Abstract This paper introduces discusses and analyzes the topic of gastric bypass surgery. It incorporates the book, "Good in Bed" by Jennifer Weiner, with research into the surgery and continues with personal reasons why the writer chose to have gastric bypass surgery. It explains how obesity is becoming chronic in America, and the weight loss industry is one of the most profitable in the country. People try drugs, severe diets, and just about anything to lose weight.
From the Paper "Being fat in America may be more common than it was even ten years ago, but there is still a stigma attached to being fat, as anyone who is overweight clearly knows. In the book "Good in Bed," the protagonist, Cannie, is a "plump" heroine who struggles with weight issues her entire life. The book gives a little taste of what it is like to be fat in a thin world. "The scales at the University of Philadelphia's Weight and Eating Disorders Center looked like meat carts. The platforms were about four times the size of normal scales, with railings all around them. It was hard not to feel like livestock when you climbed aboard [?]" (Weiner 114). Just as this passage shows, the overweight in America live a different life and I know, because I was overweight for a substantial portion of my life."
Abstract This paper examines the beneficial aspects of running on the cardiovascular and nervous systems. It does so by first looking at the different types of running and then by explaining the biomechanics of running.
From the Paper "From a sports professional point of view running is of three different types namely sprinting, middle distance and long distance or (marathon). Sprinting events are those races that are up to 400m. During the sprinting activity the muscles? metabolic pathways supply the required energy at a rate which is several times higher than the regular aerobic systems. This is verified by the decrease in PCr (phosphocreatine) by 67%, muscle glycogen by around 32% and ATP by 28%. Furthermore anaerobic glycolysis increases muscle lactate level by 20 fold. For sprinting, the thrust during the propelling period is very important and sports scientists have reported that the maximum force that a muscle can generate is directly proportional to its cross sectional area. This implies that good Sprinters usually are more muscular compared to marathon racers. For middle distance and marathon running the oxidative systems are the chief energy suppliers and there is a predominance of slow twitch muscle fibres."
Abstract In Ellen Goodman's essay, "The Culture of Thin Bites-Fijian Teens", the writer argues against the thin culture that the United States is responsible for injecting around the world. The paper examines how Goodman distinctly uses the three forms of rhetoric, ethos, pathos, and logos, in her piece, making her arguments seem valid and authentic.
From the Paper "Logos comes next in this argument, as after presenting an overview of Fijian values before 1995, Goodman proves that television was indeed responsible for the massive transformation during 1995. She backs her argument with the help of sound factual information and presents important statistics. Goodman incorporates facts, which prove that after 1995, major changes were noticed in the behavior of Fijian youth as far as body image was concerned. It was precisely in 1995 that Fijians got access to international television channels and within months after that, there was a dramatic change in the attitude of youth towards body image and diet."
Abstract This paper explains that calcium consumption is critical for proper nourishment and bone development in elementary school-age children. The author points out that promotion of the importance of calcium consumption in early elementary years is critical; school nutrition programs and parents are the most likely authority figures that influence children's nutritional habits at the elementary level. The paper presents a literature review, which concludes that school-based nutrition programs are the most effective in promoting milk consumption perceptions, followed by parental input and feedback.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Analysis/Literature Review
Conclusion
From the Paper "Calcium can be found in many green vegetables and fortified breads and cereals, but typically, elementary aged children resist consumption of sufficient quantities of such materials. Some studies have also indicated that minerals such as calcium and phosphorus are more likely to be absorbed from milk than other calcium alternatives. Later in life, adults are also more likely to drink milk than eat a variety of green leafy vegetables if they have been exposed to the nutritional benefits of milk consumption early in life. By including calcium consumption via milk drinking in school meals, scholastic nutritional programs have a mechanism for providing and promoting better health and wellness among students."
Abstract The shrub, cassava, which is also known as manihot esculenta, is the main source of carbohydrates for millions of people worldwide. This paper examines the origin and economic value of cassava to humans. It then looks at the life history of the shrub, as well as its taxonomy and morphology.
From the Paper "Within a week, the stem cuttings begin to shoot and roots grow. The plants that grow by planting seedlings take a longer time to grow and are found to be small and weaker than the plants bred by stem cutting. Stem cuttings from the same plant are genetically constant while seedlings are found genetically varied. The shoots increase and the roots began to extend within the first few weeks of appearance or coming out. After 8 weeks of planting tuberisation or root hardening begins. (Cock, 17)"
Abstract This paper discusses that the ever-increasing use of herbal and food supplements by the general population necessitates a careful investigation of whether or not these substances are safe and effective and what factors influence their effectiveness and safety. The author points out that there is a high prevalence of alternative supplements used in conjunction with HIV medication. This paper reports that there is a general misapprehension among users of food supplements that "herbal" or "natural" means that a product is inherently safe.
