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Health
Health line
By Times Staff
Published May 9, 2006
As people age into their 70s, their ability to walk a quarter mile becomes an important predictor of overall health and even how long they might live, according to study findings published recently in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Of nearly 3,000 healthy seniors studied, those who were able to complete a quarter-mile walking test were three times more likely to live longer and were less likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease and physical infirmity as they aged. Men and women in the study ranged from ages 70 to 79 and were chosen from a random sample of white and black Medicare recipients. Their performance on the walking test was recorded every six months, for an average of 4.9 years. People who completed the walk and those who finished faster were slightly younger and were more often white men who were more physically active. Counter intelligence The media have recently carried reports on America's increasing problem with obesity. Not to miss out, Health Line recommends a hefty carry-along to monitor your intake: The Ultimate Calorie, Carb & Fat Gram Counter. Compiled by registered dietitian Lee Ann Holzmeister, the 612-page briefly explains differences in carb-, fat gram- and calorie-counting and the food exchange system of meal-planning. The rest of the book is charts detailing serving size, calories, carbs, fats, cholesterol, sodium, fiber, protein and serving/exchanges for most every grocery store and chain restaurant offering; for instance, 52 cereals from General Mills and 66 McDonald's items. The book, published by Small Steps Print, is $9.95. By the numbers 47 Percentage of women in a recent survey who would rather weigh themselves in front of their colleagues than reveal their salary to them. 73 Percentage of men who would rather weigh themselves in front of their colleagues than reveal their salary to them. 20 Percentage of women willing to lose 20 points of their IQ in order to have the "perfect" body. 25 Percentage of men willing to lose 20 points of their IQ in order to have the "perfect" body. 24 Percentage of women who have avoided having sex because they felt uncomfortable about their body. 9 Percentage of men who have avoided having sex for that reason. Source: Current issue of "Fitness" magazine Free health screenings A series of free health screenings is being offered today in a customized vehicle in Seminole. The Walgreens Wellness Tour vehicle is on a 70-city journey. No appointment is necessary, and each person can receive screenings for bone density, total cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure and body mass index. The screenings are offered from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Walgreens at 10121 Seminole Blvd. (at its intersection with 102nd Avenue N). Call (727) 398-7515. Pinpointing the yucky The No. 1 nastiest place is a public restroom, according to 93 percent of people who entered a recent contest, with shopping carts rated second - mentioned by 83 percent - movie theaters, 82 percent, and shopping malls, 76 percent. Hundreds of people entered the contest, conducted by Babe Ease, which makes various portable sanitation products. Respondents were asked to list the public places in which they have found sticky or old food and/or grime. - Compiled from Times staff and wire reports
[Last modified May 9, 2006, 07:46:13]
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