First-Year Fight A Victory For Stars' Successful Gym

“It's a good time for the owners of the Adrenaline Training Center. Their mixed martial arts gym is celebrating its first anniversary while Mark Hominick, Sam Stout, and Chris Horodecki are all scheduled to be back in the ring after extended layoffs. The trio opened the facility a year ago with a goal of not only promoting the sport but also the workout and fitness regimen that is so central to it. The year has seen constant growth, with membership now at about 450. While many participate in the workout classes, about 20% come in looking to learn about mixed martial arts. The centre is beginning a stable of amateur fighters, many of whom have already fought. But Hominick said the important thing is to get people in the door. ‘It can be intimidating to walk in the door because it's not a normal gym, but once people come in, that's all it takes,’ Hominick said.

http://www.lfpress.com/sports/othersports/2009/10/30/11574851-sun.html

RMG Networks Solidifies Leadership Position in Health Club Media

“RMG Networks, operator of the largest digital health club media network in the U.S., announced today a broad series of partnerships that firmly establishes the company as the elite provider of premium media in health clubs nationwide. Agreements with two of the nation`s premier athletic clubs, LIFE TIME FITNESS and Western Athletic Clubs, will significantly increase the audience delivered through RMG`s Health & Fitness network to more than 10 million monthly digital viewers. Additionally, the company revealed a partnership with NetPulse, the leading provider of personal entertainment systems on cardio machines, which positions RMG to capitalize on the digital evolution of health club media.”

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS207609+29-Oct-2009+BW20091029

Lifestyle Fitness Maintains a Green Philosophy

“When co-owners Ken Crowell and Scott Bauer opened Lifestyle Fitness in 2005 it was to help adults resume or maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, and to do it with a minimal impact on the environment. Maintaining a green lifestyle or a green business is more about the little things than major reengineering changes. From day one Lifestyle Fitness installed fluorescent lighting in most areas of the club, and during most days half of those lights are turned off. In addition, they maintain an average temperature in the club of 74 degrees. Lifestyle uses high-efficiency washers and dryers to launder the towels that are provided to members, and they clean the equipment with Simple Green—an environmentally-sensitive...

http://woodlandsonline.com/npps/story.cfm?nppage=33134

Dramatic Increase In The Number Of Obesity-Related Hospital Admissions

“The number of people in England being admitted to hospital for a condition linked to the fact that they are very overweight has jumped to 8,085 in 2008/09 - a 60 per cent rise on 2007/08 - according to a report released today by the NHS Information Centre. The figures relate to obese people needing treatment for a variety of issues such as breathing problems, Type 2 diabetes, circulation or organ failure, or heart disease, that are all strongly linked to them being overweight. People receiving surgery such as stomach stapling are also included in the data. Overall, in England there were 14.2 million hospital admissions in 2008/09, a 5 per cent increase on 2007/08 (13.5 million).”

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/169215.php

Alabama Doctor Confirmed As US Surgeon General

“The Senate on Thursday confirmed Dr. Regina Benjamin to be the U.S. surgeon general, elevating a well-known Alabama family physician to be the nation's top doctor. Benjamin, 53, was approved by voice vote. Benjamin was the first black woman to head a state medical society, received the Nelson Mandela Award for Health and Human Rights and just last fall received a MacArthur Foundation ‘genius grant.’...

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gOPRmeqQU5CZs3Pux4kJLNZbIV3gD9BL2R081

OC Pole Fitness Teaches Alternative Form Of Exercise

“Most would associate six-inch stripper heels, 20-foot aluminum poles and thumping music with, well, a strip club. However, the ladies wrapped around these poles belong to OC Pole Fitness. Offering an array of alternative fitness classes, OC Pole Fitness has locations in both Huntington Beach and Aliso Viejo. OC Pole Fitness is one of the world’s leading studios, according to its owner and one of the instructors, Collette Kakuk. The classes range from beginner’s pole dance to aerial hoop and tissue. ‘You can’t have a good woman without a proper balance of body and mind,’ Kakuk said...

http://www.dailytitan.com/2009/10/oc-pole-fitness-teaches-alternative-form-of-exercise/

Gold's Gym New Body for the New Year

“1320 KFAN and Gold's Gym bring you the NEW BODY for the NEW YEAR! The following comptetitors are competing for a trip to Hawaii, VIP Jazz tickets and a Gold's Gym Membership.”

http://www.kjzz.com/fansports/shows/66526147.html

New Health Care vs. Sick Care Ad Campaign Launched by Trust for America's Health and Partnership for Prevention

“‘This ad campaign conveys how health reform provides a once-in-a-lifetime chance to transform our health care system from a sick care system to one that emphasizes prevention and wellness,’ said Jeff Levi, PhD, Executive Director of TFAH. ‘The evidence is clear that prevention is the key to better health, and that well-designed and well-implemented disease prevention programs could spare millions of Americans from needless suffering.’ 'Americans don't just want a health system that treats them when they're sick. They want a health system that works to help them stay well," said Rob Gould, PhD, President and CEO of Partnership for Prevention. ‘We hope Congress recognizes what we say in this ad: that real health reform starts with prevention.’ The ad stresses the importance of including prevention as a central pillar of health reform. It features visuals of people riding bikes, juxtaposed with an individual in a wheelchair, underscoring that real health care must involve keeping people healthy in the first place, instead of just focusing on treating them after they get sick.” The ad is available on TFAH's Web site at: www.healthyamericans.org .”

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-health-care-vs-sick-care-ad-campaign-launched-by-trust-for-americas-health-and-partnership-for-prevention-67046712.html

Anytime Fitness Supports Efforts To Raise Money For Pediatric Cancer Cure

“Anytime Fitness of Wilton is matching 5% of all funds raised by Judy Klein of Wilton and Karen Lummis of Weston who are running in the 26.2-mile New York City Marathon Nov. 1. Ms. Klein, an exercise physiologist at Anytime Fitness, is a veteran runner, having completed 26 marathons to date and personally raising over $100,000 for Sloan-Kettering. Ms. Lummis has been strength training three days a week for years under the direction of Dan Zahler of Norwalk, an exercise physiologist and kinesiotherpist who is training director and co-owner of Anytime Fitness.”

http://www.acorn-online.com/joomla15/thereddingpilot/aroundtown/39654-anytime-fitness-supports-efforts-to-raise-money-for-pediatric-cancer-cure.html

On-The-Job Exercise Good For Employee And Employer

"Programs in the workplace designed to get people to exercise can improve fitness, cut cholesterol levels, reduce job stress and even improve attendance, a new analysis of the medical literature shows. But it's still not clear what makes for the most effective type of program, Dr. Vicki S. Conn of the University of Missouri in Columbia, the lead author of the research, told Reuters Health. They found significant positive effects for the interventions on "physical activity behavior," meaning whether or not people became more active, and also on fitness level. The programs also helped fuel healthy changes in lipids (meaning harmful fats in the blood such as triglycerides), measures of body size, work attendance, and job stress, the researchers report. The more effective programs had several characteristics in common: a facility for exercising on site; they were developed with the help of the company; and people were able to exercise during the workday rather than having to come in early or stay late. But it wasn't clear whether offering rewards helped. While evidence is scarce on the long-term costs of workplace physical activity interventions, Conn noted, the fact that they reduce absenteeism suggests they could indeed save money. The current investigation is part of a larger, National Institutes of Health-funded study of physical activity interventions in general, Conn noted. While there's no lack of evidence to show that exercise is good for you, she added, ‘what we don't know is how to get people to exercise,’ and the study may help answer that question.”

http://www.reutershealth.com/archive/2009/10/28/eline/links/20091028elin010.html

For Some Of Canada's Teens Puberty Is A Gateway To Heart Disease

“A seven-year ongoing study examining over 20,000 Canadian grade 9 students shows most already have at least one major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, Dr. Brian McCrindle told the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress 2009, co-hosted by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society. ‘It is shocking that one in five 14 and 15 year olds has high blood pressure,’ says Heart and Stroke Foundation spokesperson Dr. Beth Abramson. ‘What does this say for the future health of these young teens? They are at risk of developing long-term health effects such as premature heart disease and type 2 diabetes.’ ‘With changing technologies, we to need to exercise our bodies more than our brains,’ she says. ‘Over 50 per cent of Canadian children between the ages of five and 17 aren't active enough to support optimal health and development - and over a quarter of our children and youth are overweight or obese.’...

