Six health questions (and answers) for Christmas
Adam: Have we figured out the optimal diet for weight loss?
Dr. Prescott: Some studies have shown that low-carbohydrate diets work best, while others have shown no difference between these and standard lowfat diets. Keeping sugars and refined carbs low is always a good idea, as is maximizing fruit and vegetable intake. Increasingly, though, research is showing that the answers can vary from person to person. So, we need to find what works for each of us rather than searching for a one-size-fits-all answer.
Adam: Are there any proven strategies for lowering risk for Alzheimer’s?
Dr. Prescott: No. Approaches like staying active mentally (reading, crossword puzzles) and socially (keeping current with large networks of friends) have received lots of media attention but have not shown benefit when examined in systematic research studies. Ditto with physical fitness and staying heart healthy through diet, exercise and, if necessary, medication. Still, these are all wise approaches to healthy aging in general, and some of them may one day be proven beneficial in preventing Alzheimer’s.
Adam: Is aerobic or weight training better for you?
Dr. Prescott: This is like asking which child is my favorite. They’re both extremely important. Aerobic exercise is key to maintaining cardiovascular health and seems to slow aging at the cellular level. Resistance or weight training maintains muscle mass and helps balance and coordination, which are also vital as we grow older.
Adam: Should we expect to see genetically engineered babies in 2019?
Dr. Prescott: Absolutely not. A Chinese scientist did claim in November that he’d made the world’s first genetically edited babies. But that announcement still unverified was met with an almost universal rebuke. While the revolutionary process of geneediting known as CRISPR holds incredible potential to correct disease-causing mutations and to treat certain medical conditions, we’re still a long way off from using it in humans. Safety and ethical issues abound.
Adam: If you could give only one piece of health advice, what would it be?
Dr. Prescott: Don’t smoke (or vape). Only the tiniest bit behind it would be to stay active. In a recent study, scientists found that not exercising carried the same risk of death as smoking.
Adam:Is it OK to overindulge a little today?
Dr. Prescott: Sure. Don’t make it a habit, but it’s Christmas. Enjoy your holiday!