Performance Edge Chiropractic PC

How anabolic steroids may affect future mental health

2013-05-20T15:07:00.001-07:00

How anabolic steroids may affect future mental health

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

There is a link between use of anabolic-androgenic steroids and reduced mental health later in life. This is the main conclusion of a new study on elite male strength athletes that researchers from the University of Gothenburg recently published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Twenty per cent of the subjects in the study admitted steroid use.

The study is published by CERA, which is the University of Gothenburg’s centre for education and research on addiction. Together with colleagues from Sahlgrenska University Hospital, they found a connection between abuse of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and mental health problems many years later.
The study included almost 700 former Swedish wrestlers, weightlifters, powerlifters and throwers who competed at the elite level sometime between 1960 and 1979. Twenty per cent of them admitted using steroids during their active careers. The purpose of the study was to look for links between AAS use and mental problems.

‘We found a clear link. AAS users were more likely to have been treated for depression, concentration problems and aggressive behaviour,’ says Claudia Fahlke, director at CERA.
The researchers also found that AAS users were more likely to have abused other illicit drugs and alcohol. However, it remains unclear whether the steroid use actually caused the mental health problems or the mental health problems rather caused the steroid use.
‘What we were able to show, though, is that psychiatric symptoms and use of steroids and other drugs tend to reinforce each other in a vicious cycle. This suggests that the anti-doping efforts remain very important, both in and outside of sports,’ says Fahlke.
Source

Gym class reduces probability of obesity, study finds for first time

2013-05-20T15:02:00.001-07:00

Gym class reduces probability of obesity, study finds for first time

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

ITHACA, N.Y. – Little is known about the effect of physical education (PE) on child weight, but a new study from Cornell University finds that increasing the amount of time that elementary schoolchildren spent in gym class reduces the probability of obesity. The study represents some of the first evidence of a causal effect of PE on youth obesity, and is forthcoming in the Journal of Health Economics.

The research offers support for the recommendations of organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control, Institute of Medicine, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, all of which have advocated increasing the amount of time that elementary school children spend in gym class, says lead researcher and Cornell professor of policy analysis and management, John Cawley, who conducted the study with Chad Meyerhoefer of Lehigh University (Cornell Ph.D. 2002) and David Frisvold of Emory University.

Treating variation in the amount of time that states mandate schoolchildren spend in PE as natural experiments, the researchers found that an additional 60 minutes per week of PE time (enough to bring states without an explicit requirement up to the amount of PE recommended by the CDC) reduces the probability that a fifth-grader is obese by 4.8 percentage points.
The researchers also detected a gender difference: additional PE time reduces weight for boys but has a negligible effect for girls. One explanation for this difference, says Cawley, is that PE and other types of physical activity are complements for boys (increased PE leads boys to be more active in structured physical activities like organized sports), but substitutes for girls (increased PE leads girls to spend more time watching television).
Source

THE UFC® LAUNCHES UFC FIT

2013-05-20T11:28:00.003-07:00

Click to order yours today

THE UFC^® LAUNCHES UFC FIT^™

A DYNAMIC IN-HOME FITNESS & NUTRITION PROGRAM DEVELOPED BY RENOWNED MMA COACH MIKE DOLCE

“This is the key to changing your life. This is the chance you’ve always hoped for.”

- UFC president Dana White

Las Vegas, Nevada – The secrets of the Ultimate Fighting Championship^®’s elite athletes are finally revealed in UFC FIT^™ - the UFC’s first ever in-home fitness and nutrition program. Developed with renowned strength and conditioning coach Mike Dolce, UFC FIT is a lifestyle program based on the same methods the world’s greatest athletes use to prepare for the Octagon^TM.

A celebrated training coach and former mixed martial artist, Dolce has earned his reputation as the greatest conditioning and nutrition expert in the sport, helping top contenders including Johny Hendricks, Gray Maynard, Michael Bisping and Thiago Alves prepare for competition. Now, for the first time, Mike Dolce shares the knowledge and techniques that have turned athletes into champions in this in-home training program.

UFC president Dana White said: “What makes UFC FIT different from every other workout is Mike Dolce. The UFC doesn’t cut corners or do anything halfway, so when we decided to create UFC FIT, we knew we had to work with Mike. He’s someone we respect, someone we believe in and someone we know gets results. To compete in the UFC, you have to be proficient in five Olympic sports including boxing, wrestling, taekwondo and judo on top of having world class strength and cardio. And Mike Dolce take these guys level to another level - just imagine what he can do for you.”

Dolce said: “The methods you’ll see in UFC FIT are the same ones I’ve used with the top stars in the UFC, but I actually developed them for men and women of all ages. I used to weigh 280 lbs, I had elevated blood pressure, my cholesterol was high and I had sleep apnea. Using the principals I share in UFC FIT, I dropped 100 lbs and now am down to five percent body fat. UFC FIT is a fun, challenging program developed for everyone and every fitness level. We all deserve to be lean, to feel confident and to be healthy.”

Click to order

UFC FIT includes:

• 12 dynamic workout DVDs

• Plus 3-Day Shred, a jumpstart to weight loss

• 12-week Workout Tracker

• 132-page Lifestyle & Nutrition Manual, complete with training tips, a grocery list, meal plans and healthy, delicious recipes

• And for when you are on the go, Xyience^® Ulti-Bar^™ and Ulti-Meal^™ Replacement Protein Shake, created exclusively for UFC FIT

UFC FIT is available now at UFCFIT.com. Additional merchandise is also available including an official UFC FIT Octagon^® Mat, water bottle and fitness apparel.

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship^®

Universally recognized for its action-packed, can’t-miss events that have sold out some of the biggest arenas and stadiums across the globe, the UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization. Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, headquartered in Las Vegas and with offices in London, Toronto and Beijing, UFC produces more than 30 live events annually and is the largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. In 2012, the UFC burst into the mainstream with a landmark seven-year broadcast agreement with FOX Sports Media Group. The agreement includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network annually, with additional fight cards and thousands of hours of programming broadcast on FOX properties FX and FUEL TV. This also includes the longest-running sports reality show on television, The Ultimate Fighter^®, which airs on FX.

In addition to its reach on FOX, UFC programming is broadcast in over 145 countries, to nearly 800 million TV households worldwide, in 28 different languages. UFC content is also distributed commercially in the United States to bars and restaurants through Joe Hand Promotions, in English throughout Canada via Premium Sports Broadcasting Inc. and Australia via Main Event and in French throughout Quebec via Interbox. The UFC also connects with tens of millions of fans through its website, UFC.com, as well as social media sites Facebook and Twitter. UFC President Dana White is considered one of the most accessible and followed executives in sports, with nearly 2.4 million followers on Twitter. Ancillary UFC businesses include best-selling DVDs and video games, an internationally distributed magazine, UFC.TV offering live event broadcasts and video on demand around the world, a new franchise in development with EA, UFC GYM^®, UFC Fight Club affinity program, UFC Fan Expo^® festivals, branded apparel and trading cards.

About UFC FIT™

UFC FIT is the first in-home training and nutrition program from the Ultimate Fighting Championship^®, the world leader in the sport of mixed martial arts, in partnership with New Evolution Ventures™ (NeV), developers of many of the world’s most successful fitness brands. UFC FIT continues the expansion of UFC and NeV’s partnership into the fitness and lifestyle category, which began in 2008 with the creation of UFC GYM^®. By the end of 2013, UFC GYM will have over 100 locations including the recently acquired the LA Boxing^® franchises which are currently being rebranded.

BERNARD HOPKINS TO FACE MANDATORY CHALLENGER KARO MURAT AT BARCLAYS CENTER

2013-05-20T07:16:00.001-07:00

IBF LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION BERNARD HOPKINS TO FACE MANDATORY CHALLENGER KARO MURAT ON SATURDAY, JULY 13

AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN, N.Y.

TICKETS GO ON SALE TOMORROWAT 10:00 A.M. ET

BROOKLYN, (May 19, 2013) - Continuing to break his own records, IBF Light Heavyweight Champion Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins will become the oldest fighter in history to make his initial title defense when he faces number one rated IBF light heavyweight contender Karo Murat on Saturday, July 13 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The bout will mark Hopkins' second time fighting in Brooklyn's new arena following his stellar win over Tavoris Cloud at Barclays Center in March.

Hopkins vs. Murat, a 12-round bout for Hopkins' IBF Light Heavyweight World Championship taking place Saturday, July 13 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T.

