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I was grateful to be with my friend, Dr. James Dobson, in his "Family Talk" studio recently discussing my and Phil Bishop's new book, Fit over 50: Make Simple Choices Today for a Healthier, Happier You. We've been friends since 1995. I was one of his Vice Presidents at Focus on the Family from 2001 to 2004. We recorded two shows about the book. You can listen to the first one, PART ONE, today, Thursday, September 19th, here. I'll post the link to PART TWO in the blog tomorrow. But, you can order "Fit over 50: Make Simple Choices Today for a Healthier, Happier You" here. ORDER HERE

This Q&A was adapted from my just-released-book, Fit over 50: Make Simple Choices Today for a Healthier, Happier You. It was adapted for the July issue of Today's Christian Living. If you don't have a subscription, I highly recommend it. ORDER HERE Dear Dr. Walt, I’d like younger looking skin. Is there an easy way to do this? —Young-in-Heart in California Dear Youthful, The basic answer is to avoid the UV light from the sun that both can harm and age your skin. Want proof? Look at your arm. The side on top looks older than the underside, correct? And, the upper side is one exposed the most to sunlight. Furthermore, your skin is exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays every single time you go outside, even on cloudy…

In my and Dr. Philip Bishop's book, "Fit over 50: Make Simple Choices Today for a Healthier, Happier You," we have an entire tip (#6 -- Get Outdoors [page 121]) in which we reveal the amazing health benefits of getting outside. We tell our readers about Japanese researchers who are describing "shinrin-yoku," which means "tak ing in the forest atmosphere" or “forest bathing,” as “the practice of spending time in a forested area in an effort to reap wellness rewards. ORDER HERE But how much nature is enough? It turns out recent research says "120 minutes a week." According to a recent report in the New York Times, “The study examined data from nearly 20,000 people in England who took part in the Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment…

This Q&A was adapted from my just-released-book, Fit over 50: Make Simple Choices Today for a Healthier, Happier You. It was adapted for the July issue of Today's Christian Living. If you don't have a subscription, I highly recommend it. Order HERE. Dear Dr. Walt, How can I safely get a suntan? —Pale in New Mexico Dear Pallid, Simply put, and this may be a shock, but you cannot. The American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons says, “There is no such thing as a healthy suntan. Any change in your natural skin color (caused by UV light) is a sign of skin damage. Evidence suggests tanning greatly increases your risk of developing skin cancer.”  But, there is a safe and effective way to get a tanned appearance – and that is by using…

Eating blueberries reduces the risk of a cardiovascular event In my and Phil Bishop's book, Fit over 50: Make Simple Choices Today for a Healthier, Happier You, we write (page 32): A colleague of mine has suggested a simple formula for good health: 0-5-10-30-150. 0 = zero cigarettes; 5 = five servings of fruit and vegetables a day; 10 = ten minutes of silence, relaxation, meditation, or prayer a day; 30 = a body mass index (BMI) of less than 30; and 150 = the number of minutes of exercise per week. Order Fo50 Here The New York Times reports “researchers estimate that eating a cup of blueberries a day reduced the risk of any cardiovascular event by 13 percent and the risk of coronary heart disease by 11.4 to 14.5 percent.”…

This is from the seventh chapter from my best-selling book, Bryson City Tales. I hope that you'll enjoy going back to Bryson City with me each week and that if you do, you'll be sure to invite your friends to join us. (more…)

This Q&A was adapted from my just-released-book, Fit over 50: Make Simple Choices Today for a Healthier, Happier You. It was adapted for the July issue of Today's Christian Living. If you don't have a subscription, I highly recommend it. Order HERE Dear Dr. Walt, My wife and I are having a debate. I believe tanning beds are safe and the salon I go to says so. She’s read that they’re not safe at all. Who’s right? —Tan in New York Dear Bronzed, A friend said, “When I married Miss Right, I didn’t realize her first name was Always.” Chock another one up for the missus. When it comes to tanning beds or sun lights, I never recommend them, nor do dermatologists. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery…

