Issue 17 - February 11, 2010

In This Issue:

• Large Waist Size Increases Risk of Death

• Weight Lifting Reduces Knee Arthritis Symptoms

• Fit Tips

Large Waist Size Increases Risk of Death

A large European population study that tracked nearly 400,000 people for nearly 10 years showed that fat distribution was more important than total fat for predicting the risk of death.

Researchers measured body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist to hip ratio. They also gathered data on smoking, alcohol consumption and exercise.

People with the highest waist circumference increased their risk of death by 105%, while those with the highest waist to hip ratio increased their risk of death by 78%. BMI was also related to an increased risk of death, but it was not nearly as significant as waist circumference and waist to hip ratio.

Visit the Abdominal Fat Loss Tips page for some good tips on how to reduce waist size.

Weight Lifting Reduces Knee Arthritis Symptoms

It seems to make sense that people with knee arthritis should avoid lifting weights. However, Australian researchers found just the opposite.

The researchers reviewed 18 studies that included nearly 3,000 patients suffering from knee arthritis. They found that resistance exercise reduced pain and improved physical function, walking speed and balance.

Weak muscles around the knee joint cause instability and stress, which deteriorates cartilage cells lining the joint. Cartilage damage triggers joint surface irregularities and promotes poor joint lubrication, which causes pain and disability. Strengthening the muscles around the joint provides stability and a healthier environment for the cartilage cells and the membranes secreting joint fluid.

Fit Tips

• Seven foods that will help keep your eyes healthy are eggs, raspberries, almonds, broccoli, salmon, spinach and yogurt.

• Hemp is an excellent source of protein. It contains all eight essential amino acids and is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E and iron. Hemp products include hemp cereal, hemp milk and hemp protein powder.

• 257,000 is the number of cancer deaths in 2007 linked to low vitamin D levels. Studies have shown that more than three out of every four Americans now have vitamin D levels below what is believed to be necessary for optimal health.