Because of poor diet and the lack of exercise in the way of life followed by many people they are at risk, without knowing it, of developing a serious disease, known as diabetes or an only slightly less serious condition called pre-diabetes.
Both of those disease conditions are associated with higher than normal blood sugar levels, usually the result of a diet rich in sugary and sweet foods and beverages, welcome to the palate but dangerous to blood circulation and the heart among other things.
Also associated with diabetes and pre-diabetes, now reaching epidemic proportions in the United States, is excess body weight and obesity, also reaching epidemic proportions in America. In addition to the higher than normal blood sugars and obesity that lead to diabetes, the high amounts of saturated fats and transfats that are typical in the diets of many people contribute to heart disease and stroke. A case where what is sometimes called the good life enjoyed by many Americans is also leading to their early deaths. (more…)
It’s Friday night and I’m at the Badminton center working up a sweat, training with the rest of the Iloilo Valiant Badminton Club. As I look around, I see a group of women in their 40s and 50s engaging in an exciting Badminton game of Doubles play. I’ve known them for quite a while, ever since I started training, actually. That was six years ago.
I’ve gotten to know these women for the past six years that I’ve seen them on court; I play with them every now and then. And, I found out that, although they stay until around 10 to 11pm in Badminton courts and join the occasional tournament, the real reason that they take part in this sport is not necessarily to compete, but to stay healthy and get some exercise. (more…)