Fitness News

Be Physically Active Each Day

2006-05-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

Fitness problems such as obesity and overweight have reached truly epidemic proportions in the United States. In the last 10 years, obesity rates have increased by more than 60 percent among adults. In 1999, 61 percent of the adult population was either overweight or obese. The obesity epidemic impacts other diseases as well. For example, the incidence of type 2 diabetes, a major consequence of obesity, is on the rise. Among U.S. adults, diagnosed diabetes increased 49 percent from 1990 to 2000.

The rate of increase in overweight among young people has been even steeper. This is particularly troubling since many of the behaviors that lead to adult obesity are established during childhood. Just 10 years ago, type 2 diabetes was virtually unknown in children and adolescents. Indeed, the medical community commonly referred to the condition as "adult onset diabetes." Today, it accounts for almost 50 percent of new cases of pediatric diabetes in some communities. Medical complications associated with obesity in children can lead to hospitalizations for type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and asthma. Since 1980, the percentage of children who are overweight has nearly doubled, and the percentage of adolescents who are overweight has nearly tripled. Almost 9 million young Americans, or about 15 percent of all children, are overweight.

Americans young and old should incorporate regular physical activity into their everyday lives. This does not necessarily mean joining an expensive gym or committing to a rigorous exercise or training routine. It is sufficient to choose activities that fit into your daily routine that speed your heart rate and breathing, or increase your strength and flexibility. Examples include walking to work, gardening, taking extra stairs, or mowing the lawn with a push mower. Besides building strength and aerobic fitness, regular exercise relieves stress, provides motivation, promotes relaxation, and facilitates sleep. Such activity reduces the risk of dying of coronary heart disease and decreases the risk for colon cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Regular physical activity is important throughout life. Healthy lifestyles are more influential than genetic factors in avoiding deterioration traditionally associated with aging. The growing number of older Americans places increasing demands on the public health system and on medical and social services. Currently, almost one-third of total U.S. health care expenditures are for older adults. These expenditures are largely due to treatment and care of chronic diseases, and the cost associated with many of these conditions could be reduced through regular physical activity.

For children, almost any physical activity is sufficient as long as they are moving. Playing actively or participating in athletic or physical fitness activities during school, running, biking, jumping rope, and dancing— instead of watching television or playing video games— all provide children with the kinds of activity they need.

National Woman's Heart Day(R) Health Fair Offers Free Screenings

2006-01-30T19:26:00.000-08:00

LOS ANGELES January 30, 2006 -- Heart disease is women's No. 1 health threat, killing more women than the next six causes of death combined. Yet only 13 percent of women consider heart disease to be their greatest personal health risk. That's why it's critical that women get screened to learn their heart disease risk factors and take steps to reduce them.

Women can obtain free heart health screenings with on-the-spot results and advice on adopting heart-healthy lifestyles at the National Woman's Heart Day(R) Health Fair on Friday, February 17, 2006. Sponsored by non-profit Sister to Sister: Everyone Has a Heart Foundation, Inc., the health fair will be held at the Staples Center from 8:30am to 2:30pm.

Co-chairwomen Jeanie Buss, Executive VP Business Affairs, Los Angeles Lakers; L.A. County Supervisor Yvonne Burke; and Dr. Noel Bairey Merz, Medical Director, Women's Health Program, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, will be in attendance, as will wives of several of the Los Angeles Lakers (who are always taking care of their husbands, but often neglect themselves).

Women can learn their cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose levels and body mass index from the 15-minute heart health screenings. Results are provided on-site and include an overall risk assessment and counseling. Women also can participate in fitness exhibitions, including playing table tennis with Killerspin-sponsored international champions. There will also be healthy-cooking demonstrations; hear from nationally known experts on diabetes, nutrition, obesity, fitness, smoking cessation and stress management; and even get a free massage. Prizes and giveaways are offered as well.

The heart health fairs occur annually across the nation on the third Friday in February, officially declared as National Woman's Heart Day(R) by the federal government. This year, the Sister to Sister: Everyone Has a Heart Foundation is sponsoring heart-health screening fairs in 14 major U.S. cities.

Businesswoman and health care professional Irene Pollin, president of Sister to Sister: Everyone Has a Heart Foundation, founded Sister to Sister in 2000. It is the only national organization focused on the screening and prevention of heart disease in women.

"Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women," said Mrs. Pollin. "Screenings for potential heart problems, so women can learn about their personal risk factors and how to reduce them, is a critical first step in prevention and treatment. Unfortunately, too many women, with their multi-tasking duties and care giving, neglect their own well-being and are toying dangerously with their health."

In 2005, half of the more than 8,000 women that Sister to Sister screened were found to have two or more risk factors for heart disease. A significant number of them were unaware of their risk before the screening.

Sponsors of the Los Angeles event include Rite Aid, Anschutz Entertainment Group, LA Lakers and Sparks, BET, Nature Made Vitamins, Levy Restaurants and Lions Gate Films. National partners include America Online, Discovery Health Channel and Woman's Day. Government partners include the Office on Women's Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; the Office of Research on Women's Health in the National Institutes of Health; the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute in NIH; and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sister to Sister is a 501(c)(3) foundation that is dedicated solely to bringing free heart disease screenings and "heart-healthy" information and support to women to prevent heart disease. For more information, please visit www.womansheartday.org

Stress Isn't All Bad

2006-01-25T19:06:00.000-08:00

ROCHESTER, Minn. -- March 30, 2005 -- Stress often gets a bad rap. It's true that sustained stress is harmful to your health. It can contribute to insomnia, depression, anxiety, obesity, heart disease, depression and other problems.

But that's only half the story, according to the April issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource. Momentary (acute) stress may actually boost your immune system, promote longevity and help you meet life's challenges.

And life without any stress would be, well, boring. Manageable levels of stress make a challenging task exciting and increase your potential productivity and success.

Since stress itself isn't necessarily good or bad, the positive or negative effects of stress depend on the amount of stress you are able to tolerate.

One way to prevent stress overload is to choose positive and meaningful activities over those that saddle you with an unnecessary emotional load. For unavoidable stressors, such as trauma or loss, you can learn constructive ways to deal with them by focusing on those factors you can control. This may include taking care of yourself through diet and exercise, maintaining a positive approach and seeking help when you need it.

The above article is from the April issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource. You may cite this publication as often as you wish. Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource attribution is required. Also, you may reprint up to four articles annually without cost. More frequent reprinting is allowed for a fee. Include the following subscription information as your editorial policies permit: Call toll free for subscription information, 800-876-8633, extension 9PK1.

Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic. To subscribe, please call 800-876-8633, extension 9PK1.

Erik Kaldor -- Jacksonville -- 904-953-2299

Cure For Tennis Elbow: Follow these rules if you want to avoid - and treat - the dreaded tennis elbow

2006-01-20T19:01:00.000-08:00

If you play tennis, squash or racketball, chances are good that you will develop a problem called 'tennis elbow'. This inflammatory condition, often accompanied by stiffness, soreness, and outright pain, affects up to 45 per cent of regular racket-sport participants

Basically, tennis elbow is an overuse injury caused by repeated contractions of muscles connected to the elbow joint of the arm used to hit the ball. Stress on the elbow is inevitable, because some of the force created when the ball hits the racket automatically passes from the racket into the forearm and then to the elbow. This repeated impact produces trauma to the tissues surrounding the elbow, leading to inflammation and soreness. Unfortunately, continued play usually worsens the condition, heightens pain, and makes the elbow 'stiff', the result of a thickening of the synovium, the lubricating membrane which surrounds the elbow joint. Routine activities such as turning a door knob, holding an umbrella, or shaking hands can become insufferable nightmares

Elbow problems can be classified as either 'backhand tennis elbow' or 'forehand tennis elbow'. Backhand elbow is usually caused by lack of strength in the extensor muscles of the forearm (the muscles which attach on the outer side of the elbow) and/or by poor technique. For example, if a player hits backhand shots by leading with the elbow, the head of the racket lags behind the elbow during the initial part of the stroke. Just before impact with the ball, the racket must accelerate dramatically, travelling much faster than the elbow. When the racket actually hits the ball, the impact forces the racket to slow down immediately, and the heavy force of impact is transmitted directly to the elbow. One remedy for this is to hit the backstroke with the entire arm - instead of 'snapping' the forearm ahead at the elbow joint

Forehand tennis elbow is less common among novice players, primarily because the average tennis participant's inside-elbow muscles are stronger than the outside-elbow ones. However, professional players are at high risk for the malady, because their attempts to put spin on the ball (for topspin forehands and spin serves) lead to excessive action at the wrist, which in turn strains the elbow on the inside

Unfortunately, experience doesn't lead to a lessened risk. In fact, studies show that the frequency of tennis elbow increases with age and the number of years of play. Sadly, tennis elbow takes longer to correct in older players, too

To limit your risk of tennis elbow, the following steps should be very helpful:
1. Work with a knowledgeable coach to improve your technique

2. Make sure that the grip on your racket is the right size for you (a grip that is too large or too small increases wrist-muscle fatigue, making the wrist unstable and leading to too-large forces at the elbow)

3. Play on clay or grass courts (cement and other hard courts raise ball velocity, producing greater impacts and higher elbow forces)

4. Use less-stiff rackets (the stiffer the racket, the larger the force transmitted to the arm)

5. String your racket less tightly (the tighter the strings, the higher the force)

6. Strength train your wrist muscles, as well as the muscles on the inside and outside of the elbow. For the wrists, good exercises include squeezing a tennis ball and doing wrist curls and extensions with a dumbbell

7. Carry out stretching exercises for the wrist muscles and muscles on the outside and inside of the elbow after you play, or after a warm-up which includes light hitting of the ball

8. Avoid playing more than four times a week, and if soreness appears after a game, don't play again until the pain disappears

What if, despite these useful preventive steps, tennis elbow serves up a painful challenge to your game? The following measures should help you:
1. Ice down your sore elbow, keeping the ice on for 10- to 12-minute intervals, with 20-minute rests between applications

2. Use oral anti-inflammatory medications as directed by your doctor

3. Apply anti-inflammatory creams to the elbow joint

4. As directed by your doctor, use Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) treatments, which have been shown to reduce pain and inflammation in scientific studies

5. Once the pain subsides, try using a 'counter brace band' when you play. This band, which fastens around your forearm no closer than one inch below the elbow joint, slightly changes the angle of pull on elbow tendons, helps distribute impact forces at the elbow, and is believed to absorb some of the shock

The final word? Tennis elbow doesn't have to 'ace you out' of your favourite sport. By building elbow and wrist strength and making some slight changes in your game, you should be able to eliminate tennis elbow in straight sets.
('Treatment and Prevention of Tennis Elbow,' Sports Science Exchange, vol. 1 (8), 1988)

Life Time Fitness Columbia, Maryland, Grand Opening Celebration

2006-01-17T19:15:00.000-08:00

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - January 17, 2006 - Life Time Fitness, Inc. (NYSE:LTM), a national operator of distinctive and large health and fitness centers, today announced that its newest sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation and resort/spa center, located in Columbia, Maryland will host a Grand Opening celebration on Thursday, February 9, 2006, beginning at 6:45 p.m.

Columbia community officials and Life Time Fitness representatives will host a special ribbon-cutting ceremony and welcome several thousand new members, along with Columbia-area residents to tour the new health and fitness resort. The event will also feature multiple program demonstrations and activities for kids.

Life Time Fitness Columbia marks the Company's third health and fitness center in Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. area and its 48th nationally. The new location also represents one of the Company's large, 110,000+ square foot model centers offering 24-hour access to more than 400 pieces of state-of-the-art cardio, resistance and free-weight training equipment, along with a multitude of amenities.

"Each of our centers is uniquely designed with the member experience in mind," said Mike Brown, senior vice president, Operations, Life Time Fitness. "Our commitment is to meet the health and fitness needs of the entire family, while delivering a consistent 'WOW' experience and an unprecedented value to our guests each and every time they visit. Far more than a typical health club, Life Time Fitness is the essential destination for those families seeking a healthy and active way of life."

Life Time Fitness Columbia amenities include multiple, state-of-the-art group fitness and spinning studios with free classes, a team of certified personal trainers and programming, a wide selection of adult and youth programs and activities, rock climbing walls, two full-size basketball courts, squash and racquetball courts, designated yoga and Pilates studios, dry sauna and free towels and lockers. The center also sports large indoor and outdoor aquatics centers, featuring multiple, two-story waterslides, two large, zero-depth recreation pools, a lap pool and children's interactive play area, two whirlpools and an outdoor bistro.

Families will appreciate Life Time Fitness' large child center, featuring a play maze, computer lab, separate infant playroom, basketball court and numerous other children's activities. Dedicated family locker rooms also are available.

Furthermore, members can take advantage of LifeSpa, which delivers a full range of hair, nail and skin care services, and therapeutic massage, and LifeCafe, which offers the best in nutritional food and beverage services.

Life Time Fitness Columbia will officially open for workouts at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, February 10. The new center is located at 7220 DeForest Drive, Columbia, MD 21046. The other two Life Time Fitness centers in the area are located in Fairfax, VA and Centreville, VA. For more information about Life Time Fitness Columbia, please visit www.lifetimefitness.com.

About Life Time Fitness, Inc.
Life Time Fitness, Inc. (NYSE:LTM) operates distinctive and large sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation and resort/spa centers. As of January 17, 2006, the Company operated 47 centers in eight states, including Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Texas and Virginia. The Company also provides consumers with personal training consultation, full-service spas and cafes, corporate wellness programs, health and nutrition education, the healthy lifestyle magazine - Experience Life, athletic events, and nutritional products and supplements. Life Time Fitness is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota (www.lifetimefitness.com). LIFE TIME FITNESS, the LIFE TIME FITNESS logo, and EXPERIENCE LIFE are registered trademarks of Life Time Fitness, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Exercise Good for Early Knee Osteoarthritis

2005-10-28T20:59:00.000-07:00

Moderate Exercise Reduces Joint Pain and Improves Knee Function

A new study may help dispel the notion that exercise might do more harm than good for people with early symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee.

Rather than put additional "wear and tear" on damaged knee joint cartilage, Swedish researchers found that moderate exercise actually strengthened joint cartilage as well as reduced pain in people at high risk for developing osteoarthritis.

OsteoarthritisOsteoarthritis is the leading cause of disability among adults. The condition causes joint pain, swelling, and eventually loss of function in the affected joint. It commonly affects the knees and hips, but other joints can also be affected.

Osteoarthritis and Exercise

Studies have shown moderate exercise can reduce pain and slow the progression of osteoarthritis of the knee and hip. But more than 60% of American adults fail to meet the minimum recommendations for physical activity.

Osteoarthritis is caused, in part, by the gradual wear and tear on the joints, which has prompted the belief that exercise may aggravate cartilage loss.

Researchers say that until recently, it was impossible to disprove that notion because standard X- rays could only show severe cartilage damage after it occurred.

But advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) now allow researchers to detect changes in cartilage earlier in the course of osteoarthritis.

