How much exercise is just right? Not enough? Too much? A recent, large study conducted by Harvard University and the National Cancer Institute on 661,000 mostly middle-aged subjects showed that people who did the recommended 150 minutes/week or less of exercise (but more than nothing) are 20 percent less likely to die prematurely, while those who exercised three times the minimum are 39 percent less likely to die prematurely. Those who worked out at 10x the recommended levels showed no significant gains beyond 40 percent, and should have perhaps opted for AMC Breaking Bad reruns.
Briefing Paper: Saudi Arabia Wellness Tourism to Grow by 14.2 Percent by 2017
A new openness and transparency among the leadership of Saudi Arabia have helped foster the growth of many industries, including spa and wellness. This is partly owed to the government’s commitment to empowering women, which, over the next few years, is expected to play a significant role in the growth of spa and wellness.
What’s on My Mind: Let There Be Light: Science + Wellness
Literally and metaphorically, a light went on for me last week. I had the privilege of attending an event hosted by Lighting Science, a company devoted to marshaling light to work with our bodies, not against them. Fred Masik, the company founder, Dr. Michael Bruce, a sleep expert, and Dr. Smith Johnston, a flight surgeon working with NASA, presented on the panel.
Which Governments are Beginning to Legislate against Unhealthy Behavior?
In a thought-piece on why, today, it’s governments, not markets, that really call the shots, Malleret speculates on how it’s pretty inevitable that the unbearable cost of healthcare means that many governments will soon be unable to foot the bill. So, while it’s not “politically correct,” more governments will start to legislate against (and penalize for) unhealthy behaviors. Just look at how a new bill introduced in Puerto Rico would penalize parents for not tackling childhood obesity.
Bruce Jenner. Then and Now.
In 1993 I served on “Pete Wilson’s California Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports”. Bruce Jenner was one of the other 14 board members and we worked together for quite a few years. I remember Bruce as a down to earth, likeable guy with a good sense of humor and a very collaborative attitude.
Countries with an Image Crisis? Wellness Tourism is Strong Antidote.
The Global Wellness Institute recently released data showing the powerful role wellness tourism can play in helping countries recover from tourism crises and “image problems” (i.e., wars, terrorist and drug violence, natural disasters).
It looked at 10 nations with either more recent tourism shocks (like India, Mexico), or those building tourism markets after historic conflicts (such as Nicaragua, Cambodia). And just look at what a serious recovery-driver wellness tourism can be…these nations using it as a re-branding tool will drive so many more.
