For Women Only
If you're not sure when you might reach menopause, check your birth date. According to Italian researchers, writing in Human Reproduction, a study of nearly 3,000 postmenopausal women showed that the earliest age of menopause (under 49 years) occurred for women born in March and the latest (over 50 years) for women born in October. After controlling for age of menarche, weight, smoking, and other variables, the data still supported an environmental influence on adult reproductive life and its conclusion. The study speculated that modifications in environmental temperature and sunlight may influence fetal growth and future reproductive capabilities or that seasonal diet modifications or exposure to infections are involved. Before conception, seasonal environmental factors affecting egg maturation may contribute to the development of defective embryos.
For Men Only
Men with a great tan from sunlight have higher vitamin D levels and a lower risk for prostate cancer, according to a study in the June 15 issue of Cancer Research. Scientists compared 450 men with advanced prostate cancer with 455 normal controls. Men with high sun exposure had half the prostate cancer risk compared to men with low sun exposure. Research shows that the prostate uses vitamin D to promote the normal growth of prostate cells and to prevent the spread of prostate cancer to other areas of the body. Because too much sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer, researchers advise vitamin D supplements as a safer alternative.
Healthy and Fit
This may be too good to be true: Canadian researchers say that only a few minutes of intense exercise a week can keep you fit. Reported in the Journal of Applied Physiology, a study of 23 active people found that only six minutes of intense exercise per week can provide the same benefits as six hours of moderate exercise. Volunteers were divided into three groups that exercised three times per week: one group cycled for two hours each day at a moderate pace; one cycled for 10 minutes per day in 60-second spurts at a slightly harder pace; and the third group cycled at top speed for two minutes in 30-second spurts. All three groups showed the same level of improvement in a post-study bike ride, compared to the pretest. Experts caution that very high-intensity exercise may only be safe for people who already are fit.
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Q&A
Q: I know that eating fish is supposed to be good for you, but what about the mercury?
A: According to a study at Johns Hopkins, mercury pollution found in fish such as tuna isn't as dangerous for older adults as it is for a child's developing brain. Since fish can offer cardiovascular benefits, among others, enjoy!
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Remember Sex?
Middle-aged men and women say that sex is still important, according to an AARP survey of 1,700 adults aged 45 and older. Sixty percent said sexual activity was a vital part of a good relationship; 63% of adults with partners described themselves as "extremely" or "somewhat satisfied" with their sex lives (although nearly a third said it was between "yawn" and "bloody awful"); and 22% of men (compared to 10% in 1999) said they used some type of drug to remedy sexual performance problems.
Quote of the Month
"Our deeds still travel with us from afar, and what we have been makes us what we are."
- George Eliot
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