NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A new study shows that people who are obese can reverse some early heart and blood vessel dysfunction by adopting a healthy lifestyle and losing weight. But exercise alone, without weight loss, does not appear to be enough to improve cardiovascular function.

Dr. Chiew Y. Wong of the University of Queensland in Australia and colleagues had 106 obese men and women with no cardiovascular disease complete an eight-week lifestyle intervention program. Sixty-two cut their calorie and fat intake and exercised, while 44 exercised but did not change their diet.

Forty-eight of the study participants lost an average of 4.5 percent of their body weight, while the remaining 58 kept their weight stable or gained weight.

Among those who lose weight, the researchers noted improvements in their arteries' response to changes in blood pressure, as well as a 15 percent improvement in peak VO2, a measure of how well the body uses oxygen during exercise.

While the men and women who didn't lose weight did show improvements in peak oxygen uptake -- a measure of how well the body uses oxygen -- no significant changes were seen in their heart or blood vessel function.

This study "supports the argument that increasing cardiorespiratory fitness alone is not sufficient to produce the same cardiovascular benefits," the researchers conclude.

"Individuals in the highest levels of consumption of vitamin D had a greater than 40 percent reduction in their risk of pancreatic cancer," said study co-author Dr. Charles S. Fuchs, an associate professor and medical oncologist with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, in Boston.

"We really have been struggling to find effective measures of prevention, so we are very excited by this effort," he added.

Fuchs' team presented their findings in the September issue of Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention.

The researchers note that pancreatic cancer is currently the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Because the disease often is detected relatively late, survival is very low. According to the American Cancer Society, 32,000 new cases of this silent killer will be diagnosed this year, and a similar number of Americans will die of the disease.

There is no known cure or effective treatment, and to date no specific environmental or dietary practices other than smoking have been cited as a contributing factors for pancreatic cancer.

In their study, the researchers analyzed data from two long-term national studies. One study was launched in 1976 and the other in 1986. Both assessed dietary intake among more than 75,000 female registered nurses and almost 47,000 male health professionals, respectively.

The men were between the ages of 40 and 75, while the women were between 38 and 65. Beginning in the mid-1980s, participants completed food-consumption questionnaires every other year through to 2000. Vitamin use, smoking and diabetes status, and cancer history were also tracked over the study period. Exposure to sun -- a major source of daily vitamin D -- was not reviewed.

Over the course of the study, 178 women and 187 men were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Vitamin D intake seemed to be related to pancreatic cancer risk, the researchers found.

Compared to individuals who took in less than 150 International Units (IUs) of vitamin D per day, those who consumed between 150 to 299 IUs of the vitamin had a 22 percent reduced risk for pancreatic malignancy, and those who consumed between 300-449 IUs/day cut their risk by 43 percent.

The current U.S. recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin D is 400 IUs per day.

Taking in more than 400 IUs per day of vitamin D did not result in a further lowering of risk, the researchers found.

Neither body mass index nor smoking history had any impact on vitamin D's association with a reduced pancreatic cancer risk. As well, where a person lived -- in the sunny south or the less-sunny north -- had no effect on vitamin D's impact on pancreatic cancer risk.

Older, more physically active, nonsmoking men and women were more likely to consume higher doses of vitamin D, the researchers noted, and almost everyone who placed in the highest level of vitamin D intake took a daily multivitamin.

In terms of food, skim milk was the most common source of vitamin D, providing 19 percent of vitamin D dietary consumption for both men and women. Fish provided another 14 percent of the vitamin among the men and 8 percent among the women.

Here is a supplment that not only provides Vitamin D but also your daily calcium needed for your body. Herbalife Calcium Vitamin D Supplement - Xtra-Cal.

Each pound of fat your body stores represents 3,500 calories of unused energy. In order to lose one pound, you would have to create a calorie deficit of 3,500 calories by either taking in 3,500 less calories over a period of time than you need or doing 3,500 calories worth of exercise. It is recommended that no more than two pounds (7,000 calories) be lost per week for lasting weight loss.

