How safe is vaping?

So far, it's hard to say. As this nice summary in Nature points out, marketing and sales of devices is moving faster than science or regulation.

For now, it seems reasonable to say that the safety of vaping is unknown and that the safety of second hand vapor is also unknown.  It is probably best to avoid vaping indoors in public areas and to be aware that no one actually knows whether it could be harmful to you.

A little exercise goes a long way!

The American College of Cardiology (a professional organization of heart specialists) recently found that daily  exercise can lower your risk of heart attack and add years to your life. 

This is scarcely news in itself.  What is interesting was finding that 5 minutes of running at relatively slow speeds (6 mph or less) every day lowered risk of death from heart disease by 30-45% and added 3 years of life expectancy.  This was found to be true of fit adults, and also of overweight smokers.

It is also reasonable to suppose that it is the intensity of the exercise that was so beneficial and not necessarily just running.  Skipping rope or going fast on a stationary bike is probably just as good for you.

If you have thought of going to a gym to exercise (low cost, air-conditioned, you don't have to buy exercise equipment and find room for it...) it can be intimidating to consider it if you feel like you're not in very good shape.  Here are some tips on what you can do if you feel you might be embarassed at a gym.

Also, realize that you may be self-conscious about exercising in public if you feel out of shape or overweight.  However, studies find that other folks at the gym are either focused on their own exercise and not thinking about you or they think it's great that you're improving your health but just shy about saying so!