We all know that chocolate is good for the heart when a loved one gives us some at Valentine’s Day, Easter, Christmas, or just because, but now clinical studies have shown that chocolate can actually help your heart. Chocolate reduce your blood pressure and lower insulin levels. The full Chocolate may be good for your heart: study story at Reuters cautions that the study was pulled from several clinical tests and does not state how much chocolate is good for us. Sign me up for the long-term testing.
Category Archives: Health
Green tea keeps elderly spry
A Japanese study shows that drinking five cups of green tea each day can keep people over 65-years-old more agile. These same people were a third less likely to develop disabilities than those who drank less than one cup a day. I wonder if it is due to the green tea, the extra hydration or more exercise going to the bathroom so often? I am speaking from experience since I like green tea. Learn more in the Green tea drinkers show less disability with age: study story at Reuters.
Lifelong brain exercises may reduce Alzheimer’s
Researchers found that exercising the brain with games, reading, and writing can reduce the chance of protein deposits that cause Alzheimer’s, but you must start at a young age and continue your whole life. So, stop “vegging” in front of the TV and read some good books. Learn more in the Keeping brain sharp may ward off Alzheimer’s protein story at Reuters.
Kids eat healthier with smaller main dish
In an effort to keep kids healthy, many parents accidentally train them into poor eating habits. These well-intentioned parents send their kids to school with large main dishes, like Mac & Cheese, to make sure they have enough to eat, but many times the kids fill-up on the main dish and skip their fruits and vegetables. So, cut back on the main dish and your children will healthier for the rest of their lives. Read the full Smaller servings mean more balanced meals for kids: study story at Reuters.
Lean beef okay in moderation
People on diets that focus only on fruits and vegetables may be able to add lean beef and still be healthy. Like most studies, any food in moderation, like 4 to 4.5 ounces of lean meat per day, seems to be fine for our diet. Read more in the Lean beef OK for certain diets: study story at Reuters.
Paralympian cured, eyes Olympics
What an amazing story! Monique van der Vorst was paralyzed at age 13 and went on to win two silver medals in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics at age 24. But, that is just the beginning of this incredible story. In a freak accident last year, Monique was struck by a bicycle while training for the 2012 Paralympics and miraculously regained feeling in her feet. Seventeen months later, she just signed on with the Rabobank women’s professional cycling team with the goal of cycling in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Read the full Paralympian eyes Olympic glory after “miracle” crash story at Reuters.
Mayans never predicted end of the world
According to Mayan experts 12/12/2012 is just the end of a 5,126 year cycle of their calendar, not the end of the world. See full Mayans never predicted world to end in 2012: experts story at Reuters.
Do not be afraid. Fear is the most harmful condition on the planet. False rumors like the end of the world only incite anxiety and panic and may even cause bad things to happen. Terrorist and the evening news thrive on fear. The next time you watch the news, listen closely to *where* the incident happened. Most of the time it occurred somewhere else in the state or even across the country, but they make you feel like it happened next door. If you are afraid, take a 30-day “media break”, no watching or reading the news. Use the time to help your neighbors or a local shelter. You will be surprised how your outlook will change.
Note: I try to post only positive news on Whittle Love.
NEWS: Attending religious services can improve your health
Regular attendance in religious services can improve optimism, reduce depression, and even help you live longer. It may not work for all, but it is worth a try. Learn more in the Study links religious services to optimism story at Reuters.
Please visit your church, mosque, temple, synagogue, house of worship, shrine, Daoguan, Wat or Gurdwara this week.
*** NOTE: I humbly apologize if I have misstated, misspelled or omitted your place of worship.
NEWS: Fiber is good for teens too
It seems that fiber is good for teens too. Those who eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains are less likely to contract diabetes and heart disease. Learn more from the Fiber-loving teens have lower heart, diabetes risks story at Reuters.