View Full Version : My Heart
LittleBigMan
06-29-07, 06:50 PM
Dang. Is this advocacy?
My heart is like, pumping like a machine. I can shoot up stairs, run, jump, ride, whatever. My heart is like a pump station.
:)
(keep ridin', y'all.)
closetbiker
06-30-07, 08:57 PM
Dang. Is this advocacy? My heart is like, pumping like a machine.
Sure it is!
Heart disease (and neglect) is the biggest killer and debilitator of all of the killers.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1375/655932140_e42178e1f3.jpg
By keeping that heart working right, you make health care cheaper for everyone and continue to contribute more taxes to help pay for others who are are sick.
Cyclists should get a tax break for all the good they do for others. :)
stupid question... but if you manage to make it past all the accidents and other causes of death, isn't heart disease the big catchall in the end.
Say "heart disease" did not exist... we'd die of what?
closetbiker
07-01-07, 08:12 AM
stupid question... but if you manage to make it past all the accidents and other causes of death, isn't heart disease the big catchall in the end.
Say "heart disease" did not exist... we'd die of what?
All the accidents? They total just 4% of deaths. I'll pretend you couldn't see the graphic (from a Time magazine cover story - Why We Worry About the Wrong Things)
Cancer is the second biggest killer. 2.3 out of 2.5 million deaths are due to diseases, many of which, regular cycling does much to prevent.
Somebody is marketing cycling advocacy wrong. Could you imagine how much more popular it would be if it was presented as a form of transportation that was almost guaranteed to extend the life of anyone who took part?
All the accidents? They total just 4% of deaths. I'll pretend you couldn't see the graphic (from a Time magazine cover story - Why We Worry About the Wrong Things)
Cancer is the second biggest killer. 2.3 out of 2.5 million deaths are due to diseases, many of which, regular cycling does much to prevent.
Somebody is marketing cycling advocacy wrong. Could you imagine how much more popular it would be if it was presented as a form of transportation that was almost guaranteed to extend the life of anyone who took part?
OK, accidents, and cancer, HIV, and whatever... even if your life is "extended," what are you most likely to die from... "Heart Disease."
No matter what, "Heart Disease" wins in the end. To me it looks as if Heart Disease is just another way of saying "old age." It is just the "catch all" at the end. If Heart Disease did not exist... what would people die from... and that would be the thing that you are trying to extend your life from in the end.
It's kinda like saying "cyclists have accidents on the side of the road." Well duh, that is where they ride.
closetbiker
07-01-07, 09:42 AM
Ok then, how about dying prematurely from heart disease?
People worry about accidents, but it's the body breaking down that kills us.
Really, regular cycling promotes the bodies responses to most invasions or processes that render it ill.
One of the reasons heart disease is such a catch all is because it performs less and less year after year limiting the nessassary nutrient rich blood to all the bodies cells slowly strangling the life out of us.
The regular aerobic work cycling provides slows this process by a great degree and maintains the proper function of all our mechanisms that keep us alive.
Look at the graph and see all that directly, outside of heart disease, cycling prevents or helps reduce. Strokes, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and there's much reseach that cycling can play a large roll in preventing cancer.
closetbiker
07-01-07, 09:48 AM
In the early 70's the Canadian government ran a series of ads that stated the average 60 year old Swede was fitter than the average 30 year old Canadian.
I'm not sure exactly how true this was, but the impression of it made an impact.
Maybe an advocay stance for cycling could run in a similar vein. Show a 60 year old cycle commuter and sow just how much more he is healthier than that younger guy heading to work in his car.
Maybe an advocay stance for cycling could run in a similar vein. Show a 60 year old cycle commuter and sow just how much more he is healthier than that younger guy heading to work in his car.
If you make it to an old age {old age is relative I know} , hopefully your quality of life will be better if you keep yourself active.
closetbiker
07-01-07, 11:33 AM
If you make it to an old age {old age is relative I know} , hopefully your quality of life will be better if you keep yourself active.
maybe a profile at retirement age of a cycle commuter and an automotive commuters physical condition (BP, heart rate, breathing rate, weight, etc.) and that spark of life in the eyes of the cycle commuter
Ok then, how about dying prematurely from heart disease?
OK, that I will buy.
Assuming "prematurely" is sometime before about 70+ years of age.
Look I am not disagreeing that cycling is good exercise and will probably increase your life... I am disagreeing with the statistical method and the label...
Used to be folks that lived to a ripe old age, died of "old age." Now, no matter how old you become, you die of "something," and that "something" according to the statistical chart, is heart failure or heart disease. What ever happened to "old age?" Sure, the thing that failed was the heart... but how many of the other organs in the body were also failing?
We break down, and in the end, we die. Thus far at best, we have been able to prolong life, but we still always die. Saying that "heart disease" is the cause, statistically, and you may as well say "life causes death."