Tickets priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, go on sale tomorrow, Monday, May 20 at 10:00 a.m. and may be purchased at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000. Beginning Tuesday, May 21 at 10:00 a.m., tickets will be available for purchase at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

"Murat has nothing to lose and everything to gain by fighting me," said Hopkins. "He knows he is fighting a 48-year-old, but he has to understand that there aren't any other 48-year-olds like me. I keep saying 'I'm different' because it is true and I'm going to prove it once again on July 13. I don't know a lot about Murat, which makes him a dangerous competitor, but after over two decades in this sport, there isn't anything I haven't seen, so I plan on showing the world that I can face anyone at any time and be victorious."

"It's like a dream come true," said Murat. "I'm so happy to have this opportunity. Bernard Hopkins has nothing else to prove and this will be the first fight in my career where I have nothing to lose. I can only win against Hopkins and I plan on retiring him. His biggest strength is his experience, but I will reveal his weaknesses at Barclays Center in front of his own fans. I will be in the best shape of my life and will snatch his belt from under his nose."

"Every Bernard Hopkins fight is a historic event and an opportunity for fans to see one of the all-time greats in action," said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "On July 13, he'll look to keep his remarkable streak going, but Karo Murat is a hungry challenger and he's coming to Brooklyn to win, so I expect a great fight."

"We are delighted that at long last Karo Murat is getting the mandatory shot he earned a long time ago," said Kalle Sauerland, Murat's promoter from Sauerland Event. "The fact that Bernard Hopkins plays by the rules and is giving this young mandatory his opportunity speaks volumes of him. Of course Murat is the underdog, but as the saying goes every dog has its day."

"Bernard Hopkins made history at Barclays Center in March and created an unforgettable atmosphere," said Brett Yormark, CEO of Barclays Center. "We are honored to host Hopkins' next title fight at Barclays Center where he can potentially break his own record. Boxing is flourishing in Brooklyn and we are proud to work with Golden Boy Promotions to continue driving the renaissance of the sport in the borough."

Nothing can be said about the life and career of Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins (53-6-2, 32 KO's) that hasn't already been written or aired on television, radio or the internet already, but suffice to say that the 48-year-old from Philadelphia has rightfully earned the title of "legend" as a result his accomplishments throughout his storied career. The longest reigning middleweight champion in boxing history, Hopkins went on to reinvent himself as a light heavyweight after turning 40, winning a world title three times. With his last two title wins, he set a new record as the oldest fighter to win a major world championship in boxing history, and as his dominant 12-round unanimous decision win over previously unbeaten Tavoris Cloud in March showed, he's far from finished, a fact he plans on letting Murat know on July 13.

The number one contender for the IBF light heavyweight title, 29-year-old Karo Murat (25-1-1, 15 KO's) is on the verge of making history with the chance of a lifetime. A pro since 2006, the resident of Kitzingen, Germany has won several regional titles en route to his place among the top 175-pound fighters in the world. Unbeaten for nearly three years since the lone loss of his career to WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion Nathan Cleverly in 2010, Murat's last two wins have been knockouts, putting him at the front of the line for his dream fight against a future Hall of Famer.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/THEREALBHOP, www.twitter.com/MuratKaro and www.twitter.com/barclayscenter, follow the conversation using #HopkinsMurat or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing.

New autism treatment said to be successful for some

2013-05-20T07:11:00.000-07:00

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

Newswise — WASHINGTON — In the first successful experiment with humans using a treatment known as sensory-motor or environmental enrichment, researchers documented marked improvement in young autistic boys when compared to boys treated with traditional behavioral therapies, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.

The rationale for the new treatment is rooted in the fact that autistic children typically have sensory problems, the most common involving smell and touch sensitivity. Building on decades of work in animals documenting the profound effects of environmental enrichment on behavioral and neurological outcomes, the authors of the study predicted that similar enrichment in autistic children would have beneficial effects.
“Because parents can give their child sensory enrichment using items typically available in their home, this therapy provides a low-cost option for enhancing their child’s progress,” said study co-author Cynthia C. Woo, PhD, a project scientist at the University of California Irvine.
The study, which was published online in the APA journal Behavioral Neuroscience, involved 28 autistic boys, ages 3 to 12. Researchers placed the boys in two groups based on their age and autism severity. For six months, both groups participated in standard behavioral therapy but boys in one of the groups also underwent daily environmental enrichment exercises.
Parents of each of the 13 boys in the enrichment group received a kit that contained essential oil fragrances such as apple, lavender, lemon and vanilla to stimulate sense of smell. For touch, the kit contained squares of plastic doormat, smooth foam, a rubber sink mat, aluminum, fine sandpaper, felt and sponges. The kit also included pieces of carpet, hard flooring, pillows, cardboard and bubble wrap that parents laid on the floor to create a multi-textured walking path. Items for the children to manipulate included a piggy bank with plastic coins, miniature plastic fruits and a small fishing pole with a magnetic hook. Many household items were also used, such as bowls for holding water at different temperatures for the child to dip in a hand or foot and metal spoons that parents would warm or cool and touch to the child’s skin.
Researchers instructed the parents of children in the enrichment group to conduct two sessions a day of four to seven exercises involving different combinations of sensory stimuli for touch, temperature, sight and movement. Each session took 15 to 30 minutes to complete. The children also listened to classical music once a day.

Following six months of therapy, 42 percent of the children in the enrichment group significantly improved in behaviors such as relating to people and responding to sights and sounds, compared to 7 percent of the standard care group, according to the study. The children in the enrichment group also improved on scores for cognitive function, which covers aspects of perception and reasoning, whereas the average scores for the children in the standard care group decreased. In addition, 69 percent of parents in the enrichment group reported improvement in their child’s overall autism symptoms, compared to 31 percent of parents of the standard care group, the authors wrote.
“Sensory enrichment may well be an effective therapy for the treatment of autism, particularly in children much past the toddler stage,” said study co-author Michael Leon, PhD, a professor of neurobiology and behavior with the University of California Irvine.
“This is an exciting study for several reasons,” said Mark Blumberg, PhD, editor of Behavioral Neuroscience. “It is well designed, it builds on established findings from numerous experiments using non-human animals and it addresses the critical need to find effective treatments for autism. The obvious next step has to be replication of these results in a larger-scale study.”
Before the experiment, most of the children in both groups were undergoing the standard treatment for autism, applied behavior analysis, which typically involves 25 to 40 hours a week with a trained professional for a number of years, the study said. Some children in both groups were also undergoing speech therapy, social skills therapy, physical therapy for fine motor skills or occupational therapy with different types of exercises. Most current therapies for autism must be started at a very young age to be effective, whereas environmental enrichment worked for boys at least to age 12, the study said.
The researchers are now conducting a larger randomized clinical trial that includes girls. Another important next step will be to test environmental enrichment therapy when a child is not also receiving other standard treatments, the authors noted.
________________________________________
Article: “Environmental Enrichment as an Effective Treatment for Autism: A Randomized Controlled Trial,” Cynthia C. Woo, PhD, and Michael Leon, PhD, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Behavioral Neuroscience, published online first the week of May 20, 2012.

Digestive health treatment update

2013-05-20T07:08:00.000-07:00

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

Orlando, FL (May 18, 2013) — Research presented at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) explores new methods for managing digestive health through diet and lifestyle. Individuals suffering from Crohn’s disease are often plagued by reduced muscle strength, fatigue and poor quality of life. These symptoms can remain even when patients are in remission. A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study found for the first time that vitamin D supplementation corresponded to significant relief of these symptoms.

“Our findings may have significant implications for these patients,” said Tara Raftery, research dietician and PhD candidate at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. “These findings, to our knowledge, are the first to suggest potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength with corresponding benefits for fatigue and quality of life in Crohn’s disease. These findings, however, need to be confirmed in larger studies.”
The study found that after three months of taking 2000 IU of vitamin D per day, patients’ muscle strength, measured by hand-grip, was significantly higher in both dominant and non-dominant hands compared to those taking placebo. Patients also reported significantly less general, physical and mental fatigue and a higher quality of life when levels of vitamin D were 75 nano mole per liter or more.
Diet swap provides clue to level of colorectal cancer risk
Building on growing knowledge about the human microbiome, research from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; University of Pittsburgh, PA; Wageningen University, the Netherlands; and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, features new data on microbiota and colorectal cancer risk. Researchers found a dramatic and rapid shift in gut microbiota after switching the diet in healthy subjects from a traditional Western diet to a Zulu African diet and vice-versa. Funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health, the study’s results show changes in gut microbiota that might explain levels of colorectal cancer risk.
“African Americans have the highest colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates of all racial groups in the U.S. The reasons for this are not yet understood,” said Franck Carbonero, postdoctoral research associate at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “Our findings offer insight into this disparity and pave the way for new research.”
During the study, researchers fed 20 Zulu Africans 600 grams of meat per day for two weeks and fed 20 African Americans in Pittsburgh a traditional Zulu diet comprised primarily of a corn-based porridge called putu. Comparing stool samples before and after the diet exchange in each case, researchers found dramatic changes in colonic microbiota.

