An investigation by Dr. Joanna Scurr of Portsmouth University in England has revealed that more than half of women suffer breast pain during exercise.

Dr. Scurr analyzed the breast movements of 70 women with cup sizes ranging from A to JJ. Her findings showed that even during gentle exercise, most of the women’s breasts moved far more than ordinary bras are designed to cope with.

Bras are designed to prevent up and down movement but, according to the study, they also move from side to side and in and out during exercise. Consequently, between 45 and 60 percent of women experience actual pain, and many avoid exercise completely.

Dr. Scurr recommends sports bras whatever the cup size and however vigorous the exercise. However, for A to G cup women sports bras only reduced movement by just over 50 percent.

These findings show the need for manufacturers to design bras which reduce breast movement more effectively than even modern sports bras, said Dr. Scurr.

The best support is given by “an encapsulation bra” with separate molded cups, not the current compression bras which flatten breasts against the chest wall.

Tai Chi, the ancient soft style martial art that consists of slow and graceful movements, is practiced around the world for its health benefits. It is said to improve balance and to increase health and longevity. It is favored because of its low-impact approach to exercise.

Among its many other benefits, including an increased sense of well-being in those who practice it, Tai Chi may reduce tension headaches. In a UCLA study, participants in a 15 week Tai Chi program reported reduced headache pain.

Stress is a leading cause of tension headaches. According to researchers, Tai Chi’s emphasis on relaxation, breathing and coordination may counter stress.

The study was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health.

80 to 85% of menopausal women experience hot flashes, night sweats, irritability and anxiety. Each year about 1.5 million women reach menopause. That’s 1.2 to 1.275 million unhappy, flashing, irritable women every year. Since menopause symptoms can go on for several years, these women can reach numbers high enough to qualify for a minority group status.

But help may be as simple as regular exercise, and it doesn’t have to be heavy-duty aerobic classes or powerlifting. In a study of 164 sedentary menopausal women who did no additional exercise for four months, but began either a walking program or a yoga program, the symptoms of menopause reportedly decreased and the women reported generally better health and mood.

The bottom line is that physical activity can lessen symptoms and increase quality of life for millions of women who suffer from the symptoms of menopause.

Walking, Yoga May Enhance Quality of Life During Menopause

Ever notice that some people seem to have a metabolism that burns hotter and brighter 24/7 while you often feel that your metabolism has gone on auto shut-off?

There are ways to boost your metabolism and an article at WebMD explores some of those ways. Surprisingly, the more weight you carry, the faster your metabolism. That’s why you often lose weight quickly at the start of a diet but plateau out after you reach a certain weight.

Not surprisingly, the best way to rev up your metabolism is exercise. And weight training can make metabolism higher by building muscle mass. Muscle burns more calories than fat and aids in weight loss by burning calories even when you are at rest.

Red pepper and Green Tea have both been touted as metabolism-raising foods but the evidence for any long-lasting effect is scant. Eating a high-protein diet, on the other hand, has been shown effective for weight loss.

Maybe there is no magic bullet, but through changes in diet and exercise, you can put your metabolism into high gear.

Make The Most of Your Metabolism