Can You Beat Your Bad Genes?
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Science
If you have a family history of high blood pressure, heart disease,
cancer or other medical conditions, you are at a higher risk of
developing these disease. Current science is not ready yet to change our
genetic make up
but there are ways to diminish the risk of suffering from diseases that
run in one's family. Two recent publications demonstrate that in large ,
well designed scientific studies. In one study, investigators found
that among male participants who had a parental history of
early heart attack, participants whose lifestyles were healthier face a
lower
likelihood of developing heart failure. Usefulness of Desirable
Lifestyle Factors to Attenuate the Risk of Heart Failure Among Offspring
Whose Parents Had Myocardial Infarction Before Age 55 Years, Owais Khawaja, MD American Journal of Cardiology April 2012
Another study published in the journal Hypertension shows that physically fit people with a family history of high blood pressure were up to 34% less likely to develop high blood pressure than people who rarely exercised." Writing in the journal Hypertension, the researchers found that "People with a high level of physical fitness were 42% less likely to have high blood pressure and those with a moderate level of fitness were 26% less likely, compared to people with a low level of physical fitness. Among people with a parent with high blood pressure, those who were most physically fit had only a 16% higher risk of developing high blood pressure than those who were fit and had no family history of the disease."
Increased Fruit, Vegetable Consumption Associated With Decreased Type 2 Diabetes Risk
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Diet , Health
According to a study published online April 3 in the journal Diabetes Care, people who consume the most servings of a wide variety of vegetables and fruit as part of their regular diet may have less risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers arrived at this conclusion after studying 3,704 middle-aged and senior adults in the UK for a period of about 11 years.
"A sound mind in a sound body is a short but full description of a happy state in this world." --John Locke
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle
Positive psychological well-being, which includes things like happiness, life satisfaction and especially optimism, may help protect against heart attacks, stroke and other cardiovascular problems, according to a new scientific review.
A Polyphenol in Red Wine Stops the Formation of Fat
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Wine , Health
A new study finds that a chemical in red wine may prevent some of the
fatty foods we eat from being converted into fatty tissue. The research,
published in the March issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry,
found that
piceatannol, a polyphenol found in grape skins and red wine,
effectively blocks the formation of fat cells in the lab.
Health Hazards of Modern Living
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Exercise
Another powerful study on the effect of physical activity (note: no streneous work or exercise!) on ones health. A number of previous studies conducted in developed countries show a relationship between higher levels of physical activity and lower risks of cardiovascular disease. In a case-control study of 10,043 cases of first myocardial infarction (heart attack) and 14,217 controls who did not report previous angina or physical disability, Claes Held, from Uppsala University (Sweden), and colleagues assessed leisure-time and occupational physical activity.
Purple Potato Secrets
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Diet , Health
Potatoes usualy are considered to have too many carbs and calories.However, there are many different kinds of potatoes. From a health point of view, the purple potatoes are the best. Here is a recent study confirmin this notion. "When overweight people included two servings of purple potatoes a day in their diet for a month, they not only reduced their blood pressure, they also didn't gain weight in the process," according to a study published online in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. The study of 18 middle-aged overweight adults revealed that "compared to those who went spud-free, purple potato eaters had on average drop of slightly more than 4% in diastolic pressure (the bottom number in a reading) and a drop of more than 3% in systolic pressure (the top number)." What's more, even though "potato eaters took in more calories compared to adults given no potatoes, their weight didn't change."
Fitness Levels, Healthy Weight May Be Independently Linked To Reduced Heart Risks
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Diet , Health , Exercise
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, maintaining fitness levels, as well as maintaining a healthy weight, may both be independently linked to a reduced risk of developing certain heart risk factors. Investigators followed more than 3,100 individuals. The researchers found that "individuals who maintained or improved their fitness levels had a 26% and 28% lower risk of developing hypertension, a 42% and 52% lower risk of developing metabolic syndrome, and a 26% and 30% lower risk of developing elevated levels of LDL cholesterol, respectively." The investigators also found that, "for those subjects who got fatter in follow-up, as measured by percentage of body fat, they had a 26%, 71%, and 48% higher risk of developing hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and hypercholesterolemia, respectively, when compared with individuals who lost weight."
