Epidemiological reference ranges for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B for identification of increased risk of ischaemic heart disease

Although there is widespread acceptance that total cholesterol (TC) value reference ranges should be based on epidemiological rather than statistical considerations, the epidemiological action limits for Iow-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are still incomplete and only statistical reference ranges for apolipoprotein B (Apo-B) levels are available. The combined use of epidemiological reference ranges for TC and incomplete or statistical reference ranges for LDL-C and Apo-B is illogical, since these parameters may fall into discordant risk categories that will hamper and complicate the management of hypercholesterolaemia. Based on a study of Iipograms obtained from ± 3 000 inhabitants of two industrialised Transvaal towns, the agerelated epidemiological reference ranges for LDL-C and ApoB were established. A comparison with published observational studies of other populations, in which comparable lipid, lipoprotein and apolipoprotein methodologies were used, reflected the severity of these lipid-related abnormalities in white South Africans, especially after the age of 30 years. In addition, the serum TC values found in this survey were not significantly different from those obtained 10 years ago

Prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of physical activity levels among South African adults in Cape Town and Mount Frere communities in 2008-2009

BACKGROUND: Physical activity has been linked to reduced risk of various cardiometabolic disease, cancer, and premature mortality. We investigated the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of physical activity among adults in urban and rural communities in South Africa. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey comprising 1733 adults aged ?35 years from the Cape Town (urban) and Mount Frere (rural) sites of the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology study. Physical activity was assessed using the validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to relate physical activity with socio-demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Overall, 74% of participants engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. In the adjusted regression models, women were 34% less likely to engage in vigorous physical activity (OR =0.66, 95%-CI = 0.47-0.93). Physical activity decreased with age, varied with marital status, education and occupation, always in differential ways between urban and rural participants (all interactions p ? 0.047). For instance, in urban settings, those with secondary education were more likely to engage in moderate physical activity (OR = 2.06, 95%-CI = 1.08-3.92) than those with tertiary education. Single people were more likely to engage in high physical activity (OR = 2.10, 95%-CI = 1.03-4.28) than divorced. Overall, skilled participants were more likely to engage in vigorous physical activity (OR = 2.07, 95%-CI = 1.41-3.05) driven by significant effect in rural area (OR = 2.70, 95%-CI = 1.51-4.83). Urban participants were more likely to engage in moderate physical activity (OR = 1.67, 95%-CI = 1.31-2.13) than rural participants. CONCLUSIONS: To prevent chronic diseases among South Africans, attention should be paid to specific policies and interventions aimed at promoting PA among young adults in rural and urban setting, and across the social-economic diversity

Perspectives on ethnic and racial disparities in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias: Update and areas of immediate need

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRDs) are a global crisis facing the aging population and society as a whole. With the numbers of people with ADRDs predicted to rise dramatically across the world, the scientific community can no longer neglect the need for research focusing on ADRDs among underrepresented ethnoracial diverse groups. The Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART; alz.org/ISTAART) comprises a number of professional interest areas (PIAs), each focusing on a major scientific area associated with ADRDs. We leverage the expertise of the existing international cadre of ISTAART scientists and experts to synthesize a cross‐PIA white paper that provides both a concise "state-of-the-science" report of ethnoracial factors across PIA foci and updated recommendations to address immediate needs to advance ADRD science across ethnoracial populations

Physical activity, health and wellness: Some challenges in the 21st century

Recognition of the salutogenic effect of physical activity, especially by medical professionals can be traced back to the 9th century before Christ. The health enhancing claims made by the medical professionals over the centuries are significant and some of them already implemented modern exercise principles in their exercise regimes. With the beginning of the Napoleonic wars, a new profession – Physical Education entered the professional area and the association between medicine and fitness became more separated. The challenge to this profession to enhance physical activity participation and fitness to all layers of the population were expressed by reputable health organizations. However, Physical Education is globally being phased out of the school curriculum, while the adult population relies on the medical profession to keep them healthy, without taking any responsibility for their own wellness. The global decline in physical education has forced training institutions to adapt their curriculum in order to survive. This has led to all types of name changes right over the world. In South Africa the threat to survive also forced universities to change their approach. This led to the “birth” of Biokinetics – a health discipline, which was registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa in 1983. Key Words: Health, fitness, Physical Education, medicine, wellness, paradigm, Biokinetics. AJPHERD Vol.10(3) 2004: 220-22

The leisure time physical activity, lifestyle and healt profile of black male mid-level managers in the North West Province of South Africa

