You At Your Best

By KArEN rICE yOu AT yOur BEST Over the last several years, many people have embraced the notion that 10,000 daily steps are the way to being physically fit. But is there scientific proof behind the recommendation? The 10,000-step standard - which equates to roughly five miles, depending on a person's stride length and speed - has some surprising origins that are not necessarily rooted in medical science. I-Min Lee, a professor of epidemiology at the Harvard University School of Public Health explored the origins of the 10,000-step recommendation. She discovered the guideline evolved from a marketing strategy devised by a Japanese company called Yamasa Toki. That firm introduced its new step-counter in 1965, naming it Manpo-Kei, which translated into "10,000 steps meter." They marketed the meter using the Japanese character for "10,000," which resembles a man walking. The character and the slogan, "Let's walk 10,000 steps a day" was catchy. As a result, many people adopted the 10,000-step approach. Lee conducted her own research to test if the Japanese were on to something by inadvertently setting the 10,000-step standard. She found that an increase in walking correlated to lower mortality rates among more than 16,000 elderly American women. However, when these women reached about 7,500 steps the mortality rates leveled out, suggesting that those extra 2,500 steps might not be necessary. Taking 10,000 steps per day is a good start, but likely won't be enough to achieve optimal health. Here are the top three suggestions from the American Council on Exercise (ACE) about the best techniques to get fit: • Strength training. Twenty minutes a day twice a week will help tone the entire body. • Interval training. It involves walking for two minutes, running for two, and alternating this pattern throughout the duration of a workout. • Increased cardio/aerobic exercise. Try to accumulate 60 minutes or more a day of low- to moderate-intensity physical activity, such as walking, running, or dancing. really the path to fitness? The truth behind the recommendation Exercising regularly can affect more than your cardiovascular health. New evidence shows a link between poor heart health and hearing loss. "The inner ear is extremely sensitive to blood flow, so obstructions in the arteries and veins – symptoms of impaired cardiovascular health – can impact the peripheral and central auditory systems, leading to hearing impairment," Dr. Dustin Richards, audiologist and owner of Wolfpack Hearing Clinic in Fayetteville points out. "Conversely, when the heart is healthy and the flow of blood is unimpeded, hearing problems are fewer." Exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will not only add years to your lifespan, but will reduce your odds of developing hearing loss. Take preventative measures such as getting more physical activity, eating healthier, losing weight, quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Patients already diagnosed with heart disease should consider a hearing evaluation. The audiologists at Wolfpack hearing in Fayetteville are skilled in diagnosing and treating hearing loss. For more information or to set up a hearing evaluation, go to Wolfpackhearing.com, or call 479-957-9300. The link between physical activity and hearing loss SPONSOr CONTENT Is 10,000 steps 8 | yOu AT yOur BEST | NWAdG.COm/yOuATyOurBEST July - FIT X: EXErCISE & FITNESS | SuNdAy, JuNE 28, 2020 Ad Number: 062720e4801 Our patients succeed. You will, too! 479.957.9300 Wolfpackhearing.com Located in East Fayetteville | 2630 E Citizens Dr. #7 Best of Northwest Arkansas the

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