The 50 Million Pound Challenge

A common ‘resolution’ that many people set up for the New Year is to lose weight, so I thought a great help for those who are going to work on this goal this year would be to share different programs/studies related to what’s new in the weight loss arena.

Dr Ian Smith is the founder of the 50 Million Pound Challenge. He has teamed up with State Farm Insurance Company to issue a 50 million pound weight loss challenge to African Americans. He has set up the website, http://www.50millionpounds.com/default.aspx, to help participants around the country get information and tools to help them lose weight, and to offer a placed where they can come to get and give encouragement and track their progress. As of the time of writing this, a total weight of 1,152,369 pounds had been lost!

It’s not new news that the obesity rate of America is over 66%, but the statistics for African American’s is even worse at 80% of adult women and 67% of adult men, as well as 20% of African American kids between 12 and 19 are overweight and this number is rising. These kids are developing Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and even early heart disease, already!

Dr. Smith spends a lot of his time educating the public on health. He is a medical contributor to ABC’s The View, Men’s Health Magazine, and Celebrity Fit Club on VH1. He has also written multiple books on topics of health and nutrition.

The advantage of joining the Challenge is the support you will receive through a community of others who are also working towards losing weight and improving their health. Although this program focuses on African American’s, anyone who wishes to lose weight can join, and membership is free.

There are two ways you can join: You can sign on from the website, or you can pick up your free Challenge Kit from any participating State Farm office. As soon as you sign up, you then go onto the site and enter your starting weight and the date. Then, you can update your weight any time you want. Your losses will be added to the total. Your free Challenge Kit includes a pedometer, a booklet written by Dr. Smith, and a motivational CD. There are also free live events throughout the country.

Once you have joined, you then can join a team. The advantage of joining a team is you will have a community of people with similar interests who you can share losses and struggles with. You may want to join a team from a certain part of the country, or from a particular interest group, such as a churches, schools, families, companies, etc. The number of teams to join is almost endless, and you can search through them all to find one that you’d like to join. You can form your own team, however, perhaps with friends or family. And, you can join more than one team, too! What the teams do is track their weight loss as a team, and the top three losers of each category are listed on the website.

There is a great sense of community on the Challenge website. The blog is quite active and for anyone who wishes to lose weight, I would suggest you check this program out! Studies have shown that online support is proving to be a key to successful weight loss. Will this be YOUR year to finally take off and keep off those extra pounds?

Exercise and Adolescent Girls – Let’s kick it up!

I suspect that not many people are aware of the TAAG studies. TAAG stands for, “Trial of Activity of Adolescent Girls” and is a research study funded by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute of the NIH (National Institutes of Health). There are six universities who serve as field centers for these studies and the purpose of them is to test the effectiveness of intervention of school and community programs developed to reverse the current decline in physical activity in girls when they reach middle school age.

The number of studies that have been conducted for this purpose is actually quite high, and I am disappointed that they never seem to make the national news. Shame, isn’t it, that we are seeing more and more young people (girls and boys) who are struggling with weight, yet, the research from those who are concerned about this epidemic of obesity is going unnoticed. So, today’s blog will touch on some of the more interesting results of these studies. All abstracts will be listed below, if you wish to read more.

First, researchers did some studying on just what state our physical education system is in, and so I start with a simple study that showed that there is no consistency in our physical educational system. This is only one of many baseline studies, however, which pretty much showed the same thing. If we hope to improve the health and weight of our young women, we need to increase their exposure of physical activity in the school system.

The second study that I reviewed was comparing the weights of girls in areas where schools were locked, and inaccessible for Saturday recreation. The conclusion was there was no correlation, but the researchers also pointed out those girls don’t even consider this as an option! Authors of the study did point out that many of these schools were in areas where perhaps it wasn’t safe for these girls to play at the school on Saturday, either. I bring this up because we always could play at the schools when they were closed!

So the next conclusion was where CAN these girls go? Consequently, the next two studies looked at the number of commercial physical activity venues that were close to where the girls lived and the likelihood of the girls using them. It was concluded that the more options girls had, locally, the more exercise they actually participated in. However, the second study pointed out that it is important to be sure to get the word out that these facilities are there and available. It is very important that the parents play a role in helping stimulate interest, too.

The next study compared the amount of exercise girls get when they walk to and from school. I’m sure it will come as no surprise that those who walked burnt more calories! Can your children walk to school? A problem with our neighborhoods in many cities, however, is there is either no place to walk, or it’s not safe to walk. However, other areas do offer safe walking areas and the kids just are no longer used to having to actually walk to school. I know this will sound like the old clique, but when I was in school, from elementary school through high school, we usually walked, and our high school was a good 30-45 minute walk!

