You’ve been hearing all of the sugar debates lately. You know you should avoid “high-fructose corn syrup.” But why? Is sugar sugar? Or are there truly differences that make some “healthier” than others?

What you need to know …

- High-fructose corn syrup is a sweetener made from corn. The corn industry is pushing to coin high-fructose corn syrup “corn sugar.” But the sugar industry is opposed to them intermingling with the term “sugar.”

- The corn industry claims that high-fructose corn syrup does not contain any artificial or synthetic ingredients and that the process to make sugar is similar to that of high-fructose corn syrup. The sugar industry claims there is no naturally occurring fructose in corn or corn starch and that high-fructose corn syrup is a man-made product that existed only after 1960.

- The corn industry claims high-fructose corn syrup is comprised of two simple sugars – glucose and fructose – and has the same caloric value as table sugar. The sugar industry disagrees and argues there are molecular differences between high-fructose corn syrup and sugar and that the body processes them differently. There are studies that link high-fructose corn syrup with health problems like obesity and high cholesterol.

Breath is a critical element to our life. You are breathing right now as you read this. You breathe perhaps 20,000 times each day. And breathing can greatly influence your health and happiness. Read on for some techniques for proper breathing as well as some breathing exercises.

Many other cultures already know the importance of breath. Incorrect breathing can lead to tension, exhaustion, vocal strain and can encourage illness. So why is breathing so important?

Breathing oxygenates every cell of your body, including your brain and vital organs. If your body does not have sufficient oxygen, it becomes more vulnerable to health problems. Breathing deeply increases levels of blood oxygen, which promotes good health by stimulating the digestive process and by improving mental performance.

So are you breathing incorrectly? Possibly. Many people are shallow breathers, using only the narrow top portion of the lung surface. You want to fill your lungs deeply by utilizing your diaphragm.

Want to live to see 100?

There are many centenarians who reside in China and have incredible mental sharpness and physical ability at 100 years of age. What are their secrets?

Tai chi
Tai chi is practiced by over 100 million people worldwide. Tai chi has been practiced in China for thousands of years and is a choreographed, meditative exercise that has many health benefits including increased energy, decreased stress, increased immunity, lowered blood pressure, and better cognitive functioning.

Diet
Diet is an important factor in overall health and longevity. The diet of Chinese centenarians consist primarily of fish, vegetables, mushrooms, seaweed, corn and buckwheat. They eat very little meat and overall suffer from very little heart and liver disease.

Environment
Centenarians worldwide live in environments that offer clean air, good water, low stress and close communities.

We have compiled some useful tips to add years to your life!

- Eat breakfast. Studies show that those who eat breakfast are less likely to become obese and get diabetes. Aim for a breakfast with lean protein, carbs and a small amount of fat.

- Make relaxation and stress management an important part of your life.

- Exercise daily. Studies show daily exercise can add up to three years onto your life. Incorporate small exercises into your day. Always take the stairs. Park further away from your destination to incorporate some extra steps into your day.

- Get adequate sleep. Lack of sleep can shorten your life.

- Brush your teeth and floss daily. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum diseases.

- Stay social. Having friends can provide healthy emotional support and help with issues like depression and anxiety.

- Drink a lot of water. Since our bodies are comprised of nearly 70 percent water, water is essential in maintaining good health and prolonging your life.

Sure, genes are an important factor in determining your longevity but the lifestyle you live is also a very important factor. Practicing healthy behaviors will contribute to a healthier and longer life.

Much of the illness that plagues Americans can be contributed to bad nutrition, inadequate physical activity, use of tobacco and excessive consumption of alcohol. Seven out of 10 Americans die each year from chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer and stroke.

These simple healthy lifestyle behaviors – smoking restraint, eating a healthy diet, exercising and limiting alcohol intake – will make you 66 percent less likely to die early from cancer and 65 percent less likely to die prematurely from cardiovascular disease. Follow these simple tips to increase your longevity …

- Don’t drink more than two alcoholic beverages per day (if you are female, limit to one drink per day)
- Don’t smoke cigarettes. If you already smoke, quit. There are many programs out there to help you kill this bad habit.
- Eat healthy. Start by eating more wholesome foods – fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean protein. Cut back on sodium, saturated fat and sugar.
- Exercise. Partake in a mix of aerobic activity and strength training activities.

Shoes are an incredibly important piece of gear. There isn’t one universal shoe that is the best for everyone, as feet vary, how people walk vary, etc. You need to find a shoe that provides you with the flexibility, support and cushioning you need. It should also address any stride issues you may have, like overpronation. Additional factors include your walking speed, style, distance and surface.

Tip 1
Look for a shoe that provides flexibility. You should be able to pick it up, bend and twist the shoe. You want a shoe that will flex as you walk.

Tip 2
Look for a shoe that has a relatively flat heel.

Tip 3
Look for a shoe that has a non-flared heel. Your heel will hit the ground first so you do not want a flared heel.

There are some cultures that practice running or walking backward for the sake of elevated calorie burn and also an exercise in balance. Incorporating backward movements is beneficial for hips, legs and torso. 100 steps of backward walking is comparable to 1,000 steps of conventional forward walking. When you walk backward, it is important to not bend the knee. Try to keep your feet straight or in a stretched position.

Some additional reasons to incorporate backward walking/running …

- Improves your balance.
- Increases the length of your stride.
- Good way to take pressure off the knee joint if you suffer from knee pain.
- Utilizes your muscles differently so it’ll help your legs get stronger.

Some people contemplate whether their workout routine should consist of walking or running. The fact of the matter is, there are pros and cons to both. They are both terrific exercises in general. Here are some considerations …

- If you are looking to burn the most calories possible, run. You will have to walk for nearly an hour to get the calorie burn benefit of a 30 minute run.
- Running is more intense – so the general health benefits will be higher.
- There is less chance of injury associated with lower impact exercises like walking. If you are severely overweight or in poor cardio condition, start with walking.
- Running is high-impact and the weight on your joints could be more than three times your body weight.

We all know that exercise needs to be a part of any weight loss regimen. But did you know exercise can make you smarter? There are many less obvious benefits of exercise that you may not have known.
Researchers have discovered that exercise can actually generate new brain cells. It was historically believed that you’re born with what you’ve got … and your brain cells slowly deteriorate with age. Now, researchers have discovered that exercise can actually produce new brain cells. The group who exercised in the study also showed improvement in memory.
Exercise also reduces inflammation throughout your body, including your brain. Exercise can help you think clearer, reduce depression, elevate mood and also provide an increased sense of well-being.