“Our results show that the human colonic microbiota is shaped by diet in a very dynamic manner,” said Rex Gaskins, PhD, professor of Immunobiology at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “Not only that, we observed alterations in the balance of beneficial and detrimental microbial groups, which may explain, in part, the increase in colorectal cancer risk that is conferred by a Western diet.”
New needleless acupuncture therapy decreases symptoms of indigestion
A study from Texas Tech University, El Paso, and the University of Mississippi, Oxford, holds promising results for diabetic patients suffering from indigestion symptoms like nausea, vomiting, bloating and heartburn. The study tested a new method of therapy using a custom-made wireless device to stimulate acupuncture points with electrical waves on the surface of the skin rather than needles.
“Treatment options for this patient group are severely limited,” said Richard McCallum, MD, professor and founding chair of the division of gastroenterology, department of medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. “This is a novel approach to symptom relief that overcomes the shortcomings of other therapies.”
Because of the limited pharmacological treatment options available, many patients build up a tolerance to prescribed medicine. Additionally, traditional acupuncture requires patients to make repeat appointments and a fear of needles may make it undesirable for many patients. The wireless, needleless device tested in the study was designed by Jiande Chen, PhD, professor at the University of Texas’ Medical Branch at Galveston, and allows clinicians to tailor the frequency and amplitude of the electrical waves used to stimulate acupuncture points.
Funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health, patients were instructed to spend 240 minutes each day using the device on designated spots on the body. They kept a detailed diary tracking specific gastroparesis symptoms and the number of heartburn episodes per day.
Dr. McCallum worked with fellow Texas Tech professor Irene Sarosiek, MD, senior author of this project, to analyze results of a four-week period of use of the device. Compared to the placebo group, the device significantly improved five out of nine gastroparesis symptoms — vomiting was reduced by 39 percent, nausea by 30 percent and bloating by 21 percent. The number of heartburn episodes decreased significantly when patients utilized active stimulation.
“These exciting initial results have great potential for patients,” Dr. McCallum said. “With the customizable features of the device, we can explore fine-tuning the therapy to directly target specific symptoms.”
Source

Ginger compounds may be effective in treating asthma symptoms

2013-05-20T07:06:00.001-07:00

Posted on May 19, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

ATS 2013, PHILADELPHIA ─ Gourmands and foodies everywhere have long recognized ginger as a great way to add a little peppery zing to both sweet and savory dishes; now, a study from researchers at Columbia University shows purified components of the spicy root also may have properties that help asthma patients breathe more easily.

The results of the study will be presented at the ATS 2013 International Conference.
Asthma is characterized by bronchoconstriction, a tightening of the bronchial tubes that carry air into and out of the lungs. Bronchodilating medications called beta-agonists (β-agonists) are among the most common types of asthma medications and work by relaxing the airway smooth muscle (ASM) tissues. This study looked at whether specific components of ginger could help enhance the relaxing effects of bronchodilators.
“Asthma has become more prevalent in recent years, but despite an improved understanding of what causes asthma and how it develops, during the past 40 years few new treatment agents have been approved for targeting asthma symptoms,” said lead author Elizabeth Townsend, PhD, post-doctoral research fellow in the Columbia University Department of Anesthesiology. “In our study, we demonstrated that purified components of ginger can work synergistically with β-agonists to relax ASM.”
To conduct their study, the researchers took human ASM tissue samples and caused the samples to contract by exposing them to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitting compound that causes bronchoconstriction. Next, the researchers mixed the β-agonist isoproterenol with three separate components of ginger: 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol or 6-shogaol. Contracted tissue samples were exposed to each of these three mixtures as well as unadulterated isoproterenol and the relaxation responses were recorded and compared.

At the conclusion of their study, the researchers found that tissues treated with the combination of purified ginger components and isoproterenol exhibited significantly greater relaxation than those treated only with isoproterenol; of the three ginger components, 6-shogaol appeared most effective in increasing the relaxing effects of the β-agonist.
Once they were able to demonstrate that the ginger components enhanced the relaxing effects of the β-agonist, they turned their attention to learning why. First, the researchers wanted to determine if the ginger components might work by affecting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase4D (PDE4D). Previous studies have shown that PDE4D, which is found in the lungs, inhibits processes that otherwise help relax ASM and lessen inflammation. Using a technique called fluorescent polarization, they found that all three components significantly inhibited PDE4D.
Next, the study looked at F-actin filaments, a protein structure which previous studies have shown plays a role in the constriction of ASM, and found that 6-shogaol was effective in speedily dissolving these filaments.
“Taken together, these data show that ginger constituents 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol and 6-shogaol act synergistically with the β-agonist in relaxing ASM, indicating that these compounds may provide additional relief of asthma symptoms when used in combination with β-agonists,” Dr. Townsend noted.”By understanding the mechanisms by which these ginger compounds affect the airway, we can explore the use of these therapeutics in alleviating asthma symptoms.”
Dr. Townsend and her colleague, Dr. Charles Emala, hope future studies will enable them to gain a better understanding of the cellular mechanisms that facilitate ASM relaxation and to determine whether aerosol delivery of these purified constituents of ginger may have therapeutic benefit in asthma and other bronchoconstrictive diseases.
Source

KEY SHOWDOWN BETWEEN SHAWN PORTER AND PHIL LO GRECO

2013-05-14T13:00:00.001-07:00

KEY SHOWDOWN BETWEEN

SHAWN PORTER AND PHIL LO GRECO TO BE

FEATURED ON SHOWTIME EXTREME®

ON MAY 18 LAMONT PETERSON VS. LUCAS MATTHYSSE UNDERCARD FROM BOARDWALK HALL IN ATLANTIC CITY

ANTHONY PETERSON, 2012 OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALIST

ANTHONY OGOGO, HAROON KHAN AND 2012 U.S. OLYMPIANS

RAU'SHEE WARREN AND JAMEL HERRING ALSO IN ACTION

ATLANTIC CITY, May 15 - The explosive May 18 match-up between unbeaten contenders Shawn Porter and Phil Lo Greco at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey will air as part of the event's SHOWTIME EXTREME^®telecast live at 7 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). 2012 British Olympic Bronze Medalist Anthony Ogogo will also participate one of the featured undercard bouts.

With both Porter and Lo Greco currently ranked in the top 15 (Porter #5 by the WBO and Lo Greco #12 by the WBA and #13 by the WBO), the stakes have never been higher for these fighters who will look to not only ignite the crowd at Boardwalk Hall, but also move further up the welterweight ladder to challenge the division's elite as they square off in a 10-round 150 lb. catch-weight bout.

The evening of fights is headlined by IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Lamont Peterson facing Argentinian power-puncher and WBC Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Lucas Matthysse and IBF Welterweight World Champion Devon Alexander defending his title against IBF number four rated welterweight contender Lee Purdy of England. The undercard will also feature Lamont Peterson's brother and lightweight contender Anthony Peterson, Washington, D.C. rising star Thomas Williams, Puerto Rico's Cesar Seda, Amir Khan's younger brother Haroon Khan, 2012 U.S. Olympians Rau'shee Warren and Jamel Herring as well as undefeated prospect Robert Easter Jr.

Tickets priced at $250, $125, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes and service charges, are available for purchase at the Boardwalk Hall box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Akron, Ohio's Shawn "Showtime" Porter (20-0-1, 14 KO's), one of the United States' top amateurs for years, is on his way to even greater success as a professional. Unbeaten in 21 bouts, the aggressive 25-year-old scored the biggest win of his career last July when he defeated Alfonso Gomez for the NABO welterweight title. After battling to an exciting draw against Julio Diaz last December, he will look to turn back fellow undefeated contender Lo Greco and move a step closer to his first world title shot.

An international star that is now making a name for himself in the United States, Toronto's Phil "The Italian Sensation" LoGreco (25-0, 14 KO's) made his return to the ring after nearly a year off in 2012, thrilling fans in Atlantic City and Las Vegas with his victories over Hector Orozco, Brandon Hoskins and Daniel Sostre. On May 18, Lo Greco will make his Boardwalk Hall return in pursuit of victory against Shawn Porter.

