Chemistry of Love & Exercise

Did you know...

... that humans are wired for love, as well as connection? According to Helen Fisher (2004), an anthropologist, she observed people who were 'crazy in love' in a study, and noted their brain function in the MRI machine as they looked at photos of their beloved (Fishbane, 2007).
The part of the brain that was most activated is the same region affected by the use of addictive drugs (eg. cocaine), the part of the brain's pleasure and reward system, the caudate nucleus (Fishbane, 2007).

That same elated feeling when you exercise, is the effect on the brain known as the 'endorphin high' that makes us feel good during and right after exercise (Miller, 2007).
The longer-lasting effects of regular exercise improves:

1. mood, decreases anxiety and depression
   
2. improves sleep
3. improves resilience in the wave of stress
   
4. raises self-esteem

Biologically, exercise makes our brain's nerve cells healthier, with the added blood and energy supply (Miller, 2007). This nerve cell growth is essential to adaptation and learning. Exercise can speed this process of cell generation and growth, and be a partial antidote to the counteractive effects of aging and stress on the brain.

Fishbane, M. D. (2007, Sept). Wired to Connect: Neuroscience, Relationships, and Therapy. Family Process, 46, 3, p. 395. Retrieved November18, 2008, from ProQuest database.
Miller, M. C. (2007, Mar 26). Exercise is a state of Mind- Researchers are learning more about how physical activity affects our moods. Newsweek, 149, 12, p. 48. Retrieved November 18, 2008, from ProQuest Database.

Women: Fight Heart Disease Now

Did you know...

... that heart disease is the leading cause of death in 1 out of every 3 women in the United States? That's right. According to an article in Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week (Mar, 2005).
Bally Total Fitness company offers 5 tips to help women fight heart disease:

1. Know the symptoms. Dizziness or weakness, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, fatigues, nausea, profuse sweating, heart palpitations and irregular or fast heartbeats.
   
2. Add more activity to your daily routine. Any increase in activity is good for your heart.
   
3. Exercise. Include 30 minutes of cardio at least 3/week. Jogging, walking, cardio machines or treadmill will make you feel better, look better and decrease the risk of heart disease.
   
4. Consult your physician. First consult a physician before beginning a new program of physical activity, or if you are over 50 yrs old.
   
5. Increase fiber intake. Fiber assists in lowering cholesterol, which helps keep a heart strong. Fruits, vegatables and beans are good sources of fiber.

Start with a few positive changes at a time. These suggestions come from a Bally persoal trainer, Nikki Kimbrough, on heart disease prevention. Don't ignore your body, listen to it, and ask your family practitioner what you can do to live a healthier, happier life.
For more information, visit: http://ballyfitness.com/

"Fitness company offers 5 tips to help women fight heart disease". Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week, p. 300 (2005, Mar. 5). Retrieved November 18, 2008, from ProQuest database.

Communication Barriers with Technology

In my opinion, technology helps and hinders the attempts to overcome communication barriers in health care. As technology advances, new devices are developed that aid in monitoring the heart and blood pressure, and allow for storage of data and information of the patient. As a result, health care professionals are able to see past data and communicate more efficiently with others.

Furthermore, when technology is so new that there are still program errors to be worked out, or there are nurses who lack knowledge of these types of technologies, there are significant barriers to communicating accurate information with other professionals. As a result of these barriers, we should all take the time to learn a little more each time we are exposed to new technology. After all, technology is here to stay.
Take care,
Spunky

'It isn't always this complicated'

While this activity appears convenient, play safely!
Utilize facilities where trained professionals are
there to help, assist and educate you on unfamiliar
equipment. Or find a buddy to jog local trails and
enjoy the fresh air and outdoors.
Till next time, enjoy whatever you do, just get out
and do it!
Take care,
Spunky

Are you the 'Once in a while' Jogger?

Better Late Than Never...

Have you ever wondered why you haven't 'gotten out there' and started your journey toward a 'new you'?

I have. I have spent months and years bouncing back and forth between regular physical activity and sedentarianism (is that even a word?).

Each time I fall back into that rut, it is harder to gain back the stamina and endurance I once had a glimpse of .

Recently, I think (and feel) that I have finally set in motion consistency and the mental focus to maintain physical activity. After all, there are so many benefits to 'getting out there', being active and meeting new people with similar interests!

Thanks for reading, and hope to read your stories about the up's and down's of staying fit.

Take care,
Spunky.