HEALTH NOTES
TOP TIPS FOR KEEPING ACTIVE DURING THE FESTIVE PERIOD
CHRISTMAS is the time when you put your feet up and relax on the sofa, right? Well, yes it is but at the same time it’s important that you exercise too. Here are some ideas.
GIVE sporty presents
A NEW tennis racket, a bike, video games for indoor exercise or just a yoga mat are all excellent to keep your family moving. You can even hold tournaments!
A little bit every day
YOU don’t have to sweat for hours to do your workout, 10 minute bursts will do the job. Studies have found that short sessions like these are still effective.
HIIT
MAKE that 10 minutes count and do high-intensity interval training (HIIT) which combines short bursts of intense exercise with periods of rest or lower-intensity exercise. Skipping, jumping jacks and burpees are all great high intensity exercises.
WALK after dinner
IF YOU don’t move from the dinner table after your meal you’ll eat more and reach for too many mince pies. Take a walk with your family in the neighbourhood. Studies show that exercising after you have eaten reduces blood sugar spikes.
HOME PROSTATE CANCER TEST
PATIENTS could soon test themselves for prostate cancer at home.
The simple blood test could help catch and treat the disease before symptoms develop, meaning there is a greater chance of survival.
The test was designed by scientists at McMaster and Brock universities in Ontario.
It allows patients to measure the level of a chemical called PSA in their blood using a small, hand-held device.
A high level of PSA could indicate prostate cancer is developing and the patient needs to see their doctor.