Nutrition Corner

Dried fruit consumption linked to lower type 2 diabetes risk, study surprisingly finds: Increasing daily intake of dried fruits by approximately 1.3 pieces is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes, contradicting previous concerns about their sugar content. Experts suggest moderate consumption as part of a balanced diet to benefit from their nutrients while managing sugar intake.

7 Foods that Mimic the Effects of Ozempic: Certain foods, such as oats, can mimic the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications like Ozempic by increasing levels of the satiety hormone GLP-1, helping to reduce appetite and promote weight loss. These natural options offer a promising alternative for managing hunger and supporting weight management, backed by research and long-standing dietary recommendations focused on satiety-promoting foods.

Recipe for The Day

Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Breast Recipe: This recipe features tender and flavorful baked chicken breasts infused with lemon, garlic, and spices, cooked to juicy perfection in about 25 minutes at 400°F. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish before serving.

Lifestyle & Fitness Focus

Exercise trend alert: Walking soccer

Walking soccer is emerging as a popular alternative for older adults looking to stay active and enjoy the camaraderie of soccer without the intense physical demands.

Played with a smaller pitch and teams of seven, using a futsal ball that reduces bounce, walking soccer emphasizes walking over running and requires players to keep one foot on the ground while passing and kicking.

The game offers numerous health benefits, promoting social interaction and cardiovascular exercise at a comfortable pace.

According to Kevin McEnroy, a physical therapist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, participating in walking soccer helps maintain balance and agility through pivoting and reacting to the ball. It also supports muscle strength and power production crucial for everyday activities like standing up from a chair.

However, McEnroy cautions that while walking soccer is gentler than traditional soccer, injuries such as sprained ankles or aggravation of knee issues can still occur.

Preparation is key, involving basic fitness conditioning and muscle strengthening, particularly of the quadriceps, glutes, and calves.

Warm-ups, proper technique, and post-game stretching are recommended to minimize injury risks and optimize performance.

Walking soccer is gaining traction across the United States, with teams established in several states and growing interest nationwide.

For those interested in joining or learning more about the sport, resources and information can be found through the United States Adult Soccer Association's website.

Physical exercise may help prevent nerve damage during chemotherapy, study finds

Researchers have discovered that neuromuscular training can significantly reduce the incidence of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) by 50 to 70 percent, a common and debilitating side effect of chemotherapy.

CIPN can lead to chronic pain, balance issues, and disruptions in cancer therapy, yet there are currently no direct pharmacological treatments available for it.

The study, conducted by scientists from the University of Basel and the German Sport University Cologne, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, involved 158 participants undergoing chemotherapy with drugs like oxaliplatin or vinca alkaloids, known to cause CIPN in up to 90 percent of cases.

Participants were divided into three groups: sensorimotor training (SMT), whole-body vibration (WBV), and treatment as usual (TAU).

Over five years, those in the SMT and WBV groups experienced significantly lower rates of CIPN compared to the TAU group, demonstrating improved quality of life and reduced mortality rates.

These findings suggest that incorporating simple and affordable exercise routines during chemotherapy can enhance patients' resilience and treatment outcomes.

Dr. Diana Garrett, a physical therapist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, notes the growing recognition of exercise's benefits in cancer care, supporting overall wellness and potentially mitigating side effects like CIPN. Dr. Melinda Irwin from Yale Cancer Center emphasizes the study’s groundbreaking potential, highlighting the ease of implementing exercise interventions and their significant impact on managing chemotherapy-related complications.

These findings underscore the importance of integrating tailored exercise programs into oncology care to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

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