Fitness
- Swelling Bellies
- Go Outside And Exercise
- Healing Breath
- Mice Who Smoke
- Calorie Restriction Or Exercise
- Move It Or Lose It
- Number One Reason Not To Exercise
- TCM and Osteoporosis
- Forced Workouts
- Childhood Obesity and Television
Posted by
Chris Christian
Chris Christian
Despite the health campaign started about 20 years ago by the government to decrease obesity in this country to 15% by 2010, it looks like we will miss the mark.
Reading a current report on obesity in America got me wondering! The information was collected by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and indicates that the obesity epidemic is not subsiding but in fact swelling (sorry, no pun intended). The question this brings to mind for me is, are there other underlying causes for this upward trend of weight gain in this country, but more specifically, for the individuals it affects?
The way I see it, it’s like treating symptoms of a disease while ignoring the actual cause.
Yes, it is suggested that if one is bring his weight under control he should:
But my question is; why do people eat so unhealthy in the first place? I’ll tell you what I believe to be the underlying cause(s) for the obesity epidemic in this country, they are:
There are probably a few other reasons one can come up with but more than likely they will fall under one of the above categories.
If you’re over-weight, do me a favor, drop me a line or two telling me why you believe you are in that position.
Until next time, “get them bones move’n”!
The way I see it, it’s like treating symptoms of a disease while ignoring the actual cause.
Yes, it is suggested that if one is bring his weight under control he should:
- Eat a more wholesome diet
- Engage in physical activity for 30 minutes or more per day
- Reduce the amount of fats, sweets and processed foods consumed.
But my question is; why do people eat so unhealthy in the first place? I’ll tell you what I believe to be the underlying cause(s) for the obesity epidemic in this country, they are:
- Addiction- food can be additive both physically and psychologically
- Society- our culture is centered around food, we use food in most all our gathering whether celebratory or social, food is always close by
- Emotional- everyone encounters stress on some level in some aspect of their life, although not everyone deals with this stress identically, a good majority of us turn to food for comfort.
There are probably a few other reasons one can come up with but more than likely they will fall under one of the above categories.
If you’re over-weight, do me a favor, drop me a line or two telling me why you believe you are in that position.
Until next time, “get them bones move’n”!
Posted by
Chris Christian
Chris Christian
There’s nothing like the sunshine, fresh summer air and a sense of independence to infuse your summer workout sessions.
Hello All, just got back from the lakefront here in Chicago, what a beautiful place to workout. That’s right, I worked in the lakefront grass and on the rocks along the shore line. Yes, there were weeds and wild flowers and of course the bugs. But you know what, none of that mattered because the sun was shining, the breeze off the lake was cool and the air was exhilarating, what a combination. Now don’t hate cause I’m honestly not trying to tease you, I’m merely attempting to do what I always do MOTIVATE YOU to “get those bones moving”.
Hey, if you don’t live near a body of water, try the park, it works just as well. As a matter of fact after I left the lakefront I walked over to the park and conclude my workout there. There are many activities you can engage in at either local and I’ll give you a brief rundown of what I did and some suggestions as to what you too can do; all with not equipment necessary.
I don’t want too sound like a commercial but there is far too much to tell you and this blog won’t hold all of the fun stuff you can do, so I’m going to recommend that you read my article entitled “Summer Fun, Working Out Outdoors”. I’m not knocking the gym workout, but being outside adds something extra to a workout, something you won’t find indoors. Read the article and find out why I’m so excited; until next time “Keep those bones moving”!!!
Hey, if you don’t live near a body of water, try the park, it works just as well. As a matter of fact after I left the lakefront I walked over to the park and conclude my workout there. There are many activities you can engage in at either local and I’ll give you a brief rundown of what I did and some suggestions as to what you too can do; all with not equipment necessary.
I don’t want too sound like a commercial but there is far too much to tell you and this blog won’t hold all of the fun stuff you can do, so I’m going to recommend that you read my article entitled “Summer Fun, Working Out Outdoors”. I’m not knocking the gym workout, but being outside adds something extra to a workout, something you won’t find indoors. Read the article and find out why I’m so excited; until next time “Keep those bones moving”!!!
Posted by
Chris Christian
Chris Christian
Most of us have forgotten how to breathe properly; my next article will review this process and it’s benefits.