Now when I look at obits and see that someone has died at age 51 or 55 or 62... yeah, that does seem to be a bit premature. But when I see that someone has lived to a ripe old age of 92 or 98 or thereabouts... hey... was it "heart disease" that eventually did them in? Or was it just their time?
If "heart disease" is ever "conquered," folks will still continue to die... will whatever organ failure that occurs at that time then be the new cause celeb'?
Anyway... keep riding... live to a crusty old age... die of "old age."
closetbiker
07-01-07, 12:46 PM
... Now, no matter how old you become, you die of "something," and that "something" according to the statistical chart, is heart failure or heart disease. What ever happened to "old age?" Sure, the thing that failed was the heart... but how many of the other organs in the body were also failing? ... Saying that "heart disease" is the cause, statistically, and you may as well say "life causes death."
Now when I look at obits and see that someone has died at age 51 or 55 or 62... yeah, that does seem to be a bit premature. But when I see that someone has lived to a ripe old age of 92 or 98 or thereabouts... hey... was it "heart disease" that eventually did them in? Or was it just their time?
sometimes, it is "just their time", but most often "old age" is just the culminative effects of time that usually results from the progressive hardening of the arteries that cycling combats.
The effects of infection on people over a certain age is a large factor in death as well. The bodies ability of deal with infections when 50 or 60 is far less effective than when 70 or older. If one manages to avoid invading microbes into their golden years the length of their life is considerably extended.
Regular cycling into the golden years significantly contributes to the bodies ability to handle such invasions.
I read "How We Die" by Sherwin B. Nuland and he mentions that for as much as average life expentancy has been extended, there is a limit to how long a person can live and not too many people make it past 100. (or maybe he mentioned it in, "The Wisdom of the Body"?? - I should check)
LittleBigMan
07-01-07, 07:54 PM
maybe a profile at retirement age of a cycle commuter and an automotive commuters physical condition (BP, heart rate, breathing rate, weight, etc.) and that spark of life in the eyes of the cycle commuter
This is almost wrong to tell, but in the 15 years I've worked for [my job,] I've seen so many people die suddenly of cardivascular-related diseases (and two immediate co-workers who survived) that I don't have to wait for a retirement-age profile comparing them to me.
Still, I have to admit that I don't dare brag, I'm not immune... :eek: But I sincerely believe that without my cycling, there's no telling what kind of shape I'd be in, now.
And like I said, it's almost wrong to tell, I loved all those people, the ones I knew personally. :(
closetbiker
07-02-07, 08:39 AM
we're all getting older and it's interesting seeing the impact of culmutive behavior is having on us.
A lot of people who thought I was nuts for riding my bike to work every day are now having second thoughts about it.
:)
LittleBigMan
07-02-07, 08:59 AM
we're all getting older and it's interesting seeing the impact of culmutive behavior is having on us.
A lot of people who thought I was nuts for riding my bike to work every day are now having second thoughts about it.
:)
I used to get the, "Isn't that dangerous?" comments.
Funny, I don't get them anymore, but I do get, "I saw you riding your bike yesterday!"
:)
closetbiker
07-02-07, 11:15 AM
I used to get the, "Isn't that dangerous?" comments...
Funny, that's what I get now, when before all the helmet hoopla started, I got, "You must be in good shape!"
LittleBigMan
07-02-07, 06:43 PM
Funny, that's what I get now, when before all the helmet hoopla started, I got, "You must be in good shape!"
As much as I believe in helmets, I'd rather ride without one than not ride at all.
closetbiker
07-02-07, 07:39 PM
Riding is good for everybody, not just cyclists.
How advocates manage to avoid "selling" this obvious advantage is beyond me.
That pumping is what it's all about man. That's the core of life.
SDRider
07-03-07, 07:13 AM
Dang. Is this advocacy?
My heart is like, pumping like a machine. I can shoot up stairs, run, jump, ride, whatever. My heart is like a pump station.
:)
(keep ridin', y'all.)
Well, it is a pump after all. :beer:
closetbiker
07-04-07, 09:54 AM
I just checked, and it was in "How We Die" by Sherwin B. Nuland , where he mentions,
"The statstician has not yet drawn a breath who can convince me that my grandmothers state-certificated Cause of Death was anything else than a legalized evasion of the greater law of nature"
"the highest age thus far, solidly confirmed is 114. Interestingly, that figure comes from Japan, whos citizens live longer than any other country"
He also confirms in the book, that death due to accidents run only about 4% of all deaths, showing that what we worry about in death by bicycle accidents is out of proportion to the death avoided by the beneficial aspects of riding a bicycle
One thing you need to understand about this exercise stuff is... it is addictive.
Once you start you may find you need more. And once you've had a bit... there is a constant "pressure" in the body to do more.