Exercise May Prevent Osteoarthritis of the Knee

In the study, published in Arthritis & Rheumatism, researchers used MRI technology to examine the impact of moderate exercise on the knee cartilage of 30 men and women who had undergone the same kind of knee surgery three to five years earlier, which would place them at high risk for developing osteoarthritis of the knee.

Half of the group was enrolled in a supervised exercise program combining aerobic and weight-bearing exercise for a one-hour program three times a week and the other half acted as controls.

After four months, MRI scans were used to evaluate knee cartilage, and the participants answered questions about their knee pain and stiffness.

The results showed that many of those in the moderate exercise group reported gains in physical activity and joint function, which were confirmed by tests of aerobic performance and stamina. In addition, the scans showed that the exercise group experienced improvement in a key strength component of cartilage.

"This study shows compositional changes in adult joint cartilage as a result of increased exercise, which confirms the observations made in prior animal studies but has not been previously shown in humans," says researcher Leif Dahlberg, in a news release.

The changes suggest that human cartilage responds to exercise in a way that is similar to muscle and bone and may have important implications for preventing osteoarthritis of the knee in those at risk.

But the size of the study was small and additional studies will be needed to confirm these findings.

SOURCES: Roos, E. Arthritis & Rheumatism, November 2005; vol 52: 3507-3514. News release, John Wiley & Sons.

FDA Update on Influenza Vaccine Supply

2005-10-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is updating the public on the status of influenza vaccine availability for the 2005-2006 influenza season.

FDA anticipates the production of more vaccine than last year. At this time, we do not know the exact number of doses to be distributed, but despite Chiron's lowered projections announced today, we still anticipate that there will be significantly more vaccine produced than last year.

"A tremendous amount of work by FDA, MHRA, and the firm has brought us to the point that will allow Chiron to distribute influenza vaccine for this flu season," said Dr. Jesse Goodman, Director of FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. "However, as with all influenza vaccine manufacturers, Chiron's influenza vaccine must undergo safety testing and lot release evaluation before it can be released to the market."

FDA is committed to working with all of the influenza vaccine manufacturers to expedite product lot release and availability of vaccine. While occasional spot shortages may occur as manufacturers complete their final testing, we expect these shortages to resolve as vaccine continues to be released to health care providers and others who administer the vaccine.

There are four manufacturers distributing influenza vaccine this year: Sanofi Pasteur, Inc., MedImmune Vaccines, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, and Chiron. FDA has been actively working with them to ensure an adequate, safe, and effective supply of vaccine. As part of this overall effort, the Agency has had close interactions with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA, the U.K. regulatory authority) and Chiron, as the company has worked to correct the problems that led to its license suspension by MHRA.

Influenza season may begin as early as October and run through May. The best time to get vaccinated is in October or November, but getting vaccinating in December or later still can be beneficial.

For more information on influenza and influenza vaccine, please go to http://www.cdc.gov/flu/ and http://www.fda.gov/cber/flu/flu2005.htm.

Media Inquiries:
Julie Zawisza , 301-827-6242
Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA

HealtheTech(TM) Launches HealtheLog(TM) - New Online Tool for Managing a Healthy Lifestyle

2005-05-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

HealtheLog Is a Next-Generation Tool Designed Specifically for Organizations Focused on Enhancing the Health of Their Employees or Members

GOLDEN, Colo., May 17, 2005 -- HealtheTech, Inc. (Pink Sheets: HETC), a Colorado-based company that develops and markets technologically advanced and proprietary handheld medical and commercial devices and software for the measurement of metabolism and nutrition monitoring, announced today that it has launched HealtheLog, a next-generation tool that offers organizations large and small a convenient and affordable online health management tool for their employees and staff members.

The HealtheLog application offers total population access to a program personalized for each individual based on their metabolism, goals and preferences. In addition to detailed daily nutrition and exercise tracking, HealtheLog also offers daily logging and monitoring of glucose and other important body and health measurements such as cholesterol, blood pressure and body fat. HealtheLog is a convenient and affordable health management tool for employers, providers, and other organizations to offer to their entire population.

"The HealtheLog application is a much-needed tool in the corporate and organizational setting, where employee and staff health is not just a human resources concern, but also a significant contributor to rising corporate healthcare costs. HealtheLog provides organizations with a proven and scientifically based tool to directly address and contribute to improving weight management and the overall health of their employees -- resulting in increased productivity and corporate cost reductions," said Sandy MacPherson, President and Chief Executive Officer for HealtheTech, Inc. "The growing number of corporate headlines focused on the direct correlation between employee health and reduced productivity and profits, are proof positive that a simple and effective health management tool is a necessity," added MacPherson.

HealtheLog is a web-based application, and can be conveniently deployed within any browser environment, including a corporate intranet. The application is available on a per-user basis, or as an enterprise-wide license -- both of which can carry the organization's own brand and identity. The application provides a personalized program based on an individual's Metabolic Fingerprint(TM), also known as their resting metabolic rate, determined by a simple 5 to 10 minute breath measurement with a HealtheTech handheld metabolism measurement device. Individual metabolism accounts for up to 75 percent of the total calories a person burns each day, and is essential information for personalizing a weight management and wellness plan for each individual. To find out more about HealtheLog or other HealtheTech solutions,
contact HealtheTech at 877-310-1200, or visit http://www.healthetech.com.

About HealtheTech, Inc.
HealtheTech, Inc. headquartered in Golden, CO., develops and markets technologically advanced and proprietary handheld medical devices and software for the measurement of resting metabolic rate and monitoring of nutrition. HealtheTech's breakthrough products assist healthcare and wellness professionals in the areas of weight management, fitness, health and medical nutrition therapy, to provide cost-effective and personalized nutrition monitoring and weight management tools. HealtheTech's product line includes hardware and software that allows consumers to monitor their health and nutrition simply and easily. The company's common stock is traded on the Pink Sheets under the symbol "HETC." For more information, please visit
http://www.healthetech.com.

This release includes 'forward looking' statements within the meaning of
applicable securities laws. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, may constitute forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are disclosed in the risk factors contained in the Company's 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2004. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by such factors.

SOURCE HealtheTech, Inc.
Web Site: http://www.healthetech.com

Gotta-Have Foods for Good Health

2005-03-31T13:17:00.000-08:00

ROCHESTER, Minn. -- March 31, 2005 -- Food provides energy for your body to function. Eating the right foods also can help ward off illnesses. The April issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter lists 10 gotta-have foods for good health:

Whole grains: Choose bread or cereal that has whole wheat, whole-wheat flour or other whole grains as the first ingredients on the label. Don't be fooled by the words "wheat bread" or "wheat flour." Look for the word "whole." Eating whole grains may lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer.

Fish: Nutritionists recommend that you aim for at least two three-ounce cooked servings of fish a week. If possible, go for fish such as salmon and tuna. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may protect against heart disease.

Walnuts and almonds: Nuts are nutrient dense and naturally cholesterol free. Studies suggest that they may even help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol -- the "bad" cholesterol -- and reduce your risk of a heart attack.

Plant stanols or sterols: Margarine-like spreads such as Benecol and Take Control contain added plant stanols or sterols -- natural substances from plants that help block the absorption of cholesterol. When used as directed in place of other fats, they can decrease LDL up to 14 percent.

Soy: Regular soy in your diet may reduce your cholesterol and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. Try soy burgers or soy dogs instead of meat. Snack on soy yogurt or roasted soy nuts. Add soy powder to a shake made with fat-free ice cream.

Fat-free dairy products: Skim milk and fat-free cottage cheese, yogurt and cheese can contribute to preventing high blood pressure, stroke, colon cancer and obesity.

Berries: Berries are rich in antioxidants that may lower cancer and cardiovascular disease risk. Blueberries are especially high in antioxidants. Raspberries and strawberries aren't far behind.

Broccoli and cauliflower: These and other cruciferous vegetables -- cabbage, brussels sprouts, bok choy and kale -- have naturally occurring phytochemicals that may help reduce the risk of colorectal and other cancers. These vegetables contain fiber, have no cholesterol and are naturally low in fat and calories.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain nutrients that include vitamins C and B-complex as well as iron and potassium and the antioxidant lycopene. Studies indicate that lycopene may lower the risk of heart attack, prostate cancer and possibly other cancers, too.

Green tea: This is a major source of phytochemicals known as flavonoids, which may help lower the risk of some cancers and heart disease.

Erik Kaldor -- Jacksonville -- 904-953-2299

Lynn Closway -- Scottsdale -- 480-301-4337

Here is a highlight from the April issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter. You may cite this publication as often as you wish. Also, you may reprint up to four articles annually without cost. More frequent reprinting is allowed for a fee. Mayo Clinic Health Letter attribution is required. Include the following subscription information as your editorial policies permit: Call toll free for subscription information, 800-333-9037, extension 9PR1.

Mayo Clinic Health Letter is an eight-page monthly newsletter of reliable, accurate and practical information on today's health and medical news. To subscribe, please call toll free 800-333-9037, extension 9PR1.

24 Hour Fitness and Nautilus Partner to Launch New Nautilus Commercial Series TreadClimber Cardio Machines; Largest Fitness Club Chain to Have First 5

2005-03-18T15:24:00.000-08:00

SAN FRANCISCO, Mar 18, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- 24 Hour Fitness(R), the world's largest privately owned and operated fitness club organization, and Nautilus, Inc. (NYSE:NLS), a leading fitness equipment provider, announced they will partner to launch Nautilus(R) Commercial Series TreadClimber(TM) machines. The new style of cardiovascular exercise delivers twice the calorie burn compared to a treadmill, through a natural, low-impact movement that combines walking and stairstepping into one machine.

The exclusive partnership includes installing 500 Nautilus TreadClimber cardio machines in about 100 facilities where the new style of cardiovascular exercise will be showcased to fitness enthusiasts who are members or guests of 24 Hour Fitness. The introduction will be supported by an integrated marketing program, including advertising, in-club promotion and training. Nautilus developed the commercial-quality Nautilus TreadClimber after experiencing success over the past 18 months with product models suited for home use.

"This is one of the most significant innovations in the history of the fitness industry, and we're delighted to launch this product to help attract more people to lead a fit and healthy lifestyle," said Mark Mastrov, Chairman and CEO of 24-Hour Fitness, which has more than 340 fitness locations. "Further, this is the first time in my memory that a fitness manufacturer has stepped up to provide us with marketing that supports our current members and drives new members to our facilities. We believe this new TreadClimber exercise experience will appeal to a broad range of people who want a great cardio workout in a short amount of time."

The initial installation will occur by July 2005 with marketing and promotion activities continuing through the third quarter. The program may be expanded to other locations later in the year, Mastrov said.

"Because 24-Hour Fitness is our largest single commercial customer, we approached them first about partnering with us to take our TreadClimber cardio machine to the commercial fitness marketplace," said Gregg Hammann, chairman and CEO of Nautilus, Inc., which manufactures and markets four leading brands of fitness products. "Our strategic approach is to build strong partnerships that grow the overall fitness category. Following this strategy, we will support the 24 Hour Fitness installation with educational and outreach activities that showcase this new style of exercise to 24 Hour Fitness members, prospective members and guests. This is the kind of innovation and partnership that will attract more people to a lifelong pattern of fitness and health."

The Nautilus TreadClimber helps people improve their physical condition through a style of exercise described by test users as "walking up a sand dune." It offers a great cardio workout at a walking pace, with minimum impact to the body, and low perceived exertion. The TreadClimber product concept was introduced for home use in mid-2003 and became one of the fastest-emerging new fitness products in history with more than $70 million in net sales in the first 18 months. Models for the home are available through www.nautilus.com and select specialty fitness and sporting goods retailers.

Nautilus TreadClimber units from an initial production run are on display for commercial fitness industry leaders who are attending the annual International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association conference this weekend, which attracts around 8,000 fitness decision-makers.

About 24-Hour Fitness
Headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., 24 Hour Fitness(R), the world's largest privately owned and operated fitness center chain with a vision of making fitness a way of life. Led by chairman and CEO Mark Mastrov, the organization began as a one-club operation in 1983 and has grown to more than 340 clubs serving 2.7 million members in 16 states in the U.S., and four countries in Asia.

About Nautilus, Inc.
Headquartered in Vancouver, Wash., Nautilus, Inc. (NYSE:NLS) helps people achieve a fit and healthy lifestyle through proper exercise, rest and nutrition. With a brand portfolio that includes Nautilus(R), Bowflex(R), Schwinn(R)Fitness, StairMaster(R) and Trimline(R), Nautilus manufactures and markets a complete line of innovative health and fitness products through direct, commercial and retail channels. The Company was formed in 1986 and had 2004 sales of $523 million. It has 1,200 employees and operations in Washington, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Illinois, Virginia, Switzerland, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, China, and elsewhere. More information is at www.nautilus.com.

SOURCE: Nautilus, Inc.

Nautilus, Inc.
Ron Arp, 360-418-6169
or
Integrated Corporate Relations, Inc.
John Mills, 310-395-2215 or 203-222-9013

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Please refer to our reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, for a further discussion of these risks and uncertainties. Visitors to our web site are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date they were made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Breakthrough Beverage "Fruta Vida" Defies Aging and Health Problems by Introducing a Product that Combines the Acai Berry, Yerba Mate and Cupuacu

2005-03-12T19:05:00.000-08:00

Fruta Vida is a 100% natural product that contains the Top Superfoods in the World. With the urgent quest for healthier, younger looking bodies, we now find ourselves searching for products that contain the HIGHEST quality content for a reasonable price. Fruta Vida also offers a way to earn a meaningful income from home using their automated marketing system.

March 12, 2005 -- With the boom of the health and fitness craze people are now more than ever concerned with maintaining a youthful appearance, acheiving and maintaining good health, and finding mental balance and clarity. Medical science in turn has compiled significant data to provide us with the information needed to choose a product that will help us accomplish these goals. Researchers seem to agree that powerful antioxidants provide anti-aging benefits, help ensure optimum health, help balance mood, and provide greater mental clarity. Fruta Vida's breakthrough formula contains the Acai berry (pronounced ah-sigh-ee). The Acai berries orac value (a measure of antioxidant properties) is higher than any other edible berry on the planet! Another noted benefit is the boost of energy it provides without the side effect of jitters that come with energy drinks containing caffeine. The Acai berry has already recieved an array of credible third party verification from sources such as The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Oprah Winfrey Show and NBC's Today Show!

During (Nov. 2004) Dr. Perricone, a leading authority on anti-aging, was a special guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show. During his interview, Dr. Perricone gave Oprah's audience a list of his top 10 Superfoods for anti-aging and optimal health. At the top of that list was Acai! Fruta Vida's power packed health beverage includes not only Acai, but 2 other wonderful Superfoods: Yerba mate (contains viatmins A, C, E, B1, B2, Niacin (B3), B5, complex minerals, and additional compounds such as carotene, chlorophyll, Flavanols, Polyphenols, Inositol, Antioxidants, Tannins and amino acids),and Cupuacu to ensure that you receive the highest concentration of antioxidants in one product.

