healthylivingradio's Podcast

Dr. Nina Radford, Director of Clinical Research and a cardiologist at Cooper Clinic, talks with Todd Whitthorne about calcium and heart disease. Dr. Radford, board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease, gives her opinions about calcium consumption (in both food and supplements) for women who are concerned about both bone health and heart health.  

Dr. Robert Heaney, who is a professor in the Department of Medicine at Creighton University in Omaha is interviewed.  Dr. Heaney has spent over 50 years in the study of osteoporosis, vitamin D, and calcium physiology; he's authored three books and has published over 400 scientific papers, so when it comes to the world of vitamin D, and calcium in particular, Dr. Heaney is one of the leading gurus, literally, in the world! Dr. Heaney discusses US Preventive Services Task Force recommendations for postmenopausal women; whether calcium and vitamin D supplement increase risk of kidney stones; calcium supplementation and heart attack risk; and personal recommendations for daily vitamin D and calcium instake. 

Todd Whitthorne interviews Jorn Dyerberg, MD, the father of the omega-3 movement. Dr. Dyerberg was studying the Eskimos, who ate a high fat diet, and had very low rates of heart disease, and discovered the protective effects of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) in marine sources. Dr. Dyerberg talks about advances in the science of omega-3 fatty acids from 1970 to present day, and a bit about the 25,000 studies that have been conducted during this time period. Once studied primarily for cardiovascular health, researchers have also studied the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on inflammatory disorders, brain health, eye health, etc. Dr. Dyerberg discusses the protective effects of omega-3 fatty acids, and how much of the nutrients we need for optimal health.

In this episode, Laura DeFina, MD, from Cooper Institute, is interviewed about research published this month in the Annals of Internal of Medicine. The study, shows that individuals who are fit at midlife have a lower risk of deveoping Alzheimer's disease and other dementias in their Medicare years. The study followed more than 19,000 generally healthy men and women who completed a preventive medical exam at Cooper Clinic in Dallas when they were, on average, 49 years of age. The exam also included an assessment of other health risk factors such as body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and cholesterol. Their health status was evaluated using Medicare data between the years 1999 and 2009, an average of 24 years after their Cooper Clinic examination. Listen to hear Dr. DeFina's thoughts on the study. 

Our guest is Dr. Robert Heaney from Creighton University. Dr. Haney has spent over 50 years in the study of osteoporosis, vitamin D, and calcium physiology. He's authorized three books and has published over 400 original papers, chapters and monographs in the scientific and educational fields. In the interview today, Dr. Haney covers the following topics: The relationship of vitamin D and calcium and how they work together In terms of osteoporosis, and prevention of osteoporosis, is it possible to separate the importance of vitamin D and calcium, or do they go hand-in-hand? Calcium deficiency - is it possible? If so, what's the impact? Recommended calcium levels for adult men and women Calcium rich food sources, and bioavailability of various foods Various forms of calcium supplements evaluated The relationship between calcium and prostate cancer The relationship between calcium and coronary calcification The relationship between calcium and kidney stones The relationship between calcium and weight loss Emerging calcium and Vitamin D research

In this audio interview, Dr. Nina Radford, Director of Clinical Research and a cardiologist at Cooper Clinic, discusses cholesterol in children. Earlier this year, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the major pediatric associations put some new guidelines out in terms of screening cholesterol in children. The panel discusses two cholesterol screening recommendations for children. 1) The Universal Screen - consider screening cholesterol in all children, regardless of risk, sometime between 9- and 11 years of age, the age range when atherosclerosis actually starts to begin. The panel believes this is a good time to identify kids who may be from families of high risk; and it's a good time to influence children to adopt healthier habits. 2) Targeted Screen - any time, from ages 2- to 21, cholesterol might be screened if the child has any other risks for heart disease - obesity; diabetes; or high blood pressure. The child should also be screened if either parent had a stroke early in life. Dr. Radford also talks about the treatment recommendations the NHLBI makes for children who have elevated cholesterol.

In this podcast, Dr. Nina Radford, head of cardiology for Cooper Clinic, discusses the recent systematic review and meta-analysis Association Between Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation and Risk of Major Cardiovascular Disease Events published in the JAMA - The Journal of the American Medical Association September 12, 2012, Vol 308, No 10 issue. A transcript of this program is also available on the Cooper Aerobics blog.

Dr. Nina Radford, head of cardiology at the Cooper Clinic, talks with Todd Whitthorne about the recent study published in May 2012 in the Lancet that questions whether raising HDL cholesterol is beneficial. A text transcript of the interview is avalable on our blog here.

Todd Whitthorne recently interviewed eye expert, Ophthalmologist Robert Able, Jr., MD. Dr. Abel is the author of The Eye Care Revolution and The DHA Story. In the interview Dr. Abel explains how nutrition and lifestyle impact our eye health. Click here to listen to the interview. In the world of supplementation, mirtogenol, a combination of pycnogenol and bilberry, is discussed. Pycnogenol is French maritime pine bark, that's like a powerful vitamin C, and it's extremely helpful in diabetics and protecting the cross-linking of their blood vessels. In glaucoma patients, pycnogenol helps protect the nerve fibers. Bilberry helps peripheral vision and night vision. Mirtogenol helps lower intraocular pressure. Dr. Abel also discusses an herbal blend called Ifolia, and how it may positively impact glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure. There's a new Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) device that uses optical imaging to assist in diagnosing physiologic and pathologic conditions of the eye. The scanner is hand-held, so can be used in all patients, and comes with interchangeable lenses that allow various parts of the eye, from cornea to retina, to be examined. Using the device and looking at the eye, there's the potential to detect early stage Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's. The device is also used for MS detection too, as the thickness of the retina is changed in individuals who have MS. Dr. Abel says retinal testing may also pick up depression, because the eye and brain are so intimately connected. Our eyes need at least five hours of darkness every day (or night) in order to rest and replenish. Sleep is needed mechanically and functionally. Stroke, increased glaucoma risk, cornea warping, and stroke in the eye, the sudden loss of vision that can occur during sleep, are all discussed. Dr. Abel identifies the primarily culprits that make our vision worse - they include explosure to Ultra-Violet (UV) light; poor dietary choices; poor lifestyle choices; and stress. Sunglasses aren't just for fashion. Dr. Abel make recommendations on what kind of glasses to select. Finally, Dr. Abel discusses eye exams, and make recommendations for how often each of us should make an appointment to get our eyes checked. In addition to his traditional books on eye health, Dr. Abel has written two thrillers, Lethal Hindsight, and Last Sighting. He is also the author of Lumi's Book of Eyes, a book for children about eye health. The book has QR (Quick Response) codes sprinkled throughout it, with each one teaching a different lesson.

