Technology in Health & Fitness - I believe it is a GOOD Thing!

Some say technology has created a division between people. I tend to disagree. I believe technology can actually create stronger social connections. Depends on how it is used and how it is integrated within your social circles. There is a fine line here, a "razors edge" between positive and negative forces.

As a professional in the field of health promotion, I am a supporter of the positive use of applications and devices that track your eating and exercise habits. Now, I am VERY concerned about who compiles and uses my data. I won't kid you. Nonetheless, I feel technology can make a positive impact in our health.

Over the past 5 years I have learned to LOVE technology in the health & fitness industry! I love it because it provides me and the people I serve with a quantifiable tools to help them improve their health & fitness. These new tools can track your eating habits (well you have to input the data) & weight, your exercise activity, and depending on your hardware your heart rate and perhaps even your restful or restless sleep patterns.

These tools help me as a health coach/trainer discuss goals and provide programs for my follow. If they want, I can peek into their diet and give them real time feedback. My Fitness Pal is my go to tool. I can provide not only encouragement, but educated direction and education that is specific to the person.

Now I am making use of another program, Map My Fitness. I'll be creating maps for walking, biking, running and even hiking with this program and providing my exercising peeps with courses to ride, walk or run. What may indeed be the most useful part is encouraging my on-line affinity groups to get moving and keep moving and we just might be to encourage those peeps to encourage others within their work groups, friends and family as well as community.

Here's an example of how I will make use of Map My Fitness: I will create maps to share with our employees: FP East Aurora Heritage Walk 2.5miles

WebMD Fit Juniors ROCKS! (Adults May Like it Too)

I stumbled across this website, WebMD Fit Juniors, (via my IDEA Member site). Lately I have been very disappointed in WebMD (too many e-mails, drug ads to "solutions", and too many weight-loss scams...).

Don't get me wrong, WebMD is a great resource for info about medical ailments. BUT I do have a Pharma problem with them... I just ignore those parts, however, and take in everything else. I am informed enough to do weed through the "need to pay the bills" muck.

But this site (WebMD Fit Juniors) of theirs, geared toward children and parents, is awesome. I'm impressed with the layout and the childlike manner in which the information is presented. The site is comprehensive and helpful to both parents and teachers of health.

The playfulness of the site and why it appeals to me as an adult reminds me of the times when I go to Art Galleries that have some touring shows or collections. They often offer a recorded self-guided version of the tour. I LOVE those and feel they are worth the extra few bucks. I, after all, am a non-artsy person who loves to learn about art and artists one little snippet at a time. The self-guided listening tours are insightful AND you can push the repeat button in case you got distracted.

The special part I enjoy about the listening tours is that they often have children's versions. What a fun way to visit a collection! Try it if you have the chance, no one will guess which program version you are listening too, except maybe when you giggle a silly joke.

About this WebMD Fit Juniors (WebMD Fit Juniors) site, it's got a great feel and they approach healthy behaviors with childlike wonder and fun - good thing in my mind. Take a look at the ReCharge activity: http://fit.webmd.com/jr/recharge/pdf/pdf-help-fit-friends-relax-game for an example. Not a hint of  TV mentioned.

I would love to know their analytics and their behavior change stats (if they can get those)!

KUDOS to WebMD.

...And Why Haven't I Supported Women's Sports Before?!

I really should be ashamed of myself! At 55 I am just now buying tickets to women's sporting events, University @ Buffalo Women's Basketball and WNY Flash (women's pro soccer league).

Why haven't I supported women's sports in the past? Probably has a lot to do with the fact that I was (mostly) a single mom working full-time, including a couple P/T gigs along the journey, balancing a career and a football, ice hockey and soccer playing son.

A reason, but NOT a good excuse.

I mean really! I was a first generation athletic scholarship woman athlete myself! I played during the days when the college newspaper gave a full 2 page spread to a rained out baseball game and a 1/2 paragraph to an undefeated women's lacrosse team game! The injustice of it created a storm surge at the campus paper headquarters. We got news coverage on that stunt!

So here I am at the age of 55 and very nearly an "empty-nester" and I am just now making the time for women's sports!

Today I am taking my nearly graduated college soccer playing son to the UB Women's Basketball game. I must have done something right because 1. He wants to spend time with his mom on his short spring break and 2. He loves going to the women's games as much as he does the men's sports.

Why haven't I done this before now? Supported women's sports? Well, that was then and this is NOW!

I have attached the 2013 WNY Flash season schedule. Take a peek, they may be coming to city near you...take yourself to one...take your kids....