Fruta Vida provides an opportunity for people to earn a passive monthly income, while enjoying the benefits of good health.

More info on the product here: http://www.fightingfatigue.com

###

Women Urged to Learn the Latest on Aspirin Therapy and Heart Disease Prevention

2005-03-09T12:37:00.000-08:00

Free Report on Heart Health Now Available

WASHINGTON, DC and RED BANK, NJ, March 9, 2005 - The National Women’s Health Resource Center (NWHRC) is urging women, especially those over the age of 45, to talk with their health care professionals about the recently released study on the use of low-dose aspirin in the prevention of cardiovascular disease in women. The study found that while aspirin lowered the risk of stroke, it did not affect women’s risk of heart attack or death from other cardiovascular diseases.

“Heart disease and stroke remain leading killers and cripplers of women. Women want and need to know how to protect themselves,” said Amy Niles, president and CEO of the NWHRC. “NWHRC recently launched the “Take 10 for Your Heart” year-long campaign to raise heart health awareness. That needs to include taking 10 minutes to talk with a health care professional about this latest research on daily low dose aspirin.”

The study, funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute was the first gold standard clinical trial of low dose aspirin in the prevention of heart attack and stroke in women.

The American Heart Association’s (AHA) guidelines for cardiovascular disease prevention on women, issued in early 2004, included recommendations for aspirin use among women at varying levels of risk for heart disease and stroke. In a published statement, the AHA’s president emphasized that for women with known cardiovascular disease, aspirin therapy is “beneficial in reducing heart attacks as well as stroke, and unless it is contraindicated these women should receive aspirin therapy.” The study offered no clear guidelines for women of intermediate risk.

The National Women's Health Report: Women & Heart Health: From Prevention to Intervention, includes information on aspirin therapy. It can be ordered free of charge at www.healthywomen.org.

Take 10 for Your Heart was chosen as the name for the NWHRC’s heart health education campaign because we know what busy lives women lead today, said Niles. “Medical research shows that even small lifestyle changes, can make a difference in a woman's risk for heart disease. That's why we say, “Take 10. Make time. It will pay big health dividends.”

The National Women’s Health Resource Center (NWHRC) is the leading independent health information source for women. For more information, call 877-986-9472 or visit www.healthywomen.org.

For more information:
Beverly Dame
888-406-9472

Groups Clash Over Report That Questions Value of Milk

2005-03-07T16:35:00.000-08:00

Drink lots of milk when you're young and you'll have healthy bones as an adult, right? Not so fast, claims a new study that contends federal guidelines calling for more calcium intake, basically from diary products, aren't the best way to get the recommended 800 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium a day, NBC News reports.

The study, appearing in the March issue of the journal Pediatrics, said there are alternatives to milk or other dairy products as a way to sustain bone density and prevent osteoporosis.

Those alternatives include calcium-fortified orange juice, a cup of cooked kale or turnip greens, two packages of instant oats, or two-thirds of a cup of tofu, the report said.

The study, a review of 37 existing studies examining the impact of calcium consumption on bone strength in children older than 7, found that 27 reviews did not support drinking more milk to boost calcium. The new analysis was done by researchers with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, in Washington, D.C., NBC News reported.

A spokesman for the Academy of Pediatrics noted that, while it may still be an open question as to how much calcium children need, current guidelines aren't harmful and dairy is a good source of the nutrient.

But the debate doesn't end there. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit group known for promoting a vegetarian lifestyle and animal rights, the news network reported. The National Dairy Council called the study "an opinion piece by representatives of an animal-rights organization that has only a 5 percent physician membership. When conducting their review, PCRM authors chose to ignore decades of comprehensive research endorsing dairy's role in bone health."

Nutrition Tips to Improve Fat Loss

2005-03-05T12:04:00.000-08:00

by: Rick DeToma

Incorporating these fat loss tips will improve your nutrition program. Start off slowly and add one a week, you don't have to adopt all of them at once. Before long, you’ve cleaned up your nutrition program and on your way to reaching your goal. Trendy diets, fads and the infomercial product of the month, are not going to help you reach your weight loss goals. A well thought-out nutrition and exercise program will.

Eat breakfast

Proven time and again, those who eat breakfast are more successful at controlling their weight than those that don't. Plus, when doing strength training exercises (and you know you should be), it's even more important to make certain you fuel those muscles after an overnight fast. The perfect time for burning fat because glycogen, blood glucose and insulin levels are all low.

Unfortunately, it may also be perfect for burning muscle, because glycogen levels are low, and levels of the catabolic stress hormone cortisol are high. If you skip breakfast and eat lunch at noon, you’re not only in a highly catabolic (muscle wasting) state, you’re also sending an unmistakable starvation signal to your body.

Eat less sugar

Start reading labels! Sugar is hidden in almost every commercial food item. A single tablespoon of ketchup gets 3 of its 4 grams of carbs from sugar. A 12 oz can of cola has a staggering 40 grams of sugar, and ALL of the carbs in a cola are sugar! Why does that matter?

Simple sugars are digested very quickly and cause a rapid spike in blood sugar. Your body then releases large amounts of insulin. Insulin quickly clears the glucose from the bloodstream leading to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia.) Low blood sugar causes cravings, hunger, weakness, mood swings and decreased energy. These cravings for sugar result in a vicious cycle of ups and downs in blood sugar levels throughout the day.

Eat More Often

Studies have shown that those who eat 4-6 smaller meals per day have less body fat than those eating 2-3 meals a day, even if both groups eat about the same number of calories. This is because of maintaining steady blood sugar levels. Too much insulin activates fat storage enzymes and forces fat in the bloodstream into fat cells for storage.

High insulin levels also inhibit enzymes that promote the breakdown of existing stored body fat. You can manage your blood sugar and insulin levels by choosing fewer simple carbohydrates, more complex carbohydrates, eating fiber and having your carbohydrates with lean proteins approximately every three hours.

Eat protein

Be sure to include enough protein for your level of activity (you are exercising…right?)

Protein speeds up your metabolism because your body has to work harder to digest, process, and utilize it compared to fats or carbs.

The "thermic" effect of protein is one of the reasons that a higher protein diet is more effective for fat loss than a diet high in fat or carbs. Too much of any food can be stored as body fat, but protein is less likely to be converted to fat than any other nutrient.

Eat nothing from a box

The closer your food is to nature the better off you are. Have you looked at the ingredients list in most packaged food these days? You need to be a scientist to figure out what half the ingredients are. Stick to real, wholesome foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, etc.

Eat your vegetables

I don't mean fast food french fries. Try to get as many vegetable servings into your meals as you can. It's nearly impossible to over eat vegetables. They are full of fiber and will help keep you full between meals. They also contain loads of antioxidants. Raw is great, steamed is another good way to have them. Hold the heavy cheese sauces please!

Eat protein and carbs together

If you want to keep your blood sugar in check, then don't eat your carbs by themselves. Strive to always have balanced meals of protein, carbs and healthy fats. You'll feel better and your muscles will thank you.

Prepare your own food

Best for several reasons…It's cheaper than eating out, you know exactly what you are eating, and it saves time. It takes no more time to cook up 6 healthy chicken breasts than it does to cook one or two. Make things easy. Prepare them over the weekend and your lunches for the next few days are done. While you are at it, put on a pot of brown or wild rice, or bake up some sweet potatoes and you're good to go.

Drink water

LOTS! Most people are already dehydrated. Strive to drink a gallon a day. If you drink a lot of coffee, then you need an extra 8 oz for each cup of coffee. Exercise will put more demands on your fluid levels. You need water. Drink 50-75% of your body weight in ounces of water. Add an additional 16 oz for strenuous exercise. No complaining!

Get more exercise

Get some exercise on most days of the week, and alternate between strength training exercises and cardio training. If you are a beginner, shoot for two weight workouts a week and progress to 3 or more depending upon your goals. Get in as many cardio sessions as your schedule will allow, but aim for at least 3.

Commit to adopting these nutrition program changes and you'll be well on your way to reaching your weight loss goal, whether it's ten pounds or many more. Sound nutrition and exercise will always succeed in the long run. Don't give into the temptation of fads.

The information contained in this article is strictly for informational purposes and is not intended to provide medical advice. If you are sedentary or over 40 please get clearance from a doctor before starting an exercise program.

© By Rick DeToma

About The Author

Rick DeToma is a fitness coach, and trainer who specializes in home workouts. Contact Rick for a no obligation telephone fitness assessment at:
http://www.tailored-fitness-home-workouts.com/contact.html Get more tips like these by subscribing to Tailored Fitness News
http://www.tailored-fitness-home-workouts.com/newsletter.html

National Healthy Eating Program Makes it Fun for Kids to Eat Right

2005-03-03T21:38:00.000-08:00

THERE’S A RAINBOW ON MY PLATE!

Wilmington, DE -- March 3, 2005 -- With childhood obesity a lingering problem for our nation's youth, Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH), Dole Food Company, Inc., and Crayola, have partnered to launch the third annual "There's a Rainbow on My Plate" healthy eating program during National Nutrition Month® this March. The highly successful program, initially launched in 2003, teaches young children and their families the importance of eating a colorful variety of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables every day for better health in a fun and entertaining way.

"Childhood and adult obesity continue to impact the health of Americans. It's critical to teach children and families about the importance of eating a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables each day," said Elizabeth Pivonka, Ph.D., R.D., president of PBH.

"The recently revised U.S. Dietary Guidelines increased recommendations for fruit and vegetable consumption across the board, clearly illustrating the need to educate all Americans about the role of fruits and vegetables in long-term health and weight control," added Pivonka. "Teaching the concept of eating by color, gives kids a fun, simple way to develop life-long healthy eating habits."

The 2005 program will include the "There's a Rainbow in My Cart" national coloring sweepstakes for children ages 4-12 in which students are encouraged to depict the colorful variety of fruits and vegetables they would like to add to their shopping cart at the grocery store. Winners will be drawn at random and the five grand prize winners will be awarded a year's supply of free fruits and vegetables and a Crayola Gift Pack will be awarded to five first place winners. Complete applications, rules and entry requirements can be found on the partner's websites.

"Research shows the tremendous importance of fruits and vegetables in achieving good health at all stages of life," said Amy Myrdal, M.S., R.D., director of nutrition marketing and research for the Dole Food Company. "Through this program we hope to engage young children and their families with innovative educational stories, materials and activities that 'teach' them about the importance of a healthy diet filled with a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables, and help them to reach their 5 A Day goal."

"Crayola color has been a part of nearly every child's life," said Dean Erlandson, vice president of sales for Binney & Smith, maker of Crayola products. "Adding color to healthy eating makes it fun for kids to eat their fruits and vegetables and learn why that's so important to their lives."

More than 5,000 supermarkets will participate in the national retail promotion offering a free "There's a Rainbow on My Plate" coloring and story book with the purchase of any Dole® fruit or vegetable and Crayola Erasable Twistables. Participating retailers currently include: Albertsons, Andersons, Cub Foods, Food Lion, Giant Carlisle, Giant Eagle, Giant Landover, Gristedes, Hy-Vee, Jewel Osco, Kroger, Pathmark, Price Chopper, Schnuck Markets, ShopRite, Stop & Shop, Tops, Wegmans and Winn Dixie.

The Rainbow on My Plate curriculum was given to 12,000 elementary schools nationwide and is available online at www.5aday.org. PBH estimates the curriculum will reach more than 1.2 million teachers and children this year.

The educational and retail campaigns offers children and their families valuable nutritional information about the different forms of fruits and vegetables (fresh, dried, frozen, canned, and juiced), the healthful benefits of fruits and vegetables within each color group (RED, ORANGE/YELLOW, GREEN, BLUE/PURPLE and WHITE), and convenient, simple ways to add colorful fruits and vegetables to their daily diets.

Note to editors: Contact Laura Holmes at lholmes@5aday.org for "There's a Rainbow on My Plate" press materials, including a list of participating retailers, poster and curriculum artwork, coloring contest materials and information, and campaign graphics.

About Produce for Better Health Foundation
Produce for Better Health Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to lead the way to achieving increased daily consumption of fruits and vegetables by leveraging private industry resources, leveraging public sector resources, influencing policy makers, motivating key consumer influencers, and promoting fruits and vegetables directly to consumers. The foundation is chair and member of the National 5 A Day Partnership, consisting of government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry working in collaboration to expand 5 A Day efforts to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables for improved public health. The 5 A Day for Better Health program is the nation's largest public-private nutrition education initiative with 5 A Day coordinators in each state, territory and the military. To learn more, visit www.5aday.org.

About Dole Food Company, Inc.
Dole Food Company, Inc. is the world's largest producer and marketer of high-quality fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and fresh-cut flowers, markets a growing line of packaged foods, and is an industry leader in nutrition research and education. The Dole 5 A Day Program is recognized throughout the world as a leader in nutrition education for children aged five to 10. Since 1991 Dole has provided free interactive 5 A Day nutrition education materials to more than 120,000 teachers working in more than 43,000 elementary schools across the country. To learn more about Dole's nutrition education programs and materials, go to www.dole5aday.com. DOLE® is a registered trademark of the Dole Food Company, Inc.

All rights reserved.

About Binney & Smith
Binney & Smith, Inc. is the maker of Crayola branded art products for children's hands-on creative expression. The company makes more than three billion crayons a year at its headquarters based in Easton, Pa. Crayola's Erasable Twistables are the first crayons with a built-in eraser and twist-up tip that lets kids make changes to their artwork or homework. Since the first box of eight Crayola crayons was sold to schools in 1903, the Crayola brand has maintained a strong commitment to education and helping children discover their world through art. To learn more about the Crayola brand's involvement in the 5 A Day program and to obtain "There's a Rainbow on My Plate" materials, visit www.crayola.com.

Crayola and Erasable Twistables are registered trademarks of Binney & Smith. All rights reserved.

About National Nutrition Month
National Nutrition Month is a registered trademark of the American Dietetic Association, online at www.eatright.org. All rights reserved. Reference herein is not intended to indicate or imply ADA endorsement of "There's a Rainbow on My Plate."

# # #

CONTACT:
Christine Filardo, Director of Communications
Produce for Better Health Foundation
5341 Limestone Rd.
Wilmington, DE 19808
302-235-2329
Fax: 302-235-5555

Angela Richmond
407-423-8006

The Black Cloud Of Depression

2005-03-03T12:11:00.000-08:00

by: Jane Kriese

Depression is defined as “low spirits, gloominess, dejection and sadness.”

Depression affects your whole body, physically and mentally. It affects the way you eat, sleep, feel about yourself and your actions towards yourself and others.

There are many types and degrees of depression, all with different symptoms. The symptoms include; chronic fatigue, sleep disturbance, change in appetite, backache, digestive disorder, restlessness, irritability, quick to anger, loss of interest or pleasure in your favorite pastimes, feelings of worthlessness and some people even think of death and consider suicide.

The causes of depression are not fully understood but it can be triggered by tension, stress, trauma in your life, chemical imbalance, thyroid disorder, burn out, hypoglycemia, nutritional deficiencies, poor diet, high consumption of sugar, mononucleosis, endometriosis, allergies (especially food allergies), lack of exercise and negative thinking.

