Posts

Can Your Microbiome Improve Your Athletic Endurance

September 13, 2024 |

Mitochondria are the tiny but powerful energy-generating structures within most of the cells of our body.  One cell can contain hundreds or even thousands of mitochondria. (1)  It is now well accepted that one of the main reasons for variations in the endurance performance of individuals is the characteristics of their mitochondria. (2) Many efforts…

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Is Olive Oil an Indispensable Part of a Mediterranean Diet?

August 30, 2024 |

Plant-based diets, including the Mediterranean diet, are leading the pack in the popularity of healthy diets.  There is, however, continuing debate about which aspects of a Mediterranean diet are the most important.  Is it the olive oil that is mainly responsible for the heart health benefits of the Mediterranean diet for health?   ABOUT HEALTH…

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Is There Any Way to Ward off Dementia?

August 16, 2024 |

What if you are cognitively healthy now but worried that dementia might be in your future?  Perhaps you have relatives that have developed Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or another type of dementia.  Is there a way to prevent it? Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60% to 80% of all cases.…

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“Moderation in all things….”

August 1, 2024 |

“Moderation in all things….” This memorable phrase has been quoted for centuries as a motto to live by.  The sentiment is reputed to stem from the Greek poet Hesiod in the 7th century BC when he said “Observe due measure, moderation is the best in all things”.  Roman politician, Marcus Tullius Cicero, around 60 BC,…

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A Glimmer of Hope for People With Alzheimer’s Disease

July 19, 2024 |

Way back in 1998 Dr. Dean Ornish published the results of his randomized controlled Lifestyle Heart Trial which demonstrated that intensive lifestyle changes could reverse coronary artery disease (narrowing of the arteries that supply the heart with blood) after one year without using drugs or surgery.  The lifestyle modifications included a low-fat (10% of calories…

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Promoting a healthy adventurous lifestyle powered by plants and the strength of scientific evidence.

My name is Debra Harley (BScPhm) and I welcome you to my retirement project, this website. Over the course of a life many lessons are learned, altering deeply-rooted ideas and creating new passions.