WNY Flash 2013 Schedule

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The Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Atrial Fibrillation - Guest Blog

The Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF)–irregular heartbeat–affects about 3 million Americans, and that number is expected to increase to about 12 million by 2050--and that doesn’t include people who don't know they have AF. Most people older than 40 are at increased risk of developing AF, and the risk increases with age.

AF can lead to a number of health problems, especially a higher risk of stroke. In fact, people with this condition are five times more likely to have a stroke. The first form of treatment many people think of is prescription medication.

There are several anticoagulant medications available that are designed to decrease the risk of stroke in people with AF, including warfarin (Jantoven, Coumadin), Pradaxa, Xarelto and Eliquis. However, these drugs have been linked to a long list of complications–most notably uncontrolled bleeding that can be fatal.

In the case of Pradaxa, it has even led to a number of lawsuits filed against the drug's maker.

Instead of taking a drug that may come with a host of serious side effects, why not try to tackle other medical conditions that can cause AF? While conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity and heart conditions are known to contribute to the cause of irregular heartbeat, not many people know that there is a strong connection between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and atrial fibrillation.

Obstructive sleep apnea affects 18 million Americans. It is a condition where airways become blocked or narrowed during sleep, causing heavy snoring, daytime sleepiness and headaches, and it doubles the risk for atrial fibrillation.

Clinical Studies on Sleep Apnea and Atrial Fibrillation

Scientists have found compelling evidence that links sleep apnea to AF. Studies revealed that sleep apnea is a greater risk factor for AF than other traditional risk factors. About half of the people diagnosed with sleep apnea also have AF.

The exact way that OSA causes atrial fibrillation is not yet known, though doctors theorize that nightly lack of oxygen because of breathing difficulties, a high level of carbon dioxide in the blood and surges in blood pressure may cause or predispose someone to AF. The biggest risk factors for OSA and AF are obesity and hypertension. Fortunately, there are ways to treat OSA and lessen the effects of AF.

Treating Sleep Apnea

One of the easiest ways to treat sleep apnea is by using a breathing machine called a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). These machines use mild air pressure to keep airways normally obstructed by sleep apnea open. In medical studies, treating early diagnosed sleep apnea with CPAP also treats AF. So, this means that concerned patients should mention any possible OSA to their doctors, since doctors may not ask their atrial fibrillation patients about sleep apnea.

Lifestyle changes are usually the best bet for treating mild sleep apnea. These include:

• ·  Avoid alcohol and medicines that cause drowsiness. These make it more difficult for the airways to stay open during sleep.
• ·  If you are overweight or obese, try to lose weight–even just a little weight loss improves symptoms.
• ·  Sleep on your side instead of your back.
• ·  If you smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting.

You can also ask your dentist about custom mouth pieces that you can wear while you sleep. These can help adjust your jaw, or keep your tongue from blocking the airway. For more severe cases of sleep apnea, surgery may be recommended.

So, before you decide to go the prescription route for AF, make sure you do your homework and talk to your doctor about risk factors you can control.  If you are at risk for AF, some simple lifestyle changes may lower your chances of developing an irregular heartbeat.

Michelle Y. Llamas is a content writer for Drugwatch. She educates the public about dangerous drugs and medical devices. Michelle has been published in peer-reviewed medical journals and on various websites.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2010). Atrial fibrillation fact sheet. Retrieved from http://www.stoptheclot.org/Afib/CDC%20reference%20document%20fs_atrial_fibrillation.pdf

National Stroke Association. (2013). Controllable risk factors – atrial fibrillation,http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=afib

Gami, A. S., Pressman, G. Caples, S. M., Kanagala, R., Gard, J. J., Davison, D. E., ….& Somers, V. K. (2004). Association of atrial fibrillation and obstructive sleep apnea. Circulation. 110: 364-367. Retrieved from http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/110/4/364.long

Medical News Today. (2013). What are the causes of atrial fibrillation? Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/atrial-fibrillation/causes-of-atrial-fibrillation.php

Gordon, S. (2012, May 29). Feeling lackadaisical? Sleep apnea may be to blame. HealthDay. Retrieved from http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2012/05/29/feeling-lackadaisical-sleep-apnea-may-be-to-blame

National Institutes of Health. (2012, July 10). How is sleep apnea treated? Retrieved from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sleepapnea/treatment.html

We spend BILLIONS on drugs, but a good pair of running shoes is still BEST ROI (when used).

