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Karen Hilyard's avatar

OMG — the cancer news is amazing but the cold plunge news really jumped out at me: Hell to the no on jumping into freezing water. I now feel validated knowing it’s evidence-based and not just me being a big baby.

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Tara Parker-Pope's avatar

Thank goodness for Gretchen Reynold's excellent reporting saving us from cold plunges (and also me being a big baby)

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Kate Straus's avatar

Tara - the only reason I want to read the WaPo these days is to open links you reference. I gave up my subscription...well, you know when. Any thoughts on how to let those of us who still read you access just your links? Thanks -

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Tara Parker-Pope's avatar

I totally understand! Whenever I post a WaPo link here I give you a free gift link! I get 10 a month with my subscription so happy to share. You may know I left the Post last fall so all my writing will appear here in this Substack. Thanks for joining!

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Running On Butter's avatar

Thank you for this insightful piece. Love it! 🙌🏼

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Julia Morrell's avatar

Very helpful

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Stephanie Vanderslice's avatar

Would strawberries count? This is great news!

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Tara Parker-Pope's avatar

yes strawberries do count - eat lots of 'em!! they are rich in flavonoids, especially anthocyanins, which are the pigments that give ripe strawberries their red color and also powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and certain cancers. Possibly my favorite fruit!

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Stephanie Vanderslice's avatar

Hooray! I love them too! I love to start the day with a frozen strawberry and banana smoothie. Definitely my favorite berry too!

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Katherine Goldstein's avatar

Was part of the walking program meeting with people or doing it with others? Or was it solo/not specficied?

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Tara Parker-Pope's avatar

Not really specified. The accountability portion was a behavioral coach that was part of the study. But you bring up such a good point because there's so much evidence that walking with a buddy not only holds you accountable but amplifies the benefits of the exercise. There was just a great study I wrote about a few newsletters ago (Healthy brain checklist) that talked about how the brain benefits of exercise were amplified by working out with another person.

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Katherine Goldstein's avatar

And there is also just the pure social component… if you are socializing and deepening relationships four times a week… connection has shown to increase life span and reduce risk of death overall.. so I’m wondering if this could be part of the astounding results

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Patrick Archie, MD's avatar

The findings published in this study (!!!) resonate with the lifestyle modifications discussed in Dr. Lorenzo Cohen’s book Anti-Cancer Living (https://anticancer-living.com). He’s the director of the Integrative Oncology Department at MDACC and I was fortunate to have him as a mentor when I trained there. Paradigm-shifting.

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Scott Wagers's avatar

Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects is that the study was funded by the Canadian Cancer Society which has Person centered and Impact as two of the principles for their research strategy.

This is a great example of how medical research and innovation benefits when it is a multi-stakeholder endeavor.

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P. Morse's avatar

Dr. Inigo San Millan, Tour de France champion coach and cancer researcher, has been publishing similar results for years.

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Kristen Jarnes Browning's avatar

Did the participants who chose other forms of exercise than walking have the same results? Or was it specifically the walking?

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Lauren Margaret's avatar

Such a lovely post of good news stories! And very glad I have evidence to support my (expensive) berry habit!

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LesleyM's avatar

My oncologist mentioned this study to me today! Very interesting.

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Sajel Bellon Ed.D, RP.'s avatar

I feel that way about this project.

We are not just shifting the conversation; we are reframing the entire lens on suicidal thoughts. We are cracking open space for people of any age to feel seen without shame and to find possibilities in their darkest moments. We are taking the most intense human pain and giving it language, dignity, and a path forward. All in the hopes of not losing one more. Will you join us? SHARE THIS WITH PEOPLE WHO CARE ABOUT PEOPLE.

https://open.substack.com/pub/paintopossibilities/p/an-invitation-to-be-part-of-something?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=2at1yi

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Carol Riedel's avatar

And as your employers we will fire you!

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