HEALTH
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STAYING HEALTHY, KEEPING
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS CAN BE ACHIEVED: As the new year
rolls around, many people find themselves making resolutions to
lose those extra pounds. Throughout the month of January, gyms are
packed with people who think shedding weight can be accomplished
with a few workouts. And by February, many of those who resolved
to get healthier have left their resolutions far behind. February
2005
K-STATE PROFESSOR OFFERS TIPS ON HEALTHY HOLIDAY EATING:
At the holidays, people gather together to celebrate with food and
spirits. A yearlong struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle can
be threatened as creamy dips and rich desserts are offered as holiday
treats. December 2004
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SHOULD BE PART OF DAILY ROUTINE: A
K-State kinesiology professor said physical activity can be as simple
as walking and that adolescents should get on their feet at an early
age. Lack of physical activity in adolescents is a huge problem
today. The prevalence of overweight children and adolescents in
the United States, ages 6 to 19, has tripled since 1963. October
2003
RISING
WEIGHT OF CHILDREN A CONCERN: The rising weight of children
has snuck up on Americans, and the sooner we take action, the better.
According to David Dzewaltowski, director of the Kansas State University
Research and Extension Community Health Institute, the last 10-20
years have seen a rapid increase in overweight adolescents. June
2003
WHEN
TO SEE A DOCTOR ABOUT AN OVERWEIGHT CHILD: Sandy Procter,
a registered dietitian and coordinator of the Expanded Food and
Nutrition Education Program in the department of human nutrition
at Kansas State University, says a good rule of thumb is to talk
to your pediatrician if you have concerns about your child's weight.
June 2003
WHAT
TO DO TO ENCOURAGE MORE ACTIVE LIVING: Sandy Procter, coordinator
of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program in the department
of human nutrition at Kansas State University, emphasizes that a
child being overweight is never just the child's problem -- it's
always a family problem, she says. June 2003
HARD
FACTS OF OVERWEIGHT CHILDREN: The hard facts: children are
suffering from increasing tendency toward being overweight. June
2003
WINTER COLD CAN CONTRIBUTE TO ARTHRITIS PAIN: It is essential
for people who have arthritis, and those who could potentially acquire
the disease, to exercise and avoid becoming a couch potato during
the winter months. December 2002
STRONG
ABS DON'T REQUIRE EXERCISE EQUIPMENT: Exercise scientists
at Kansas State University found that the unassisted crunch or sit-up
is as good a workout for the abdominal muscles as any you'd get
using typical abdominal exercise equipment on the market now. December
2002
KEEPING
FIT DURING THE WINTER MONTHS: Staying in shape during the
cold winter months is tough, but a Kansas State University fitness
educator says keeping fit all year long is possible and very rewarding,
both physically and psychologically. December 2002
ACTIVITY,
HEALTHY EATING DURING HOLIDAY SEASON: A K-State professor
suggests eating a light dinner before going to Christmas parties
to cut down on the temptation to eat high-fat foods. By eating slowly
the brain will recognize when the stomach is full, stopping a person
from overeating. November 2002
HOW
TO STAY CLEAR OF COLDS THIS WINTER: Catching a cold is sometimes
inevitable, but a Kansas State University professor suggests maintaining
good health habits to help stay clear of colds this winter. September
2002
K-STATE
PROFESSOR RESEARCHES REDUCING CANCER RISK: A Kansas State
University professor says reducing your risk for cancer includes
some common pieces of advice -- incorporate a healthy diet and moderate
exercise into your daily life. September 2002
DIET NEEDS OF SERIOUS VS. WEEKEND ATHLETES: Ordinary people
who keep in shape for weekend sports often compare themselves to
more serious athletes. But when it comes to diet, there is a difference
between the needs of the occasional athlete and the serious competitor
who trains every day. August 2002
K-STATE NUTRITION EXPERT OFFERS SUGGESTIONS FOR CHILDREN'S DIET:
If french fries and potato chips are the only vegetables your child
eats and the green foods in his diet are Popsicles and candy, there
is still hope for a well-balanced diet. July 2002
ELDERLY MUST CONTINUE TO EXERCISE, EAT HEALTHY DIET:
Nutrition and exercise needs change as people age, said Valentina
Remig, an assistant professor of human nutrition at Kansas State
University. The daily regimen may include supplements, but they
must be used wisely. June 2002
PERSISTENT
BAD MOOD CAN LEAD TO HEALTH PROBLEMS: Depression and anger
can make you sick, literally. But a new study at Kansas State University
shows that some people take longer to snap out of it -- which can
lead to health problems -- while cheerful people tend to stay happy
longer. May 2002
K-STATE PROFESSOR SAYS HEALTHIER EATING CAN BE ACHIEVED WITH
PLANNING: A Kansas State University professor says healthier
eating can be achieved with a little planning and three practical
steps. March, National Nutrition Month, is a great time to get information
and begin a healthier lifestyle. March 2002
FEMALE
ATHLETES MORE LIKELY TO HAVE KNEE INJURIES: Recent studies
have uncovered an alarming statistic: female athletes are four to
six times as likely as male athletes to tear their anterior cruciate
ligament, or ACL. June 2001
DEPRESSION
IN THE AGING MAY SOMETIMES BE CAUSED BY REPRESSED MEMORIES:
Leon Rappaport, professor of psychology at K-State, said sometimes,
in later life, a memory of a person or event from years earlier
can trigger feelings of guilt, remorse or anxiety and lead to depression.
