparable to - or even greater than the risk associated with other primary risk factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cigarette smoking. Aerobic exercise and weigh training both reduce resting blood pressure, but aerobic exercise has a greater effect. And only aerobic exercise reduces cholesterol. To protect your heart health, spend some time on the treadmill.
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Ban Trans-Fat and Save the World
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m in full favor of health promotion by the government. I believe in educating the public about the dangers of foods at fast-food restuarants, etc. However, I am not in favor of banning trans-fats by legislative means.
You may not expect to hear that from me, especially considering that I am fitness guru and preach about staying away from fast-food restaurants. The only problem with banning trans-fats is that it really isn’t going to decrease health risks that much. If you go to a fast-food restaurant, you’re still going to get high amounts of fat, sugar, products stripped of nutrients, artificial flavorings and colors, and who knows what else. Besides, it’s still going to be in other products that you buy.
You may say, “well it’s a step in the right direction.” I disagree for two reasons.
Reason number one is that tax dollars and time are spent making decisions on regulating foods that are still going to be unhealthy for you. I think that the time and money could be better spent elsewhere.
Reason number two is that is a continual message to the public to leave it up to the government to make decisions about your health.
If they really want to make an impact, they need to look at what they feed their kids in their public schools. To be fair, I don’t know what kind of food NY city gives its kids, but something tells me it’s probably similar to that of the movie Supersize Me.
Ultimately, there is only one person that can have a positive impact on your health and force corporations to create better food. That would be you. If you think you’re going to be safe eating food at restaurants without trans-fats means you’re not going to have a heart attack, then you need to think again. If you frequent restuarants like Mickey D’s, chances are you need a lifestyle overhaul.
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