A study published earlier this year in the Canadian Medical Association Journal examined whether being married decreased the risk of death from acute myocardial infarction (heart attack).

The research data was based on patients with acute myocardial infarction admitted to acute care hospitals in Ontario from April 2004 to March 2005.
 
Over 4000 patients were eligible for the study with the mean age being 67.3 years.

Overall, 75.3% of married patients, 67.9% of single patients, 68.5% of divorced patients and 70.8% of widowed patients presented within 6 hours of the onset of chest pain however being married was associated with lower odds of delayed presentation relative to being single - but only for married men.                     
 
From the data therefore it looks as though wives get their husbands to the hospital on time, but not vice versa!

While no study results are purely 'black and white' (and perhaps these results are solely an Ontario Canada 'thing') but just in case you are a married woman with a mean age of 67.3 years perhaps have a woman (sister, friend, work colleague) on your speed dial that you can call if you start having a heart attack to be sure that you get to the hospital quicker than your husband might get you there! 





 

A recent American study published in the journal Circulation has found that the holidays are a risk factor for death.

The research found that the both cardiac (4.65%) and non cardiac (4.99%) mortality increased over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

There were a number of proposed explanations for this 'double spike' in mortality but it was thought that one of the main causes of both cardiac and non cardiac death was due to delays in seeking medical treatment.

So by all means eat, drink, rejoice, WALK, and be sure to get medical assistance earlier rather than later if at all in doubt.

http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/110/25/3781.full

 

A study published in the British Medical Journal in 1985, yes that's right - over 25 years ago, found that the average weight gain over Christmas for subjects with Type 2 Diabetes and healthy control subjects was 0.8kg.

That's both subject groups putting on an average of 800gm over Christmas.

What's more, the weight gain 'persisted' until the end of January.

At best we are as indulgent now as we were 25 years ago so by all means eat, drink, and rejoice, but PLEASE try also to WALK at the very least.

http://www.bmj.com/highwire/filestream/337395/field_highwire_article_pdf/0.pdf

This video is fantastic; it simply and eloquently outlines how one incredibly powerful medicine can reduce the severity and/or effects of:

- Arthritis.
- Diabetes.
- Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
- Hip fractures in post menopausal women.
- Depression.
- High blood pressure.
and obesity - just to name a few.

The medicine? - a 30 minute walk a day.

After 18 years in the fitness industry it still astounds me how some people "don't have time" to do something so, through my eyes anyway, simple and easy to do - go figure . . . .

In the countdown to the festive peak of the year, and its inherent indulgent over consumption, the Daily Mail has issued a warning for anyone looking to purge themselves of 'toxins' after the Christmas break.

David Bender, a professor of nutritional biochemistry at University College London, has been quoted as saying "At best, it (detoxing) is pointless — and at worst, highly dangerous".

The Mail reports that in August a woman died at a detox spa and in Canada
another was rushed to hospital after she had spent hours wrapped in mud and
plastic intended to draw ‘poisons’ from her skin; Medical officials in Quebec
saying that their tests showed that the woman had suffered fatal heat stroke and asphyxiation.
 
The basic fallacy, says Professor Bender, is that "large amounts of toxic waste accumulate in our bodies and must be eliminated by some kind of dietary regime. In fact the human body processes and removes toxins very efficiently.
The gut prevents bacteria and many toxins from  entering the body and our organs are constantly creating highly complex chemical reactions throughout our bodies that turn food and drink into  hormones, energy and even medicines.
Our metabolisms are also highly efficient at  dissolving unwanted substances harmlessly into our urine and bile so we can void them when we visit the  bathroom. Thus the idea of ‘bad’ chemicals simply sitting around in our bodies waiting to be removed by an expensive detox regimen is nonsensical."

While the professor's stance has support from other's in the scientific community, in a world where an increasing majority opt to divest self responsibility in favour of quicker, easier, and often celebrity endorsed or touted methods, the detox market will continue to grow.

After consuming my fair share of ham and other kiwi summer nutritional staples on Christmas and Boxing days and likely in to New Years, I for one will not be doing the Lemon Detox Diet or applying any Detox Foot Patches!

Putting aside any possible PR or marketing reasons for Fonterra implementing this initiative, on the face of it I think it a fantastic idea.
 
I would hope that the milk provided is calcium enriched and low fat however the proof will be in the detail.

A reserved 'well done' Fonterra from me!

 http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/6141553/Free-milk-coming-back-to-primary-schools

A recent on-turf session with Black Sticks 2011/12 Olympic Squad members Alana Millington and Stacey Michelsen using straight-line footwork, acceleration, and single-leg plyometric/balance and control drills.