I hope all is well with everyone! I found another article on obesity that earns my attention. The article concerns the correlation between obesity and heart malfunction. This is a terrifying, and eye-opening, study that all should see. The following article is found on www.sciencedaily.com:

21 June 2007

“http://www.sciencedaily.com” — New research from The University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center helps explain why excessive body weight increases the risk for heart disease.

Reference: Left ventricular hypertrophy is independently associated with body mass index and gender. Mohammad-Reza Movahed and Adolfo A. Martinez, The University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center, Tucson, Ariz.
Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by University of Arizona Health Sciences Center.

By Mary Ann Wilson, R.N.

“http://www.sitandbefit.com”

Mary Ann Wilson, R.N., is the originator and host of public television’s “Sit and Be Fit,” the gentle half hour exercise program for senior citizens. With her background as a registered nurse specializing in rehabilitation, post-polio care, and geriatrics, she is a recognized expert in the area of senior fitness.

As television producer and host of an exercise show specializing in fitness for the senior population and people with physical limitations, I am constantly asked for advice on how to keep functionally fit. Because Americans are living longer, we are concerned about retaining our youthful bounce and vigor. We all know the aging process brings about structural and functional changes to the body, but what exactly can we do to make the most of our middle and later years of life? The answer is easy: exercise, exercise, exercise.

We cannot stop Mother Nature’s clock, but we can slow it down. Many signs of aging are reversible. General physical activity, not just structured exercise, can help to promote major health benefits such as:

· Increased cardiovascular fitness by 20_25 percent
· Increased flexibility and muscle strength
· Decreased depression and anxiety
· Weight loss
· Lower blood pressure
· Dramatic reduction of the risk of heart disease
· Stronger immune system
· Prevention of bone loss

“Reprinted from Mature Fitness (formerly published as the Senior Fitness Bulletin) by permission of the American Senior Fitness Association (800) 243-1478.”

I found this noteworthy article regarding questions many seniors may have concerning fitness:

TAKING THE FIRST STEP
By Karl Knopf, Ed.D.

The following are answers to some commonly asked questions by older adults poised to embark on the trail to health and fitness.
Q. What is the secret to a satisfying retirement?
A. Most gerontologists agree that in addition to doing something that is both mentally and emotionally rewarding, following a sensible and regular physical exercise program is the key. If exercise could be packed into a pill, it would be one of the most widely prescribed medicines in the world. Unfortunately, although most Americans know that aerobic exercise is important for improving cardiovascular fitness and for losing fat, many neglect to stretch daily or to perform the two to three days per week of strength training that it takes to become truly fit. Also, most people don’t stay with an exercise program long enough to enjoy the benefits. Instead they start out too hard, get sore and quit, then later feel guilty for quitting and start up again too hard… and the cycle repeats itself!
It may help to know that in the fitness game, slow’n’steady wins the race!

Q. But I haven’t exercised in years. Isn’t it too late to start now?
A. Today, just as gender, social class or ethnic background does not preclude a person from enjoying and succeeding in sports or physical activity, neither should a person’s age.
Middle_aged persons should keep in mind that a fit 70_year_old who has remained active can be as strong as an unfit sedentary 30_year_old. In fact, an active person will decline physiologically only by about 1/2 percent per year compared to an inactive person who will decline by about 2 percent. If you are deconditioned, a rejuvenating exercise program can be tailored to meet your needs through modification and adaptation. Gaining access to the exercise “Fountain of Youth” is not very expensive, nor is it a painful process. For many, it is actually quite enjoyable. Remember, age is a state of mind!

Q. How many minutes per week should I exercise?
A. The optimal amount of time varies among individuals. It is dependent upon many factors such as type of activity, intensity level, and your goals and abilities.
Some interesting findings have surfaced from research conducted in recent years which suggests that more than 300 minutes of vigorous exercise per week may be counter_productive for many participants. Of course, there are various possible explanations for this. The bottom line is: More is not always necessarily better. Everything in moderation is the key to good health.

Q. How can I stick with my fitness program?
A. Most persons who drop out of exercise programs do so because they are not having fun. People will repeat those activities that are enjoyable.
It is not enough to know the benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If it were, no one would smoke or drink to excess. People cling to unhealthy habits because they provide security and comfort. It follows that exercise, to be healthful, must be something that bears repeating. Therefore, we need to seek out physical activities that we will experience as pleasurable and satisfying. Many folks find that cross training __ that is, engaging in several different types of exercise activity each week __ helps them to maintain their enthusiasm. Some say they started exercising for wellness reasons but stuck with it for the friends they met, the improved self_esteem and extra energy they gained, and, yes, the fun they were having! Remember, the benefits of regular exercise may not show up overnight like plastic surgery. But if you really pay attention, you will see some changes very quickly!

“Reprinted from Mature Fitness (formerly published as the Senior Fitness Bulletin) by permission of the American Senior Fitness Association (800) 243-1478.”

“A government task force examining the effect the media might have on childhood obesity delayed the release of its report on Thursday. Sens. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., and Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, along with FCC chairman Kevin Martin, said they expect the committee to finish its work in the fall instead of mid-summer as originally planned. ‘The extension will allow for a more thorough examination of new initiatives that many of the food and beverage companies are coordinating, as well as a more comprehensive look at how all parties, especially media, can work together for the common good,’ Brownback and Harkin said in a joint statement.”

from
“Obesity Task Force Extends Study”
July 06, 2007
By Brooks Boliek/The Hollywood Reporter

Hello, everyone! I thought that this article entitled “Obesity Task Force Extends Study” is appropriate for our focus. In fact, the fact that more time is needed to finalize this project is proof of the media’s influence on our children. I, personally, think that it is wonderful that the government has taken an initiative to compose such a study, as well as proposing a more positive, and healthy, role for media sources to play within the lives of our children. I will continually post on this subject as updates are reported.
Have a good one,
Chris

Hello, everyone! The topic on my mind today is obesity, an issue which continues to plague people from everywhere. Isn’t it shocking to know that the majority of Americans are, by most health standards, obese? I, myself, have fought a somewhat incessant “battle of the bulge,” and this has changed ALL aspects of my life. It had to do so; there was no other way around it. I had let myself become so unfit, living a lifestyle that was, in any sense, unhealthy. At this point, I realized that my goal would change after I achieve my ideal weight. My goal would then be to maintain this ideal state. It has been an exhausting experience, especially after letting myself “go” the way I had. Therefore, I plan to maintain this state, and will strive to keep from sinking so deep as before. I have always heard people say that it is much easier to gain weight than it is to lose it. They are NOT joking!
Stay active,
Chris