Tag — Healthy Habits for Life

Outlawing smoking in public places has a direct impact on the amount of heart attacks, a new US study says. According to Reuters, smoking bans can cut down the number by 36%, proving that these laws do actually work.

Led by James Lightwood from the University of California, researchers looked at data from 13 studies examining smoking bans in the US, Canada and Europe, and found that the number of heart attacks decreased almost immediately – 17% in the first year and 36% by the third year.

“This study adds to the already strong evidence that second-hand smoke causes heart attacks, and that passing 100% smoke-free laws in all workplaces and public places is something we can do to protect the public,” Lightwood told Reuters.

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The short answer is no. Brett Blumenthal, a trainer and co-founder of healthy lifestyle website SheerBalance.com, says that while walking 30 minutes a day for 3 days a week may improve your cardiovascular health, it isn’t enough if you want to be in good physical shape.

Walking is low-impact and easy enough no matter your fitness level, but “saying that walking is the only thing you need is like saying that gas is all your car needs to function properly,” Blumenthal says. The wellness expert with more than 15 years’ experience offers 4 tips to help you gain the most from walking.

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Like many other First Ladies before her, Michelle Obama appeared on Sesame Street, a fantasy that many of us have had at least once in our lifetime.  Who doesn’t want to hang out with Elmo, Big Bird and the rest of the gang?  She teamed up with the lovable Elmo to tape a PSA (public service announcement) as part of the Healthy Habits for Life initiative.  In the PSA the First Lady talks with Elmo about eating right, getting regular exercise and the role that parents play when it comes to being a healthy and positive influence.

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