In the SHOWTIME EXTREME opening bout, Lowestoft, England's Anthony Ogogo (1-0, 1 KO) makes his Untied States debut in a six-round middleweight bout against Edgar Perez (5-4, 3 KO's) of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The 24-year-old Ogogo took home a Bronze Medal in the 2012 London Olympics and on April 27 he made a spectacular pro debut, stopping Kieron Gray in two rounds on the Amir Khan vs. Julio Diaz undercard in Sheffield, England. Perez will look to regain his winning ways after losing on points on April 27 to hot prospect Boyd Melson at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

22-year-old Bolton, England native Haroon Khan (1-0) will meet Riverside, California's Vicente Medellin (0-5) in a four-round bantamweight bout which will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME, time permitting. The brother of British superstar Amir Khan, Haroon is a former amateur star who got his pro career off to a rousing start on April 27 when he won a four- round decision over Brett Fidoe on his big brother's undercard in Sheffield.

Competing in an intriguing 10-round light heavyweight bout will be Washington, D.C. prospect Thomas Williams (13-0, 10 KO's) and veteran Otis Griffin (24-12-2, 10 KO's) of Sacramento, California. The 25-year-old Williams is already 2-0 in 2013, stopping 8-1 Jason Smith and 20-7 Kevin Engel in three rounds each. The winner of the reality program "The Next Great Champ," Griffin is a former USBA Light Heavyweight Champion looking to get back on track after some tough recent outings.

The blockbuster undercard will also see the return of Anthony Peterson (31-1, 20 KO's) after a 17-month layoff. The talented Washington, D.C. product, who owns wins over Javier Jauregui, Daniel Attah, and Luis Arceo, with his only loss a controversial disqualification against Brandon Rios, will meet Rialto, California's Dominic Salcido (18-4, 9 KO's) in a 10-round lightweight contest. A slick boxer who isn't afraid of standing toe-to-toe and trading punches, the flashy Salcido always puts on a show when he steps between the ropes.

Fresh off of their stint at the 2012 Olympics, United States team members Rau'shee Warren (3-0, 1 KO) of Cincinnati and Jamel Herring (2-0, 1 KO) of Rockville Centre, New York continue their pro careers in Atlantic City this weekend. Bantamweight Warren will face Chicago's Angel Carvajal (2-1) and lightweight Herring meets San Juan's Victor Galindo (1-1), both in bouts scheduled for four rounds.

In an eight-round bantamweight fight, Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico's Cesar Seda (24-1, 17 KO's) will face off against Ciudad Obregon's Miguel Tamayo (13-5-2, 11 KO's) with the undercard being rounded out by a four-round lightweight match between Toledo, Ohio's Robert Easter Jr. (3-0, 3 KO's) against Antoine Knight (2-3) of Merrillville, Ind.

Peterson vs. Matthysse, a 12-round 141 pound catch-weight fight, will take place Saturday, May 18 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, sponsored by Caesars Atlantic City, Corona and AT&T and will be televised live on SHOWTIME^® at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) immediately following ALL ACCESS: MAYWEATHER vs. GUERRERO Epilogue. In the co-main event, IBF Welterweight World Champion Devon Alexander defends his title against IBF number four rated welterweight contender Lee Purdy. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary fights will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME^®at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

How a properly run recess can make for a better school day

2013-05-14T12:05:00.002-07:00

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

PRINCETON, N.J., May 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — A new study released today from Mathematica Policy Research and the John W. Gardner Center for Youth and Their Communities at Stanford University suggests that there may be more to recess than just a break in the school day.

The randomized controlled trial of Playworks, a nonprofit organization that delivers a safe, healthy recess in low-income elementary schools in 22 U.S. cities, found that the program reduced bullying, enhanced feelings of safety at school, increased vigorous physical activity during recess, and provided more time for classroom teaching. The research raises the possibility that what happens at recess can affect a school’s learning environment in important ways, and that improving recess and play may enable schools to address a number of pressing issues at the same time.

“These findings reinforce what we have seen across the nation in schools that partner with Playworks to make recess and play a priority,” said Nancy Barrand , senior adviser for program development with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. “This study suggests that a great recess is an essential building block for healthy school environments that help kids thrive socially, emotionally, and physically.”

Key findings include:

Less Bullying. Teachers in Playworks schools reported significantly less bullying and exclusionary behavior during recess compared to teachers in control schools—a 43 percent difference in average rating scores.
Increased Feelings of Safety at School. Playworks teachers’ average rating of students’ feelings of safety at school was 20 percent higher than the average rating reported by teachers in control schools.
More Vigorous Physical Activity. Accelerometer data showed that children in Playworks schools spent significantly more time engaged in vigorous physical activity at recess than their peers in control schools (14 percent versus 10 percent of recess time—a 43 percent difference).
Ready to Learn. Teachers in Playworks schools reported spending significantly less time to transition from recess to learning activities (34 percent fewer minutes).

COULD A BETTER RECESS BE THE KEY TO A BETTER SCHOOL DAY?

Despite shrinking budgets, schools are faced with the challenge of boosting academic performance while also having to address the social, emotional, and physical needs of students. Recess and other school-based playtime are some of the least-studied elements of the school day. Elementary school principals and teachers often say, however, that as goes recess, so goes the school day. Last year the American Academy of Pediatrics concluded that “recess is a necessary break in the day for optimizing a child’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.”

This new research contributes to a growing body of evidence that a safe, healthy, and organized recess environment—like the one Playworks provides—has the potential to be a key driver of better behavior and learning. A non-experimental study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco found that students from schools with Playworks reported higher levels of physical activity, participation at school, problem-solving, and goals/aspirations compared to students from schools without Playworks. In another evaluation, the Harvard Family Research Project credited Playworks with improving cooperation and bonds among students and between kids and adults in school. In Baltimore, principals have reported using programs such as Playworks to make progress in reducing conflict and suspensions.

Download the research findings

Read the full press release

Paulie Malignaggi vs. Adrien Broner: Emotionally Charged Press Conference (Video)

2013-05-14T12:02:00.002-07:00

Saturday, June 22 Live on SHOWTIME (9p ET/6p PT)

From Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY

#BrooklynBoxing

At the press conference to announce this explosive world title tilt, WBA Welterweight World Champion Paulie Malignaggi and undefeated, two-division World Champion Adrien Broner promised an emotionally charged affair when the excitable and vocal pair finally meet in the ring on Saturday, June 22 in Malignaggi's backyard at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. Don't miss the next edition of Brooklyn Boxing powered by Golden Boy Promotions live on SHOWTIME (9p ET/6p PT).

Tweet Now: On June 22, @paulmalignaggi and @adrienbroner will let their fists do the talking. For now:http://s.sho.com/13tlKXb #brooklynboxing

# # #

Malignaggi vs. Broner, a 12-round fight for Malignaggi's WBA Welterweight World Championship will take place Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, supported by Golden Boy Promotions' sponsors Corona and AT&T. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast airs live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP). In the co-featured bout, Johnathon Banks will look to repeat his 2012 upset win over Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell as he defends his NABO and WBC International Heavyweight titles in a 12-round fightpresented in association with K2 Promotions. Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 7 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets priced at $250, $125, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes and service charges, are on sale now and are available for purchase athttp://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=pggqk5mab.0.qbpznqkab.7fwc6qcab.1048&ts=S0910&r=3&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.barclayscenter.com%2F, http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=pggqk5mab.0.epjncrcab.7fwc6qcab.1048&ts=S0910&r=3&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2F , all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-745-3000 and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

Exercise-induced hippocampal anti-inflammatory response in aged rats

2013-05-10T14:24:00.002-07:00

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

Sérgio Gomes da Silva, Priscila Santos Simões, Renato Arruda Mortara, Fulvio Alexandre Scorza, Esper Abrão Cavalheiro, Maria da Graça Naffah-Mazzacoratti and Ricardo Mario Arida; Journal of Neuroinflammation 2013, 10:61 doi:10.1186/1742-2094-10-61; Published: 10 May 2013

Abstract (provisional)
Aging is often accompanied by cognitive decline, memory impairment and an increased susceptibility to neurodegenerative disorders.
Most of these age-related alterations have been associated with deleterious processes such as changes in the expression of inflammatory cytokines.
Indeed, higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and lower levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines are found in the aged brain.
This perturbation in pro- and anti-inflammatory balance can represent one of the mechanisms that contribute to age-associated neuronal dysfunction and brain vulnerability.
We conducted an experimental study to investigate whether an aerobic exercise program could promote changes in inflammatory response in the brains of aged rats.
To do so, we evaluated the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), interleukin 1 beta (IL1beta), interleukin 6 (IL6) and interleukin 10 (IL10) in the hippocampal formation of 18 month old rats that underwent treadmill training over 10 consecutive days.
Quantitative immunoassay analyses showed that the physical exercise increased anti-inflammatory cytokine levels IL10 in the hippocampal formation of aged rats, when compared to the control group.
The hippocampal levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL1beta, IL6 and TNFalpha were not statistically different between the groups.
However, a significant reduction in IL1beta/IL10, IL6/IL10 and TNFalpha/IL10 ratio was observed in the exercised group in relation to the control group.
These findings indicate a favorable effect of physical exercise in the balance between hippocampal pro- and anti-inflammatory during aging, as well as reinforce the potential therapeutic of exercise in reducing the risk of neuroinflammation-linked disorders.
Source

For patients with major depression, what kind of exercise, how intense, how often?

