Archive for June 2012
Exercise for Young Athletes
What type of training will help your child improve at the sport he or she plays? Here’s what Brett Klika, director of athletic performance at Todd Durkin’s Fitness Quest 10 in San Diego, says, based on research and his extensive experience.
Read MoreTeri’s “Raw” Nut Hummus Nori Wraps
Looking for an excellent source of vegetarian alkalizing protein, healthy fats, enzymes, vitamins and mineral-rich carbs to replenish your tank after a workout? You don’t have to be a sushi master chef to roll nori, says lifestyle wellness and natural nutrition educator Teri Gentes. Simply dive in and give it a try.
Read MoreCalifornia School Nutrition Mandate Is Paying Off
Five years ago the state of California mandated stronger nutrition standards for its schools by limiting the calorie, fat, saturated-fat and sugar content of snacks sold on campuses. In July 2009, the state banned the sale of soda and other sweetened beverages in high schools. As with most investments, the dividends took some time to accrue, but today they seem meaningful.
Read MoreEnergy and Sports Drinks Can Take a Toll on Teeth
Before you take your next gulp of an energy or sports drink, think twice about what it might be doing to your teeth.
A study published in the May/June issue of General Dentistry found that increased consumption of these beverages—especially among adolescents—“is causing irreversible damage to teeth.” The drinks’ high acidity was shown to erode tooth enamel, the tooth’s protective outer layer, according to a press release from the Academy of General Dentistry.
Read MoreFood Fact
Did you know that green, sweet bell peppers have twice as much vitamin C as oranges? Red and yellow bell peppers have four times as much. Get your fill of these summer staples now!
Read MoreTop 10 Functional Food Trends
Pills, potions and powders seem to be taking a back seat to “real-food nutrition.” That’s according to a list of top functional food trends presented earlier this year at the Institute of Food Technologists’ (IFT) Wellness 2012 meeting. Consumers are looking to tap vitamins and minerals from the foods and beverages they eat and drink instead of from synthetic substitutes.
Read MoreAsk the RD
Answer: The variety and availability of dairy-alternative milks have exploded in the marketplace. This is good news for vegans and vegetarians who require plant-based beverages or for those who do not consume dairy products. Dairy-alternative milks also help people with health conditions such as milk allergy and lactose intolerance.
Read MoreReasons Women Don’t Eat More Healthfully
You have likely heard your fair share of excuses from clients regarding why they don’t eat healthy foods more consistently. Most of us certainly have made a few such excuses ourselves.
Read MoreFlorida Considers Personal Trainer Licensing
On November 11, 2011, a new bill that would require personal trainers to become licensed was submitted to the Florida Senate.
Read MoreIs Participation in Marathons and Half-Marathons Safe?
According to a report in The New England Journal of Medicine (2012; 366, 130–40), about 2 million people participate in long-distance running events in the United States annually. Is the increased popularity of demanding events like marathons becoming a health hazard?
Read MoreAmuse-Bouche
“Scallops are expensive, so they should be treated with some class. But then,
I suppose that every creature that gives its life for our table should be treated with class.”
—Jeff Smith, The Frugal Gourmet
Read MoreDanceDanceRevolution Gets Schooled
This fall, Konami Digital Entertainment’s popular DanceDanceRevolution will arrive in various schools across the United States.
A developer, publisher and manufacturer of electronic entertainment properties, Konami has partnered with organizations like the American Diabetes Association®,
The National Foundation on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition and Let’s Move in School to encourage physical activity with Dance
DanceRevolution Classroom Edition.
Measure Social Media Efforts
Wise fitness professionals take advantage of social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter™ to increase Internet presence and enhance revenue potential. But how do you know if your efforts are hitting the mark? These social media measurement tools, courtesy of IDEA author Melissa Spraul, will help you gauge whether your message is being heard:
Radian6 (www.radian6.com). This paid social media listening, tracking, monitoring and engagement tool allows you to understand how social media and social customer relationship management can impact your success.
Read MoreEnergy Expenditure During 1-Set and 3-Set Training Protocol
Many fitness professionals incorporate strength training routines into clients’ programs in part to incite postworkout elevated energy expenditure. But how many repetitions and sets are enough to generate extended periods of afterburn? Probably many fewer than you think.
A small study of eight young overweight males pitted the traditional 3-set strength training protocol against a 1-set program. Participants completed 1
Read MoreMen: Exercise During 20s Reduces Osteoporosis Development
Osteoporosis is not a disease typically associated with men; however, the National Osteoporosis Foundation (www.nof.org) estimates that almost 3 million American males aged 50 or older have this potentially dangerous disease. Fortunately, men can cut their future risk of developing osteoporosis by exercising regularly in their 20s.
Read MoreFacebook and Negative Body Image
Facebook. You log on to connect with friends and colleagues, post pictures and market your wares. But could that daily networking session be hurting your self-esteem?
According to the Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt, in Baltimore, the answer is yes. Researchers reached this conclusion after surveying 600 Facebook users, aged 16–40.
Here are some insights:
Read MoreWhich Is Better: BMI or Body Adiposity Index?
In related news, another measure is gaining acceptance when it comes to accurately detecting body fat.
Unlike BMI, which uses height and weight to estimate body fat, the body adiposity index (BAI) does not take weight into account. Instead, it uses the following calculation: hip circumference (in centimeters) / height (in meters) (1.5) – 18. In a study published in the journal Obesity (2012; 20 [4], 900–903), scientists examined whether BAI is really a better body fat indicator than BMI.
Read MoreBody Mass Index Underestimates Obesity Levels
Recently, body mass index (BMI), which has been widely considered an effective measure of body fat, has come under scrutiny. According to researchers from Weill-Cornell Medical College in New York, the data produced from BMI measures may grossly underestimate a person’s true fat mass.
Read MoreNew Report: Sitting Still Kills
Do your clients or members still spend the bulk of their nonexercise time seated? Encourage them to step away from the chair by sharing insights from this most recent study on the increased mortality risk of sitting.
Read MoreIs Yoga Safe?
A purported rise in yoga-related injuries in the United States has stimulated a firestorm of discussion in the yoga community, as well as a national media blitz. Over the past 20 years, yoga has expanded in popularity in the U.S. and throughout the world, bridging the gap from young to old, novice to athlete, healthy…
Read More