Twenty-one men and women ages 65 to 73 lowered their blood pressurefrom the high-normal to the normal category in half a year. They performed whole body strength training three times a week. The effect lasted for up to 48 hours after each session. Exercises included leg and chest presses, leg curls, abdominal crunches, and five other exercises done on resistance machines. - Journal of the American Geriatric Society, VOl. 47, No. 10 Did you know that a high blood level of an amino acid called homocysteine can raise heart disease risk? Some of the same dietary habits that affect blood pressure and cholesterol levels also affect levels of this substance. In one study, homocysteine levels rose in people who consumed a typical American diet. This diet was high in fat and low in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Those whose diets were rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products and lower in saturated and total fat had lower homocysteine levels. Circulation, Vol. 102, No. 8

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