One of the great things about medicine is that experts tend to gather together into groups, like say: The North American Menopause Society. This organization of nurses, nurse midwifes, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physicians, physician assistants, and psychologists is on a mission. That mission is the best possible management of menopause for women as they age. The new issue of their descriptively titled journal, Menopause, contains their position statement on hormone replacement therapy. When I started medical school every woman who complained of an end to her periods and “hot flashes” got hormone therapy. It’s more complicated now. Read the rest of this entry »
New Guidelines on Hormone Replacement Therapy
On February - 22 - 2010Comments Off on New Guidelines on Hormone Replacement Therapy
Two for a Friday
On February - 19 - 2010Comments Off on Two for a Friday
New Paper actually says “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”
Why? Because it’s good for your heart! There is a link to a PDF of the paper in the first paragraph of the linked article, and yes, the title really is “Don’t worry, be happy: positive affect and reduced 10-year incident coronary heart disease.” In a study of over 1700 adults, Canadian researchers found that people with a positive outlook had a reduced risk of heart disease. This suggests that controlling depression is an important part of a heart-healthy lifestyle.
I Can See Clearly Now
Another study of over 600 elderly people shows how important regular vision screening is. Researchers at the University of Michigan found that patients with untreated vision problems were at increased risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. They point out that “Proper vision is a requirement for many of the activities that previously have been found to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. These include reading, playing board games, other mentally stimulating activities, social networking, as well as physical activity such as walking and routine exercising. A visual disorder may interfere with normal mobility and may also hinder a person’s ability to participate in such activities.” So remember to include vision screening among your regular check-ups.
Which is Better, Cardio or Resistance Training?
On February - 17 - 2010Comments Off on Which is Better, Cardio or Resistance Training?
One of the great exercise controversies of the last few decades is whether most people are better off doing cardio exercise or strength resistance training. One side states that cardio is the way forward, and that heart-pumping workouts such as biking, swimming, running, hiking, aerobic dance, and even walking are the best way to get and stay fit. The other side insists that you need good old fashioned resistance training, either with your own body weight or with equipment such as barbells to really call yourself fit.
The answer: You need both.
Keep it Real
On February - 12 - 2010Comments Off on Keep it Real
If you follow any of the big diet and/or fitness communities, you will see something like this at least once a week: people who have a completely dysfunctional relationship with their bodies or with dieting.
When Water Isn’t Wet Enough
On February - 10 - 20101 COMMENT
There may come a day in the life of an active exerciser that mere water is just not good enough hydration anymore. That’s what sports and “recovery” drinks are supposed to be all about. You won’t need G2 for a brisk walk around the block, but for a marathon? For exercise that gets you into the upper end of the aerobic workout “zone” and keeps you there for most of an hour, or more? This post is for you.