Adding 15 minutes of moderate exercise, say walking one mile, to your daily schedule will use up 100 extra calories per day. (Your body uses approximately 100 calories of energy to walk one mile, depending on your body weight.) Maintaining this schedule would result in an extra 700 calories per week used up, or a loss of about 10 pounds in one year, assuming your food intake stays the same. To look at energy balance another way, just one extra slice of bread or one extra soft drink a day – or any other food that contains approximately 100 calories – can add up to ten extra pounds in a year if the amount of physical activity you do does not increase.

lf you already have a lean figure and want to keep it you should exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet that provides enough calories to make up for the energy you expend. If you wish to gain weight you should exercise regularly and increase the number of calories you consume until you reach your desired weight. Exercise will help ensure that the weight you gain will be lean muscle mass, not extra fat.

What is a great weight loss tool that helps you moderate your calorie intake is Herbalife Total Control.  Boosts metabolism to help burn fat.  Builds energy and soothes digestion and promotes weight loss.

A Herbalife article on Omega-3 benefits.

The link between good health and fish emerged in 1978, after a group of researchers from Denmark reported that the Inuit of northwest Greenland had one-tenth the death rate from heart attack as that of their Danish neighbors.

The scientists concluded that the Inuit diet, primarily made up of fish, seal and herring oil, protected them from high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

Most societies do not have a diet like that, so the medical community took note in 1985 when Dutch scientists reported that only about 7 ounces of fish a week in a Western diet cut the coronary death rate by 50% in a group of 850 Dutch men who'd been tracked for 20 years.

Four years later, scientists in Wales reported that men who ate 6 to 12 ounces of fatty fish for two years after suffering a heart attack had a 29% lower mortality rate.

Fish eaters also have fewer strokes: In a study of 80,000 female nurses, eating fish twice a week reduced the incidence of stroke by about 50%. In a similar study of male physicians, only one fish meal per month cut the incidence of strokes by 44%.

A growing body of research suggests that the omega-3 fats that fish contains DHA and EPA seem to help the heart in several ways. Fish oils reduce elevated triglycerides, blood fats that are markers for heart disease risk, by as much as 30%. They inhibit development of plaques in arteries: One theory is that DHA and EPA may alter the way molecules adhere to the vascular walls. And higher fish consumption seems to improve blood vessel elasticity, thereby helping to reduce blood pressure.

The most consistently reported benefit of omega-3s appears to be a stabilizing effect on the heart muscle itself, reducing the risk of heart arrhythmias, the most common cause of sudden cardiac death.

"The amount of omega 3s we need for protection of cardiac arrhythmias is small, roughly what we get in two servings of fish a week," says Dr. Walter Willett, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health. "It's remarkable that there is so much benefit for such a modest amount."

New research indicates that fish may feed the brain as well as the heart. In one study, older individuals who ate fish once a week or more had a 60% lower risk of Alzheimer's disease, compared with those who avoided seafood. Likewise, elderly Chicago residents who ate fish twice a week slowed their rate of cognitive decline by 13% on standardized tests.

This link makes good sense, says Martha Clare Morris, the lead researcher on these studies on fish and cognition, and an associate professor of preventive medicine at the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

Omega-3s are vital to the overall function of nerve cells in the brain and for keeping the nerve cells healthy, she says. "DHA is one of the primary lipids in the human brain, and the primary lipid in areas of the brain that work the hardest." As we age, we lose DHA, so replacing it with food may be helpful.

Indeed, DHA has been shown to have a positive effect on the aging brain in animals.

The list of possible omega-3 benefits is growing longer. Fish oil seems to elevate mood and improve depression: In a group of Finnish women, the risk of developing depression was 2.6 times greater in women who rarely ate fish compared with the regular fish eaters. People who suffer from depression and schizophrenia improve when omega-3s are added to their medications.

Fish may also prevent a common eye disease associated with aging. The journal Archives of Ophthalmology recently reported a 40% reduction in macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in people older than 49, among those who ate fish once a week.

