Many hotels are appealing to their guests with spa luxuries. Guests can now find not only the traditional Swedish massage, but more modern massage techniques such as the hot-stone massage or a wide variety of facials to please every skin type. These amenities are very popular with guests, especially business travelers.

A Massage to Relax, Energize and Refresh

Massage is no longer looked at as something people can do simply to relax. There are new massage techniques that are widely accepted. Sports massage appeals to the weekend warrior who may have done a little too much and now needs to comfort their muscles and aching back. A pregnancy massage is ideal for the mother-to-be to help her relax and restore herself. With so many women working literally through their third trimester, many are under high stress throughout their pregnancy. Hotels are simply responding to the needs of their guests by offering spa services. It is clear that hotels that offer spa services are more popular, so hotels certainly rush to offer these services if they are possible to accommodate in their facilities.

Even those on business trips will not look down their noses at a good massage. A small business owner, entrepreneur or executive on a business trip would find a massage a minor indulgence – but one they would gladly partake. A relaxed professional is more likely to make intelligent, confident and creative business decisions. Therefore it actually makes good “business sense” to get a massage through spa services at one’s hotel.

Spa Services Address the Aging Popular

It is clear if you pay attention to the media and pop culture messages — that the Baby Boomer generation is aging. The generation that once didn’t trust anyone over the age of thirty now has children quickly approaching that age. With advancing age brings an older body that has minor aches and pains that can easily be comforted with massage. The Baby Boomer tourist no longer looks for camping out under the stars and sleeping on the beach. They want a hard mattress that will support their back and a high fiber breakfast. This generation is ready to treat itself well when it goes on vacation – and spa services are something it is very interested in pursuing.

Hotels are smart to pay attention to the needs of their guests. Many spa services offered include relaxing treats such as room-service style massages which can be ordered for massages given in your room. Couples massages are often offered so a husband and wife or friends taking a vacation together can treat themselves to a massage and enjoy the experience together.

Men and Women Alike Enjoy Spa Services

While some might think that only women would sign up for spa services, men also are known to indulge in spa services at their hotels. While on a vacation it can be fun to try something different. Having services offered for couples can also be a wonderful introduction to spa services for men, as they can try out sessions with their wife. Many men have found spa services in hotels to be very relaxing and beneficial.

Hotel spa services become more and more popular as they are offered in hotels not just in the U.S.A. – but all over the world. Some hotels offer very specialized services and others simply offer traditional services. But one thing is for certain – a vacation is a wonderful time to treat yourself!

Following the September 11^th terrorist attacks, several changes were made to enhance the safety of planes while in flight, including the introduction of the federal flight deck officer program. Under the program, approved pilots undergo a training program that enables them to fly armed with a loaded handgun.

Out of the 120,000 pilots who fly commercially in the United States, approximately 10,000 captains and first officers have undergone the necessary training that allows them to fly armed. In order to qualify, pilots must pass a psychological evaluation and undergo an intense, week-long training program that emphasizes firearms safety. These pilots, who volunteer for the program, participate in the training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Artesia, New Mexico. The class is designed for up to 48 participants each week, and on most weeks, the classes are at capacity.

Each qualified pilot is given a .40-mm semi-automatic H&K USP, which is the standard handgun issued to all pilots qualified to fly armed. The cost of the program is covered by the Transportation Safety Administration, which spends approximately $4,800 on each pilot in the program. The price includes the training class and the cost of the handgun, while pilots foot the bill for their own transportation to the class.

Recent Accidental Discharge in Flight Draws Attention to Program

Recently, a pilot aboard a U.S. Airways flight on approach into Charlotte, North Carolina, had an accidental discharge while stowing his weapon before landing. The accidental shooting left a hole in the fuselage on the port side of the Airbus A319, slightly below the cockpit window.

The accidental discharge has led to safety questions regarding the business of having pilots fly armed, considering the incident could have had catastrophic consequences. Had the round shattered a window, especially while the flight was at cruising altitude, the structural integrity of the aircraft could have been compromised.