April 2001
K-STATE
PROFESSOR RESEARCHES AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION: When
you can't see well enough to jot down a grocery list, or to drive,
you lose your independence. Carol Ann Holcomb, Kansas State University
associate professor of human nutrition, knows these challenges from
her work researching age-related macular degeneration. She has studied
both the physical and emotional changes in people who develop this
disease. March 2001
TIPS
TO REDUCE RISK OF AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION: While
the cause of age-related macular degeneration is unknown, there
are several risk factors that have been associated with changes
in the eye and ways to reduce the risk of developing the disease,
according to Kansas State University researcher Carol Ann Holcomb.
March 2001
EXERCISE
PSYCHOLOGY IMPORTANT TO HEALTH: According to Nancy Gyurcsik,
professor of kinesiology at Kansas State University, maintaining
good health, while primarily dependent upon physical exercise, is
greatly affected by individual social cognitive behavior. This is
especially important with the aging population. November 2000
OCTOBER
IS VEGETARIAN AWARENESS MONTH: Being a vegetarian is a lot
different than it was 20 years ago, said Karen Hudson, family nutrition
program coordinator in the department of human nutrition at Kansas
State University. October 2000
PARENTS
INFLUENCE THE EATING HABITS OF THEIR CHILDREN: Helping children
learn to eat right isn't difficult if Mom or Dad has healthy eating
habits already. September 2000.
HUMAN
NUTRITION PROFESSOR DISCUSSES VALUE OF GOOD CHOLESTEROL IN YOUR
DIET: With all the talk about combating bad cholesterol
and lowering its levels, the importance of good cholesterol often
gets ignored. "I think everyone is aware that there are good and
bad types of cholesterol," said Richard Baybutt, associate professor
of human nutrition at Kansas State University, "but I'm not sure
they appreciate the value of the good form of cholesterol in their
blood." August 2000
CONSUMERS
ARE WILLING TO PAY MORE FOR SAFER MEAT: Summer picnics and
barbecues can be fun if the food is free of disease. A Kansas State
University agricultural economist and researcher says because of
outbreaks of salmonella and E. coli in recent years, consumers are
willing to pay more money at the grocery store for safer meat. July
'00
NUTRITIONAL
NEEDS STAY THE SAME ALL YEAR: Summer eating habits differ
from winter eating habits, but not as much as people think. June
'00
GARLIC
MAY WARD OFF DEADLY FOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS: Gothic tales speak
of a garlic clove or two a day possessing the power to keep vampires
at bay. In that same vein, a few teaspoons of the pungent spice
or two may ward off potentially deadly food-borne pathogens from
this summer's backyard barbecue. June '00
KNEE
PAIN IS QUITE COMMON: If your knees hurt just looking up
at a flight of stairs, then you are one of many people who suffer
from knee pain. April '00
INCORPORATE
STRETCHING INTO YOUR WORKOUT: If you want to look great
for the summer swimsuit season, now is a good time to start an exercise
program. According to a Kansas State University fitness expert,
it is important to incorporate stretching into your workout. March
'00
ADVICE
FOR GOOD HEALTH: Runny nose, aching head, fever and sore
throat are common complaints about cold and flu season. To stay
in good health, a Kansas State University expert on microbiology
and immunology, offers some advice. November '99
CHILD'S
PLAY IS HEALTHY AS WELL AS FUN: Encouraging physical fitness
in children can be as easy as child's play, according to David Dzewaltowski,
head of the department of kinesiology and the Kansas Health Foundation
distinguished professor of community health at Kansas State University.