Have you noticed that many of the causes of depression are the same as other lifestyle diseases? This information tells you that depression is curable. It also means that you have to change your lifestyle. You need to re-evaluate your life and make the necessary changes. Be gentle with yourself; start slowly. My first suggestion is to visit www.herbs4health.net and print off the free E-Book “9 Steps To A Healthy, Vibrant Body”. Pay close attention to Step One and Step Two.

Find out the condition of your body and this way you will know what health problems you are facing. Test your Thyroid, if you have hypothyroidism you can usually stimulate the thyroid by taking a herbal remedy containing kelp. A body that is deficient of vitamins and minerals will feel very tired and sluggish. Start taking calcium/magnesium and a vitamin/mineral combination on a daily basis. The herb St. John's Wort has been very helpful in treating people who have suffered from depression.

Be sure these products are liquid, plant extract. Liquid extracts will assimilate in your body in a few minutes. This way your body receives good nutrients and will no longer suffer from nutritional deficiencies.

Examine your life style: Are you getting enough sleep? Are you eating healthy foods? Are you living a fairly stress free life? Are you getting enough exercise? If you have answered 'no'... to any of these questions, that is O.K.. You know this now and you can start to make changes slowly. You did not get sick overnight, give your self time to heal your body. To start your get well program make one small change at a time, try giving up sugar or caffeine. You choose the change but remember you need to start somewhere, just one small step at a time.

Examine the emotional issues in your life. Are you angry about issues from your childhood or family? Do you have other problem relationships in your life? Do you have problems with your career? Are there other parts of your life that aren't working for you? Do you concentrate on what is wrong in your life? If you have answered 'yes' ... to any of these questions that is O.K. There is help.

At this time you are probably feeling overwhelmed.... don't! think of this as a small step program. One of the first steps you can take for emotional issues is to start a gratitude journal. Each day write down things you are grateful to have in your life. Maybe it was only the blue sky today, but tomorrow your list could grow to five things and soon you will fill a page.

Don't try to do this by yourself - if you have been depressed for more than a couple months this could be bigger than you are able to handle by yourself. Seek professional help. You can also join a 12 Step program - there is a great program called “Emotions Anonymous” and this program is available in many communities in Canada and the U.S.A. Check your yellow pages for a program near you.

Do you have issues with alcohol or drugs? If you said 'yes'... seek professional help.(Most people who are struggling with addictions are also depressed) You can not cure yourself.

Are you contemplating your death? If you said 'yes'... put this paper down immediately, phone a person you trust and ask for their assistance. Seek professional help immediately.

At this point I have to confess, I have suffered from depression, it was not a fun time in my life but with counseling, changes in my life style and herbal products, I was able to rebuild my body, my mind and my spirit. Today I am happier and healthier than I have ever been in my whole life. You too can over come this disease and live a healthy, vibrant life.

© 2005 Jane Kriese janes-store@telus.net

Would you like to have a Healthy Vibrant Body? To learn more, sign up for Jane Kriese's Herbs For Health Newsletter and receive you free (life changing ) “Alkalinity Testing Kit”. visit: www.herbs4health.net

About The Author
Jane Kriese - I am the web master for the site, www.herbsforhealthstore.biz. My passion is the holistic world. I love to study, and write articles, about holistic cures for life style diseases. It is exciting to educate people, and watch as they change their life style by, introducing holistic products, and new habits, into their life. Many of these people have healed their bodies. The holistic world is full of hope and joy, and I believe with effort we can have a healthy vibrant body.

janes-store@telus.net

Signaling protein builds bigger, better bones in mice – & protects against bone loss from aging or lack of estrogen

2005-02-23T00:34:00.000-08:00

ANN ARBOR, MI - February 22, 2005 - Leaping tall buildings in a single bound may be out of the question, but the genetically engineered “supermice” in Ormond MacDougald's laboratory at the University of Michigan Medical School are definitely stronger than average. With bone mass up to four times greater than ordinary mice, these research animals could hold the secret to new drugs for preventing or treating osteoporosis and other human diseases.

The secret appears to be a secreted signaling protein called Wnt10b. Known to inhibit the development of adipose tissue in mice, Wnt10b also stimulates the growth of bone cells, according to a new study that will be published February 21 in the Online Early Edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

“High levels of Wnt10b expression in bone marrow directly increased bone mass and density in our experimental mice,” says Ormond A. MacDougald, Ph.D., associate professor of molecular and integrative physiology in the U-M Medical School. “This is the first identification of a specific signaling protein in the Wnt family that regulates bone formation.”

Wnt10b is one of a family of 19 related proteins. Wnts (pronounced “wints”) regulate the complex changes that take place as an embryo develops. One step in this process determines the fate of primitive cells called mesenchymal stem cells.

“In bone marrow, mesenchymal stem cells have the potential to become either fat cells called adipocytes or bone-forming cells called osteoblasts,” MacDougald says. “In adult animals, including humans, there's a reciprocal relationship between bone and marrow fat. Our research indicates that Wnt10b's signal blocks the fat cell pathway and stimulates the osteoblast pathway, which means less fat and more bone.”

To study the effect of Wnt10b gene expression on tissue development, MacDougald's research team created an artificial sequence of DNA called a transgene linking Wnt10b to the FABP4 promoter, which is expressed in fatty tissue and in bone marrow. U-M scientists injected the transgene DNA into fertilized mouse eggs, and then bred mice that inherited the new gene to create the transgenic animals used in their research.

Kurt D. Hankenson, D.V.M., Ph.D., a U-M assistant professor of orthopedic surgery and laboratory animal medicine, and Christina N. Bennett, a U-M graduate student and first author of the PNAS paper, used a technology called micro-computerized tomography to scan femur (leg) bones from mice that inherited the FABP4-Wnt10b gene combination and compare them to scans from normal mice.

Bennett and Hankenson discovered that femurs from the transgenic mice had almost four times as much bone, and were mechanically stronger than femurs from control mice. (Note to editors: An image showing the femur scan comparison is available.)

“It was a very exciting moment the first time we saw scans showing increased bone mass in transgenic mice,” Bennett says. “Visually, we don't see any abnormal side-effects in bone from the transgenic mice. Its development and morphology appear to be completely normal.”

Loss of bone often develops with aging, but Wnt10b transgenic mice maintained their high levels of bone mass up to the ripe old age of 23 months, when the study was concluded.

Estrogen deficiency in females is another common cause of bone loss. When U-M scientists removed ovaries from normal mice in the study, they developed reduced bone mineral density and bone volume. But the Wnt10b females showed no bone loss after their ovaries were removed. “Because the transgenic mice have more trabecular bone, or bone within the marrow cavity, to begin with, they are doubly protected from the usual loss of bone density due to estrogen deficiency,” MacDougald adds.

To confirm that Wnt10b was the key to increased bone formation, Bennett and Hankenson scanned bones from a strain of laboratory mice that didn't have a gene for Wnt10b. Lacking the ability to produce Wnt10b protein in bone marrow cells, these mice had 30 percent lower bone volume and bone mineral density than normal mice.

Using PCR analysis of Wnt10b-expressing cells in bone marrow, MacDougald found high levels of collagen and alkaline phosphatase, and expression of transcription factors that turn on genes involved in bone formation.

Bennett discovered another important clue when she found that Wnt10b expression shuts down activity of a gene called PPAR-gamma, which is required for the development of adipocytes or fat cells. “It suggests that Wnt10b's role may be to block PPAR-gamma, shifting development from the adipocyte pathway to the osteoblast pathway,” she says.

In future research, MacDougald hopes to unravel the molecular mechanism for Wnt10b's bone-building effect. “It's not only an important scientific question, it's important to the understanding and potential treatment of osteoporosis and other human diseases,” he says. “Right now, there is a need for drugs on the market to stimulate new bone formation. Being able to activate Wnt signaling in bone marrow and osteoblasts might help prevent the loss of bone associated with aging or menopause.”

The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health, the U-M Diabetes Research and Training Center, the U-M Core Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders, and the Nathan Shock Mutant and Transgenic Rodent Core. Fellowships to Christina Bennett were from the Tissue Engineering and Regeneration Training Grant and the American Physiological Society Porter Fellowship. Kenneth Longo was supported by a mentor-based postdoctoral fellowship from the American Diabetes Association.

The experimental mice used in the study were produced in the U-M's Transgenic Animal Model Core facility. The University of Michigan has filed for patent protection on the Wnt10b transgenic mouse.

Additional collaborators on the study include Kenneth A. Longo, Ph.D., a former research fellow in MacDougald's lab who is now a postdoctoral fellow in the U-M School of Dentistry; Wendy S. Wright, research associate; Larry J. Suva, Ph.D., Center for Orthopaedic Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; and Timothy F. Lane, Ph.D., Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, who developed the Wnt10b knock-out mouse.

MacDougald and his research team published a paper in the August 2004 issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry, which showed that Wnt10b over-expression in adipocytes produced mice with 50 percent less body fat and fewer fat cells.

Reference: Regulation of osteoblastogenesis and bone mass by Wnt10b, PNAS Early Online Edition, www.pnas.org_cgi_doi_10.1073_pnas.0408742102 . To appear in print March 1, 2005 , vol. 102, no. 9

Written by Sally Pobojewski

Bally Total Fitness and the American Diabetes Association Join Together to Raise Awareness...

2005-02-22T00:15:00.000-08:00

about the Benefits of Physical Activity and Healthy Eating in the Prevention of Diabetes and Its Serious Complications

Bally Total Fitness Initiates Year-Long Fund Raising Campaign to Raise One Million Dollars for the Fight Against Diabetes

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 18, 2005-- Bally Total Fitness (NYSE: BFT) announced today that it is joining forces with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to support ADA's mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. The Bally/ADA relationship will seek to raise awareness about diabetes and to educate Americans about the benefits of living a healthy and active lifestyle. Being overweight or obese is the leading modifiable risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Components of the relationship will include participation in ADA's America's Walk for Diabetes and the many ADA-sponsored Diabetes EXPO events that take place throughout the United States. Additionally, ADA and Bally will work together on national fundraising and educational efforts, starting with the observance of American Diabetes Alert Day on March 22. American Diabetes Alert is a one-day "wake-up" call to inform the public about the seriousness of diabetes, particularly when left undiagnosed or untreated. On Alert Day this year, the more than 350 Bally Total Fitness clubs across the country will join in the effort to reach millions of Americans who are currently living with, or are at risk of developing, diabetes.

"The American Diabetes Association is excited about our relationship with Bally Total Fitness and the resources that Bally's can bring to help us in the fight against diabetes," said Lynn B. Nicholas, FACHE, chief executive officer of the Association. "Working together, we will be able to extend the reach of our messages about the benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through increased physical activity, weight management and healthy eating. These are important lifestyle factors that can help Americans reduce their risk for developing type 2 diabetes as well as to help people with diabetes prevent serious diabetes-related complications."

"Bally Total Fitness is committed to supporting the important mission of the American Diabetes Association. We have spoken with many charitable organizations about developing a charitable alliance and concluded that the ADA would be our charity of choice because of the direct link between exercise and the prevention of diabetes," said Paul Toback, chairman and CEO of Bally Total Fitness. "Diabetes touches millions of people each year and we look forward to educating our members, employees and fellow Americans about how staying active and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent the development of this serious disease and its complications."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the incidence of diabetes has jumped nearly 50 percent in the past 10 years. It's estimated that about 1.3 million people will be diagnosed with diabetes this year and one in three Americans born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime. In addition, approximately 41 million Americans have pre-diabetes, a condition that puts them at increased risk for type 2 diabetes. With factors such as obesity - as it relates to poor diet and physical inactivity - impacting Americans of all ages, it's important to understand the lifestyle factors associated with the development of type 2 diabetes and the small steps people can take to help delay or prevent this serious disease.

About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is the nation's premier voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy. The Association's mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Founded in 1940, the Association provides services to hundreds of communities across the country. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383). Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

About Bally Total Fitness
Bally Total Fitness is the largest and only nationwide, commercial operator of fitness centers, with approximately four million members and nearly 440 facilities located in 29 states, Mexico, Canada, Korea, China, and the Caribbean under the Bally Total Fitness(R), Crunch Fitness(SM), Gorilla Sports(SM), Pinnacle Fitness(R), Bally Sports Clubs(R) and Sports Clubs of Canada(R) brands. With an estimated 150 million annual visits to its clubs, Bally is dedicated to improving the lives of active, fitness-conscious consumers and being the leader in providing health and fitness services and products. For more information, visit www.ballyfitness.com.

CONTACT:
Bally Total Fitness
Sara Matheu, 773-864-6822
www.ballyfitness.com
or
MWW Group
Joe Cohen, 201-507-9500
jcohen@mww.com

SOURCE: Bally Total Fitness

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Bally Total Fitness's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year.

Nation’s Largest Family Health & Fitness Event Set for September 24, 2005

2005-02-17T05:11:00.000-08:00

Libertyville, IL — Thousands of adults and children are expected to participate in the ninth annual Family Health & Fitness Day USA (FHFD) held on Saturday, September 24, 2005.

Families will participate at locations throughout the country. Events will take place at community sites including hospitals, health clubs, YMCAs, state & county health departments, park districts, houses of worship, and schools.

Organized as a public/private partnership by the Health Information Resource Centersm, Family Health & Fitness Day USA was conceived, in part, as a response to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health. This landmark report made it clear that health benefits can be obtained from moderate physical activity on a regular basis. In addition, the Surgeon General’s Report stated that the majority of Americans, and especially children from 12 to 21, are not exercising nearly enough.

This year’s programs will include exercise demonstrations, health fairs, family walks and more. Most programs involve family activities as well as education and information about health and fitness topics.

“We are now entering our ninth year as a national family health and fitness event,” says Pat Henze, FHFD director. “Our goals for Family Health & Fitness Day are to emphasize the importance and fun of regular physical activity and to encourage families of all ages to take advantage of the many health and fitness programs offered in their communities.”

For more information about the 2005 Family Health & Fitness Day, please contact Pat Henze at 1-800-828-8225, weekdays 8-6 Central time. The FHFD 24-hour fax: 847-816-8662. E-mail: info@fitnessday.com. Or visit the Family Health & Fitness Day Web site: www.fitnessday.com/family.

Fourth Annual National Women’s Health & Fitness Day

2005-02-16T05:09:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, September 28, 2005, an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 women of all ages will participate in local health and fitness events at hundreds of community locations across the country as part of the Fourth Annual National Women’s Health & Fitness Daysm. This new event, the first of its kind, will always be held the last Wednesday in September as part of National Women’s Health & Fitness Week celebrations throughout the United States.

Organized as a public/private good health partnership by the Health Information Resource Center (HIRC)sm, National Women’s Health & Fitness Day will offer fitness and health events for women at community locations that include hospitals, health clubs, park and recreation departments, health departments, schools, retirement communities, houses of worship, senior centers, and others.