In this episode, Gretchen Vannice, MS, RD, author of Omega-3 Handbook, A Ready Reference Guide for Health Professionals, is interviewed by Todd Whitthorne. A registered dietitian, Gretchen explains what types of omega-3 fatty acids are most beneficial, and how to determine the type of omega-3 in different foods. The ways our body stores and uses EPA and DHA are also explained. Gretchen also reviews the intake recommendations for omega-3 fatty acids for different populations.

Todd Whitthorne from Cooper Aerobics, interviews Dr. William Harris. Dr. Harris, a senior scientist for Health Diagnostic Laboratory, is a leading expert on omega-3, and is co-developer of the HS Omega-3 Index, a simple blood test that can objectively measure the concentration of omega-3 fats in red blood cells. In the ORIGIN Trial, participants received 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids daily. The participants in the study (12,537 participants), didn't necessarily have heart disease, but had some kind of abnormal glucose metabolism –diabetes, fasting hyperglycemia, or some problem with glucose. Dr. Harris discusses the research findings, and his opinions about why the results came out as they did.Dr. Harris discusses the Framingham Heart Study, a large population study out of Boston, and how the individuals with the lowest omega-3 levels have physically smaller brains than people with higher omega-3 levels, and do not do as well on cognitive function tests as those with higher omega-3 levels. Dr. Harris believes it's possible that higher omega-3 levels may help forestall development of dementia. The HS Omega-3 Test, which objectively measures the omega-3 fats in red blood cells, is discussed.  Omega-3 is expressed as a percent so it's a percent of the total fatty acid found in the red blood cells that are EPA and DHA omega-3.  The typical American has a score of around 4- to 5 percent, while the Japanese (who eat lots of cold water fish) have an omega-3 index closer to 8, 9, or 10 percent. Although large numbers of Japanese smoke and high have blood pressure, they live on average four years longer than Americans, and there's thought that their high omega-3 index is responsible for these statistics. A laboratory in Richmond, Virginia runs the test. The test is available like a blood cholesterol or triglyceride test, and seems to be covered by most third-party payers. Patients can ask their physician to order the test when they have blood taken for other tests. Dr. Harris discusses the recent ruling by the European Food Safety Agency that states consumption of 5 grams EPA and DHA per day (combined) is safe. This is a very different number than 5 grams of fish oil, and Dr. Harris explains how. Dr. Harris also discusses how omega-3 fatty acids seem to lower systemic inflammation, and this overall reduction in inflammation seems to play a role both in the neuropsychiatric diseases as well as cardiovascular and joint disease.http://www.omegaquant.com/

In this podcast, Chip Lavie, MD, joins Todd Whitthorne to discuss Qsymia (formerly dubbed Qnexa), a new weight loss medication approved by the FDA that should be available by the end of this year. Dr. Lavie is triple board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases, and nuclear cardiology, and is a staff cardiologist at the Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute in New Orleans and is medical director of cardiac rehabilitation and preventive cardiology at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation. Dr. Lavie's also an active researcher and is the author, or co-author of more than 600 medical publications. As a society we need additional tools to help those who are struggling with weight. Seventy percent of  Americans are overweight or obese, and the number of those who are morbidly obese continues to grow. The new weight loss medication, Qsymia, is a combination of the drugs phentermine and topiramate, and it's estimated that weight loss will be 7- to 10 percent. For most individuals, this amount of weight loss can dramatically improve health values, although the person might well still not be at an ideal weight. Dr. Lavie and Todd discuss the potential impact this new medication may have on the obesity epidemic.

This is the second in a series of ongoing monthly interviews with Dr. Cannell. In this interview with John J. Cannell, M.D., Executive Director of Vitamin D Council, Dr. Cannell discusses the latest vitamin D news: The US Preventive Services Task Force recommendations regarding low-dose vitamin D for healthy, post-menopausal women to prevent fractures The health benefits of potassium The relationship between parathyroid hormone, vitamin D levels, and (calcium oxalate) kidney stones The impact of vitamin D on postural stability (aka athletic performance), and preventing falls Vitamin D as it relates to pain, sleep, and quality of life The difference between Vitamin D-2 and Vitamin D-3 Additional information on Vitamin D can be found at www.vitamindcouncil.org.

Donald Shell, MD, MA., acting director of Maryland's Department of Health Chronic Disease and Tobacco Use Prevention Family Health Administration is interviewed by Cooper Aerobics Todd Whitthorne. Dr. Shell practices “social medicine”, addressing the biological, psychological, and social needs of individuals, families, and communities in local, community, and government settings. In our interview today, Dr. Shell talks about tobacco use, the number one most preventable substance that causes chronic disease in America. Most smokers begin smoking in childhood/adolescence. In addition to cigarettes and dip, there are also candy/sugar flavored little cigars and cigarillos marketed to youth that contain tobacco, and look like brown cigarettes. (See www.TheCigarTrap.com for more info.) Dr. Shell talks about the ramifications of smoking – including first, second, and third hand smoke, and suggests steps that all of us, as individuals, or in concert with our city, county, or community, can take to curtail tobacco use. 

Our health is our responsibility. Dr. Michele Kettles, COO and executive vice president of Cooper Clinic talks with Todd Whitthorne about what, specifically, a typical 50 year old adult needs to know when it comes to preventive exams. Dr. Kettles talks about what exams and key tests we should consider.

This episode is third in a series of interviews with Abram Eisenstein, MD, Director of Gastroenterology at Cooper Clinic, about gastro-intestinal health. In this episode, Dr. Eisenstein discusses colon cancer – the second most common cause of cancer death in men and women in this country. While colon cancer isn't preventable, if caught early enough we don't have to die from it. Dr. Eisenstein discusses the importance of colonoscopy and weighs in with his thoughts and recommendations.

Dr. Michele Kettles, COO and executive vice president of Cooper Clinic talks with Todd Whitthorne about the New York Times article Let's (Not) Get Physicals from Sunday, June 3. Dr. Kettles is certified by the American Board of Preventive Medicine.