Many wonder why the handgun was not already stowed, since each pilot carries it onboard in a locked case designed specifically to protect the gun. With locked cockpit doors, some are curious as to why it did not remain secured during the duration of the flight.

Yet others support the notion of having armed pilots, especially since aircraft are still a primary target for terrorists. Recent intelligence indicates they remain highly interested in bringing down American aircraft, whenever and however the opportunity to do so presents itself.

Pilot on Leave During Investigation

Few details of the investigation have been made available, but the pilot involved in the accidental discharge has been placed on leave pending its outcome.

The pilot did not notify anyone of the incident until after the plane had landed, and his actions in that regard have been highly supported. It is widely felt he made the wise decision by flying the plane first, and notifying the appropriate authorities next. Upon landing, the pilot immediately notified the Transportation Safety Administration of the incident.

As of now, pilots will continue to fly armed. Considering they have been doing so for quite some time without any accidental discharges up to this point, and considering aircraft remain a high profile target for terrorist activities, perhaps we should all feel safer knowing our pilots have the ability to defend us in the air.

If you have never explored the warm, crystal clear waters of the Cayman Islands, you are missing out on the experience of a lifetime. Known by many as a haven for offshore investing for private business owners and international corporations, the Cayman Islands offer diverse activities and sightseeing opportunities.

World Famous Stingray City

Take a short boat ride out to the sandbars where the water is only three feet deep. Jump in and be greeted by over a dozen of the island’s friendly stingrays. Fishermen began feeding them squid – their favorite food – back in the 1980’s. Since then, they have come to associate the sound of approaching boats with the serving of a meal, and they happily greet all who visit them. Swim or snorkel with these majestic creatures and take the opportunity to feed them bits of squid right from your own hand. It is an experience you will never forget.

Experience the Pirate’s Life

In the 17^th century, Grand Cayman was known to be a safe haven for pirates and all of their stolen treasures. Now you can relive the experience by taking a two hour cruise aboard the Jolly Roger – an authentic replica of a 17^th century Galleon. While you are aboard, watch a pirate trial that ends in a dramatic sword fight. Kids will love it as well, as they get to help hoist the main sail, fire the cannons, or make a family member walk the plank at the end of a blunted sword. Finally, dive in and take advantage of the opportunity to snorkel the Cayman Islands’ brilliant waters during the swim break.

Submerge Yourself

The air-conditioned, ultra modern, 48 passenger Atlantis XI submarine takes you from shallow reefs and the shipwrecks in George Town Harbor, to plunging into the 100 foot depths of coral canyons. For those who do not dive, this may be one of the best ways to experience the underwater beauty of the Cayman Islands for yourself. The Atlantis Deep Dive Submarine is celebrating 20 years of service, and has taken more than 10 million passengers into the depths of Cayman waters.

Visit a Turtle Farm

At Boatswain’s Beach you can visit the Cayman Turtle Farm. This research, conservation, and preservation facility for sea turtles also offers you the opportunity to interact with one of the farm’s 16,000 sea turtles, ranging in size from as small as six ounces to over 600 pounds. Swim or snorkel in the 1.3 million gallon lagoon, take a stroll through the free flight aviary, or get an up-close view of eels and sharks in the predator tank.

See a Blue Iguana

The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park includes a conservation and breeding facility for the rare blue iguana, which you may be lucky enough to spy a glimpse of when you visit. This 65 acre facility offers trails for backpacking or hiking, a two and a half acre color garden, and a fully restored Cayman farmhouse from the turn of the century. It contains original furnishings and has fences and dry walls made from old coral.

In addition to the many activities that abound in the Cayman Islands, this spectacular destination also offers world-class diving in the many marine parks, miles of sugary sand beaches, luxurious hotels, and spas that allow you to relax and indulge yourself. There is teeming nightlife, with jazz, calypso, reggae, and rock and roll music, and an abundance of bars and restaurants. The entire family can be entertained while reveling in the beauty of these Caribbean islands.

