【推荐2】The Growing Popularity of Cycling

They say once you learn how to ride a bike, you never forget. Most of us learnt when we were kids, and many still strap (系好) on our helmets, put our feet on the pedals , and shoot off for a ride around the streets. In recent times, cycling has seen a boost in popularity.     1    

First, let’s look at the health benefits. Cycling can improve your cardiovascular (心血管的) health and burm excess body fat. Strengthening your leg muscles in your calves (小腿肚) and thighs (大腿).     2     A long ride in the countryside could help you to clear your mind, or de-stress. But it’s not only about your body and mind— there are also some plus sides for your wallet’s health.

Cycling can be a great way to commute (通勤) or get about town.     3     If you do drive into work, sometimes finding somewhere to park can be a nightmare, whereas finding somewhere to chain your bike up can be much simpler. Then, on the train, there are changes at stations and other commuters speaking loudly on their phones to deal with. And if you’re worried about safety, there are designated cycle lanes in many major cities. Wearing high-visibility clothing is another way to improve your safety when cycling on the roads.

    4     It can help you to reduce your carbon footprint. Not pumping out fumes into the atmosphere is better for the planet and your own environment.

So, whether people want to cycle for their health, getting about town, their wallet, the environment, or a combination of all of them—    5    

【推荐3】More scientists are researching cellular senescence (细胞衰老) — a state in which cells no longer divide. Senescent cells, which buildup in older bodies, have something to do with age-related conditions such as dementia (痴呆) disease.

Scientists are researching drugs that treat senescent cells. But the most promising tool against the bad influences of senescent cells, experts say, is exercise.

Today, LeBrasseur, who directs a center on aging at Mayo, says exercise is “the most promising tool that we have” for good health in late life, and that its power spreads to our cells. Research suggests exercise prevents the build-up of senescent cells, helping the immune system (免疫系统) clear them and fight the cell damage that can affect (影响) aging.

Last year, LeBrasseur led a study that provided the first sign in humans that exercise greatly affected senescence. It cut signs in the bloodstream of the influences of senescent cells in the body. After a 12-week exercise program, researchers found that older adults had cut signs of senescence and improved body strength, physical ability and reported health. A recent study collect seven more facts — in animals and humans — for exercise as a treatment to fight against senescence cells.

While such studies are not well-known outside scientific circles, many older adults connect exercise with youthfulness. Farmer Mike Gale, 81, put in a track and field throwing circle on his large farm in California. He and some of his friends throw the discus and use other exercise equipment. “I’d like to be competing in my 90s,” Gale says. “Why not?” 95-year-old Richard Soller says exercise keeps him fit enough to deal with what comes his way — including the discovery that his wife of 62 years had developed dementia. The two sometimes walk the streets of their neighborhood together, holding hands. “Do as much as you can,” he says. “That should be the goal for anyone to stay healthy.”

【推荐3】Plumbers (管子工) are usually thought of as the go-to persons when you have a leaky sink, but as a matter of fact, plumbing is much more than just a blue -collar job. The Elite Trades Championship Series(ETCS)seeks to change the way people think about plumbing.

Ideal Industries, a company that runs the championship, added plumbing as a category in 2023 to show the exceptional skills of plumbers across the US.

“We are incredibly excited to introduce the Plumbing National Championship(PNC)to the 8th annual Elite Trades Championship Series,” Scott Mendel, SVP of the ETCS said. “With successful championship events in electricity, automobile, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning, this new event will display the remarkable talents of plumbing professionals and push the plumbing trade to new heights.”

The ETCS is organized to show the knowledge and expertise among America’s professionals in various trades who are competing for a prize from a variety of sponsors, while presenting the level of knowledge and skills that the trade industries require.

The Plumbing National Championship kicked off on July 10, 2023 as a way for plumbers to compete against one another in a series of digital and live hands-on challenges. The participants had to prove their expert knowledge in a variety of skills related to plumbing in real-world challenges.

The competition lasted for about four months and the finalists competed against each other in Tampa, Florida on October 27, 2023.

Craig Childress, a skilled tradesman from Boston University won the plumbing championship. With a big share of the prize money, he was delighted. “Professionally, this is the most wonderful thing that’s ever happened to me,” he said. “It’s been an unbelievable journey. I’m incredibly grateful.”

【推荐2】With the weather warming up, the desire to kick-start a new fitness routine is very real. But after months locked indoors, you may feel as though you’re lack of exercise.     1     Working out with your partner can be a great way to boost inspiration. Here are our top tips for an exercise routine that’s built to last.

Pick something you both love.

If you love Pilates but your partner is all about lifting heavy weights, working out together might seem like an impossible task. While you can both stick to the activities you love,     2     Pick an activity you both love, or work towards a fitness goal together, like completing a fun run or half marathon.

    3    

Getting sweaty doesn’t sound like the most comfortable of activities, but there are things you can do to make it as enjoyable as possible. Invest in active wear that not only feels good but looks good, too. Dressing in workout gear that you’re excited about can make the difference on days when motivation might be lacking.

    4    It is ideal for wearing during sport or heavy-duty outdoor activities. It’s sweat resistant, with a dry-touch formula, while still offering UVA and UVB coverage.

Be supportive and have fun.

Trying a new outdoor fitness route, or running in front of strangers along the sand, can be a little discouraging, even if you’re doing it with the one you love,     5     Motivate each other to get out of bed on days and remind each other that you’re not working out just for looks. Getting your body moving has long-term benefits that far outweigh what can be seen from the outside.

And remember to have fun: trying something new is tricky but finding something you both love and enjoy means you’ll have a healthy habit for life.