click here to visit the Ready Set Go Fitness Web site. Sign up for the free health & fitness newsletter.
     


Prevent stroke by increasing
the intensity of exercise


   
     

New studies reveal how to reduce the risk of stroke. Higher intensities of exercise, and limiting the use of alcohol are shown to reduce the risk of stroke (blood clot or bleeding in the brain).

In a 2003 study, researchers show in case-controlled studies, moderate and high-intensity exercise will reduce the risk of stroke by 64%,
(Physical activity and stroke risk: a meta-analysis, 2003, Lee).

Researchers also show that limiting the use of alcohol is also a wise stroke prevention strategy. "These results indicate that heavy alcohol consumption increases the relative risk of stroke..." say researchers.

Alcohol consumption and stroke

If someone wanted to justified a drink a day for stroke reduction, a study could be found for justification. However, this is what current research says:

When stratified by age, alcohol intake was associated with lower risk of IS (stroke) among subjects aged 60 to 69 years. In beverage-specific analysis, only wine consumption
was related to a decreased risk of IS (stroke). CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed no significant association between total alcohol and IS (stroke) overall but showed a protective effect of alcohol among subjects aged 60 to 69 years.
(Alcohol consumption and risk of ischemic stroke: The Framingham
Study, 2002,
Djousse).

Drinking alcohol for stoke reduction is a mixed bag and dependent on age. Clearly, excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of stroke.

Aspirin and stroke

Does an aspirin a day help reduce the risk of stroke? Researchers seem to say no in 2003, but aspirin is reported to prevent first time heart attacks. Researchers report:

"Aspirin was associated with a statistically significant 32% reduction in the risk of a first (heart attack) and a significant 15% reduction in the risk of all important vascular events, but had no significant effects on nonfatal stroke or vascular death."

(An update on aspirin in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, 2003, Eidelman).

A warning is placed on every Ready Set Go Fitness newsletter; "The purpose of this newsletter is to expand thinking about fitness as an informational source for readers, and is not medical advice.... Make your physician a partner in your fitness improvement plan."

While many individuals take an aspirin a day without discussing it with their physician, it's a wise fitness strategy to talk with your primary care provider about medications and supplements you may be taking.

The take home

Tracking the research in health & fitness, a central theme develops quickly. Higher intensities of exercise, and a balanced diet...in moderation... will yield many positive benefits.

Questions to ask yourself - am I getting a balanced diet in moderation, and does my fitness plan include higher intensities of exercise?

Have a great day!

Phil Campbell, M.S., M.A., FACHE
Author Ready, Set, GO! Synergy Fitness


   
     
   

National Institutes of Health research cited in newsletter,
Research Summary 1
Summary 2
Summary 3

Summary 4


click here to see what others  are saying about Ready Set GO Synergy Fitness 2nd Edition

Ready, Set, GO! Synergy Fitness
2nd Edition


The comprehensive fitness training guide,
300 photo-illustrations, 368-pages, $19.95
Ordering information here
Call Toll Free- 1 (866) 565-3311

 

Get line -

toll


RECOMMEND THIS NEWSLETTER to friends, relatives and anyone interested in improving fitness click here.

RECEIVE THIS FREE NEWSLETTER click here.
We will not distribute your name or e-mail address to anyone.

WANT TO CHANGE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS, simply reply to this e-mail with your old address and new address.

TO DISCONTINUE receiving this newsletter, click here.

NOTE: The purpose of this newsletter is to expand thinking about fitness as an informational source for readers, and is not medical advice. Before attempting the Synergy Fitness program, the Sprint 8 Workout, or any high-intensity exercise program, consult your physician. This is not just a liability warning; it's wise to have a baseline medical exam before beginning a fitness program. Make your physician a partner in your fitness improvement plan.