2013-05-10T14:23:00.001-07:00

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

Philadelphia, Pa. (May 10, 2013) – Exercise has been shown to be an effective treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD), both when used alone and in combination with other treatments. There’s now sufficient research data to provide specific guidance on how to prescribe exercise for depressed patients, according to a report in the May Journal of Psychiatric Practice®.

“Despite the substantial evidence supporting the use of exercise in the treatment of MDD, previous studies have not provided a clear indication of the proper dose of exercise needed to elicit an antidepressant effect,” write Chad Rethorst, PhD, and Madhukar Trivedi, MD, of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas. To fill this gap, the authors reviewed available data from randomized controlled trials, with the goal of developing specific and detailed recommendations for clinicians on how to prescribe exercise for their patients with MDD.
Exercise for Major Depression—Evidence of Effectiveness
Randomized trials have shown that exercise is effective in reducing depressive symptoms in patients with MDD, on its own and in conjunction with other treatments, such as antidepressant medication and/or psychotherapy. Exercise may help to meet the need for cost-effective and accessible alternative therapies for depressive disorders—particularly for the substantial number of patients who don’t recover with currently available treatments.
Based on the available data, aerobic exercise is the preferred form of exercise for patients with MDD—although there is also support for resistance training, Drs Rethorst and Trivedi note. In terms of session frequency and duration, they recommend that patients participate in three to five exercise sessions per week, for 45 to 60 minutes per session.
In terms of intensity, for aerobic exercise, they recommend achieving a heart rate that is 50 to 85 percent of the individual’s maximum heart rate (HRmax). For resistance training, they recommend a variety of upper and lower body exercises―three sets of eight repetitions at 80 percent of 1-repetition maximum (RM—that is, 80 percent of the maximum weight that the person can lift one time).
Data suggest that patients may experience improvement in depressive symptoms as little as four weeks after starting exercise. However, Drs Rethorst and Trivedi emphasize that the exercise program should be continued for at least ten to twelve weeks to achieve the greatest antidepressant effect.
Some people have questioned whether patients with MDD will be willing to participate in an exercise program. But Drs Rethorst and Trivedi note that, in the studies they reviewed, only about fifteen percent of patients dropped out of exercise programs—comparable to dropout rates in studies of medications and psychotherapy.
The authors discuss strategies that may help improve adherence to exercise programs, such as consulting patients about their preferred types of exercise and providing individualized educational materials and feedback. They also provide some practical tips for clinicians on how to estimate exercise intensity using readily available information.
Even if the depressed patient can’t reach the target intensity and frequency levels, exercise can still be helpful. “Taken as a whole, these findings suggest that exercise doses below the current recommendations may still be beneficial for patients with MDD,” Drs Rethorst and Trivedi add. “Therefore, clinicians should encourage patients to engage in at least some exercise, even if they do not exercise enough to meet current public health recommendations.”
Source

Coca-Cola announces global commitments to help fight obesity

2013-05-08T14:45:00.000-07:00

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Coca-Cola Company today announces four global business commitments to further contribute to healthier, happier, and more active communities. These commitments, which apply to the more than 200 countries where we do business, are to:

“We are committed to being part of the solution, working closely with partners from business, government and civil society. Today’s announcement is another step forward on our journey, as we take action with scale and reach across every country and continent where we operate.”

1) Offer low- or no- calorie beverage options in every market
2) Provide transparent nutrition information, featuring calories on the front of all of our packages
3) Help get people moving by supporting physical activity programs in every country where we do business
4) Market responsibly, including no advertising to children under 12 anywhere in the world
“Obesity is today’s most challenging health issue, affecting nearly every family and community across the globe. It is a global societal problem which will take all of us working together and doing our part,” said Muhtar Kent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company. “We are committed to being part of the solution, working closely with partners from business, government and civil society. Today’s announcement is another step forward on our journey, as we take action with scale and reach across every country and continent where we operate.”
Muhtar Kent will make the global announcement today in commemoration of the 127^th anniversary of Coca-Cola. He will be joined by Georgia Governor Nathan Deal and City of Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed to kick off a series of programs designed to help get Georgians moving. Today’s announcement in Georgia builds on recent partnerships the Company has undertaken in Chicago, San Antonio and other cities.
Already, The Coca-Cola Company has taken a number of important steps, including product and packaging innovations including smaller portion sizes with our expansion of mini-cans in the United States, Australia, Canada, Korea and Thailand. The Coca-Cola system currently supports hundreds of active, healthy living programs in more than 115 countries reaching millions of people, and is putting calories on the front of nearly all our beverages worldwide. And, we will continue to do even more.
The Company also has committed to publicly and actively measure the scale and reach of its efforts on www.comingtogether.com. The digital platform provides further details about the Company’s global commitments and invites people to learn more about what the Company is doing, track its progress, post feedback and exchange ideas on how we can collectively promote choice, energy balance and movement.
Presently, The Coca-Cola Company sells non-alcoholic beverages in nearly every beverage category – from sparkling beverages to water, enhanced and flavored water beverages, tea, coffee, juice and juice drinks, sports beverages and energy drinks. The broad portfolio includes nearly 800 low- and no-calorie beverages, representing 25 percent of the global portfolio. It will continue innovating portion-controlled packages and new, natural zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia, because the Company believes choice comes in many tastes, shapes and sizes.
About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, the world’s most valuable brand, our Company’s portfolio features 16 billion-dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of more than 1.8 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world’s top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates.

Rheumatoid arthritis is triggered by fat, says new study

2013-05-08T14:40:00.000-07:00

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

AURORA, Colo. (May 8, 2013) – Scientists have discovered that fat cells in the knee secrete a protein linked to arthritis, a finding that paves the way for new gene therapies that could offer relief and mobility to millions worldwide.

“We found that fat in the knee joints secretes a protein called pro-factor D which gives rise to another protein known as factor D that is linked to arthritis,” said Nirmal Banda, Ph.D., associate professor of medicine in the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. “Without factor D, mice cannot get rheumatoid arthritis.”
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that gradually destroy bones, muscles, joints, cartilage and other connective tissue. Over 1% or about 1.3 million Americans suffer from it.
Banda, senior author of the study published this week in the Journal of Immunology, has spent the last 14 years tracking down the causes of rheumatoid arthritis in collaboration with CU School of Medicine professors Michael Holers, MD, and William Arend, MD.
Now, with the discovery of pro-factor D in mice with rheumatoid arthritis, he is working on gene therapies to eliminate the protein in localized areas. However, these findings still need to be extended to humans.
“We are looking at vaccines, drugs or inhibitors to stop the local secretion of pro-factor D in the mouse,” he said. “Our goal would be to stop the disease before it progresses and leads to joint destruction.”
Factor D is part of the complement system, a complex array of over 40 proteins that help the body fight off bacteria and other pathogens. In studies with arthritic mice, Banda previously found that the complement pathway involving factor D made the mice susceptible to inflammatory arthritis.
In his latest study, he discovered that removing factor D, rather than the entire complement system, achieves the same result without compromising other parts of the system that can fight infection.
“We know that fat is normally present around all organs of the body,” he said. “But what we didn’t know until now was that the fat is secreting this protein which actually triggers arthritis in the joints.”
He noted that fat does the same thing in all the joints, not just the knees. That means new medications resulting from this discovery could treat inflammatory arthritis throughout the body.
While it’s theoretically possible to destroy the entire complement system in humans to prevent arthritis, it eventually returns along with a renewed risk of contracting the disease. In the meantime, patients can get infections and other complications because they lack this critical part of the immune system.
“The complement system is both friend and foe,” Banda said. “We believe we can shut down one part of the complement system that triggers disease without shutting down the rest. If so, we will be making a major stride toward treating and perhaps even curing rheumatoid arthritis.”
Source

Celiac disease and eating right: new advice from the experts

2013-05-08T10:02:00.001-07:00

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

CHICAGO, May 7, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Celiac disease is estimated to affect one out of 141 of Americans, or just under 1 percent of the population. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages Americans to learn about celiac disease – it can affect your health or someone you love.