Studies also suggest that eating fish slows the progression of prostate cancer, the No. 1 cancer in men, and reduces the risk of colon cancer, the nation's second largest cancer killer.

Here is where you can find more on Heart Health Products.  And here are some Herbalife Omega-3 supplements.  Herbalife Herbalifeline, Herbalife Tri-Shield, and Herbalife Core Complex.

Mississippi continued to lead the way. An estimated 29.5 percent of adults there are considered obese. That is an increase of 1.1 percentage points when compared with last year's report, which is compiled by Trust for America's Health, an advocacy group that promotes increased funding for public health programs.

Meanwhile, Colorado remains the leanest state. About 16.9 percent of its adults are considered obese. That mark was also up slightly from last year's report, but not enough to be considered statistically significant.

The only state that experienced a decrease in the percentage of obese adults last year was Nevada.

"Quick fixes and limited government programs have failed to stem the tide," said Dr. Jeff Levi, executive director of the trust, in explaining the rise.

Health officials warn that the incidence of obesity in a particular state doesn't mean it treats the issue less seriously than others. States have different challenges to contend with when it comes to obesity, said Dr. Janet Collins of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Populations are not equal in terms of experiencing these health problems," Collins said. "Low-income populations tend to experience all the health problems we worry about at greater rates."

Indeed, the five states with the highest obesity rates -- Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana and Kentucky -- exhibit much higher rates of poverty than the national norm.

Meanwhile, the five states with the lowest obesity have less poverty. They are Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont.

The leanest states shouldn't take a whole lot of comfort in their ranking, though, said Dr. Jeffrey Koplan, a former CDC director.

"This epidemic is a nationwide epidemic. Some some states are higher, some populations have it higher, but the trend has been up in every state, the trend has been up for every ethnic group, the trend has been up for rich and poor," Koplan said.

The group's estimate of obesity rates is based on a three-year average, 2003-2005. The data comes from an annual random sampling of adults via the telephone. The information is designed to help the government measure behavioral risks among adults.

The government equates obesity with a body mass index, or BMI, of at least 30. Someone who is 5 feet 4 would have to weigh 175 pounds to reach that threshold.

The index is calculated by dividing a person's weight in pounds by his height in inches, squared, and multiplying that total by 703. For some people, particularly athletes who exercise a great deal, the BMI index could show them as being obese when in fact they are in excellent physical condition.

The group also makes recommendations for individuals. But the recommendations that people eat well and exercise are known to Americans. And clearly, many just don't care to follow.

Collins said tobacco use is another area that could be labeled a personal choice, but government agencies have taken many steps to provide people with the environment and information they need to help them make their choices. The same should be done with obesity.

"I don't want to discount the personal choice aspect of this, but there are health issues and there are health costs involved," Collins said.

The report says those health costs are in the billions of dollars annually. Citing a 2004 report, the advocacy group said $5.6 billion could be saved when it comes to treating heart disease if just one-tenth of Americans began a regular walking program.

Osteoporosis

Eighty percent of individuals diagnosed with osteoporosis are women. It effects 15 percent of women aged 50 to 59, 30 percent of women older than 60 and 70 percent of women 80 years or older.

But it is not just a disease of women. In the United States, 2 million men have osteoporosis. One in eight men will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture.

The young are not immune from the disease, either. Young women who experience early menopause or have a hysterectomy are at risk for low bone density. Crash diets, diets low in calcium or eating disorders also can increase the risk. Smokers or individuals who consume excessive amounts of alcohol are more likely to develop osteoporosis, no matter the age or gender. Other risk factors include fair skin, a family history of osteoporosis, sedentary lifestyle, those with thyroid or kidney problems or those who use steroids.

Calcium is crucial in muscle contraction and in the clotting of blood. If there is not enough calcium available for the body, it will be taken out of the bones. During the pre-teen and teenage years, we put a lot of calcium into our bones without taking much out. By the time women reach their 30s, they begin to take more calcium out than they deposit. This is why it is crucial that we store plenty of calcium in the bones as early in life as possible.