Dog Owners Get More Exercise In my and Phil Bishop's book, Fit over 50: Make Simple Choices Today for a Healthier, Happier You, we write ... Did you know there are lots of benefits of pet ownership? The CDC reports that the bond between people and their pets can (1) increase fitness due to increased exercise, (2) lower stress, perhaps in part due to increased outdoor activities, (3) decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and decrease feelings of loneliness and increase opportunities for socialization.Fit over 50, page 117 Order Fo50 Here Now a New York Times article report that “dog owners are about four times more likely than other people to meet today’s physical activity guidelines, according to a large-scale new study of dogs and exercise.” Dog owners spent close to 300…

Here are the contents of this month’s newsletter: Just released, my newest book, “Fit over 50”Interview about “Fit over 50” with Dr. Nick PittsLifetime Achievement AwardToday’s Christian Living“Ask Dr. Walt” columnTSI Fan WritesLast Month’s EventsNext Month’s EventsPast Issues 1) Just released, my newest book – “Fit over 50” Fit over 50: Make Simple Choices Today for a Healthier, Happier You released on August 6. You can learn more about the book and order it here. Feel free to share this information with family and friends. ORDER HERE 2) Interview about “Fit over 50” with Dr. Nick Pitts I was interviewed by Dr. Nick Pitts on the national radio program, “Point of View” about my just-released book, “Fit over 50: Make Simple Choices Today for a Healthier, Happier You.” You can listen to…

This is from the seventh chapter from my best-selling book, Bryson City Tales. I hope that you'll enjoy going back to Bryson City with me each week and that if you do, you'll be sure to invite your friends to join us. (more…)

This Q&A was adapted from my just-released-book, Fit over 50: Make Simple Choices Today for a Healthier, Happier You. It was adapted for the July issue of Today's Christian Living. If you don't have a subscription, I highly recommend it. Order Today Sunscreen tips from the American Academy of Dermatology (tinyurl.com/ApplySunScreen):   Most sunscreen products work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering sunlight. They contain chemicals that interact with the skin to protect it from UV rays. All products do not have the same ingredients. If your skin reacts badly to one product, try another one or see a doctor.It takes at least 15 minutes for your skin to absorb the sunscreen and protect you. If you wait until you are in the sun to apply sunscreen, your skin is unprotected and…

Women who walk 2 miles a day live longer than the less active In my and Phil Bishop's book, Fit over 50: Make Simple Choices Today for a Healthier, Happier You, we write ... “If you’re plopped on a bed, couch, or chair right now,” write the editors of Reader’s Digest, “you might have what is arguably the most common health problem in America today—sitting disease.” That might sound silly. But prolonged sitting—sedentary living—has been shown by researchers to play a significant role in many of the most troublesome health issues of our time, from obesity and heart disease to diabetes and depression. Sitting too much, according to a study from the University of Cambridge, is twice as likely to lead to premature death as being obese! Regular exercise increases…

This is from the fifth chapter from my best-selling book, Bryson City Tales. I hope that you'll enjoy going back to Bryson City with me each week and that if you do, you'll be sure to invite your friends to join us. (more…)

This Q&A was adapted from my just-released-book, Fit over 50: Make Simple Choices Today for a Healthier, Happier You. It was adapted for the July issue of Today's Christian Living. If you don't have a subscription, I highly recommend it. Order the Book Here Dear Dr. Walt, We’re planning to hit the Jersey shore several times this summer and are finding all types of different advice on how to protect our skin and prevent skin cancer. Since skin cancer runs in my and my spouse’s family, count us interested. —Sun Seekers in New Jersey Dear Tan Your Hides, Reducing exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can reduce your risk of getting skin cancer, including melanoma. The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the sun causes 90 percent of all nonmelanoma…

Ultra-processed foods cheap, easy, but increase premature death risk In my and Phil Bishop's book, Fit over 50: Make Simple Choices Today for a Healthier, Happier You, we write about ... Order Fo50 Here Studies link ultra-processed foods with higher CV, death risks. One study published in The BMJ associated eating ultra-processed foods with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and a second linked it to a higher risk of early death. A related editorial said that although the studies were well designed, more research is needed. © Copyright WLL, INC. 2019. This blog provides a wide variety of general health information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your regular physician. If you are concerned about your health, take…