What is celiac disease? It is a hereditary, autoimmune disease caused by intolerance to the food protein, gluten – which is found in wheat, barley and rye. When people with celiac disease eat gluten-containing foods, the lining of the small intestine is damaged and eventually destroyed, preventing nutrients from being absorbed adequately. Untreated, celiac disease can lead to nutritional deficiencies, including anemia and osteoporosis, as well as other conditions, including other autoimmune diseases, intestinal cancers, infertility, delayed growth in children and failure to thrive in infants.
“While the only treatment for celiac disease is a gluten-free diet, the good news is, once the diet is started, the road to recover begins, and people with celiac disease can lead long, healthy lives,” says registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy spokesperson Rachel Begun . “Managing celiac disease is not just about eliminating gluten from your diet. It also entails ensuring you get all the vitamins and nutrients your body needs, such as iron, calcium, fiber and B-vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and folate.”
An accurate diagnosis for celiac disease is a vital part of restoring health. Symptoms of celiac disease include bloating, gas or abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, itchy skin rash, tingling in hands and feet, delayed growth or fractured or thin bones. Some people are asymptomatic, meaning they do not experience any of these symptoms. If you or a loved one experience any of these conditions, it may be an indication of celiac disease.
“Do not diagnose yourself. If you have any symptoms, talk with your health care provider and get tested,” Begun says. “It’s important to keep eating a normal gluten-containing diet while being tested to ensure an accurate diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with celiac disease, a registered dietitian nutritionist will help you understand which foods are safe to eat and ensure you are getting the important nutrients your body needs.”
Many healthy foods are naturally gluten-free, such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, legumes, soy, nuts, as well as the grains amaranth, buckwheat, corn, rice, teff and quinoa. Plus, there are a number of gluten-free flours made from almond meal, chickpeas and garbanzo beans, brown rice, coconut, potato, sorghum, tapioca and white rice.
For more information on celiac disease take a look at the Academy’s Celiac Disease resources, as well as the up-to-date, handy Gluten Detective App, which can simplify gluten-free grocery shopping, as well tips and tools to access on your smartphone.
Visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org to locate a registered dietitian in your area.
All registered dietitians are nutritionists – but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. The Academy’s Board of Directors and Commission on Dietetic Registration have determined that those who hold the credential registered dietitian (RD) may optionally use “registered dietitian nutritionist” (RDN) instead. The two credentials have identical meanings.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.
SOURCE Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Chiropractor association says that JAMA suggests chiropractic for low back pain

2013-05-08T09:59:00.001-07:00

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

ARLINGTON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–An article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) suggests patients try chiropractic services for the treatment of low back pain. According to the article, surgery is not usually needed and should only be considered if more conservative therapies fail. The information in JAMA reinforces the American Chiropractic Association’s (ACA) position that conservative care options should serve as a first line of defense against pain.

The article, part of JAMA’s Patient Page public education series, explains that the back is made up of bones, nerves, muscles and other soft tissues such as ligaments and tendons that support posture and give the body flexibility. Back pain can be caused by problems with any of the structures in the back.
As neuromusculoskeletal experts, chiropractic physicians are particularly well suited to manage and help prevent low back pain.
“We are encouraged to see JAMA suggest patients try chiropractic and other more conservative types of treatment for their back pain. In many cases pain can be alleviated without the use of unnecessary drugs or surgery, so it makes sense to exhaust conservative options first,” said ACA President Keith Overland, DC.
“Research confirms that the services provided by chiropractic physicians are not only clinically effective but also cost-effective, so taking a more conservative approach at the onset of low back pain can also potentially save both patients and the health care system money down the line,” he added.
For those who are currently pain-free, the exercise tips, posture recommendations and guidance on injury prevention routinely provided by chiropractic physicians can help people maintain a healthy back throughout their lives. To learn more, visit www.acatoday.org/backpain.
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA), celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2013, is the largest professional association in the United States representing doctors of chiropractic. ACA promotes the highest standards of patient care and professional ethics, and supports research that contributes to the health and well-being of millions of chiropractic patients. Visit www.acatoday.org.

Muscle fitness keys: new study

2013-05-08T09:54:00.000-07:00

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

ORLANDO, Fla., May 8, 2013 – Researchers discovered that small pieces of genetic material called microRNAs link the two defining characteristics of fit muscles: the ability to burn sugar and fat and the ability to switch between slow- and fast-twitch muscle fibers. The team used two complementary mouse models—the “marathon mouse” and the “couch potato mouse”—to make this discovery. But what’s more, they also found that active people have higher levels of one of these microRNAs than sedentary people. These findings, published May 8 in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, suggest microRNAs could be targeted for the development of new medical interventions aimed at improving muscle fitness in people with chronic illness or injury.

“In this study, we wanted to determine, on a molecular level, what makes a muscle fit during development or following exercise. This information is relevant to our efforts to improve muscle fitness in many health conditions, such as aging, cancer, and heart failure. These findings may also prove useful for our active members of the military, who become ‘detrained’ during injury and recovery time,” said Daniel P. Kelly, M.D., director of Sanford-Burnham’s Diabetes and Obesity Research Center and senior author of the study.
Marathon vs. couch potato mice
Fit muscle is known for its ability to do two things: 1) burn fat and sugars and 2) switch between slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscles. According to Kelly, muscle fitness only occurs if both are functioning properly.
Increased muscle endurance cannot occur without boosting both of these muscle components. Kelly and his team set out to determine what connects muscle metabolism and structure. To do this, they turned to two different mouse models, each specially engineered to produce distinct but related proteins that turn muscle-specific genes on and off.
The first model, dubbed the “marathon mouse,” has a muscle-gene regulator called PPARβ/δ. These mice can run much further than normal mice. The second model, known as the “couch potato mouse,” produces a different muscle-gene regulator, called PPARα. These mice are able to burn a lot of fuel, but they can’t run very far.
MicroRNAs in muscle fitness
To identify the link between muscle metabolism and muscle fiber type-switching, Kelly’s team compared the molecular differences between these two disparate mouse models.
First, the team found that PPARα couch potato mice have the optimal metabolic switch, but lack the muscle fiber switch. In contrast, PPARβ/δ marathon mice have the whole package necessary for muscle fitness.
The two mouse models also differed in molecular profiling, according to this study. The team discovered that marathon mice produce certain microRNAs that are capable of activating the fiber switch. By comparison, this same circuitry is suppressed in couch potato mice.
Digging a little deeper, Kelly’s team determined that PPARβ/δ is connected to microRNAs via an intermediary called estrogen-related receptor (ERRγ). This protein collaborates with PPARβ/δ to turn on microRNAs. That’s why marathon mice are fitter and have more type I muscle fibers than couch potato mice—their PPARβ/δ and ERRγ induce the right microRNAs.
Muscle-boosting potential for patients
To determine if their findings were relevant to human health, Kelly and his team worked with Steven R. Smith, M.D., director of the Florida Hospital—Sanford-Burnham Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes. From there, the team obtained muscle tissue from sedentary people (those who don’t exercise regularly) and active people in good shape.
Sure enough, ERRγ and one of the microRNAs elevated in PPARβ/δ marathon mice were also increased in active people, but not the sedentary group.
“We’re now conducting additional human studies to further investigate the ERRγ-microRNA circuit as a potential avenue for improving fitness in people with chronic illness or injury,” Kelly said. “For example, next we want to know what happens to this circuit during exercise and what effect it has on the cardiovascular system.”
Source

5,000 steps a day to avoid paying higher health insurance costs?

2013-05-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

5,000 steps a day to avoid paying higher health insurance costs? When money talks, people walk

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

Faced with a choice between higher insurance prices or exercising, people who were obese enrolled in and stuck with Internet-tracked walking program for a year