Integrity of Drug Industry Called Into Question

Although the cholesterol-lowering drugs Vytorin and Zetia have been largely available to American consumers for as long as six years, new studies released recently and published in the New England Journal of Medicine show that these drugs do not prevent heart disease at all, despite the fact that they do reduce three significant risk factors for heart disease.

Based upon the results of the study, doctors are now urging patients with high cholesterol to return to using statins, which not only reduce the risk factors associated with heart disease but have been proven to work. Drugs such as Lipitor and Crestor have been used to treat high cholesterol for many years and have demonstrated a measurable ability to reduce the symptoms of heart disease.

During the trials, doctors studied 720 adults with extremely high cholesterol levels. The goal of the study was to determine whether Vytorin was superior to other statin drugs at limiting or reducing plaque buildup on artery walls than other drugs. The results of the study showed absolutely no benefit in any cross-section of participants in plaque buildup, even though the drug did achieve its primary goal of reducing LDL cholesterol.

One spokesman for the American Heart Association and a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins University said they expected to see at least some sort of benefit offered by taking the drug.

Many are wondering why the makers of Vytorin and Zetia took nearly two years to release the findings of their study, while they continued to take in an estimated $5 billion in sales, even though there was no clear evidence that the products provided any benefit to its users.

Two separate Congressional panels have launched investigations to try to determine why the pharmaceutical businesses making these drugs waited for so long after the conclusion of their studies to release their findings. New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo also initiated a probe, subpoenaing the makers of both drugs for their records last January.

Many feel that the businesses involved in pharmaceutical manufacturing continued to make substantial profits at the expense of the American consumer. Another drug that had been under consideration for use in lowering cholesterol called torcetrapib, was abandoned because it was proven to raise heart disease risks instead of lowering them. The drug is currently being used to treat menopausal women.

Doctors Should Consider all Options in Treating High Cholesterol

One doctor from Duke University is also a user of Vytorin. He said he uses the drug because it effectively lowers his cholesterol and he cannot tolerate the high level of statins that would otherwise be needed. He urges doctors to consider all of their options when administering treatments for high cholesterol, taking into account the specific needs of the patient and using the drug that is likely to offer them the most benefit. Many doctors seem to prefer Zetia and Vytorin because they do effectively lower cholesterol without producing the side effects many other medications seem to induce. In these instances, total cardiac care should be considered.

Over the past few years, the American Heart Association has been gradually changing the business of teaching rescuers to perform CPR, from intermittently providing emergency breathing for a fallen individual between chest compressions to a reduction in the number of breaths given and an increase in the number of compressions.

This is because studies have consistently shown that giving emergency breaths to a person in cardiac arrest does little to provide additional oxygen to the patient. There is, however, enough oxygen remaining in the patient’s lungs and blood stream to continue to sustain life in the vital organs for several minutes. For this reason, the American Heart Association has revised its directions concerning CPR to reflect the importance of maintaining the circulation of blood throughout the body.

In the most recent update, which was not originally due until 2010, the American Heart Association now recommends rapid and continuous chest compressions, at a rate of around 100 compressions per minute, without giving any rescue breaths at all. This is known as hands-only CPR, and is the new standard for emergency care.

Hands-Only CPR is more Widely Accepted

Studies have shown that potential rescuers are more likely to learn and use CPR when it does not involve mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. In general, people have become increasingly wary of providing emergency breaths due to both health concerns and hygienic reasons. It is the hope of the American Heart Association that more members of the public will become trained in the use of CPR now that the practice of providing emergency breaths has been discontinued.

In order to effectively perform CPR and keep the blood flowing to the brain and other organs, chest compressions need to be deep enough to cause the heart to constrict, forcing the blood to circulate. Once CPR has been initiated, the rescuer needs to continue the procedure either until paramedics arrive or until an automated external defibrillator becomes available.

