Assessment of Physical Fitness of Girls on the Go Program Participants

Background: Less than half of children and adults meet physical activity recommendations. Effective interventions are especially needed to improve physical activity in African American females because they report less physical activity than their Caucasian and male counterparts. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the Girls on the Go after-school program on the physical fitness of its participants. Methods: Half-mile run times for Girls on the Go participants were collected at the beginning of the program and three months later at the conclusion of the program. Only three participants were present for both runs. Results: Due to the small sample size, no statistical analysis was conducted, but there appears to be no significant differences between pre- and post-tests. Discussion: Possible explanations for the lack of change from pre- to post-test are discussed. The results of this study could be used to inform further research

Physical Activity Behavior, Dietary Patterns, and Nutrition Knowledge of Third- and Fourth-Grade Students in Western Massachusetts

Our Extension project assessed physical activity patterns and nutrition behavior and knowledge in elementary school students in a low-income community. Dietary patterns were similar to many large-scale studies, which have shown a trend of lower fat consumption; however, these children were unfamiliar with certain nutrient terms and categories. Most physical activities were performed in PE classes; however, community organizations and family played important roles. This survey provides a basis of children\u27s nutrition knowledge and physical activity behavior. From this project we plan to develop appropriate nutrition and physical activity programs for children of similar age and socioeconomic status

Wicked Good Sports Medicine Symposium 2012 Program

2012 sports medicine symposium at the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine. Presenters and topics included: Daniel E. Lieberman: Why Exercise Really is Medicine (An Evolutionary Explanation); Samuel Headley: Exercise and Chronic Kidney Disease; Stella L. Volpe: Prevention of Weight Gain in a Large Portion Society; J. Timothy Lightfoot: Can You Be Born a Couch Potato? The Genetics that Control Your Physical Activity; Samuel N. Cheuvront: Answers to 10 Common Questions about Hydration; David Epstein: Missing the Phenotypes for the Genotypes.https://dune.une.edu/wgsms/1000/thumbnail.jp

Micronutrient supplement intakes among collegiate and masters athletes: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveIn our cross-sectional study, we evaluated micronutrient supplementation intake among Collegiate and Masters Athletes.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study to assess micronutrient supplementation consumption in Collegiate and Masters Athletes, comparing sex and sport classification within each respective group. Micronutrient supplement consumption data were measured using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. A two-way analysis of variance was used to explore the differences among Collegiate and Masters Athletes' supplement intakes of the following vitamins and minerals: vitamins A, B6, B12, C, E, D, and calcium, folate, iron, magnesium niacin, riboflavin, selenium, thiamine, and zinc. When significant differences were found, a Bonferroni post hoc test was performed to identify specific group differences. The significance level was set a priori at p < 0.05.ResultsA total of 198 athletes (105 females and 93 males) were included in the study. Participants were 36.16 ± 12.33 years of age. Collegiate male athletes had significantly greater vitamin A [1,090.51 ± 154.72 vs. 473.93 ± 233.18 mg retinol activity equivalents (RAE)/day] (p < 0.036), folate [337.14 ± 44.79 vs. 148.67 ± 67.50 mcg dietary folate equivalents (DFE)/day] (p < 0.027), and magnesium (65.35 ± 8.28 vs. 31.28 ± 12.48 mg/day) (p < 0.031) intakes compared to Collegiate female athletes. Collegiate CrossFit Athletes (940.71 ± 157.54 mg/day) had a significantly greater vitamin C intake compared to Collegiate General Athletes (156.34 ± 67.79 mg/day) (p < 0.005), Collegiate Triathletes (88.57 ± 148.53 mg/day) (p < 0.027), Collegiate Resistance Training Athletes (74.28 ± 143.81 mg/day) (p < 0.020), and Collegiate Powerlifters (175.71 ± 128.63 mg/day) (p < 0.044). Masters females had significantly greater calcium intakes compared to Masters males (494.09 ± 65.73 vs.187.89 ± 77.23 mg/day, respectively) (p < 0.002). Collegiate Runners (41.35 ± 6.53 mg/day) had a significantly greater iron intake compared to Collegiate Powerlifters (4.50 ± 6.53 mg/day) (p < 0.024). Masters Swimmers (61.43 ± 12.10 mg/day) had significantly greater iron intakes compared to Masters General Athletes (13.97 ± 3.56 mg/day) (p < 0.014), Masters Runners (17.74 ± 2.32 mg/day) (p < 0.03), Masters Triathletes (11.95 ± 3.73 mg/day) (p < 0.008), Masters CrossFit Athletes (15.93 ± 5.36 mg/day) (p < 0.043), Masters Rowers (9.10 ± 3.36 mg/day) (p < 0.003), and Masters Cyclists (1.71 ± 9.88 mg/day) (p < 0.011). Masters Powerlifters (47.14 ± 9.65 mg/day) had significantly greater zinc intakes compared to Masters General Athletes (9.57 ± 2.84 mg/day) (p < 0.015), Masters Runners (10.67 ± 1.85 mg/day) (p < 0.017), Masters Triathletes (10.24 ± 2.98 mg/day) (p < 0.020), Masters Rowers (9.33 ± 2.68 mg/day) (p < 0.013), and Masters Cyclists (1.43 ± 7.88 mg/day) (p < 0.019). There were no other significant differences among the other micronutrient supplement intakes between the sexes or among the sport classification.ConclusionWe reported significant differences among female and male Collegiate and Masters Athletes. Additionally, we reported significant differences among Collegiate and Masters Athletes sport classifications. Further research should examine both dietary and micronutrient supplement intake among Collegiate and Masters Athletes to examine the extent that athletes exceed the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA), and the potential effects on health and performance

