Archive for February 2005
Study: Race May Affect Fitness Level
Race may play a part in determining a client’s obesity and fitness levels, according to a study in the December issue of CHEST (2004; 126, 1962–68). African-American participants weighed more and had a lower exercise capacity than Caucasians. The most explicit difference was found among males.
The researchers wanted to determine whether race was an independe…
People Are Talking About . . .
. . . Cardio Canine, a hands-free harness and dog leash “for an active lifestyle”; . . . Weight Watchers On-the-Go™, a program for Palm-based devices that synchronizes with online weight management services; . . . facial acupuncture, a popular new alternative to Botox® injections and plastic surgery; . . . the InSync Sentr…
Read MoreCircuit Training Clubs Have New Association
The spate of circuit training clubs, along with the subsequent needs of their owners, has led to the formation of the Association of Hydraulic & Fitness Clubs. According to information on its website, the new association “was formed to assist in the financial and personal development of current gym owners by mutual sharing of ideas.” The charter statement also includes a pled…
Read MoreDaily Exercise Improves Cognition, Sleep in Older Adults
Getting enough sleep can sometimes be a challenge for people as they grow older, setting the stage for declined cognitive function. This can be a frustrating problem, but there’s help. A new study in the December 15 issue of Sleep (2004; 27 [8], 1542–51) suggests that bouts of social and physical activity improve cognitive performance and sleep quality in older adults.
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Financial Planning for Retirement
If you are like many people, you find it difficult to stretch…
Read MoreChoosing a Pilates Instructor
Pilates is a mind-body exercise technique that provides many mental and physical benefits. As Joseph Pilates, creator of the method, said, “Pilates develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit.”
If you are new to Pilates, what are some general guidelines for doing this type of exercise? …
Sample Class: The Kids Wanna Dance!
Call it dance. Call it exercise. When kids move to music, they call it fun! Kids’ fitness programs are gaining momentum in schools, community centers, dance studios, g…
Read MoreMeditation May Help Kids Lower BP and Improve Behavior
Today’s youth are moving less, gaining weight and developing hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes in increasing numbers. Part of the challenge in treating these formerly adult-type diseases in juveniles is that putting kids on prescriptive medications also poses risks…
Read MoreVitamin E: Less Is More
For the past decade, many health-conscious consumers have upped their intake of vitamin E in an attempt to prevent diseases and increase longevity. Now a new study has found that high doses of vitamin E may in actuality increase the risk of dying prematurely. This conclusion was important enough to warrant both a warning at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessio…
Read MoreChildhood Obesity Conference Call to Action: Let’s Work Together
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Read MoreYoga as Philosophy of Living
Hatha yoga provides millions of practitioners with valuable benefits ranging from improved physical conditioning to greater peace of mind; ultimately, however, yoga’s purpose is not physical fitness or relaxation. Yoga provides a philosophy of living, an ethical approach to life that any person—of any religion—can enjoy.
The ancient yogic philosopher Pat…
Finding Your Anchor
1996 IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year Jay Blahnik always knows how to lighten a mood or brighten a room. His accessible, down-to-earth teaching style is renowned, and he is a leading crusader in the campaign to Inspire the World to Fitness™. His dedication to g…
Read MoreEmpathizing With Clients’ Limitations
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Read MoreHealth Really Pays Off
Pounds of Pennies
Next time you are trying to convey to your clients the repercussions of an unhealthy lifestyle, break the topic down into dollars and cents. Here’s how Money magazine quantified poor health habits on the CNN/Money website December 6, 2004:
Per year, a smoker’s medical costs run $1,623 higher than a nonsmoker&rsquo…
Heavy Kids, Heavy Hearts
Gaining weight during childhood apparently takes a heavy toll on future heart health. According to a report in the November 23, 2004, issue of Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, obesity that starts in childhood is a consistent predictor of an overdeveloped left ventricle of the heart in early adulthood.
The researchers followed 467 children for an average o…
No Kidding Around
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Read MoreOlive Oil gets FDA Approval
On November 1, 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it had approved a rare qualified health claim that olive oil can reduce the risk of coronary…
Read MoreThe Painful Truth
Pain is a regular part of life for millions of people—and they frequently rely on prescription and over-the-counter remedies. While popular COX-2 inhibitors were shown last year to have troubling side effects, many nonprescription painkillers also carry some risk. The following chart lists popular drugs and their associated side effects. For more detailed information, visit PDRhealth (…
Read MoreHow Does Remarriage Affect Men’s Health?
While getting married again may quell a man’s need for companionship, it may also make him pack on pounds. However, this may not be a bad thing in the big picture. According to research in the January issue of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health (2005; 59, 56–62), men who remarry tend to “stop trying” in terms of physical fitness, but they also tend …
Read MoreMind-Body Benefits for Pre/Postnatal Women
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