NEWS EXERCISE UPDATE Least fit, double the risk

The least-fit segment of the population has twice the mortality risk of even those who are just a bit more in shape, according to a study published in the official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine. A research team from Stanford University, USA, performed exercise tests and followed more than 4,300 subjects from 1986 to 2006, none of whom had a history of heart disease. Fitness and physical activity levels were measured using treadmill tests and questionnaires, and mortality rates were tracked during the 20-year study period. The results revealed that the mortality rate for the least-fit individuals was twice that of the second least-fit group, and more than four times the rate of the most-fit group. Fitness was the strongest predictor of mortality in this group of healthy individuals. Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise 2009;41(8):1573-1579 (via Medical News Today).

ONLINE – Click here for the original research http://tinyurl.com/mn5z9w or here for the Medical News Today story http://tinyurl.com/mpkjj4

Average 50 year -old is healthier

Researchers found the average 25-year-old consumes over 2,300 calories a day, exercises just three times a week and eats 12 types of junk food a month. But the typical 50-year-old keeps the daily calorie count to below 1,990, exercises and does at least four different types of activity. The older generation gives into junk food just once each week Source: Daily Mail 31st

July 2009 (via FIA Media Review)

ONLINE – Read the full story http://tinyurl.com/mfhtfj

Depressed people’s moods improve with weight loss

According to research presented at the annual meeting of the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behaviour in July, after a 6 month behavioural weight loss programme, depressed patients not only lost 8% of their initial weight but reported significant improvements in symptoms of depression and other health indicators such as levels of triglycerides. This research is novel because clinically depressed individuals are not usually included in weight loss trials due to concerns that weight loss could worsen their depression. This research indicates that these concerns are not necessarily correct. Source: Society for the Study of Ingestive Behaviour Aug 2009

ONLINE – Click this link for full story http://tinyurl.com/kthb5r

12 Fresh garlic beats dried garlic

A new study reports what scientists term

the first scientific evidence that freshly crushed

garlic has more potent heart-

healthy effects than

dried garlic. Scheduled for the Aug. 12 issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, it also challenges the widespread belief that most of garlic’s benefits are due to its rich

array of antioxidants. Instead, garlic’s heart-

healthy effects seem to result

mainly from hydrogen sulfide, a chemical signaling substance that forms after garlic is cut or crushed and relaxes blood vessels when eaten. Source: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry Aug 2009 (via Medical News Today)

ONLINE – Click this link for the full story http://tinyurl.com/luf7aq

Change4Life links up with corner shops

Corner shops nationwide will get help from Change4Life to sell fruit and vegetables - this will mean more people will get their 5-a-day and shops will see an increase in business, according to an announcement made by the Secretary of State for Health Andy Burnham. Following a successful pilot in the north east, corner shops across the country can now join Change4Life and work with the local NHS to promote healthier eating in their communities. The shops will have a fruit and veg makeover, stocking a wide range of fruit and veg, displaying Change4Life posters and signs, and appointing a member of staff to champion fresh fruit and veg in store. Source: Department of Health (via Medical News Today)

ONLINE – Click this link for the full story http://tinyurl.com/n24fva

The REPs Journal 2009;14(Sept):12-14