The next study was interesting because it compared the activity of girls supervised and unsupervised. Now, I could never imagine NOT supervising my 6th grade daughter, but I know many families allow their young, pre-teen girls to fend for themselves. This is a whole different topic I’m not getting into. However, what was most interesting about this study was they found the unsupervised girls were more active! Granted, they were less likely to do their homework, and they talked on the phone more, but they listened to more music and danced more! So, maybe there needs to be more programs offering ‘fun’ activities for the girls. In fact, many other studies address this very issue; what WOULD girls like to see in supervised programs?

I could actually go on, but you may get the point. There are also multiple studies on how to then incorporate what researchers are learning from these studies. It’s not enough to just say this is what they find, but we must also put into play how to incorporate those findings. This means that the program isn’t just one of study, but of action. In fact, if you did a Google search for TAAG, you will also find sites that help various schools put into practice what has been learned!

What is most important through of all of this is that it DOES make a difference if your kids are outside, physically active. We want our children to be healthy and live long, happy lives. There is no reason our kids should be overweight. What we encourage them to do, today, will help with that goal of being healthy and happy. Of course, WE must set the example, too! What are YOU doing to set a healthy, fit example for your kids??


To read about the TAAG program, click here.

To read, Girls' activity levels and lesson contexts in middle school PE: TAAG baseline, click here.

To read the Weekend schoolyard accessibility, physical activity, and obesity: the Trial of Activity in Adolescent Girls (TAAG) study, click here.

Click here to read the abstract for, Commercial venues as supports for physical activity in adolescent girls.

Click here. to read the abstract for, Comparing perceived and objectively measured access to recreational facilities as predictors of physical activity in adolescent girls.

To read, Travel by walking before and after school and physical activity among adolescent girls, click here.

To read, The relationship between unsupervised time after school and physical activity in adolescent girls, Click here.

Get Your Grains to Protect from Pancreatic Cancer!

Now, it’s common knowledge to health professionals and many people in the public that increased whole grains can protect your colon from cancer. However, did you know it may protect you from pancreatic cancer?

Cancer of the pancreas has been increasing during the past several decades and is currently the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the US. It is one of the most serious forms of cancer, with a very high mortality rate. In 2007, the estimates of new cases are 37,170 new diagnoses and deaths will be 33,370. It develops when cancerous cells form in the tissues of your pancreas — a large organ that lies horizontally behind the lower part of your stomach. Your pancreas secretes enzymes that aid digestion and hormones that help regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates.

Pancreatic cancer spreads rapidly and is seldom detected in its early stages, which is a major reason why it's a leading cause of cancer death. Signs and symptoms may not appear until the disease is quite advanced. By that time, the cancer is likely to have spread to other parts of the body and surgical removal is no longer possible. About 10% of pancreatic cancers are genetic, which means most are caused by environmental or lifestyle factors, such as smoking, diet and chemical exposure.

There are actually very few studies on diet and pancreatic cancer, however, so this study published in a recent Journal of Epidemiology was a nice addition to what we know about this type of cancer. Researchers sent a questionnaire to 532 cases and 1,701 controls to determined if their intake of whole grains impacted their risk of pancreatic cancer. They did find that when people consume more whole grains and high-fiber foods, they may be reducing their risk of this cancer.

So what can YOU do to decrease your risk of this very scary cancer? There are actually several things.

• First, you can maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, start taking steps to decrease it.

• Second, do you smoke? If so, it’s time to quit! And, with the New Year almost upon us, what a perfect time!

• Third, this is nothing new from me, but exercise regularly. Shoot for at least 30 minutes daily. I won’t go into all the other benefits from this habit!

• Finally, eat a healthy diet. The study showed a benefit from eating at least two servings of whole grains per day. Also add more fruits and veggies to your diet, though!

It’s a little scary that this cancer is increasing. And, scarier yet that for most people who develop pancreatic cancer, it’s just about as good as a death sentence! If your plan is to live a long life, although there are never guarantees, at least if you practice some of the suggestions above, you may have a better chance. And, as I said, earlier, this is a perfect time to start improving health habits, with the coming of the New Year!

To read the abstract of this study, click here:
http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/166/10/1174

To read more about pancreatic cancer, click here: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/pancreatic/patient/

Have You Checked Your Colon, Yet?

I have written about colon cancer many times it the past and I probably will again in the future, but when I read this latest survey of American’s, I had to address this topic, again.

In the latest survey from the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, only half of all Americans 50 and older have had a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer.

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the US and is a very preventable form of cancer. In fact, colonoscopies can literally mean the difference between life and death! I have personally known two people who have died as a result of failure to get screened. The advantage of a colonoscopy is that while the physician is looking inside your colon, he/she can snip off growths while in there, which can literally cut the pre-cancerous growth out before it has a chance to grow! If these growths continue, they spread, and eventually no treatment can save a life.

