Thursday, March 22, 2007

Podcast Reflection for the Week Following Spring Break

PodcasterNews: Diet Science with Dee & Michael McCaffrey

Title: Setting the Record Straight on Stevia

Date: 3/12/07.

Number: N/A.

Reflection:

This podcast discussed an article published about Stevia, a sweetener, and its safety for human consumption. The article used a study from 1968 that never could be reproduced with the finding found. The findings concluded that rats by using large amounts of Stevia developed reduced fertility and sperm count. The argument against this article was that not only was this study never duplicated or able to establish the same results, but even the administer of study said that the results or the study and the study itself had flaws.

Fitness Rocks

Title: Fitness Rocks Short Run 005

Date: 3/7/07.

Number: 5.

Reflection:

The question on this podcast was, “Should big brother looking over health?” An article published in the Journal or American Medical Association discussed whether the law should step in to help and curve the trend of obesity. The statistics show that about two third of American adults are overweight/obese and a very large percentage of children as well, even children under the age of five.

The article discussed that obviously this is an enormous public health problem. There is also a staggering health care cost that is paid mostly by tax payers by form of Medicare. In 2003, America spent $75 billion health care, and about half was paid by Medicare.

Some solutions have were suggested in the article were changing eating in public schools, and encouraging physical activity programs in schools. It was also discussed that making it easier for people to commute to work for adults (more bike paths, etc.) or making people walk to the bus stop in larger cities. Another thing considered was the zoning for unhealthy food places.

"Diet and Fitness Podcasts by Diet.com"

Title: Look Your Best with Breakfast!

Date: N/A.

Number: N/A.

Reflection:

In this podcast, the narrator strongly encourages eating breakfast. These are some of the benefits to eating a healthy breakfast in the morning: can actually help you lose weight, because it gets your metabolism up and going earlier; also you are more alert when your body is able to get the energy it needs from foods you consume in the morning.

Some of the right foods to consume for breakfast in the morning are as follows:

  • Oatmeal (100% whole oats). Good source of fiber which will lower cholesterol and help curve your appetite until lunch.
  • Nonfat yogurt with berries for some quality calcium.
  • A fruit smoothie and whole wheat toast.
  • Eggs are a great source of protein to help curve your appetite until lunch or if you’re concerned about cholesterol, an egg white omelet.
  • Orange juice.
  • Whole grain cereal (Cheerios, etc.) with some berries.
  • Whole grain waffles with real syrup or peanut butter or berries instead of imitation syrup.

Podcast Reflection for Mar.22.07

"Diet and Fitness Podcasts by Diet.com"

Title: Dodge the Fast Food Fix

Date: N/A.

Number: N/A.

Reflection:

This podcast discusses some of the ways throughout our day that we get busy with work, school, or job, or just life in general and our decision making makes us resort to breaking our eating routine for a healthier lifestyle. Instead of trying to avoid fast food because of convenience and junk food all together, these are the scenarios that may help to curve those tendencies.

Scenario 1 - Late to work and no time for breakfast. You grab a coffee shop coffee and bagel about 800 cal. Instead try green tea and whole wheat bagel.

Scenario 2 – Midmorning munchies. Thinking ahead can help a lot. Preparing easy snacks the night before instead of sweets will help instead of grubbing on office pastries.

Scenario 3 – Your lunch break. Instead of a big cheeseburger, look again at the menu. Try a chicken salad or fish sandwich.

Scenario 4 – Time for bed, but you’re hungry. Chinese takeout? Avoid the late night delivery and prepare the weekend prior some pre-make precooked chicken and other things to make a sandwich, etc.

Fitness Rocks

Title: Fitness Rocks Podcast 036

Date: 3/3/07.

Number: 36.

Reflection:

This podcast discussed an article published in the Journal American Medical Association. The study showed was that taking antioxidant supplements for primary secondary prevention, in a large number of studies, showed a 5% increase in risk for death due to these supplements.

