November 18th 2008
“It appears that the effect of physical temperature is not just on how we see others, it affects our own behavior as well. “Physical warmth can make us see others as warmer people, but also cause us to be warmer; more generous and trusting as well.”
by H Hylton; Science says We really are What We Drink
November 18th 2008
With America’s obesity problem among kids reaching crisis proportions, even junk food makers have started to claim they want to steer children toward more healthful choices. In a study released earlier this year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that about 32% of children were overweight but not obese 16% were obese and 11% were extremely obese. Food giant PepsiCo, for example points out on its website that “we can play an important role in helping kids lead healthier lives by offering healthy product choices in schools.” The company highlights what it considers its healthier products within various food categories through a “Smart Spot” marketing campaign that features green symbols on packaging. PepsiCo’s inclusive criteria - explained here award spots to foods of dubious nutritional value such as Diet Pepsi, Cap’n Crunch cereal, reduced fat Doritos and Cheetos as well as to more nutritious products such as Quaker Oatmeal and Tropicana Orange Juice.
But are wellness initiatives like Smart Spot just marketing ploys? Such moves by the food industry may seem to be a step in the right direction, but ultimately makers of popular junk foods have an obligation to stockholders to encourage kids to eat more not less of the foods that fuel their profits, says David Ludwig a pediatrician and the co author of a commentary published in this week’s Journal of the American Medical Association that raises questions about whether big food companies can be trusted to help combat obesity. Ludwig and article co author Marion Nestle, a professor of nutrition at New York University both of whom have long histories of tracking the food industry spoke with U.S. News and highlighted 10 things that junk food makers don’t want you to know about their products and how they promote them.
by A Voiland
10-Things the Food Industry Doesn\’t want You to Know
November 12th 2008
Centuries: That’s how long it can take for a plastic bag to decompose in a land fill And some parts of it never disappear. But what if you could produce a bag that breaks down in months or even weeks and generates biofuel along the way?
Research from Metabolix, a biotechnology firm in Massachusetts, think they’ve found a way to do just that, growing biodegradable plastic within the leaves of genetically engineered switchgrass. Scientists have grown plastic inside plants before Monsanto did it with the rapeseed plant in the 1990s but Metabolix is the 1st to do it in such an affordable bioenergy crop, offering up the tantalizing prospect of a renewable fuel source that doubles as a petroleum free plastic factory.
The breaktrhough hinges on tweaking bacterial genes to ramp up the chemical synthesis of a nontoxic naturally occurring compound called polyhdroxybutyrate (PHB), which can serve as a green substitute for petroleum based products. Spliced into the DNA of switchgrass, the genes cause the plant to form granules of plastic that are easy to harvest. “It’s a finished product,” says Kristi Snell, the director of plant science at Metabolix. PHB’s durability even at extreme temperatures means that it could one day be grown to meke thermal foam, food packaging and of course, plastic bags all while consuming significantly less energy than the manufacture of standard petroleum based products do. Best of all, the leftover switchgrass could then be processed into biofuel.
With field tests still a few years off, look for plant grown plastic in consumer products by 2015.
by A Cooper, Popular Science, Dec 2008
November 12th 2008
Having a certain body fat to muscle mass ratio is related to athletic performance. Research has shown that correct portion of muscle mass increases strength, power and agility.
However, to gain lean muscle it is not just about the exercise protocol but nutritional intake and timing. Research shows 3 out of 4 student athletes may not be getting enough to eat. It also shows that 70% of the women and 73% of the men are not getting enough total calories, only 81% of the women and 90% of the men are consuming enough carbohydrates and just 68% of the women and 81% of the men are eating enough protein based on USDA guidelines. Intakes of salt, total fat saturated fat and cholesterol often exceed recommendations even in diets deficient in major components.
by D Weatherwax-Fall
Body Composition and its Affect on the Sports Performance Spectrum, NSCA Performance Training Journal
November 12th 2008
High school sophomores should be ready for college by age 16. That’s the message from New Hampshire education officials, who announced plans October 30 for a new rigorous state board of exams to be given to 10th graders. Students who pass will be prepared to move on to the state’s community or technical colleges, skipping the last 2 years of high school.
by K Kingsbury; Should Kids-be able to Graduate after 10th grade
November 11th 2008
Diabetes affects 24 million Americans and an increasing number of children. It can lead to limb loss and heart attacks. Yet people are more afraid of snakes and flying.
In an online survey by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) conducted in August and released today, people revealed far greater fear of events that are much less likely to affect them. Percentage of respondents who fear:
Further, when asked specifically about diseases, 49% reported a fear of cancer and only 3% cited a fear of diabetes.
Ironically, 1 in 10 adults reports having been diagnosed with diabetes while just 6% have been diagnosed with cancer according to the ADA.
“While the impact of a shark attack, lightening strike or plane crash may be more immediate, the reality is the consequences of mismanaged diabetes can have equally severe consequences that include loss of limbs or even death,” the ADA stated. “In fact, 491 deaths related to commercial aviation accidents happened in 2007 whereas diabetes contributed to 233,619 deaths in 2005.