J Am Coll Cardiol, 2012; 59:665-672
Kiwifruit for the Common Cold
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Diet , Science , Health
You know how miserable you feel when you have a cold. A remedy may be looking at you in 
your
local supermarket. Denise C. Hunter, from The New Zealand Institute for
Plant and Food Research (New Zealand), and colleagues enrolled 37 men
and women, ages 65 years and older, who ate four gold kiwifruit each day
for four weeks, then switched over to consume two bananas daily (or
vice versa), with a four week intervening washout period. During the
kiwifruit phase, self-reported cold symptoms were less (as compared to
the banana phase), with sore throat symptoms reducing from 5.4 to 2 days
and head congestion decreasing from 4.7 to 0.9 days. The severity of
head congestion during the kiwifruit phase was also reduced.
Another New Year's Resolution
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Health , Exercise
Take a good look at this bike. Yes, it looks cool but what is more important is that it is so much fun that you will want to ride it all the time. And this is good for your health and the enviroment. Who knows, you may save the Earth riding in style! Do not miss ththis VIDEO. Available also in HD at VIMEO.
Hormone Produced By Exercise May Help Control Obesity, Blood Sugar Levels
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Science , Health , Exercise
Irisin is a hormone which is found naturally in muscle cells...rises during exercise, converting white fat into brown fat, a substance whose primary function is to generate body heat." When irisin was injected "into obese, pre-diabetic mice, the animals lost weight and their blood sugar levels improved." Researchers suggested that this finding "may lead to treatments for obesity and diabetes, as well as other disorders where exercise may benefit patients who are too weak to engage in it."
Since making irisin pills is still only an idea, you are better off making your muscles produce more of it. Plus, a pill will not tone your muscles and you will not look good.
New Year Resolution
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD
Happy New Year! I hope your New Year Resolution includes taking care of your health. Your 
health is
your most important asset. Think about it. If you are sick, you cannot
have fun, you cannot have sex and overall you feel miserable. Following
the Lifestyle In Motion program is not only your great guide to healthy living but also an enjoyable experience. Think MOTION in your resolution!
I encourage you to try SUP (Stand Up Paddlesurfing) this year. It is
not as difficult as it looks and each time you step on the board, you
will be exercising every muscle in your body. Check out the video of a
lady beginner and her coach. VIDEO New scientific evidence shows that exercise helps control your appetite.
More Light on the Mediterranean Diet
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Diet , Health
We have discussed the Mediterranean Diet befor but this new study is very copmelling. The LA Times articlebellow is very well written and informative. If you missed my
video on the Mediterranean Diet (where I question the notion that it is a diet), here is the link: VIDEO One of the Mediterranean diet's "champions, Dr. Dimitrios Trichopoulos of Harvard University, calls the Mediterranean way of eating 'possibly the best ever.'" One "analysis, published in 2011 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, pooled the results of 50 studies (including 35 clinical trials) with more than a half-million total participants. It found that consumers of the Mediterranean diet were less likely than others to develop high blood pressure, high insulin levels, too much fat around the waist and unhealthful cholesterol levels, or all of these clustered together (a condition known as metabolic syndrome)." A separate Los Angeles Times 
(11/22, Ravn) article also discusses the health benefits of Mediterranean-style diets.
Cheers! To Your Health!
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Wine , Health
Happy Holidays! We usualy say these words holding a glass of champagne or other wine. And if you are following this website or have seen my Wine Fundamentals DVD,
you know that the moderate consumption of wine is benefitial to your health in many different ways. The key word here is MODERATE. The overconsumption of alcohol leads to a cornucopia of health problems on the long run and may have very bad, sometimes fatal immediate consequences. So how do we define "moderate drinking? Find out by clicking Read More.
Get Off Your Butt!
