Programs that support parents during their child’s early years hold promise for obesity prevention, according to a new study in the online February 6 issue of Pediatrics. Today, one out of five American children is obese. Young children who are overweight are five times more likely than their peers of normal weight to be obese by adolescence. Obese children and adolescents, especially low-income and minority youth, are at increased risk for a range of medical, social and academic problems.   The new study led by Laurie Miller Brotman, PhD, professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Director of the Center for Early Childhood Health and Development at the NYU Child Study Center investigated whether early family intervention that was effective … MORE→

Swimming is ideal for older adults because it includes minimum weight-bearing stress and decreased heat load. However, there is very little information available concerning the effects of regular swimming exercise on vascular risks. We determined if regular swimming exercise would decrease arterial blood pressure (BP) and improve vascular function. Forty-three otherwise healthy adults >50 years old (60 ± 2) with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension and not on any medication were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of swimming exercise or attention time controls. Before the intervention period there were no significant differences in any of the variables between groups. Body mass, adiposity, and plasma concentrations of glucose and cholesterol did not change in either group throughout the intervention period. Casual … MORE→

Most people only think about drinking water when they are thirsty; but by then it may already be too late. Even mild dehydration can alter a person’s mood, energy level, and ability to think clearly, according to two studies recently conducted at the University of Connecticut’s Human Performance Laboratory.   The tests showed that it didn’t matter if a person had just walked for 40 minutes on a treadmill or was sitting at rest – the adverse effects from mild dehydration were the same. Mild dehydration is defined as an approximately 1.5 percent loss in normal water volume in the body. The test results affirm the importance of staying properly hydrated at all times and not just during exercise, extreme … MORE→

Here are some specific tips on how to save money and still buy healthy food Cut the junk. Evaluate how much money you are spending on items such as soda (regular or diet), cookies, crackers, prepackaged meals, processed foods, etc. Limit or completely cut out these unhealthy foods. Your wallet and your body will thank you. Eat out less. Even just reducing your meals out by 1 or 2 times per week can save you about $15 – $25 per week. This is an easy way to save money and even have some extra to spend on higher quality foods. Stick to your grocery list. The more prepared you are when you get to the store the less impulse purchases you will make. … MORE→

In a study that included data for more than 20,000 children and adolescents, higher amounts of time with moderate to vigorous physical activity were associated with better cardiometabolic risk factors (such as measures of cholesterol, blood pressure and waist size), regardless of the amount of time spent sedentary, according to a study in the February 15 issue of JAMA. “National and international public health authorities agree that children and adolescents should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) daily,” according to background information in the article. “Many health authorities and organizations have also recognized the potentially detrimental effects of prolonged time spent sedentary and consequently compiled guidelines for reducing the amount of sedentary time, especially … MORE→

After years in the health and wellness industry, it’s rare we come across a new product lives up to the hype.  The Garmin 910XT does that – and more.  While it’s not inexpensive ($399), it’s without a doubt at the top of the list for a serious triathlete who invests extensive time, energy and resources into the sport.  In addition to standard GPS functions for the run, this model also offers the ANT+ to track power on the bike along with all other standard measures (cadence, distance, speed).  The swim functions provide a new training tool for the improving swimmer, as it can track your stroke count by lap or throughout your workout.  Most swimmers would agree that stroke count … MORE→

According to a study in the American Journal of Cardiology (Feb 2012), swimming reduces blood pressure and improves artery health.  The study focused on adults ages 50-80, all of whom had pre-hypertension or hypertension but were otherwise healthy but not regular exercisers for the past 2 years.  The swimming group swam 15-45 min/day, 3-4 times/week while the control group spent the time stretching and learning relaxation exercises.  Despite losing no weight or fat, the swimmers’ systolic blood pressure fell 7% in just 12 weeks.  Their arteries also showed signs of becoming more elastic and responsive to changes in blood flow.

Looking for a quick and easy meal to make in the midst of a busy week?  Here’s a recommendation from Wellness Nation Coach Robin Brandes.  There are more “Robin Tips” available in the Resources under Recipes.  Enjoy! Cajun Bean Chili Prep and Cook Time: 15-20 minutes Ingredients: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 1 medium yellow or red bell pepper, diced 3 cloves garlic, pressed 1 tsp paprika 1 TBS chili powder 1/2 tsp dried thyme 1/2 tsp dried oregano 1/2 tsp fennel seeds 1 tsp cumin Directions: Sauté onion and bell peppers for 5 minutes.  If using, add cooked ground turkey. Add garlic, spices, tomatoes and kidney beans. (adjust seasonings if adding turkey) Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Season to taste … MORE→

A study in the journal Nature (1997) showed that being awake 24 hours resulted in the equivalent level of cognitive impairment as having a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.1%.  In the US, it is illegal for adults to drive with a concentration of .08% or above.

19 weeks into official Ironman training and I’m tired.  The past 3 wks have been marginal at best, with power levels on the bike dropping (when they should be improving) and a feeling like I’m unable to fully recover.  14 of the past 17 weeks have included 20+ hours/week of training.  Light week this past week and still tired.  So it’s time for some adjustments as we head into the final 10 wks of training before tapering.  Here’s the plan: Take 3 days off completely.  No swimming, biking, running or strength training Nutrition has been consistently good.  Re-assess a couple of the supplements, but otherwise continue trend Use the extra time to grab a little extra sleep and crank out … MORE→