A Real-Life Cocoon?

Cocoon was a science fiction movie released in 1985 about a group of elderly people who swam in a pool containing alien cocoons and then suddenly find themselves feeling young, energized, and full of vigor. Although we have yet to discover the existence of any alien pod-filled pools there are places in the world where people live longer and healthier than the average person.

Welcome to the world of Blue Zones, where people seem to have found the fountain of youth and defy the natural aging process, making the rest of us feel like we're on the fast track to a nursing home. The term "blue zone" was coined by National Geographic Fellow Dan Buettner, who identified five regions where people tend to live exceptionally long and healthy lives. These regions are:

• Sardinia, Italy

• Okinawa, Japan

• Nicoya, Costa Rica

• Icaria, Greece

• Loma Linda, California, USA

Wait… Loma Linda?

The people who live in blue zones have a higher life expectancy than people in other parts of the world, and they tend to experience fewer age-related diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Researchers have studied these regions to try and understand why there are more centenarians living there and are able to live healthier lives.

One of the most important factors contributing to the longevity of blue zone residents is their diet. The people who live in these regions tend to eat a plant-based diet that is rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. They also consume very little meat and dairy products. In Sardinia, for example, the traditional diet consists of beans, whole grains, and vegetables, along with moderate amounts of fish and meat.

Another important factor is the lifestyle of the people living in blue zones. They tend to be physically active and engage in regular exercise, often as part of their daily routine. The people of Okinawa, for instance, practice a form of martial arts called tai chi, while in Costa Rica, many people engage in outdoor activities such as hiking and gardening.

Social connections are also a significant part of life in blue zones. People in these regions tend to have close-knit communities and strong social connections with family and friends. Such is the case in Loma Linda, home to one of the largest populations of Seventh-day Adventists. They promote a lifestyle consisting of a semi-vegetarian diet, exercise, and community ideals. This sense of community and belonging may help to reduce stress and improve overall mental health.

The environment in which people live in blue zones also plays a role in their longevity. These regions tend to have clean air and water, and people often spend a lot of time outdoors in nature. The people of Icaria, for example, have access to clean air and water, and the landscape is conducive to physical activity, such as walking up hills and mountains.

To wrap it all up, if you want to live a long and healthy life, take a page out of the Blue Zone book. Eat plant-based, move your body, make some friends, and live in a healthy environment. It's not rocket science, folks. It's just good old-fashioned common sense!

Fat or Fiction

Fat has been a hotly contested issue in the world of nutrition for decades. Some people avoid it at all costs, while others embrace it as a necessary part of a healthy diet. But what are the facts when it comes to fat? Let's take a closer look at some common myths and facts about fats, and the science behind them.

Myth: All fat is bad for you.

Fact: This is a common misconception. In reality, there are different types of fats, and some are better for you than others. Saturated and trans fats, which are found in animal products and processed foods, have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and other health problems. On the other hand, unsaturated fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, fish, and vegetable oils, can have a positive impact on health when consumed in moderation.

Studies have shown that replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats can lower LDL cholesterol levels, which is important for heart health. For example, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that substituting plant-based fats for animal-based fats reduced the risk of heart disease by 10%.

Myth: Eating fat makes you fat.

Fact: While it might seem logical that eating fat would make you gain weight, the truth is that weight gain is caused by consuming more calories than you burn. In fact, some research suggests that consuming healthy fats may actually help with weight loss. For example, a study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that people who followed a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet lost more weight than those who followed a low-fat diet.

Myth: Fat-free or low-fat foods are always healthier.

Fact: When food manufacturers remove fat from foods, they often add sugar or other ingredients to make up for the loss of flavor and texture. This can actually make the food less healthy than the full-fat version. For example, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who ate full-fat dairy products had a lower risk of obesity than those who ate low-fat dairy products.

Myth: Coconut oil is a healthy fat.

Fact: Coconut oil has been touted as a superfood in recent years, but the science doesn't support this claim. Coconut oil is high in saturated fat, which can increase LDL cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. While there may be some health benefits to consuming coconut oil in moderation, it's not a health food and should be used sparingly.

