General Health Topic - How are Your New Year's Resolutions Holding up?

Hello Everyone,

Just a quick note of encouragement to stick to those New Year's Resolutions you made. How are they holding up? Are you doing anything special to help you stay with your program?

Drop me a note so I can pass on your success stories.

All the best,

Dr. Paul

General Health Topic - Large Waist = Increased Heart Attack Risk

Hello Everyone,

Need more motivation to lose that spare tire around the mid-section?

Did you know that increased waist size is an indicator that you may be at increased risk for a heart attack? True story! Why you ask?

Here's why.

There are two main areas where fat stores in the body. One is the fat under the skin (subcutaneous fat) and the other is deep in the abdomen, around organs like the liver and stomach. that deep stored fat (visceral fat) is the one that causes the problems.

The visceral fat near the liver provides a steady supply of fat that is converted into cholesterol. That cholesterol then circulates throughout the body which can be deposited in the blood vessels and clog them. Clogging of the blood vessels and arteries can cause heart attacks and strokes.

Visceral fat also acts like a body organ and can secrete chemicals (Interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-Reactive Protein (CRP)) that can cause inflammation in the body. That includes inflammation of the arteries. Those inflamed arteries can also become obstructed causing heart attacks and stroke. Studies also indicate that increased levels of IL-6 and CRP can predict the development of Type 2 Diabetes. There are other studies that support the hypothesis that body fat is the main determining factor of metabolic abnormalities and chronic low inflammation (Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2004 Apr;14(2):66-72)

According to Dr. Paul Donohue, a man's waist should measure 40 inches or less and a woman's should be 35 inches or less.

Here is the good news. Walking, jogging, biking and swimming and other forms of exercise can reduce visceral fat.

I'm going to be on the treadmill soon. Right after lunch!

Until later,


Dr. Paul

General Health Topic - Getting Fit in the New Year

Hello Everyone,

Yes, I'll have another little piece of cake, Thank You. And an extra tamale as well. Some eggnog sounds good. Margarita on the rocks will hit the spot. I really haven't eaten much, I've just been grazing at the buffet table. I am going to splurge a little... It's the holidays after all!

Sound Familiar?

I know I have a tendency to over eat during the holidays. There are so many goodies around this time of year. I can't get those little "Polvorone" cookies at any other time of the year. I have to get my fill.....Now!

The time for getting fit, eating right and taking off those unwanted pounds is just around the corner.

Getting fit in the New Year. That's the ticket!

The American Heart Association has a website that has an on-line nutrition and fitness tracker.

Find information on Start! for individuals at:

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3041198

By using MyStart! Online for your free tracking tool, you can start logging your daily activity and nutrition. You’ll also receive weekly and monthly e-newsletters filled with tips and motivation to keep you moving.

It is about making small lifestyle changes for large health benefits. It helps you build regular activity and a healthy diet into your everyday life and ensures you're getting the right balance to achieve your long term goals.

There is also a section for Start! for employers. If you have a company check out:

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3041223

For those that need extra little gadgets to get motivated and don't mind paying a yearly fee, you can check out:

http://www.ahastart.fitbug.com/

Start thinking about those New Year goals. After that next trip through the buffet line, that is!

Enjoy!

Dr. Paul