I caught wind of a couple of interesting studies presented at the 57th annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine.  And wouldn’t you know that they provide more evidence of the benefits of being in shape.  However, this time they showed improvements in academic performance.

The first study looked at college students, which is interesting since most studies looking at this issue have dealt with younger students (elementary or middle school students).  The finding was that students who exercised vigorously for 20 minutes a day, seven days a week, had a grade point average (GPA) that was 0.4  higher, on a 4.0 scale, than students who did not exercise.  So perhaps a little more time on the treadmill, and not just with the books, will make a difference.  With two of my kids still in college, you can bet that this study will make the rounds at home! (more…)

The other day, I heard something very disturbing at the surgery center where I do a lot of my work. There was a child patient who was 6 years old, and weighed 120 pounds. I know, you’re saying you’ve got to be kidding me.  How does a child get this fat, this young?  And what does this mean for the rest of his life?

To my mind, this is a family issue.  Honestly, a very common family issue.  Correcting this will require a change in the way we live, and since most of us live in families, a change in the way that families live.

We had an issue with one of our kids who was heavier than any of us wanted.  (more…)

Recently, I’ve noticed a light outside during the day, something round and shining in the sky.  Oh, yeah, it’s the sun.  Seems like forever since we’ve seen it.  But it really looks like the weather is breaking and some real springtime weather is upon us.  And, of course, as the weather improves we start thinking about getting outside, summer, sitting by the pool, bathing suits.  And, (OMG) time to get back into shape!

There is no question that the fitter we are, the better we look, and the healthier we are.  And this is pretty much age independent.  So, whether we are in our twenties or in our seventies, we are all better off if we are  exercising on a routine basis.  Some people really have this down.  They are working out regularly and the results show, while others have a problem either getting going, or keeping it going.  So what makes the difference?  While there is no one answer, several things can really help you keep a consistent exercise program. (more…)

Between now and Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for me, and I suspect for you too.  It’s like finishing the year off with a sprint.  Between the shopping, and the parties, and work, and the things that have to be done before year’s end, there just doesn’t seem to be enough time for everything.  And in a time like this, it’s really easy to get away from the things that we do all the time that maintain our sanity and our health.

So, I recommend that you don’t get too far out of what you normally do during this time.  Make sure that you still take time for yourself. (And believe me, I’m talking to me as much as to you on this one.)  So, as things get busy don’t stop your normal healthy habits. If you regularly exercise (as you should), don’t skip your workouts.  If there is a time you set aside to read or reflect, keep doing this.  Just keep doing whatever it is that keeps your life in balance.

This is truly a great time of the year for so many reasons.  My Christmas wish for you is that you can really enjoy this time, and all that comes with it.

Here’s looking at you,

David B.