This episode is second in a series of interviews with Abram Eisenstein, MD, Director of Gastroenterology at Cooper Clinic, about gastro-intestinal health. In this episode, Dr. Eisenstein discusses Barrett's Esophagus, a disorder in which the lining of the esophagus is damaged by stomach acid. Barrett's Esophagus increases the risk of cancer of the esophagus. Dr. Eisenstein describes this disorder, talks about the risk factors in developing this condition, and treatment options. If you, or someone you know, suffer from chronic acid reflux, you'll want to listen to this interview.

In this episode, Abram Eisenstein, MD, Director of Gastroenterology at Cooper Clinic talks about acid reflux and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), a condition in which the stomach contents (liquid or food) leak backwards from the stomach into the esophagus. Approximately 25 percent of us are affected by acid reflux on a regular or occasional basis. Dr. Eisenstein talks about the condition with Todd Whitthorne, and makes recommendations on how those suffering with acid reflux might get relief.  

John J. Cannell, MD, and Executive Director of Vitamin D Council, talks about vitamin D and the impact this hormone has on health. Dr. Cannell discusses the potential link between low vitamin D levels and autism. If you are hoping to conceive (both men and women), are pregnant, or have a young infant or small child at home, you'll want to listen to this interview. Dr. Cannell also gives recommendations on which of the two vitamin D blood tests to have your doctor use when checking your level, and also advises on how much vitamin D most of us typically need to maintain a healthy level. Additional information on Vitamin D can be found at www.vitamindcouncil.org.

Diane Alexander, PhD, from Kemin Health, and Todd Whitthorne at Cooper Aerobics discuss ongoing research on the supplement lutein...., how lutein may relate to cognition; and how lutein levels in the eye impact glare reduction. Dr. Alexander also explains how the MPOD (Macular Pigment Optical Density) eye test works and why we might want to have this test during an eye exam. (Kemin Health is the raw material supplier of lutein used in Cooper Complete nutritional supplements.)

Todd interviews Diane Alexander, PhD, from Kemin Health, the company that provides the lutein used in Cooper Complete supplements. Diane and Todd discuss lutein – what it is, how it's manufactured, where we find it in our diet, and how much we need for optimal eye health.

Stephan Guyenet, PhD, is a neurobiologist from the University of Washington who studies the causes of obesity and the regulation of body fat by the brain. Dr. Guyenet's blog is http://www.wholehealthsource.org/ Todd interviews Dr. Guyenet in an effort to understand why we eat what we eat.

In this episode, Todd Whitthorne interviews Dr. Nina Radford, Director of Cardiovascular Medicine and Medical Imaging at Cooper Clinic to discuss the FDA warnings on Statins that were published this week.

In this edition, Todd Whitthone discusses sugar consumption in America. Learn how many pounds of sugar we typically eat every year, and hear about the research of Dr. Stephan Guyenet and his blog, Whole Health Source, http://wholehealthsource.blogspot.com/ 

With the Super Bowl immediately behind us, Todd Whitthorne, President and CEO of Cooper Concepts, Inc., explains how we should train our brain to think like the cornerback on a football team to improve our success.

In this episode, Todd Whitthorne talks about vitamin B12. You'll be surprised at all the symptoms that can result from a vitamin B12 deficiency. Todd shares Cooper Clinic standards for an "accepable" B12 level.

Established in 1994 by Rena Wing, PhD, from Brown Medical School and Jim Hill, PhD, from the University of Colorado, the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) is the largest prospective investigation of long-term successful weight loss maintenance. NWCR is currently tracking more than 10,000 people who have successfully lost weight and kept it off. To be included in the database, individuals must be 18 years or older, have lost a minimum of 30 pounds, and have kept the weight off at least one year. Todd shares findings from NWCR that all of us can incorporate into our lives whether we want to lose weight, or simply maintain our current weight.

Todd discusses a study in the New England Journal of Medicine that reviewed weight gain in the U.S. Researchers studied 120,000 well educated adults for 12- to 20 years, and found that on average, weight gain was a little less than one pound a year, or about 17 pounds over a 20-year period. Learn which 5 foods seem most connected to weight gain, and which 5 foods seem most connected to weight maintenance.

Todd Whitthorne discusses recent results of the Cardiovascular Health Cognition Study (an ongoing study at the University of Pittsburgh) published in Journal Neurology. The benefits of exercise on the brain are tremendous. Listen to find out the average number of miles we need to walk each week to cut our risk of developing memory loss in half! Cardiovascular Health Study

In this interview with Todd Whitthorne by Joanie Greggains on KGO Radio in San Francisco, Todd discusses the following issues: The best time of day to take a multivitamin. If other supplements can be taken at the same time as the multivitamin. The synergistic impact of supplements, such as calcium and Magnesium. Vitamin D and dosing. B vitamins and their importance pre-pregnancy in preventing neural tube defects. Omega-3 levels and military personnel suicide statistics.

Cooper staffer Todd Whitthorne talks about the one thing we can do to enhance, and extend, our lifespan.

Former pro football player Scott Secules talks about his experiences at Cooper. The week following Thanksgiving (2009), Scott spent at Cooper. While here, he had a comprehensive physical and spent a week in our wellness program. Scott talks about the healthy habits he rediscovered during his week at Cooper which have contributed to his return to exercise, and weight loss of 50+ pounds.

Todd Whitthorne interviews Dr. Abram Eisenstein, director of gastroenterology at Cooper Clinic about colon cancer, the number two most deadly form of cancer. Fifty thousand Americans will die this year from colon cancer, a largely preventable disease. Dr. Eisenstein reviews the preventive measures he recommends when it comes to colonoscopy screenings, and shares his recommendations on how to evaluate and select the right physician to perform your colonoscopy.    

Todd Whitthorne discusses Cooper Institute with director of development Connie Tyne. Dr. Kenneth Cooper, the “Father of Aerobics,” founded the Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1970, six months before opening his world famous preventive medicine clinic.  He knew an independent research institute was needed to bridge the gap between fitness faddism and scientific legitimacy in order to establish the direct relationship that exists between physical activity and good health.  The Institute is governed by its own Board of Trustees and remains administratively and financially independent from any other enterprise. Todd and Connie dicuss the upcoming luncheon Celebrating Generations of Wellness, honoring Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D., M.P.H., Thursday April 29, 2010 at noon in the Khmer Pavilion, Hilton Anatole Hotel, Dallas. Guest speaker is Tom Brokaw. Raffle - Win 2 tickets to Super Bowl XLV to be held in Dallas, Texas at the state-of-the-art Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011; 2 nights lodging at the Cooper Guest Lodge; dinner for 2 at Fearing's Restaurant at the Ritz Carlton; transportation to and from the Cooper Guest Lodge and Cowboys Stadium. A singlc chance ticket is $150; or 4 tickets for $500. A maximum of 1,000 tickets will be in the raffle. Go to www.cooperinst.org for more information.