There’s a lot to be said about the breathing and breathing techniques and the health benefits associated with such breathing. There are literally thousands of books on the subject and I believe it’s a subject worth looking into. So recent information I have come across reminded me of the benefits connected to various breathing techniques.
It is said that if you watch a baby breath you will be observing the proper technique and this process gradually slips away from us as we progress through life. By the time we are young adults, even though breathing is an unconscious active or function of the body, it become even more so with short shallow breathes and insufficient oxygenation to the body and cells resultant.
Breathing techniques are probably one of the easiest health enhancing activities one can perform. In my next article I will discuss some of the techniques you can implement to receive some of these wonderful benefits.
It is said that if you watch a baby breath you will be observing the proper technique and this process gradually slips away from us as we progress through life. By the time we are young adults, even though breathing is an unconscious active or function of the body, it become even more so with short shallow breathes and insufficient oxygenation to the body and cells resultant.
Breathing techniques are probably one of the easiest health enhancing activities one can perform. In my next article I will discuss some of the techniques you can implement to receive some of these wonderful benefits.
Posted by
Chris Christian
Chris Christian
The researchers looked at the mouse medial collateral ligament (MCL), a ligament that supports the knee joint in both mice and people.
Ok I have information concerning a study conducted on mice who smoke. The study revealed smoking lengthens healing time of surgically repaired ligaments.
Back to the mice, they didn’t actually sit down and have a cigarette; they were put inside of a chamber that emits smoke that they inhaled. This was done 6 days per week, for 2 month before surgery was performed and then again after surgery to mimic people who smoked.
Seems the smoking affected the cell density and in gene activity to produce type I collagen. Normally after damage and repair of a ligament blood pools near the site causing inflammation, it is at this point that cells called macrophages flock to the injury site and secrete substances called cytokines and chemokines. Those, in turn, recruit more cells to assist in healing. This process of cellular proliferation and synthesis lasts for several days to several weeks. The final stage of healing involves remodeling of the tissue and can continue for months and even years.
Researchers noted that the smoker mice produced a lower cell density and their type I collagen gene expression was also reduced. Studies have shown this decreased macrophage response may explain why there is a delayed or decreased healing response.
With 20 to 25 percent of Americans smoking and over 20 million reported ligament injuries per year among athletes and non-athletes (torn MCL is the most common ligament injury),smoking affects anyone who needs ligament-repair surgery.Dr. Rick W. Wright and Dr. Linda J. Sandell, who conducted the study,counsel surgery patients to at least try to decrease smoking because, if nothing else, that will improve the healing of their surgical incisions. “Quitting smoking is good health management regardless, but in patients having this kind of surgery, there are extra advantages," they said.
Back to the mice, they didn’t actually sit down and have a cigarette; they were put inside of a chamber that emits smoke that they inhaled. This was done 6 days per week, for 2 month before surgery was performed and then again after surgery to mimic people who smoked.
Seems the smoking affected the cell density and in gene activity to produce type I collagen. Normally after damage and repair of a ligament blood pools near the site causing inflammation, it is at this point that cells called macrophages flock to the injury site and secrete substances called cytokines and chemokines. Those, in turn, recruit more cells to assist in healing. This process of cellular proliferation and synthesis lasts for several days to several weeks. The final stage of healing involves remodeling of the tissue and can continue for months and even years.
Researchers noted that the smoker mice produced a lower cell density and their type I collagen gene expression was also reduced. Studies have shown this decreased macrophage response may explain why there is a delayed or decreased healing response.
With 20 to 25 percent of Americans smoking and over 20 million reported ligament injuries per year among athletes and non-athletes (torn MCL is the most common ligament injury),smoking affects anyone who needs ligament-repair surgery.Dr. Rick W. Wright and Dr. Linda J. Sandell, who conducted the study,counsel surgery patients to at least try to decrease smoking because, if nothing else, that will improve the healing of their surgical incisions. “Quitting smoking is good health management regardless, but in patients having this kind of surgery, there are extra advantages," they said.
Calorie Restriction Or Exercise
Posted by
Chris Christian
Chris Christian
Although this study was conducted on mice researchers believe it may some day have relevance to human beings, stay tuned!