This is from the fifth chapter from my best-selling book, Bryson City Tales. I hope that you'll enjoy going back to Bryson City with me each week and that if you do, you'll be sure to invite your friends to join us. (more…)

This Q&A was adapted from my just-released-book, Fit over 50: Make Simple Choices Today for a Healthier, Happier You. It was adapted for the July issue of Today's Christian Living. If you don't have a subscription, I highly recommend it. Order a Copy Here Dear Dr. Walt, Everybody in our family has lumps and bumps and skin growths—but how do we know when one might be cancer? —Bumps in Missouri Dear Lumps, Although there are many types of skin cancer, knowing the “ABCDE warning signs” of melanoma (the most dangerous skin cancer) can help you find not only early melanomas, but other skin cancers, also: A = Asymmetry—one half is unlike the other half.B = Border—an irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.C = Color—is varied from one area to another;…

Older adults who feel their lives have purpose live longer In my and Phil Bishop's book, Fit over 50: Make Simple Choices Today for a Healthier, Happier You, we write ... By seeing yourself as your Creator sees you and learning to incorporate His plan and design into how you live and what you do, you will become empowered to live out God’s purpose for your life. We believe that your Creator has designed you for a specific purpose—and being true to that purpose will result in genuine and lasting joy and satisfaction. Research has shown that only about 25 percent of Americans have a clear sense of purpose—and having purpose is linked to better sleep quality, reduced all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events such as fewer strokes and heart attacks,…

Dr. Walt just received this note about a terrific honor he's received from Marquis Who's Who in America folks: Congratulations! You've been named a 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Less than 5% of Marquis Who's Who listees are selected for this honor. An accomplishment of this magnitude can be of significant value to you both professionally and personally.Marquis Who's Who Dr. Walt's response was to flip in his Bible and read from Paul's writing in Philippians: The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I’m tearing up and throwing out with the trash—along with everything else I used to take credit for. And why? Because of Christ. Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing…

This is from the fifth chapter from my best-selling book, Bryson City Tales. I hope that you'll enjoy going back to Bryson City with me each week, and that if you do, you'll be sure to invite your friends to join us. (more…)

The endorsements for my newest book are pouring in. "Fit over 50" came out YESTERDAY, August 6. You can get you copy now, here. ORDER HERE Here are a few of the amazing endorsements for the book: null“This book is a lifestyle tour de force. Whether you’re trying to figure out which diet to follow, what kind of exercise is best for you, whether to lift weights, how to increase flexibility, how to get the most out of sleep, and dozens of similar questions—you now have an authoritative, comprehensive, holistic, and medically sound handbook for your health. The 22 practical ideas are exactly what I needed to know!” -- Patrick Morley, PhD, Executive Chairman, Man in the Mirror, and bestselling author of 21 books,  including The Man in the Mirror and The…

"Fit over 50" officially releases today. You can order it now, here, for yourself, your family, your friends, and folks in your faith community. ORDER HERE “This book is a lifestyle tour de force. Whether you’re trying to figure out which diet to follow, what kind of exercise is best for you, whether to lift weights, how to increase flexibility, how to get the most out of sleep, and dozens of similar questions—you now have an authoritative, comprehensive, holistic, and medically sound handbook for your health. The 22 practical ideas are exactly what I needed to know!”Patrick Morley, PhDExecutive Chairman, Man in the Mirror, and bestselling author of 21 books,including The Man in the Mirror and The Christian Man

The endorsements for my newest book are pouring in. "Fit over 50" will be available TOMORROW, Tuesday, August 6. You can preorder it now, here. ORDER HERE “This book is a lifestyle tour de force. Whether you’re trying to figure out which diet to follow, what kind of exercise is best for you, whether to lift weights, how to increase flexibility, how to get the most out of sleep, and dozens of similar questions—you now have an authoritative, comprehensive, holistic, and medically sound handbook for your health. The 22 practical ideas are exactly what I needed to know!”Patrick Morley, PhDExecutive Chairman, Man in the Mirror, and bestselling author of 21 books,including The Man in the Mirror and The Christian Man “Wait! Don’t let the title fool you. Fit over 50 is…

