Strenuous Sarah
I just read a nice article about Sarah Palin the runner at Runners World online. The legacy of family devotion and physical activity between generations is particularly inspiring. Sarah is a remarkable human being, the epitome of American womanhood. She unfailingly inspires women who desire to be strong, active and effective while remaining feminine. On the other hand, she appears to threaten those who continually attack her on every level and at any opportunity. I suspect she reminds them all too much of their unfulfilled lives, or challenges their desire to perpetuate victimhood in America.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Forget the Scale? Up to a Point
Recent studies have suggested that a few extra pounds may not be harmful, and may even be protective in some individuals especially the elderly. Now a study in the journal Obesity provides additional evidence that being “overweight”, somewhere between recommended weight and what we now consider obesity (Body Mass Index >30 kg/m2) may be beneficial. But let’s not get this message out of kilter, obesity is a significant risk factor for many disease processes and once you get beyond those few extra pounds survival turns South. Indeed, I was discussing a related phenomenon with a colleague just the other day. That being the extreme rarity with which we see morbidly obese patients over the age of 70. Obese people just don’t live very long.
I suspect that the actual target for ideal weight is not effectively captured by BMI. Rather, it is just as important to consider where the weight is carried (i.e. intra-abdomen vs. subcutaneous), and whether patients are being treated for weight related complications such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. But even more importantly is cardiorespiratory fitness, or the ability to crank off several minutes of very brisk walking or running. The work of Dr. Steve Blair and colleagues has been very revealing regarding the notion that fit fat people can do very well.
Recent studies have suggested that a few extra pounds may not be harmful, and may even be protective in some individuals especially the elderly. Now a study in the journal Obesity provides additional evidence that being “overweight”, somewhere between recommended weight and what we now consider obesity (Body Mass Index >30 kg/m2) may be beneficial. But let’s not get this message out of kilter, obesity is a significant risk factor for many disease processes and once you get beyond those few extra pounds survival turns South. Indeed, I was discussing a related phenomenon with a colleague just the other day. That being the extreme rarity with which we see morbidly obese patients over the age of 70. Obese people just don’t live very long.I suspect that the actual target for ideal weight is not effectively captured by BMI. Rather, it is just as important to consider where the weight is carried (i.e. intra-abdomen vs. subcutaneous), and whether patients are being treated for weight related complications such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. But even more importantly is cardiorespiratory fitness, or the ability to crank off several minutes of very brisk walking or running. The work of Dr. Steve Blair and colleagues has been very revealing regarding the notion that fit fat people can do very well.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Americans Express Doubts on Government Run Health System
The WSJ Opinion Journal recently teased out public sentiment on health care reform as revealed in a recent New York Times-CBS News poll. Among the findings it was noted that 77% of those polled were very or somewhat satisfied with the quality of their own care, 68% were concerned that a public (i.e. government) option would restrict their access to treatment, and 53% were worried they would be forced to change doctors.
Not surprisingly MSM cheerleaders contorted these numbers, and the fact that Americans do acknowledge that there is room for improvement, into a headline that proclaimed "Wide Support for Government-Run Health."
Clearly, Americans know what they want. Let's just hope they understand what they are being sold.
The WSJ Opinion Journal recently teased out public sentiment on health care reform as revealed in a recent New York Times-CBS News poll. Among the findings it was noted that 77% of those polled were very or somewhat satisfied with the quality of their own care, 68% were concerned that a public (i.e. government) option would restrict their access to treatment, and 53% were worried they would be forced to change doctors.
Not surprisingly MSM cheerleaders contorted these numbers, and the fact that Americans do acknowledge that there is room for improvement, into a headline that proclaimed "Wide Support for Government-Run Health."
Clearly, Americans know what they want. Let's just hope they understand what they are being sold.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Survival of the Fittest
No surprise here. In a survey of 33 studies Japanese investigators demonstrated that those with higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels had significantly better survival and cardiovascular event rates than those in a low fitness category. Cardiorespiratory fitness is essentially a measure of exercise capacity. Unfortunately, exercise capacity is rarely taken into consideration by health care providers when assessing individual risk for cardiovascular death and disease. The good news is that cardiorespiratory fitness is a modifiable risk factor (i.e. it can be improved). In addition, even a modest increase in fitness level was associated a significantly improved risk profile.
No surprise here. In a survey of 33 studies Japanese investigators demonstrated that those with higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels had significantly better survival and cardiovascular event rates than those in a low fitness category. Cardiorespiratory fitness is essentially a measure of exercise capacity. Unfortunately, exercise capacity is rarely taken into consideration by health care providers when assessing individual risk for cardiovascular death and disease. The good news is that cardiorespiratory fitness is a modifiable risk factor (i.e. it can be improved). In addition, even a modest increase in fitness level was associated a significantly improved risk profile.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Obama Health Care Takeover Must be Stopped
In today's WSJ Karl Rove discusses what must be driven home to the public in order to derail BHOs next disaster, a government-run health insurance program. In short, Rove's five essential points are ...
1.) the plan is unnecessary.
2.) it will undercut private insurers and pass the tab to taxpayers and health providers.
3.) it would force most Americans onto the government plan.
4.) it is far too expensive.
5.) it puts government firmly between patients and their doctors.
In summary, the program would represent the largest government take over of our generation, and would not only commit our nation to a health care wasteland, but would cripple the national economy indefinitely.
In today's WSJ Karl Rove discusses what must be driven home to the public in order to derail BHOs next disaster, a government-run health insurance program. In short, Rove's five essential points are ...
1.) the plan is unnecessary.
2.) it will undercut private insurers and pass the tab to taxpayers and health providers.
3.) it would force most Americans onto the government plan.
4.) it is far too expensive.
5.) it puts government firmly between patients and their doctors.
In summary, the program would represent the largest government take over of our generation, and would not only commit our nation to a health care wasteland, but would cripple the national economy indefinitely.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Moderately Strenuous Life Boosts Mood
Researchers reported at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine reported that a moderate bout of exercise improved mood in men and women for up to 12 hours.
The "dose" of exercise needed to lift mood is not a lot, Sibold (lead investigator) said. "We aren't talking about a Lance Armstrong workout." A few minutes a day could pay off, he said.
This comes as no surprise to us endurance junkies or our families. More than once my wife has told me to go for a run when she detects my increasing crankiness.
Researchers reported at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine reported that a moderate bout of exercise improved mood in men and women for up to 12 hours.
The "dose" of exercise needed to lift mood is not a lot, Sibold (lead investigator) said. "We aren't talking about a Lance Armstrong workout." A few minutes a day could pay off, he said.
This comes as no surprise to us endurance junkies or our families. More than once my wife has told me to go for a run when she detects my increasing crankiness.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Ronaldus Magnus Honored in Bronze
Ronald Reagan's 7 foot bronze statue was unveiled in the Capital Rotunda last week. Other than select founding fathers and Lincoln, no other American is more deserving of the distinction.
Reagan never apologized for America. To him it was a shining city on a hill.
Ronald Reagan's 7 foot bronze statue was unveiled in the Capital Rotunda last week. Other than select founding fathers and Lincoln, no other American is more deserving of the distinction.Reagan never apologized for America. To him it was a shining city on a hill.
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