No Abstract

Physical activity and physical fitness profiles of South African women

The purpose of this study was to determine the leisure time physical activity (LTPA) participation and physical fitness (PF) levels of South African women of the various ethnic groups. Individuals between the ages of 30 and 60 years (x=41.0; ±=4.6) who were part of a cross-sectional non-randomized availability population who voluntarily participated, were used in this study. The group that formed part of the physical activity survey included 3273 subjects (Asian =262; black=1357; coloured=239; white=1415) while the group for the physical fitness analysis included 3060 subjects (Asian=248; black=1015; coloured=199; white=1225). Subjects who used medication such as beta-adrenergic suppressors that could affect the fitness test were excluded from participating. Statistical analysis was done using the CSS: Statistica computer software to determine profile analysis of the participants. The results indicated that 85% of coloured women reported low physical activity participation, followed by black and Asian women where 83% of the participants indicated low physical activity participation, while 75% of white women revealed low physical activity levels. In contrast, 10% of the white women indicated high LTPA participation while only 5% of coloured women were very active. In the case of black and Asian participants, 8% and 6% respectively indicated high LTPA levels. Regarding physical fitness, 57%, 50%, 49% and 39% of the black, Asian, coloured and white respondents respectively showed low physical fitness levels, while 10%, 6%, and 5% of the white, Asian/black and coloured respondents showed high levels of physical fitness. This high prevalence of physical inactivity and unfitness may lead to various health problems and can increase the prevalence of hypokinetic ailments in adult women, increased health care costs and even premature death.Key words: Physical activity, physical fitness, women, hypokinesis

Incidence of mild and very mildtraumatic brain injuries in secondary school rugby team

No Abstract.South African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and DanceVol. 12(4) 2006: pp. 468-48

A conceptual framework of Biokinetic procedures and referral system: An integrated protocol for the various health paradigms

Physical activity as a therapeutic modality has been prescribed by health professionals for various ailments since ancient times. Research has proved this positive relationship and recent initiatives suggest that exercise should be prescribed just as medicine or any drug would be – theso-called “Exercise is Medicine” initiative in the USA at present. In an equally important way physical activity serves a pivotal role in health promotion. This implies that biokinetics, which is the profession mainly using scientifically prescribed exercise as a modality, serves in both the pathogenic as well as the fortogenic health paradigms. The pathogenic paradigm refers to either the presence of an illness (ill care) or to the threat of an illness (illness prevention). In both of these constructs pathology is of key importance. In the fortogenic paradigm (health promotion) the focus primarily falls on improving the strong points with no threat of pathology. However, these constructs are not isolated, but interact intimately with each other. This can be illustrated by means of a schematic diagram. biokinetics as the profession using exercise and physical activity as the primary modality of treatment, therefore, is closely linked to the various constructs. This implies that referral to the biokineticist may come from the clinical as well as the non-clinical environment and that the biokineticist, as a professional who is registered with the HPCSA, should ensure working within the scope of the ethical rules. The referrals from the clinical as well as the non-clinical environment can be more clearly described by means of a conceptual framework constructed for the biokinetic practice.Key words: Biokinetics, health paradigms, referral, procedures, ethical rule

Influence of physical fitness on some selected blood lipids in pre-and post-menopausal women

There's no better time than the years surrounding menopause for a woman to start or renew an exercise programme. Exercise may reduce the immediate symptoms of menopause, and it decreases the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, depression and obesity. Data were gathered from 250 pre-menopausal (35-49 years) and 107 post-menopausal women (50-64 years) who formed part of a comprehensive community study. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of physical fitness on total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides in pre- and post-menopausal women. Physical fitness was expressed as physical working capacity (PWC170), which was determined by a progressive cycle ergometer test. Statistical significant differences (

Leisure time physical activity participation in women (30-65 years) with high coronary heart disease risk indicators

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of leisure time physical activity participation (LTPA) on South African women presenting with some enhanced coronary heart disease (CHD) risk indicators (physical inactivity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity and smoking). The respondents comprised 3 542 women, aged between 30 and 65 years (X41.6 +- 12.8 years) suffering from one or more of the primary risk factors for CHD. The cut-off points for the primary CHD risk factors considered were the following: systolic blood pressure > 140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure > 90 mmHg, total cholesterol > 5.2 mmol.L-1, obesity (BMI > 30) and cigarette smoking. The following physical activity categories were selected viz: high physically active (> 2 000 kcal.week-¹), moderate physically active (1 000 – 2 000 kcalweek-¹) and low physically active (< 1 000 kcal.week-¹). Data were collected by means of demographic and physical activity questionnaires as well as field tests, and assessing total cholesterol, blood pressure and obesity. The respondents were selected from two age groups (30-49 and 50-65 year) representing primarily the pre- and postmenopausal phases of female life. Leisure time physical activity participation does not alter the selected primary coronary heart disease risk factors in the pre- and post-menopausal women significantly. Physically inactive women, however, tend to present more health risks than those participants in the moderately and high physical activity group. The prevalence of health risks increases with age inspite of participation in LTPA. The number of health risk indicators can be reduced by increasing LTPA, thus contributing to the management of the women‘s general health. Women should be encouraged to take responsibility for managing their own health by engaging in a healthy lifestyle in order to manage their health risks properly. This may require a multidisciplinary approach.Key words: Women, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity