It’s been a physiology-full 2016 on the I Spy Physiology blog! From exercise to respiration to heart health and beyond, we’ve explored how the bodies of humans and other animals work, adapt and react. Today, we take a look back at our 10 most read posts of the year. Concussions among football players was headline … Continue reading 2016’s Ten Most Read Posts
Exercise
Bring on Winter! (But Stay Safe and Healthy)
Winter officially begins next week with the winter solstice—the day of the year with the fewest hours of sunlight—on Dec. 21. With the cold weather and shorter days, you might be tempted to curl up under a blanket until the spring thaw. Whether you plan to hibernate or get outside to enjoy the chill, … Continue reading Bring on Winter! (But Stay Safe and Healthy)
Exercise: It does a body—no, your brain—good!
Credit: iStock It’s 7:30 a.m., I’m looking for my keys, grabbing my bag and herding everyone out of the door as we hurry off to school and work. Wait! One more trip back into the house for the forgotten homework assignment, a lunchbox and … it seems I have forgotten several things. Is it stress, … Continue reading Exercise: It does a body—no, your brain—good!
Are You at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?
During American Diabetes Month in November, you may notice more people are talking about diabetes, a disease that affects 29 million Americans. It’s a great time to learn more about diabetes and the ways that you can decrease or manage your risk of developing the disease. Diabetes mellitus is a problem with how your body … Continue reading Are You at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?
The Young Qualities of Old Muscle
Decline, decrease, deteriorate—all words associated with the aging process. Preventing “D” words is important to keep older people healthy. The loss of muscle is one of the most obvious age-related decreases we experience. Bulky muscles on a person that lifts a lot of weights or the sleek tone of a person that runs a lot … Continue reading The Young Qualities of Old Muscle
Looking for a New Physical Challenge? Try a Mountain Ultra-Marathon
Of all the extreme endurance races out there—such as the Ironman triathlon or 50- or 100-mile marathons—the Tor des Géants ultra-mountain marathon may be the most extreme. The course is 205 miles long on the rugged terrain of the Italian Alps with a cumulative elevation gain of 24,000 feet. Participants have 150 hours, little more … Continue reading Looking for a New Physical Challenge? Try a Mountain Ultra-Marathon
The Antioxidant-Activity Connection
Antioxidants: It’s one of the biggest health buzzwords today. The fabled powers of these mysterious compounds have been featured on daytime TV, plastered on age-defying beauty products and foods in the grocery store, and sold to us as a major reason to frequent juice bars and smoothie shops. Antioxidants are not just an overblown fad, though. … Continue reading The Antioxidant-Activity Connection
Go for a Longer Run…Your Bones Will Thank You
Turning on the television, I inhale deeply as the Olympic marathoners stride across cities to compete for their shot at a medal. As an exercise physiologist, I find all athletes particularly amazing. These men and women devote themselves to their training, pushing for just one more mile with each run. That extra mile provides a … Continue reading Go for a Longer Run…Your Bones Will Thank You
Yoga Can Help You Mind Your Weight
Reduced calorie diet and physical activity are common ways to help with weight management, but many might not be aware that yoga can also help. Researchers at the Wellness Institute of the Cleveland Clinic came to this conclusion after extensively reviewing the studies on the health impacts of yoga. According to the Centers for Disease … Continue reading Yoga Can Help You Mind Your Weight
Does Weight Have to Yo-Yo? Secrets for Keeping Weight Off
It’s the million-dollar (possibly billion-dollar) weight loss question: How do you keep lost weight off? This question is receiving renewed attention after a recent study reported that most of the contestants on Season 8 of television’s “The Biggest Loser” regained the large amounts of weight they’d lost on the show. Studies in rodents and humans … Continue reading Does Weight Have to Yo-Yo? Secrets for Keeping Weight Off