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The 5th Pillar to Live Long and Well is exposure to heat and cold (i.e., sauna, cold plunge).  There is strong evidence supporting the idea that exposure to heat and cold can positively affect both longevity and quality of life. This isn't just wishful thinking; it's backed by credible scientific studies.

Practical Takeaways

The great news is that incorporating these practices into your routine is relatively simple and doesn’t require expensive equipment.

Sauna Tips

For heat exposure, spending 15 to 20 minutes in a sauna a few times a week can be very beneficial. While saunas may not be as easily accessible to everyone, many gyms and wellness centers offer them.

Cold Exposure Tips

Cold exposure is even more accessible. You can achieve the benefits with a cold shower or by adding a few bags of ice to your bathtub. Just three to five minutes in a cold environment a few times a week can make a significant difference.

My Routine

For those interested in practical application, I typically start my day with a cold plunge and end it with a sauna session. This routine helps me feel invigorated in the morning and relaxed before bed.

Historical Context

Heat and cold exposure have a long history. Saunas originated in Finland about 2,000 years ago and were used for relaxation and pleasure. The Finns even used mobile saunas during World War II. Similarly, cold exposure has ancient roots, with historical records suggesting its use as far back as 3500 BC.

Sauna Benefits

1. Reduction in High Blood Pressure: A Finnish study with a 25-year follow-up found that regular sauna use significantly lowered the risk of developing high blood pressure.
2. Lower Risk of Heart Disease and Cardiovascular Death: Another Finnish study observed that regular sauna users had a reduced risk of sudden cardiac death and heart disease.
3. Reduced Cognitive Decline: Regular sauna use was associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
4. Improved Mood and Depression: Studies have shown that sauna sessions can improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.

Cold Exposure Benefits

1. Soft Tissue Injury Treatment: Cold exposure has a long history of being used to treat injuries like sprains and strains.
2. Improved Exercise Recovery: Studies, including meta-analyses, have found that cold exposure aids in faster recovery after intense exercise.
3. Enhanced Mood: Cold exposure can significantly improve mood, as shown by various 
4. Metabolism Boost: Cold exposure activates brown fat, which helps burn calories and improve metabolism.

Conducting Your Own Experiment

1. Baseline Measurement: Assess what you want to improve (e.g., sleep, mood, blood pressure) and measure it for a week.
2. Intervention: Incorporate either a cold shower or sauna  for 2-4 weeks
3. Reassess: Measure the same parameters to see if there's any improvement

Conclusion
Exposure to heat and cold can help us live long and well. I encourage you to try it out and see the benefits for yourself. Th

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Introduction:

• Mind-body harmony is discussed as the fourth pillar to Live Long and Well (along with exercise, nutrition, sleep, exposure to heat/cold, social relationships).
• Mind-body activities encompass meditation, controlled breathing exercises, yoga, and spending time in nature.

Part 1: The Connection Between the Mind and the Body:

• The mind influences bodily functions such as movement, heart rate, and breathing.
• Conversely, the body communicates with the mind, signaling when to breathe, sensing pain, and indicating hunger.
• Chronic stress can disrupt the mind-body connection, leading to health issues.

Part 2: Impact of Mind-Body Imbalance on Health:

• Chronic stress can have adverse effects on health, including an increased risk of heart disease and mortality.
• The stress associated with losing a spouse significantly increases the likelihood of dying for the surviving spouse
• Studies show associations between stress and conditions like high blood pressure, asthma symptoms, migraine headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and mental health disorders.
• Stress can exacerbate existing illnesses and affect overall well-being.
• Assess your stress level with the Perceived Stress Scale Questionnaire

Part 3: Improving Mind-Body Harmony:

• Various mind-body activities, such as meditation, yoga, breath exercises, and nature walks, can enhance well-being.
  • Walking in nature reduces evidence of stress in the brain. 
  • Studies of mindfulness meditation demonstrate reductions in blood pressure, improvements in sleep quality, and decreases in depression symptoms and decreased cortisol levels.
  • Yoga practice has been shown to reduce blood pressure, improve insulin resistance, and BMI. 

Where do we go from here?
As always, it is important to determine whether these activities will help you!

• Start with a baseline assessment of your mood or blood pressure, or general wellbeing.
• Then select a mind-body activity to begin/test
• After several weeks, assess the same baseline elements--see if you have made progress in that area.