Diabetes can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and blindness.
And, the association notes, many diabetes cases could be prevented if people exercised and ate healthy diets.
Diabetes is growing at an alarming rate with nearly 24 million children and adults living with it and another 57 million Americans at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Since 1987, death rates due to diabetes have continued to rise, while the death rates for heart disease, stroke and cancer have declined.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if present trends continue, 1 in 3 children born today will develop diabetes in their lifetime.
“We can no longer sit back and politely tap people on the shoulder to get their attention. The future of our country and the future of our children is at stake,” said ADA spokesperson Ann Albright. “The good news is there are steps people with diabetes can take to manage their disease and prevent or delay these serious and deadly complications from developing.”
Online surveys tend no to be as reliable as more formal polling methods. This one was conducted by Harris Interactive and included 2,424 U.S. residents aged 18 or older.
from LiveScience.com Oct. 28
November 10th 2008
Once thought of as a disease of “little old ladies”, osteoporosis is now considered by many researchers as a pediatric disorder that manifests itself in old age. Peak bone mass and strength, which girls achieve in their 20s predicts future fracture risk. In other words, the greater the bone mass and strength at the time girls reach their peak, the lower their chance of sustaining an osteoporotic fracture as they grow older. Research has also shown that the rate at which we accrue bone mineral is highest during late childhood and early adolescence. This is why it is critical to promote bone healthy behaviors in children and teens.
Studies comparing athletes from different sports have shown the highest bone mineral density values in athletes participating in sports associated with high impact forces, such as in gymnastics, volleyball and basketball and in sports that require variable loads or “odd impact” loads to the skeleton such as in soccer, tennis and European handball. In addition to impact loading from jumping and sprinting activities bone also adapts favorably to high joint reaction forces from vigorous muscular contractions such as in weightlifting or resistance training. These types of activities should be considered when planning exercise programs for children and teens.
In addition to the type of exercise to optimize bone mass and strength, several randomized controlled exercise interventions have also provided insight into the frequency and duration of exercise needed to build bone in young girls. Although an exact exercise prescription for bone health is not known, knowledge gained from these intervention studies can help practitioners plan community exercise programs to promote bone health in children and teens.
by J Nichols, PhD
November 6th 2008
Recent publications in the sports medicine literature have highlighted the prevalence and severity of eating disorders. Left untreated eating disorders will cause serious detrimental health effects and possibly lead to death. Many coaches, athletic trainers and administrators may be familiar with the classic eating disorder diagnoses of anorexia nervosa 9AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) but may be less familiar with the signs and symptoms associated with disordered eating. An athlete may posses signs of disordered eating that over time evolve into AN, BN or a 1/3 condition known as an eating disorder not other wise specified.
Disordered eating is also associated with the female athlete triad, a medical condition consisting of low energy availability amenorrhea and osteoporosis. While a majority of the literature explores the prevalence of female eating disorders or the female athlete triad, male athletes may also be at risk. The prevalence of disordered eating in female athletes has been estimated to be as high as 62%, whereas a surprising 33% of male athletes may demonstrate behaviors associated with disordered eating. The purpose of this article is to present the signs and symptoms associated with disordered eating. Due to the severity of these conditions recognition of at risk athletes by a coach and/or an athletic trainer with the subsequent referral of the at risk athlete to an appropriate medical provider is crucial.
by J Brumitt
Recognizing Disordered Eating Habits in Athletes, NSCA Performance Training Journal
November 3rd 2008
In the Journal Radiology, an article was published in 2002 about a study that focused on the cost effectiveness of hypnosis and sedation. Harvard Medical School performed this cost analysis study in 1999. The purpose of the study was to compare the cost of sedation used during an outpatient procedure with that of the cost of sedation plus the use of hypnosis.
The study consisted of 161 participants either undergoing vascular or renal procedures. The participants were randomly put into 2 groups. One group consisted of 79 participants who received standard sedation. The other group of 82 participants underwent hypnosis in addition to the use of sedation. Researchers developed a cost analysis using the following 4 variables:
Results of the cost analysis showed that sedation with the use of hypnosis cost less than half the amount of sedation alone. The average cost of sedation during the procedure was $638 whereas the cost of sedation with hypnosis was $300.
The study showed that using hypnosis reduced the amount of time spent in the room during the procedure. The study showed that it was still feasible and cost effective to use hypnosis with sedation even if it took 58.2 minutes longer during the procedure. Another reason why it was more cost effective to use sedation with hypnosis is because the price hypnosis is less expensive than the price of anesthesia.
Major cost benefits were realized due to this study. With the rising cost of healthcare, it is good for consumers that there are more cost effective alternatives.
by S. G. Jones, M.ED.
October 31st 2008
Being physically active is one of the most important steps that Americans of all ages can take to improve their health. This inaugural Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans provides science based guidance to help Americans aged 6 and older improve their health through appropriate physical activity.
Feel free to download one or all, there is something for everyone.
2008 Be Active Your Way
2008 Be Active Your Way Adult Guide