From the Paper " Vitamin therapy has moved from the fringes of the health community to a more central position as scientific evidence of the value of certain vitamins for certain therapies or as preventives has been demonstrated. Often, the evidence is inconclusive and only points to a possible link, and many people respond by taking vitamins at suggested doses in case the possible benefit is real. Research continues on such substances as Vitamin E, to which a number of health benefits have been linked by research and by anecdotal evidence that is less powerful to the scientific community but often quite powerful to the general public. Research is certain to continue on these questions, and in the meantime many people will take doses of Vitamin E to assuage health problems or to stave off possible health problems."
From the Paper "Zinc deficiency is defined as a condition resulting from insufficient amounts of zinc in the diet. It is characterized by abnormal fatigue, decreased alertness, a decrease in taste and odor sensitivity, poor appetite, retarded growth, delayed sexual maturity, prolonged healing of wounds, and increased susceptibility to infection and injury. Among the conditions that may precipitate the problem are alcoholic cirrhosis and other liver diseases, ulcers, myocardial infarction, Hodgkin's disease, Down syndrome, and cystic fibrosis (Mosby's Medical, Nursing, and Allied Health Dictionary, 1994).
Zinc deficiencies during pregnancy can have negative consequences for the developing child. Zinc plays an important role in many biochemical functions, among them ..."
Abstract The paper provides a brief insight into Korean art of Tae Kwon Do. It discusses how it comprises the grace and flexibility training of yoga, the self defense potential of Judo and the mental prowess of Aikido but surpasses all other martial arts in its attention to all facets of the human being. It shows how Tae Kwon Do does not involve weapons and can be practiced by all.
From the Paper "Tae Kwon Do's immediate ability to tone muscles, develop confidence, and encourage flexibility make it especially appealing to those who do not wish to devote years of time to perfecting the art. Other martial arts, like Tai Chi, Capoiera, and Aikido, demand rigorous training schedules and results may not be noticed for years or even decades. Tae Kwon Do can be practiced sporadically and still enjoyed for its physical and mental rewards. Teachers work one on one with students, tailoring the practice to their needs without sacrificing tradition."
Tags: tai, chi, capoiera, aikido, judo, yoga, weapon
Abstract This paper discusses a research which measures the effects of having a PEG tube (as opposed to NGT) inserted, on the patient's quality of life as it relates to their ability to communicate and swallow. Two research questions are answered in this paper: "Does a PEG procedure have an effect on the patient's ability to communicate their wishes and improve there satisfaction with the quality of their life in regards to self-care"? and "Does the PEG method offer more satisfaction in regards to quality of life than the NGT method"? The paper illustrates the importance of taking the individual patient's feelings, concerns and wishes into account and not just focusing on the clinical side of things.
From the Paper "There are two primary methods for administering food to patients who can no longer swallow or have difficulty swallowing. The first is by way of an NGT tube, which is inserted through the nasal cavity and goes into the stomach. This procedure severely limits the patient's ability to speak or swallow. The other popular method is PEG where a tube is inserted through an incision in the abdominal wall. In this case a patient's ability is speak or swallow is not limited by the procedure itself. However, in stroke patients this ability may already be impaired. Many of us consider the ability to communicate our own wishes and enjoy conversation with other human beings a factor in determining our quality of life. Being unable to communicate with another creates a feeling of isolation or helplessness."
Tags: stroke, dysphagic, aspiration, methodological, study
Abstract This paper explores what anorexia is and how it differentiates from other eating disorders. The criteria for diagnosis are highlighted and the demographics of the primary sufferers of this illness are identified. The physical and behavioral signs of anorexia are examined, as well as the physical and psychological repercussions of this sickness. Three different case studies are also proffered by way of analyzing the effectiveness of current treatments, followed by a personal note on the significance of studying this illness.
From the Paper "Prior to undertaking a comprehensive analysis of anorexia, it is important to define the parameters of this study. Anorexia is driven by the victim's fixation with being thinner. The sufferer's body is normally starved and emaciated due to harsh dieting or purging.
Anorexia is a form of eating disorder, which is defined as ?an abnormal relationship with food. A person who uses food to cope with life's stresses has an eating disorder.? Eating disorders are brought on by factors such as personality or emotional imbalances, pressures from the family or friends, physical or sexual abuse, and biological or cultural susceptibility (the family may cook lots of rich food all the time but also be preoccupied with being thin). Eating disorders encompass anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorders."
Abstract This paper provides facts and figures about malnutrition statistics amongst babies and toddlers. It explains that a high percentage of children are malnutritioned simply because of their fussy eating habits and not because of neglect. Following an introduction of the data, the paper examines 21 literary sources and summarizes the opinions of each one for the causes and consequences of toddler malnutrition and what can be do to reverse this trend.