John Cannaday, M.D., a staff radiologist at Cooper Clinic discusses two studies reported in the December issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, calling on physicians to limit CT Scans due to the risks associated with radiation exposure. The study headline read "Commonly performed CT scans are exposing patients to far more radiation than previously thought and in doses that could cause tens of thousands of cancers a year." In the two studies, the authors call on physicians to limit radiation exposure to patients. Dr. Cannaday reports that CT scans are used regularly at Cooper Clinic as a tool in evaluating cardiovascular health, and diagnosing coronary artery disease and blockage. The technology over the past decade has dramatically improved - through CT scans it's possible to take a noninvasive three dimensional tour of the torso. In the first study, a team (lead by Dr. Rebecca Smith-Bindman) at the University of California, San Francisco, collected data from 1,119 patients who received 11 types of CT scans in four area hospitals. The level of radiation exposure in the CT scans varied widely within and across the hospitals, with an average variation that was 13-fold. For example, the dose of radiation for a multiphase abdomen-pelvis CT scan ranged from 6 to 90 millisieverts, with an average dose of 31 millisieverts. In the second study, Amy Berrington de Gonzalez and her team (from the National Cancer Institute's Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics) estimated that 29,000 future cancers could be related to scans performed in 2007, and that these cases could result in about 14,500 deaths. From a consumer standpoint, the more exposure we have to radiation, the higher the potential risk of cancer.  Dr. Cannaday says that we are not able to free ourselves from radiation, the average background radiation is 3 millisieverts. Scan ranges less than 100 millisieverts are considered low exposures.  The team at the Cooper Clinic have aggressively trained to run these tests with the lowest possible exposure possible. The average exposure for a multiple slice of the heart to look for calcium scoring is approximately .9 millisieverts, so less than 1 millisievert. For the coronary CT antiogram which is a more extensive test, Cooper Clinic routinely performs this test with a millisieverts score of 2 or less. The test is more involved when looking at coronary bypass patients, and Cooper Clinic performs this test for 2.5 millisieverts or less. Dr. Cannaday believes patients should talk with their physician about the radiation exposure of any test, and to ascertain if there are alternative ways to get the results without non-ionizing radiation, for example through MRI or ultra sound. Any exam in the imaging department needs to be tailored to the question being asked, and minimizing radiation exposure should be a consideration. Patients need to keep in mind that scans are a tremendous tool in diagnosing cardiovascular, abdominal, chest and head diseases. While we need to be aware of radiation exposure, Dr. Cannaday hopes that studies like these don't scare people away from having tests they may genuinely need for managing their overall health. ReferenceStudies Quantify Cancer Risks From CT Scans Jill Turner is VP of Operations for Cooper Concepts, the company that markets Cooper Complete nutritional supplements, and oversees the Cooper Wellness Program, where individuals come to live at Cooper  for a week at a time to focus on living a healthy life. Jill regularly contributes information to the Cooper blog. Email jsturner@cooperwellness.com or call 972-560-3262 with your questions and comments.  

Jennifer Engels, M.D. is a diagnostic radiologist at Cooper Clinic. Dr. Engels discusses new recommendations regarding mammograms from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. On November 17, 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued new recommendations on screening mammography released in the Annals of Preventive Medicine.   The task force recommends that women who are considered “low risk for breast cancer” should start screening mammograms at age 50 instead of age 40, and they should be performed every other year instead of annually. The report further recommends that women 75 years of age and older should no longer be screened.Cooper Clinic recommends that all patients consider the risk of a potentially "false positive" mammogram in order to find an early, curable breast cancer. At Cooper Clinic, any additional mammographic views and/or breast ultrasound are performed on the same day as a screening mammogram. Patients leave Cooper Clinic that day with results from their exams without the anxiety of having to wait for the results to come through the mail. Dr. Engels urges women continue to get their annual mammograms starting at age 40, as 23 percent of breast cancers are diagnosed in women under the age of 50. If the women are high risk, they may also want to talk to their physician about adding breast MRI.

Cooper Wellness Program with Peg Williams (Podcast) Peg Williams, a two-time participant with Cooper Wellness Program, is interviewed by Todd Whitthorne. The Cooper Wellness Program is medically-supervised, in-residence lifestyle modification program. Since attending the program in June, 2008, Peg has lost 120 pounds.   Flying around the country for her job, Peg says she regularly saw the ad for the Cooper Wellness Program in the American Airlines in-flight magazine. While at a conference in 2008, Peg realized she was wearing her largest clothes, and they were tight! At that point, Peg made the decision to come to Cooper for help.   Peg says when she had a Cooper Clinic physical and spent a week in the Cooper Wellness Program, she knew she was overweight and that her clothes were tight, but at the time she didn't think she felt bad. After getting a download of data during her Cooper Clinic physical and then during the Wellness Program, Peg realized she had been headed in the wrong direction. Luckily for her, all of her potential health issues were fixable with weight loss.   With weight loss as the goal, Peg focused on getting healthier. She says the key to her success has been to learn how to eat right, to make healthier choices, and to get moving. Peg learned during her week at Cooper that good food doesn't have to taste bad. Departing a few pounds lighter after her week at Cooper, Peg started built on that success. She started watching her calories, and she started exercising.   In an exercise session at Cooper Fitness Center, a trainer told Peg she needed to get 200 minutes of aerobic exercise weekly. Peg says this number was about twice what she had hoped, but that little by little she slowly started upping her exercise time.   Between healthier eating habits, and increased activity at the gym, Peg was losing 2- to 3 pounds per week, and then it was just a matter of staying focused for the long run.   Peg travels most of the time on business, and is on a plane or in a hotel almost every week. She says the Wellness Program taught her that “this is only hard if you make it hard.” She found a couple of time things she can do all the time, and arms herself against excuses. For example, every hotel has a fitness center – it might not be pretty, but it's there, so there's just no excuse not to utilize them. And, when it comes to food, there are tons of choices, and restaurants are accommodating if asked. Peg says she has a list of go-to meals she utilizes when on the road.   Peg's advice to those wanting to be healthier is to just get started. Do something and build on that. Get a little bit of exercise. And, at each meal, make one smarter choice. For example, for breakfast choose oatmeal instead of a donut. And, when ordering lunch, instead of ham and swiss with mayonnaise, order turkey on whole wheat. These are examples of small changes that add up. Success will follow!   Peg says her family, friends and colleagues all say she looks so much younger. And she truly feels great!   You can read about Peg's weight loss in the Southern Living magazine blog http://livehealthy.southernliving.com/2009/07/lost-one-tiny-celebrity-or-the-equivalent-thereof.html For information on scheduling a 4 or 6-day visit (and bring a friend!) with the Cooper Wellness Program, contact Cindy Bostick at 800-444-5192 or clbostick@cooperwellnessprogram.com. Jill Turner is VP of Operations for Cooper Concepts, the company that markets Cooper Complete nutritional supplements. Jill regularly contributes information to the Cooper blog. Email jsturner@cooperwellness.com or call 972-560-3262 with your questions and comments. Reference Information Cooper Wellness Program information http://www.cooperaerobics.com/For-Individuals/Wellness-Program/Program-Information.aspx