What the researchers discovered, though, was the low incidence of screening had more to do with lack of awareness and physician counseling rather than just poor compliance by the patient! Researchers received responses from 11,427 people.

Christina C. Wee, M.D., M.P.H., and colleagues from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School used data from the 2000 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) of U.S. households to examine the prevalence of colon cancer screening nationally and the reasons for low screening rates. Among 11,427 respondents to the NHIS Cancer Control Supplement,
The survey revealed that:

• 67% of Hispanics, 55.8% of Blacks, and 47.1% of whites aged 50 and older said they had never had a colonoscopy.
• Among uninsured adults between 50 and 64, 77% had never been screened, compared to 54.1% with private insurance and 61% covered by Medicaid and other public insurance.
• Just over 50% of people 65% and older covered by Medicare and public insurance had never had a screening, compared to 45% who only have Medicare, and 34.6% who have Medicare and private insurance.
• 16% of all respondents had completed the annual fecal occult blood test (blood test to test if there is blood in the feces). 64% of all respondents who didn’t have this test, didn’t know they needed the test and 94% who had seen their physician in the last year said there were not counseled about the test. Less than 1% said discomfort was a reason for not taking it.
• 29% of all people had undergone a sigmoidoscopy in the last 5 years or a colonoscopy in the last 10 years. 72% of all respondents who were not screened didn’t know they needed it and 92% of these people had seen their physician in the last year. Only 2% said they didn’t do the screen because of discomfort or cost.

The biggest concern is that many people who should be screened are just unaware of the need! So, probably the biggest take-home message for readers is this: If you have an older family member, ask them if they have had a colon screening. If not, it’s time! Make sure they have a conversation with their physician and resolve this easy problem. This is one type of cancer where an ounce of prevention can make a HUGE pound of cure!

To read a study and report on why patients are not screened, click these links:
http://tinyurl.com/2p2zm8
http://www.ahrq.gov/research/dec05/1205RA22.htm

What science is saying today about the Atkins Diet

It’s no surprise to me that today the long-term research being done on the high-fat, high animal protein diets that people were religiously following several years ago is now showing a negative impact on health.

For anyone who follows health research, it is obvious that the key to a chance at a healthier life is to follow a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean choices of proteins, along with plant-based fats and oils. The research in the past has also consistently shown the health risks with eating high amounts of animal fats and proteins.

However, when the Atkins diet made its way back into the mainstream, because America is getting fatter and fatter, interesting research by various organizations who could benefit from such positive research, was showing up, showing the obvious SHORT-TERM benefits of going on this diet. Well, these short-term benefits will show up with ANY change in diet that results in weight loss. And, it’s no surprise that if a person were to cut down most of the foods that hold water (fruits) and increase their protein intake, that actually pulls water from our system, they will lose weight. A diet high in protein will also keep you feeling fuller longer. And, a diet high in fat will also keep you feeling satisfied longer.

There are people who just naturally feel better eating a diet high in protein. I am married to one of those people; he doesn’t diet, but his preference will always be a big, juicy steak! I, on the other hand, can probably stomach one once every 6 months, and if I didn’t eat meat more than that often, I’d be just fine. Maybe it’s my education from a University that was vegetarian and the influence of reading all that literature on the results of eating animal products. I will never forget the research that has shown what happens to our gastrointestinal tracts when it’s exposed to a lot of beef products. Yikes! Maybe it’s my exposure to functional nutrition, where I have learned that the substances (amino acids, etc) in beef and dairy products increase inflammation. Maybe it’s the fact that after eating beef, I don’t feel good, too!

So, I have noticed that lately more and more research is now showing the long-term effects that these high fat, high protein diets are having on the human body. The latest study, listed below, shows that following a diet high in fat increased the ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol in the blood. Again, this is no surprise, as there is plenty of earlier research supporting the theory that a diet high in animal fats/saturated fat will increase LDL and total cholesterol levels in the blood.

So what it the take-home message? I can’t change someone’s mind if they believe in the high fat, high protein diets. However, if you’re still wondering what you really should be doing to lose weight, probably the best source to send you to is to the National Weight Control Registry to read how real people have lost real amounts of weight and managed to keep it off. It really is a matter of cutting down the fat, decreasing the calories, eating lots of fruits and veggies and whole grains, and getting regular, consistent exercise! One day maybe there will be a magic formula, as Dr. Atkins promised, but his promise isn’t the solution.

To read the latest research comparing three diets, click here:
http://tinyurl.com/2pp35p


To visit the National Weight Control Registry, click here:
http://www.nwcr.ws/

To read about high protein diets, click here:
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=11234