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/169035.php

Baby Runs With a Fast Crowd

“Experts say, there is a learning curve to running with a stroller. ‘Running mechanics change and targeted muscles are trained differently while pushing a stroller,” said Fabio Comana, an exercise physiologist with the American Council on Exercise. ‘It’s like learning to kick a ball with the other leg.’ Trying to do too much too soon, especially for a postpartum mother, opens a runner up to injuries. ‘It’s not just get up and go,’ Mr. Comana said. ‘It’s not an easy switch from regular running. Runners need to lower their standards of time, pace and distance.’...

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/01/health/nutrition/01fitness.html?ref=nutrition

Town Sports International Holdings Inc. Reports Operating Results (10-Q)

“Our revenues, operating income and net income (loss) for the three months ended September 30, 2009 were $120.4 million, $1.4 million and ($1.5) million, respectively, and $128.1 million, $11.6 million and $3.8 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2008. Our revenues, operating income and net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 were $371.1 million, $15.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively, and $383.8 million, $42.1 million and $15.5 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2009 decreased $10.8 million, or 9.1%, at clubs opened for more than 24 months when compared to the same period last year. Total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 decreased $26.9 million, or 7.4%, at clubs opened for more than 24 months when compared to the same period last year. Our operating margins decreased to 1.2% and 4.2% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively, from 9.0% and 11%, respectively, in the same periods in the prior year.”

http://www.gurufocus.com/news.php?id=72848

Diet Beats Drugs for Diabetes Prevention

“Lifestyle changes resulting in long-term weight loss of just a few pounds proved to be roughly twice as effective as drug treatment for preventing type 2 diabetes in an ongoing government-sponsored trial. Researchers followed almost 3,000 high-risk patients for a decade in one of the largest and longest tudies aimed at preventing diabetes ever conducted in the U.S. Roughly a third of the participants were initially asked to eat a low-fat diet and engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate activity a minimum of five times a week, with the goal of losing 7% of their body weight within a year. Another third were put on the diabetes drug metformin; the remaining patients initially received no intervention...

http://diabetes.webmd.com/news/20091028/diet-beats-drugs-for-diabetes-prevention

Survey Finds Americans Struggling to Balance Love of Fall Sports With Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

"According to a new survey conducted by 24 Hour Fitness - the largest privately owned U.S. fitness chain and a leading health club industry pioneer - the fall sports season is one of the most difficult times of the year to maintain a fitness regimen. And even though the results show that people are inspired by their favorite sports and athletes, that inspiration is not translating into action for most Americans. To help Americans find the perfect balance this fall, 24 Hour Fitness is offering free workouts at every club nationwide, Nov. 22 - 29. In addition, with sports fans committed to the game during the fall season, workouts can be inspired by the action they see on the field. 24 Hour Fitness believes in the power of fitness to change lives and offers the following tips for those looking to put on their game face and hit the field running towards their health and fitness goals.”

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS191226+27-Oct-2009+BW20091027

Jets Flight Crew and New York Sports Clubs Team Up for Fitness

“New York Sports Clubs (NYSC) (www.mysportsclubs.com), the largest owner and operator of health and fitness clubs in the tri-state area, today announced a partnership to become the Official Training Site for the Jets Flight Crew, the much admired dance and cheerleading team of the NY Jets. The partnership will include newly created cardio dance classes led by members of the Flight Crew exclusively offered at select NYSC locations, as well as full membership privileges for the team to continue to rehearse and practice their game-day routines.”

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS182264+08-Oct-2009+BW20091008

Are You Missing Out on These 'Wellness' Freebies?

“The incentives companies use to drive participation in their health programs take various forms. These can range from retailer gift cards to relief on their health-care premiums. At Prudential, the financial-services company based in Newark, N.J., for example, employees get $150 (taxed as regular wages) if they complete a health risk assessment. Prudential encourages employees to exercise and offers discounts to area fitness centers. For example, employees who wish to join one of the New York Sports Club sites can save $20 a month off the passport membership with a one-year contract. Employees at Paychex, a Rochester, N.Y.-based payroll and human-resources provider, can earn up to $300 cash each year by accumulating points for doing certain physical activities. They earn 10 points for getting a flu shot (available on site, free), 25 points for taking a fitness class, and 50 points for participating in three phone calls with a health coach..."

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703574604574501221829008780.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

New Owner Makes Strides At Impact

“After getting a long-standing local fitness business into better shape, new owner Matt Steiger hopes he can do the same for both the loyal customers and new members at Impact Health and Fitness. “I am excited about what we are trying to do," said Steiger, who purchased the former Legends Fitness Center at 2415 N. Monroe St. and has been developing the new brand around a more comprehensive approach to health."

http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20091026/BUSINESS/910260326/-1/business0101/New+owner+makes+strides+at+Impact

Healthy Home May Help Keep The Weight Off

“Researchers found that people who had lost weight and had maintained a normal weight for 5 years were much more physically active than obese people who hadn't lost weight and were also being better able to control their food intake. But people's home environment also mattered, Dr. Suzanne Phelan of California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and her colleagues found. Phelan and her team looked at 167 weight-loss maintainers and two groups of 153 treatment-seeking obese individuals to investigate behaviors and environmental factors that might promote sustained weight loss. People in the control groups had been participating in two different studies of weight loss interventions, but remained obese. People who had kept the weight off expended 2,877 calories in physical activity per week, on average, compared to 762 per week for one of the control groups and 1,003 for the other, the team found...

http://www.reutershealth.com/archive/2009/10/27/eline/links/20091027elin010.html

Gold’s Gym Middletown Hosts World's Largest Calorie "Burn-A-Thon" To “Do a 180” On Diabetes

“In honor of National Diabetes Month and the launch of the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) new ‘Stop Diabetes’ campaign, Gold’s Gym Middletown is hosting a first-of-its-kind calorie ‘Burn-a-thon’ to promote diabetes awareness. On Saturday, November 7th, Gold's Gym locations around the world will open their doors to the public, inviting people to take place in the record-setting event. Gold's Gym and the ADA have set a world-record goal of burning 180 million calories in 24 hours, to demonstrate the need to ‘do a 180’ on the growing diabetes epidemic.”

http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/chi-preventive-health-bd25-oct25-,0,7578247.story

Making Health Care About Health

“As a young cardiologist, Steve Devries noticed a disturbing pattern: His patched-up heart patients kept returning for repairs. It happened so often that Devries decided there must be another way to advance patients' health. Today, his thriving Chicago practice focuses exclusively on preventing disease, and Devries is far more likely to counsel patients about diet, sleep habits and exercise than to prescribe high-tech scans or cholesterol-lowering drugs. Motivated by a growing sense that America's health care system is broken, doctors such as Devries and public health experts are turning to preventive medicine for a potential fix. And lawmakers, eager to curb rising health care costs, are paying close attention. Every serious proposal for health reform includes measures to promote healthier lifestyles and minimize the burden of disease. In a significant move, the federal government last month earmarked $650 million in grants -- the largest sum ever -- for community programs designed to reduce tobacco use, increase physical activity and improve eating habits. But there's no easy or cheap way to transform an ailing care system into one that promotes health and wellness. At every level, from the way doctors are trained to the way they're reimbursed for services, the importance of prevention is overshadowed by a focus on treating illness and a reliance on expensive medical technologies and procedures. ‘Health reform gives us a great opportunity to shift the focus,’ said Mike Barry, executive director of the American College of Preventive Medicine. ‘Instead of pulling out a prescription pad, we want to see physicians prescribing lifestyle changes.’”

http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/chi-preventive-health-bd25-oct25-,0,7578247.story

Fitness Fades Fast After 45 - But Healthy Habits Can Stave Off The Inevitable Declines, Research Finds

