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What are the Risks of Sitting Too Much? According to Mayo Clinic research, sitting for long periods of time is linked to a number of of health concerns, especially for people older than 65. These include: obesity, increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels. Their study compared adults, who spent less than two hours a day in front of a TV or computer, with those who log more than four hours a day in front of a screen or reading. Those who spent four or more hours of sitting, for a variety of reasons, had a 50-percent increased risk of death from any cause and a 125-percent increased risk of events, such as angina or heart attack. Evidence supports less sitting and more moving overall. Start by standing, rather than sitting whenever you have the chance. Not only did walking reduce the amount of body fat, but it also lowers the risk of blood clots, since the calf acts as a venous pump, contracting and pumping blood from the feet and legs back to the heart, reducing the load on the heart. Walking supports your joints. The majority of joint cartilage has no direct blood supply. It gets its nutrition from joint fluid that circulates as we move. Impact that comes from movement or compression, such as walking squishes the cartilage, bringing oxygen and nutrients into the area. If you don’t walk, joints are deprived of life-giving fluid, which can speed deterioration. Walking lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s. A study from the University of Virginia found that men between the ages of 71 and 93, who walked more than a quarter of a mile daily, had half the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease compared to those who walked less or not at all. Take advantage of the NST Arcade. If you walk from Building #1 to Building #3 and back, you’ve walked a half mile. If you’re in Building #2, make the loop for the same distance. The Arcade is temperature controlled and you won’t need outer clothing. Observe the shops as you pass. Reward yourself and support our vendors by picking up a few items when your walk is over. Don’t dissolve into your couch or desk chair. Keep moving. What’s not to like about walking? PARISES CELEBRATING PEIR’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY BY AL DRATTELL Photos courtesy of Dave and Judy Paris Judy and Dave Paris of Building #3 are among 15 residents of North Shore Towers who are celebrating this year’s 40th anniversary of PEIR (Personal Enrichment in Retirement), the lifelong learning program at Hofstra University. The Parises have been members since 2009. Judy, a registered nurse, is a former nursing professor. Dave is a retired aerospace engineer. Both are active in PEIR’s unique approach to advanced learning and give many personally crafted presentations during the year. While some mirror their working life jobs, most are different, affording the Parises the luxury of continuing their personal learning. For instance, Judy has given a memorable program on The Rockaways of old—a favorite summer resort for many New Yorkers. Dave, a student of aviation, has given several presentations on the subject, as well as on politics, history and various aspects of science. “I love doing the research for a presentation,” says Judy, “because at the same time I’m learning so much. I get to stretch myself outside my comfort zone of science topics to other areas, such as the works of Homer and life in Biblical Israel.” “PEIR,” adds Dave, “provides stimulus for constant challenge and self-improvement. Members are constantly learning from each other, and I’m always amazed at the breadth and depth of their knowledge in so many areas.” Both Judy and Dave cite various studies, which have dealt with life expectancy, showing it has increased dramatically over the years, providing opportunity for many seniors to continue their personal learning experience. Currently, about ten people in PEIR are 90 or older, and they continue to give presentations to the nearly 200 members of the organization. Citing one of the studies, Dave notes that while lifespan can often be traced to genetics, individual behavior and environmental factors can affect how long a person will live. Judy adds, “People who keep their minds active are less likely to develop dementia.” Both Judy and Dave also cite the importance of PEIR going beyond the presentations they and others prepare. “The Hofstra campus offers many amenities, including world-class libraries, concerts, plays and open lectures.” In addition, many PEIR members cement friendships among each other, especially during lunch time. “People are very friendly, even when we disagree,” Dave says, “and I always find our conversations stimulating.” PEIR has planned a number of special events later this year to celebrate its 40th anniversary. For more information about the organization and how to sample several classes, call Al Drattell of Building #3 at 718-631-5228. Judy & Dave Paris, PEIR members for nearly a decade Dave Paris giving a recent presentation March 2017  ¢  NORTH SHORE TOWERS COURIER  7


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