Myth: Fat is bad for your brain.

Fact: Your brain needs fat to function properly. In fact, the brain is made up of 60% fat. Studies have shown that consuming healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts, can improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

To sum up, it's important to understand that not all fats are created equal. Consuming healthy fats in moderation can be beneficial for your health while consuming too much saturated and trans fats can be harmful. By making informed choices about the types and amounts of fats you consume, you can support your overall health and well-being.

Sports News

The start of the 2023 Major League Baseball season is just around the corner and fans from Walla Walla, Washington to Kalamazoo can hardly wait. This year will be even more exciting as the league will be instituting four significant changes that can highly impact the way the game is played. The rule changes include a new pitch clock, elimination of the infield shift, limits on how many times a pitcher can disengage the rubber, and bigger bases.

So what do these rules look like?

The Pitch Clock Rule

Essentially, it requires pitchers to deliver the ball within 15 seconds to the plate with the bases empty and 20 seconds with a runner on base. The clock begins ticking as soon as the pitcher receives the ball, and if they do not deliver it within the allotted time, a ball will be awarded to the batter. Also, hitters need to be in the batter’s box with 8 seconds on the pitch clock. If not, the batter will be penalized a strike. The new rule is intended to help speed up the pace of play..

No More Shift

Teams will no longer be allowed to shift their infielders to one side of the diamond. Instead, they will be required to have two infielders on each side of second base. Furthermore, the players are required to be on the infield dirt at the time the pitch is thrown. The goal of this rule change is to encourage more balls in play and reduce the number of strikeouts.

Limit On Disengaging the Rubber 

Pitchers will now be limited to two "step-offs" or "pickoffs" per plate appearance. This means that a pitcher can only disengage the rubber and step off the mound twice before they must deliver the pitch to the plate. The goal of this rule change, again, is to help speed up the pace of play.

Bigger Bases

The size of the first, second, and third bases will be increased from 15 inches square to 18 inches square. The goal of this rule change is to make it easier for base runners to stay on the bag and reduce the risk of injury.

While these rule changes have generated some controversy and debate within the baseball community, many experts believe that they will help to improve the game and make it more exciting for fans. Here are a few quotes from around the league about the new rules:

• "I think it's a good thing for the game. It will keep things moving and make the game more exciting for fans." - Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder

• "I'm not a fan of the pitch clock. I think it puts too much pressure on pitchers and takes away from the strategic aspects of the game." - Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher

• "I'm not sure how I feel about the elimination of the infield shift rule. I think it could have a big impact on the game, but I'm willing to give it a chance." - Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels outfielder

• "I think the limit on step-offs and pickoffs is a great idea. It will definitely speed up the game and make it more exciting for fans." - Max Scherzer, New York Mets pitcher

• "I'm all for the bigger bases. Anything that can help prevent injuries and keep players safe is a good thing in my book." - Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds first baseman

As the 2023 season gets underway, it will be interesting to see how these new rules impact the game of baseball. But one thing is for sure, there will be plenty of excitement and drama on the field, and fans will be treated to a thrilling season of America's favorite pastime.

Answer To Last Week’s Trivia:

Which geographical term is used to describe when your progress with your fitness or diet routine “flattens out?”

Answer: Plateau

A plateau refers to a period when progress appears to stall or slow down despite continued efforts. This can be frustrating and demotivating for individuals who are trying to lose weight or improve their fitness level.

Here are 5 tips to help you get out of your plateaus:

1. Mix up your workout routine: Varying your exercise routine by adding new workouts or trying different intensities can challenge your muscles and help break through a plateau.

2. Increase intensity or duration: Gradually increasing the intensity or duration of your workouts can help push through a plateau.

3. Adjust your caloric intake: If you've hit a diet plateau, consider adjusting your caloric intake to account for changes in your metabolism.

4. Consider trying a different diet: Trying a different diet or changing up your macronutrient ratios can also help break through a diet plateau.

5. Get enough rest and recovery: Ensure that you're getting enough rest and recovery time to allow your body to recover and adapt.

Trivia Time

What is the name of the process by which the body converts food into energy?

Stay tuned next week for the answer.