Hands-only CPR should only be used on normal, healthy adults who collapse suddenly and have no apparent signs of life. Children, adults who have suffered a near drowning, and those who have overdosed on drugs or carbon monoxide need increased oxygen and still need mouth-to-mouth resuscitation in addition to receiving the chest compressions.

CPR Greatly Enhances Chances of Survival

Each year approximately 310,000 people in America die from cardiac arrest. Of all the reported cases of cardiac emergencies each year, only about six percent survive if the incident occurs outside of a hospital. Those who receive immediate assistance in the form of hands-only CPR are two to three times more likely to survive. Add in the use of an automated external defibrillator, which shocks the heart back into a normal rhythm, and the chances of survival begin to reach above the 90 percent range.

Not only are there studies that show the importance of early intervention and assistance in the case of cardiac emergencies, but now there are a growing number of incidents where hands-only CPR has been used for extended periods of time with great success. Since only about one third of victims of cardiac emergencies receive immediate, emergency help, the results of these studies only serve to highlight how important it is for every adult to make it their business to become trained in the administration of CPR. After all, it could save a life one day.

For an unforgettable experience of a lifetime, explore the vast wilderness of Alaska. From Majestic Mount McKinley in Denali State Park to the walrus haven of Bristol Bay to the Inland Passage, history and adventure abound in our 49^th state. Purchased through a business transaction with Russia for just eight cents an acre, Alaska earned her statehood in 1959.

Probably most well known for the cruise ships that prowl her coastline from May through September, there are an abundance of things to see and do in Alaska that accommodate all levels of adventure.

Cruising Alaska

This is not just a retirement destination anymore. Typical cruises leave from Seattle and Vancouver, and travel through the Inland Passage, visiting many historical coastal towns along the way. Some venture as far north as Skagway, and a few even venture into the Bering Sea, made famous by the Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch.

Smaller cruise ships can squeeze into more remote ports of call, and some offer daily kayaking adventures that bring you up close and personal with calving glaciers, grizzly bears, moose, and marine life.

Standard cruise tours include helicopter tours to glaciers or over Denali State Park, dog sledding treks, and of course, shopping.

Denali State Park

Encompassing an expansive six million acres of land, the gem of Denali is spectacular Mount McKinley, America’s highest mountain peak. It is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including brown and grizzly bears, caribou, moose, wolves, and Dall sheep. Visitors to the park may also spy a hoary marmot, a wolverine, a red fox, or an arctic ground squirrel. Mammals that hibernate in the winter forage extensively in the summer months and are easily spotted from the main road that traverses the park.

While in Denali, visit the dog sledding kennels, home to the only sled dogs in the United States that help protect a national park. Teams of these dogs log an average of 3,000 miles each winter carrying the rangers through the park on patrols. During the summer, they provide a unique educational experience for visitors.

Bristol Bay

All five species of Pacific salmon spawn and are harvested in Bristol Bay, including sockeye, chum, pink, silver, and king salmon. The frigid waters are also home to rainbow trout, northern pike, Beluga whales, Orcas, walruses, caribou, moose, bear, foxes, porcupine, beaver, and otter. Nature lovers will adore Bristol Bay, and can participate in many activities including fishing, hunting, rafting, hiking, cannery tours, and air tours. Dillingham and Nanek are the main towns servicing this area and its parks. The Wood-Tikchik State Park is the largest state park in the United States.

Kodiak Island

In 1792, Kodiak became the first permanent Russian settlement in Alaska. Russian influence is still strong in many of the communities on Kodiak Island, which can be seen in America’s first Russian Orthodox Church and the Baranov Museum.

Kodiak also encompasses a 1.8 million acre national park – the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, as well as five other state parks. The area offers a great opportunity for hiking, kayaking, boating, and wildlife viewing.