And once you start... in order to maintain, you must continue. If you stop... it just sort of goes away. Anything done 20 years ago does not hold for the next 20... (sigh... )
closetbiker
07-04-07, 10:54 AM
... in order to maintain, you must continue. If you stop... it just sort of goes away. Anything done 20 years ago does not hold for the next 20... (sigh... )
hence the inclusion of the word regular, with cyclings benefits
it's a good thing it is addictive (and maybe that's why it is)
hence the inclusion of the word regular, with cyclings benefits
it's a good thing it is addictive (and maybe that's why it is)
Too bad it isn't "cumulative" like much of the bad stuff tends to be.
closetbiker
07-04-07, 05:55 PM
but on the other hand, there are many conditions where the body is able to recover to normal or near normal function despite long term abuse
Dang. Is this advocacy?
My heart is like, pumping like a machine. I can shoot up stairs, run, jump, ride, whatever. My heart is like a pump station.
:)
(keep ridin', y'all.)
you're all heart, kid!
closetbiker
07-04-07, 07:37 PM
here's a report that recognizes the benefits to health from cycling and includes it in factors determining "value" in transportation investment
Cycling is "best buy" in transport
13:15, Jul 4th 2007 by Carlton Reid
Transport investment should be directed to cycling, says new Sustrans report
The value of investment in active travel reviews evidence from around the world, and concludes that schemes to encourage a shift from private motorised transport to walking and cycling are the most cost efficient use of transport funds.
These 'active travel' schemes are also likely to be the most cost efficient means of increasing physical activity levels across the population, says Sustrans. Government policy and public health guidance call for increases in physical activity, noting that two-thirds of the UK population are insufficiently active to protect themselves from major risks to health such as heart disease and some cancers, and that physical inactivity now costs the UK over £10 billion a year.
The research cited includes analysis of three local walking and cycling route projects built in 2005, using a new Department for Transport cost benefit assessment tool. The returns on investment for these turned out far higher than for typical transport schemes focused on private motorised transport.
The main reason for this is that the DfT valuation now includes the impact of physically active travel on the risk of heart disease, stroke and colon cancer, although numerous other diseases are not included, meaning that the health benefits shown are still very conservative.
Sustrans' Active Travel Director, Philip Insall says: "We have to reverse the steep rise in healthcare costs arising from inactivity, which is consuming a larger and larger share of the NHS budget, and we also need to reduce climate change emissions from transport and cut congestion.
"The value of investment in active travel clearly shows that walking and cycling investment is better value than wasting more transport money catering for private motor transport. Now really is the time for a major shift in transport spending, and for the majority of our transport investment to go into helping people become healthier, rather than the reflex car-centred planning of the past."
The full report is available as a PDF download on www.activetravel.org.uk
/\ Note how in closetbiker's post (post#25) exercise is noted as decreasing your risk of a type of cancer, too.
A google search on the words "exercise cancer" (remove the quotes) yields pages from such sources as the American Cancer Society, claiming that exercise may be used to treat or prevent cancer.
Yes, most people die of heart disease and cancer and bicycling regularly can reduce your risk of both (or delay the onset of them, however you want to put it).
closetbiker
07-04-07, 08:44 PM
Well I did say back on post #6, "there's much research that cycling can play a large roll in preventing cancer."
LittleBigMan
07-04-07, 08:48 PM
Note also that cycling tends to focus one on the condition of the body ("that's my strength, my motor, I need to keep it running top notch") so that eating well is the natural choice, and eating well is strongly linked to longevity.
It all works hand-in-hand.
Jack LaLanne, the guy who decided he'd swim in the sea with one rowboat attatched to him for every year he is old (read 70 rowboats at 70 years old,) said, "Exercise is king, nutrition is queen. Together, you have a kingdom."
From Time:
JACK LALANNE, 82; SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA; Fitness Pioneer
"Long before there were aerobics classes and juice bars, there was Jack LaLanne. His California health spa (started in 1936) was the country's first, and on his TV program, which aired from 1952 until 1986, he was a buoyant evangelist for fitness. At 60 he swam, handcuffed, 1 1/2 miles from Alcatraz to San Francisco's shore, towing a rowboat filled with 1,000 lbs. of sand. He still maintains a rugged regimen; up at 5 every morning, he works out an hour with weights before swimming for another hour. "My conscience is terrific," he says. "If I missed a workout, it would just kill me." For those wavering about their New Year's resolutions to shape up, he advises, Set small goals and change your workout program every three or four weeks. "The only way you can hurt the body is through inactivity," he says. No chance of that happening to Jack."
Born September 26, 1914, he's coming up on his 93rd birthday. Happy birthday, Jack. :)
Jack LaLane-- I remember his show. didn't he have a german shepherd named Rusty or something?
edit: the dog's name was "happy".
/\ Note how in closetbiker's post (post#25) exercise is noted as decreasing your risk of a type of cancer, too.
