Source: Flickr cc johnlemon 2.0

The Well health blog in yesterday’s New York Times boldly proclaimed Forget the Treadmill. Get a Dog.

Oh, if only it were that simple. Get a dog; take it out for walks daily; and your daily exercise needs were met. The data from several studies show mixed results. Not everyone went out for walks. Some just put the dog out in the yard to run around. Others complained about the weather. And some said they were too old or frail to walk the dog. Still others hired someone to walk their dog!

“If we’re committed to a dog, it enables us to commit to physical activity ourselves.” Said Dr. Rebecca A. Johnson.

There is something that is extra motivating in doing for others—whether they are human or canine.

Source: Flickr (cc) nathancremisino

Exercise is King, nutrition is Queen, put them together and you’ve got a kingdom. —Jack LaLanne

Fitness King Jack LaLanne passed away this week. His New York Times obit called him “the founder of the modern fitness movement.”  At 96 he was in better shape than most people half that age.

As he got older Mr. LaLanne used publicity stunts to let the world know he was still in very good shape. At 60 he swam from Alcatraz to Fisherman’s Wharf. Not a big deal? He did it handcuffed and towing a boat that weighed 1,000 lbs. At 70 he swam through Long Beach Harbor towing 70 people in 70 boats. A lot of people in their 70s are happy if they have the flexibility to tie their own shoes.

His fitness regime was about as simple as it comes: eat healthfully and exercise every day. Nutrition is the Queen. Exercise is the King.

This is very good advice for a person with diabetes. Continue reading →