I read a very interesting study today (I always say that don’t I). Well I want to keep abreast of the most current finding as they apply to fitness and us human beings. Anyway this particular study was conducted on mice and some the finds proved very interesting. Scientist compared the life span of mice on calorie restrictive diets versus mice that ate as much as they wanted. They also looked at mice that ate as much as they wanted but also exercised and mice that were on restricted diets but also exercised.
Guess what? The mice on the restrictive diets faired the best. They mentioned some mumbo jumbo about insulin, oxidative stress and possible tissue damage,8-hydroxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a marker of DNA damage andhormonal benefits. It gets really scientific but the bottom line was that eating less (in mice) produced longer live spans.
I know, I know, we are not mice but study suggests there are some similarities. For example a handful of studies comparing people on calorie restricted diets to people who are avid exercisers, found similar hormonal benefits among those eating less calories. Thus calorie restriction creates beneficial changes in the human body’s hormone levels which exercise does not.
In conclusion,Derek M. Huffman, the study’s lead author said, “I wouldn’t say this study has direct implications for people right now, but it shows what physiological changes caloric restriction and exercise produce. We can continue to build upon these findings until we can get a better understanding of how this works in people.”
Guess what? The mice on the restrictive diets faired the best. They mentioned some mumbo jumbo about insulin, oxidative stress and possible tissue damage,8-hydroxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a marker of DNA damage andhormonal benefits. It gets really scientific but the bottom line was that eating less (in mice) produced longer live spans.
I know, I know, we are not mice but study suggests there are some similarities. For example a handful of studies comparing people on calorie restricted diets to people who are avid exercisers, found similar hormonal benefits among those eating less calories. Thus calorie restriction creates beneficial changes in the human body’s hormone levels which exercise does not.
In conclusion,Derek M. Huffman, the study’s lead author said, “I wouldn’t say this study has direct implications for people right now, but it shows what physiological changes caloric restriction and exercise produce. We can continue to build upon these findings until we can get a better understanding of how this works in people.”
Posted by
Chris Christian
Chris Christian
Study after study reminds us what we already know- we need to be participating in some form of physical activity on a regular bases to remain healthy.
I just read an interesting article based on a study of physical activity and senior citizens. Here’s what was ascertained - aerobic exercise gives older adults a boost in brainpower, according to a recent review of studies from the Netherlands. “Aerobic physical exercises that improve cardiovascular fitness also help boost cognitive processing speed, motor function and visual and auditory attention in healthy older people,”said lead review author Maaike Angevaren.
There were a lot of statistics and data cited in the article but the bottom line was, according to these studies, exercise enhances brain function. It is believed that around age 50, even healthy older adults begin to experience mild declines in cognition. These results were compared to the cognitive function of sedimentary adults who after participating in the study showed cognitive improvement.
I believe and have for sometime that the human body is designed to move and as our physical activity levels diminish so too do our bodies. Be it cognitive abilities or functional abilities sedimentariness breads decline.
Based on the finding of this particular study (and many more) don’t you think any activity that stimulates the body to utilize more energy and oxygen would have a positive effect of the brain and the overall status of ones health, I do! Doesn’t it make sense that allowing the body to do what it was designed to do will help keep it functioning at respectable level? I do!
You do not have to wait until your body is so de-conditioned that your doctor tells you to get off of you buns if you want to see your grandchildren grow up. Just as a car will deteriorate if it sits for years so to will your body, start moving today!
There were a lot of statistics and data cited in the article but the bottom line was, according to these studies, exercise enhances brain function. It is believed that around age 50, even healthy older adults begin to experience mild declines in cognition. These results were compared to the cognitive function of sedimentary adults who after participating in the study showed cognitive improvement.
I believe and have for sometime that the human body is designed to move and as our physical activity levels diminish so too do our bodies. Be it cognitive abilities or functional abilities sedimentariness breads decline.
Based on the finding of this particular study (and many more) don’t you think any activity that stimulates the body to utilize more energy and oxygen would have a positive effect of the brain and the overall status of ones health, I do! Doesn’t it make sense that allowing the body to do what it was designed to do will help keep it functioning at respectable level? I do!
You do not have to wait until your body is so de-conditioned that your doctor tells you to get off of you buns if you want to see your grandchildren grow up. Just as a car will deteriorate if it sits for years so to will your body, start moving today!
