The belief that smoking relieves stress is pervasive, but likely wrong. Smoking is actually anxiogenic (causes anxiety) and successful quitters usually experience a drop in anxiety.
British Journal of Psychiatry, January 2013
Health Alert: Stroke!
In males and females ages 5-14, the number of ischemic stroke hospitalizations increased 31% and 36%, respectively, from 1994 to 2007. For ages 15-34 the increase was 51% for males and 17% for females. For ages 35-44, the increase was 47% for men and 36% for females. The increase in obesity seems to be the primary cause.
CDC, February 2011
Diet: How Much Protein?
An estimator used for daily protein intake is 0.36 grams per 1 pound of body weight (or .8g/kg). For example, if you weigh 155lbs, you should consume 56 grams per day (155 * .36 = 56 grams/day). Note: If you are overweight to begin with, do not use this estimator for your current body weight because this will calculate a higher protein intake number than you really need.
Exercise: Aerobic or Resistance Training?
A study of 234 obese/overweight adults compared the effects of aerobic training (AT), resistance training (RT) and both aerobic training and resistance training (AT/RT). Researches found the participants in the AT/RT group both increased lean mass (muscle) and decreased body fat, while the RT group did not decrease body fat, and the AT group did not increase lean mass. According to Leslie H. Willis, an exercise physiologist at Duke University Medical Center and the study’s lead author, “If increasing muscle mass and strength is a goal, then resistance training is required. However, the majority of Americans could experience health benefits due to weight and fat loss. The best option in that case, given limited time for exercise, is to focus on aerobic training. When you lose fat, it is likely you are losing visceral fat, which is known to be associated with cardiovascular and other health benefits.”
Journal of Applied Physiology, December 2012
Chiropractic: Pregnancy and Back Pain.
20% of women who suffer from severe back pain during pregnancy refrain from having more children out of fear their severe back pain would recur with another pregnancy.
Obstetrics & Gynecology, February 1998
Wellness/Prevention: How Are You Doing This Year?
Only 8% of people succeed in achieving their top New Year’s Resolution.
Journal of Clinical Psychology, December 2012