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — It was a controversial move when a health insurer began requiring people who were obese to literally pay the price of not doing anything about their weight – but it worked, a new study finds.
When people had to choose between paying up to 20 percent more for health insurance or exercising more, the majority of enrollees met fitness goals one step at a time via an Internet-tracked walking program, according to a joint study by the University of Michigan Health System and Stanford University.
Researchers evaluated a group of people insured by Blue Care Network who were enrolled in a pedometer-based program as a requirement to receive insurance discounts. After one year, nearly 97 percent of the enrollees had met or exceeded the average goal of 5,000 steps a day – including the most resistant participants who disagreed with the financial incentives and found the program “coercive.”
“There are ethical debates around the idea of forcing someone to be personally responsible for health care costs related to not exercising, but we expect to see more of these approaches to financially motivate healthier behaviors,” says senior author Caroline R. Richardson, M.D., assistant professor in the U-M Department of Family Medicine, investigator with the VA Center for Clinical Management Research and member of the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation.
“Our evaluation of Blue Care’s incentivized program showed a surprisingly high rate of people who enrolled in the Internet-mediated walking program and stuck with it – even among those who were initially hostile to the idea. Wellness interventions like this clearly hold significant promise for encouraging physical activity among adults who are obese.”
The new findings appear in Translational Behavioral Medicine.
Blue Care Network created a buzz when it implemented one of the largest-scaled financial incentive programs in the country by requiring adults who were obese and in the Healthy Blue Living program to enroll in a fitness program to qualify for lower out-of-pocket health care costs. Enrollees could choose between several programs, including Weight Watchers and WalkingSpree, which uses a digital pedometer to upload walking data on a wellness tracking web site.
For some families, the out-of-pocket cost of failing to meet the new criteria in one of the wellness programs was nearly $2,000 more per year. Those with medical conditions were exempt if they had waivers from their doctors.
Nearly half of the 12,102 enrollees who met criteria for a wellness program picked pedometer-based WalkingSpree, and the study’s authors evaluated their success. The 6,548 participants were required to reach an average of 5,000 daily steps in each three month period, or 450,000 steps a quarter, to remain eligible for enhanced benefits. Just 3 percent failed to do so.
Among users who responded to a satisfaction survey about the program, a third were unhappy with the financial incentives because they felt the incentives were coercive. The remaining two-thirds of respondents, however, liked the program.
Authors note that policies under the Affordable Care Act are expected to expand the types of wellness programs offered by employers and insurance companies who ultimately save on health costs when employees and enrollees maintain healthier habits.
“Our findings suggest that incentivized wellness programs are acceptable to many individuals and that these programs encourage healthy behaviors,” says lead author Donna Zulman, M.D., Instructor in the Division of General Medical Disciplines at Stanford University and research investigator at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System.
“Comprehensive evaluations are needed to determine whether participation in these programs translates to meaningful changes in health and costs of health care.”

###

Additional Authors: Laura J. Damschroder, M.S., M.P.H.; Ryan G. Smith, B.S.; Paul J. Resnick, Ph.D.; Ananda Sen, Ph.D.; Erin L. Krupka, Ph.D.
Disclosures: Richardson is a scientific advisor to WalkingSpree and unpaid consultant to Blue Care Network. She does not receive compensation in either of these roles.
Reference: “Implementation and evaluation of an incentivized Internet-mediated walking program for obese adults,” Translational Behavioral Medicine, Doi: 10.1007/s13142-013-0211-6.
source

Best workout partners keep verbal advice to a minimum: new study

2013-05-07T12:42:00.002-07:00

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

Newswise — MANHATTAN, Kan. — The best workout partner may be one who understands that silence is golden, according to one Kansas State University researcher in the College of Human Ecology.

Brandon Irwin, assistant professor of kinesiology, recently found that individuals tend to work out longer when their partner was perceived to be more skilled and was one who kept verbal encouragement to a minimum.
Irwin worked with researchers at Michigan State University on the study “You Can Do It: the Efficacy of Encouragement in Motivating the Weak Link to Exercise Longer During an Online Exercise Video Game,” which will be published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research. He said the team’s goal was to determine how to increase motivation during physical activity.
“People like to exercise with other people,” Irwin said. “In exercise groups, people tend to encourage each other, saying things like, ‘Come on, you can do it.’ We wanted to find out what effect this had on motivation.”
In a separate study, Irwin discovered the optimal exercise partner is 40 percent better than the other, motivating the less skilled partner to exercise for a longer period of time and at an increased rate. In this study, 115 participants were told to do planks, an abdominal exercise, for as long as they could.
Next, the researchers told a group of participants they would be exercising with a partner who was slightly better, although the partner was a looped video recording. A third group was told they would be exercising with a partner — also a recording — but this time, the partner verbally encouraged them.
“Initially, it made sense to us that encouragement would be motivating,” Irwin said. “However, we found almost the opposite to be true. When exercising with someone who is slightly better and who is not verbally encouraging, participants exercised longer than if conditions were the same but that person was verbally encouraging them. We didn’t expect that.”
Irwin said the researchers’ best guess for why this happened is that those who received encouragement from a partner whom they perceived as more skilled may have interpreted the comments as condescending.
“If two individuals are exercising together and one is constantly saying ‘you can do this’ to the other, it may be taken as patronizing,” Irwin said. “Those who received encouragement may have felt condescended, or even that their virtual partner was encouraging themselves, since no names were used.”
Participants in the study were not aware that their partner was a recording and would never stop the exercise. The researchers told all participants that as soon as they stopped, their partner had to stop.
“Being the ‘weak link’ is a big motivator in partner or group exercise,” Irwin said. “You don’t want to let your partner down. We’re honing in on that aspect of group exercise.”
Irwin said this research could be used in designing electronic media, including both video games and social media. In a video game, the research findings could help develop the best virtual character in an exercise-based video game, like the Nintendo Wii Fit.
“Our research suggests that the best virtual workout partner is someone who is a little better than you and doesn’t encourage you under certain conditions,” he said.
Irwin added that these principles could also be applied to real workout partners on a proposed social media fitness website. Partners could be matched through an algorithm that would be used to dictate how much communication they should have.
“When you’re communicating through an electronic medium, the designer puts restrictions on what and how you communicate with each other,” Irwin said. “If you’re partnered with your ultimate workout buddy, your communication could be facilitated or inhibited, depending on your preferences.”

National Bike-to-School program said to be growing

2013-05-07T05:56:00.001-07:00

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

CHAPEL HILL, N.C., May 6, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ – Thousands of children across the country will be strapping on helmets, kicking up kickstands, and putting their mettle to the pedal as they ride their bikes to school on Wednesday, May 8, in celebration of the second annual National Bike to School Day.

Schools, cities, bicycle groups, public health organizations and parents alike are organizing bike rides and bike trains to school to highlight and celebrate the benefits of choosing student-powered transportation to school.

As of May 6, more than 1,300 schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia have registered Bike to School Day events on the official website, www.walkbiketoschool.org. The total number of events is expected to grow as celebrations continue throughout May, which is National Bike Month. Nine hundred and forty-seven schools participated in last year’s inaugural event.

“The success of the second annual National Bike to School Day illustrates just how many communities understand the importance of providing students with safe, healthy and active options for their trip to school,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood . “At DOT, we’re helping communities do just that by supporting livable neighborhoods, building new bike paths, and opening up more bike share programs.”

Bike to School Day encourages a bike-focused celebration in the month of May and builds on the popularity and success of International Walk to School Day, which is celebrated across the country – and the world – each October.

“This year’s participation in Bike to School Day is spectacular,” said Lauren Marchetti , director of the National Center for Safe Routes to School, which coordinates National Bike to School Day and International Walk to School Day. “The excitement and support for events nationwide is inspiring, and we couldn’t be more pleased with how many communities and families are coming together to promote safe biking to school on this one day.”

On Wednesday, Secretary LaHood will join students from 12 Capitol Hill schools to officially launch National Bike to School Day in Washington, D.C. The Lincoln Park event is organized by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), the Capitol Hill Public Schools Parent Organization, and the National Center for Safe Routes to School, and representatives from national partner organizations – including League of American Bicyclists, National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS), President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition, Safe Kids Worldwide, and the Safe Routes to School National Partnership – will also be a part of the celebration.

“Wearing bike helmets gives kids the freedom to explore and have fun on their bikes, which is one of the best parts of riding a bike,” said Kate Carr , president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide. “A correctly worn helmet can reduce the risk of severe brain injuries by 88 percent. A helmet should sit on top of the head in a level position, with straps buckled and without rocking forward, backward or side-to-side. This Bike to School Day, remember always ‘Use your head. Wear a helmet.’”

National Bike to School Day 2013 is a part of Global Youth Traffic Safety Month and the United Nations Global Road Safety Week—two global campaigns also working to improve pedestrian safety for young people.

Bike to School events are being held nationwide on Wednesday and throughout the month of May. To browse the names and locations of registered 2013 events, visit www.walkbiketoschool.org/go/whos-biking/2013.

Exercise-related changes in estrogen metabolism may lower breast cancer risk

2013-05-07T05:52:00.001-07:00

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

PHILADELPHIA — Changes in estrogen breakdown, or metabolism, may be one of the mechanisms by which aerobic exercise lowers a woman’s breast cancer risk, according to data published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

“Observational studies suggest physical activity lowers breast cancer risk, but there are no clinical studies that explain the mechanism behind this,” said Mindy S. Kurzer, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Minnesota in Saint Paul. “Ours is the first study to show that aerobic exercise influences the way our bodies break down estrogens to produce more of the ‘good’ metabolites that lower breast cancer risk.”
Kurzer and her colleagues conducted the Women in Steady Exercise Research (WISER) clinical trial, which involved 391 sedentary, healthy, young, premenopausal women. They randomly assigned the women to two age-matched, body mass index-matched groups: a control group of 179 women and an intervention group of 212 women.
While women in the control group continued a sedentary lifestyle for the entire study period, women in the intervention group performed 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise five times a week for 16 weeks. Aerobic exercises included the treadmill, stair stepper or elliptical machine. The researchers adjusted the workout intensity for each individual so that the maximal heart rate was uniform among all participants.

