Protien

Do we get the necessary amount of protein we need each day? According to the National Health and Nutrtion Examination Survey about 7% of teenage girls and 8% of adult women do not get the necessary amount of protein they need. Protein is important to many physiological functions, from building muscle and bone to keeping cells in good working order. Recent studies suggest that protein makes a meal more satiating, which in turn could help people maintain a healthy weight. Meat is known to be a great source of protein. But is this really the healthiest source of protein? When choosing meat as a main source of protein aim for lean meats like chicken, pork, and fish. Eggs, beans, and nuts are also excellent sources of protein also filled with Omega-3 fatty acids that help with heart health as well.

High Blood Pressure Levels

Blood Pressure is critically important in maintaining a healthy heart but also maintaining healthy blood vessels. If we do not keep our blood pressure down under healthy levels than significant damage can happen to the blood vessels due to such high pressure which leads to wear and tear on the vessels. If the vessels get worn down they lose their elasticity and become hard. Blood clots may also form on the interior of the vessels leading to ateriosclorisis. These blood clots may than halt blood flow which with stop the flow of oxygen and other nutrients to the heart or brain which can cause a heart attack or stroke. Here are the healthy and unhealthy levels so we can better understand what those numbers mean when we go to the doctor's office.

Below 120 & Below 80

Normal - Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

120-139 & 80-89

PreHypertention - Adopt a healthier lifestyle

140-159 & 90-99

Stage 1 Hypertention - Adope a healthier lifestyle, possibly need to take medications to help

lower blood pressure

160 or more & 100 or more

Stage 2 Hypertension - Adopt a healthier lifestyle, definently need to take medications to

lower blood pressure. May need to take multiple medications. Risk is high for heart attack,

heart disease, or stroke if not already sufferning from those diseases.

Farrah Fawcett's Cancer Battle

Farrah Fawcett was recently hospitalized for complications associated with her battle with anal cancer. She received some unconvential cancer treatments in Germany which caused a large blood clot in her leg. The cancer is quickly metasticizing and has spread to her liver. However, the survival rate is 71% for this type of cancer in women so hopefully this is something she can beat.

Sports Drink Can Cause Damage to Teeth

Often when we are active we may turn to sports drinks to quench our thirst. However, they may cause serious damage to the enamel on our teeth. In a news release by New York Univeristy it have been assserted that sports drinks may not be good for our teeth at all. They contain high levels of citric acid that cause tooth erosion. Sports drinks may also possibly trigger conditions leading to severe tooth damage and loss. These findings are being presented at the International Association for Dental Research in Miami. People who use sports energy drinks for energy should not brush their teeth immediately after drinking the beverages. Softened enamel is highly susceptible to the abrasive properties of toothpaste. Due to this recent development we do not have to stop consuming sports drinks at all, but do so in moderation.

How Fast Should I Run?

Often when we go to the gym, we are unsure of how fast we are supposed to run in order to get the most out of workout. However, a recent journal article by Karen Streudel-Numbers posted in the Journal of Human Evolution suggests that we all have individual optimal paces that are best for us to exercise at. At this particular pace we can cover the greatest amount of distance with the least amount of energy. For the study, nine participants ran on a treadmill at six different speeds. Researchers measured each participant's metabolic rate at every speed, using a device that provided a breath-by-breath analysis of oxygen consumed and carbon dioxide produced. The optimal speed for most women is 6.5 miles per hour or a 9 minute mile, while for men it was 8.3 miles per hour or a 7 minute mile. Any speed lower than 4.5 miles per hour is not metabollically efficient because either walking fast or running slow can be physically awkward. This study concludes that men are more efficient runners than women because they tend to be longer limbed which is better suited for running. However, keep in mind that we should not all jump out and start running at high speeds. Work up to the exercise, or else this could lead to injury and incredible muscle fatigue.