NEWS & TRENDS
Happy News for Fit People
You already know that breaking a sweat can turn a stressful day into a distant memory. Now, a study hints that exercise helps protect your heart from the physical damage that mental strain can cause, too.
Whenever you're emotionally taxed, your immune systems churns out inflammatory chemicals that can contribute to clogged arteries. But if you're fit, you may be protected : When researchers at University College London measured mental stress in middle-aged adults, the fittest volunteers had one-fifth the amount of these chemicals in their blood as those who weren't as active. Exercise may tune up the nervous system so it can take a reasonable amount of stress in stride, instead of putting your immune system on red alert. To get the same benefit, work out vigorously (jog, cycle) at least twice a week.
Step Away From Your Desk
If you spend your day planted in a chair, you could increase your risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) - a condition that causes swelling, pain and potentially fatal blood vessel damage. More often seen in passengers on long-distance plane flights, DVT can also occur in office workers who sit for at least 3 hours with out getting up. Inactivity slows circulation, which can lead to a blood clot, typically in the lower leg or thigh. Fend it off : Take a walk every hour or so (set a reminder in your electronic calender ifyou need a nudge).
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