Simplavida: Simplified Longevity Paul Kedrosky / Howard Luks

This is a free public preview of our latest podcast episode, about how to "consume" medical research. We want you to be skeptical, but not cynical, and able to tell when some new medical research matters vs. it just being preliminary, or even noise. The full version of this episode, available to premium subscribers, contains a complete transcript. 

This episode (abridged from the full, premium version) discusses the widespread fear of health-related issues, particularly around medication, vaccines, and exercise, and its impact on physical activity levels. The hosts challenge these fears, emphasizing the importance of movement for maintaining health and debunking myths that exercise leads to joint problems. They also critique the overreliance on health-tracking devices, suggesting it contributes to unnecessary anxiety. The conversation underscores the need for a better understanding of risk and the body's capacity for adaptation, arguing against the normalization of a sedentary lifestyle and highlighting the benefits of staying active for overall health and longevity.
You can subscribe to the premium version at simplavida.com.

In this free preview of a premium episode, Paul and Howard discuss the paralysis caused by health & fitness information overload. Having too many options can leave people feeling overwhelmed, leading them to either disengage completely or obsess over minute details to the detriment of their overall health. Paul and Howard talk about how to return to basics, advocating for simple, foundational activities like walking and lifting everyday objects over complex routines and excessive supplementation. Paul & Howard critique societal pressures, influencers,and misconceptions that deter physical activity, emphasizing the importance of building a physical activity base gradually to prevent injuries and ensure long-term health. The bottom line: Stop pursuing perfection and avoid anyone overcomplicating health advice. 
For the full episode, subscribe at simplavida.com. 

Cholesterol, Residual Risk, and the Statin "Conspiracy"
In this free preview, Paul and Howard talk about cholesterol management, its complexity, and the changing guidelines over the years. They explore both the negatives and positives of cholesterol, its part in cardiovascular disease, the impact of lifestyle factors, and the role of medications like statins. They also emphasize the importance of a tailored, individualistic approach towards its management based on unique risk profiles. Further, they cover how misinformation and misunderstanding about cholesterol can sometimes lead to inappropriate testing or treatment decisions. The conversation is driven by their shared belief in the critical role of cholesterol in human health and in the importance of a nuanced, informed discussion around the subject.
00:00 Introduction to Cholesterol02:06 Understanding Cholesterol and its Importance02:34 The Role of Cholesterol in the Body03:16 The Dangers of Excess Cholesterol05:37 The Process of Plaque Formation08:02 The Impact of Lifestyle and Genetics on Cholesterol Levels08:30 Debunking Cholesterol Myths
This is a free public preview. For the full episode, you can subscribe at simplavida.com. 

The Role of Lifelong Exercise in Aging: A Conversation with Scott Trappe (Free preview)
In this free preview of a longer premium discussion, Scott Trappe, a professor at the Human Performance Laboratory at Ball State University, explains the impact of exercise on improving the quality of life, particularly for the aging population. Scott highlights the research conducted at the laboratory including muscle biopsy studies and comparisons between lifelong athletes and non-exercisers across different ages. He shows that continuous and consistent exercise can better preserve VO2 max, lung function, and muscular capabilities. Furthermore, Scott shares empirical evidence showing that even individuals who begin exercising later in life can reap significant benefits.
00:00 Introduction and Importance of Exercise00:20 Introduction to the Human Performance Laboratory00:53 The Aging Runners Study01:52 The Octogenarian Athlete Study02:16 Understanding Muscle Fiber Types04:40 The Impact of Lifelong Exercise05:17 The Importance of VO2 Max in Aging07:02 The Role of Exercise in Aging08:05 The Benefits of Exercise Regardless of Athletic Ability09:56 The Impact of Structured Exercise Programs10:02 Understanding Exercise Non-Responders10:40 The Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Study
There is lots more in the full episode. You can subscribe at simplavida.com. 

In this abridged "newsletter-to-podcast" episode, free subscribers can listen to an excerpt from our new post about the "physical activity paradox". The paradox describes how and why work and leisure exercise affect the body so differently, often in opposite ways. We are learning a great deal about this paradox, and the more we learn the more troubling it becomes, especially in a world where work and work-related activity are so central.
Premium subscribers get additional papers and show notes, as well as well as access to the entire archives. You can upgrade at Simplavida.com.