The argument from the narrator of Fitness Rocks is that the amounts in supplements and also used in these studies are extremely large doses. Many of the antioxidants used in the study have already shown to be toxic to the body if used in an over abundance.

He also suggested that it is very important to tell your doctor you take herbal or any other supplements at routine checks, because they think they may be criticized, etc. Many people do not understand the amount of these supplements to take, so it is important to consult a physician and make sure he/she knows during your routine exam.

PodcasterNews: Diet Science with Dee & Michael McCaffrey

Title: Cold Pressed? Expeller-Pressed? Get Dee-Mystified!

Date: 3/6/07.

Number: N/A.

Reflection:

It’s very common...you walk into the grocery store and there’s a whole row of oils. This podcast discussed oils and how they are processed differently. The first was virgin oil. Virgin oil is the first pressing mixed with second and third pressing. Virgin oil has more impurities that extra virgin oil. Extra virgin oil is the best. It is the first pressing of seed, nut, olive and there is no future processing. Expeller pressing is a machinal press and most times there is no future chemical processing. Chemical processing is the same as refining. Canola and corn oil are two examples of processed or refined oils, which are the lowest on the list.

Although you’re going to spend a little bit more at the checkout for the extra virgin oil, the non-refinement of the oil helps to avoid addiction to that oil as well as a purer oil for the foods you use it to cook with.

Thursday, March 1, 2007

Podcast Reflection for Mar6.07

“Diet and Fitness Podcasts by Diet.com”

Title: Staying Fit on Vacation!

Date: N/A.

Number: N/A.

Reflection:

This podcast gives tips to enjoying a spring vacation without gaining unneeded weight from restaurants, and lack of exercise. Four tips mentioned are below:

1. Call ahead to see if the hotel you’re staying at has its own gym. If not, see if there is gym that gives day passes close by. Otherwise, a hotel downtown and within walking of everything you and your friends want to see is ideal for getting a little extra walking in on your trip.

2. When dining out motivate yourself to order something healthy: grilled, not fried or leaner meats (chicken or fish). Also, add a glass of water with lemon.

3. Split the order with friend or order a half order, if available.

4. Allow for 20 extra minutes in the morning for a little added exercise. Lunges, crunches, pushups, sit-ups, or a short walk are great!

This podcast provides the key to any exercise regiment- everything in moderation!


Fitness Rocks

Title: Fitness Rocks Short Run 004

Date: 02/28/2007

Number: 4.

Reflection:

This podcast discussed the studies of results of the benefits of taking a ciesta, or midday napping. The study was conducted of 23,000 Greek/European people without any current heart disease or cancer at the beginning of the study. The study took 6 years, and existed to isolate the role of napping in the development of coronary heart disease. Results of this study were that occasional nappers showed a 12% reduction, as where systematic nappers showed a 37% reduction in heart disease or heart attack death. The most prominent and substantial outcome study results were found in younger men who worked full time. Not enough results numbers were found for women to draw conclusion. The study also showed that the results were not as substantial in those who were retired, or not working full time. Eating a regular diet and exercising regularly were also included in the study and were to show that these elements are also necessary. The bottom line of the study showed that the stress relief from napping is a positive thing, for the heart, mind, and body.

Workout On The Web

Title: Medicine Ball and Sit-Ups on the Ball

Date: 11/22/06.

Number: N/A.

Reflection:

This video podcast showed two exercises with an exercise ball and a medicine ball. For general information, this podcast was very useful. To find the correct size exercise ball, which is determined by height, sit on the exercise ball until thighs are parallel to ground; this is the correct size. The basic sit-up on the exercise or stability ball starts with most of the ball on lower back. Knees and feet against wall allow stability. Legs should be shoulder width apart. Hips should not move. Should be lifting with the abdominals, not with the neck. The second exercise was a side twist with the medicine ball. It is important to do these exercises in your optimum motion so that the muscles are continuously working throughout the exercise.