Local women’s events held on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 will include fitness walks, exercise demonstrations, health fairs and health information workshops. Most local events will include an exercise or physical activity component, as well as educational information about women’s health and fitness.

“Our goal for this national event is to encourage women to take control of their health: to learn the facts they need to make smart health choices, and to make time for regular physical activity,” adds Patricia Henze, Executive Director of the Health Information Resource Centersm, organizer of the event. Henze adds, “Women’s Health & Fitness Day is also designed to showcase the many women’s health resources available through the local organizations that will host events on Wednesday, September 28, 2005.”

Organizations interested in hosting a National Women’s Health & Fitness Day event must register by paying a $29.95 event registration fee (plus shipping). Registered organizations will receive a valuable Women’s Health & Fitness Day event manual and sample event incentive items — T-shirt, balloons, posters, etc. The event manual is an easy-to-use guide with all of the information needed to host a successful event — activity suggestions, posters, press releases, copyright-free women’s health reproducible masters for distribution, and more.

To help promote the fourth year’s event, the HIRC is sponsoring a Women’s Health & Fitness Day Theme Contest. Women ages 18 and older are encouraged to submit a short phrase or sentence that reinforces the importance of health and fitness for women. The contest deadline is Thursday, June 30, 2005, and women may submit post cards or letters to: 2005 Women’s Health & Fitness Day Theme Contest, P.O. Box 883, Libertyville, IL 60048. Entries may also be sent by fax to 847-816-8662, or by e-mail: info@fitnessday.com. A cash prize will be awarded to the winner. More details on the contest can be found on the official Women’s Health & Fitness Day Web site: www.fitnessday.com.

The Health Information Resource Center (HIRC)sm, organizer of this event, is a national clearinghouse for consumer health information professionals. In addition to the Women’s Health & Fitness Day event, other HIRC programs include Family Health & Fitness Day USA, always held on the last Saturday in September; the annual National Health Information Awards, the nation’s largest awards programs for consumer health information and resources; the World Wide Web Health Awards; the Consumer Health Publishers Association and the Online Health Association and the www.healthprograms.com Web site for consumer health information professionals.

For more information on Women’s Health & Fitness Day, please contact Tina Godin, program manager, at 1-800-828-8225, weekdays 8-6 Central time. E-mail: info@fitnessday.com

GNC Helps Dieters Stay on Track

2005-02-15T23:51:00.000-08:00

For many dieters, getting acclimated to changes in eating patterns and an exercise regimen becomes a struggle that most want to avoid. Those few first weeks of a new diet can be challenging, both physically and mentally, which is why General Nutrition Center has introduced Total Lean Acclimate, a new product that is designed to provide dieters a calming and relaxing effect.

Dieters Turn to New GNC Product to Help “Acclimate” in Early Diet Stages

February 15, 2005 - Pittsburgh, PA - According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 19 percent of the nation’s residents are obese and many of them are now likely struggling to keep up with their New Year’s resolution to lose weight.

For many dieters, getting acclimated to changes in eating patterns and an exercise regimen becomes a struggle that most want to avoid. Those few first weeks of a new diet can be challenging, both physically and mentally.

To help local residents who are in those beginning stages of a diet, General Nutrition Center has introduced Total Lean Acclimate, a new product that is designed to provide dieters a calming and relaxing effect.

“It is important to stay focused and on track when beginning a diet.” explained Dr. Susan Trimbo, senior vice president, scientific affairs at GNC. “However, many dieters may find their determination to lose weight as added pressure to their already hectic lives. Now, dieters can consider Acclimate, which can offer dieters calming and relaxing benefits.”

Acclimate features Suntheanine® L-Theanine, a natural compound found in green tea that has been used since ancient times for its calming and relaxing benefits. It also combines B-12, a key vitamin that supports neurological functions with an amino acid complex that includes phenylalanine to support positive mood balance.*

“Dieting can be very stressful,” said Diane Ober, brand director, diet and energy at GNC. “The unique formula in Acclimate can support a positive mood balance, which can allow dieters to focus their efforts on eating right and staying on track.”

For more information about Acclimate or other GNC products that can help with the battle of the bulge, visit www.gnc.com.

About GNC
GNC is the largest global specialty retailer of nutritional supplements, which includes vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements, sports nutrition products, diet and energy products and specialty supplements. GNC has more than 4,900 retail locations throughout the United States, including more than 1,300 domestic franchise locations, more than 1,000 store-within-a-store locations under its strategic alliance with Rite Aid and more than 800 locations in more than 35 foreign markets including Canada and Mexico.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The Little Berry With A Lot Of Heart

2005-02-15T12:12:00.000-08:00

Toast to Good Health With Cranberry, This Year’s New Red

LAKEVILLE-MIDDLEBORO , MA (February 15, 2005) – Unknown to many, heart disease is one of the leading causes of death of women in the United States. Since February is all about heart, Ocean Spray encourages consumers to raise a glass to making their hearts’ healthier. Cranberries are loaded with powerful, heart-protecting antioxidants, so there’s no better reason to spoil your loved ones this month.

Recent research shows that a serving of light cranberry juice drink each day could be as good for the heart as red wine. Cranberry boosts HDL, or good cholesterol, to help shield the heart from disease. What’s more, cranberries deliver a unique one-two punch with “anti-stick” powers that help ward off urinary tract infections. Research also shows promising results with ulcers and dental health.

In recognition of Women’s Heart Health month, Ocean Spray is serving up red-hot ways to incorporate the powerful cranberry into recipes for any time of the day. Whether sprinkling Craisins® Sweetened Dried Cranberries on a Effortless Spinach Salad, whirling up a Cranberry Raspberry Shake, or splurging on Outrageous Chocolate Fudge Cake, the healthy berry provides endless recipe ideas. What better time to show your loved ones you care by indulging in tasteful treats while keeping the heart in good health? For these recipes and other creative, heart-healthy ideas visit www.oceanspray.com.

Cranberry Raspberry Shake

Ingredients
1 cup frozen raspberries
1 cup low fat vanilla frozen yogurt
2 cups Ocean Spray® Light Cranberry Juice Cocktail
1 tablespoon natural bran (optional)

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a blender. Cover and blend for approximately 1 minute or until thick and frothy. Makes 2 servings.

Ocean Spray is an agricultural cooperative owned by more than 800 cranberry growers in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and other parts of Canada as well as more than 100 Florida grapefruit growers. Ocean Spray was formed 75 years ago by three cranberry growers from Massachusetts and New Jersey. Florida grapefruit growers joined the Cooperative in 1976. Ocean Spray is North America's leading producer of canned and bottled juices and juice drinks, and has been the best-selling brand name in the canned and bottled juice category since 1981. Ocean Spray posted fiscal 2004 gross sales of roughly $1.4 billion.

Contact:
Sharon Newcomb
Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc.
(508) 946-7185
snewcomb@oceanspray.com

Caroline Malone
(617) 520-7258

Ways to Win at Weight Loss

2005-02-14T01:37:00.000-08:00

by Marilynn Larkin

Americans trying to lose weight have plenty of company. According to a 1995 report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM), tens of millions of Americans are dieting at any given time, spending more than $33 billion yearly on weight-reduction products, such as diet foods and drinks.

Yet, studies over the last two decades by the National Center for Health Statistics show that obesity in the United States is actually on the rise. Today, approximately 35 percent of women and 31 percent of men age 20 and older are considered obese, up from approximately 30 percent and 25 percent, respectively, in 1980.
The words obesity and overweight are generally used interchangeably. However, according to the IOM report, their technical meanings are not identical. Overweight refers to an excess of body weight that includes all tissues, such as fat, bone and muscle. Obesity refers specifically to an excess of body fat. It is possible to be overweight without being obese, as in the case of a body builder who has a substantial amount of muscle mass. It is possible to be obese without being overweight, as in the case of a very sedentary person who is within the desirable weight range but who nevertheless has an excess of body fat. However, most overweight people are also obese and vice versa. Men with more than 25 percent and women with more than 30 percent body fat are considered obese.

Many people who diet fail to lose weight--or, if they do lose, fail to maintain the lower weight over the long term. As the IOM report, "Weighing The Options: Criteria for Evaluating Weight-Management Programs," points out, obesity is "a complex, multifactorial disease of appetite regulation and energy metabolism."

Because many factors affect how much or how little food a person eats and how that food is metabolized, or processed, by the body, losing weight is not simple. For example, recent studies suggest a role for genetic makeup in obesity. This area is still controversial, and more studies will be needed before scientists can say with certainty that a person's genes may set limits on how much weight can be lost and maintained.

Yet many people persist in seeking simple cures to this complex health problem. Lured by fad diets or pills that promise a quick and easy path to thinness, they end up disappointed when they regain lost weight.

No Shortcuts
"There are no shortcuts--no magic pills," says Lori Love, M.D., Ph.D., of the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Losing weight sensibly and safely requires a multifaceted approach that includes setting reasonable weight-loss goals, changing eating habits, and getting adequate exercise. Appetite suppressants (diet pills) or other products may help some people over the short term, but they are not a substitute for adopting healthful eating habits over the long term.
The first step in losing weight safely is to determine a realistic weight goal. The table, at right, developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services, offers a range of suggested weights for adults based on their height.
A physician, dietitian or nutritionist also can help you set a reasonable goal. To reach the goal safely, plan to lose 1 to 2 pounds weekly by consuming approximately 300 to 500 fewer calories daily than usual (women and inactive men generally need to consume approximately 2,000 calories to maintain weight; men and very active women may consume up to 2,500 calories daily).

Moderation, Variety and Balance
After determining a reasonable goal weight, devise an eating plan based on the cornerstones of healthful eating--moderation, variety and balance, suggests Victor Herbert, M.D., J.D., professor of medicine and director of the Nutrition Center at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Bronx VA Medical Centers in New York City, and member of the board of directors of the National Council Against Health Fraud.

"Moderation means not eating too much or too little of any particular food or nutrient; variety means eating as wide a variety as possible from each, and within each, of the five basic food groups; and balance refers to the balance achieved by following moderation and variety, as well as the balance of calories consumed versus calories expended," he explains. To lose weight, fewer calories should be consumed than expended; to maintain weight loss, the number of calories consumed and expended should be about the same.

Because fat is the most concentrated source of calories (9 calories per gram compared to 4 calories per gram for carbohydrate and protein), it is usually the focus of weight-maintenance and weight-loss diets. Limiting fat intake alone will likely limit calories, as well. Just as for the general population, weight-conscious consumers should limit fat intake to no more than 30 percent of total calories, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Alcoholic beverages also are a source of calories (7 per gram of alcohol). Twelve ounces of regular beer, for example, provides 150 calories; the same amount of "light" beer, 105 calories. Five ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits provide 100 calories. But alcohol provides few, if any, nutrients, so if you drink alcoholic beverages and want to reduce your weight, consider reducing or eliminating your alcohol intake.

In selecting your diet, follow the five basic food groups and the recommended number of servings from each as incorporated into the Food Guide Pyramid developed by USDA and HHS. These groups are (1) bread, cereal, pasta, and rice; (2) vegetables; (3) fruits; (4) milk, yogurt and cheese; and (5) meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, and nuts. A sixth group (fats, oils and sweets) consists mainly of items that are pleasing to the palate but high in fat and/or calories; these should be eaten in moderation.

Avoid low-calorie fad diets that exclude whole categories of food such as carbohydrates (bread and pasta) or proteins (meat and poultry). These diets may be harmful because they generally do not include all nutrients necessary for good health. "Every fad diet that demands an unusual eating pattern, such as emphasizing only a few types of foods, deviates from one or more of the guidelines of moderation, variety and balance," says Herbert. "The greater the deviation, the more harmful the diet is likely to be."

Using the Food Label
To help consumers plan a healthful diet, FDA and USDA have revamped food labels. By law, most food labels now must display a Nutrition Facts panel containing information about how the food can fit into an overall daily diet. Nutrition Facts state how much saturated fat, cholesterol, fiber, and certain nutrients are contained in each serving.

On the food label, %Daily Value shows what percentage of a given nutrient is provided in one portion for daily diets of 2,000 calories.

Whether or not a given food fits into a weight-loss diet depends on what other foods you eat that day. For most people, the goal is to select a variety of foods that together add up to approximately 100 percent of the Daily Value for total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals; total fat, cholesterol and sodium each may add up to less than 100 percent.

Foods that claim to contain fewer calories or less fat than similar servings of similar products must show the difference on the label. For example, on a container of low-fat cottage cheese, the label would show that a serving of the low-fat product contains 80 calories and 1.5 grams of fat while regular cottage cheese contains 120 calories and 5 grams of fat per serving.

Camille Brewer, a registered dietitian and nutritionist in FDA's Office of Food Labeling, advises caution, however, when choosing foods that are labeled "fat-free" and "low-fat." Some of these foods, like "low-fat" cakes and cookies, still may be high in calories because of added sugars. So dieters should always check the Nutrition Facts panel to get complete information, she says.

Look for foods high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. Fiber can be an important aid in weight maintenance because eating enough of it can help make a person feel full and thus not eat as much.

To see how the new label can help you stick to your diet, see Dieters' Label Checklist (a 119K PDF file)

Exercise
Regular exercise is important for overall health, as well as for losing and maintaining weight. There is evidence to suggest that body fat distribution affects health risks. For example, excess fat in the abdominal area (as opposed to hips and thighs) is associated with greater risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, early heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Vigorous exercise can reduce abdominal fat and thus lower the risk of these diseases.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends a half hour or more of moderate physical activity on most days, preferably every day. The activity can include brisk walking, calisthenics, home care, gardening, moderate sports exercise, and dancing. Regular exercise can help the body use up calories consumed daily, as well as excess calories stored as fat. Weight-bearing exercises also help tone muscles and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

OTC Diet Pills
The 1991/1992 Weight Loss Practices Survey, sponsored by FDA and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, found that 5 percent of women and 2 percent of men trying to lose weight use diet pills. Products considered by FDA to be over-the-counter weight control drugs are primarily those containing the active ingredient phenylpropanolamine (PPA), such as Dexatrim and Acutrim. PPA is available OTC for weight control in a 75-mg controlled-release dosage form, when combined with a restricted diet and exercise.

Using diet pills containing PPA will not make a big difference in the rate of weight loss, says Robert Sherman of FDA's Office of OTC Drug Evaluation. "Even the best studies show only about a half pound greater weight loss per week using PPA combined with diet and exercise," he adds. Sherman cautions that the recommended dosage of these pills should not be exceeded because of the risk of possible adverse effects, such as elevated blood pressure and heart palpitations.

Since PPA is also used as a nasal decongestant in over-the-counter cough and cold products, consumers should read the labels of OTC decongestants to see if they contain PPA. They should not take PPA in two products labeled for different uses.

Sherman notes that FDA has received a small number of reports indicating that PPA use might be associated with an increased risk of stroke. A large-scale safety study was begun in September 1994 to explore the possibility. Based on available data, the agency does not believe that an increased risk of stroke is a concern when PPA is used at recommended dosages.