Todd Whitthorne was interviewed by Joanie Greggains on KGO radio in San Francisco recently about Vitamin D, Omega-3, and taking a multivitamin.

Benefits of exercise differ by sex and race (Podcast) Dr. Tedd Mitchell, Cooper Clinic president and CEO is interviewed by Todd Whitthorne, and talks about how the benefits of exercise differ by sex and race.   The study, reported in the Journal of Lipid Research (August 2009 issue), began in the late 1980s, and used data from more than 15,000 middle-aged African American and Caucasian men and women (already participating in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study). Researchers wanted to evaluate the benefits of one hour of “mild” or 30 minutes of “moderate” exercise on HDL, the healthy cholesterol.   “Mild” exercise activities included walking for pleasure, bowling, and weight lifting, while “moderate” exercise included playing basketball, hiking, and modern dance. Researchers found that either an hour of mild exercise or a half hour of moderate exercise each week increased the level of heart healthy HDL cholesterol. Regarding triglycerides and LDL (lousy) cholesterol, the impact exercise has is less clear. Researchers saw a reduction in triglycerides in Caucasians, but not in African Americans. And, researchers found that the LDL cholesterol level was reduced, but only in women.   Dr. Mitchell says the big takeaway from this study is that exercise is good, and for health benefits we don't need that much, and that consistency with exercise, not intensity, is the key. One hour of mild exercise, or 30 minutes of moderate exercise positively impacted HDL cholesterol levels.   Jill Turner is VP of Operations for Cooper Concepts, the company that markets Cooper Complete nutritional supplements. Jill regularly contributes information to the Cooper blog. Email jsturner@cooperwellness.com or call 972-560-3262 with your questions and comments.   Reference Information Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study http://www.cscc.unc.edu/aric/   Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study: Community Surveillance and Cohort Morbidity/Mortality Follow-up http://www.cscc.unc.edu/aric/visit/General_Description_and_Study_Management.5_1.pdf   Benefits of exercise differ by sex and race http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE5862SY20090907

Dr. Tedd Mitchell, Cooper Clinic president and CEO is interviewed by Todd Whitthorne, and talks about how a recent study linking high blood pressure to memory loss in adults 45 years and older.   The study, reported in the Journal of Neurology (August 25, 2009 issue), looked at the link between high blood pressure and memory. People as young at 45 years of age with high blood pressure, are more likely to have memory issues, suggesting that aggressive early treatment of high blood pressure can have huge dividends. Dr. Mitchell says one of the things we have long associated with high blood pressure is small strokes, mini strokes (Transient Ischemic Attack), but it's generally in the elderly. What this study suggests is that there may be an effect on cognitive function in people with high blood pressure, even if they don't show evidence of any mini strokes (TIAs).   The study included almost 20,000 people, ages 45 and older, with no evidence of stroke or TIAs. More than 7 percent of the subjects had memory problems, and nearly half of the people were taking medication for high blood pressure. Researchers found that for every 10 point increase in the bottom blood pressure number, the systolic number, odds of having cognitive problems increased by 7 percent!   Our bodily systems are related, and what we do for our heart is good for our brain. Likewise, the health choices we make that aren't good for our heart also have a potential negative impact on our brain. Dr. Mitchell reminds us that being treated for high blood pressure doesn't necessarily mean that our blood pressure is controlled and monitoring is imperative – with a blood pressure cuff at home or by using the machines at the grocery or drug store. The detriments of high blood pressure impact us early and it's just imperative that we keep our number down. When it comes to blood pressure, a general rule of thumb is that the lower the blood pressure the better. The lower we can drop our blood pressure, the lower our impact on the organs of the body.   When watching blood pressure, salt may be an issue. The elderly and African Americans tend to be more salt sensitive than others. For some, cutting sodium significantly reduces blood pressure, while for others it doesn't make a significant difference. High Blood Pressure Linked to Memory Loss in Those 45 and Older http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aGDh1hu6N3Xk   Association of higher diastolic blood pressure levels with cognitive impairment http://intl.neurology.org/cgi/content/abstract/73/8/589  