From the Paper "According to the United States Department of Agriculture, barely ? of all toddlers and preschoolers today eat a balanced diet (Schaaf 2002), a serious health concern to all, especially to parents. Undersecretary of Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Shirley Watkins ascribes the situation to the fact that, when these young children stop being breastfed and receiving baby foods in jars, their regular servings of milk, fruits and vegetables do not replace the nutrients they used to get from breast milk and jarred baby foods."
Abstract This paper examines the use of health interventions by Veterinarians. The writer draws several parallels between the use of natural health practices in humans and animals. Nutrition therapy includes the use of whole, fresh ingredients, vitamin therapy uses nutritional supplements to help with recovery from illness, herbal remedies such as echinacea and peppermint are used to help restore balance and acupuncture is used to balance energy and relieve pain. According to this writer the key to the use of non-medical alternatives in veterinary medicine is in their correct application, often in conjuntion with traditional medicine.
From the Paper "Acupuncture is another natural health method that can be applied to veterinary practice. It is the use of needles inserted superficially into the skin to balance energy, and it is often used in cases where a patient is disabled by pain. Used to relieve the symptoms of arthritis in older dogs, acupuncture can greatly increase an animal's mobility without the potentially harmful side effects of pain relieving medication, such as lethargy, digestive difficulty, and loss of appetite (Zucker, 2000). Another use of acupuncture with animals is in the case of chronic injury; older pets can injure joints if they fall, and acupuncture can relieve this chronic pain and give greater mobility (Pitcairn, 1995)."
Abstract Discusses the roles of calcium and phosphate in bone disease. How calcium works in the body. Phosphate of the body as a buffer system contained in bone. Food sources of phosphorous and calcium. Low calcium levels and osteoporosis. Postmenopausal, Senile and Juvenile osteoporosis. Hormone deficiencies. Treatment of osteoporosis; effective factors.
From the Paper "Calcium and phosphate metabolism, and bone disease
Calcium is responsible for several bodily functions which include muscle contraction, nerve impulse conduction, blood clotting, cellular communications, skin differentiation, and the functioning of many enzymes (Altruis Biomedical Network, 2001; Berkow, Beers and Fletcher, 1997). Calcium is found mainly in the bones, but some is also present in cells and in the bloodstream. The amount of calcium present in cells and in the blood is controlled very precisely by two hormones: calcitonin and parathyroid hormone. Cacitonin is produced by cells in the thyroid and parathyroid glands and the thymus. It lowers blood calcium levels by promoting the uptake of calcium by bone. Parathyroid hormone is produced by the parathyroid glands, four small glands located on the thyroid glands in the neck."
Abstract Discussion of this carotenoid. Its beneficial health properties. Implications for health and disease, and role in cancer prevention. Sources of dietary lycopene (tomatoes and tomato products). Studies carried out with lycopene. Overview of lycopene chemistry. Human metabolism & lycopene distribution. Antioxidant and biological effects. Need for further study. Tables, figure.
From the Paper "I. Lycopene: An introduction and implications for human health and disease.
A. What is lycopene?
Lycopene is the major carotenoid in tomatoes and is responsible for the red color in fruits (Sies and Stahl, 1998). Lycopene is an acyclic carotenoid and belongs to a subgroup of carotenes that consist only of hydrogen and carbon atoms. It has been suggested that lycopene has beneficial health properties, is an antioxidant, and influences the communication between cells and cell growth.
B. Where is it found?
Lycopene is found in relatively few foods, and more than 80 percent of lycopene consumption in the United States comes from tomatoes. It is present in fresh tomatoes, cooked tomatoes ..."
Abstract Describes three different kinds of experiments examining body motion and movements. A study of posture in relation to vibration of the Achilles tendon. A study of motion sickness and factors that affects it. Examination of the wide-based gait and hip mobility in sitting of children with Downs Syndrome.
From the Paper "Introduction
Kinesthetics is the study of body motion and movement in diverse situations. This paper describes three very different kinds of experiments examining body motion and movements so as to show the wide variety of phenomena to which the field applies. The experiments that are here reviewed are:
(1) a study of posture in relation to vibration of the Achilles tendon conducted by Talis and Solopova (2000) at Russia's Institute for Information on Transmission Problems;
(2) a study by Mills and Griffin (2000) of motion sickness and factors that affect it; and
(3) an examination conducted by Lydic and Steele (1979) of the wide-based gait and hip mobility in sitting that is characteristic of children with Down's syndrome.
Posture and ..."
