According to literature review published in the Journal of Family Medicine in the February 2008 issue, “Patients who used pedometers walked more, lost weight without dieting, and improved their systolic blood pressure“.

This is based on a meta-analysis published in JAMA (Journal of American Medical Association) 2007 which analyzed over 26 studies of pedometer use in adult outpatients that reported a change in the number of steps walked per day. The 2767 participants in these studies were 85% women, with a mean age of 49. At baseline, most participants were overweight, with normal blood pressure (mean 129/79 mm Hg) and relatively well-controlled cholesterol levels (mean total cholesterol 198 mg/dL, HDL 52 mg/dL, LDL 113 mg/dL). The mean baseline activity level was 7473 steps per day (range 2140–12,371). Duration of interventions ranged from 3 to 104 weeks, with a mean of 18 weeks. (more…)

Overweight and obesity are found worldwide, and the prevalence of these conditions in the United States ranks high along with other developed nations. Below are some data based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001 to 2004.

Adults age 20 and older who are overweight or obese (BMI > 25)

All adults: 133.6 million (66 percent) - ABOUT 2/3rd of U.S. Adults!
Women: 65 million (61.6 percent)
Men: 68.3 million (70.5 percent) (more…)

Smoking is a major cause of many diseases. Some of those include:

• Cancer of lung, larynx, mouth, and esophagus
• Coronary heart disease; strokes; chronic bronchitis
• Low bone density; hip fractures
• GERD and Peptic Ulcers

People who smoke may not understand or they may choose to ignore all of the risks listed on the labels of tobacco products. Smokers who do quit can lower their risks of contracting disease caused by smoking and can improve their overall health. (more…)

Over the past decade, Omega-3 fatty acids have gained widespread attention in both medical community as well as in lay press for their health benefits.

Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the two types of polyunsaturated fats. The other type is omega-6 fatty acids. The main dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids are soybean and canola oils, with flaxseed oil being an especially rich source. The dietary sources for omega-6 fatty acids are vegetable oils, such as corn, safflower, and soybean. A long chain omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are found in seafood, with oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines being particularly good soruces. (more…)