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Diet , Science , Health , Exercise
Research published in the American Journal Of Physiology-Cell Physiology found that the pressure put on areas of the body used for sitting or lying down produces up to
50 per cent more fat in those parts. And "even those with healthy diet and exercise habits will be affected if they spend long periods sitting behind a desk." Dr. Jim Levine of the Mayo Clinic found obese people sit an average two and a half hours more each day than thinner people." The story concludes: "Take some pressure off your own bottom line and stand up
Survey Finds Americans' "Ideal Weights" Have Risen
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD
The Los Angeles Times (11/29, Healy) "Booster Shots" blog reports, "In Gallup's annual Health and Healthcare Survey, the nation's leading polling organization has asked Americans yearly how much they weigh and what their ideal weight would be. Compared to Americans' answers to those questions in 1991, both numbers -- actual weight and ideal weight -- have risen, although 'ideal' weights have not quite kept pace with actual weight gains." Interestingly, "as our actual weight drifts upward, so do our perceptions of what our 'ideal; weight would be," with men and women averaging 15 and 22 pounds more than their respective ideal weights. The blog adds, "Gallup's findings help paint a grim picture of mass delusion in the United States about its rising weight and the spate of health problems that come with it."
The CDC recently reported that obese people use more prescription drugs than normal weight people for diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension, etc. Duh?1
Cranberry Juice Fights Bacterial Infections
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Diet , Science , Health
Cranberriy juice has been known to fight E. Coli infection which causes urinary tract infection. Previous studies have suggested that a particular flavonoid antioxidant
(proanthocyanidins or PACs) were responsible for this antibacterial function. A new study demonstrates not only that PACs alone are much less efficient than whole cranberry juice, but also that raedily available commercial cranberry juice is just as protective. This brings me back to the point that whole foods are always better than individual components or extracts.
Stress Relief
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Stress Relief
It is scientifically proven that music is an effective destressor. It also is an an antidepressant and has many other healing properties. These effects are enhanced by pleasant images. Just in time for the "holidays blues" we have released a short film that will take the stress away and lift your spirits. The music is by a a good friend, very talentedl guitarist Andre Feriante (www.andreferiante.com). And ladies, take note - Andre was voted one of the sexiest bald men.
Take a look at the video and make sure to download it to your computer and/or mobile device. When you feel overwhelmed or down, get to a quiet place, sit down, relax your muscles and play it. Watch and listen. You will
feel the effect right away. Repeat as needed. Click on the picture to play the video. Now also available in HDVideo (recommended for faster connections).
The Stress of the Holidays
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Stress Relief
Many people experience a significant amount of stress at this time of the year. These should be happy times but some people actualy get very unhappy around the Holidays. There is plenty of advice out there of how to deal with this phenomenon. The Everyday Health web site even has announced a "happiness month". In that spirit, they have interviewed a media darling doctor with the help of a well known alternative medicine promoter. Check it out at http://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/how-happy-is-dr-oz.aspx
Dietary Supplements Increase Mortality Rate in Older Women
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Diet , Science , Health
A study just published in Arch Intern
Med. 2011;171(18):1625-1633. doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2011.445 assessed the use of vitamin and mineral supplements in relation to total
mortality in 38 772 older women in the Iowa Women's Health Study; mean age was
61.6 years at baseline in 1986. The study revealed that in older women, several commonly used dietary vitamin and mineral supplements
may be associated with increased total mortality risk; this association is
strongest with supplemental iron. In contrast to the findings of many studies,
calcium is associated with decreased risk.
A 2007 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association linked vitamin E, vitamin A and beta- carotene to higher death rates. Another, published in the same year in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, linked multivitamins to an increase in prostate cancer.
Here is my take.
Age Related Memory Decline
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Science , Health , Exercise
A recent study published in the journal “Nature“ 2011; 476 : 210 – 3, clearly demonstrates that memory declines starting from mid-age and progressing into older age. The authors (Wang, et al) measured neuronal firing rate
of neurons (brain cells) as an expression of these cells’ activity in monkeys. Almost any daily activity requires the temporary retention of some type of information (working memory). Working memory is critically important for a variety of cognitive functions including language comprehension, reasoning, decision making and planning. So anything that will help prevent or at least delay age associated memory decline can benefit anybody above the age of thirty. Pharmacological interventions are being investigated. In the mean time, there are several recent studies that show that cognitive training and a variety of exercises are very effective in slowing down age associated memory decline.
