Culture Clashing with Biology Dr. Sharon Bergquist is an internal medicine physician ( you can find her online at ) and has a new book you can purchase through Vinnie’s Book Club: The Stress Paradox book (2:15) It’s necessary to challenge yourself for physical strength and resilience. Our current lifestyle has weakened over several generations. (7:00) Today’s lifestyle has phased out needs and behaviors that years ago were relied upon for strength and resiliency. (9:00) This has contributed to poor health and decreased longevity. Our bodies are supposed to be interconnected with nature and the environment (15:00). Vinnie gives an example of a recent climb he did where another climber was missing out on the beauty of the surroundings. The Industrial Revolution started much of the culture change. (23:00) Many inventions have helped improve life; however, many have changed how we challenge ourselves. Reintroducing some of the challenges can help us to achieve better health, both mentally and physically. (26:00) Dr. Sharon explains hormesis, which is a form of adaptation. (30:00) The leading cause of disability in this country is disuse. (37:50) There is a more recent specialty in medicine called “exercise oncology.” It has been shown that exercise can improve cancer outcomes. (38:00) Stress For Growth There are various types of stress; however, too much and too inadequate amounts of stress can both be harmful. (46:00) The goal is to find the optimal or “Goldilocks level” of stress. A mild or moderate amount should work. There’s no real need to go to extremes to make a difference. Vinnie mentions his desire to get back to a “fitness middle class.” (51:00) “Stress inoculation” is an idea (not an actual vaccine and not childhood adversity) that exposes kids to small amounts of stress to help childhood development. (55:15) Giving kids the tools and the skills to find their way is a good start. (1:00:00)