by Rupe | Mar 24, 2019 | Fitness, Health-Wellness-Sex
sitting outdoors
It seems a simple enough challenge: Sit down on the floor and get back up without the help of your hands or knees. Try it, though, and you might discover it’s not as easy as it sounds.
This “sitting-rising” exercise was designed to predict mortality in middle-aged and older people. The test was devised by a team led by Claudio Gil Araújo, a Brazilian physician and researcher in exercise and sports medicine, and published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention in 2012. It resurfaces periodically in media outlets or online, causing widespread alarm regarding mortality among the many people (of all ages) who can’t seem to get themselves off the ground. We decided to find out whether that worry is warranted.
Source: WAPO
My Comments:
This is a pretty interesting test. I am able to do it now, but I am not really sure what that really means. And I certainly don’t have the flexibility to get up like the female in the video.
by Rupe | Mar 16, 2019 | Fitness, Health-Wellness-Sex
A napping habit could lower blood pressure to a similar extent as other lifestyle modifications and some drugs, according to research scheduled to be presented March 18 at the American College of Cardiology’s scientific sessions in New Orleans.
Researchers studied 212 people who were 62 years old on average and had a mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 129.9 mm Hg. Compared to those who didn’t nap, participants who took a daytime snooze had average 24-hour SBPs 5.3 mm Hg lower (127.6 mm Hg vs. 132.9 mm Hg). For each hour of napping—the average duration was 49 minutes—SBP was lowered by about 3 mm Hg.
Source: Cardiovascular Business
My Comments: I can get with this.
by Rupe | Mar 15, 2019 | Mad Musings
Meritocracy has become a leading social ideal. Politicians across the ideological spectrum continually return to the theme that the rewards of life – money, power, jobs, university admission – should be distributed according to skill and effort. The most common metaphor is the ‘even playing field’ upon which players can rise to the position that fits their merit. Conceptually and morally, meritocracy is presented as the opposite of systems such as hereditary aristocracy, in which one’s social position is determined by the lottery of birth. Under meritocracy, wealth and advantage are merit’s rightful compensation, not the fortuitous windfall of external events.
Source: Aeon
My Comment:
This is an important piece of writing. I am especially drawn to the relationship between the idea of a meritocracy and discrimination.
by Rupe | Jan 30, 2019 | Fitness, Health-Wellness-Sex
Imagine yourself exercising: running, hiking, dancing, lifting weights — whatever you like to do. Picture yourself pushing to a maximum intensity. Now, ask yourself: Are you breathing out of your nose or mouth?
If you are like most exercisers, you breathe through your mouth, especially as the intensity of the exercise mounts. But experts are learning that breathing through the mouth may not be as efficient or effective as breathing through the nose.
Source: Why you should use nasal breathing when you exercise
My Comments: Pretty interesting piece.
by Rupe | Jan 28, 2019 | Fitness, Health-Wellness-Sex
Happy New Year! If you’re ready to make some positive health changes in 2019, consider this your ultimate resolution checklist. Bookmark this article, and review it every three months for a reminder, for inspiration or just to see how you’re doing. Consider it our New Year’s gift to you: a longer, healthier, happier life.
Source: Live Longer, Prevent Disease, Feel Happier After 50
My Comments: Lots of great info and advice packed into one article from AARP. I just could not pass this one by.