Another study review exhaulting the benefits of high fitness levels (although the review doesn't mention how that is defined, only that cardiorespiratory fitness as it relates to other men the same age).

We spend Billions of dollars each year to reduce risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol and LDL's and weight loss. BUT it's fitness levels that carry the greatest predictive value. Meaning fitness levels play a greater role in reducing the risk of dying (early I suppose, since we all do...die) from CHD.

Let me say it again. We SPEND BILLIONS!!! Where wearing out a good pair of running (even if you walk) shoes at maybe 100 bucks per year could benefit you more. The key factor here is wear the shoes to DO the activity and do it often enough to wear the shoes out in a year or less.

That's our problem, we prefer to spend BILLIONS instead of DOING for hundreds.

I prefer to spend and DO and the SAVE my money for vacations, education, home improvement and the like. I'd rather hold onto my hard earned dough and have some fun!

The article and the study brings up many positives, but I have some concerns about the study itself.
1. where are the women?
2. fitness levels compared to other men of the same age. is the fitness level high or just higher than a couch potato?

The use of drugs is not only expensive they cause a host of other issues (side-effects) that harm the body AND they cause issues in the environment, namely our water. These drugs do eventually get into our sewer system you know.

It's all connected. I'd prefer to go for a jog!


Active Voice: Does Cardiorespiratory Fitness Level Trump LDL-Cholesterol Level for Predicting CHD Mortality?:

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Guest Blog: Hearing Loss: Its Preventability and How it Relates to Your Lifestyle

Living a healthy long life doesn't have to mean you give up all the FUN stuff in your life. If you still thinking smoking is fun, well, yes. Living healthy really is more about finding enjoyment in less destructive behaviors and reaping the benefits now and into the future.

It's in the future that we find ourselves looking desperately for "cures", for anything that will slow the process of aging and earlier than need be, death. I know I want to reap the rewards and I also know I'll have some regrets of unheeded advice from my younger years, like sun over-exposure. I am and will continue to pay the price of all those sunburns.

The outdoor world still calls me and I still answer, but now I cover up more and earlier. I used to crank up my music, now I tone it down a bit especially if I have my plugs in. In fact I'm looking at headphones that are bigger, that cover my ears more so I can keep more outside noise out and turn the volume down. 

I do want to be able to hear the world around me as I get older, even if that means hearing the young wipper-snappers call me to move the the slow lane on the track...

Thanks John for the Blog. sAq

Hearing Loss: Its Preventability and How It Relates to Your Lifestyle

An insightful and helpful Guest Blog By John O'Connor, Stoneham, MA

It is very common knowledge that the loss of hearing can also cause a rapid deterioration of both lifestyle and happiness; the prevention of hearing loss through a healthy lifestyle has become progressively more important as a larger percentage of people become affected by it. According to the Better Hearing Institute, approximately half of all people impacted by hearing loss are below the age of 55. As this condition continues to strike younger people, steps must be made if any individual wishes to ensure that his or her hearing will still be fully functional by the time of a middle-age adulthood. Hearing loss can negatively impact nearly all areas of a person's life- his relationships, his emotions, and even how he can go about his day. Although using a hearing aid is an immediate option for those who suffer from the condition, the preliminary prevention of any such condition is ideal. It is of the utmost importance to live a healthy lifestyle with the prevention of hearing loss on the mind, for living in healthiness is one of the only surefire ways to try to combat this condition before it actually strikes.

There is a multitude of steps that one can take to better his or her lifestyle and protect the senses. First, it is essential to take a look at the lifestyle that one is living- someone may need to ask himself "Am I a chronic smoker? Do I eat a nutritious diet? Do I always have my headphones blasting in my ears?" These are just a few questions that are relevant to the prevention of hearing loss through a healthier lifestyle.

Are Smokers More Susceptible to Hearing Loss?

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 20 percent of all adults in the United States are smokers; even without the threat of hearing loss, this habit can deliver a wide array of negative effects on one's health. However, smoking can actually have a significant effect on any habitual individual's hearing. A wide variation of studies have revealed that frequent exposure to nicotine can have a negative impact on one's ability to process and hear sounds. The ability to detect higher frequencies with hearing is significantly diminished by chronic exposure to cigarettes, whether it is through firsthand or secondhand smoke.