Rx Drugs
FDA has approved several prescription drugs for obesity. Those available on the market include:

Dexedrine and other amphetamines

Ionamin and Adipex-P (phentermine), Sanorex (mazindol), Tenuate (diethylpropion), Prelu-2 (phendimetrazine) and other amphetamine derivatives

meridia (sibutramine).

In mostly short-term studies of obese adults following a calorie-restricted diet, those who took the appetite suppressants lost more weight on average than those who took a placebo. The amount of weight lost varied from study to study.

FDA approved the drugs only for use with calorie-restricted diets. The drugs are "not magic pills," warns Leo Lutwak, M.D., Ph.D., of FDA's division of metabolism and endocrine drug products. "They don't work unless you make dietary and exercise changes."

Also, they should be used only for a few weeks because the drugs are addictive and have the potential for abuse. They shouldn't be used in combination with each other or with other drugs for appetite control because such combinations have not been evaluated for safety. And the drugs should be used only in people who are obese--not people looking to lose a few pounds, Lutwak says.

"Weight-loss drugs are serious medicine for a serious disease," he says.

Also, he points out that while obesity may be associated with other serious diseases, studies have never shown that weight loss produced with the use of prescription weight-loss drugs benefits obesity-associated conditions. However, changes in diet and activity may improve associated diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, even with only modest changes in weight, Lutwak says.

Until September 1997, two other drugs, fenfluramine (Pondimin and others) and dexfenfluramine (Redux), were available for treating obesity. But, at FDA's request, the manufacturers of these drugs voluntarily withdrew them from the market after newer findings suggested that they were the likely cause of heart valve problems in a large proportion of people using them. FDA recommended that anyone taking the drugs stop and that they contact their doctor to discuss their treatment. (For the latest information on this topic, visit www.fda.gov/cder/news/feninfo.htm on FDA's Website.)

Weight-Loss Programs
Many people turn to weight-loss programs for help in planning a daily diet and changing lifestyle habits. The IOM report provides guidelines for evaluating the potential effectiveness of such programs.

"To improve their chances for success, consumers should choose programs that focus on long-term weight management; provide instruction in healthful eating, increasing activity, and improving self-esteem; and explain thoroughly the potential health risks from weight loss," according to the report. Consumers should also demand evidence of success. If it is absent or consists primarily of testimonials or other anecdotal evidence, "the program should be viewed with suspicion."

IOM recommends that potential clients be given a truthful, unambiguous, non-misleading statement about the program's approaches and goals, and a full disclosure of costs. The cost breakdown should include initial and ongoing costs, as well as the cost of extra products.

The basic tenet of weight loss--to eat fewer calories than you burn and to stay active--is easy to say but, like most lifestyle changes, not so easy to do. With realistic goals, and a commitment to losing weight slowly, safely and sensibly, the chances of long-term success improve dramatically. n

Marilynn Larkin is a writer in New York City. Paula Kurtzweil, a member of FDA's public affairs staff, also contributed to this article.

Obesity a Disease

Obesity is now considered a disease--not a moral failing. According to a 1995 report from the Institute of Medicine, "obesity is a heterogeneous disease in which genetic, environmental, psychological, and other factors are involved. It occurs when energy intake exceeds the amount of energy expended over time. Only in a small minority of cases is obesity caused by such illnesses as hypothyroidism or the result of taking medications, such as steroids, that can cause weight gain."

Public health concerns about this disease relate to its link to numerous other diseases that can lead to premature illness or death. The report notes that overweight individuals who lose even relatively small amounts of weight are likely to:

lower their blood pressure (and thereby the risk of heart attack and stroke)

reduce abnormally high levels of blood glucose (associated with diabetes)

bring blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (associated with cardiovascular disease) down to more desirable levels

reduce sleep apnea, or irregular breathing during sleep

decrease the risk of osteoarthritis of the weight-bearing joints

decrease depression

increase self-esteem.

Of course, losing excess weight is also likely to improve appearance, which is a strong motivation for many people.

--M.L.

Publication No. (FDA) 98-1287

How Women Can Drop Body Fat Quickly & Look Younger Naturally

2005-02-13T00:34:00.000-08:00

LAKE MILLS, Wis. - January 7th, 2005
"New research shows that the most effective form of exercise for adults of all ages is fast, short, and intense types of anaerobic exercise. Anaerobic exercise, unlike steady-paced aerobic exercise, allows us to naturally unleash the most powerful body-fat-cutting, muscle-toning, anti-aging substance known to science—growth hormone,” says Phil Campbell, the 52-year-old author of Ready, Set, Go! Synergy Fitness. “If your favorite form of exercise (running, cycling, power walking, swimming, etc.) can get you winded quickly, it is a form of anaerobic exercise and can help you reach the growth hormone release benchmarks necessary to drop body fat quickly.”

It's no secret that several well-known entertainers take growth hormone (GH) injections for its body-fat-cutting, youth-rejuvenating properties, but there can be serious side-effects from taking injections. Natural methods are always best, and producing growth hormone from high-intensity exercise is unquestionably natural.

GH injections are given to children with growth problems to help them grow normally. Rather than make adults grow taller, however, GH can reverse several measurable clinical factors of the middle-age spread—officially named "somatopause" by researchers. The middle-age somatopause is signified by energy decline, weight-gain, loss of muscle, and wrinkled skin after the age of 30.

Women Get a Better Response than Men from High-Intensity Exercise!
Research shows that women actually get a slightly better growth hormone response from high-intensity exercise than men. Researchers from the University of Virginia Clinical Research Center conclude, "Gender comparisons revealed that women had a greater production rate and a trend for a greater mass of GH secreted per pulse than men" (Gender governs the relationship between exercise intensity and growth hormone release in young adults, 2002, Pritzlaff-Roy). That means that women can better fight somatopause by adding anaerobic exercise to their workout routine.

Long, Slow, and Boring—No Way!
Long and slow forms of cardio, such as walking, are great ways for an inactive person to begin. But, it is only a starting point that must lead to moderate-intensity exercise, which, in turn, leads to high-intensity anaerobic exercise.

For years, walking for 30 minutes a day was said to be adequate enough to delay heart disease and premature death. A new study of 2,000 men over 10 years destroys the low-intensity walking standard. Researchers show that low intensity does nothing to prevent death from heart disease. Only the highest levels of exercise intensity lowered death rates.

So, there are many reasons to incorporate anaerobic exercise into your weekly routine, but be wise. Though it is the most productive form of exercise and should be a part of every fitness routine, a progressive build-up program from low, to moderate, to high intensity is necessary. Progressive build-up will help prevent injury, and it will condition and develop the body so you can receive all the benefits from increasing exercise-induced growth hormone. Always seek your physician’s approval before starting a new exercise program.

The Sprint 8 Workout
To make it easy for today’s busy woman to fit an effective anaerobic workout into her schedule, Vision Fitness, a top fitness equipment company in North America, with the help of Phil Campbell, has added a SPRINT 8 anaerobic program to their new 200 and 600 Series fitness bikes and elliptical trainers. SPRINT 8 is a quick, effective, 20-minute program that offers 16 intensity levels to give everyone from beginners to elite athletes an effective workout.

“The great thing about the SPRINT 8 program,” states Christa Walter, Brand Manager for Vision Fitness and regular user of SPRINT 8, ”is that it is all laid out for you. The program tells you when to increase your speed and when to rest, and it automatically adjusts resistance for you during the workout. The program takes only 20 minutes, and you only need to do the program a few days a week to see results.”

Vision Fitness is the only fitness equipment company to offer an anaerobic workout program. You can learn more about them and their award-winning fitness products at www.visionfitness.com. Contact Phil Campbell at www.readysetgofitness.com to learn more about exercise-induced growth hormone and how the SPRINT 8 program can help you reduce body fat and look and feel younger. You can also contact Phil for links to the National Institutes of Health Research articles that were cited in this release (all of his data is based on extensive medical research).

For More Information, Contact:
Christa Walter
Vision Fitness
(800) 335-4348 x32
(920) 648-3373 (fax)
cwalter@visionfitness.com

Studies Show Exercise Can Spice Things Up

2005-02-09T01:57:00.000-08:00

ACE Reminds the Nation That Exercise Improves Sexual Function in Men and Women

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Feb. 09, 2005 – Want to heat up your sex life and don’t know how? This year for Valentine’s Day forget the box of chocolates or flowers and head to the gym for a workout with your partner. The American Council on Exercise (ACE), America’s non-profit fitness advocate, points out numerous studies that show a direct correlation between exercise and improved sexual function.
“A growing body of evidence supports the notion that regular exercise may enhance sexuality through a variety of mechanisms that affect both the mind and body,” said Dr. Cedric Bryant, chief exercise physiologist for ACE. “Physical improvements in muscle strength and tone, endurance, body composition and cardiovascular function (specifically, enhanced peripheral blood flow) can all enhance sexual functioning. Be careful not to over-train; too much exercise can actually decrease testosterone levels leading to a less-robust sexual appetite.”

In October 2004, an article appearing in the Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality concluded that individuals who exercise regularly feel better about themselves, perceive they are more sexually desirable and experience greater levels of satisfaction.
In the June 2004 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers from the University of Naples reported that lifestyle modifications, namely a reduced calorie diet and regular exercise, improve erectile dysfunction in obese men.
The August 2003 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine published results of a study that found exercise can add years to a man’s sex life and lower chances of impotence. Researchers looked at men over the age of 50 and found those who were physically active reported better erections with a 30 percent lower risk of impotence than men who were inactive.
An article printed in the February 1999 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association shows exercise helps increase sexual potency because it strengthens the cardiovascular system and improves circulation. Good circulation is necessary for sexual function whereas obesity, smoking or heavy alcohol use can hamper this effect.

“Sexual function is affected by general health and the more you can do to improve your health with physical activity, the better your sex life can be,” said Bryant. “Exercise has psychological benefits as well such as stress reduction, improved self-esteem, elevated mood and increased confidence that can also contribute to a more enriched sex life.”

ACE also recognizes “American Heart Month” this February and encourages the nation to get active to keep their hearts healthy for years to come.

About ACE
The American Council on Exercise (ACE), America’s Authority on Fitness, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the benefits of physical activity and protecting consumers against unsafe and ineffective fitness products and instruction. As the nation’s “workout watchdog,” ACE sponsors university-based exercise science research and testing that targets fitness products and trends. ACE sets standards for fitness professionals and is the world’s largest non-profit fitness certifying organization. For more information on ACE and its programs, call (800) 825-3636 or log onto the ACE Web site at www.acefitness.org .

# # #

Kristie Spalding
Corporate Communications Director
American Counsel on Exercise
1-800-546-7470

Teaching Proper Landing Technique Helps Prevent ACL Injuries in Women

2005-02-04T05:26:00.000-08:00

Study finds low intensity low volume plyometric program reduces risk of knee injury

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, February 4, 2005 -- An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is one of the most serious injuries in sport, generally requiring surgery and a long rehabilitation period. And it is a startling fact that women are more likely to suffer a non-contact ACL injury than their male counterparts. Finding a way to reduce these knee injuries in women is critical.

Past research suggests that the impact forces occurring during landings from a jump contribute to the incidence of injury. However, the training programs studied were unrealistic due to the large time demands with high intensity and high volume training.

In this study, published by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (November 2004), a specialized plyometric training program, significantly reduced the magnitude and rate of impact forces generated during landing, and thus, lessen the occurrence of ACL injuries in women.

Researchers from Boise State University and the University of Louisville found that a low volume, low intensity training program can improve landing mechanics in a manner conducive to injury prevention. Further, the 20-minute, 2-day per week program can easily be incorporated into a regular training program.

Twenty-eight women were randomly assigned into two groups. The treatment group performed the low intensity and low volume program for nine weeks, while the control group received no intervention.

Results showed significant reduction in peak vertical impact forces (reduced an average of 26.4%) and rate of force development (reduced by 27.3%) in the treatment group after nine weeks of training. No change occurred in the control group.

When landing from a jump, women generate higher impact forces over a shorter period of time than men. This predisposes women to a greater risk of ACL injury. By learning proper landing techniques, women are able to reduce the likelihood of non-contact ACL injuries.

Plyometrics are complex jumping and pivot training exercises. The NSCA recommends you work with a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) or NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®) with experience in plyometric training before starting a program. Strength and conditioning professionals can be found on the NSCA web site at www.nscalift.org/trainers.

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About the NSCA
The National Strength and Conditioning Association is the leading authority on strength and conditioning. For 27 years, the NSCA has bridged science and application to provide reliable, research-based, strength and conditioning information to its members and the general public. With nearly 30,000 members worldwide, the SCA is the largest health and fitness association in the world. For more information on NSCA professional journals, cutting edge conferences, educational text and videos, or other services, visit www.nsca-lift.org.

NOTE: The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research is the official research journal of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and is available from Alliance Communication Group at 800-627-0932. For a complete copy of the research paper (Vol. 18, No. 4, page 703-707) or to speak with a leading strength and conditioning expert on the topic, you may contact the NSCA Public Relations Department at 800-815-6826.

IDEA Health & Fitness Spotlights Nutrition as a Cornerstone to Overall Good Health

2005-02-02T14:16:00.000-08:00

San Diego, CA - February 2005 - IDEA Health & Fitness Association (www.ideafit.com), the world’s leading membership organization of health and fitness professionals with nearly 20,000 members in more than 80 countries, conducts regular research, polling and industry surveys. In the latest issue of IDEA Fitness Journal, the association offers its members expert advice on nutrition, tips for surviving the low-carb craze, insight into calcium as the new tool for combating obesity as well as input from the latest industry studies and research findings.

Since 1982, IDEA has provided health and fitness professionals with pertinent information, educational opportunities, career development programs and industry leadership while helping them enhance the quality of life worldwide through safe, effective fitness and lifestyle programs.

There’s no dispute over the role nutrition plays in a regular workout or fitness regime. However, a new twist on current science focuses on when rather than just what athletes and fitness enthusiasts should consume before, during and after a training session to optimize performance and recovery. In addition to this informative article, IDEA offers useful data on the calcium-obesity link, provides tips on surviving the low-carb diet craze and shares inspirational stories of how fitness professionals are helping their clients achieve life-altering fitness goals.

Highlights:
Some of the key information shared by IDEA’s experts, committee members and spokespersons include:
• Ingesting ideal nutrient combinations at optimal times enhances performance and recovery while improving muscle integrity
• Combining carbs and protein at the right time will improve training and workouts
• Nutrient timing isn’t just for athletes—these strategies can benefit everyday exercisers
• Increasing daily intakes of dietary calcium is a new way to combat the obesity epidemic
• Surviving the latest low-carb diet craze is as simple as knowing the difference between good carbs, bad carbs and the top 20 most nutrient-dense carbs

Inspire the World to Fitness:
• Learn how IDEA member Jeffrey Grayson Miller helped Caroline Forsberg , a blind client who lives in Albany, NY), get back in shape so she could regain eligibility for a new guide dog

Latest Fitness Trends:
• Fitness walking is the favorite form of exercise for 10.3 million people
• Use of recumbent stationary bikes has risen by nearly 60 percent since 1968
• Training with free weights has been the number-one exercise form in the U.S. since the ‘90s
• Physically fit kids processed stimuli faster according to a recent University of Illinois study

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For more information on these topics or others addressed by IDEA, please email Tabitha Bailey/HetzelMeade Communications at Tabitha@hetzelmeade.com or call 805.241.2532

Whole Foods Market Offers Heart-Friendly Food Ideas for Heart Health Month

2005-02-01T00:03:00.000-08:00

Austin, Texas — February 1, 2004 - With hearts top of mind, February is an excellent time to focus on the physical health of the heart - both your own and those of the people you love. To help shoppers, Jody Villecco, in-house nutritionist at Whole Foods Market, has come up with a list of heart-friendly foods.