Fifty Five Percent of Americans Have Chronic (Inflammatory) Diseases
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Science , Health
More than half of Americans have at least one chronic disease, according to research conducted in 12 countries. As a medical practitioner, I have suspected this for quite some time. This is one of the reasons I created Lifestyle In Motion, the best approach to prevent chronic diseases. Most of these diseases are due to chronic inflammation. Watch the video.
Can Pistachios Help You Loose Weight
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Diet , Science , Health
The health benefits of pistachios are well documented but who knew that pistachio shells can help you loose weight! When considering your options for a snack, reach for a handful of in-shell pistachios.
Living Long - It is All in the Genes... almost
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Diet , Science , Health , Exercise
In a recently published study, the authors interviewed people living independently at ages 95 to 109, and asked them to recall things such as their weight, height, alcohol consumption, smoking and their physical activity at age 70; they were also asked whether they ate a low-calorie, low-fat or low-salt diet at that age. What they found may surprise you.July 4th, 2011 - a day to remember!
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Exercise
It happens about once every 25 years - a great skiing season that extends all the way to July. As a believer in Lifestyle In Motion, I could not miss this opportunity. There
was a great deal of pessimism when we decided to go skiing on July 3. The temperature while we were driving was over 100 F (38 C). However, great time was had by all. Some people felt strange skiing in shorts and t shirts but let me assure you - it is much more comfortable than with 3 layers of winter clothes. And no gloves! Check out the video.
Some of us value freedom more than others because at some point of our lives we have been deprived of it. Fourth of July is not only a memmory of the stirring events of 1776. It is a symbol of freedom. In the words of John Adams ...
Healthily Prepared Fish May Help to Lower Heart Failure Risk
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Diet , Recipes , Science , Health
Previous research has found that fatty acids (omega-3) in fish may lower risk of cardiovascular disease by decreasing
inflammation, resisting oxidative stress and improving blood pressure, cardiac and blood vessel function. A large-scale analysis of data collected on 84,493 postmenopausal women enrolled in the US Women's Health Initiative Observational Study shows that the type of fish and the cooking method may affect heart failure risk.
Good Fats, Olive Oil and the Mediterranean Diet
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Diet , Recipes , Science , Health
Olive oil is the key component of the Mediterranean Diet which has been shown to have beneficial effects on many diseases. It can be included in a healthy eating plan as one of the oils that contains the least amount of saturated or bad fat, no cholesterol and is rich on antiinflammtory substaces and antioxidants. Watch video about the Mediterranean Diet (by the way, it is not a diet)
Olive oil may protect against strokes
A diet high in olive oil may help protect older people against strokes, which are the third leading cause of death in the United States after heart disease and cancer. The findings are in a study published in the journal Neurology.
Music Therapy Relieves Fibromyalgia Symptoms, Improves Quality of Life
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Stress Relief , Health
Researchers from the University of Granada (Spain) found that music therapy, when combined with other relaxation techniques
based on guided imagery, significantly reduced pain, depression and anxiety, and improves sleep among patients suffering from fibromyalgia. As a result, music therapy enhanced the patients' quality of life. For immediate application of the science proven relaxation and healing properties of music and guided imagery, watch this video and read on.
Protein-Rich Breakfast Prompts Healthy Brain Signals
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Diet , Recipes , Health
A University of Missouri researcher has found that eating a healthy breakfast, especially one high in protein, increases satiety and
reduces hunger throughout the day. In addition, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) the researchers found that eating a protein-rich breakfast reduces the brain signals controlling food motivation and reward-driven eating behavior. Incorporating a healthy breakfast containing protein-rich foods can be a simple strategy for people to stay satisfied longer, and therefore, be less prone to snacking. Watch the video and read on.