The findings, appearing in the Oct. 26 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, are not so surprising in light of the piles of other research that have drawn similar conclusions. But the new study has broad implications, given the rising number of older adults in the United States and the explosion in the sedentary, overweight and aging population. ‘The Social Security Administration actually has an aerobic capacity threshold. If you're below the threshold, you are considered disabled,’ said study author Andrew Jackson. This means more people could qualify for government disability benefits at a younger age, further draining an already strained economy. ‘If people are very overweight, inactive and smoke, they might see these health problems in their 50s and 60s, whereas people who maintain a healthy lifestyle, it's going to be more like their 70s, 80s and possibly even their 90s.’ ‘You have to exercise. It's now becoming established fact, and if you don't incorporate it, you're going to see the effects. You will get sicker sooner,’ added Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, director of women and heart disease for Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and a spokeswoman for the American Heart Association. ‘Exercise is the most potent medication around, and the Social Security Administration agrees with me.’

http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=632406

Planet Fitness Makes Plans To Orbit The Pittsburgh Area

“Planet Fitness, a health club franchise that seeks to pump volume business out of value-priced memberships, is searching the Pittsburgh area for locations. ‘They have been very successful so far,’ said Pat Gallagher, a suburban Philadelphia-based commercial broker representing the franchisee who owns the territory for southwestern Pennsylvania in his search here. ‘Not one has ever failed or gone dark.’ With 300 Planet Fitness locations operating nationwide, Gallagher said his client, Dan Horan, is working to open six to eight Planet Fitness clubs throughout the Pittsburgh area in the next year and a half. The company seeks out locations of 15,000 to 24,000 square feet, often taking second-generation space formerly occupied by grocery stores. The clubs offer a variety of cardio, weight-training and tanning booths.”

http://pittsburgh.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2009/10/26/story8.html

New Health Club Opens In Ontario

“World Fitness is a new business, and Ontario is its first location. The owners plan to expand to Baker City and Pendleton in the future. World-Fitness is open 24-hours/seven days per week. ‘All-membership packages are less than a dollar a day,’ Bonner said, and there are no enrollment fees. Even through the center has been open just a few days, the response has been phenomenal, even with no advertising, Bonner said. The planned full-scale service center will include a swimming pool, racquetball courts, dry sauna, steam rooms, aerobic classroom and a kids club.”

http://www.argusobserver.com/articles/2009/10/26/news/doc4ae5f8663741d220573095.txt

Cigarettes Seem Less Attractive To Smokers Following Exercise

“Exercise can help smokers quit because it makes cigarettes less attractive. A new study from the University of Exeter shows for the first time that exercise can lessen the power of cigarettes and smoking-related images to grab the attention of smokers. The study is published in the journal Addiction.”

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/168849.php

Vigorous Exercise Makes Big Difference in Heart Health of Seniors

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5hw3WNFvakbD2FtHGuN3UBqLbrgRw

“New research suggests it's never too late for seniors saddled with Type 2 diabetes and other problems to start turning their health around through vigorous exercise often recommended only for younger people. While exercise is touted as a key component of health in people under the age of 65, the message often trails for people who are later in life, says Dr. Kenneth Madden, a geriatrician at the University of British Columbia. Madden decided to see whether aerobic exercise could have the same effect in what he terms 'the worst-case scenario' of patients - those with Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. ’There's a lot of talk about prevention, but everyone just kind of gives up when people are over 65 and have all these risk factors. So we decided - can you actually do something at this point?’ He assigned adults between the ages of 65 and 83 to one of two groups. One group continued to do no exercise at all while those in the other one engaged in vigorous exercise on treadmills and stationary bicycles for one hour, three times a week. The stiffness in their arteries - shown to be a risk factor for heart attacks and strokes - was measured by monitors on pulse points that checked how fast a pulse wave moved through their bodies. After three months, the exercise group had improved the stiffness of their arteries by about 20 per cent, a large impact in such a short period of time, says Madden.”

Physical Activity Guidelines Will Improve our Public Health

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/healthcare/64527-physical-activity-guidelines-will-improve-our-public-health-sen-tom-harkin-

“In recent years we have become all too aware of the fact that rising rates of obesity are sending our health care costs through the roof – and one of the main contributors is a lack of physical activity.  In fact, more than half of Americans do not get enough daily exercise to maintain proper health.  To begin to address this issue, I was pleased to join with colleagues from both sides of the aisle and both chambers this week to introduce an important piece of legislation aimed at improving America’s public health: The Physical Activities Guidelines for Americans Act. The legislation would direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to prepare and promote physical activity guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.  The bill would call for guidelines for children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities, to ensure Americans understand how much exercise they should be getting.  Similar to the dietary and nutritional guidelines commonly known as the Food Pyramid, the physical activity guidelines would be updated every five years.”

Exercise Needs Trump the Recession

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20091025/BUSINESS/910250323/1001

“Coping with the economy usually means scaling back individual and family expenses, finding less costly ways of doing things. But increasing one's resistance to stress and anxiety — through gyms, fitness centers, sports centers and personal trainers — can also help some people deal with tough times.
Memberships are not only up at some gyms — they are at boom levels. Planet Fitness in Henrietta has experienced 'remarkable' growth since it opened in January, said manager Matt Devins. 'We're planning on three more clubs in this market,' he said. Gates and Irondequoit are possible sites.Planet Fitness has a discount package hat Devins said was in place before the recession hit."

Exercise Can Make You Smarter: New Research Shows Cognitive Improvement After Moderate Exercise

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/exercise-boost-brainpower/story?id=8840026

"Folk wisdom and modern science hold that physical exercise is good for the mind and body.For the doubters, new studies uphold the long-held conclusion: Exercise does, indeed, increase brainpower. "Most notably in children, what we see is that they perform better on academic achievement tests following single bouts of exercise," Charles Hillman, a professor at the University of Illinois who has studied the issue for several years, told "Good Morning America."
Hillman's latest study "Cognition Following Acute Aerobic Exercise," found that moderate exercise -– 30 minutes for adults and 20 minutes for children -– results in a 5 percent to 10 percent. The findings don't refer to a person's IQ or learned intelligence but to executive function, the activity that takes place in the brain's frontal lobe. Using treadmills, brain monitors and other equipment, Hillman measured cognition before and after exercise. Participants' performance on executive function tests improved after exercise, the study showed.”

Pump Some Iron, Then Some Hand Sanitizer

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2009/10/while-at-the-gym-the-other-morning-we-noticed-a-sizeable-bottle-of-hand-sanitzer-where-none-had-been-before-while-our-gym-al.html

“While at the gym the other morning we noticed a sizable bottle of hand sanitizer where none had been before. While our gym always stocks disinfectant cleaner and paper towels with which to wipe down machines, the sanitizer was something new, and we couldn't help question if it was a pre-emptive strike against the H1N1 flu, or even the seasonal flu, for that matter. Wondering if other gyms were concerned with the spread of flu germs, we called Nanette Pattee Francini, president and founder of the Sports Club/LA, who said that although hand sanitizer has been available to members for years, trainers have recently been advised to use it, and have clients use it after every workout. ‘We've had it in the gym for years because it's a smart idea,’ she says. ‘With the trainers, we explained that it's good to get into the habit. And we're definitely asking any team member who is feeling sick to please stay home. But I haven't noticed anybody sniffling and sneezing at the club.’”

Health and Fitness: Experts Applaud Physical Activity Guidelines Bill

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/168354.php

“As debate continues over health system reform, a proposal with vast preventive power is drawing widespread support. Scientists, physicians, public health experts and others have rallied in favor of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Act of 2009. The measure (S. 1810 in the Senate and H.R. 3851 in the House), provides that the Department of Health and Human Services update federal physical activity guidelines at least every five years. The bill's sponsors reflect bipartisan support for healthy lifestyles as preventive medicine: Reps. Bart Gordon (D-TN), Mary Bono Mack (R-CA), Ron Kind (D-WI) and Zach Wamp (R-TN); Sens. Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Sam Brownback (R-KS). ‘The first federal guidelines for physical activity, released in October 2008, were a big step forward," said James Pivarnik, Ph.D., FACSM, president of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). ‘The American public would be well served by guidelines that are updated regularly, like federal guidelines for nutrition, based on the latest scientific and medical information."’ ACSM led the call for federal physical activity guidelines, and a number of its members lent their expertise to the process of developing them. In 2006, ACSM convened a broad coalition of more than 40 organizations, resulting in six key calls to action – including the creation of regular updates to federal physical activity guidelines. Another recommendation, a National Physical Activity Plan, is under development. Many organizations involved in the 2006 policy roundtable are among those who have endorsed the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Act.”