August '99
SPICES MAY BE KEY TO BATTLING E. COLI: Spices, along with
sugar and everything nice may be key components in what little girls
are made of, according to a children's nursery rhyme, but they are
lethal killers when battling deadly E. coli 0157:H7 bacteria. August
'99
SANITIZING MEAT AT THE END OF THE PROCESSING PROCEDURE:
Meat processing plants can try washing, steaming, or any number
of other ways to sanitize a carcass, yet the meat consumers purchase
in the supermarket can still have that sickening and potentially
deadly E. coli 0157:H7 bacteria. July '99
BUG ZAPPERS MAY CAUSE MORE HARM THAN GOOD: According to
a team of researchers at Kansas State University, the sound of bug
zappers may also signal the potential for a shower of microorganisms
including viruses cascading onto the surrounding area. Because of
the airborne bacteria and virus-laden particles produced by the
explosion of these electrocuted insects, the researchers recommend
they not be used in food handling areas, hospitals, daycare facilities
or any variety of places where the control of insects is important.
June '99
STARTING
A NEW FITNESS PROGRAM: When starting a new fitness program
this year, David Dzewaltowski recommends focusing on the term "physical
activity" as opposed to "exercise." January '99
EXERCISE
FOR WOMEN: An overwhelming number of women are not getting
the exercise they need to live healthy lives. October '98
PETS
FOR THE ELDERLY: Risk of disease or injury may not enter
your mind when giving a pet, such as a bird, cat or dog, to an elderly
person in your life. Kathy Gaughan, doctor of veterinary medicine
at Kansas State University-Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital,
said there are serious issues to consider before giving a pet as
a gift. October '98
DEVELOPING
ABS: Thin and trim abdominal muscles are in, but
rippling abdominal muscles don't just develop overnight. July '98
MOSQUITOES:
Picnics, camping and athletic events can all be part of the
summer fun. The enjoyment, however, can sometimes come to a screeching
halt when mosquitoes are near, especially if you are one of those
people who seems to be a favorite target of mosquitoes. June '98
CATARACT
RESEARCH: Cataract formation, or the clouding of the lens,
is a major cause of blindness in America. Larry Takemoto, professor
of biology at Kansas State University, explains that surgical removal
of the lens is the only current alternative. Takemoto's team is
attempting to find another alternative to surgery. May '98
SEDENTARY
CHILDREN: Now that winter's changing to spring, it's time
to see more children outside playing. Unfortunately, according to
Dave Dzewaltowski, head of the kinesiology department at Kansas
State University, American children are learning a lesson from their
parents and opting to stay inside. April '98
SAFE
EASTER DINNER: Here comes Peter Cottontail, and with him
the Easter holiday. Many families get together for the holiday season
and the festivities usually include a big dinner. One Kansas State
University professor, though, urges caution during this holiday
season. April '98
SPORTS
DRINKS: To quench a thirst when exercising, many people
reach for a bottle of a popular sports drink. But according to a
Kansas State University nutrition professor, most people can get
the same results by drinking water. March '98
SKI
PREPARATION: Skiing can be a very strenuous exercise for
a body that has been sitting in front of the TV instead of getting
ready for the trip, said David C. Poole, associate professor of
kinesiology at Kansas State University. Poole says the best way
to prepare your body for skiing pleasure instead of pain is to get
in shape. Jan. '98
EXERCISE
MYTHS: How much do you really know about exercise? David
Dzewaltowski, associate professor of kinesiology at Kansas State
University, gives tips on what is true and false about exercise.
Jan. '98
CARPAL
TUNNEL EXERCISES: Carpal tunnel syndrome affects nearly
5 million Americans in the workplace, causing severe and persistent
pains in the hands. But according to a Kansas State University professor,
the aches of carpal tunnel can be lessened through exercise. Jan.
'98
FACTS
ABOUT PERTUSSIS: Fact sheet about pertussis, or whooping
cough.
EXERCISE
TIPS: David Dzewaltowski, associate professor of
kinesiology at Kansas State University, gives some facts and advice
about exercise to get re-motivated to continue exercising throughout
the year.
WINTER'S
NAP: Do you feel so exhausted that you want to crawl into
a cave and hibernate? According to Art Rathbun, biofeedback specialist
and counselor at Kansas State University, it's not unusual to feel
more worn out during winter, when the lack of sunlight often brings
a mood-depressing effect.
HOLIDAY
FOOD SAFETY: Don't let the holiday goodies leave
you with a stomach ache (or worse). Karen Penner, extension specialist
and professor of foods and nutrition at Kansas State University,
has some food safety advice to keep you healthy through the holiday
season.
HOLIDAY
DEPRESSION: In storybooks, holidays are a time of
peace on earth and goodwill to all. In reality, many people often
feel sad during the holidays. One Kansas State University faculty
member explains why.
