Centenarian or Bust!Written by Sherri L Dodd
Can you remember millennium hype of 1999? Fast approaching was coming new year – 2000! Sure, it was mark of a 1,000 year period, but it was also mark of next century, which was a victory in itself and no less exciting. Periodicals, books and broadcasts would collectively take accountability for reaching another aged milestone. It was quite obvious squeaky clean and fresh young faces reporting on subject were not even privy to eight-track tapes nor game of Pong and I am willing to bet silent writers of many similar articles had barely a wrinkle to claim. Therefore, “we” that they would boast was more of a false possession to ownership rather than in literal sense of word.Fortunately, it looks like “we” will have a whole new meaning in coming years. Rather than our beautiful Earth being majority possessor of actual hundred years gone past, more and more individuals will be claiming title of Centenarian. Currently, sixty thousand Centenarians are living in United States. And, amazingly, it is estimated that by year 2050, there could be as many as one million. So what is secret of these blessed souls of longevity? Was it diet and exercise? Was it their hopeful move to country? What could possibly postpone prerequisite to inevitable next beginning? Scientists have long conducted case studies hoping to narrow in on secret formula to a long life. Without a doubt, there seems to be a primary common factor. According to Dr. Richard Kerber of University of Utah, smoking is “the one thing that affects longevity most.” And might I add, it is not only a relatively sure bet for premature demise, but also makes for a mighty unpleasant jaunt along way.
| | What the heck is BOSU?Written by Joe Serpico
What in World Is BOSU?You may have seen them in gym: half of a large rubber ball that's flat on one side. They're often blue in color and look like a gigantic outtie belly button. "What are those things?" you wonder. Well they're BOSU balls (or balance trainers). It's latest rave to hit fitness centers across America. BOSU is an acronym that stands for "Both Sides Up". You can use balls, also referred to as trainers, or balance trainers, on either side. Whether rounded bouncy dome part is up or flat 25 inch platform side is up, you'll get different types of balance challenges. This cross-training fitness invention has its origins in field of medicine, balance, functional and sports specific training. It offers a different means to make exercise more appealing and effective for average people, fitness fanatics and highly trained athletes. So what do you do with it? You can walk, run, step, hop, jump and leap on BOSU trainer. You can work it at an easy steady rate-pace that can be maintained for long periods or push intensity with anaerobic intervals. Or do some stretching on it. Active stretches use muscles of body to move a body part whereas passive stretching uses gravity or an outside force to put stretch-tension on target muscle(s). While standing or kneeling on dome, you can move upper body lower, higher, to sides or by reaching for and picking up cards from various locations on floor, or by touching and/or relocating cones that have been placed in close proximity to dome. It's great for working your trunk too. Maintaining spinal alignment is important to low back health and sports performance.
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