Michelle Obama Hula-Hooping Our Way to Health

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/10/michelle-obama-hulahoops-her-way-to-health.html

“First, the buff first arms. Then the First Lady's White House playground. Then the First Lady's White House victory garden. Then the First Lady's patronage of farmer's markets for things that grow in the filthy ground or hang on trees where birds perch and do things. It's a given that too many Americans are obese. They don't exercise enough. The good news is their flabby thighs are hidden by their drooping stomachs. Now, yesterday First Lady Michelle Obama had a Healthy Kids Fair on the sunny White House South Lawn. Will this healthy stuff ever stop with these people? Yes, of course, it's a political show. Playing with kids at a scheduled time that allows TV studio editors to process the video in time for the afternoon/evening newscasts is part of American public life now, regardless of party. (Think the Bushes' adorable T-ball games at the White House.) But M.O.'s enthusiasm is almost contagious, making some American adults at least contemplate getting up out of their La-Z-Boys to move their enlarged bodies slightly. And not just toward the fridge.”

Life Time Fitness Announces Third Quarter 2009 Financial Results

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS133380+22-Oct-2009+BW20091022

“Third quarter 2009 revenue grew 7.8% to $214.3 million from $198.8 million during the same period last year. Net income during the quarter was $20.6
million, or $0.51 per diluted share, versus $21.6 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, for 3Q 2008. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, revenue grew 10.0% to $633.3 million from $575.7 million during the same period last year. Net income for the same period was $54.0 million, or $1.36 per diluted share, compared to $58.8 million, or $1.49 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2008. ‘During the third quarter, we expanded free cash flow delivery and saw our trailing 12-month attrition rate improve,’ said Bahram Akradi, Life Time Fitness chairman and chief executive officer. ‘Moving forward, we will continue to focus on our member connectivity initiatives, prudent cost management and debt reduction.’”

Cybex Announces Third Quarter Results

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/cybex-announces-third-quarter-results,1006958.shtml

"Cybex International, Inc. (NASDAQ: CYBI), a leading manufacturer of premium exercise equipment for the commercial and consumer markets, today reported results for its third quarter ended September 26, 2009. Net sales for the third quarter of 2009 were $29.0 million compared to $35.8 million for the corresponding 2008 period. The Company reported net income for the third quarter of 2009 of $0.1 million, or $0.00 per diluted share, compared to $0.3 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, reported for the corresponding 2008 period. For the nine months ended September 26, 2009, net sales decreased to $85.7 million compared to $108.7 million for 2008. The loss for the nine months ended September 26, 2009 was $3.4 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, compared to net income of $1.8 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, for 2008.”

Exercise Eases Patellofemoral Pain

http://www.medpagetoday.com/Orthopedics/Orthopedics/16542

"For patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome, exercise supervised by a physical therapist was more effective for pain and function than the traditional treatment of rest and avoidance of stress on the knee, a randomized Dutch study found.

But over the long run, patients perceived no difference between the two approaches.

After three months, the exercise group had an adjusted difference in pain at rest of −1.07 (95% CI −1.92 to −0.22, P=0.01, effect size 0.47) compared with controls, according to Robbart van Linschoten, MD, of Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, and colleagues.

Pain on activity also improved after three months, with an adjusted difference of −1 (95% CI −1.91 to −0.08, P=0.03, effect size 0.45) as did function, with an adjusted difference of 4.92 (95% CI 0.14 to 9.72, effect size 0.34), the researchers reported online in the British Medical Journal.

However, there were no statistically significant differences between the exercise and control groups on patients' self-perceived recovery after either three or 12 months.

There is no agreement on either the etiology or treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome -- pain around the knee during or after high loaded flexion and extension of the joint -- but a "wait and see" approach involving rest and avoidance of provoking activity is advised in Dutch national guidelines and is considered usual care."

24 Hour Fitness Opens First Club in Maryland

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS39614+21-Oct-2009+BW20091021

"24 Hour Fitness, the largest privately owned U.S. fitness chain and a leading health club industry pioneer, announced today the opening of the Annapolis Super Sportclub - the first club in the Annapolis area. The new club offers state-of-the-art amenities, including innovative group exercise classes, an
indoor pool and steam room, a full-sized basketball court and more. Free seven day passes to the club are available at www.24hourfitness.com. "As an alumnus of the U.S. Naval Academy, opening a club in this community is particularly special to me," said Liebert. "For 24 Hour Fitness, this opening continues our expansion efforts on the East Coast to help make fitness more accessible and affordable for people of all fitness levels."

Fitness Industry Veteran Gregg Hammann Joins Power Plate International as Global CEO

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS121050+21-Oct-2009+PRN20091021

"Gregg Hammann, a 20-year industry veteran and proven leader in brand elevation, has been appointed global chief executive officer of Power Plate International (PPI) (www.powerplate.com). Mr. Hammann's career spans more than 20 years in executive management positions across several industries with multiple Fortune 500 Companies. He spent four years at the helm of Nautilus, where he transformed the company from the number four position globally to number one by repositioning it to compete in multiple channels of commerce, leveraging brands and aligning them to their target consumers. Prior to this, Mr. Hammann served as global chief customer officer of apparel industry giant Levi Strauss, as well as president of their Canadian and Latin American divisions. He has also held management positions at the Coca-Cola Company, Famous Footwear, The Rayovac Corporation and Procter & Gamble."

Obesity Cuts IVF Success

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gehBzjWx2oYdndqEDvSo9yO1RiMQ

"Obesity cuts the chance of IVF working and increases the risk of premature birth and stillbirth, the largest US study into the issue has found.The effect becomes more profound as weight increases, with the most obese women having the lowest chance of success, according to data from almost 50,000 women.The most obese women in the study had 35% less chance of falling pregnant and a 59% increased chance of giving birth to a very premature baby.
But overweight women were also at risk, with a 13% lower chance of giving birth to a live baby and a 16% increased risk of premature birth. Dr Barbara Luke, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Michigan State University in the US, presented her findings at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine conference in Atlanta.”

To Thrive Longer, Get Stronger

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/19/AR2009101902901.html

"Which is more important for healthy aging: exercises that work the heart and lungs, or muscle- pumping strength training? Both are valuable, of course, but many experts now say strength training may be the key to preventing disability as you age. Declining muscle mass not only undermines your physical strength but also contributes to heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and other chronic illnesses by slowing the body's metabolic rate, encouraging the accumulation of fat. A recent study of about 9,000 men ages 20 to 82, for example, found that those with the greatest leg and arm strength were nearly 25 percent less likely to die prematurely than those with the least strength. The benefits of muscle strength stood out even after accounting for differences in aerobic fitness, suggesting that muscle training provides benefits beyond helping with heart and lung endurance."
Consumer Reports outlines why strength training is important:
-Pumps up the heart
-Wards off diabetes
-Builds bone
-Prevents cancer
-Increases moblity

Lifetime Fitness Names Two to Board

http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?feed=ACBJ&date=20091019&id=10534708

“Life Time Fitness Inc. said today that it has named Jack Eugster and John Lloyd to its board of directors. Eugster is the former president, chairman and CEO of Musicland Corp., a retail music and home video company; he retired in 2001. While he was at Musicland, the company grew from $240 million in annual revenues to $1.9 billion and from 450 stores to 1,300. Eugster, 64, also serves on the boards of Donaldson Co. Inc., Graco Inc. and Black Hills Corp. Lloyd, is the president of Meridian Health, a $1.1 billion health system based in Neptune, N.J. Lloyd, 63, also serves on the boards of QualCare Preferred Providers and QualCare Alliance Networks Inc.”

First Lady Promotes Healthy Living

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/10/first-lady-promotes-healthy-living.html

"First Lady Michelle Obama spoke to employees of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today (October 13) promoting healthy eating and exercise for children and families. ‘Nearly one-third of all children in this country are overweight or obese,’ the first lady said.  “And, one-third will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lifetimes.  In the African American and Hispanic communities that number goes up to one-half.’ Mrs. Obama spoke about her own family, saying that she understands why so many working moms turn to fast food.

