Walk With the Doc Saturday February 18th, 8:00 am Exercise Keeps DNA Young Almost every cell in our body undergoes periodic replacement. This happens through a process of cell division where old cells are discarded and replaced by new cells. Unfortunately, during cell division the section of the chromosome called telomeres gets shortened. These telomeres are in essence tiny protective caps on the end of DNA strands like plastic aglets used on the end of shoelaces to stop fraying. Perhaps you have heard that through the process of cell division our bodies are replaced every seven years. Actually, the frequency with which tissues are replaced by cell division varies with cell type and age. For most cell types, it happens faster when we are young. Some tissues are replaced very slowly if at all. The lining of the small intestine is replaced every 4-6 days. The outer layer of skin is replaced every 4-6 weeks. The mineral portions of bones are replaced at a rate of about ten percent per year. In contrast, at end of life, most neurons and corneal cells will have been there since birth. The bad news is that this shortening eventually stops the process of creating fresh new healthy cells. The good news is that exercise helps keep DNA healthy and young. Interestingly, even moderate- intensity physical activity helps delay cell aging. It seems that exercise activates a process akin to applying a protective coat of paint that helps delay telomeres from being snipped off. Research has shown the protective effects are strongest among people between the ages of 40 and 65, suggesting that middle age is an important time to exercise. For more about how exercise delays the aging process read “Does Exercise Slow the Aging Process?” and “How Exercise Keeps Your DNA Young.” Need a friend to encourage your New Year’s exercise plan? Consider a Saturday morning walk in the park. That’s why I’ll be there. For a pleasant winter morning walk, hat and gloves are recommended. Nancy Neighbors, MD Are You Sitting To Much? Recent studies estimate that too much sitting can age us by 8 years. Sitting too much has been linked to a host of diseases, from obesity to heart problems and diabetes, as well as early death. It's not hard to understand why: being inactive can also contribute to weight gain, which in turn is a risk factor for heart attack, stroke, hypertension and unhealthy blood sugar levels. Coming Soon To a Mailbox Near You It's that time of year. In the coming month you may be selected to receive a questionnaire by your insurance company. The questionnaire will ask how my staff and I have met your needs. Your participation in responding to this questionnaire is helpful since the validity of the results depends on having enough respond for the results to be meaningful. While we do not see your responses, we expect to receive a summary report that can be made available in a future newsletter. Let’s take a walk Date: Saturday, February 18th Location: Jones Family Park (see map) Time: 8:00 am (Meet in front of Yogurt Mountain) Yogurt Mt. is the last store at the end of Valley Bend Shopping Center). If cloudy, bring an umbrella, we walk come rain or shine. Click here for Dr. Neighbors’ 2017 news page |