Dictionary.com defines Pilates as “a method of physical and mental exercise involving stretches and breathing that focus on strengthening the abdominal core.”  Jay Grimes, a leading authority and practitioner of Pilates was recently in town for a day of teaching. We caught up with Jay and talked with him about Pilates. With more than 40 years of Pilates experience, Jay got his start in pilates by training with Joseph Pilates during the last few years of Joseph's life, and then with Joseph's wife Clara following Joseph's death. A professional dancer for eighteen years, Jay attributes his injury free dancing career to pilates. Jay compares the idea of a well tuned body with a wonderfully maintained musical instrument – if an instrument is tuned and in good working order it can be used to play any type or style of music well. Our body is the same way, according to Jay – a well tuned body doesn't care if it's bowling or dancing ballet. Everything in pilates is based on everyday movement, and fine tuning the body so that every move made is a constructive exercise – even simple things like getting in and out of the car, or walking across the kitchen. The benefits of pilates are numerous and include: • Supports an overall good and healthy body• You'll look and feel good• Offers stress relief• Promotes better posture• Improves sleep• Aids digestion An initial pilates session or two often seems deceptively simple, as the journey to pilates mastery is incredibly long. To “get pilates into the body” Jay believes a master might only need three- to five years, while the average person might need somewhere between eight- and ten years. In Jay's opinion, there are benefits to be gained in the journey. Despite the difficulty of the discipline, there's very little oversight in the business, and teaches have as little as a few months of experience up to several decades of learning.  Donna Fisher, the head pilates instructor at Cooper Fitness Center, has been practicing and teaching for 18 years, and says she was humbled to learn under Jay for a day. And Jay, after 45 years of experience, says there's always room for improvement and he still considers himself a student. When looking for an instructor, it's important to do our homework and ask lots of questions. Jay suggests we start with: • What kind of training does the teacher have?• How long have they been training?• Are they still doing continuing education? For the pilates aficionado, Jay's believes three weekly sessions of 30 minutes are enough time for someone to maintain and keep their body in tune. Jill Turner is VP of Operations for Cooper Concepts, the company that markets Cooper Complete nutritional supplements. Jill regularly contributes information to the Cooper blog. Email jsturner@cooperwellness.com or call 972-560-3262 with your questions and comments. Reference InformationJay Grimes - http://www.jaygrimes.com/ Weekly group mat Pilates classes are offered free to Cooper Fitness Center members - http://www.cooperaerobics.com/For-Individuals/PersonalFitness/Preston-Road-Dallas/Pilates.aspx Donna Fisher, Cooper Fitness Center Pilates program director – 972-233-4832, ext 4423 - http://www.cooperaerobics.com/For-Individuals/PersonalFitness/Preston-Road-Dallas/Pilates.aspx

In this Cooper Aerobics podcast, Dr. Nina Radford, Cooper Clinic director of cardiovascular medicine, discusses the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force new recommendations regarding aspirin to prevent cardiovascular disease.  The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force looks at all the literature that's come out in individual studies, and tries to compare the studies across age groups and gender, to make recommendations. Historically, the American Heart Association suggested aspirin therapy for individuals with a 6- to 10 percent risk of developing heart disease within the next 10 years. That number comes from the Framingham Risk Score, a clinical calculation tool. The score takes into consideration age, gender, cholesterol, systolic blood pressure and smoking status. For those who don't have a medical risk in taking aspirin (easy bleeding, ulcers, allergies, etc.), a Framingham Risk Score of 6- to 10 percent would indicate aspirin therapy. Then a study came out that specifically looked at the benefits of aspirin in women. We know from a study published a number of years ago that use of a daily aspirin reduced the risk of first heart attack by about 30 percent in men. However, in that study there was an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding within the brain). In the study that came out on women, a reduction in heart attack risk wasn't seen; however, there was a decrease in stroke risk. So, the benefits of aspirin therapy are different in men and women. The new guidelines recommend giving aspirin to men and aspirin to women to prevent stroke. The new recommendations call for low dose 81 mg (baby) aspirin. The task force looked at the risk of taking aspirin compared to the risks (hemorrhagic stroke, irritation to the stomach, and bleeding in the stomach or stomach lining). If you're a man aged 45 to 79, with a Framingham Risk of just 4 percent, you should consider taking aspirin. Women ages 55 to 79 should consider taking low dose aspirin if their stroke risk in the next 10 years is 3 percent in the younger group, 8 percent in the middle aged group, and later than 11 percent in the older age group. Finally, the task force states that for men less than 44 years of age and women less than 54 years of age, it's unlikely that the benefits of aspirin will outweigh the risks. Dr. Radford says there are exceptions to this rule – higher than normal cardiovascular risks, early family history of cardiovascular issues, diabetics, people with high cholesterol, etc. The American Diabetes Association suggests that diabetes 40 years and older take a low dose aspirin daily. Many of us ascribe to the philosophy that “if a little is good, more is better.” Is this true with aspirin? Dr. Radford says NO – we increase our risk of stomach bleeding when we take too much aspirin, so we should definitely stick to the 81 mg aspirin and not substitute the adult aspirin of 325 mg. When shopping for aspirin, Dr. Radford encourages us to forgo buying adult aspirin and cutting it up to size (as a cost-saving measure), and to simply buy the basic generic 81 mg aspirin. The baby aspirin that's the “heart aspirin” is simply a marketing campaign that will result in our paying more for the packaging. Reference Information Cooper Clinic Appointments – 866-906-COOP (2667) Task Force Recommends Using Aspirin To Prevent Cardiovascular Disease When the Benefits Outweigh the Harms - http://www.ahrq.gov/news/press/pr2009/aspcvdpr.htm Framingham Risk Score Calculator - http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/atpiii/calculator.asp Aspirin Prevents Stroke in Women and Heart Attack in Men - http://www.medpagetoday.com/Cardiology/AcuteCoronarySyndrome/2505 An Update on Aspirin in the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease - http://www.aspirin.org/studies/20030930.pdf Aspirin Foundation of America - http://www.aspirin.org/studies/studies.html

Todd Whitthorne interviews Colette Cole, a personal trainer at Cooper Fitness Center. Colette has a masters degree in exercise physiology, and co-authored Women's Health and Fitness Guide with Michele Kettles, M.D., M.S.P.H., medical director of Cooper Clinic in Dallas. Research shows lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity and eating a healthy diet can reduce the risk for developing many chronic diseases, and can help manage existing health conditions.  With this in mind, Colette started Female Focus, a four- week lifestyle program specifically for women, concentrating on a range of health topics including fibromyalgia, osteoporosis and cancer. Each group of 8- to 10 women meets twice each week for a group exercise class which focuses on the individual needs of the participants. The class aims to teach both how- and why- each exercise is done, and also includes nutrition coaching from a registered dietitian. Although the health benefits of exercise are known, when we need to exercise often the first thing we don't want to do is exercise. The class is designed to help women work through barriers to exercise. Colette says the small group dynamic is fantastic. Exercising with a group is motivating and Female Focus offers the benefits of group motivation in small enough classes where participants are ensured personalized attention. Research supports that if we exercise with a “buddy” we're more likely to stick with it.  Colette has noticed that often after a class has ended, the women will continue their friendships and get together to attend a yoga or pilates class, or to walk on the track. Statistics show one in two women will get osteoporosis, a largely preventable disease, and 30 to 40 percent of the women enrolled in the class are there to prevent osteoporosis. Exercise can improve osteopenia, especially in the trunk. Increasing strength helps prevent falls and improve balance. Many women lack the knowledge or may be intimidated by strength training and mistakenly participate in cardio training only. Colette believes this is a mistake. It's a misconception that weight training builds “bulk” in women – in fact it's the opposite. Strength training helps slim, tone, curve and shape the female figure.  Female Focus classes concentrate on increasing trunk strength and balance to prevent falls as well as incorporating exercise into everyday activities outside of class.  For people who don't have access to Cooper Fitness Center, Todd and Colette talk about how to find a good personal trainer. There are folks in many health clubs who became personal trainers after a 4- or 5 day class. Colette's advice is to look for a Certified Personal Trainer who has a college degree in exercise physiology, kinesiology, or another related field of study. In addition, the trainer needs to be certified from a reputable organization such as the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Cooper Institute, National Strength and Conditioning Association or IDEA.  Continuing education is also key – there's always new info coming out, so a good personal trainer will continue to engage in ongoing training. Finally, find someone with experience in the area for the need you have. Personal trainers tend to have specialties, so look for someone who has experience working with people who have similar issues. To enroll in Female Focus, or for more information, contact Colette Cole at 972-233-4832. Jill Turner is VP of Operations for Cooper Concepts, the company that markets Cooper Complete nutritional supplements. Jill regularly contributes information to the Cooper blog. Email jsturner@cooperwellness.com or call 972-560-3262 with your questions and comments. Reference Information Cooper Fitness Center Female Focus program information Women's Health and Fitness Guide book IDEA Health & Fitness Association National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)  The Cooper Institute