The bones are more likely to store calcium when they are being stressed through regular exercise. A good predictor of strong healthy bones in older age is an active lifestyle as a prepubescent girl.

Osteoporosis-related fractures are most common in the hip, spine, wrist or rib, although any bone can be affected. Eighty percent of post-menopausal fractures are due to osteoporosis. The rate of hip fractures doubles each decade after age 50. Other symptoms include deep pain (often generalized), loss of height, loss of correct posture and rounded shoulders.

Treatment of osteoporosis is a team approach; medications can help increase the bone density, dietary changes will improve calcium consumption and absorption, and regular exercise will encourage the bones to store the calcium.

A physical therapist can help in many ways. A strengthening program can restore the density of the weakened bone through weight-bearing exercise. It is crucial to use specific exercises to strengthen the weakened bone while protecting the body from further injury. Stretches can lengthen postural muscles. Education is available in the use of assistive devices and instruction in balance strategies. A therapist also can make recommendations for home modification to avoid safety hazards.

The best medicine is always prevention. By watching your diet, using calcium supplements and getting plenty of exercise, you can minimize your risk of developing osteoporosis."

Well, the definition of Mountain biking or (Mountain bicycling) is a form of off-road cycling which uses very sturdy bicycles (the mountain bike or cross-country bike) with (usually) straight handlebars and wide tires. In plain English, it's one great exercise which requires a lot of technical skills, endurance, and of course guts!

Mountain biking can really test your skills on how well you can maneuver a bicycle.  Some typical obstacles you may encounter are drops, rock gardens, mud, single lane trails, and logs.  Other term for a drop is more of ledge which can range from 1' up to 50' for more of the professionals.  Rock gardens are just areas of purely rocks which can make for slippery conditions when it is wet but make use for hopping your bike.  Mud is always fun but make sure you have built enough speed or you'll end up putting your foot in it!  Single trails test how well you can ride on a small path yet making sure your handle bars don't get caught on a tree.  Other fun uses of single trails are creating a roller coaster like trail using 2x4 wood planks to ride on.  Last are logs or pile of logs to ride over.  One thing never to forget to do is to keep pedaling when going over them or it might result in getting stuck.

While working on the technical skills, your endurance tends to be less noticed because your mind is busy thinking so you don't really think about the cardiovascular workout you're getting.  Other mountain biking benefits is a strengthening exercise for the lower body that doesn't stress joints, has made it one of the fastest growing sports.

And of course, best of all is the thrill.  There's no better adreniline rush than flying down a steep hill going over rocks, logs, and drops.

A couple of hints if you go riding in the mountains for the first time:

1.  Spray OFF for bugs.  There's nothing worse than trying to out run bugs!

2.  Never go biking alone!  You never know if you might fall.

3.  Always wear a helmet.  (It's a law for certain ages)

4.  Expect to get dirty while riding so wear a breathable shirt and old shoes.

5.  Bring water and some protein bars.  Some things I recommend is (Herbalife LiftOff Drink for a boost of energy along with some Herbalife Protein Snacks)

6.  Have a great time and a great workout the exciting way!

Costs of Chronic Conditions Linked to being Overweight / Obesity - Noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), gallbladder disease, Heart disease, high blood pressure, and breast and colon cancer.

Obesity is the second leading cause of unnecessary deaths.

• Obesity is a chronic disease with a strong familial component.
  
• Obesity increases one's risk of developing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes type-2, heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease and cancer of the breast, prostate and colon.
  
• Health insurance providers rarely pay for treatment of obesity despite its serious effects on health.
  
• The tendency toward obesity is fostered by our environment: lack of physical activity combined with high-calorie, low-cost foods.
  
• Discrimination and mistreatment of persons with obesity is widespread and often considered socially acceptable.

Let's work together and live a healthy life!  There no time but now!

To test your obesity, here is a link to a BMI (Body Mass Index) calculator.  BMI Calculator