By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. No data exists in the scientific literature showing that any type of exercise weakens bones. Bone growth depends on the forces exerted on them by gravity and contracting muscles. So any activity or exercise that causes you to contract your muscles will strengthen bones (Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, November 2009). … [Read more...] about No Evidence Cycling Weakens Bones
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Inactivity Increases Risk for Knee Pain
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. Eighty percent of North Americans have X-ray evidence of osteoarthritis by age 65, and 60 percent have significant joint pain. More than 700,000 people in the United Stateshave their knees replaced each year. It now looks like inflammation, lack of exercise and being overweight are the major causes of knee joint pain. A study following more than … [Read more...] about Inactivity Increases Risk for Knee Pain
Being Overweight Increases Cancer Risk
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. A new study from Spain of 54,446 people (Prev Med, Jan 17, 2018) shows that: Overweight women are 12 times more likely to develop cancer and five times more likely to suffer a heart attack than women of normal weight; overweight men are two times more likely to develop cancer than those of normal weight. The study also showed that only 26 percent of … [Read more...] about Being Overweight Increases Cancer Risk
Warning Signs During Cold-Weather Exercise
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. You feel cold most in your fingers, ears and toes. During World War II, gunners on the bombers complained bitterly about frozen hands, ears and toes. The Army Air Force added special insulation to their gloves, hats and boots, and the flyers stopped complaining, even though they still suffered frostbite on the skin of their necks and front of their chests. … [Read more...] about Warning Signs During Cold-Weather Exercise
Strength Training May Reduce Deaths From Heart Attacks and Cancers
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. A recent study of almost 30,000 older women followed for 12 years shows that those who did strength training had fewer deaths from heart attacks and all causes than those who did not lift weights (J Am Heart Assoc, Oct 31, 2017;6(11)). Another study that followed 80,306 adults for two years shows that people: doing strength training at least twice a … [Read more...] about Strength Training May Reduce Deaths From Heart Attacks and Cancers