I was interviewed by Dr. Nick Pitts on his national radio program, “Point of View,” about my new book, “Fit over 50: Make Simple Choices Today for a Healthier, Happier You.” You can listen to the interview here (http://podcast.ncfr.net/?p=8665). “Fit over 50: Make Simple Choices Today for a Healthier, Happier You,” is scheduled for release in two days: on August 6. You can learn more about the book and pre-order it here. Please share this information with your family, friends, and faith community. RELEASES TUESDAY AMAZING Endorsements for “Fit over 50” Here are just a few of the dozens of amazing endorsements for my newest book:  “This book is a lifestyle tour de force. Whether you’re trying to figure out which diet to follow, what kind of exercise is best for…

The endorsements for my newest book are pouring in. "Fit over 50" will be available this coming TUESDAY, August 6. You can preorder it now, here. ORDER HERE “I tend to avoid books that give ‘self-help’ advice—life is too complicated for easy formulas. The more I went through Fit over 50, however, the more I learned. Drawing on the latest research, the authors have assembled a remarkable list of practical suggestions on how to flourish in every way.”Philip Yancey Author of Fearfully and Wonderfully: The Marvel of Bearing God's Image (with Dr. Paul Brand) “God cares about our health—not only for our comfort but for His service. With clear and well- researched advice, Dr. Larimore has fashioned a remarkable guide. With his insightful, whole person understanding of health, he describes…

This is from the fourth chapter from my best-selling book, Bryson City Tales. I hope that you'll enjoy going back to Bryson City with me each week and that if you do, you'll be sure to invite your friends to join us. (more…)

Here are the contents of this month’s newsletter: COMING AUGUST 6, MY NEWEST BOOK: “Fit over 50”Interview about “Fit over 50”Amazing Endorsements for “Fit over 50”Last Month’s EventsNext Month’s EventsPast Issues 1) COMING AUGUST 6, MY NEWEST BOOK – “Fit over 50” My next book, “Fit over 50: Make Simple Choices Today for a Healthier, Happier You,” is scheduled for release on August 6. You can learn more about the book and pre-order it here. Feel free to share this information with family and friends. RELEASE DATE 8/6/19 2) Interview about “Fit over 50” I was interviewed by Dr. Nick Pitts on his national radio program, “Point of View,” about my new book, “Fit over 50: Make Simple Choices Today for a Healthier, Happier You.” You can listen to the interview here: http://podcast.ncfr.net/?p=8665. …

The endorsements for my newest book are pouring in. "Fit over 50" will be available on Tuesday, August 6. You can preorder it now, here. ORDER HERE “For those who are interested in a fitness book that deals with the total person: physical, mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual, this is a must read. Fit over 50 is filled with research-based and biblically sound practical tips for all who want to live life to the fullest.”Gary D. Chapman, PhD Author of The 5 Love Languages “In Fit over 50 Walt Larimore and Phillip Bishop show you’re not here by accident. You were designed; you have a purpose. Their research, knowledge, and practical advice will help you embrace God’s gift of life.” Chris Fabry Author and host of Chris Fabry Live

The endorsements for my newest book are pouring in. "Fit over 50" will be available on Tuesday, August 6. You can preorder it now, here. ORDER HERE “You may have heard the old saying ‘It’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.’ In Fit over 50, Walt Larimore and Phil Bishop will show you the best way to have both.Jim DalyPresident, Focus on the Family “One of the best all-around books I’ve ever seen for those of us over 50 who want to improve our all-around health. I’ll be putting many of these tips to action in my life and suggesting my friends and colleagues get a copy of their own.” Pat WilliamsSenior Vice President of the NBA's Orlando MagicAuthor of Character Carved…

The endorsements for my newest book are pouring in. "Fit over 50" will be available on Tuesday, August 6. You can preorder it now, here. ORDER HERE “I am the target audience for this book. I am over 50 and have a strong desire to make simple choices today for a healthier, happier way of life. I have read the book, but I will be keeping it by my side as a go-to reference to keep me on track to be the best me I can be.” Randy Frazee Lead Pastor, Westside Family Church Lenexa, Kansas and author of Real Simplicity: Making Room for Life “If you are over 50 and are longing to become healthy and stay fit, then this book is for you. Walter Larimore and Phillip Bishop…