Where I am Coming From - New York, NY
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Eating Out
The city is as vibrant, full of energy, noisy, colorful and wonderful as ever!. A lipidology (something to do with fat) meeting required
a welcome trip to the Big Apple. Here are some new discoveries:
Hotel Bryant Park. Across from the NY city Public Library between 5th and 6th Ave. Great location, beautiful building, modern amenities, excellent service, reasonably priced. 41 West 40th Street New York, NY 10018
(212) 768-4242
Megu restaurant - a modern twist on Japanese cuisine. The menu is extensive and we (4 of us) tried quite a few items and all were delicious. Megu has several locations. We
were at the Trump tower, near the United Nations. (212 964 7777)
Il Postino - classic Italian with heavy influence from the cousine of Rome . Both food and service were very good. 337 E 49th St # A
New York, NY 10017-7326 (212) 688-0033
Avra - Greek restaurant. There is a huge display of fresh fish and other sea creatures, some still moving. Try simply grilled fish and roasted vegatables with wine from the island of Santorini. You will not regret it. 141 East 48th Street, New York, NY 10017-1223
(212) 759-8550
Hey, My Parents Wrote a Book...at 91!
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Science , Health
Yes, you read it right. They are both 91 and recently published a book! They are both physicians, so the book naturally has to do
with medicine. The book is titled: Hypertension-A National Problem. It is about the serious consequences of high blood pressure which affects about a half of the population of Bulgaria. Lifestyle factors play a major role. Therefore, the book emphasizes that high blood pressure is not only a medical but a social problem as well. They also offer possible solutions to the problem ( which by the way is not limited to Bulgaria).
I am working on a feature about my parents and their longevity and accomplishments. In the meantime, I could not help it but share this amazing story with everybody.
Where I am Coming From -Torornto, Ontario, Canada
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Eating Out
A recent business trip took me to Toronto. A very cosmopolitan city with a lot to see and do. There are many wonderful restaurants with a variety of cuisines. For an upscale steakhouse try Harbour 60. The seafood there is also very good.(60 Harbour Street
Toronto, ON M5J 1B7, Canada (416) 777-2111)
A contemporary small
restaurant serving local, seasonal ingredients in interesting and tasty preparations is Lucien. (36 Wellington Street East
Toronto, ON M5E 1C7, Canada
(416) 504-9990)
A ferry trip to Toronto Island is a must. Take a look at a short video.
Blueberries Keep the Fat Off Your Body!
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Diet , Science , Health
Blueberries are on top of the list of antioxidants rich foods. This makes them heros in fighting heart disease, cancer and many other maladies. And now to top it all 
off, new research shows that blueberries can help you keep the weight off!
Strawberries Fight Cancer
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Diet , Science , Health
We already knew that srawberries are full of vitamins and antioxidants. Here is a new study, convincingly demonstrating that strawberries fight esophageal cancer cells in humans. Strawberries are in season now, so go buy some, wash them very well and enjoy them. Who knows, this may save you a lot of trouble.
Skiing At 82!!!
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Health , Exercise
As a part of a documentary I am working on, titled "Age Wisdom", recently I went skiing with a friend of mine who is 82. I srapped a POV camera on my head and we skied at Squa Valley anything from untracked powder to corn snow. This guy is amazing. By the way, he also bikes 20 miles a day and surfs. My doc is not finished yet but this is very inspirational, so I decided to share some of the footage with you.
Watch VIDEO.
Spring, Sun, Skin
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Science , Health
Last week I went skiing with a friend of mine. We skied untracked powder the whole day. Not bad for the end of April. We had a lot of fun but we forgot one safety item - sunscreen. It was a bluebird day with a lot of sun. It sounds great except for the picture you will see if you read on.
Tangerines Prevent Obesity, Diabetes
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Diet , Recipes , Science
You can still find tangerines at the market. We know that they are an excellent source of vitamin C. A new study has found that a substance in tangerines can help you loose weight.
Exercise May Diminish Negative Impact Of High-Salt Diet On Blood Pressure
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Diet , Science , Exercise
High salt diet is known as the "silent killer". This is because it leads to hypertension (high blood pressure), a condition which may go undetected until it presents itself as a heart attack or a stroke. And it is not the salt you use to season your meals at home; rather, it is the enormous amounts of salt present in every day foods you buy - bread, butter, anything in a jar or can, The salt in fast foods is truly dangerous to your health. Even reputable chefs use too much salt to satisfy your palete. Lifestyle plays a major role in offsetting the danger of hypertension including the consumption of too much salt. A new study presented at the American Heart Association serves as a further confirmation.