Abstract This paper investigates all the aspects required to open a health center in Orono. The plan examines the objectives, resources and organization of the fitness center. The paper also provides a SWOT analysis of the plan and investigates economical, political, social and technological forces which might affect the center's development. The paper's bibliography includes reviews of the books used in its research.
From the Paper "Economical ? Customer's changing preferences and demographic profile will encourage new classes, new fitness products, allowing for multiple revenue streams. Additionally, as the economy continues to improve, and baby boomers age, there is more discretionary income to spend on personal services, additional programs, upgrading of facilities and addition of staff support. As women become more and better employed, they are able to afford more upscale fitness facilities and are willing to pay for convenience and upscale amenities."
Abstract For many years nutritionists advised the general public about the cardiovascular implications of maintaining a diet regimen that restricts calorie intake. Information has now surfaced that a dietary restriction (DR) regimen has neurogenic implications. A DR regimen involves calorie restriction or intermittent fasting with maintained vitamin and mineral intake. This paper focuses on the effects of a DR regimen on neurogenesis and neuroprotection in the hippocampus and dentate gyrus. The contributory effect of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on neurogenesis is also examined in conjunction with a DR regimen.
From the Paper "Further study in this field of neuroprotection involves establishing how the cellular stress induced by DR and the subsequent production of BDNF is able to increase the resistance of hippocampal neurons (2). In addition, it would be important for researchers to find applications of this neuroprotection in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. Neurodegenerative disorders have been characterized as involving increased oxidative and metabolic stress, and overactivation of glutamate receptors (2). If DR results in the production of BDNF, which has been found to increase neuronal resistance, then the next logical progression of this research involves their use with neurodegenerative disorders."
A research design of exercise routines geared at producing specific exercise outcomes. Methods of performance analyses are discussed that can be applied to test different exercise routines.
Abstract The author outlines a study that may be conducted, testing the hypothesis that subjects following an interval training regimen will maintain sustained performance at specified VO2 level for a longer period than will subjects following a continuous (steady) training regimen. Literature relevant to the effects of training regiment on endurance performance is reviewed, focusing on interval versus continuous training and short-term maximal performance. Furthermore, biochemical processes within the human body in the long and short run are outlined, noting the different effects of the two exercise regiments. Finally, the author designs an actual study that may be performed, which includes details of the subjects that should be tested, the instrumentation that should be used, the experimental protocol and how to measure statistical significance.
From the Paper "The effects of continuous and interval training on changes in lactate and ventilatory thresholds during incremental exercise were investigated. Seventeen males were assigned to one of three training groups: group 1:55 minutes of continuous exercise at 50 VO2 max; group 2: 35 minutes continuous exercise at 70 percent VO2 max; and group 3: 10 X 2-min intervals at 105 percent VO2 max interspersed with rest intervals of two minutes. All of the subjects were tested and trained on a cycle ergometer three day/week for eight weeks. The researchers concluded that both continuous and interval training were equally effective (14)."
Abstract This paper provides step by step instructions for performing strength and endurance exercises for a well-balanced exercise program, essential for overall fitness. The author contends that strength exercises improve muscle function, and help develop stronger bones, tendons and ligaments. Endurance exercises and activities improve the cardiovascular system, while enabling the muscles to use energy more efficiently.
From the Paper "The elevated crunch can be used to work the obliques. While lying with the legs elevated onto the bench, the arms are stretched in a V-shape above the head. The left arm is lifted slowly to reach across the torso to the left of the knees. This is repeated for the right arm. The obliques can also be exercised by lying on the floor with one knee at a 90o angle to the floor, and the other knee crossed over it. The hands are placed behind the head, and the opposite elbow raised to the crossed over knee. This is then repeated using the other knee and elbow. Another exercise for the obliques is to lie on the floor on one hip with bent legs crossed to the side. With the head and shoulder slightly lifted, the arms are stretched out, and the body is slowly rolled upward."
Abstract The paper discusses the rise of health clubs and other fitness related businesses. The author concludes that health food supplements, multiple-use gym equipment, personal trainers, and weight training are all lucrative business and will continue to be so in the future. This is found to be especially true for the Southern California region of the United States.
From the Paper "The latest estimates available from the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association indicate that there are approximately 30 million adult members of fitness centers in the U.S. - and that this number is likely to grow to nearly 50 million by the year 2010. 1 The leading statistical research organization for the industry, American Sports Data Membership at health clubs jumped from 20.7 million in 1990 to 30.6 million in 1999, an increase of 48%. Even more ironically, the number of people who worked out frequently at clubs (100+ days) per year, soared by 84% during the same period. This was just one paradox found in a Tracking Study of Physical Fitness Behavior in the U.S. (1987 - 1999) released in July 2000 by ASD. 2"