Number One Reason Not To Exercise
Posted by
Chris Christian
Chris Christian
When people think they have to choose between work and exercise, they usually choose work. But there is a problem with this way of thinking.
This blog is for Bill and the millions of Bills out there. You see Bill, a friend of mine, claims he is sooo busy, there’s no time to workout; none, never, nada, zilch, zero, negative, you get the picture, right? We’ll call this stance “The Bill Syndrome”, or B.S. for short. People suffering from B.S. claim they are slaves to their work and that the business won’t run without them. This may be true, but in my opinion, that is even more reason to implement a workout regimen. After all, this kind of schedule could definitely serve up some real stress and we know what stress does to the mind and body.
Now there are two points I’d like to emphasize here regarding B.S. and the philosophy generally adopted toward working out and exercise by these people.
First of all, if B.S. sufferers really are concerned with the survival of their companies, jobs, careers or general livelihoods, you would think they would run straight to the gym or at least run 30 minutes per day. The exercise they try so hard to avoid (I know, Bill didn’t say he was intentionally avoiding exercise, but he is) is just the thing they need to help release stress, reduce the risk of numerous diseases and improve the overall quality of life.
Secondly, the companies, jobs or careers that they place so much emphasis on may succumb if they should happen to take ill for any length of time. The irony here is that, from my experience as a personal trainer, it’s usually work that keeps B.S. sufferers from exercising.
There’s another piece of irony operating here, isn’t it interesting how B.S. is B.S. no matter what you call it!
Now there are two points I’d like to emphasize here regarding B.S. and the philosophy generally adopted toward working out and exercise by these people.
First of all, if B.S. sufferers really are concerned with the survival of their companies, jobs, careers or general livelihoods, you would think they would run straight to the gym or at least run 30 minutes per day. The exercise they try so hard to avoid (I know, Bill didn’t say he was intentionally avoiding exercise, but he is) is just the thing they need to help release stress, reduce the risk of numerous diseases and improve the overall quality of life.
Secondly, the companies, jobs or careers that they place so much emphasis on may succumb if they should happen to take ill for any length of time. The irony here is that, from my experience as a personal trainer, it’s usually work that keeps B.S. sufferers from exercising.
There’s another piece of irony operating here, isn’t it interesting how B.S. is B.S. no matter what you call it!
Posted by
Chris Christian
Chris Christian
There are numerous possibilities for fighting illness and disease within the ranks of holistic healing and you can be sure exercise is a part of most of them.
Recently I read an article on TCM and osteoporosis. For those of you who don’t know TCM stands for Traditional Chinese Medicine. TCM addresses energy balance within the body and how particular imbalances or disturbances can affect us on a physical level. TCM is a few thousand years old and is a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment of the imbalances.
According to TCM, osteoporosis is a condition associated with the kidneys and blood flow. It is said that as one ages kidney function weakens affecting the density of the bones. Blood flow also diminishes with ages and TMC believes that strengthening kidney function and overall blood flow within the body can help retard or delay the advancement osteoporosis.
TCM uses herbs and physical exercise to achieve this. Traditionally it is believed that physical exercises such as weight lifting not only help strengthen bones and increase bone density but produce positive results when treating other ailments as well.
I believe it is important to incorporate various approaches to health and healing. For example the typical TCM therapies include acupuncture, herbal medicine, and qigong exercises. It is important to note that regardless of which form of holistic healing you explore, you will find that physical activity is always a component of the treatment. Understanding and implementing this principle can help to prevent or overcome some of the physical challenges that are sure to befall the sedimentary.
According to TCM, osteoporosis is a condition associated with the kidneys and blood flow. It is said that as one ages kidney function weakens affecting the density of the bones. Blood flow also diminishes with ages and TMC believes that strengthening kidney function and overall blood flow within the body can help retard or delay the advancement osteoporosis.
TCM uses herbs and physical exercise to achieve this. Traditionally it is believed that physical exercises such as weight lifting not only help strengthen bones and increase bone density but produce positive results when treating other ailments as well.
