| Walk With the Doc There are many demands on our time. And even though we know we should do it, it is often very hard to stick to a consistent exercise routine. But not having enough time may no longer be a viable excuse. Recent research indicates that brief intense exercise may be as beneficial as longer periods of exercise that is less strenuous. In the reported study, one minute of intense exercise provided the health benefits of 45 minutes of moderate working outs. If you have been professing lack of time as the reason for not being active, short interval training might be your answer. For many it’s possible to get health and fitness benefits comparable to the traditional approach, in less time. The basic principles apply to many forms of exercise. For example, you can climb a few flights of stairs on your lunch break. As with all exercises, use common sense. Intense training is not suitable for everyone (especially if you have heart trouble). To learn more, read the article “1 Minute of Exercise Per Day Is All You Need, Say Researchers.” Still wondering if it’s right for you? Why not join me Saturday for a refreshing morning “walk and talk.” Nancy Neighbors, MD To Floss or Not to Floss Your teeth and gums are more than something to chew and smile with. To a doctor, they are windows into your health. Left unchecked, disease and inflammation in the mouth can destroy the bones supporting teeth and open the door for disease to spread into other parts of your body. While we lack long term studies proving causation, the abundance of anecdotal evidence is impossible to overlook. People with diabetes are about three times more likely to experience complications such as kidney disease if they have severe periodontal disease. Patients with diabetes, heart disease or a history of stroke typically have fewer hospitalizations if they have been treated for gum disease. Orthopedic surgeons increasingly require patients to get clearance from a periodontist before having joint replacement surgery to reduce the possibility of bacteria from periodontal disease circulating in the body from lodging in the new joint. Similarly caution is routine for patients undergoing organ transplants. While brushing and flossing are important parts of mouth hygiene, diet, exercise and control of chronic conditions also play an important part. As for flossing, think of it as insurance against foreign matter invading and inflaming your gums. If you doubt its value, floss after brushing and see what comes out. When done properly after each brushing you gain the maximum benefit. Just remember, each tooth has four sides and each side needs to be flossed. Learn more at “Teeth still vital to overall health.” Quotes To Live By: “Let food be thy medicine…” - Hippocrates “The greatest wealth is health.” - Unknown “If you can’t pronounce it, don’t eat it” - Common sense |