omega 3's and eye disease

A new study shows that intake of fatty acids found in fish oil may prevent age-related macular degeneration, a deterioration of the eye's retina that can lead to blindness. People who ate fish at least once a week were 40% less likely to develop early age-related macular degeneration than those who ate fish less than once a month. Those who ate fish three times a week had a substantially lower risk of advanced macular degeneration. Researchers also noted that eating fish may halso help lower the risks of high blood pressure, diabetes & obesity. Arch Intern Med. 2006 Jul 10:166(13):1380-8.

qigong, tai chi & metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a combination of health risks that increase your likelihood of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The University of Queensland in Australia has released results of a three month pilot study which indicate that qigong (pronounced "chee gong") and tai chi exercises can significantly improve several markers of metabolic syndrome, including blood pressure, body weight, waist circumference, and HbA1c (the average amount of sugar in your blood). Tai chi and qigong exercises involve slow movements that build flexibility, deep breathing, and gentle strength training. It is now easier than ever to find a tai chi or qigong class-- try it, you'll like it!