Think Fit, Not Fat

A recent study found that women with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29.9 considered overweight by the National Institutes of Health had a 23 percent lower risk of dying from any cause within 12 years than women who had "normal" BMIs. Why? "Combined with regular exercise and eating right, being a little overweight may help protect the body as we age," says study coauthor Mark Kaplan, Dr.P.H. Women who don't sweat their curves may remain worry-free, and "lower stress levels and a healthy lifestyle can add up to longer life," he says. Want to dance at your 100th birthday party? Focus less on getting slim and more on being strong.

Prevent Acid Reflux

Have you experienced heartburn? Most of us experienced heartburn at one time or another. Researchers at King's College London have found chewing gum is an easy way to help prevent this uncomfortable condition. By popping a piece of gum after a meal you increase your production of saliva. The alkaline in the saliva helps to neutralize stomach acid. More saliva also means more swallowing, an act that stimulates the muscle contractions that help to digest food. Keep a pack of sugarless gum in your bag or car for an easy solution to that nasty feeling so that you can get on with your life.

A Proven Fix for HBP (High Blood Pressure)

We all know that exercise is good for our health but do you know that doing cardio and lifting weights can keep your blood pressure in check? Researchers at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil found that a single session-three sets of six low-intensity resistance exercise, can reduce your numbers, lowering your heart disease risk. According to Claudia Forjaz, Ph.D., study author and department chief of the university's School of Physical Education and Sport, when you lift weights your heart rate and blood pressure increase. This causes your blood vessels to expand, an effect that may last hours, making it easier for your heart to pump blood and ultimately lowering your pressure. Add two bouts with the 'bells to your weekly routine to help keep your stats low.

More info: Nearly 74 million Americans have hig blood pressure.

Health Information

*When you are stressed out grab a pack of gum and chew the nervousness away. 16 is the percentage of decreased anxiety resulting from lowered levels of salivary cortisol by chewing gum.

*13 is the number of calories burned by each pound of lean body mass during a single day at rest.

*The researchers recommended a 1000 milligrams of dietary calcium intake (equivalent of three glasses of fat-free milk) daily to reduce body fat over an 18-month period. The researchers at McMaster University at Hamilton, Ontario found that drinking fat-free milk after a resistance workout increased muscle gain.

Health Benefits of Whole Soy

I read this good article about soybeans. It says soybeans are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, phytonutrients and protein. In fact, the soybean is a high-quality, complete protein source. Soy Provides bone and heart benefits too. The whole soy is rich in isoflavones. It's a plant-based compounds with antioxidants properties. This isoflavones are thought to be responsible for some of soy's health benefits, including bone health. According to FDA, incorporating 25 grams of soy protein per day into a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may improve heart health.

Boredom Is Not Bad At All

Do you wonder what the boredom does or affect our body? Here's why boredom isn't bad at all. The research suggests that boredom is a valuable mental tool that allows us to refresh our thoughts. Usually there's a reason we tune things out. A good example is droning lecturers, by filtering the incoming world around us, and that tendency helps us sort information into useful or not useful categories. Science also shows that the brain, far from shutting down during those distracted moments. It's actually consuming 5% less energy than when fully engaged. So the next time you feel like or found yourself staring into space, sit awhile. Give yourself a break.

Sweet Tooth Equals Genes

Wonder why you can't stop eating sweets? The University of Toronto researchers think they know why. The gene variation may make it hard for the body to sense blood sugar changes, so the brain doesn't get the signal to stop eating. In a new study, people with a genetic quirk drank 44 percent more sugary drinks, ate 34 percent more sweets and consumed 100 to 200 more calories a day from the extra sugar. It's not a surprise these people weighed more and had bigger waists. So far no remedy for this issue but try carefully counting your overall calories so you have room for an occasional slice of heaven.