In addition to these natural wonders, Alaska offers a variety of historic towns that were part of the gold rush era. They offer a view into Alaska’s rugged past as well as the opportunity for some local shopping or to meet some of Alaska’s residents in one of the many little taverns. Whether you want to unwind and enjoy the splendor of nature or take an adventure trip of a lifetime, Alaska provides a backdrop for your vacation that you will never forget.

This archipelago of volcanic islands is a province of Ecuador, located approximately 972 miles off of the country’s western shoreline in the Pacific Ocean. Nearly 40,000 people call these islands home, in a land that lies entirely within Ecuador’s national park system. The archipelago received its name in reference to the giant land tortoises that inhabit many of the islands. The northernmost and southernmost islands are separated by a distance of 132 miles, with two of the islands lying on the equator.

The Galapagos Islands have been made famous by the many species found only in this isolated part of the world, and by the studies of Charles Darwin, whose theories on evolution were born while he explored the Galapagos aboard the Beagle.

One of the most popular ways to explore the wonders of these islands is by ship. Everything from commercial cruise ship to private charter boats offer trips to the Galapagos, with many opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Baltra

Home to one of only two airports that service the Galapagos Islands, Baltra once served as a United States Air Force base during World War II. It was used to provide protection for the Panama Canal and scout for enemy submarines. During the military occupation of the island, Baltra’s Land Iguanas became extinct. Luckily, many of them had been relocated to the neighboring North Seymour Island, and a breeding and repopulation project has brought the Baltra Land Iguana back to its native island.

Darwin

Only 0.4 square miles, this tiny islet named for Charles Darwin is home to fur seals, Swallow-tailed Gulls, frigates, Marine Iguanas, whales, sea lions, marine turtles, and Red-Footed and Nazca Boobies.

Fernandina

The youngest of the Galapagos Islands, Fernandina is still experiencing volcanic activity. The island is home to the famous Cormorants, Galapagos Penguins, and Marine Iguanas. The iguanas on this island are the only ones that will change color during breeding season.

Genovesa Island

Named for Christopher Columbus’ birthplace of Genoa, Italy, this island is nicknamed “the bird island” for all of the various winged species that can be found here. Prince Philip’s Steps offers a plateau for bird watching, and native species include red-footed boobies, lava gulls, doves, storm petrels, noddy terns, and Darwin finches. At Darwin Bay, swallow-tailed gulls and frigatebirds can be found.

Isabela

This is the largest island in the Galapagos chain, with an area of roughly 1,792 square miles. It is the home to the third-largest human settlement of the Galapagos, Puerto Villamil, as well as to the Marine Iguanas, Cormorants, Galapagos Penguins, Galapagos Hawks, Galapagos Tortoises, Galapagos Doves, Darwin Finches, and Sally Lightfoot Crabs.

North Seymour

This island, just north of the Baltra Airport, is home to one of the largest populations of frigatebirds and nesting blue-footed boobies on earth. Here, the frigatebirds flaunt their massive, 90-inch wingspans in impressive shows of aerial acrobatics, while the mating rituals of the blue-footed boobies include dancing, whistling, and honking.

Santa Cruz

The largest human population in the Galapagos can be found on Santa Cruz, as well as the Charles Darwin Research Station and a tortoise breeding center. Black Turtle Cove is surrounded by mangroves and provides a mating area for rays, small sharks, and sea turtles. Cerro Dragon not only provides a home to local iguanas, but to the famous flamingo lagoon.

For the true nature lover, the friendly and inquisitive animals of the Galapagos Islands provide a spectacular vacation opportunity that is completely out of the ordinary. While not a typical tourist or business destination, the Galapagos Islands offer a rare, firsthand look into the research of Charles Darwin and his theories on natural selection.

MRSA, or Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, is a potentially deadly bacterial infection once only found in places like hospitals, nursing care facilities and prisons, where people tend to already have compromised immune systems. Typical healthcare related staph infections include surgical site infections, bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections.