A google search on the words "exercise cancer" (remove the quotes) yields pages from such sources as the American Cancer Society, claiming that exercise may be used to treat or prevent cancer.
Yes, most people die of heart disease and cancer and bicycling regularly can reduce your risk of both (or delay the onset of them, however you want to put it).
Always be leery of 1) pilot studies 2) non-clinical studies 3) anything that is a silver-bullet for "cancer."
There is no such thing as just "cancer." Each type of cancer is somewhat different, and our treatments for some have no effect against others.
From another thread: "A US medical study found that people who cycled regularly beyond their mid30s lived on average two years longer. The British Medical Association has said that the health benefits of cycling far outweigh risks. "
Damn, you mean for all the work of constantly cycling, I only get two more years... Heck, that is almost enough to push you into a comfortable leather seat, surrounded by air conditioning and stereo sound.
Maybe I'll get something with a convertable top so I can still get the wind in my face... SIGH...
:rolleyes:
joejack951
07-06-07, 11:53 AM
Damn, you mean for all the work of constantly cycling, I only get two more years... Heck, that is almost enough to push you into a comfortable leather seat, surrounded by air conditioning and stereo sound.
Being able to run up a flight of stairs without getting winded sure does suck :rolleyes:
Being able to run up a flight of stairs without getting winded sure does suck :rolleyes:
I think you meant: NOT being able to run up a flight of stairs without getting winded sure does suck.
But then that is why they make elevators.
Actually I laugh at my workmates that take elevators downstairs... Ever notice that cycling gives you "fast feet?" I find it quite easy to run up and down stairs...
closetbiker
07-06-07, 02:35 PM
cycling is a net benefit to health and life longevity.
One of the better studies done on this was done by Mayer Hillman. He took each cycle death in 1989 and looked at the acturial evidence as to how long a person of a certain age could expect to live and multiplied that by the number of deaths in each age group in order to arrive at a figure of approximately 11,000 life years lost in cycle fatalities. To calculate life years gained he looked at some American evidence of the increased longevity of those who cycled regularly and this showed that people could expect to live two years longer. When this is multiplied by the numbers of those who cycle regularly, as revealed by the National Travel Survey, you arrive at the extraordinary ratio of 20:1. In other words, he says, for every life year lost through accidents, 20 years are gained through improved health and fitness.
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homep...fety/mayer.htm
joejack951
07-06-07, 03:07 PM
I think you meant: NOT being able to run up a flight of stairs without getting winded sure does suck.
But then that is why they make elevators.
Actually I laugh at my workmates that take elevators downstairs... Ever notice that cycling gives you "fast feet?" I find it quite easy to run up and down stairs...
My comment was sarcastic. I should have added tags. My point was that by increasing my physical fitness, cycling allows me to partake in a lot of activities that sedentary folks could not. I actually started up cycling again because I couldn't stand how out of shape I felt while skiing. I've seen enough weight loss shows on TV to know that there are people out there who fear having to climb a flight of stairs.
My comment was sarcastic. I should have added tags. My point was that by increasing my physical fitness, cycling allows me to partake in a lot of activities that sedentary folks could not. I actually started up cycling again because I couldn't stand how out of shape I felt while skiing. I've seen enough weight loss shows on TV to know that there are people out there who fear having to climb a flight of stairs.
I missed the sarcasm part, but understood what I thought you meant. Tend to agree, really. Just got back from swimming 3/4 of a mile in the ocean, for lunch... So yeah, I really do understand.
LittleBigMan
07-06-07, 05:06 PM
If I don't live one day longer, nay, if I die earlier, one thing's clear: I don't want to waste away (with apologies to those who are already in that condition, but they are probably not reading this.)
I actually got lazy this year. I said to myself, "I'll ride the train, today." So I did. For about 5 months.
:eek:
I got back on my bike and loved it--until I found my muscles began to get tired way too early. OMGosh, get me back on the bike!!!
Brian Ratliff
07-06-07, 06:29 PM
If I don't live one day longer, nay, if I die earlier, one thing's clear: I don't want to waste away (with apologies to those who are already in that condition, but they are probably not reading this.)
I actually got lazy this year. I said to myself, "I'll ride the train, today." So I did. For about 5 months.
:eek:
I got back on my bike and loved it--until I found my muscles began to get tired way too early. OMGosh, get me back on the bike!!!
I did this this year as well. I started off well, commuting nearly every week (about 3 times a week, though for a few months it was a shorter halfway route) from Feb 1, then about a month ago, I stopped. I got burnt out maybe. I am sort of back going again. I did the ride to work on Monday. Next week perhaps. I'm not in as bad a shape as I thought I'd be after more than a month off the bike. I gotta get back into the rhythm of bike commuting again. It's a chore for me. 50 miles round trip from my door. I just have to grow my cycling legs again.
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