The first lady encouraged parents to make simple adjustments in their children’s lives: add a vegetable to a meal, switch from soda to water, walk instead of drive, even watch television standing up.

“Small things. But all of this truly could have noticeable effects,” she said. “We can pass on a whole 'nother set of habits to our children. Their fate isn't set yet. We still have everything in our power, because the other beautiful thing is that kids change quickly. Their habits are easily broken. They are so malleable, and they're waiting for the right information, the right opportunities, and once they have it, they just go.”

Exercise Can Aid Recovery After Brain Radiation

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091018141559.htm

“Exercise is a key factor in improving both memory and mood after whole-brain radiation treatments in rodents, according to data presented by Duke University scientists at the Society for Neuroscience meeting. "This is the first demonstration that exercise can prevent a decline in memory after whole-brain radiation treatment," said lead researcher and graduate student Sarah Wong-Goodrich of the Duke Department of Psychology and Neuroscience. Whole-brain radiation is sometimes used to treat brain cancers in humans. ’We found that exercise following radiation prevented a decline in erasable memory in mice and this is analogous to the type of memory problems people have after whole-brain radiation for brain tumors,’ said senior researcher Christina Williams, Ph.D., professor of psychology and neuroscience. ‘This is the type of short-term memory people use to find their car after they have parked it in a large lot. After radiation, this type of memory becomes impaired in many people.’”

Americans Are Working Out Cheaper, Study Shows

http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE59I1FU20091019?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=11604

“Economic hard times have Americans downsizing their workout equipment, trimming their workout budgets, and shifting their workout venues, according to a sporting goods industry survey. Sales of fitness equipment took a hit for the first time in 20 years, health club membership dipped slightly and some regular exercisers were working out less in 2008. ‘The fitness industry was not immune from the effects of a tough economy,’ said Tom Cove, president of the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA), a global organization which conducted the poll. SGMA represents over 1,000 sports manufacturers, retailers and marketers around the world. They have published their study, Tracking the Fitness Movement, for 10 years. The 2009 edition puts U.S. wholesale sales of fitness gear and equipment sold for use in home, clubs and institutions, at $4.2 billion in 2008, down from $4.7 billion the year before.”

Supervised Exercise May Relieve Fatigue During Chemotherapy

http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=631872

“Supervised exercise programs for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy can reduce fatigue and boost muscle strength, aerobic capacity and emotional well-being, a new study suggests. Fatigue is one of the most frequent and troublesome side effects of chemotherapy, the study authors noted. The new study included 269 cancer patients, aged 20 to 65, at two hospitals in Copenhagen, Denmark. The patients had been diagnosed with 21 types of cancer. Some patients took part in an exercise program that included high- and low-intensity cardiovascular and resistance training, relaxation and body awareness, and massage. They received nine hours of weekly training over six weeks in addition to standard care. The patients in the exercise group experienced significantly less fatigue than those who didn't undergo exercise training. Even patients with advanced cancer benefited from the exercise program, the researchers found."

It Takes a Neighborhood to Fight Diabetes

http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2009/10/14/It-takes-a-neighborhood-to-fight-diabetes/UPI-18781255548429/

“To prevent diabetes, neighborhoods are key, but efforts to reduce diabetes risk may be unsustainable if the environment is not supportive, U.S. researchers say. The study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, found a 38 percent lower incidence of type 2 diabetes in neighborhoods defined as healthy -- conducive to physical activity and having easy access to healthy foods. "There is unlikely to be a panacea for the obesity epidemic and rising epidemic of type 2 diabetes," the study authors said in a statement. "However, altering our environments so that healthier behaviors and lifestyles can be easily chosen may be one of the key steps in arresting and reversing these epidemics."

Is the Exercise Cool-Down Really Necessary?

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/15/health/nutrition/15best.html?_r=2&ref=health

“Exercise researchers say there is only one agreed-on fact about the possible risk of suddenly stopping intense exercise. When you exercise hard, the blood vessels in your legs are expanded to send more blood to your legs and feet. And your heart is pumping fast. If you suddenly stop, your heart slows down, your blood is pooled in your legs and feet, and you can feel dizzy, even pass out.The best athletes are most vulnerable, said Dr. Paul Thompson, a cardiologist and marathon runner who is an exercise researcher at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut.“If you are well trained, your heart rate is slow already, and it slows down even faster with exercise,” he said. “Also, there are bigger veins with a large capacity to pool blood in your legs.” That effect can also be deleterious for someone with heart disease, said Carl Foster, an exercise physiologist at the University of Wisconsin -La Crosse, because blood vessels leading to the heart are already narrowed, making it hard for blood to get in. “That’s always a concern,” Dr. Foster said. “But to my knowledge there is not a wealth of experimental data.” But does it matter for the ordinary, average athlete? “Probably not a great deal,” Dr. Thompson said. And, anyway, most people don’t just stand there, stock still, when their workout is over. They walk to the locker room or to their house or car, getting the cool-down benefit without officially 'cooling down.'”

Researchers Want to Unveil Swimming's Health Benefits

http://www.dailytexanonline.com/top-stories/researchers-want-to-unveil-swimming-s-health-benefits-1.1993559

“The researchers began recruiting subjects between the ages of 50 and 80 this month. They received a grant from the American Heart Association in August, but it did not take effect until Oct. 1. Twenty subjects will participate in a 12-week, monitored swimming program, while another 20 participants who comprise the control group will participate in relaxation and breathing exercises, said Nualnim, the study’s principal investigator. Potential subjects are undergoing baseline testing, including a measure of body fat and blood pressure, scans of arteries and a measure of aerobic capacity on a treadmill, she said. The 12-week program is expected to begin in November, and it could take two or three months to analyze the collected data, Nualnim said. ‘When you describe exercise to people, you usually describe it as improving cardiovascular health, and swimming is one of the most popular forms,” she said. “We want to prove that swimming can lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health."

Studies Reveal How Much and What Type of Exercise Prevents Cancer

Protect your breasts — get your heart pumping

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33215028/ns/health-cancer/

“A study sponsored by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research found that exercising more, eating healthier and keeping weight in check could prevent as many as 38 percent of breast cancer cases in the United States. But for many women, the big questions are: How much exercise do you need to get and what type offers the best protection against breast cancer? Fortunately, recent research has provided some of those answers, even revealing what age you should ramp up your exercise regimen to maximize the protective benefits. In one recent study from Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, researchers examined cardiovascular fitness in more than 14,000 women with no history of breast cancer. Overall, women who were moderately fit, meaning that they did moderate-intensity exercise like brisk walking 150 minutes per week or vigorous aerobic activity like jogging for 75 minutes each week, had a one-third lower risk of developing breast cancer Perhaps the best news from the latest research is it's never too late to start exercising to lower your risk. That's the message from a study presented at the American College of Sports Medicine's annual meeting in May in which researchers asked more than 4,000 women to recall exercise patterns in four stages of their life: 10 to 15 years old, 15 to 30 years old, 30 to 50 years old, and over 50 years old. Although exercising before the age of 30 didn't alter the odds of developing breast cancer, women 30 years and older who exercised more than 60 minutes a week significantly cut their risk.”

Day Care Next Frontier in Fighting Kids' Obesity

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hDwRSgGOJ-dCjaNeqpJ8VnVoKtuwD9B9M0001

"Grilled chicken replaced the hot dogs. Strawberries instead of cookies at snack time. No more fruit juice — water or low-fat milk only. This is the new menu at a Delaware day care center, part of a fledgling movement to take the fight against obesity to pudgy preschoolers.

Day care is the next frontier: New Harvard research shows few states require that child-care providers take specific nutrition and physical activity steps considered key to keeping the under-5 crowd fit.

And while years of work now have older kids starting to get healthier food in schools, more and more kindergarteners show up their first day already overweight or obese.

"We've got to start really early. Elementary school is too late," Dr. Lynn Silver of the New York City Health Department — a leader in anti-obesity standards for day care — told a recent meeting that brought child-care specialists together with federal and state health authorities to start learning how.