Eighty-six percent of participants from the control group and 78 percent from the intervention group completed the study.
The researchers collected 24-hour urine samples on three consecutive days prior to study initiation and on three consecutive days at the end of the study. Using a state-of-the-art technique called liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectroscopy, they measured the amount of three parent estrogens, E1, E2 and E3, and nine of their breakdown products called metabolites, in the participants’ urine samples. According to Kurzer, estrogen metabolism favoring the production of a metabolite called 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1) over one called 16alpha-hydroxyestrone (16alpha-OHE1), which results in an increase in the 2-OHE1/16alpha-OHE1 ratio, has been linked with a reduction in breast cancer risk.
She and her colleagues found that aerobic exercise led to an increase in the amount of 2-OHE1 and a decrease in the amount of 16alpha-OHE1, which led to a significant increase in the 2-OHE1/16alpha-OHE1 ratio. There were no changes in the 2-OHE1/16alpha-OHE1 ratio in the urine of control group participants.
“Exercise, known to favor fitness and improve heart health, is also likely to help prevent breast cancer by altering estrogen metabolism,” said Kurzer. “It is very important, however, to decipher the biological mechanisms behind this phenomenon.”
In collaboration with researchers at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Kurzer is conducting similar studies in women with a high risk for breast cancer.
Source

Girls who exercise less likely to be violent

2013-05-06T08:46:00.002-07:00

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

WASHINGTON, DC – Regular exercise is touted as an antidote for many ills, including stress, depression and obesity. Physical activity also may help decrease violent behavior among adolescent girls, according to new research to be presented Monday, May 6, at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting in Washington, DC.

Researchers from Columbia University analyzed results of a 2008 survey completed by 1,312 students at four inner-city high schools in New York to determine if there was an association between regular exercise and violence-related behaviors.
“Violence in neighborhoods spans the entire length of this country and disproportionately affects the poor and racial and ethnic minorities. It results in significant losses to victims, perpetrators, families and communities and costs our country billions of dollars,” said lead author Noe D. Romo, MD, primary care research fellow in community health in the Department of Child and Adolescent Health at Columbia University, New York. “There is a need for innovative methods to identify potential interventions to address this issue and lessen the burden it is having on our society.”
The survey included questions on how often students exercised, how many sit-ups they did and the time of their longest run in the past four weeks as well as whether they played on an organized sports team in the past year.
Students also were asked if they had carried a weapon in the past 30 days or if they were in a physical fight or in a gang in the past year.

Nearly three-quarters of the respondents were Latino, and 19 percent were black. Fifty-six percent were female.
Results showed that females who reported exercising regularly had decreased odds of being involved in violence-related behaviors:
Females who exercised more than 10 days in the last month had decreased odds of being in a gang.
Those who did more than 20 sit-ups in the past four weeks had decreased odds of carrying a weapon or being in a gang.
Females reporting running more than 20 minutes the last time they ran had decreased odds of carrying a weapon.
Those who participated in team sports in the past year had decreased odds of carrying a weapon, being in a fight or being in a gang.
In males, none of the measures of exercise was associated with a decrease in violence-related behaviors, which could be because a larger proportion of males than females did not answer all of the survey questions, Dr. Romo said.
“This study is only a start,” concluded Dr. Romo, who also is at Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health. “It suggests a potential relationship between regular exercise and decreased involvement in violent behavior. Further studies are needed to confirm this association and to evaluate whether exercise interventions in inner-city neighborhoods can decrease youths’ involvement in violence-related behavior.”
Source

Magnesium may be as important to kids’ bone health as calcium

2013-05-06T08:45:00.001-07:00

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

Study shows magnesium intake, absorption significantly associated with bone density in children

WASHINGTON, DC – Parents are advised to make sure their children drink milk and eat other calcium-rich foods to build strong bones. Soon, they also may be urged to make sure their kids eat salmon, almonds and other foods high in magnesium — another nutrient that may play an important role in bone health, according to a study to be presented Sunday, May 5, at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting in Washington, DC.
“Lots of nutrients are key for children to have healthy bones. One of these appears to be magnesium,” said lead author Steven A. Abrams MD, FAAP, professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. “Calcium is important, but, except for those children and adolescents with very low intakes, may not be more important than magnesium.”
While it is known that magnesium is important for bone health in adults, few studies have looked at whether magnesium intake and absorption are related to bone mineral content in young children. This study aimed to fill that gap.
Researchers recruited 63 healthy children ages 4 to 8 years old who were not taking any multivitamins or minerals to participate in the study. Children were hospitalized overnight twice so their calcium and magnesium levels could be measured.

Participants filled out food diaries prior to hospitalization. All foods and beverages served during their hospital stay contained the same amount of calcium and magnesium they consumed in a typical day based on the diaries. Foods and beverages were weighed before and after each meal to determine how much calcium and magnesium the subjects actually consumed. In addition, parents were given scales to weigh their child’s food for three days at home after the first inpatient stay and for three days at home prior to the second inpatient stay so that dietary intake of calcium and magnesium could be calculated accurately.
While hospitalized, children’s levels of calcium and magnesium were measured using a technique that involved giving them non-radioactive forms of magnesium and calcium, called stable isotopes, intravenously and orally. Urine was collected for 72 hours. By measuring the stable isotopes in the urine, the researchers could determine how much calcium and magnesium were absorbed into the body. Bone mineral content and density were measured using total body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
Results showed that the amounts of magnesium consumed and absorbed were key predictors of how much bone children had. Dietary calcium intake, however, was not significantly associated with total bone mineral content or density.
“We believe it is important for children to have a balanced, healthy diet with good sources of minerals, including both calcium and magnesium,” Dr. Abrams concluded.
Source

Round 2: Official Malignaggi vs Broner press conference from MGM

2013-05-04T13:26:00.001-07:00

The fire works began April 26 in Brooklyn and now continue in Vegas during fight week at the MGM Grand. You better get your tickets quick for June 22, 2013.

WARNING: EXPLICIT MATERIAL.

Physical Activity Low Among American Adults

2013-05-04T06:18:00.001-07:00

Joe Barber Jr, PhD

May 02, 2013

Approximately 20% of American adults participate in regular aerobic and muscle-building activity, according to the findings of a survey by Carmen D. Harris, MPH, and colleagues from the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia, who published their findings in the May 3 issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
In the study, the researchers used the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to collect data on aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity in all 50 US states and the District of Columbia. Respondents were considered to meet the guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity outside of regular job duties if they participated in 150 minutes or more of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, 75 minutes or more of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, or a combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity totaling 150 minutes or more per week as well as muscle-strengthening activity at least twice a week.
In 2011, 20.6% of American adults were found to participate in both muscle-strengthening and aerobic activity, including 17.9% of women and 23.4% of men. Hispanic adults (18.4%) were less likely to participate in these activities than non-Hispanic blacks (21.2%; P < .001) and non-Hispanic whites (20.7%; P < .001), and college graduates were more likely to exercise than high school graduates (27.4% vs 12.0%; P < .001).
In addition, underweight or normal-weight individuals (25.8%) were more likely to participate in muscle-strengthening and aerobic activity than obese persons (13.5%; P < .001), and participants aged 18 to 24 years were more likely to exercise than those older than 65 years (30.7% vs 15.9%; P < .001).

Among all the states and the District of Columbia, Colorado had the highest proportion of residents who participated in aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity, at 27.3%, whereas at 12.7% each, West Virginia and Tennessee had the lowest proportions of physically active residents.
Across the country, 51.6% of people met the criteria for aerobic activity compared with 29.3% of adults who participated in muscle-strengthening exercises, and the relationships of sex, gender, and body mass index with physical activity persisted for each individual activity.

Information from Industry

What are the needs of your relapsing MS patients?

View the profile of a disease-modifying therapy

The highest prevalence of aerobic activity (61.8%) was observed in Colorado, and the lowest prevalence was reported for Tennessee (39.0%). For muscle-strengthening activity, the District of Columbia had the highest prevalence of participation (36.1%), and West Virginians were least likely to participate (20.2%).
The limitations of the study included the self-report nature of the survey, which could lead to overestimation of activity; low response rate; and a lack of data on physical activity during work.
"Environmental and systems efforts involving communities, schools, governments, and worksites can increase opportunities for physical activity in adults," the authors write. "Continued national, state, and local efforts to implement strategies can help improve the proportion of adults who meet physical activity guidelines."
The authors have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2013;62:326-330. Full text