Lead Stories: Saturday, July 5, 2008
Posted February 13th, 2007 at 3:02 PM by Megan Hueter
The risk of death from coronary heart disease is decreased almost two-fold in physically active people. Regular exercise has beneficial effects on blood pressure, lipid profile (fats in the body), insulin resistance (ability to break down sugar to use for energy), and overall decreased risk of death.
However, prolonged exercise (such as a marathon running) is hard for the body to endure, especially the heart. The risk of a cardiac event is there, as indicated by dozens of emergency crews present at various intervals of an event such as the Boston Marathon. A 2006 study shows that heart damage from a marathon is significantly related to inadequate training and preparation; a problem seen in some amateur marathon runners.
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Posted February 1st, 2007 at 10:30 AM by Megan Hueter
Note: We recognize that this article is beyond the scope of our normal content. However, we felt that in our continuing efforts to encourage active living and help you reach your goals, it was appropriate and important for us promote “Go Red for Women Day” and convey the American Heart Association’s recommendations for lowering your risk of heart disease.
On Friday, February 2nd, people around the nation will be supporting the American Heart Association‘s national “Go Red for Women Day” by wearing red to help raise awareness of heart disease among women. The campaign has chosen the color red to stand for the ability all women have to improve their heart health and live stronger, longer lives.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 12 million people in the United States suffer from coronary heart disease (CHD), and CHD is the leading cause of death for women and men.
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Posted January 1st, 2007 at 3:30 PM by Jonathan Faccone
There are many studies that demonstrate alcohol’s negative effects on health and physical performance, but the good news is that avoiding it may not be the best idea either.
Believe it or not, athletes used to consume alcohol prior to competition to improve performance. The thinking behind this idea is that alcohol could alter energy metabolism, improve physiological processes, or modify psychological factors to help the athlete. Unfortunately this idea no longer holds as more research is demonstrating that alcohol by no means should be considered a performance-enhancing supplement.
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Posted January 1st, 2007 at 11:00 AM by Megan Hueter
Eat too much this holiday season? You’re most likely not alone. However, eating too much on a daily basis takes a toll on your body, especially your heart. Make this New Year’s resolution a healthy one for you and your family.
You can start by checking out some different online opportunities, including the Discovery Health Channel’s National Body Challenge, and the American Heart Association’s Choose to Move program.
Programs such as these have been established due to chronic public health problems in the United States associated with poor diet and lack of physical activity. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death for all people in the United States, currently affecting nearly 12 million people.
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