The Surprising Link Between Hydration and the Aging Process
A new study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published by eBioMedicine identifies the key role hydration is thought to play in the aging process. This new research serves as great proof of the importance of drinking enough water to stay properly hydrated. The study determined that middle-aged persons with higher sodium-to-water levels in their blood biologically age faster. They are also more likely to develop chronic diseases – such as diabetes, heart failure, and dementia – and to die prematurely. Decreased hydration levels were actually shown to accelerate the process of biological aging despite chronological age, our…
The Link Between Bikeability and Health
The health benefits of biking are pretty obvious. They include increased cardiovascular fitness, lower stress levels, improved muscle strength and flexibility, stronger bones, decreased body fat, reduced anxiety and depression, and better joint mobility, posture, and coordination. Biking is also an exercise that just about anyone can do. That’s because it’s easy, low-impact, and the person doing it can easily control the intensity level. Considering all the benefits of biking, what happens when an entire city, community, or neighborhood proactively focuses on improving its bikeabilty by adding bike lanes to roads, creating new bike paths, adding bike racks at…
Wear Blue as a Reminder to Hara Hachi Bu
Hara hachi bu is the age-old practice of stopping eating when our stomachs are 80 percent full. This practice may seem rather simple, but it can actually have a large impact on health and longevity. For instance, hara hachi bu is widely used in Okinawa, Japan, one of the original blue zones where people are known for living longer, healthier lives. In fact, research has shown that women in Okinawa live three times longer than they do elsewhere in the world. Many older residents of Okinawa say the words “hara hachi bu” out loud before they eat a meal…
Why Outdoor Workouts May Be Better for You
“Green exercise” has become very popular in the past year. Basically, it’s any form of exercise performed outdoors – often with a group – while enjoying the natural scenery. From yoga sessions on the beach to pop-up tai chi classes in the town park, many localities and fitness centers around the country have moved exercise classes outdoors in the past year to promote social distancing and limit exposure to COVID-19. Green exercise surged during the pandemic and the trend may permanently change the way we work out – even if exercising outdoors is not actually a new concept. Just…
