Archive for June 2014
Insomnia? Pucker Up for Tart Cherry Juice and Snooze
A small study from Louisiana State University suggests that 8 ounces of Montmorency tart cherry juice ingested twice daily may help older-adult insomniacs sleep better at night.
The researchers, who presented their findings at the Experimental Biology 2014 meeting in San Diego at the end of April, showed that older-adult subjects with insomnia who drank tart cherry juice both morning and evening over a 2-week period increased their sleep time by nearly 90 minutes.
Study Details
Read MoreColors And Food
Have you ever been drawn to a particular color? Is there one you call your favorite? One you strongly dislike? Colors are physical manifestations of energy vibrations that resonate with the frequencies and wavelengths of our individual chakras. The foods we gravitate toward and dislike can provide messages about what aspects of our lives seek nourishment and healing. Since chakras are energy centers where our physical being and soul unite, our needs may be on a physical, mental, emotional or spiritual level.
Read MoreTop Tips From Introverted Instructors
If you’re an introvert who never dreamed you could be an effective instructor, you are not alone. Luckily, there’s a place for everyone at the front of the room. Even if you have made it over the initial obstacle of facing a crowd looking at you for direction, you may still encounter challenges. Here are some tips from successful introverted instructors on how to excel.
“Tell yourself that you only need to bring it to one person, and your mission is accomplished. As corny as it sounds, find a catch phrase that works for you and use it during your class.”
Read MoreIs Obesity Contagious?
We often hear about an “epidemic” of obesity. This past year, the American Medical Association deemed obesity a disease (AMA 2013). A lot of people have a hard time associating the term “disease” with obesity because body weight is within our control . . . or is it?
Obesity has many properties of diseases, including a genetic prevalence and associations with other diseases or conditions like diabetes, hypertension and certain cancers. Obesity causes losses of certain functions and creates pathological conditions that increase morbidity.
Read MorePhysical Activity Type in Midlife Affects Mobility in Seniors
Studies have shown that seated desk work can have negative health and mobility repercussions as we age. A new study suggests that physically demanding jobs can also impact function later in life.
The study included 5,200 public sector employees participating in the Finnish Longitudinal Study on Municipal Employees. The primary purpose of the study was to understand the impact of leisure-time physical activity (LPA) and occupational physical activity (OPA) on mobility limitations among older adults.
Read MoreLatest Research on Massage and Exercise-Induced Muscle Soreness
Postexercise Leg Massage
Massage therapy is often considered a panacea for exercise- related aches, pain and soreness. Is there any truth to these claims?
Read MoreScreen Time Weakens Boys’ Bones
Here’s more incentive to encourage boys to minimize computer use. A new study presented at the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases, in Seville, Spain, in April, draws a link between screen time and diminished bone mineral density.
The research, published in Osteoporosis International With Other Metabolic Bone Diseases (2014; 25 [s2]), included 1,038 Norwegian boys and girls aged 15–18.
Read MoreMortality Risk of Obesity Underestimated?
Researchers have established that obesity is associated with increased mortality risk. However, a study suggests that the severity of this risk may have been underestimated.
Published in Population Health Metrics (2014; doi:10.1186/1478-7954-12-6), the study looked at mortality and body mass index in nonsmoking adults aged 50–84. Data was pulled from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (1988–1994 and 1999–2004) and linked to the National Death Index through 2006.
Read MoreDiabetes Trends
According to a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine (2014; 160 [8], 517–25), close to 21 million adults aged 20 and older had confirmed diabetes in 2010, and some sectors of the population were more likely than others to develop the disease.
Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, the scientists looked at diabetes rates and diagnosis among adults in 1988–1994 and 1999–2010.*
Read MoreHow Do Consumers Decide What to Eat?
People often know what they should eat to fuel their workouts, support good health, and manage conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, but they don’t always make the best decisions about food. Here’s why it’s so difficult for people to make healthier choices and how you can help them develop lasting, beneficial behaviors.
It’s Not That Easy to “Just Do It”
Read MoreHow to Attract Clients With Obesity
The fitness industry is, by its own admission, good at “getting fit people fitter.” But with marketing materials rife with lithe, blond 20-somethings in revealing, brand-name yoga gear, it’s not surprising that people who are overweight and deconditioned find it hard to buy into the very fitness services that could help them shed pounds for good.
Read MoreIDEA’s Top Articles for Men’s Health
In honor of Men’s Health Month we have put together IDEA’s top articles related to men’s health. Learn how vigorous exercise can help men protect their hearts, why offering male-only weight loss programs is important and why middle-aged men should be extra wary of their cholesterol levels.
3 Hours Of Exercise Per Week Cuts Men’s Heart Health Risk
Read MoreYour Ticket to a Thriving Career
Personal trainer Joe Pawlenty’s impression of the first IDEA World Fitness Convention he attended is seared in his memory: “There was tons of energy–energy was blowing the roof off the building. You can’t help but be as fired up as everyone around you!”
Aside from the crackle of excitement, Pawlenty says what he liked most about the event was the chance to see and experience the fitness industry beyond his daily work environment. “You get used to the same ways of doing things, and you can get a little closed-minded.
Creating a Dedicated Small-Group Training Space
In 2011, longtime industry veterans George Schaffer and Todd Levine were the owners of a 5-year-old, 25,000-square-foot, full-service Gold’s Gym in Webster, New York. It was packed full of weight machines. It had a booming membership base. The business was a success.
Yet in 2012, they decided to reinvent the wheel.
Read MoreMake More Money: Lean Out Your Business
If you’re like me, you’ve had the same business to-do list for, well, a long time. While I know that implementing these long-term goals will ultimately move my business forward and generate greater income, the need for more immediate, bill-paying income always seems to win out for my time and attention. But as I’m slogging through day-to-day chores, there’s a nagging voice in the back of my mind, whispering to me about how much time—and ultimately money—I’m wasting on some of these seeming necessities.
Read MoreOptimize Your PR Campaign: Build Relationships and Tell Stories
e-steps-to-be-media-ready“Three Steps to Be Media Ready” (April 2014), I explained the meaning and importance of public relations. I also talked about how to become media ready by identifying yourself as an expert, sharing your story, and creating and distributing quality content.
Read MoreHow to Market Your Business With Facebook
Facebook is often used as a means to market products and services. However, updated algorithms have made it much more difficult to spread the word. Learn tips and tricks to make sure your audience gets the message.
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