Category Archives: Healthy living

Social Isolation Hurts in Multiple Ways

Socially isolated people die sooner Social isolation can be defined as the objective state of having few social connections or infrequent contact with other people. Scientists widely believe that social isolation is undesirable for most people. But is social isolation associated with a shorter life? A recent study used data from the English Longitudinal Study…
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Caloric Restriction Improves Cardiometabolic Health

Unintended caloric restriction in Biosphere 2 Caloric restriction reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in several animal species. But what about humans? Data from the eight inhabitants of Biosphere 2 showed that people eating a low-calorie diet improved cardiovascular risk factors. In 1991, eight people (four men, four women) were sealed in Biosphere 2 near…
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Climb Stairs for Better Health

Can climbing stairs really improve your health? Over the past decade, researchers have discovered that short-duration, high-intensity physical activity can produce outsized positive effects on cardiorespiratory fitness. Some people refer to this general approach as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or sprint interval training (SIT) or vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA). One practical approach for…
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Purposeful People Live Longer and Better

Purpose in life is a big deal Live with Purpose comprises one of the nine lifestyle choices featured in my recent book, Choose Better, Live Better – Nine Healthy Choices that Nurture Body, Mind, and Spirit. Living with purpose predicts many aspects of better health and well-being. Finding greater meaning in life is just one…
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