Often referred to as a “superbug,” MRSA has been known by doctors and scientists since 1961, when it was first discovered in the United Kingdom. Since then its presence has been felt worldwide, with a marked increase in cases in the United States within the past ten years. Studies of MRSA infections in 2005 suggest there were more deaths related to the bacteria that year than there were from the AIDS virus.

MRSA is caused by the same staph bacteria commonly found on the skin or nose that is present in approximately one-third of the total population. Those who carry the bacteria without showing signs of infection are said to have been “colonized.” Even though they may be asymptomatic, it is possible for them to pass the disease on to others.

Staph bacteria generally enter the body through an open wound. In hospital settings, it may enter through an incision or catheter site. In the majority of healthy adults, the staph bacteria are harmless and only cause minor skin irritations. However, in those whose immune systems have been weakened or compromised, or those who are already ill, staph can become very serious and even life threatening in some cases.

The most serious strain, known as CA-MRSA or community-associated MRSA, began showing up in populous settings in the 1990’s. This is the strain responsible for the most serious illnesses, including skin and soft tissue infections.

Most recently, MRSA has been infecting an increasing number of persons who have undergone plastic surgery procedures such as facelifts. While the percentage of plastic surgery patients infected with MRSA is very small, the infection is now listed as a risk factor in all surgical procedures due to its growing prevalence.

Symptoms of MRSA

All staph infections generally begin with small red bumps that may be confused for pimples, spider bites, or boils. They can develop into abscesses that require draining. While the bacteria may remain on the skin, they can invade the body and cause serious infections in bones, joints, heart valves, lungs, and in the bloodstream. MRSA can lead to a particularly dangerous form of pneumonia.

Those most at risk of contracting MRSA include anyone requiring hospitalization, those residing in long-term care facilities, anyone recently treated with antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin or levofloxacin, or those who regularly use invasive medical devices such as catheters, feeding tubes, or dialysis machines.

Risk factors for community-acquired MRSA include the participation in contact sports such as football, the sharing of athletic equipment or personal hygiene items, having a close association with those in health care professions, living in unsanitary or overly crowded conditions, having a weakened immune system, or being very young. MRSA can be particularly dangerous to children.

Preventing MRSA Infection

Make it your personal business to protect yourself and your family from MRSA infection by following good hygiene practices. Follow the basic rule of washing your hands frequently, do not share personal items, and keep open wounds covered with a dressing.

If you believe you have an infection, do not play organized sports, and be sure to shower immediately after all of your games.

Sanitize linens in hot water, particularly if you have an open wound, and limit your use of antibiotics. One of the risk factors contributing to the prevalence of MRSA is the overuse of antibiotics in our society.

Most people associate chocolate with the blissfully sweet treat that adds as many inches to the waistline as it adds smiles to children’s faces. However, cocoa – which is actually classified as a fruit – is one of the healthiest on the planet.

Cocoa has been linked to reductions in blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. Scientists at Cornell University found that cocoa powder is richer in antioxidants than red wine, and has as many as three times the antioxidant power of green tea. In fact, raw cocoa is probably the most antioxidant rich substance in the world.

Other health benefits of raw cocoa include its properties as an anti-inflammatory and anti-aging substance. It includes nutrients such as calcium, zinc, iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and B vitamins.

Cocoa also has a high concentration of sulphur, a mineral needed to build strong hair and nails, maintain healthy skin, support function of the pancreas, and detox the liver.

Flavanols, powerful antioxidants that assist with improved blood flow, are found in abundance in raw cocoa. They prevent fatty substances from accumulating in the bloodstream, which reduces clogging and oxidation of the arteries. They reduce the chance of clotting by preventing platelets from sticking together, which correlates to a reduced change of suffering a stroke or heart attack.

Phenylethylamine in raw cocoa contributes to mental alertness and an improved ability to concentrate, while tryptophan prevents depression and naturally boosts mood.