Dr. Radford reviews how changes in physical activity impact longevityDr. Nina Radford, Cooper Clinic director of cardiovascular medicine was interviewed by Todd Whitthorne, and gave her thoughts on the recent study published in the British Medical Journal looking at lifestyle changes in terms of physical activity for 50-year old men, in a 35-year follow-up. Dr. Radford reports that patients often come into Cooper Clinic for the first time around age 50. The good news is, even if you start to adopt healthy lifestyles at age 50, you'll see lots of benefits. The study supports Dr. Radford's assertion that positive lifestyle changes positively impact overall health. In the study reported in the British Medical Journal, 2,200 Swedish men were evaluated at age 50 (between 1970 and 1973), and then re-evaluated at ages 60, 70, 77, and 82 years. Researchers wanted to determine the impact of physical activity in inactive, moderately active and very active men, and see if increased physical activity resulted in improved health benefits. Increased physical activity was determined by asking a couple of simple questions. Men who answered “Yes” to “Do you spend most of your time reading, watching TV, going to the movies, or engaging in mostly sedentary activities?” were labeled low-activity. The men labeled “moderately active” answered “Yes” to the question “Do you often go walking or cycling for pleasure?” Men who reported that they engage in any active recreational sport or heavy gardening at least 3 hours every week, or who stated they regularly engage in hard physical training or competitive sports were labeled high-activity. Researchers followed these men over 35 years. In their conclusions, researchers stated “Increased physical activity in middle age is eventually followed by a reduction in mortality to the same level as seen among men with constantly high physical activity. This reduction is comparable with that associated with smoking cessation.” Dr. Radford says it took about 10 years in the high-activity level for the previously low- or medium-active men to realize the increased health benefits of the men who had constantly high had physical activity. The benefits were significant though – researchers saw a reduction in cardiac risk for these guys – as much as the benefits seen when someone stops smoking. Todd mentions that research shows over-and-over that 150 minutes of exercise per week seems to be the magic number we need to meet in order to get all the health benefits of exercise. Dr. Radford noted that the 3 hours (180 minutes) of exercise seen in the study was pretty minimal given the incredible health rewards. Dr. Radford suggests that people following as few as 2 reality shows a week probably spend 5- to 6 hours in front of the TV for those programs. If time is tight, her recommendation is that spending time on the treadmill or exercise bike while watching a TV program is an easy way to “find” the time needed to exercise. Jill Turner is VP of Operations for Cooper Concepts, the company that markets Cooper Complete nutritional supplements. Jill regularly contributes information to the Cooper blog. Email jsturner@cooperwellness.com or call 972-560-3262 with your questions and comments. Reference InformationTotal mortality after changes in leisure time physical activity in 50 year old men: 35 year follow-up of population based cohorthttp://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/338/mar05_2/b688

Dr. Nina Radford, Cooper Clinic director of cardiovascular medicine is interviewed by Todd Whitthorne, and gives her thoughts on the ENCORE study as discussed at the recent American College of Cardiology conference.   The ENCORE trial looked lifestyle interventions for lowering blood pressure. It's been well described that a diet called the DASH Diet has been associated with reductions in blood pressure. The diet heavily emphasizes fruits and vegetables and has been very effective at lower blood pressure by 10- to 15 points, as much blood pressure lowering effect as many medications offer.   What isn't known is what happens when the DASH Diet is combined with exercise and caloric restriction for weight loss. In the ENCORE study, healthy overweight individuals with slightly elevated blood pressure were put into one of three groups:   ·        Group 1 – DASH Diet only ·        Group 2 – DASH Diet plus behavioral weight management (including supervised exercise three times weekly) ·        Group 3 – Usual Care   Researchers found that the participants who followed the DASH diet and also received behavioral weight management support had the best results in managing their blood pressure.   The DASH Diet recommends 9- to 11 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Dr. Radford urges us to not get overwhelmed by this recommendation. Our serving sizes are simply out of whack. One-half cup orange juice (4 ounces), an amount most of us would find piddling in our glass, counts as one fruit. And a couple of slices of tomatoes on your sandwich at lunch is going to be vegetable serving. We really don't have to eat a giant vat of fruits and vegetables. At lunch, make sure the sandwich has lettuce and tomato, and substitute fruit instead of chips. The biggest obstacle in getting the recommended servings for most people is planning: we're going to have to go to the grocery store of farmers market and make sure we have the fruits and vegetables available to us. And, when we get home we need to clean and package them up for serving so when we go to reach for a snack or make a meal, including the fruits and vegetables is easy.   Dr. Radford also briefly discusses salt intake for the average person who has slightly elevated blood pressure. In general, reducing the amount of salt we use has less impact on our blood pressure then increasing our intake of fruits and vegetables. This said, Dr. Radford suggests we start a salt reduction plan by eliminating the salt shaker from our dinner table.   The Poly Pill was also discussed that the American College of Cardiology Conference. A Poly Pill combines blood pressure medication, one cholesterol lowering medication, and low-dose aspirin combined into one product. In a large test in India, researchers found the Poly Pill performed well – it lowered blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, and made the blood less sticky. However, this “one size fits all” pill also has a downside. Researchers found that approximately one third of the participants stopped taking the medication after three months because of side effects.   Dr. Radford says there are seven or eight different classes of blood pressure drugs. Your physician picks the one they believe will work best given your specific health history and condition. The Poly Pill takes this individualization out of the picture. But, for the folks who can tolerate the Poly Pill, it's a great possible solution to blood pressure control.   Jill Turner is VP of Operations for Cooper Concepts, the company that markets Cooper Complete nutritional supplements. Jill regularly contributes information to the Cooper blog. Email jsturner@cooperwellness.com or call 972-560-3262 with your questions and comments.   Reference Information American College of Cardiology http://www.acc.org/   ENCORE Study http://www.cardiosource.com/rapidnewssummaries/summary.asp?SumID=414   Total mortality after changes in leisure time physical activity in 50 year old men: 35 year follow-up of population based cohort http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/338/mar05_2/b688   DASH Eating Plan – Your Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure With DASH http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/new_dash.pdf

