Thursday Mar 11, 2010
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Eat Differently as You Age Story

Eat Differently as You Age

As people get older, their metabolism begins to change. And this means their intake of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals must change, too, or their health might suffer. "All the nutritional things that we need to be concerned about as younger adults are even more important as we get older," says Alice Lichtenstein, professor of nutrition at Tufts University in Medford, Mass.

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Tai Chi Increases Seniors' Immunity Story

Tai Chi Increases Seniors' Immunity

A Chinese form of martial art that's also a meditation and exercise discipline shows a remarkable ability to boost immunity in older people, according to recent research. This is on top of studies that have already demonstrated that the martial art, known as tai chi, lowers blood pressure, improves sleep patterns and reduces stress. The 2,500-year-old discipline is often practiced in groups, and is well known from images of citizens performing it together in parks all over China. Its slow, rhythmic movements are designed to promote mental calm, peace and serenity - and the research seems to back that up. It also improves balance, flexibility, strength and coordination, and so is especially beneficial for those who are overweight or arthritic.

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Understanding Changes in Overeating As We Age Story

Understanding Changes in Overeating As We Age

Key appetite control cells in the human brain degenerate over time, causing increased hunger and potentially weight-gain as we grow older, according to a Monash University scientist. Dr. Zane Andrews has found that appetite-suppressing cells are damaged by free radicals after eating and said the degeneration is more significant following meals rich in carbohydrates and sugars. Dr. Andrews claims, "The more carbs and sugars you eat, the more your appetite-control cells are damaged, and potentially you consume more."

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Alzheimer's and Exercise Story

Alzheimer's and Exercise

There is a growing body of evidence that shows that people can delay and even prevent the onset of dementia by living a healthier lifestyle when young, and that includes exercising. We don't completely understand what triggers Alzheimer's disease and dementia in general. For decades doctors have been preaching we should pump, run, and row our way to good health. But hitting the pavement and the gym for your brain? That's exactly what a growing number of scientists are advising their patients.

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Hundreds of Strokes Found to Be Avoidable Story

Hundreds of Strokes Found to Be Avoidable

A University of Manchester study has found that hundreds of strokes could be prevented each year if patients suffering from "mini-strokes", or transient ischaemic attacks (TIA), were assessed sooner by specialist clinicians. Researchers found that almost two thirds of patients attending what are termed 'rapid access' TIA clinics took more than the recommended seven days to be seen by a professional. A transient ischaemic attack is a temporary weakening of one side of the face and corresponding arm which drastically increases a person's chances of suffering from a major stroke within days of the symptoms. Some studies have put the risk as high as a one in for probability.

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