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Proof of Exercise's Health Benefit
Many dieters skip the exercise part of their routine. "I'm too busy staying focused on my food," they claim.
Here's a timely reminder that exercise plays an important role in determining your overall health and longevity: Ralph S. Paffenbarger, Jr., who recently died at age 84. You say you've never heard of him? An epidemiologist, Paffenbarger launched the landmark study showing that exercise makes a difference in all aspects of your health, including how long you live. His College Alumni Health Study tracked the exercise habits of 52,000 men who had entered Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania between 1916 and 1950 as they progressed from middle to old age. Paffenbarger's study concluded that an exerciser accumulates two to three additional hours of life for every hour of physical activity.
Paffenbarger took his research literally to heart: although men in his family typically died of heart disease in their 50s, the medical researcher started jogging at age 45 after seeing the results of his study. He subsequently ran marathons for many years. So walk briskly around the block today an extra time, in his honor -- and to benefit your health.
Guys: Take off Your Tie, and Stop Global Warming
Attention, men who wear ties to the office. Hate wearing it in the summer because it makes you too hot? Longing to exercise your options by jogging up the stairs instead of using the elevator, but feel constrained by your tie? Tell your boss you're helping the health of the planet by opting for no-tie, open color chic.
The Italian health ministry recently issued an advisory to public and private businesses. In its statement, the ministry stated that employers should let staff free themselves from their ties in the summer. The goal: lower the air conditioning, resulting in electricity savings and helping the environment. I did a highly unscientific poll of guys in my office. The majority agreed that they weren't quite clear on how wearing ties impacted global warming -- but they loved the idea of "freedom from necktie bondage," as a sales director described it. As for me, I think I'll use the advisory as an excuse for not blow-drying my hair.
Comment by 
thebooklass said... - Saturday, July 28, 2007 8:27:00 AM
I believe exercise is important, but I think we forget that it can also be incorporated into our lifestyles more, rather than as something kept in a separate category. Isn't it rather ironic that we produce all of the energy saving devices, then truck ourselves off to the gym? I read that someone living a traditional Amish lifestyle walks about 10,000 steps a day. What if we simply put more effort into our hobbies and life first? If that's not enough, or you like to do it, then run or go to the gym or whatever floats your boat.
Comment by 
said... - Monday, August 20, 2007 10:09:00 AM
Interesting, and I'd like to add something. I'm on crutches for an injury, and my physical therapy is at a health club that also has a physical therapy dept. It's unfortunate that often the closest parking spots are taken by people going there to "work out"
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