Magnesium Intake in the Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is a nutritional pattern native to many cultures within the Mediterranean Basin. The diet is composed of fruits, vegetables, fish, eggs, fermented dairy, grains, poultry, and minimal consumption of red meats such as lamb and beef. The diet encourages the consumption of extra virgin olive oil and moderate red wine for those who consume alcohol. The diet does not incorporate processed foods and sugary beverages. The MedDiet is rich in many micronutrients and has a healthful fatty acid profile (primarily mono- and polyunsaturated fats, with low amounts of saturated fats). The diet is rich in foods with high magnesium content, such as leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and some lesser magnesium-rich foods (e.g., fish). The MedDiet is associated with reduced incidence of several diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Magnesium intake has been shown to play a prominent role in the prevention and management of many of these diseases, with some of the disease-preventing capacity of the MedDiet likely caused by its high magnesium content. Those making nutritional recommendations in line with the concepts of MedDiet should particularly encourage the consumption of foods high in magnesium

The effects of the HEALTHY study intervention on middle school student dietary intakes

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The HEALTHY study was designed to respond to the alarming trends in increasing rates of overweight, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus in youth. The objective of this analysis was to examine the effects of the HEALTHY study on student self-reported dietary intakes (energy, macronutrients and grams consumed of selected food groups).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>HEALTHY was a cluster-randomized study in 42 public middle schools. Students, n = 3908, self-reported dietary intake using the Block Kids Questionnaire. General linear mixed models were used to analyze differences in dietary intake at the end of the study between intervention and control schools.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The reported average daily fruit consumption was 10% higher at the end of the study in the intervention schools than in the control schools (138 g or approximately 2 servings versus 122 g, respectively, p = 0.0016). The reported water intake was approximately 2 fluid ounces higher in the intervention schools than in the control (483 g versus 429 g respectively; p = 0.008). There were no significant differences between intervention and control for mean intakes of energy, macronutrients, fiber, grains, vegetables, legumes, sweets, sweetened beverages, and higher- or lower-fat milk consumption.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The HEALTHY study, a five-semester middle school-based intervention program that integrated multiple components in nutrition, physical education, behavior change, and social marketing-based communications, resulted in significant changes to student's reported fruit and water intake. Subsequent interventions need to go beyond the school environment to change diet behaviors that may affect weight status of children.</p> <p>Clinical Trials Registration</p> <p><a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00458029">NCT00458029</a></p

School factors as barriers to and facilitators of a preventive intervention for pediatric type 2 diabetes

School-based interventions are essential to prevent pediatric obesity and type 2 diabetes. School environmental factors influence implementation of these interventions. This article examines how school factors acted as barriers to and facilitators of the HEALTHY intervention. The HEALTHY study was a cluster-randomized trial of a multicomponent intervention implemented in 21 schools. Interview data were analyzed to identify barriers and facilitators. Barriers included teacher frustration that intervention activities detracted from tested subjects, student resistance and misbehavior, classroom management problems, communication equipment problems, lack of teacher/staff engagement, high cost and limited availability of nutritious products, inadequate facility space, and large class sizes. Facilitators included teacher/staff engagement, effective classroom management, student engagement, schools with direct control over food service, support from school leaders, and adequate facilities and equipment. Contextual barriers and facilitators must be taken into account in the design and implementation of school-based health interventions

Association of Multiple Metabolic and Cardiovascular Markers With the Risk of Cognitive Decline and Mortality in Adults With Alzheimer’s Disease and Ad-Related Dementia or Cognitive Decline: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is a scarcity of data stemming from large-scale epidemiological longitudinal studies focusing on potentially preventable and controllable risk factors for Alzheimer\u27s disease (AD) and AD-related dementia (ADRD). This study aimed to examine the effect of multiple metabolic factors and cardiovascular disorders on the risk of cognitive decline and AD/ADRD. METHODS: We analyzed a cohort of 6,440 participants aged 45-84 years at baseline. Multiple metabolic and cardiovascular disorder factors included the five components of the metabolic syndrome [waist circumference, high blood pressure (HBP), elevated glucose and triglyceride (TG) concentrations, and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations], C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, interleukin-6 (IL-6), factor VIII, D-dimer, and homocysteine concentrations, carotid intimal-medial thickness (CIMT), and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR). Cognitive decline was defined using the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI) score, and AD/ADRD cases were classified using clinical diagnoses. RESULTS: Over an average follow-up period of 13 years, HBP and elevated glucose, CRP, homocysteine, IL-6, and ACR concentrations were significantly associated with the risk of mortality in the individuals with incident AD/ADRD or cognitive decline. Elevated D-dimer and homocysteine concentrations, as well as elevated ACR were significantly associated with incident AD/ADRD. Elevated homocysteine and ACR were significantly associated with cognitive decline. A dose-response association was observed, indicating that an increased number of exposures to multiple risk factors corresponded to a higher risk of mortality in individuals with cognitive decline or with AD/ADRD. CONCLUSION: Findings from our study reaffirm the significance of preventable and controllable factors, including HBP, hyperglycemia, elevated CRP, D-dimer, and homocysteine concentrations, as well as, ACR, as potential risk factors for cognitive decline and AD/ADRD

HEALTHY Intervention: Fitness, Physical Activity, and Metabolic Syndrome Results

This study aimed to assess the effect of the HEALTHY intervention on the metabolic syndrome (Met-S), fitness, and physical activity levels of US middle-school students

PhillydotMap: The Shape of Philadelphia

This book is the outgrowth of a working group entitled, “Modeling Urban Environmental Impacts on Health, Development, and Behavior sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania Institute for Urban Research. The purpose of the working gropu was to engage faculty from across campus and to encourage their collaborative use of GIS technology in the modeling of urban form and function. These ten chapters represent a wide range of GIS applications, from community-based social services to public history to social science research