New Study Finds Walking Leads to Less Back Pain

Welcome to this week's edition of Public Health Without Politics. This week, we’re exploring the benefits of walking for back pain, new longevity research from Dr. Peter Attia, and why Mars is pushing back on RFK Jr.’s efforts to ban synthetic dyes—plus a few fun health headlines.

Trending in Health this Week

  • Can’t sleep? Try these helpful tips from The New York Times, which includes drinking ice cold water and counting down by 3.

  • Moderate sun exposure can have some benefits.

  • The key to sticking to and reaping the rewards of exercise over the long term may be as simple as doing something you enjoy.

  • Extroverts apparently tend to like HITT workouts.

  • It’s Amazon Prime Day! Here are some health and fitness deals.

  • Cottage Cheese beats Greek Yogurt in terms of the better high-protein snack.

New Study: Walking More Steps and at a Faster Pace May Prevent Chronic Low Back Pain

A new study found that adults who walk more each day—and do so at a faster pace—are less likely to develop chronic low back pain. Researchers followed over 6,000 adults ages 30–79 and discovered that those who took more steps per day and walked briskly had a significantly lower risk of developing long-lasting back pain. The study suggests walking could be a simple and affordable way to reduce back pain risk.

Key Points:

  • More daily steps = lower risk of chronic low back pain.

  • Brisk walking (not just casual strolling) offers extra protection.

  • Walking could be a low-cost, accessible prevention tool for millions.

Dr. Peter Attia’s Research Worth Sharing: July 2025

The author of Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity, Dr. Peter Attia, shared a roundup of notable health studies.

Key Points:

  • Exercise improves survival odds after a cancer diagnosis.

  • A ketogenic diet may help preserve lean mass for those taking weight-loss drugs.

  • Rapamycin and trametinib are drugs originally developed for organ transplants and cancer, but scientists are now studying them for their potential to slow aging and extend lifespan—especially when used together (He didn’t mention Metformin but be sure to check that out).

M&M’s & Skittles Fight Back against RFK’s War on Synthetic Dyes

Mars, the maker of M&M’s and Skittles, is resisting RFK Jr.’s push to eliminate synthetic food dyes, reversing its earlier pledge to phase them out. The company cites cost, limited alternatives, and consumer preference.

First, alternatives don’t work as well. As they are not as stable as synthetic food dyes. And, as the issue is one of synthetic food dyes being allergens (for some people), the same is true of some natural food colors, e.g., carmine and annatto. For some people, at some exposure level, everything is risky— including water. The result: We cannot ban our way to absolute safety. Trying to do so is the contrivance of activists, not scientists.

Inspirational Quote

“The life given us, by nature is short; but the memory of a well-spent life is eternal.”
― Marcus Tullius Cicero

Have a great week,

—Richard

Richard Williams