Dr. Mitchell talks about studies in the news Dr. Tedd Mitchell, Cooper Clinic president and CEO is interviewed by Todd Whitthorne, and gives his thoughts on two recent news articles.   Prostate Test Found to Save Few Lives Two big studies have recently been published regarding prostate cancer were published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine. One study was conducted here in the United States; the other encompassed several European countries. The headlines read “Prostate Test Found To Save Few Lives.” Dr. Mitchell says these headlines don't change Cooper Clinic recommendations that men between 40- and 50 years of age get an initial PSA test.   Dr. Mitchell explains that the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test is a bio marker in the blood. As the prostate gland ages, it grows in size and more of the PSA antigen is released. There are conditions (not just cancer) that can make the prostate release large amount of the antigen. The PSA test is a tool that physicians use to look at PSA levels over time.   Many men will die with prostate cancer but not from prostate cancer. Currently, for every 50 men who are diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer, the life of one man will be extended. For the other 49 men, their lifetime won't vary. We don't yet know the impact of this statistic over 15- or 20 years.   Cooper Clinic recommends initial testing between 40 and 50 years of age. Dr. Mitchell believes the PSA test is important tool in helping to extend life. However, not all prostate cancers act the same, and it's important that men diagnosed with prostate cancer work with their physician about a specific plan of action for their treatment. Younger men diagnosed with cancer tend to have a more aggressive form of prostate cancer. In addition, prostate cancer therapy is not without problems – there are side effects and levels of effectiveness. It's important to know the man to help determine the right level of therapy. For this reason, men need to review their PSA results with a physician who knows them, knows their general health, their psychological profile, etc.   Dr. Mitchell believes regular PSA testing is important as a series of PSA tests over a series of years is way more important than a single elevated PSA test. If you have someone who's had normal or low-end PSA tests, a big change, even if the result is still normal, is still a major concern.   Prevention: Gains From Exercise After Heart Attack Are Lost if Exercise Stops A study published in the March 16 issue of the journal Circulation, looked at the impact of exercise after heart attack on flow-mediated dilation. Flow-mediated dilation is the flexibility of our arteries. Dr. Mitchell describes our arteries as being like a garden hose. The more flexible the garden hose, the more water that can flow through. An old or damaged garden hose will not pump as much water through it as a new garden hose. Post heart-attack, arteries have a reduced capacity to pump through blood.   The study contained 228 people divided into one of four groups:   ·        No exercise ·        Strength training only ·        Aerobic conditioning only ·        Strength training & aerobic conditioning   The study found that heart attack survivors can improve the elasticity of their blood vessels through exercise.   Interestingly, each of the exercise groups saw good improvements in blow-mediated dilation. However, after 4 weeks of inactivity/non-exercise, the benefits of exercise were lost. As Dr. Cooper always says, fitness is a journey not a destination, and we can't store fitness.   Dr. Mitchell urges that it's also important for us to do both aerobic and strength training. He regularly sees older adults who have good cardiovascular conditioning who don't do strength training and are withering away despite their cardiovascular health. Or, on the other hand the meathead who doesn't go to the track. It's the combination of fitness we're after, and excluding one for the other is dysfunctional and simply not in our best interests.   Jill Turner is VP of Operations for Cooper Concepts, the company that markets Cooper Complete nutritional supplements. Jill regularly contributes information to the Cooper blog. Email jsturner@cooperwellness.com or call 972-560-3262 with your questions and comments.   Reference Information Prostate Test Found To Save Few Lives http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/19/health/19cancer.html   Prevention: Gains From Exercise After Heart Attack Are Lost if Exercise Stops http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/24/health/24prev.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Cooper Fitness Center (Dallas) personal trainer Shannon Edwards talks with Todd Whitthorne about the new Power Plate equipment the club is now utilizing, and the weekly Outdoor Power Workout class Shannon and personal trainer David Williams co-direct. Shannon was Cooper Fitness Center personal trainer of the year in 2008, and has a masters in kinesiology and exercise physiology. Reference Information-Power Plate http://us.powerplate.com/EN/Come to Cooper Fitness Center To schedule a personal training session with Shannon Edwards, or to learn more about becoming a member of Cooper Fitness Center, call 972-233-4832 or  (http://www.cooperaerobics.com/For-Individuals/PersonalFitness.aspx) 

Dr. Tedd Mitchell, Cooper Clinic president and CEO is interviewed by Todd Whitthorne, and gives his thoughts on the 21-year longitudinal study conducted by Stanford researchers to confirm disability and survival benefits of exercise. Reduced Disability and Mortality Among Aging Runners http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/168/15/1638 Body Mass Index Calculator http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/ Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/collab/imacs/docs/activity/05haqinstruct.pdf  

Cooper Wellness Program director of nutrition and registered dietitian Kathy Duran-Thal claims she knows a little bit about a large array of topics when it comes to nutrition and healthy eating. Kathy talks hints and tips on how to simplify nutrition and make healthy eating exciting. Included is a great breakfast idea, tips for successful weight loss losers, and dining out strategies.

Dr. Abram Eisenstein, Cooper Clinic director of gastroenterology is interviewed by Todd Whitthorne. Fifty thousand Americans will die this year colon cancer, a largely preventable disease. Dr. Eisenstein discusses the major risk factors for colon cancer and how a colonoscopy can save your life. Reference Information  Association of Colonoscopy and Death From Colorectal Cancer: A Population-Based, Case-Control Study How Much Does Colonoscopy Reduce Colon Cancer Mortality?