Latest / Morning Medical with Dr. Chow / Intimacy in Relationships, Flu Season Insights, and Oats' Health Benefits

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Intimacy in Relationships, Flu Season Insights, and Oats' Health Benefits · Morning Medical with Dr. Chow

• 0:00
  Welcome to Morning Medical with Dr.
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  Chow, your daily dose of the latest medical and health news from around the globe.
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  I'm your host, Dr.
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  Chi-Ming Chow, a cardiologist based in Toronto.
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  Today, we're diving into some fascinating insights about human intimacy and connection.
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  Let's explore why we crave intimacy and how it plays a vital role in our lives.
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  Intimacy is at the core of every successful romantic relationship.
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  According to Dr.
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  Justin Garcia, an evolutionary biologist and the executive director of the Kinsey Institute,
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  intimacy ranks right alongside food and water in terms of human needs.
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  He elaborates on this in his new book, "The Intimate Animal: The Science of Sex, Fidelity,
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  and Why We Live and Die for Love."
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  In the abstract, intimacy is described as a pleasurable and comforting feeling that arises
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  from close connections between people.
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  It can be as simple as making eye contact across a table and understanding what the other
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  person is thinking.
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  This type of connection can exist outside of romance and is a fundamental part of human
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  social interaction.
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  Dr.
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  Garcia points out that intimacy isn't just a euphemism for sexual behavior, even though it’s
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  often perceived that way.
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  Instead, it's about emotional bonds and social cohesion that form the foundation of healthy
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  relationships.
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  In his research, he found that over one-third of people have developed romantic feelings for
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  someone they initially didn't find attractive, indicating that connection, friendship, and
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  trust can lead to deeper attractions.
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  Today's dating landscape, with its emphasis on visual and sexual attraction, can make
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  achieving true intimacy challenging.
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  Many people have unrealistic expectations for their partners, seeking someone who can fulfill
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  every need.
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  This mindset can hinder the formation of meaningful connections.
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  Vulnerability is a key component of intimacy, involving the sharing of personal information
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  and trusting someone not to misuse it.
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  This trust is essential for cultivating a deeper sense of connection.
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  In a world where dating apps can sometimes shield us from vulnerability, finding someone
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  with whom you can truly be open is crucial.
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  For those already in a healthy relationship, maintaining intimacy involves being intentional
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  about spending time together and introducing novelty, whether it’s through small activities
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  or larger adventures.
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  Being curious about each other and the world around you can help keep the connection strong.
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  As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into our lives, there are questions
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  about its role in intimacy.
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  While AI can offer tools to aid in dating and communication, it cannot replace the genuine
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  human connection that intimacy requires.
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  Dr.
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  Garcia emphasizes that true intimacy involves a mutual desire to help and trust each other,
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  something that AI cannot replicate.
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  In conclusion, despite the rapid advancement of technology, the need for human connection
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  remains deeply rooted in our evolutionary history.
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  Intimacy is a fundamental part of what it means to be human, and it’s something we should
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  nurture and cherish in our relationships.
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  Flu season is in full swing, with many states across the United States reporting moderate to
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  very high levels of influenza-like illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control
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  and Prevention.
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  This year, the influenza A subtype H3N2, particularly the subclade K, is making up a
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  significant portion of the circulating viruses.
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  This has led to record numbers of hospitalizations, prompting health
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  professionals to emphasize the importance of getting the latest flu vaccinations, staying
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  home when ill, and practicing good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing.
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  Dr.
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  Samantha Picking, the senior director of immunizations at Walgreens, points out that
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  you're typically contagious with the flu for five to seven days after symptoms start.
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  However, some people, including young children and those with weakened immune systems, can
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  spread the virus for longer periods, sometimes extending to two weeks or more.
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  It's a common misconception that you cannot spread the flu until you exhibit symptoms.
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  In reality, the flu is most contagious during the first three to four days after symptoms
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  appear.
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  However, you can start spreading the virus a day before you even feel sick and may remain
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  contagious for up to a week or longer.
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  The incubation period, which is the time between exposure to the virus and the onset of
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  symptoms, is typically around two days but can range from one to four days.
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  If you're starting to feel unwell or have been exposed to someone with the flu, it's advisable
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  to limit contact with others to prevent spreading the virus.
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  Dr.
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  Picking advises staying home until you're fever-free for at least 24 hours without the
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  use of fever-reducing medications.
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  For most healthy adults, this aligns with the five to seven days after symptoms begin.
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  Even after returning to normal activities, taking additional precautions like wearing a
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  mask for a few days can help prevent further spread.
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  Use your best judgment and consult with a healthcare professional if you're unsure
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  whether it's safe to leave the house.
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  If your symptoms aren't improving or you still feel unwell, it's wise to stay home and
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  continue practicing good hand hygiene.
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  For those with young children or weakened immune systems, the ability to spread the virus
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  may extend to up to 14 days.
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  While a lingering cough isn't necessarily a sign that you're still contagious, it's
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  considerate to wear a mask and practice good cough etiquette when around others.
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  Some antiviral medications can also shorten the duration of contagiousness if started early,
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  ideally within two days of symptom onset.
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  Consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized guidance.
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  Flu symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and
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  runny nose.
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  The subclade K variant has been detected as a major factor in rising global cases, causing
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  more intense symptoms and a higher risk of spread.