From the Paper "Recent estimates indicate that the American population spends $5 billion per year for herbal supplements alone. This increased use may be due to several factors, including the perception that prescription medications are dangerous, expensive, and over-prescribed. Bauer (2000) emphasized that the growth of the herbal product industry in the United States shows no sign of slowing any time soon. Furthermore, continued use of herbal preparations by patients stresses the need for physicians to gain knowledge of the potential benefits and risks of these products as well as their ability to interact with pharmaceuticals. This knowledge will enable physicians to provide a balanced and objective view to patients seeking information on herbal and food supplements."
Abstract This paper explores the working hypothesis that caloric restriction may prevent Alzheimer's disease. In addition, the paper explores the idea that individuals with the ApoE genotype and a higher intake of calories have a higher risk of AD than those who do not carry the apoE4 allele.
From the Paper "Alzheimer's Disease is a form of dementia that is marked by the loss of mental ability and various cognitive functions. The disease usually occurs in old age and is not detectable at birth. (Robinson) There is no consensus on the cause of AD but researchers have found a genetic link in the development of the disorder. The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine explains that there are various genes that are implicated in AD. One such gene is amyloid precursor protein (APP), which creates amlyloid. When there are mutations in this gene the result is often the early onset of Alzheimer's disease. It is also reported that most individuals that have Down syndrome also develop AD."
Abstract Sports has become a multi-billion-dollar business, and the ever-increasing competitiveness and challenges, both mental and physical, faced by the modern sportsperson has increased the need for a medical and scientific support system for athletes. This paper discusses two fields that have developed from this need: sports science and sports medicine. The paper shows that they are interrelated, the former being more of an investigative and experimental area, while the latter deals with the implementation of the knowledge and techniques developed by sports science.
From the Paper "High quality sports performance depends largely on an individual's movement pattern and is usually referred to as technique. Good technique not only produces an effective performance but also reduces the risk of injury. The effect of physical forces on the movement and on the size, shape and structure of the body is scientifically studied by biomechanists today in an attempt to help optimize athletic technique. (Stein, 2003) Through qualitative analysis via direct observation on film or video tape, a biomechanist will study an athlete's performance with a view to diagnosing any problems which might be limiting sporting potential. In close consultation with the athlete's coach, training patterns may be altered to incorporate elements which may help to rectify the problem."
Abstract This dissertation discusses the culinary and food habits of the ancient Romans, with special emphasis on the history of wine, olives and olive oil, and bread and baking. The paper also examines typical recipes that provided for the early Roman cuisine. It includes numerous photographs, illustrations, and archaeological findings.
From the Paper "As the flour milling techniques became more refined, the Romans began to produce top quality bread by singly finely milled wheat flour. This flour was called siligo. The bread that came from it was called Panis Siligineus. The first word means bread in Latin; the second denotes the type of grain from which the bread was made. There was another type of bread that could be considered an Egyptian import. This was called Alexandrian bread due to the crust that was created in Alexandria from local wheat. (Dl.ket.org, 2001)"
This paper discusses that the problem of obesity in elementary school children is beginning to be examined from a more holistic viewpoint, rather than placing blame on the vending machine or home computer.
Abstract This paper explores the connection between the elimination of physical education in many schools and the part played by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which has responsibility for the national school lunch program. The author also points out that society has changed; children no longer walk to school or play at recess, and competitive team sports have left a lot of children behind. The paper cites that the food companies, having stepped in to bail out some school athletic programs that focus on competitive team sports, also have encouraged snacking on less nutritious, obesity-causing foods.
Table of Contents
Thumbs Down on PE
Feeding for Fat
Literature Review
Conclusion
From the Paper "A panel discussion reported in the Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics contained information relevant to both nutrition and exercise vis a vis childhood obesity. One speaker noted that in 2001, Texas, an advertisement urged the return by law of PE to its school curricula. Another speaker noted a program called ?Girls on the Run,? which involved students in non-competitive games as a way to increase physical activity. And still another noted the connection between makers of non-nutritional foods and school sports; the manufacturers often contribute heavily to schools? coffers, with the money used for competitive team sports in which very few students participate. It recommended at least making fruits and other healthy choices available."
Abstract This paper stresses that something is going wrong in the way our children are being taught to eat, and something is not right with the foods that are being offered to them. The author points out that children learn a surprising amount from watching the world around them and following the examples set by their parents, siblings, and other people in their lives; therefore, the entire family should agree about helping the child learn how to be healthy. The paper states that children cannot be expected to eat the same size portions as adults because their bodies are smaller; children must be allowed to decide when they are full.