This isn't about putting youngsters on a diet. It's about teaching them early, before bad habits form, how being active and eating healthy can be the norm — and that junk food, including the chicken nuggets-type fare that we call "kid food" — should be a rare treat."

Can’t Lose Weight Even with Exercise? UMass Amherst Researchers to Figure Out Why

http://www.physorg.com/wire-news/16388560/cant-lose-weight-even-with-exercise-umass-amherst-researchers-to.html

Exercise researchers have long wondered why two people following the same exercise program can get different results, one losing weight and the other not, for example. This is one of the questions to be explored by Patty Freedson, chair of the department of kinesiology and leader of a research team at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, who recently received a two-year, $985,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health.

The NIH grant is “a real feather in the cap of our research group, the School of Public Health and Health Sciences and of the university,” says Freedson, because the proposal scored in the top two percent nationwide, one of only 200 requests funded from among 21,000 applications. She declines to take all the credit for this success, noting that “you don’t receive a grant like this without every team member’s hard work and full support.” Besides Freedson, the research group includes two other faculty members, statistician John Staudenmayer and exercise physiologist Barry Braun, plus doctoral students Sarah Kosey and Kate Lyden, and proposal editor Meg Bouvier.

The study begins just one year after the government issued the first-ever federally mandated Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (PAGA) in October 2008, Freedson notes. “Members of the PAGA science committee point out that our limited knowledge of the dose-response relationship between physical activity and health is in part related to the poor measures researchers have used to assess physical activity dose,” she says. “Our study will address this.”

Exercise Extends Life of Kidney Patients

http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/10/08/exercise-extends-life-of-kidney-patients.html

Exercise may help extend the lives of people with kidney disease, a new study finds.

Many patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) die prematurely, but many of those deaths aren't directly related to kidney problems, according to background information in the study.
Researchers analyzed data collected from 15,368 adult participants of the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III. Of those people, 5.9 percent had CKD. Based on the frequency and intensity of physical activity, the participants were divided into inactive, insufficiently active and active groups. They were followed for an average of seven to nine years.

The study found that 28 percent of CKD patients were inactive, compared with 13.5 percent of those without CKD. Active and insufficiently active CKD patients were 56 percent and 42 percent less likely to die during the study than inactive CKD patients. Similar exercise-related benefits were noted in those without CKD.

"These data suggest that increased physical activity might have a survival benefit in the CKD population. This is particularly important as most patients with stage III CKD die before they develop end stage renal disease," wrote Dr. Srinivasan Beddhu, of Salt Lake City Veterans Administration Healthcare System and University of Utah, and colleagues.

Physical Activity In Adolescence Associated With Decreased Risk Of Brain Cancer In Adulthood

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006134818.htm

While little is known about the causes of glioma, researchers at the National Cancer Institute have found that this rare but often deadly form of brain cancer may be linked to early life physical activity and height."Our findings suggest that biological factors related to energy expenditure and growth during childhood may play a role in glioma etiology. This clue could help researchers better understand important features of glioma biology and the potentially modifiable lifestyle factors that could be important in preventing this disease," said Steven C. Moore, Ph.D., research fellow in the Nutritional Epidemiology Branch, NCI. Moore also added that "engaging in regular physical activity throughout the lifespan conveys many benefits." Results of this prospective study are published online first in Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Gliomas are the most common type of brain cancer, accounting for nearly 80 percent of brain and central nervous system cancers. Though little is known about the causes of glioma, some evidence suggests that early life exposures may play a role in disease etiology. Because the brain develops rapidly during childhood and adolescence, it may be more susceptible to environmental influences during this time.

Moore and colleagues examined whether markers of early life energy expenditure and intake (physical activity, body mass index and height) are related to glioma risk. Between 1995 and 1996, researchers distributed a baseline questionnaire about dietary intake and other lifestyle exposures to participants in the National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study. Nearly 500,000 men and women answered questions about physical activity, body weight and height. The researchers then followed study participants for eight years, during which time 480 glioma cases occurred.

Americans Concerned About Heart Health, But Not Proactive Enough To Prevent It

“To help draw attention to National Child Health Day, the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA) released findings from a new national consumer survey and launched a campaign to educate families about heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S. The national survey revealed that more than three in five (61%) Americans incorrectly believe that the processes related to heart disease do not begin until adulthood. According to the study, published in September in an advance online edition of the journal Circulation, even with the success of past heart disease awareness and education campaigns the trend toward reducing cardiovascular risk is now headed in a negative direction. The vast majority (92%) of Americans are still at risk, primarily because of the rise in obesity. ‘This is a wake up call for parents and their children in particular,’ says Laura Hayman, Ph.D., RN, a member of the PCNA Board of Directors and a leading researcher on obesity and cardiovascular disease in children, adolescents, and families. ‘Some strides have been made; however, since more and more children are currently overweight, they are more likely at risk for obesity-related conditions later in life such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes.’ As two Harvard professors noted in an accompanying editorial in the Circulation e-publication, millions of Americans enter adulthood already overweight and thus are putting themselves at risk for a lifetime of disease and early death. ‘Much potential exists to reverse ominous trends in cardiovascular risk factors and mortality in the United States, but this is unlikely to occur without making prevention of overweight and obesity a clear national priority,’ they stated.
Recent research has found that when children learn about heart-healthy eating habits, it can strongly influence their behavior to reduce heart disease risk later in life. Yet, according to the PCNA survey, less than one-third of Americans follow a diet that is healthy for their heart. Also, seven in ten (70%) would not want their kids to adopt their eating habits because they do not think they set a good example when it comes to food choices (26%) or some of the time they eat food that is not healthy (44%). ‘We are at a critical juncture,’ explains Hayman. ‘It is imperative for parents to lead by example with an all encompassing hearty-healthy lifestyle, making the necessary changes both in diet and physical exercise’ Since the survey found that the majority of Americans are at risk of heart disease due to some lifestyle factor, such as being overweight or having high cholesterol, small incremental changes in diet and physical activity can have a lasting healthy effect. To help parents learn how to make important lifestyle changes and become better role models for their children, to help reduce their risk of heart disease in the future, PCNA has launched a national education campaign called ‘Family at Heart.’ Visit http://www.FamilyatHeart.org today, because it's never too early or too late to improve your family's heart health.”

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/166398.php

Crunch to Host Nationwide Fundraising Event to Support Augie's Quest

“Crunch announces the first annual Crunch-a-thon, a nationwide fundraising event on Saturday, October 17 to support Augie's Quest, in an effort to help find a cure for ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Crunch has committed to helping this organization continue its quest through the Crunch-a-thon fundraiser, a day of non-stop group fitness classes and group personal training sessions at every Crunch location nationwide. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090909/NY72689LOGO)
For a minimum $20 donation, an All Access Pass will be granted for the day allowing access to all classes at every Crunch location. Members and non-members will get the chance to join Crunch's top instructors as they lead classes like AntiGravity Yoga ‘Wings’, Pole Dancing and Bodyweb w/TRX. All Access Passes will be available the day of the event, but participants are encouraged to register in advance for Crunch-a-thon by going to www.crunch.com/en/Centerstage/Crunch-a-thon.aspx. The first 500 registrants will receive an exclusive Crunch-a-thon t-shirt. Augie's Quest was founded by fitness pioneer and founder of Life Fitness, Augie Nieto. Augie was diagnosed with ALS in March 2005, and since, has made it his personal mission to find a cure for the terminal disease by partnering with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) to create Augie's Quest. Augie has also called upon his friends and colleagues in the fitness industry, by creating Clubs for a Cure. Since their inception, Augie's Quest and Clubs for a Cure have raised over $19,000,000 for MDA. Crunch will be kicking off their fundraising efforts prior to October 17, with in-club initiatives, by displaying the names of members who have donated on the community board, offering new members the opportunity to support Augie's Quest with a donation added on to their initiation fee, and encouraging an additional dollar donation on retail and juice bar purchases.”

