Regular physical activity: better than an apple a day?

A new study provides further evidence that a physically active lifestyle can extend the quantity and quality of life. The study found that there was a gain in life expectancy of 3.4 years for individuals who averaged 150 – 300 minutes of physical activity per week – when compared to individuals with no regular physical activity. Study results applied to individuals 40 years of age and older.  Similar results in a study in Taiwan suggest the longevity benefits are transnational and cross cultural. Importantly, physical activity provided a benefit for individuals across the spectrum of body mass index, meaning that even obese individuals could expect to see some life expectancy gains with regular physical activity.  Click here for a link to the study.

- Doug Hirano, MPH, APCA Executive Director

A true American hero

On the eve of Election Day, we can all use a reminder about the preciousness of the right to vote in this country. Click here to read about a 93-year-old World War II veteran diagnosed with terminal cancer whose last act as an American citizen was to cast an absentee ballot in the upcoming election. Mr. Frank Tanabe passed away a week after the photo was taken. This story is for those of us who need a little extra encouragement to go to their polling place and vote.



- Doug Hirano, MPH, APCA Executive Director