INCREASE YOUR LIFESPAN WITH THE VILPA METHOD
IT ONLY TAKES 6 MINUTES EACH DAY!
of challenging exercises like climbing stairs or jogging down a hallway — anything that gets your heart pumping. According to the study, you only need to practice VILPA for 1–2 minutes three or more times per day to get the protective effects!
Picture this: You’re sitting in your doctor’s office at the end of a checkup, waiting for her final words of wisdom on your health.
Do you need to be in shape to try VILPA? Nope! The VILPA study JAMA reported involved more than 25,000
“Things are looking good,” she says, nodding thoughtfully. “But you could do better. I know a way to increase your lifespan by doing a simple task for just six minutes each day. Do you want to try it?” That scenario might sound like science fiction — after all, we don’t have a pill for longevity yet — but according to the latest research, it could very well happen on your next doctor’s visit! This January, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported that by practicing a method called VILPA, it might be possible to lower your risk of death from any cause, including cancer, by 38%–40%. The method may also decrease your risk of death from heart disease specifically by 48%-49%. Both of these effects essentially increase your lifespan! What is VILPA? VILPA stands for “vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity.” In other words: exercise. Specifically, VILPA involves doing short, intense bursts
people ages 40–69 who identified as “non-exercisers.” They never hit the gym; the most strenuous exercise routine they reported was a leisurely walk once a week. How should you start? It’s easy to try out the VILPA method: Simply take the stairs instead of the elevator and carry your groceries to the car instead of pushing them in the shopping cart. That said, we recommend visiting a physical therapist before you jump in. Many PTs offer free or low-cost health screenings that can identify problem spots and weak areas of your body. Scheduling a screening before you push yourself with VILPA can save you from injuries down the road.
ENSURING THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT What Youth Should Know About HIV/AIDS
The HIV epidemic has come a long way since the 1980s. We now have better tools to prevent the disease, and treatments are constantly advancing. Countless Americans with HIV can now live long and healthy lives, with some even having an undetectable viral load with treatment. But that doesn’t mean HIV is no longer a problem. National Youth HIV/AIDS Day on April 10 aims to educate some of the most vulnerable members of our society about their risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of HIV- positive youth aged 13–24 do not know their status. That’s a problem because they may unknowingly spread the virus, and an undiagnosed person cannot receive the treatment they need to protect their health. Many youths also do not know how to prevent infection. A lack of sex education in many schools may play a factor, as the CDC reports a decrease in condom use among high school students. Florida youth also face a more considerable risk than many, with 51% of new U.S. cases occurring in the South in 2020. LGBT youth are particularly vulnerable, namely gay and bisexual men and transgender individuals. Still, HIV.gov reports that about 22% of all HIV cases
occur from sex between straight people. Most new cases among all ages arise from sexual transmission, while 7% result from intravenous drug use. Fortunately, we have the tools to prevent and treat HIV — we just need to use them! The tried and true methods of condom and clean needle use remain some of our best options. But pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily pill, effectively reduces one’s risk of contracting HIV by as much as 74%. Further, most U.S. insurance plans must offer PrEP at no cost. It can be an extremely effective tool for people worried about their risk. Testing is also crucial. Unfortunately, HIV testing is not always free, but many organizations offer low and no-cost options. Many people also don’t get tested because they don’t realize their risk. While prejudice against HIV-positive people is significantly lower than in the virus’s earliest days, many still associate the virus with having done something “wrong.” We must continue to break down the stigma. Do your part to educate yourself and the youth in your life! If you have questions about HIV prevention, treatment, or testing, visit HIV.gov for resources and additional information.
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