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/crunch-to-host-nationwide-fundraising-event-to-support-augies-quest-63602512.html

Davison Man Sheds 260 Pounds at Anytime Fitness

“Brian Dunaway has every right to be proud of his accomplishment. After years of obesity, the 31-year-old laid-off iron worker from Davison Township has shaved more than 260 pounds from a 500-pound, 6-foot, 1-inch frame to now weigh a muscular 240 pounds. He did it by turning away from fatty foods, adopting a healthy lifestyle and getting into a regular exercise routine. He said he is not done losing weight and fat yet, but he is so excited about his achievement that he wants to help others adopt a healthy lifestyle. ‘I want to give back,’ said the father of two, who spends six days a week at Anytime Fitness at 618 N. State Road. It looks like Dunaway will be able to sing the praises of healthy living on a national basis soon. Anytime Fitness, an 800,000-member company based in Hastings, Minn., plans to feature Dunaway in a 30-second TV commercial that will air in various TV markets across the country, including the Flint area. ‘It’s going to be all about Brian and his accomplishment,’ said Mark Daly, national media director for Anytime Fitness, which has 1,200 clubs internationally, including four in the Flint area. ‘What he has done is truly tremendous,’ Daly added. ‘It speaks volumes of what Brian has achieved.’ Daly expects the commercial to start airing before Thanksgiving.”

http://www.mlive.com/davison/index.ssf/2009/10/davison_man_sheds_260_pounds_a.html

Man Hops On Pink Treadmill To Promote Breast Cancer Awareness [video]

“October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and because of that, pink is the color of choice for many at the moment, including members of a gym in Vermont, where exercise is paying off in many different ways. 63-year-old Paul Cucinelli makes no secret of his experience with breast cancer. He remembers 2003 vividly: finding a lump, showing it to doctors and thinking it was just a symptom of aging -- until tests showed it was much more serious..."

http://www.necn.com/Boston/Health/2009/10/06/Man-hops-on-pink-treadmill-to/1254862190.html

Possible Link Between Common Mental Disorders And Increased Risk Of Obesity

“New research published on bmj.com today reports that people with ordinary mental disorders such as depression and anxiety are at increased risk of becoming obese. ‘In this population of British middle-aged adults common mental disorder is predictive of subsequent weight gain and obesity’, explain the authors. They inform that further research is needed to verify how the findings can be generalized to wider populations..."

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/166452.php

Albany Gym Brings Recess To The Fitness Center

“A health club called Best Fitness of Albany offers "recess" with fitness moves taken straight from the blacktop. Instructor Sonya Pasquini uses jump ropes and balls to keep students moving. Some you can try at home:..."

http://blog.syracuse.com/healthfitness/2009/10/bringing_recess_to_the_fitness.html

Individual Incentives

“America's health care costs are spiraling out of control largely because we are facing an epidemic of inactivity and obesity. Government didn't cause this problem, and it can't single-handedly solve it. People need to put down the donut, get active and take more personal responsibility for their health. Preventive measures can stop physical problems before they start. That can save lives and money. The facts are staggering: Sedentary jobs have increased 83 percent since 1950, while daily caloric intake has skyrocketed. Sixty-seven percent of American adults are overweight, and the costs associated with treating obesity have risen from $74 billion to $147 billion over the past decade alone. Obesity is related to eight of the nine most debilitating preventable diseases - including heart disease, cancer and diabetes - and costs our country more than smoking or drinking. The cure for this problem is to provide individual incentives for healthy behavior. This will reduce costs while cutting taxes. I believe it can be done on a bipartisan basis with public-private partnerships because both business and government have an interest in promoting a culture of personal responsibility and physical fitness. This effort should attract bipartisan support in our too often divided health care debate because it builds on common sense to find common ground. We know that exercise leads to happier, healthier lives. We also know it can reduce medical costs. That's why three bipartisan bills that provide incentives for improved physical fitness should be included in any health care reform legislation. The Workforce Health Improvement Program Act - sponsored in the Senate by conservative John Cornyn, Texas Republican, and liberal Tom Harkin, Iowa Democrat, and in the House by House Ways and Means member Rep. Ron Kind, Wisconsin Democrat - would preserve employers' right to deduct the cost of providing off-site health-club benefits without the cost of this wellness benefit being considered additional income for employees. Currently, employers that offer on-site health facilities are allowed to deduct those costs, but small businesses that offer employees deals at local health clubs are denied this benefit. This double standard leaves small businesses and their employees at a disadvantage. Likewise, the Personal Health Investment Today Act (PHIT) would allow individuals to use up to $1,000 annually from their tax-favored accounts (such as flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts) to spend on physical fitness - whether it's participating in team sports or joining a local health club. Current laws allow these accounts to pay for doctor visits or prescription medication - but preventive measures are not broadly covered. This doesn't make sense at a time when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that people who work out twice a week for two years spend $1,250 less on health care annually than those who are less active.”

http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/04/individual-incentives/

Activity-Boosting Tips Listed On National Child Health Day

“Today is National Child Health Day, a day when Americans are urged to work together to prevent problems and improve childhood health. One of the biggest obstacles facing kids today is the growing problem of childhood obesity. Many times, childhood obesity can be prevented by helping children stay active. Chillier months present a challenge to keeping kids off the couch and away from the TV. So, this Child Health Day, Cheryl Jones, creator of Sports Clubs for Kids at Town Sports International, is sharing 10 fun fitness tips for kids in colder weather. 2.Enroll your child in an instructional class, such as dance, gymnastics, swimming or indoor sports classes. 3.Find indoor activities at your local skating rink, bowling alley, laser tag center or rock-climbing gym. 4.Discover a local community center or health club with basketball courts, pools or tennis courts. Shoot hoops, swim or volley tennis balls across the net. 7.Check out fitness classes for kids or mommy-and-me group exercise classes at your local health club or gym. 9.Summer is not the only time for camp. Look for school’s out holiday camps and mini clinics at your local health club or community center. Kids can enroll in half-day or full-day activities.”

http://newsok.com/activity-boosting-tips-listed-on-national-child-health-day/article/3405797

'Wellbeing Plan For Kids' Book Launched By CSIRO

“Written by researchers in CSIRO's Preventative Health National Research Flagship and based on extensive research, The CSIRO Wellbeing Plan for Kids reduces the guess work for parents by focusing on key lifestyle habits that will make a significant difference in achieving a healthy and active lifestyle for the whole family. CSIRO researcher and co-author, Dr Jane Bowen, said that the book was inspired by the results of a national survey of children's eating and physical activity habits and a survey of Australian parents..."

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/166075.php

Gold's Gym Announces a Pair of Promotions in Franchise Development Department

“Gold's Gym announced today the promotion of Chris Finch to Senior Director of International Franchising and Paul Summers to Senior Director of U.S. Franchising for Gold's Gym. The promotions are reflective of their high performance and business successes during their former roles as regional field managers for Gold's Gym. ‘We are fortunate to have individuals such as Chris and Paul on the Gold's Gym franchising team,’ said Joel Tallman, senior vice president of franchising and global operations for Gold's Gym. ‘Their performance, dedication and teamwork exhibited in their previous roles were remarkable. I look forward to continuing our franchise growth under their leadership. It will create more opportunity for others in the Gold's Gym family.’..

http://www.franchising.com/pressreleases/13148/

Technogym Is The Chosen Brand To Showcase At The Neocasa Loft Project In Jumeirah Beach Residence

“Well renowned for its state of the art wellness design equipment, Technogym is the chosen brand to showcase its most prominent design piece - Kinesis Personal Vision, supplemented by the Wellness Rack and Spazio Forma treadmill as a home gym within the Neocasa Loft Project.’”

http://www.ameinfo.com/211281.html

'Treadmill Donation Fundraiser At THE GYM For Breast Cancer Awareness Month'“For each mile run, THE GYM will make a donation to Northern Westchester H

“For each mile run, THE GYM will make a donation to Northern Westchester Hospital and Support Connection. Members are encouraged to make matching contributions. Two treadmills will be designated for use during normal gym hours. THE GYM is located on 99 Business Park Drive, Armonk, NY 10504. THE GYM, a premier fitness center and health club in Westchester County, has long supported cancer-related causes. To mark the 25th anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Armonk-based facility will raise funds and awareness to help combat the devastating disease. This year, THE GYM is partnering with Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco (www.nwhc.net) and Support Connection (www.supportconnection.org), a breast and ovarian cancer non-profit in Yorktown Heights, to sponsor a special month-long series of events to educate the community about breast cancer prevention, treatment, and support options.”

http://www.westchester.com/option,com_jcalpro/Itemid,346/extmode,view/extid,3154.html

Childhood Cancer Survivors Exercise Less, Increasing Diabetes Risk

“In a study of adults who survived cancer as children, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital investigators found that many survivors lead sedentary lifestyles and are more likely to be less physically active than their siblings. Childhood cancer survivors are at greater risk of diabetes, obesity and heart disease than the rest of the population. Cancer treatments such as cranial radiation can damage the hypothalamus and pituitary; the result is an abnormal metabolism, which increases the risk of obesity and diabetes. Also, chemotherapy with the drug anthracycline increases the risk of heart disease; and radiation to the body can cause blood vessels to become less pliant. ‘Physical activity is a key step that survivors can take to reduce the health risk of these effects,’ said Kiri Ness, Ph.D., of the Epidemiology and Cancer Control department at St. Jude..."