Mediterranean Diet and Metabolic Syndrome
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Diet
A meta-analysis "reviewing the impact of a Mediterranean style diet on the progression of metabolic syndrome [and] published this month in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology," indicated that "adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern was associated with lower metabolic syndrome prevalence and progression."
Fiber and Your Heart
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Diet
"A high-fiber diet appears to reduce your lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease, especially if you are consuming lots of fiber when you are young and middle-aged," according to a study presented this week at the American Heart Association conference.
Exercise and Sex
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Exercise
According to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. "people who don't exercise on a regular basis, and then have episodes of intense exercise or sex are more likely to experience a heart attack or die suddenly than those who are more active."
A Glass of Wine May Help Your Brain
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Wine
Just read this and thought you should know about this study. Just remember that moderate drinking is two glasses of wine per day for men and less for women.
Alcohol Protects Against Dementia
Dietary Supplements - CAUTION!
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Diet
There are many reasons I promote healthy food and physical activities in Lifestyle in Motion rather than dietary supplements and other pills. Here is a strong statement by the FDA regarding the (un)safety of these products.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a consumer information update to be on the lookout for tainted or fake dietary supplements.
The Health Hazards of Soda
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Diet , Science
Soda, sugared or diet, may raise a person’s risks of an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Hannah Gardener, from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (Florida, USA), and colleagues studied data collected on 2,564 participants enrolled in the Northern Manhattan Study (NOMAS), launched in 1993 to examine stroke incidence and risk factors in a multi-ethnic urban population. A total of 3,298 participants over 40 years old (average age 69) were enrolled through 2001 and continue to be followed. Researchers asked subjects at the outset to report how much and what kind of soda they drank. During an average follow-up of 9.3 years, 559 vascular events occurred (including ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by rupture of a weakened blood vessel). After adjusting for a number of confounding variables, the team found that the subjects who drank diet soda every day had a 61% higher risk of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, as compared to those who reported no soda drinking.
Outdoor Activities Promote Well-Being
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Science , Exercise
Revitalizing one’s mental and emotional health may be just a few footsteps away. Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry (United Kingdom) researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 11 clinical studies involving 833 adult subjects, each of which assessed the effects of outdoor exercise initiatives against indoor activities and reported at least one physical or mental well-being outcome. The team found that most of studies involving outdoor-located activities correlated to improvements in mental well-being: compared with exercising indoors, exercising in natural environments was associated with greater feelings of revitalization, increased energy and positive engagement, together with decreases in tension, confusion, anger and depression. Participants also reported greater enjoyment and satisfaction with outdoor activity and stated that they were more likely to repeat the activity at a later date. The team observes that: “[These findings add] significant weight to the case for spending more time in the natural environment as members of the public and their clinicians fight to counteract the negative outcomes of modern living, such as obesity and depression.”
How Fat Are You?
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Science
Researchers from California and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have devised a system called the Body Adiposity Index (BAI), which relies on one's height and hip measurements as opposed to the height and weight ratio of the BMI system. This new method, which is outlined in a report in the journal Obesity, can be used in a clinical setting as well as in remote locations where reliable scales aren't available. BMI (Body Mass Index), which has been used to measure body fat for the past 200 years, is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. BMI measurement may not be consistent either when applied to different nationalities or even lifestyle groups. For instance, an athlete cannot be compared to a couch potato, and African Americans may have a different body build from Caucasians. Men and women, too, can have the same BMI but very different amounts of body fat. The BAI system is brand new and needs to prove itself before it is universally adopted. In the meantime - watch your hips!
Obesity Rates Worldwide Have Doubled In The Last Three Decades
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Science
The AP (2/4, Cheng) reports that "obesity rates worldwide have doubled in the last three decades even as blood pressure and cholesterol levels have dropped, according to three new studies" published in The Lancet. Researchers found that "in 1980, about five percent of men and eight percent of women worldwide were obese. By 2008, the rates were nearly 10 percent for men and 14 percent for women."
Obesity Alone May Increase Risk Of Fatal Heart Attack
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Science
WebMD (2/14, Hendrick) reported that "obesity is a risk factor for fatal heart attacks even for people who do not have the conditions normally associated with cardiovascular disease, such as diabetes and high blood pressure," according to a study published online in the journal Heart.