"Scientific research has shown us that what we eat can significantly influence the health of our hearts," said Villecco. "At Whole Foods Market, we developed an easy guide to help shoppers discover a wide variety of tasty foods that are particularly supportive of your heart's natural functions and easy to fit into any lifestyle."

The line-up from the guide, which is available at www.wholefoodsmarket.com, includes:

Fish: Evidence showing that fatty fish benefits heart health keeps getting stronger and stronger. Many researchers believe that it is the omega-3 "essential" fatty acids that are responsible for these benefits. Two important omega-3 fatty acids include DHA (docosahexanoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), both of which are found fatty cold-water fish like salmon. For this reason, the American Heart Association recommends people eat two servings of fatty fish a week to maintain heart health.*

Fruits: While all fruits play their part, red berries like raspberries and cranberries are some superstars with special heart-enhancing benefits. These colorful little fruits are renowned for their high antioxidant activity, which is attributed to flavonoid compounds called anthocyanins and quercetin. A higher intake of red berries helps maintain higher levels of antioxidants in blood, which can boost cardio protection overall. Due to how flavonoids metabolize in the body, they should be consumed frequently in order to maximize their beneficial effects. Pomegranates are packed with antioxidants, including anthocyanins and ellagic acid and modern studies have shown that just two ounces of pomegranate juice daily keeps the cardiovascular system, including arteries, healthy. Consuming two to three nutrient-dense kiwis daily can significantly protect heart health, according to promising new research. Additionally, choosing organic fruits may have even more benefits according to new research by The Organic Center for Education and Promotion, which found that antioxidant levels were about 30 percent higher in organic food compared to conventional food grown under the same conditions, especially fresh produce.

Vegetables: Packed with nourishing vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, it's no secret that vegetables are good for your heart. Vegetables with lutein and carotene are especially beneficial. Lutein is a carotene-type antioxidant well known for its ability to benefit eye health. New research indicates that lutein can also benefit heart health by keeping arteries healthy. Additional research has shown people with the highest levels of blood carotenes have the best cardio-protection. Lutein can be found in kale, spinach and avocadoes, while carotenes are present in carrots, winter squash, sweet potatoes and spinach.

Olive Oil: A mainstay of the celebrated Mediterranean diet, olive oil contains predominately heart-friendly monounsaturated fat, which is known to nourish heart health. Studies show that olive oil supports healthy cholesterol levels and protects LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein or "bad") cholesterol from harmful oxidation.

Red Wine and Grape Juice: Studies show that regular, moderate consumption of red wine enhances heart health. Whether a result of the alcohol content or the antioxidant-rich flavonoid (resveratrol) content is up for debate, but it is certain that red wine helps maintain normal cholesterol levels and healthy circulation. Moderate consumption is defined as one to two glasses daily for men and one for women. Similar beneficial effects have been observed for Concord grape juice, a great choice for those who wish to avoid alcohol.

Tea: Exceptionally high in flavonoids called catechins, green and black tea protect heart health mainly due to antioxidant content. The evidence suggests that tea catechins decrease the oxidation of LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein or "bad") cholesterol which, in turn, positively affects the cardiovascular system. For those who are watching their caffeine intake, hibiscus tea may be a good substitute for green or black teas. Shown in preliminary research to keep cholesterol levels healthy, hibiscus contains similar beneficial compounds, called flavonoids, as red wine and tea.

Nuts: Studies have consistently shown all varieties of nuts, including walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans and cashews, are an excellent choice for people trying to improve heart health through diet. When nuts are eaten on a regular basis, heart health is thought to improve because arteries and cholesterol levels are kept normal. And although nuts are high in fat, they contain primarily monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat, and have not been shown to promote weight gain when eaten in moderation-about a small handful five times a week. In addition, many nuts are filled with important nutrients, including fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E and magnesium. This is good news for your heart and your waistline, so don't feel guilty about snacking on nuts.

Chocolate: In recent years, chocolate has gained the reputation of a heart-supportive food, due to its antioxidant-rich flavonoid content. It is, however, important to realize that maximum benefits can only be attributed to dark chocolate, not milk chocolate. Significantly higher in flavonoids, dark chocolate has been shown in numerous studies to benefit many different aspects of heart health, including good circulation and antioxidant protection. And although it contains primarily saturated fat, dark chocolate is thought to have a neutral effect on cholesterol levels. As an added bonus, micronutrients, including magnesium and copper, are concentrated in dark chocolate.

Ginger: This fragrant and versatile herb common in ethnic dishes is also a boon to heart health. Shown in studies to keep cholesterol levels healthy and to prevent the oxidation of LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein or "bad") cholesterol, there are many ways to add fresh, pickled or crystallized ginger to your diet.

More details on this line up of foods along with serving suggestions, tips and recipes can be found at http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/healthinfo/healthyheart.html

*Mercury and Pregnancy. Levels of mercury, which is found in water from naturally occurring sources as well as industrial pollution, tend to be higher in long-lived, larger fish having more dark meat, particularly shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. The FDA has advised pregnant women (along with nursing mothers and young children) to avoid eating these types of fish out of concern that mercury in them may harm a baby's developing nervous system. If they choose from a variety of shellfish, canned fish, smaller ocean fish, or farm-raised fish, pregnant women can safely eat 12 ounces per week of cooked fish.

ACE Recommends Strength Training as a Safe and Effective Way to Help Address Youth Inactivity and Obesity

2005-01-31T02:02:00.000-08:00

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Jan. 31, 2005 – American children are increasingly overweight and one more way to steer them toward an active lifestyle is through strength training. Unfortunately, many long-standing myths and misconceptions have fostered a belief that strength training may be ineffective and potentially unsafe for youngsters. According to the Youth Strength Training book recently published by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), America’s Authority on Fitness, strength training is a safe and effective option for most children age 7 and older.

Research has clearly and consistently shown that supervised strength training is an extremely safe and beneficial form of physical activity for young people. There has not been a single reported serious injury in all of the prospective studies published on youth strength training. Youngsters who start strength training at an early age tend to have better attitudes toward fitness including improved self-esteem, mental discipline and socialization skills.

“Although aerobic exercise and eating sensibly are routinely recommended for young children, strength training can also bring benefits of improved musculoskeletal fitness, body composition and injury resistance,” said Dr. Cedric Bryant, ACE chief exercise physiologist. “With regard to strength training, it is imperative that children participate in programs that are designed and supervised by competent health and fitness professionals.”

ACE suggests the following tips when a child begins a strength training routine:

Children should begin with two, non-consecutive weight training sessions per week and perform eight to 12 strength exercises that work all of the major muscle groups
Using controlled movement speed, children should lift enough weight for 10-15 repetitions per set
Children should increase their weight load by five to 10 percent whenever 15 repetitions can be done easily
Try working with medicine balls and resistance bands in addition to weight machines or weights to add variety to the child’s workout

ACE’s new book Youth Strength Training, written by two internationally-recognized experts in youth strength training (Avery D. Faigenbaum, Ed.D. and Wayne L. Westcott, Ph.D.), is now available. Visit www.acefitness.org for more information or to order. The article “Strength Training for 21st Century Kids,” with excerpts from Youth Strength Training, was printed in the December 2004/January 2005 edition of ACE Certified News.

About ACE
The American Council on Exercise (ACE), America’s Authority on Fitness, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the benefits of physical activity and protecting consumers against unsafe and ineffective fitness products and instruction. As the nation’s “workout watchdog,” ACE sponsors university-based exercise science research and testing that targets fitness products and trends. ACE sets standards for fitness professionals and is the world’s largest non-profit fitness certifying organization. For more information on ACE and its programs, call (800) 825-3636 or log onto the ACE Web site at www.acefitness.org.

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Kristie Spalding
Corporate Communications Director
American Counsel on Exercise
1-800-546-7470

How To Keep Your Fitness Resolutions From Fading

2005-01-27T05:32:00.000-08:00

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO. January 27, 2005 -- January is almost over. How are you doing on your list of fitness New Year’s Resolutions? If you are like most people, they are gradually starting to fade. But they don’t have to completely disappear. Rev-up your resolutions with a few simple tips from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

1. Be reasonable. Often times, the New Year brings high hopes and unrealistic expectations. When setting fitness goals, know how your body works. "Healthy weight loss is about 2 pounds per week,” advises Keith Cinea, MA, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT, Educational Programs and Products Coordinator for the NSCA. “Weight loss above this amount may shock the body, making it harder to lose weight."

2. Take small steps. There are short, medium, and long-term goals. Many people skip the short and medium goals, and go straight for the long-term results. The old axiom applies: “People don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan.” Results will come, but you have to be patient and continue on your fitness plan—eating a sensible diet and exercising more.

3. Work out with a partner. Surround yourself with positive people who have the same goals. “A workout partner makes you more accountable--you are less likely to skip a workout because you know they are waiting for you,” recommends Peter Melanson, MS, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT, Educational Programs Coordinator for the NSCA. “A partner also allows you to work harder, especially in the weight room, knowing you have a spotter there to help.”

4. Reward yourself. When you reach a goal, however small you may think it is, reward yourself with a small gift— preferably fitness related (a new pair of shoes, work-out equipment, or clothing). After a few small goals are completed and you realize that you can do it, the larger goals won’t seem so impossible.

5. Get help. Get the motivation and expert training you need by hiring a personal trainer. “Personal trainers not only provide an accountability aspect to training, but they are also professionally trained to know exactly what you need to do to reach your fitness goals,” explains Michael Barnes, MEd, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT, NSCA Education Director.

New Dietary Guidelines Will Help Americans Make Better Food Choices, Live Healthier Lives

2005-01-12T00:29:00.000-08:00

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson and Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced the release of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, the federal government's science-based advice to promote health and reduce risk of chronic diseases through nutrition and physical activity.

The sixth edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans places stronger emphasis on reducing calorie consumption and increasing physical activity. This joint project of the Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture is the latest of the five-year reviews required by federal law. It is the basis of federal food programs and nutrition education programs and supports the nutrition and physical fitness pillars of President Bush's HealthierUS Initiative.

"These new Dietary Guidelines represent our best science-based advice to help Americans live healthier and longer lives," Secretary Thompson said. "The report gives action steps to reach achievable goals in weight control, stronger muscles and bones, and balanced nutrition to help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. Promoting good dietary habits is key to reducing the growing problems of obesity and physical inactivity, and to gaining the health benefits that come from a nutritionally balanced diet."

"The new Dietary Guidelines highlight the principle that Americans should keep their weight within healthful limits and engage in ample physical activity," said Secretary Veneman. "The process we used to develop these recommendations was more rigorous and more transparent than ever before. Taken together, the recommendations will help consumers make smart choices from every food group, get the most nutrition out of the calories consumed and find a balance between eating and physical activity."

Eating a healthy balance of nutritious foods continues as a central point in the Dietary Guidelines, but balancing nutrients is not enough for health. Total calories also count, especially as more Americans are gaining weight. Because almost two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese, and more than half get too little physical activity, the 2005 Dietary Guidelines place a stronger emphasis on calorie control and physical activity.

The Dietary Guidelines, based on the latest scientific information including medical knowledge, provides authoritative advice for people two years and older about how proper dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines were prepared in three stages. In the first, a 13-member Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee prepared a report based on the best available science. In the second stage, government scientists and officials developed the Dietary Guidelines after reviewing the advisory committee's report and agency and public comments. In the third stage, experts worked to translate the Dietary Guidelines into meaningful messages for the public and educators.

The report identifies 41 key recommendations, of which 23 are for the general public and 18 for special populations. They are grouped into nine general topics:

Adequate Nutrients Within Calorie Needs
Weight Management
Physical Activity
Food Groups to Encourage
Fats
Carbohydrates
Sodium and Potassium
Alcoholic Beverages
Food Safety

The Dietary Guidelines provide health education experts, such as doctors and nutritionists, with a compilation of the latest science-based recommendations. Consumer-friendly materials such as brochures and Web sites will assist the general public in understanding the scientific language of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines and the key points that they can apply in their lives. To highlight those points, a consumer-oriented brochure accompanies the 2005 Dietary Guidelines. USDA's Food Guidance System also will serve as a tool to educate consumers on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The Food Guidance System, currently called the Food Guide Pyramid, is undergoing revision and will be released in the spring of 2005.

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines and consumer brochure are available at www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines.

Following is a list of key recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines.

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2005 DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR AMERICANS
Key Recommendations for the General Population

ADEQUATE NUTRIENTS WITHIN CALORIE NEEDS

Consume a variety of nutrient-dense foods and beverages within and among the basic food groups while choosing foods that limit the intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, salt, and alcohol.
Meet recommended intakes within energy needs by adopting a balanced eating pattern, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Guide or the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Eating Plan.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

To maintain body weight in a healthy range, balance calories from foods and beverages with calories expended.
To prevent gradual weight gain over time, make small decreases in food and beverage calories and increase physical activity.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Engage in regular physical activity and reduce sedentary activities to promote health, psychological well-being, and a healthy body weight.
- To reduce the risk of chronic disease in adulthood: Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, above usual activity, at work or home on most days of the week.
- For most people, greater health benefits can be obtained by engaging in physical activity of more vigorous intensity or longer duration.
- To help manage body weight and prevent gradual, unhealthy body weight gain in adulthood: Engage in approximately 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity on most days of the week while not exceeding caloric intake requirements.
- To sustain weight loss in adulthood: Participate in at least 60 to 90 minutes of daily moderate-intensity physical activity while not exceeding caloric intake requirements. Some people may need to consult with a healthcare provider before participating in this level of activity.
Achieve physical fitness by including cardiovascular conditioning, stretching exercises for flexibility, and resistance exercises or calisthenics for muscle strength and endurance.

FOOD GROUPS TO ENCOURAGE

Consume a sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables while staying within energy needs. Two cups of fruit and 2-1/2 cups of vegetables per day are recommended for a reference 2,000-calorie intake, with higher or lower amounts depending on the calorie level.
Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables each day. In particular, select from all five vegetable subgroups (dark green, orange, legumes, starchy vegetables, and other vegetables) several times a week.
Consume 3 or more ounce-equivalents of whole-grain products per day, with the rest of the recommended grains coming from enriched or whole-grain products. In general, at least half the grains should come from whole grains.
Consume 3 cups per day of fat-free or low-fat milk or equivalent milk products.