LEAD
POISONING: Lead can be found in most parts of our
environment: there's always a potential danger for individuals to
get sick from it. Fred Oehme, professor of toxicology at Kansas
State University, offers some facts about lead and lead poisoning
that home owners should be aware of.
KICK
THE BLUES: If you're used to fitting a physical fitness
regimen in around your work schedule, winter may present a problem
for you. As the days get shorter it becomes harder to find motivation
to continue an exercise routine. This can be hard when the only
option is getting up before the sunrise or going after a long day
at the office.
VISITING
THE DOCTOR: Going to the doctor, staying overnight in the
hospital or undergoing a medical procedure can be a traumatic experience
for a child. Here are tips parents can use to prevent children from
being unnecessarily fearful of doctors and hospitals.
ALTERNATIVE
MEDICINE: Richard Baybutt, assistant professor of foods
and nutrition at Kansas State University says alternative medicine
is really getting a foothold, perhaps because of the expense of
the new health care system.
HEALTHY
FOOD CHOICES: Everyone should be eating at least five servings
of fruits and vegetables a day. In Kansas, however, surveys show
that only 1 in 3 people are eating that much and that 1 in 10 people
are eating less than one serving of a fruit or vegetable a day.
SUMMER
FOOD SAFETY: As the Fourth of July rolls around, so do outdoor
barbecues and picnics at area lakes. However, because of the warmer
summer temperatures, extra precautions need to be taken in handling
food safely.
NECK
PAIN: A Kansas State University athletic trainer offers
several tips to avoid neck pain.
CHILDREN
ARE OVERWEIGHT: Recent studies show that children are more
overweight today than children 20 years ago.
WEAPON
FOR KILLING E. COLI: A meat decontamination process developed
by Kansas State University food microbiology researchers for two
of the world's largest meat processing companies is being billed
as the most effective weapon in killing the dangerous E. coli and
salmonella bacteria.
CONTRACTING
TOXOPLASMOSIS: With a little caution, there's no reason
for pregnant women to fear contracting toxoplasmosis, a parasitic
disease that can be contracted from an infected cat's fecal material,
from their feline friends.
STAYING
FIT IN THE COLD: Brrrrrr! Too cold to exercise? Despite
the chilling temperatures, a Kansas State University professor says
you can still exercise during these cold winter months.
EXCERCISE
FOR THE ELDERLY: Exercising in the cold may appear risky
for older adults. But a Kansas State University professor says that
as long as you are already fit, no matter your age, cold weather
shouldn't be harmful.
WINTER
EXERCISE: A Kansas State University professor says if you
haven't been active and you are beginning a new exercise program,
take it slow and start out by adding activities you enjoy.
DO
YOU CRAMP DURING EXERCISE? If you think you have to break
a sweat to get a good workout, you could be one of many who suffer
from cramping during exercise.
REMOVING
TICKS: Despite your best efforts at awareness and avoidance,
the elusive tick has burrowed it's head into your skin. So what's
the best way to get it off?
VITAMINS
FOR HEALTH: Making sure your diet contains plenty
of beta-carotene and anti-oxidants is an important aspect of maintaining
good health says a K-State nutrition professor.
DIET
FOR CHILDREN: Eating less fat may be a healthy thing for
adults to do, but putting children on a low-fat diet may do more
harm than good, according to Paula Peters, assistant professor of
foods and nutrition at K-State.
VEGETABLE
PREFERENCES: Parents concerned that french fries have become
the only "vegetable" in their child's diet may want to take note
of their own vegetable preferences.
EXERCISING
AT HOME: A K-State professor suggests making a large investment
in home equipment or forget about exercising at home.
CHILD
VEGETARIANS: A K-State child nutrition expert says your
child can still have a nutritious diet as a vegetarian if a wide
variety of foods are eaten.
KEEPING
COOL: K-State health extension specialist Michael H. Bradshaw
offers suggestions for keeping cool when it's hot.
TIPS/RECIPES
FOR DIABETICS: We all need a plan to get through
the holidays, but it's even more important for those with such a
serious medical condition as diabetes. Here are some tips and recipes
that can help.
EXERCISE
FOR A HEALTHY HEART: For many people exercise isn't worth
the hassle, but a K-State expert suggests that exercising just 30
minutes a day could help reduce the chance of heart disease.
JOB
STRESS--GOOD OR BAD? A certain amount of stress can make
you more productive on the job. Too much stress can have detrimental
effects on your output and, ultimately, your health.
COOKING
FOR DIABETICS: We all need a plan to get through the holidays,
but it's even more important for those with such a serious medical
condition as diabetes. The basic plan for controlling diabetes involves
balancing food, activity and medication.
Last
updated February 2005
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