High-Fiber Diet May Reduce Risk Of Dying From Chronic Diseases, Some Cancers
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Science
The AP (2/14, Johnson) reported, "Eat more fiber and you just may live longer," according to a study reported online in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Comment: This means that if you ate just 1-2 oz. of Sila Weight Control recipe, you will live a healthier and longer life.
Where I am Coming From - British Columbia
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Eating Out
Oh, Canada! Oh, British Columbia! If there is anything that comes close to winter wonderland, this is it.
Diabetes and Prediabetes
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD
Prediabetes is a condition which is characterized with features that are likely to lead to diabetes - obesity, high blood pressure and related laboratory tests. Here is a new report by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Longevity Report
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Science
According to a report from the U.S. National Research Council, Canadians are going to outlive Americans, indicating Canadians are healthier and in better shape. "[Health] is determined by 100 things, and some of those are obviously more favourable in Canada and other countries than they are in the U.S.," says report co-author Samuel Preston, a professor of demographics at the University of Pennsylvania
Not all teas are good for you
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD
MedWire (1/19, Albert) reported that, according to a study published online in the journal Diabetic Medicine, "Japanese men who regularly drink two or more cups of oolong tea per day have an increased risk for developing diabetes compared with non consumers." After analyzing "data from 4,975 men, aged 38.3 years on average," then assessing oolong tea intake at baseline and following participants for some 3.4 years, researchers found that "men who regularly consumed two or more cups per day had a significant 64% increased risk for type 2 diabetes compared with nonconsumers."
Happy Valentine's Day!
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle , Recipes
Wanted to share with all a recipe for Valentine's day. A popular magazine asked me to discuss aphrodiziac foods but the article is not coming until June. I thought that you and your loved one should not have to wait that long to have good time. So here it is: an easy and delicious recipe for one of the most celebrated love foods. VIDEO And do not forget to add some bubbly to the mix. It does not have to be expensive either. It is all about the tingling sesation from the bubbles.
Kiwifruit
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Recipes
This beautiful fruit is the National fruit of New Zealand. It grows in California in the winter months so it is readily avaiable here
fresh right now. It is sweet and delicious on its own or in a fruit salad. Kiwifruit has more vitamin C than orange! It has remarkable antioxidant activity and protects the cardiovascular system by diminishing the formation of dangerous blood clots. And with all this vitamin C, it will do wonders for your skin.
Winter vegetable - cabbage
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Recipes
Cabbage is not only a great source of vitamin K and C but it also has many other health benefits. Recent research shows that cabbage
is an especially good source of sinigrin.
Walking Decreases the Risk of Diabetes
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Exercise
Those who walk more not only promote their overall physical and mental wellness, but may prevent or delay the onset of diabetes as well.
Vegetable of the Month - Brussels Sprouts
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Recipes
Brussels sprouts are in season right now. When properly prepared, they’re delicious and pack a long list of health benefits.
Happy New Year!
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD
Happy New Year from Lifestyle In Motion! We wish you a healthy, happy and prosperous 2011. And to help you stay in Motion we made a short video.
Where I am coming from - Denver, CO
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Eating Out
Just came back from the American Society of Nephrology meeting in Denver. It was very refreshing to see a city where you would not feel that we are in a recession.
New Obesity drug raises Safety Questions
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Diet
The AP (12/4) reported, "Scientists for the Food and Drug Administration said Friday a pill to treat obesity from Orexigen Therapeutics Inc. helped patients lose weight, though it didn't meet all the criteria set forth by the agency."
One in three Americans may have diabetes by 2050
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts that as many as one in three American adults may have diabetes by 2050 as the number of diabetes patients doubles or triples over the next 40 years. But that doesn't have to be the case.
Being Overweight May Shorten Your Life
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle
People who never smoked and were classified as merely overweight and not obese, had a 13 percent higher risk of dying sooner than normal weight peers, according to a study of 1.5 million people published in the New England Journal of Medicine today, December 2, 2010.
The USA is the Fattest Nation
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD
The United States is the fattest nation among 33 countries with advanced economies according to a report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Dispensing free prescription drugs at McDonald's?!