These benefits were confirmed in a 2003 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, which found that chocolate consumption led to healthy blood pressure levels by relaxing the blood vessels, keeping them open and pliable.

The key to experiencing all of these wonderful benefits without derailing your diet, though lies in the business of finding the right kind of chocolate.

Eat the Right Kind of Chocolate

Since many producers of commercially available chocolate add many ingredients that make the sinful treat more harmful to us than beneficial, it is important to understand what constitutes “good chocolate” in terms of experiencing its many health benefits.

Healthy chocolate is raw, unprocessed cocoa beans or powder that comes from beans not treated with alkalis. This is known as the Dutch chocolate process and ensures the consumer receives the maximum amount of flavanols, which are what provide the majority of the health benefit.

Healthy chocolate does not include any product made from cocoa beans that have been exposed to high heat through the roasting process, treated with alkalis, or have been combined with such additives as oils, animal fats, corn syrup, dairy products, or refined sugar.

The healthiest chocolate is raw, unprocessed organic cocoa. Next in line would be organic dark chocolate, particularly if it is unsweetened or bittersweet because it contains less sugar and cocoa butter. Of the sweetened dark chocolates, the best ones are those sweetened with raw cane sugar or cane juice rather than refined sugar.

Keep these factors in mind as you go about your personal business of finding a healthy, organic raw chocolate that you can indulge in while promoting better health. Who would have ever believed that staying healthy could ever taste so good?

Study upon study continues to show that regular exercise is a key factor in extending one’s lifespan. Not only does exercise help maintain the health and function of your cardiovascular system, but it also bolsters the immune system, reducing your chances of suffering a premature death due to illness. These studies highlight why exercise should be on the top of your personal business list of things to do.

Some believe that the engineering of the human body would allow it to last up to 600 years were it not for such factors as pollution, disease, and accidents. While that may seem far-fetched, living beyond 100 years is completely possible provided you make the right choices regarding diet, exercise, and lifestyle.

Studies that Support Exercise for Longevity

It is estimated that each year, there are approximately 250,000 deaths in the United States that can be directly attributed to lack of exercise.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in April, 1995, followed 17,321 graduates of Harvard beginning in 1962. At set intervals, the doctors conducting the study would inquire about the participants’ exercise habits. It was determined that exercise could be directly correlated with the death rate, and that more vigorous exercise produced greater benefits in terms of longevity.

Another study conducted by Doctor Ken Cooper found that females who exercised regularly demonstrated a 40% lower rate of heart attacks, and men had a reduction in heart attack occurrence by 60%. The study also went on to show that those who were among the least fit cardiovascularly had a death rate three times greater than those who were the most physically fit.

Other studies have shown that exercise reduces the occurrence of colon cancer by 30%, and the incidence of breast cancer in women was reduced significantly as well. For the elderly, regular exercise – especially weight training – reduces the risk of osteoporosis and gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Exercise Need not be Lengthy or Overly Vigorous

Even activities such as walking showed increased health benefits leading towards increased longevity. However, there is a marked increase in longevity that directly correlates to more vigorous exercise. Everyone should participate in exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, on most days of the week. The exercise does not need to be done all at once in order to receive its life extending benefits, and can be completed in five or ten minute blocks.

Obesity also a Longevity Factor

A study followed 115,000 participants between 1976 and 2000. The participants filled out regular questionnaires regarding lifestyle choices including their level of activity. The study revealed that a high level of physical activity did not necessarily increase lifespan if the participant was overweight, just as a slender person did not enjoy greater longevity if they did not exercise. This study correlated the need to maintain an average weight along with maintaining a regular exercise program in order to achieve maximum longevity.

Frank Hu, an associate professor of epidemiology and nutrition and Harvard University and the lead author of the study said, “It is clear that both weight and exercise are important for health and longevity.”

Since exercise contributes greatly to maintaining a healthy weight, every effort should be made to get down to conducting the personal business of maintaining a regular exercise program. Doing so can only increase your chances of a longer life span.