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/166111.php

Daily Exercise? Who Knew!

“Despite 14 years of public education campaigns, only one-third of Americans know how much exercise they ought to get each day, and fewer than half meet the goal, a new study has found. The lack of awareness is greatest among men, the unemployed and people born in the United States, the researchers said. Their finding came from an analysis of data from 2,381 people who took part in the 2005 Health Information National Trends Survey. Since then, the federal government has changed its recommendations. Today, adults are urged to get 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes a week of vigorous exercise. The standard used in the study was 30 minutes a day. One reason why efforts to spread the...

http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=631362

Breaking A Sweat Reduces Breast Cancer Risk, Says Stroller Strides

“It's well-known that it's good for your waistline, but did you know that exercise can also lower your overall risk for developing cancer? That's the message Lisa Druxman - founder of Stroller Strides, a program that helps new moms get back in shape after having a baby - wants to convey to area residents during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is taking place this October. According to a recent study conducted by the American Association for Cancer Research, regular physical activity has consistently been associated with reduced risk of particular cancers - including breast cancer - in women. Researchers believe that exercise's...

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165886.php

Cybex Treads for Breast Cancer Research Foundation

“Cybex International, Inc. (NASDAQ: CYBI), a leading manufacturer of premium exercise equipment, is treading for a cause. Hundreds of the Medway, Massachusetts-based Company’s pink 750T treadmills will be moving at varying speeds in fitness clubs and YMCA’s across the country beginning today, October 1 – and with a purpose – to raise funds for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). In an effort to promote the importance of walking and exercise as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of breast cancer, CYBEX Pink Ribbon Run/Walk will donate funds (10 cents) for every mile logged on any pink CYBEX 750T treadmill around the country throughout the month of October 2009 to BCRF. ‘This is an example of wonderful corporate citizenship,’ states Myra J. Biblowit, President of The BCRF. ‘These pink treadmills will remind people about the need for breast health awareness, breast cancer screening and the importance of exercise.’ Local clubs are using the pink treadmills for member walk-a-thons; others are matching CYBEX with fundraising efforts. In Richmond, Virginia, Victory Lady Fitness is putting its 10 pink CYBEX treadmills into high gear and motivating members to be the first to walk 40, 50 and even 60 miles throughout the month of October to win prizes. Visit: http://www.cybexintl.com/promotions/PinkRibbonRun/FacilitiesUSA.aspx for a list of clubs with pink treadmills. When it comes to preventing breast cancer recurrence, Dr. Carolyn Kaelin, a Harvard surgeon and author of The Breast Cancer Survivor’s Fitness Plan, states, ‘Brisk walking (about 3.0 mph on a treadmill) for three to five hours per week for about 30 minutes a day has netted the biggest benefits for breast cancer survivors.’ According to the Journal of Breast Cancer Research (November 2008), of the more than 32,000 postmenopausal women, vigorous exercise may cut risk of breast cancer by 30 percent in normal-weight women. Furthermore, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (May 2008) cited that girls and young women who exercise regularly between the ages of 12 and 35 have a substantially lower risk of breast cancer before menopause compared to those less active.”

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20091001005119&newsLang=en

Stamford Athletic Club Installs Cybex Pink Treadmill And Supports Breast Cancer Research

“Why would Stamford Athletic Club purchase a pink treadmill? Because its manufacturer, Cybex International, Inc. will pay 10¢ a mile to support breast cancer research for every mile logged on the new pink treadmill for the month of October, 2009, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Glenn Colarossi, Managing Director states “Stamford Athletic Club recognizes that breast cancer is the #2 cause of cancer death in U.S. women. We want to be part of the national effort to find a cure, for our members who are women and for women everywhere. When CYBEX offered us the opportunity to join the partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, we enthusiastically accepted. We think members will choose to work out on the pink treadmill Additionally, we will open our Club to all individuals, not just members, to walk/run on this treadmill to raise even more money towards finding a cure. So many people have been impacted by this terrible disease, that I don’t want to limit this fund raising effort just to our members” said Glenn Colarossi.”

http://www.stamfordplus.com/stm/information/nws1/publish/health/Stamford-Athletic-Club-installs-Cybex-pink-treadmill-and-supports-breast-cancer-research6165.shtml

Gym Members Make Impact On Quest For A Cure

“Kelli Richardson and Patti Dubielak know a small army of women who have made a big impact on finding a cure for breast cancer. Richardson and Dubielak, who co-own Curves on Exchange Street, have encouraged their members to walk in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk for the past five years. The Curves gym has about 150 members, many of whom are breast cancer survivors, Dubielak said. In fact, as many as 15 survivors at once have come to the gym, Richardson said. There are currently about eight Curves members who have the disease. The members are incredibly supportive of the survivors, Richardson said, and have rallied for them year after year at the breast cancer walk. ‘We have about 40 women who come, and they bring their daughters and sisters and friends,’ said Richardson. ‘We've raised about $33,000 in the last five years.’ Many members who do the walk which is Oct. 4 in Boston ask friends and local businesses for pledges, Richardson said. ‘We're a small Curves, but the community is spirited and supported,’ she said. ‘I'm very proud of our club.’ Gym members can also purchase ribbons in honor or in memory of someone they know who had breast cancer."

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1864113229/Gym-members-make-impact-on-quest-for-a-cure

Michelle Obama Brings Green Thumb, Campaign Against Childhood Obesity, To 'Sesame Street’ [Video]

“The numbers are frightening. Nearly 1 in 3 children, ages 2 to 19, are obese or overweight. Around the country, school districts scrapped for funds, have canceled recess. Kids being kids hit vending machines filled with fattening soft drinks, candy bars and snack foods. So First Lady Michelle Obama is marking the 40th year of PBS' ‘Sesame Street’ with an appearance on the Nov. 10 season-opening show geared at getting kids to grow -- and later eat -- vegetables. ‘All these seeds need to grow are sun, soil and water,’ she says in the episode. ‘If you eat these healthy foods, you're going to grow up to be big and strong like me." Besides, she adds, ‘I know you're going to like these vegetables because, in addition to being healthy, they really taste great.’ The White House says her participation is meant to promote healthy eating, healthy living and combat childhood obesity. Maybe with President Obama's healthcare package in trouble, the first lady might also be an envoy for battling the costs sparked by obesity, estimated to add $61 billion a year to the healthcare tab.”

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/09/michelle-obama-brings-green-thumb-campaign-against-childhood-obesity-to-sesame-street.html

US Breast Cancer Deaths Falling But Not For African Americans

‘We need to make sure all women have access to information to help them reduce their risk and to resources to ensure early detection and the best possible treatment,’ she added. In a statement to the press, the American Cancer Society was keen to stress that some of the many positive things to emerge from cancer research is that we now know more than ever about the major risk factors for breast cancer, and that many of them are modifiable, including exercise and weight control. The Society's chief medical officer, Dr Otis W Brawley also highlighted the link between the drop in incidence of breast cancer and reduction in use of HRT, which he referred to as another modifiable risk factor, however, he warned that: ‘While that is gratifying to see, we remain concerned about obesity's potential to offset that drop, and lead to an increase in the incidence of breast cancer in the future.’”

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165809.php