A preliminary Australian study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has found that Tai Chi and Qigong performed 3x per week for 12 weeks had a positive effect on 4 out of 7 indicators of metabolic syndrome in participants with high blood glucose levels.

The most significant improvements were reductions in BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure and although the study group size was small the potential benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong cannot be overlooked.
  http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/44/10/704.abstract

November is Refer-A-Friend month at Fitness Plus.

If you are one of our members you can get a free month added to your membership for every friend that you refer who joins in November!! 

In a study of 85,000 post menopausal women performed by the University of Rochester Medical Centre researchers found that regardless of whether or not you have a family history of breast cancer your risk of developing the disease can be reduced considerably if you exercise regularly, keep your body weight as near as possible to the ideal for your height and age, and consume less alcohol.

Lead researcher Dr Robert Gamling said: "It's important to note that a family history of breast cancer can arise in part due to shared unhealthy behaviors that have been passed down for generations. Untangling the degree to which genes, environments, and behaviors contribute to the disease is difficult. But our study shows that engaging in a healthy lifestyle can help women, even when familial predisposition is involved."

The 'breast healthy behaviours' were detailed as:

• At least 20 minutes of vigorous exercise for five or more days each week.
• A normal body weight.
• Consumption of 1 alcoholic drink per day or less.

The recomendations seem too simple to be true but in such an extensive peer reviewed study they definitely seem valid and reliable.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/204948.php

Paul Henry's not the only one prone to on-air indiscretions. . . .
http://www.spareroom.co.nz/2010/10/18/news-anchor-fired-for-this/

From Stuff
"Walking at least six miles (9km) a week may be one thing people can do to keep their brains from shrinking and fight off dementia, US researchers say.

A study of nearly 300 people in Pittsburgh who kept track of how much they walked each week showed that those who walked at least six miles had less age-related brain shrinkage than people who walked less.

"Brain size shrinks in late adulthood, which can cause memory problems. Our results should encourage well-designed trials of physical exercise in older adults as a promising approach for preventing dementia and Alzheimer's disease," said Kirk Erickson of the University of Pittsburgh, whose study appears in the journal Neurology.

Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, slowly kills off brain cells, and activities like walking have been shown to build brain volume."
 
I'm off for a walk right now!
http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/wellbeing/4232195/Walking-may-keep-brain-from-shrinking

Well done to the BlackStick women for their courageous game against Australia last night resulting in our girls bringing home Silver. 

A special mention also to Whangarei based 'stick' Anna Thorpe and fellow Northlanders Ella Gunson, Stacey Michelson, and the Harrison sisters.

Awesome effort girls!

Nothing to do with health and fitness but funny just the same.
http://www.spareroom.co.nz/2010/10/13/yeo-valley-rappin-yoghurt-ad/

Classic!
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/video.cfm?c_id=4&gal_objectid=10680059&gallery_id=114479&ref=twitter

From Hockey NZ
The Black Sticks Women continued their winning streak to beat South Africa 1-0 and get themselves into the gold medal match on Wednesday (1.00pm Delhi time, live on SKY Sport 4 at 8.20pm).

Way to go BlackSticks - I'll be watching with fingers and toes crossed tonight!
http://www.hockeynz.co.nz/news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=Middle/focusModuleID=10935/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl?PHPSESSID=8fe54b2e267306329a6205c5f547045a

From Sideswipe
Cameron: "My colleagues and I were given Moro Gold chocolate bars (pictured) from our management team this morning. Judging by the one-liners on the side of the packaging, we're suspicious they've opted for the lower-cost option and given us a substitute from a more affordable Asian supplier ..."