Castlehom Chronicles

sarcopenia

Exercise and increases in activity have been shown to be beneficial in off setting sarcopenia; exercise even in the very old can increase strength and muscle function.

Lack of exercise is currently thought to be a significant risk factor, increasing the likelihood of sarcopenia.^[3]

Not only muscle but the entire musculoskeletal system of muscle, neuromuscular responsiveness, endocrine function, vasocapillary access, tendon, joint, ligament, and bone, depends on regular and lifelong exercise to maintain integrity. The slow attenuation, atrophy, or loss of muscle tissue that medical professionals sometimes describe as sarcopenia (literally, "flesh loss’) is currently thought to be the result of cumulative loss of musculoskeletal strength and mass associated with chronic absence of exercise of sufficient intensity or volume. However, even highly trained athletes experience the effects of sarcopenia.

It is interesting to note that athletic speed and strength records are generally set by individuals no older than 30 years of age, although some powerlifters and other strength athletes continue to set records into their 50s. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mehmet_of_Kurtdere

We all know the story. I have pix in my memory of men (THEY WERE ALL SWEDES, FARMERS, MY RELATIVES WHEN I WAS GROWING UP IN ALBERTA 70 YEARS AGO) who looked like this gent.  Still strong and straight and over 6’ into their 80s.  We know why.  There are no secrets only denials.

Out of Iraq into Afghanistan

Mr. Obama acknowledged a war fatigue among Americans who have called into question his focus on the Afghanistan war, now approaching its 10th year. He said that American forces in Afghanistan “will be in place for a limited time” to give Afghans the chance to build their government and armed forces.

“But, as was the case in Iraq, we cannot do for Afghans what they must ultimately do for themselves,” the president said. He reiterated that next July he would begin transferring responsibility for security to Afghans, at a pace to be determined by conditions.

misdiagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Close to 1 million children in the United States have potentially been misdiagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — simply because they are the youngest, and therefore the most immature, in their kindergarten class.

These younger children are significantly more likely to be prescribed behavior-modifying drugs such as Ritalin.  Such inappropriate treatment is particularly troubling because of the unknown impacts of long-term stimulant use on children’s health.