From the Paper "Additionally, in order for children to truly be able to develop healthy food-related habits, they must be allowed to help make decisions about what they eat. Many children are not allowed to decide what kinds of food they eat, when they eat, and how much they eat. It is common for parents to scold their children and tell them to "clean their plate" when the child feels they are done eating. ?Years ago, food was very hard to come by especially during The Great Depression and after World War II. When people have to deal with this sort of situation for years, they develop a certain mindset. Now we don't have that problem."
Abstract This paper explains that, although iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) has declined in children since the 1970s, due largely to an increased consumption of iron by children during infancy, iron deficiency anemia still is one of the most commonly recognized forms of nutritional deficiency among children, particularly in the 6-month to 24-month age group, in affluent and developing countries. The author points out that the prevention of iron deficiency anemia in children less than two years of age is contingent on adequate dietary intake and supplementation, either in the form of drops or fortified formulas and food. The paper states that early detection and prevention is the most important preventive technique. Adequate screening mechanisms must be used, however, because supplementation does not always correct deficiencies after they arise. Tables.
Table of Contents
Literature Review
Introduction: Prevention of IDA in 6 to 24 Month Old Infants
Preliminary Background
Supplementation and More
Cooking with Iron
Adequate Screening as a Prevention Method
Early Detection
Summary of Traditional Prevention Mechanisms
Educational Strategies and Newer Trends
Conclusions
From the Paper "Improved growth and weight gain are also attributed to infants receiving iron supplementation for a period of at minimum 3-6 months. All of these trials do promote the notion that adequate dietary intake from the outset, and oral supplementation of iron in at risk populations, including incidences where the potential for malnourishment is high, will effectively prevent complications associated with iron deficiency anemia in emergencies."
Abstract This paper explains that obesity is a growing problem within the United States and is associated with a myriad of negative health concerns. Among the currently accepted treatments are the Atkins diet regimen and the use of the drug ,Orlistat, also known as Xenical. The author reports that the goal of this study is to provide information concerning the level of health risks, such as depression and hypertension, the financial cost, and the effectiveness of weight loss in comparison between the Atkins diet and the use of Xenical. The paper proposes a study consisting of 200 participants, both male and female, aged 15 through 35; half will follow the Atkins diet guidelines for a minimum of six months, and the other half will be prescribed Xenical.
Table of Contents
Background and Significance
Statement of the Problem
Goal
Objectives
Methodology
Population
Instruments
Statistical Method
From the Paper "Xenical has been approved for use throughout England and Wales by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence,with strict restrictions and guidelines that include either a body mass index greater than or equal to 28 kg, the pre-existence of a serious illness or have a BMI greater than 30kg. The patient has to show a commitment to lifestyle change by having already lost already lost at least 2.5 kg by dieting and increasing physical activity. The patient must have lost at least 5% of his or her body weight from the start of drug treatment in order to continue treatment. Dr. Ellen L. Sakornbut adds that the drug has a secondary effect, similar to anabuse, where the patient becomes ill if too much fat is ingested. This "negative feedback" experience provides reinforcement toward positive lifestyle changes."
Abstract This paper explains that food insecurity describes a situation in which there is uncertainty in a household's food supply. The author points out that the difference between hunger and food insecurity is related to where they fall on a continuum of food scarcity in a household; if food intake has not actually been reduced, but the possibility exists that it may be, then the situation is food insecurity, and hunger results. The paper relates that, when children suffer from hunger, their bodies are deprived of critical nutrients required for proper functioning, which puts them at increased risk of being deficient in vital nutrients. This is important because children's bodies are still developing.
From the Paper "In the U.S., households are categorized into four groups based upon the reliability of their food source. Ideally, a family is considered "food secure": intake is not reduced and food supply is not a concern. Food insecure (without hunger) reflects concerns "about adequacy of the household food supply" with no reduction in intake reported. Food insecure (with hunger) is further broken down into two categories. If the reduction in intake applies only to adults in the household, the insecurity is moderate. Food insecurity with hunger becomes severe when children in the household are not getting enough to eat."
Abstract Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by eating binges. These binges are then followed by either purging or non-purging behaviors. The etiology is unknown for this disorder, but genetic and neuro-chemical factors have been implicated. The paper begins by presenting an overview of this disorder. It then discusses several articles on bulimia nervosa and includes an interview with a nurse and a bulimic sufferer.
From the Paper "The treatment of bulimia nervosa should address both the physical and psychological needs of the person. The desired outcome is to restore their physical health and normal eating habits. Medical therapy with fluoxetine and fluvoxamine has been successful in treating bulimia with studies consistently showing that psychotherapy is most effective in reducing and even eliminating binge-purge behavior. Antidepressants are also reported to reduce binge eating, vomiting, and depression, but they also are reported to improve eating habits, although their impact on body dissatisfaction is still unclear (Foster)."