For more information, go to:  www.DrBobbyLiveLongandWell.com 

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Key principles:
1. It is important to maintain a good weight for you.
2. All diets work (until they don't)
3. What we eat and when we eat it are less crucial than many folks believe
4. Adequate protein in your diet is important
5. Supplements or pro-biotics are probably not necessary
6. We are individuals and what works for others may not work for us

Embark with me, Dr. Bobby Dubois, as we chart a course through the murky waters of nutrition science, where I promise to equip you with the compass you need to navigate the myriad of diet options and health claims. Cut through the confusion with expert analysis as we examine the merits and pitfalls of trendy diets from plant-based to Paleo. By the end of our session, you'll understand why no single diet wears the crown and why the nuances of when and what you eat may not be the be-all and end-all we once thought.

Let's confront the weighty issue of weight loss head-on. Theories abound, but I'll guide you through the labyrinth of the carbohydrate-insulin hypothesis and the satiety theory, shedding light on the overarching principle of energy balance. Discover how personal preferences play a pivotal role in the success of dietary approaches like keto and intermittent fasting, and I'll even pull back the curtain on some of my own unique, albeit anecdotal, tactics for appetite management. Our discussion will illuminate why the search for a "perfect diet" is less about the clock and calendar and more about finding balance and mindfulness in our eating habits.

Finally, we'll hone in on the art of personalizing your health strategy. Together, we'll explore why doubling down on protein intake might be the secret ingredient for longevity and when supplements and probiotics make sense in your regimen. We'll also demystify the individual variability in diet response, including salt sensitivity and its effects on blood pressure. By the close of our conversation, you'll be empowered with the knowledge to conduct your very own N of 1 studies, and tailor your diet for a life not just lived, but well-lived. So join us, and let's start crafting your personalized roadmap to vibrant health.

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Ever wondered why you feel like a different person after a good night's sleep? Join me, Dr. Bobby Dubois, as I discuss the transformative power of sleep and its undeniable link to longevity. In our latest episode, we embark on a nocturnal odyssey, exploring the critical functions of sleep for brain health and memory, and dissecting the alarming decline in sleep duration among Americans. The consequences are stark - from heart disease to obesity and sleeping better helps us eat less - but fear not, as I arm you with a dozen strategies to reclaim the night and improve both the quality and quantity of your slumber. Plus, discover the concept of 'N of 1 studies' – a tailor-made approach to determining what sleep solutions work uniquely for you. Take stock of your sleep today; try something to improve your sleep, and see how it works!

As we traverse the landscape of sleep health, learn how to monitor your own sleep habits and feelings of restfulness with insightful questions that help establish a personal sleep baseline. Adjustments to caffeine and alcohol intake take center stage, as I share how to tweak these for better nights. Armed with this chapter's knowledge, you'll be equipped to fine-tune your rest through understanding your body's individual reactions, setting the stage for a restful revolution in your life.

We round off the journey with 12 practical lifestyle shifts that promise to overhaul your sleep experience. Embrace consistency in your bedtime routine, get sunlight in the morning to set your biologic clock, exercise during the day,  avoid eating too close to bedtime, understand the unexpected perks of warming up before tucking in, and curate the perfect sleep-inducing bedroom environment. While the jury may still be out on the sleep-promoting benefits of socks and supplements, I shed light on their varied effectiveness and encourage personal experimentation. So synchronize your body clocks and get ready for an episode that could just lead you to a longer, more vibrant life. Join the conversation and share your sleep success stories – because when it comes to health, every minute of rest counts.

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Are you ready to unlock the secret to a longer, more vibrant life? Look no further, as this episode of Live Long and Well is brimming with actionable insights that promise just that. I'm Dr. Bobby Dubois, your fellow ironman triathlete and physician, and today I'm delving into the remarkable benefits of exercise for longevity and well-being. Embark on this journey with me, and learn about the profound 20% reduction in mortality rates among the active, as well as reduction in likelihood of cognitive decline,  and cancer risk through vigorous activities. It's not just about extending your years but enriching them with quality time, be it playing with your grandchildren or conquering your next athletic challenge, or reducing symptoms of depression.