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Eating Out
The American Journal of Cardiology (August 15, 2010) has published an article which is a disgrace to the medical profession and humanity in general. You will not believe this! Read more >>
Multivitamins
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Diet
The September 2010 issue of Consumer Reports magazine has a lot to say about multivitamins and I happen to agree with their statements. Here is a synopsis.
White Rice versus Brown Rice
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Science
Rice intake in the United States is almost 21 pounds per person annually. Seventy percent of that amount is white rice. Harvard researchers gathered data from nearly 200,000 adults in the US to assess the role of consumption of rice in the development of diabetes type II. Read More >>
The World Cup and You
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Exercise
If you have not watched over the last month the FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association ) World Cup from South Africa, you have missed many
outstanding games, great individual and team performances as well as plenty of drama. The final is tomorrow, so you have one last chance to get a taste of the most significant sports event in the world. Otherwise you will have to wait until the next World Cup in four years. Why football (soccer in the US) should be important to you? Read More >>
Little Gems
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Recipes
Just in time for your 4th of July party! Little gems are in season now and you do not have to go
to high end restaurants to enjoy them. They are available... Read more >>
Cherries
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Science
Cherries are in peak season now. Here are some facts you may want to know about cherries.
Read more >>
Table wines
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Wine
Having followed the usually entertaining wine writings of Lettie Teague, I was disappointed to read her bold endorsement of wines with high alcohol level in a recent issue of the Wall Street Journal. Read more >>
Stress relief - Flowers
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Stress Relief
Stress is a part of today's every day life. We cannot avoid it. We have to learn how to deal with it. One effective way to relieve stress ... Read more >>
New Orleans and Fish
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Eating Out
Just came back from a national medical convention in New Orleans. For a visitor at least, the city has recovered from Katrina. It is colorful, full of musiical sounds of jazz, plenty of fun and friendly people. The French quarter is as beautiful as ever. But... Read More >>
Lifestyle and Health Care
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Lifestyle
"SAVE YOUSELF" is an article written by Dr. Jonathan Finkelstein, associate professor of population medicine at Harvard Medical School, published in the May 24 & 31, 2010 issue of Newsweek. He points out that "we have heard a great deal about improving our health care system lately but very little about improving our health". Read More >>
Pesticides and ADHD
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Science
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric disorder mainly in children but can also affect adults. Although a wide range of symtoms have been atributed to this condition, the two main symptoms are hyperactivity-impulsivity and inattentiveness.
Spring Garlic
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Recipes
Chefs all over the world cherish the short few weeks when spring garlic is in season. Spring garlic, also known as green garlic is a baby garlic.
Mehana
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Eating Out
You have to travel a long way to find an authentic mehana.
Spring Peas
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Recipes
Spring is here and so are fresh peas. They are gorgeous to look at when you open the shell. They are very tasty raw as a snack or in salads. Peas contain many vitamins from the B complex (B1, B2, B3(niacin), and B6).
The Truth about Acai
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD
Question (via email): What is the truth about Acai?
Dr. Kiprov answers: Acai is a palm tree fruit (berry) which has been one of the main foods of the peoples of South America for generations. It is rich in a variety of nutrients including antioxidants, amino acids and healthy fats.
Spring Food: Miner's Lettuce
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Diet
Miner’s lettuce is a beautiful spring green vegetable. Miner’s lettuce owes its name to the Gold Rush miners who ate it to prevent scurvy.
Seasonal Allergies and Food
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Diet
Question (via e-mail): How can I strengthen my immune system against allergies? Specifically what foods should I eat and avoid?
Dr. Kiprov answers: A current review of the literature published in the Journal of Allergy and Asthma Proceedings in March of 2010 indicates that despite some promising hypothesis and findings, there has been no conclusive evidence about the role of specific nutrients, food types, or dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean Diet in the development of allergies and asthma.
Winter places to go
Posted by Dobri Kiprov, MD | Tags: Eating Out
One of the key elements of Lifestyle in Motion is the Home Advantage. If you cook at home you have control over what you are eating. This does not mean that we do not go to restaurants. We do and we love the experience (most of the time).