32 oxygenmag.com

By Jessie R. Shafer, RD

HABITS THAT CAN INCREASE YOUR YEARS

Adoption of four healthy lifestyle behaviors is associated with increased

life span for men and women, according to a study published in the

Journal of Internal Medicine. In the study of more than 60,000 men and

women, those who were physically active at least two and half hours

each week, had less than two alcoholic drinks per day, ate a healthy

diet and did not smoke lived an average of fi ve years longer than those

who identifi ed with three or fewer of those healthy habits.

fuel RESEARCH SAYS

Alcohol=Muscle Loss?

Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle tis-

sue that occurs as a natural part of the

aging process. But how fast and how

much muscle is lost may increase

as a result of alcohol consumption,

according to a new study conducted at

Korea University College of Medicine

in Seoul. Typical muscle loss occurs

at an average rate of 6 percent per

4

decade in postmenopausal women,

but drinking alcohol accelerated sarco-

penia in women who were moderate

to heavy drinkers. The research-

ers concluded that the study fi ndings

strengthen the recommendation that

postmenopausal women should limit

their alcohol intake to improve their

health as they age.

Saying

“thank

you” can

make you

a healthier

eater

New Gallup Poll

data shows that

people who are

optimistic tend

to be healthier

eaters. By viewing

the future with a

hopeful sense,

positive people

tend to have a

better physical and

mental well-being.

A few science-

backed ways to

cultivate optimism:

Make a mental or

physical note of

appreciation each

day, surround

yourself with

encouraging

people and say

thank you.

Can alcohol

increase

muscle loss in

postmenopausal

women?