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  Despite this, the flu vaccine still offers protection against severe illness from this
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  variant.
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  Dr.
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  Neil Maniar, a professor of public health practice at Boston’s Northeastern University,
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  notes that this flu variant is proving to be quite severe.
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  In regions where this variant is prevalent, it has caused significant illness, contributing to
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  an aggressive flu season.
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  Therefore, it's crucial to stay informed and take preventive measures seriously.
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  Oats have long been a staple in breakfast bowls around the world, but recently, they've gained
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  a reputation as a health superstar.
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  So, are oats actually good for your health?
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  According to nutrition science, the answer is a resounding "Yes!" Oats can play a pivotal role
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  in maintaining both heart health and weight management.
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  Let's dive into why oats are considered so beneficial.
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  One cup of raw oats, which is approximately 81 grams, offers a nutritional powerhouse.
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  It contains about 307 calories, 10.7 grams of protein, 54.8 grams of carbohydrates, and 8.1
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  grams of fiber.
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  In addition to these macronutrients, oats are packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and
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  minerals such as manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron.
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  The secret to many of oats' health benefits lies in a type of soluble fiber called
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  beta-glucan.
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  This fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance, which slows down digestion
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  and enhances nutrient absorption.
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  This process is particularly beneficial for heart health, making oats a proven ally in
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  cardiovascular support.
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  The fiber content in oats not only supports heart health but also promotes regular bowel
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  movements and a healthy gut.
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  Soluble fiber absorbs water, softening stool and making it easier to pass, which contributes
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  to digestive health.
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  Additionally, oats can help with weight management by making you feel fuller longer,
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  thus reducing overall calorie intake throughout the day.
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  Oats can also be particularly useful for controlling blood sugar levels.
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  Unlike refined breakfast foods, such as sugary cereals or white toast, the carbohydrates in
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  oats help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
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  Beta-glucan slows the rate of glucose absorption, preventing sharp spikes in blood
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  sugar.
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  One of the best things about oats is their versatility.
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  You can enjoy them in a variety of ways, such as traditional oatmeal topped with fruits,
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  nuts, or seeds, or even savory oats with vegetables.
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  Overnight oats soaked in milk or yogurt and topped with banana and honey make for a
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  delicious breakfast.
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  Oats can also be mixed into smoothies, muffins, or energy bars for a nutritious boost.
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  While oats are generally healthy for most people, it's worth noting that those with an
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  oat allergy or gluten intolerance should choose certified gluten-free oats and monitor how
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  their body reacts.
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  From reducing cholesterol and blood sugar to improving digestion and satiety, oats are
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  rightfully considered a "super breakfast." They're undoubtedly one of the most nutritious
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  and tasty staples you can add to your daily diet.
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  In recent years, a fitness trend known as the "75 Hard challenge" has gained significant
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  traction, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
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  This challenge, created by entrepreneur Andy Frisella in 2019, promises to foster mental
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  toughness and rapid weight loss through a rigorous set of daily rules.
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  Participants are required to complete two 45-minute workouts each day, one of which must
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  be outdoors, adhere to a strict diet without any cheat meals or alcohol, drink a gallon of
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  water, read 10 pages of non-fiction, and take a daily progress photo.
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  The catch?
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  If you miss a single task, you have to start over from day one.
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  While the challenge has its share of supporters who claim it builds discipline and
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  accountability, health experts are raising concerns about its sustainability and safety.
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  Dr.
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  Milica McDowell, an exercise physiologist, points out that while any program promoting a
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  calorie deficit will result in weight loss, the all-or-nothing approach of 75 Hard may not lead
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  to lasting results.
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  Once you stop the challenge, if you do not adjust your eating and drinking habits, the
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  weight you lost is likely to return.
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  Furthermore, the Cleveland Clinic has warned that the program's intense structure could be
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  harmful, especially for individuals without a strong fitness foundation or those with chronic
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  health conditions.
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  Drinking a gallon of water daily, for example, might be excessive for some individuals based
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  on their body size and health needs.
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  Medical professionals also advise caution for those with joint or heart problems, a history
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  of eating disorders, or an already demanding schedule.
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  In response to these concerns, variations of the challenge, such as "75 Medium" and "75
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  Soft," have emerged.
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  These toned-down versions offer a more sustainable approach, with fewer workouts and
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  more relaxed dietary guidelines.
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  Obesity medicine physician scientist Dr.
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  Fatima Cody Stanford suggests that a gentler start can lower the barrier to behavior change
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  and reduce the risk of injury or burnout.
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  Fitness experts like Jesse Ramos Jr., a certified personal trainer, argue that these
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  softer challenges help build discipline without the risk of injury or the feeling of
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  punishment.
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  They stress that long-term health benefits come from consistent and sustainable habits rather
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  than extreme challenges.
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  Holistic nutritionist Robin DeCicco echoes this sentiment, encouraging clients to focus on
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  moving more, eating whole foods, and drinking more water rather than adhering to rigid rules.
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  As we wrap up today's episode, remember that while challenges like 75 Hard can be enticing,
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  it's essential to consider what is realistic and sustainable for you.
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  Building healthy habits that transform into long-term behaviors is the key to lasting
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  health and wellness.
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  Thank you for tuning in to Morning Medical with Dr.
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  Chow.
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  Join us tomorrow for more insights into the world of health and medicine.
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  Until then, stay healthy and take care!