FATS

Consume less than 10 percent of calories from saturated fatty acids and less than 300 mg/day of cholesterol, and keep trans fatty acid consumption as low as possible.
Keep total fat intake between 20 to 35 percent of calories, with most fats coming from sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, and vegetable oils.
When selecting and preparing meat, poultry, dry beans, and milk or milk products, make choices that are lean, low-fat, or fat-free.
Limit intake of fats and oils high in saturated and/or trans fatty acids, and choose products low in such fats and oils.

CARBOHYDRATES

Choose fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains often.
Choose and prepare foods and beverages with little added sugars or caloric sweeteners, such as amounts suggested by the USDA Food Guide and the DASH Eating Plan.
Reduce the incidence of dental caries by practicing good oral hygiene and consuming sugar- and starch-containing foods and beverages less frequently.

SODIUM AND POTASSIUM

Consume less than 2,300 mg (approximately 1 teaspoon of salt) of sodium per day.
Choose and prepare foods with little salt. At the same time, consume potassium-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Those who choose to drink alcoholic beverages should do so sensibly and in moderation-defined as the consumption of up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
Alcoholic beverages should not be consumed by some individuals, including those who cannot restrict their alcohol intake, women of childbearing age who may become pregnant, pregnant and lactating women, children and adolescents, individuals taking medications that can interact with alcohol, and those with specific medical conditions.
Alcoholic beverages should be avoided by individuals engaging in activities that require attention, skill, or coordination, such as driving or operating machinery.

FOOD SAFETY

To avoid microbial foodborne illness:
- Clean hands, food contact surfaces, and fruits and vegetables. Meat and poultry should not be washed or rinsed.
- Separate raw, cooked, and ready-to-eat foods while shopping, preparing, or storing foods.
- Cook foods to a safe temperature to kill microorganisms.
- Chill (refrigerate) perishable food promptly and defrost foods properly.
- Avoid raw (unpasteurized) milk or any products made from unpasteurized milk, raw or partially cooked eggs or foods containing raw eggs, raw or undercooked meat and poultry, unpasteurized juices, and raw sprouts.

Note: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 contains additional recommendations for specific populations. The full document is available at www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines.

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Lance Armstrong and 24 Hour Fitness to Join Forces

2005-01-10T02:17:00.000-08:00

Partnership Includes Creation of New 24 Hour Fitness Lance Armstrong Sport Clubs, Sponsorship of Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team and Commitment to the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

San Ramon, Calif., (January 10, 2005) – 24 Hour Fitness, a global leader in the health and fitness movement, announced its partnership today with six-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong. The partnership includes the creation of 24 Hour Fitness Lance Armstrong Sport Clubs – the first of which will debut in Armstrong’s hometown of Austin, Texas in summer 2005. 24 Hour Fitness will also become a sponsor of Armstrong’s Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team, whose jerseys will feature the company’s logo. In addition, 24 Hour Fitness pledges its involvement with the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which believes that in the battle with cancer, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. Armstrong, who was recently named ‘Male Athlete of the Year’ for the third straight year by The Associated Press, will lend his face to 24 Hour Fitness’ advertising campaigns as well.

“I really believe in the work 24 Hour Fitness is doing to help as many people as possible through health and fitness. They fight the good fight and truly care about their members’ lives. Fitness has been a significant part of my life and a critical component in my comeback from cancer,” shared Armstrong. “I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to share the benefits I’ve seen first-hand of a healthy lifestyle with so many people through my relationship with 24 Hour Fitness.”

“Lance Armstrong embodies everything our company believes in – hard work, determination, positive attitude and persistence while having fun along the way,” said Mark Mastrov, chairman and CEO, 24 Hour Fitness Worldwide. “And Lance’s athletic ability is not just limited to his bike - he’s an amazing athlete in all sports! Tennis, surfing, swimming, running, you name it! We’re ecstatic about this partnership with Lance, the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team.”

With this partnership, Armstrong joins three other athletic superstars as a member of the 24 Hour Fitness family. Basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who launched a string of successful 24 Hour Fitness Magic Johnson Sport Clubs in 2001, tennis great Andre Agassi, whose own 24 Hour Fitness Agassi Sport Clubs premiered in February 2004, and Miami Heat sensation Shaquille O’Neal, whose clubs will open in early 2005.

Armstrong will put his own “signature” on the look, feel and facilities of the new 24 Hour Fitness Lance Armstrong Sport Clubs. The clubs will be full-service fitness facilities with numerous amenities including large indoor Lance Armstrong cycling rooms as well as an extensive line of state-of-the-art cardio equipment, free weights, indoor pool, whirlpool, steam room and sauna. A Kids’ Club will provide an onsite babysitting facility and a wide assortment of fitness apparel will be available at the Pro Shop. Also available is 24 Hour Fitness’ newest Xpress Zone™, a 30-minute circuit program designed in a specific order to maximize a full-body workout in a short amount of time. Members will have access to cutting-edge group exercise classes including Yoga, Pi-Yo, Xpress and 24 Tai Chi.

About 24 Hour Fitness:
24 Hour Fitness, a longtime fan and supporter of Olympic Sports, became the Official Fitness Center Sponsor for the U.S. Olympic Team in April 2003, with the sponsorship lasting through 2008. For more than a decade, 24 Hour Fitness has cheered for and rallied behind the U.S. Olympic movement by sponsoring seven National Governing Bodies, including USA Track & Field, USA Volleyball, USA Weightlifting, USA Water Polo, USA Softball, USA Cycling and USA Wrestling.

Headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., 24 Hour Fitness, an innovative leader in the health and fitness industry, serves more than 3 million members in over 330 clubs across 16 different states and three countries in Asia. Founded in 1983 as a one-club operation, 24 Hour Fitness pioneered the concept of making fitness accessible, affordable and a way of life for everyone. Supporting the communities it serves, 24 Hour Fitness sponsors many charitable events and organizations including the American Cancer Society and the Magic Johnson Foundation.

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Winter is Here: Are Your Kids Staying Active?

2005-01-03T02:10:00.000-08:00

ACE Offers Tips to Keep Kids Moving and Healthy

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Jan. 03, 2005 – Winter weather poses an obstacle to normally active children when it’s no longer easy to jump on a bike and ride or play outside. The American Council on Exercise (ACE), America’s Authority on Fitness, offers advice on how to keep your kids active during the colder months.
“The trend toward inactivity in children is all too common during the winter months,” said Debi Pilarella, 2004 ACE Fitness Director of the Year. “Kids are continuing to eat higher calorie foods and not working them off like they would in warmer weather. It’s the parent’s responsibility to make sure their child/children remain active when playing outside isn’t an option.”

Take your kids with you for a gym workout. YMCAs and health clubs offer a warmer fitness alternative to outside and now have expanded programs for kids and parents (e.g., parent/child yoga and Pilates, youth circuit classes and family personal training).
Head to the mall for a walk. Many malls are open early for morning walkers and are a great way to get physical activity with the kids. Parents can split up with their children into teams and each can compete to reach a certain store in the shortest amount of time.
Commercial time is “movement time.” Pilarella has established “movement time” during commercials when her children have to get up and move around the house, either to take the dog outside or put away laundry. Parents can also offer rewards for children who do their activities.
Youth-fitness products keep kids busy indoors. There are a variety of youth-oriented fitness products parents can buy including at-home yoga kits and child exercise videos and games. These would make great holiday or birthday gifts.

ACE recommends children get approximately 60 minutes of physical activity each day, but that can be broken up into intervals anywhere from 10-20 minutes.

About ACE
The American Council on Exercise (ACE), America’s Authority on Fitness, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the benefits of physical activity and protecting consumers against unsafe and ineffective fitness products and instruction. As the nation’s “workout watchdog,” ACE sponsors university-based exercise science research and testing that targets fitness products and trends. ACE sets standards for fitness professionals and is the world’s largest non-profit fitness certifying organization. For more information on ACE and its programs, call (800) 825-3636 or log onto the ACE Web site at www.acefitness.org.

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Kristie Spalding
Corporate Communications Director
American Counsel on Exercise
1-800-546-7470

Low-Fat vs. Low-Carb Study Results Mis-Reported: Study Revealed The Real Enemy Is Junk Food

2004-11-18T12:53:00.002-08:00

Nov. 18, 2004 - Recent headlines suggesting low-carb dieters were more likely to re-gain weight than low-fat dieters resulted from misinterpretation of a study presented earlier this month at a major conference on obesity. In fact, the study showed no difference between the two groups of dieters. The real "enemy" revealed by the study was junk food consumed after subjects had lost weight.

According to Catherine LaCroix, editor in chief of LowCarb Living magazine, the study presented earlier this month at the North American Association for the Study of Obesity was widely misreported. "A review of the data showed there was absolutely no difference in weight re-gain between the 'low-carb' and 'low-fat' groups," said LaCroix. "So we talked to Suzanne Phelan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Human Behavior at Brown University, who presented the study. She admits that those headlines proclaiming 'low fat beats low carb' were 'somewhat misleading.'"

Phelan presented data gathered from the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR). The data showed dieters who had lost 30 pounds or more and kept it off for at least a year regained weight when they increased fat consumption, decreased carbohydrate consumption somewhat, and increased total calories over and above what they had been eating to lose the weight.

According to LaCroix, only a small percentage of subjects in the NWCR database were even using a low-carb approach, and because the subjects were self-selected and the data self-reported, the data may not statistically represent the general population.

According to Carol-Jane Segal-Isaacson, EdD, RD, Assistant Professor of Health, Behavior and Nutrition at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, however, NWCR researchers revealed the source of extra fat and calories wasn't butter, oils or red meat - the items one might expect would account for a higher fat intake on a low-carb plan - it was "junk food."

Segal-Isaacson, at the conference to present results of another study (with data from over 1,300 low-carb subjects) found that eating foods with added sugar was the greatest predictor of weight gain. Participants in her study, known as the CCARBS study, who did best were those who controlled their carbs best, ate slightly more protein than the other groups, and who ate a lot of high-fiber vegetables, especially dark leafy greens. She points out that those who lost the most weight had the lowest calorie intake. Segal-Isaacson feels either plan, low-carb or low-fat can work. "Calories count, but controlling carbs does work, too."

LaCroix said the widely-documented popularity of low-carb diets in America starts with their initial impact. "The success rate of low-carb dieting is what has created this phenomenon," she said. "People of all ages really do lose weight quickly and easily without feeling hungry. But what these studies prove, and what we, as the nation's leading publication for people living the low-carb lifestyle, advocate is the importance of developing healthy eating habits for life. Nobody stays thin -- or healthy -- eating junk food. As you add back carbohydrates, they need to come from complex sources like whole grains and vegetables, not from refined sugar."

A detailed article on both of these studies was posted today on the magazine's Website: www.LCLmag.com.

LowCarb Living magazine is published in Berkeley, CA, by CappMedia, Inc. For more information, visit www.LCLmag.com.

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Contact:
Jolie Cross
jcross@freemanpr.com
(212) 489-8585

Bobbi Schlesinger
Schlesinger@Freemanpr.com

WHO releases new report on global problem of oral diseases

2004-02-24T22:15:00.000-08:00

24 FEBRUARY 2004 | GENEVA -- Oral diseases such as dental caries (tooth decay), periodontitis (gum disease) and oral and pharyngeal cancers are a global health problem in both industrialized and increasingly in developing countries, especially amongst poorer communities, the World Health Organization (WHO) said today. Announcing the findings of the World Oral Health Report, WHO said that an estimated five billion people worldwide had experienced dental caries.

“Worldwide, losing teeth is seen as a natural consequence of ageing, but it is in fact preventable,” said Dr Catherine Le Gales-Camus, WHO’s Assistant-Director General, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health. “There is a perception that dental caries is no longer a problem in the developed world, but it affects 60-90% of schoolchildren and the vast majority of adults. Dental caries is also the most prevalent oral disease in several Asian and Latin American countries.”

The impact of oral diseases in pain, suffering, impaired function and reduced quality of life, is both extensive and expensive. Treatment is estimated to account for between 5-10% of health costs in industrialized countries, and is beyond the resources of many developing countries.

While it appears to be less severe in most African countries, the report states that with changing living conditions, dental caries is expected to increase in many developing countries in Africa, particularly as a result of the growing consumption of sugars and inadequate exposure to fluorides.

“In many developing countries, access to oral health care is limited and teeth are often left untreated, or extracted,” said Dr Poul Erik Petersen, coordinator of WHO’s Global Oral Health Programme. “In Africa, the dentist-to-population ratio is approximately 1:150,000, against about 1:2,000 in most industrialized countries. And while we have made limited progress in reducing tooth decay amongst younger people in the developed world, for many older people it remains a major source of pain and ill-health.”

Globally, most children shows signs of gingivitis (bleeding gums) and among adults, the initial stages of periodontal disease are prevalent. Severe periodontitis, which may result in tooth loss, is found in 5-15% of most populations. In industrialized countries, studies show that smoking is a key risk factor for periodontal disease.

The prevalence of oral cancer is the eighth most common cancer of men worldwide. In south central Asia, cancer of the oral cavity ranks amongst the three most common types of cancer. However, sharp increases of oral/pharyngeal cancers have also been reported for several countries and regions such as Denmark, Germany, Scotland, central and eastern Europe, and to a lesser extent, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the USA. Smoking, smokeless tobacco, chewing betel, and alcohol use, are all risk factors.

The major priorities and components of WHO’s Global Oral Health Programme are set out in the new report. In addition to addressing modifiable risks such as oral hygiene practices, sugar consumption, lack of calcium and micronutrients, and tobacco use, key elements include addressing the major sociocultural determinants. These include: poor living conditions, low education level, as well as lack of traditions supporting oral health. Countries should ensure appropriate use of fluorides for prevention of dental caries, while unsafe water and poor hygiene are environmental risk factors for oral as well as general health.

Oral health systems need to be oriented to primary health care and prevention. WHO’s Global School Health Initiative, which seeks to mobilize health promotion and education levels at local national, regional and global levels, has recently been strengthened by an oral health technical document. Increasing emphasis has also been placed on targeting the elderly; by 2050, there will be two billion people over the age of 60, 80% of them living in the developing world. The Oral Health Programme will also make an important contribution to the early diagnosis, prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, which often shows up first in oral fungal, bacterial or viral infections and lesions.

“Poor oral health can have a profound effect on general health and the quality of life,” said Dr Petersen. “The experience of pain, endurance of dental abcesses, problems with eating, chewing, and missing, discoloured or damaged teeth, has a major impact on people’s daily lives and wellbeing.”

For more information contact:

Dr Catherine Le Galès-Camus - Assistant-Director General
Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, WHO
Telephone: +41 (22) 791 2999
Email: legalescamusc@who.int

Poul Erik Petersen - Coordinator
Oral Health Programme, WHO
Telephone: +41 (22) 791 3475
Mobile phone: +45 (24) 463 598
Email: petersenpe@who.int

Mr David Porter - Media Officer
WHO
Telephone: +41 (22) 791 3774
Mobile phone: +41 (79) 477 1740
Email: porterd@who.int