The Detrimental Impact of Loud Noise

Although this is hailed as one of the most obvious damages to hearing, some people are just not aware of how detrimental unnecessarily loud noise can really be to a person's hearing senses and health. For those who make a living out of working with tools such as chainsaws or jackhammers, their respective noise levels are far above the minimum level that can bring on hearing loss when their use is at a frequent occurrence. Being close to even just one gunshot can cause long term damage on a person's hearing; therefore, being wary and careful of one's surroundings and attempting to avoid overtly loud noise is key to preventing hearing loss.

Nutrition's Effects on Hearing

Not only can poor nutrition potentially bring on diabetes, it can also cause significant hearing loss. Getting proper nutrition is one of the surefire ways to help keep hearing sharp up through old age and beyond. Several studies have revealed that a diet rich in antioxidants can prove to be effective against hearing loss; and a lack of vitamins can contribute greatly to a lesser ability to hear. Watching one's lifestyle is of the utmost importance, and food is a monumental part of that.

The lifestyle habits listed above are just a few of the many factors that can be changed to prevent hearing loss. Doing research would be highly beneficial if any individual is fearing that he or she may be getting an early onset of hearing loss, and the lifestyle of that person has the potential to change everything. Hearing loss is not a pleasant condition for anyone, and the prevention of that should be the ultimate goal.

Deceptive Marketing Should Be OUTLAWED....Oh! It is?

Marketing. Success is scored by increases in sales. Not health. Their success increases their wallets and your waistlines.

Success has absolutely nothing to do with health of the end user, the consumer. It's all about short term profits. It's all about value to the share-holder, which, if you are working and you invest in a 401k or the like, you are one of those profiting. Doesn't matter that it's making us sick.

And that kind of sickness is costing us BIG right now! Obesity. Diabetes. Stroke. Heart Disease. Cancer.

Do yourself a favor ignore the packaging and eat real food.

Don't want to bother? Then don't bother to whine when you have to pay for the high cost of medicines to "manage" your expensive health condition that over consumption of "healthy" products such as these promote.


BBC News - Cereal bars: Healthy image a myth - Which?

You know, we can't make enough laws to stop this kind of hurtful behavior as long as we have business people running our government. But don't get me started on that topic!

Incorporating Fitness and Nutrition into Diabetes Management - A Guest Blog

Incorporating Fitness and Nutrition into Diabetes Management

The best approach to diabetes management is a multi-faceted approach involving medication, nutrition and fitness. While medication can help to balance out blood glucose levels or keep them manageable, a patient with diabetes cannot fully manage this disease without good nutrition and fitness as well. There is no cure for diabetes, but when you combine good diet and exercise with the right medications, it is possible to get a handle on blood glucose levels for long term management.

* Manage all diabetes medication. Speak with a physician to make sure that all diabetes medications and other treatments are compatible with a new nutrition or fitness plan. Good diabetes health management means ensuring that medication, diet and exercise are all compatible with one another for the best possible results.

* Choose a healthy nutrition plan rather than a diet. Dieting to lose weight and eating healthily for diabetes are two different things. Good diabetes health management means eating nutritionally sound meals that incorporate the right types of calories, carbohydrates, proteins, fibers and fats. Drastically reducing the amount of any of these nutrients such as a low-carb diet or severely low calorie diet can harm management of diabetes rather than helping it, even if the diet is promoting weight loss. Weight loss is not the only puzzle piece when managing any type of diabetes.

* Add fitness in slowly. Adding exercise in to a daily routine can be absolutely essential to good diabetes health management. The key is to add exercise in slowly, tracking how it impacts health and blood sugar along the way. It is essential not to overdo it when starting out on an exercise plan since every diabetes patient responds differently to working out.

* Work closely with a doctor. Nutritionists, endocrinologists and general practitioners can all play an important role in developing a fitness and nutrition routine for good diabetes management. Work closely with these specialists and professionals to make sure that all elements of a diet and fitness program are compatible with current and future diabetes management plans.

* Log and track everything. Keep a diet and fitness log where blood sugar, fitness types and nutrients can all be tracked. This information will make it possible to see how diet and exercise are impacting blood sugar on both a short term and log term basis. There are other things that can be tracked as well, such as mood along the way.

Combining good nutrition with exercise and diabetes health management through medication is a great way to make sure blood sugar is managed on a long term basis. Because diabetes medications can cause complications when taken over a long term basis, such as Actos which causes bladder cancer risk factors  and other side effects, it is better to reduce one's need on diabetes medication in favor of natural, healthful diabetes management.  Filing an Actos Lawsuit is also an alternative plan of action if harmed by this drug.

Elizabeth Carrollton writes about defective medical devices and dangerous drugs for Drugwatch.com.