I believe it is important to incorporate various approaches to health and healing. For example the typical TCM therapies include acupuncture, herbal medicine, and qigong exercises. It is important to note that regardless of which form of holistic healing you explore, you will find that physical activity is always a component of the treatment. Understanding and implementing this principle can help to prevent or overcome some of the physical challenges that are sure to befall the sedimentary.
Posted by
Chris Christian
Chris Christian
Some jobs require that you sustain a certain fitness level, if your job required that of you, would you be in better shape or would you be unemployed?
I just read an interesting article regarding fitness testing policies for police officers here in my city. Currently there are no required testing programs, so there are no specific weight or specific fitness level requirements. I believe it’s a good idea to require policemen to maintain a certain fitness level, after all, theirs is physical job that requires physical prowess.
I would liken a police officer's job to that of a professional athlete from a conditioning standpoint, (don’t get me wrong, being a police officer is a serious occupation) in order to perform the job at a high level one must be conditioned to a high level.
It is unfortunate that we would need to require our police officers to stay in shape, but if we are to require police officers to pass a fitness exam, shouldn’t we require all employees to pass fitness exams? Yeah, I know it is indeed our prerogative to get as fat and unhealthy as we choose, but do we really want to spend our lives fighting weight issues and the conditions associated with being overweight?
It may be that the only way some of us will ever begin a fitness regime is if it’s required by our employer. I for one would be in favor of required fitness programs simply because, in the end, if implemented properly one would gain better health and a better quality of life!
I would liken a police officer's job to that of a professional athlete from a conditioning standpoint, (don’t get me wrong, being a police officer is a serious occupation) in order to perform the job at a high level one must be conditioned to a high level.
It is unfortunate that we would need to require our police officers to stay in shape, but if we are to require police officers to pass a fitness exam, shouldn’t we require all employees to pass fitness exams? Yeah, I know it is indeed our prerogative to get as fat and unhealthy as we choose, but do we really want to spend our lives fighting weight issues and the conditions associated with being overweight?
It may be that the only way some of us will ever begin a fitness regime is if it’s required by our employer. I for one would be in favor of required fitness programs simply because, in the end, if implemented properly one would gain better health and a better quality of life!
Childhood Obesity and Television
Posted by
Chris Christian
Chris Christian
We as parents must take a more active role in motivating our children to get out and move, move, move!
A resent study concerning children, television/computers and obesity seems to indicate there’s a strong correlation between television/computers and childhood obesity. Researcher Tracie A. Barnett, of Sainte-Justine Children's Hospital Research Center in Montreal, and her colleagues surveyed 1,293 seventh-grade students from 10 Montreal high schools in 1999 and followed many of them for five years.
Half the boys and ¼ of the girls spent more than 42 hours per week in front of a television/computer. The study also found that girls who lived in poorer neighborhoods were 5 times more like to spend time in front of a television/computers than were girls who lived in more affluent neighborhoods. This posed a problem for parents who had to decide whether was safer to allow their children to spend time in front of a television/computer or let them go outside where it could be dangerous.
Seems parents aren’t aware of the mounting research that’s indicates the correlation between too much television and obesity, smoking, alcohol use, violent and aggressive behavior, tolerance of aggression against women, and poor school performance. These are real dangers that I believe, require parents to come up with creative alternatives to sitting in front of a television/computer. There are suggested guidelines for how much time a child should spend in front of a television/computer.
We as parents must challenge our children to become active. If each parent takes a vested interest in their children we can influence the present upward trend of the obesity epidemic that is stealing the future of our children.
Half the boys and ¼ of the girls spent more than 42 hours per week in front of a television/computer. The study also found that girls who lived in poorer neighborhoods were 5 times more like to spend time in front of a television/computers than were girls who lived in more affluent neighborhoods. This posed a problem for parents who had to decide whether was safer to allow their children to spend time in front of a television/computer or let them go outside where it could be dangerous.
Seems parents aren’t aware of the mounting research that’s indicates the correlation between too much television and obesity, smoking, alcohol use, violent and aggressive behavior, tolerance of aggression against women, and poor school performance. These are real dangers that I believe, require parents to come up with creative alternatives to sitting in front of a television/computer. There are suggested guidelines for how much time a child should spend in front of a television/computer.
We as parents must challenge our children to become active. If each parent takes a vested interest in their children we can influence the present upward trend of the obesity epidemic that is stealing the future of our children.