As a trainer, I’m often asked which alcoholic beverages are best from a healthy lifestyle perspective. Red wine (and especially pinot noir) tops the list of healthy alcoholic beverages.

Here’s why:

Drinking red wine may preserve memory and protect the central nervous system. It also prevents clots and blood vessel inflammation—both of which are linked to heart disease and decline of cognitive function.

Overall, red wine drinkers have overall lower body mass indices (BMI’s).  And moderate wine drinkers tend to have narrower waists and less abdominal fat than people who drink hard liquor. (Higher BMI is associated with greater risk for disease).

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The immune system appears to dislike grief. -New York Times

Courtesy of LA Times

Modern evangelist Marianne Williamson was one of the presenters at  LA Times Magazine’s “Conversations on Health & Wellness” at Terranea Resort. The conference was a nice break from my mind, which has been mired in thoughts about mom’s cancer. I was glad to see that Marianne was one of the speakers, since her book, A Return to Love, influenced our coming back together. Whether you’re well or ill, her remarks are worth a listen:

I ran across this article by Martha Beck (O Magazine, June ’09) while waiting in the hospital with my mom.

It’s by far the most helpful, accurate article on losing weight I’ve read in 5 years as a trainer.

I’ve personally seen clients do these things, so I know they work.

p.s.  Beck also has a book: The Four Day Win, which I’m ordering from Flashlight Worthy asap.

A new HIV vaccine is safe and 31% effective in the more than 16,000 participants in the phase 3 trial, according to the U.S. Army Surgeon General.

September is ovarian cancer month. In this video, actress Kathy Bates discuss her experience with ovarian cancer.

In researching my mom’s cancer, I’m constantly surprised by the number of alternative treatment methodologies. I’m not talking about a nutraceutical approach. Researchers are now openly asking if our quest for a cure actually makes the cancer stronger and more resistant.

Cancer treatment deserves some new lifeblood. From my perspective as a trainer, there’s been precious little (if any) support to my mom about proper nutrition, managing side effects, and the importance of light exercise, even in an immuno-compromised state. And she is receiving the best care in the state where she lives. (Thank God she has health insurance; her brother was not so lucky).

I wonder: what if cancer were managed more like a chronic illness? Maybe our loved ones would have longer lives with fewer bad side effects? Instead of killing cancer cells through chemotherapy, what if we re-educated the body’s own immune system to attack cancer cells? I think Bronson and I ought to buy some stock in this company.

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Welcome to my blog. I have almost 500 entries, mostly on health & fitness (lunges). Some are about my relationships (love) and are few about human rights (peace). I live and work in Hollywood, and every so often I’ll dive into something totally different like confronting Mormons or interviewing a celebrity. To make your time productive, I’m compiling a few “top 10″ lists, organized by reader popularity. If you like the blog, feel free to hire me as your trainer or follow me on Twitter: “peacelovelunges”

Top 10 Posts Ever

1. 5.2 Temblor Rattles Viatape, Canadian Remains Missing, Food Supply Impacted
2. El Coyote Owner Expresses Regret Over Prop. 8 Contribution, While Boycott Looms
3. A Rough Chapter for Michael Brandon
4. Last Chance to Ask Mark Dalton Anything
5. Boycott of “El Coyote” is Shortsighted
6. At 40, Cowboy is Untoppable
7. Confessions of a Coffee Junkie, and a Practical Way to Quit
8. It’s a Setback — Not a Defeat
9. Pete Kuzak
10. What if Barbie Were a Real Woman?
11. Is “No-Xplode” Help or Hype?

Top 10: Exercise & Health

1. Why Do I Vomit in the Gym?
2. Getting Off Antidepressants: My Exit Strategy
3. Is No-Xplode Help or Hype?
4. Locker Room Confessions
5. Should I Use Steroids?
6. How to Get Bigger Without Using Steroids
7. How to Get Rid of Hickeys
8. What’s the Best Heart Beat Range for Losing Weight?
9. How Mark Wahlberg,Val Kilmer and the Tao Turned Me Into a “Stud”
10. How to Get Ripped

List in progress.

Don't try this at home, kids.

I recently started working with a trainer. I’ve always had trouble putting on muscle mass (called “scrawny” in high school).  My trainer told me that doctors sometimes prescribe testosterone for people with HIV. Do you think this is something I should consider? Would it help me put size on faster? —Rob, Pasadena, Calif.

Most people know that testosterone (like growth hormone) is an androgen that your body produces, so you need to see a doctor to determine if your natural levels are in keeping with a “normal” medical reference range.  This is really the first question you should be answering, i.e., “are my natural levels of testosterone too low?”

It may also be worth kicking around some questions developed by St. Louis University to screen for androgen hormone deficiency. You can answer the questionnaire here

If your natural levels fall below the normal reference range, you should weigh your options. There are many new delivery methods available—from patches, gels and creams to injections—so be sure to have a robust discussion with your provider.

Incidentally, there are other many hormones which can be screened by your doctor, including thyroid hormone, growth hormone, and free/total testosterone. These levels could also be checked and taken into account before making a decision.

I’d do everything you can to enhance your natural levels of testosterone. Make sure that you are eating a balanced diet, taking a multivitamin, getting enough sleep, and avoiding excessive caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. While it’s true that supraphysiological levels of testosterone and growth hormone will increase lean body mass, reduce fat, and improve well being—the long-term effects are largely unknown.

Also, ask your trainer to customize your workout. For instance, there’s some evidence that “multiple joint” exercises, (such as the bench press and squat) may play a role in higher levels of post-workout testosterone in the people who do them.