Dietary and performance enhancing supplements are very popular in the general and athletic populations of developed countries. Unfortunately, some supplements are useless, or worse, dangerous when taken in extreme doses, or even at recommended doses when the active ingredient is toxic. Here is how to approach the taking of supplements.

---> Avoiding Supplement Hazards

From the ages 50 to 80, it's generally downhill as far as muscle is concerned. Sedentary people can lose about half their strength and about 40% of their muscle. Loss of muscle is called sarcopenia, and loss of muscle usually means loss of strength also.

When you lose muscle and strength, you lose balance as well. When you lose balance you are more likely to fall, and when you fall you are more likely to break a bones(s). Stay as strong as you can in senior years to prevent this syndrome.

---> Training for Balance in Senior Years

It's summer shape-up season, so get ready for a host of workouts, tips and techniques from the About.com guides. Here's mine:

---> Get Fit for Summer

And here's the full list:

--->Your Summer Shape-Up Guide

Exercise in general has been proposed as a way to defeat or at least delay dementia in old age for some people. Now, a new study suggests that resistance training could be superior to aerobic training in this regard.

Three groups were studied -- resistance group, aerobic group, and a control groups who did balance and stretching. In this study, resistance seemed to offer superior, measured results. However, it remains to be seen what the optimum volume and intensity and exercise protocols are for best effect over the longer term.

---> Weight Training Reduces Risk of Dementia