Imagine a future where your exercise routine is a tailored suit, perfectly fitting your aspirations and daily life demands. That's exactly what we're crafting in today's episode, as I guide you through designing a comprehensive workout plan. We're talking about a mix that keeps your heart robust, your muscles mighty, and your balance unshakeable. I'll help you distinguish between moderate and vigorous workout intensities and why both are important, ensuring your path to fitness is as effective as it is enjoyable. Forget about a one-size-fits-all approach; this is about strategizing for the long game and preparing your body for decades of vitality. Even older folks can gain muscle mass with strength training.

Wrapping up, let's not underestimate the value of a methodical and progressive exercise regimen. Starting small and consistently upping the ante paves the way for a sustained, healthy lifestyle that stands the test of time. And remember, this is just the beginning. In our next episode, we'll unravel the critical role of sleep in our health and longevity equation. So, let's step forward together on this path to a longer, more fulfilling life. For more insight beyond what we've shared today, don't hesitate to visit my website--it's your wellspring for living longer and better.

Summary of exercise type, duration, frequency, and total time per week for a complete and balanced program:

1. Aerobic:  brisk walking, jogging, or bike riding (can speak somewhat) | 20’-60’/session | 2-4 times/week | total time per week:  40’-240’


2. Strength:  weight lifting or just body weight | 30’/session | 1-2 times/week | total time per week 30’-60’


3. Anaerobic:  bursts of speed running/cycling/Burpees | 10’-20’/session | 1 time/week | total time per week:  10-20’


5. Balance:  Yoga, wobble board, leg raises | 10’ /session| 2 times/week | total time per week 20’

5. Flexibility: General stretching of arms, legs, and core | 5’-10’/session | Daily | total time per week:  35’-70’


 Weekly total (all 5 elements): |2 hour 15’ – 6 hours 50’

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Imagine reaching the end of a wild, fulfilling ride of a life, brimming with energy and stories worth recounting—Hunter S. Thompson would nod approvingly (see his great quote here. That's exactly what I, Dr. Bobby Dubois, aim to help you achieve through the insights shared in our latest episode. We're not just marking time on the calendar; we're packing each year with life, vitality, and purpose. I'll introduce you to the six essential pillars for longevity and robust health (get the free ebook here)—each one a crucial building block for adding life to your years. From a full exercise program (Episode 2-including aerobic, strength, balance/flexibility, high intensity intervals), mastering sleep cycles with 12 practical approaches you can easily incorporate (Episode 3), a nutrition approach that is straightforward and evidence based (Episode 4),  exposure to heat/cold (sauna, cold plunge-Episode 5 coming soon), mind-body harmony (Episode 6-coming soon-meditation, yoga, breath work), to nurturing social ties (Episode 7-coming soon), I've got evidence-based strategies that promise to invigorate your daily routine and set you on a path toward a more vibrant existence.

Join me as we embark on this transformative journey together, because enhancing your healthspan is a collective adventure. You'll discover why a life rich in experiences and relationships is within your grasp and how the decisions you make today can echo through decades of health and happiness. The wisdom shared here isn't just idle chatter; it's a call to action, a guide for living fully at every age. So, tune in, be inspired, and let's rewrite the story of aging—one that's less about the numbers and more about the moments that take our breath away. Join me, and let's turn the page to a new chapter where each day is lived with intention, joy, and a sense of limitless possibilities.

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Embark on a transformative journey to vibrant health and longevity with your guide, Dr. Bobby Dubois. As an accomplished physician, endurance athlete, and published researcher, I'll be sharing the intricacies of the six pillars that fortify a life bursting with energy and years. This episode isn't just a conversation; it's a strategic roadmap to altering the way you embrace exercise, sleep, nutrition, mind-body harmony, temperature extremes, and social bonds. The promise is simple yet profound: understand these foundations, and you will unlock the doors to a life of exceptional wellness.

Each week, we'll peel back the layers on topics that go beyond the surface-level chatter, giving you practical tips rooted in scientific evidence. Imagine mastering not only the frequency of your workouts but understanding their nuanced benefits. Envision fine-tuning your sleep rituals to wake up feeling invigorated every morning. We'll dissect dietary principles that withstand the ebb and flow of fads, explore the tangible impacts of mental relaxation techniques, and brave the invigorating world of thermal stress. Plus, we'll uncover how the depth of your social interactions can significantly extend your life. Let's embark on this enlightening voyage together, and I'll show you how to seamlessly weave these life-enhancing practices into your everyday rhythm. Visit www.DrBobbyLiveLongAndWell.com to continue our crucial conversation on living a profoundly healthy life.