Health-and-Fitness online information.

BLACK vegetarians are sprouting up everywhere. A-list actress Angela Bassett, singer Erykah Badu, pop music icon Prince, hip-hop mogul/entrepreneur Russell Simmons, R&B sensation India.Arie, rap artist Common, actor Darius McCrary, model/actress Traci Bingham, members of the hip-hop group the Roots and civil rights activist and icon Coretta Scott King are all among a growing list of African-Americans who have sidestepped the traditional delicacies of soul food in favor of living a meat-free existence.

King was introduced to the vegetarian lifestyle several years ago by her son, Dexter King.

"I feel blessed that I was introduced to this lifestyle more than 12 years ago by Dexter," she says. "I prefer to eat mostly raw or 'living' foods. The benefits for me are increased energy, a slowing of the aging process, and I have none of the diseases like hypertension, heart disease and diabetes that many people my age seem to get."

Her son, Dexter King, CEO of the King Center, says in his memoir, Growing Up King, that changing his diet changed his life. "On January 30, 1988, my twenty-seventh birthday, I became a strict vegetarian," he notes. "I developed a passion for health and nutrition. My diet consists of fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and legumes only, and has for the past 15 years now."

These vegetarian notables are not alone in their decision to hold the beef. Although there are no hard and fast statistics about the actual number of vegetarians, the Vegetarian Resource Group, a non-profit educational organization based in Baltimore, reports there were a whopping 4.8 million on the scene just two years ago, and that figure is on the rise.

But this is no secret.

Chances are you may have overheard one of those vegetarians ordering the salsa Boca-burger at your favorite burger joint. Or you may have been totally awestruck at the family reunion when that health-conscious cousin refused your famous baby back ribs, and opted for a homemade soy latte instead. Or perhaps your formerly obese Uncle Woodrow, an occasional vegetarian, has dropped 50 pounds and significantly lowered his cholesterol level just by shunning the breaded lamb chops every now and then.

Whatever your brush with vegetarians and vegetarianism, one thing is certain: It's a health trend that is spreading in the African-American community, gradually changing the traditional soul food menu in Black kitchens all across the land.

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THE ULTIMATE LEG WORKOUT Are you tempted to wear a skirt split to there, but you're afraid your legs couldn't stand the scrutiny? Well-toned thighs and sculpted calves are not just bestowed upon a lucky few. To get your legs into tip-top shorts shape, Melanie A. Marchand, founder of Sisters in Shape, a healthy-lifestyle support group in Philadelphia, suggests doing the following exercises twice a week with two days rest between sessions. You'll need a resistance band with handles and a stability ball

CALF RAISES

Stand on a flat surface, holding the back of a chair or wall for balance, with heels facing outward, toes facing in and feet shoulder width apart. Raise your heels until you're standing on the balls of your feet. Hold for one count. Lower your heels. Do 15 to 20 reps, resting for one to two minutes between sets. Repeat with feet parallel and with heels together and toes pointed out.

Intermediate: Hold for two counts and lower your heels.

WALKING LUNGES

Stand tall, holding a stability ball over your head. Starting with your right foot, take one giant step forward, keeping your weight centered and your back straight. Your right foot should be flat on the ground. Lower your left knee toward the ground, dropping your hips straight down until your right thigh is parallel with the floor. Make sure your right knee doesn't extend past your toes. Then--in one fluid motion--lift your body, take a giant step forward with your left foot and lower your right knee toward the ground. Do two to three sets of 20 lunges, resting for one to two minutes between sets.

INNER-THIGH TONER

Sit on a flat bench with knees bent. Place your right foot in one handle of the resistance band. Run band underneath the bench beneath your butt. Place your left foot in the other handle. Lie on your back and extend your legs straight up so they form a 90-degree angle with your body, with your toes turned out, heels touching. Keeping your legs straight, slowly spread them until they form as wide a V as is comfortable. Slowly pull your legs closed again. Do two to three sets of 20 to 30 reps, resting for one to two minutes between sets.

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Wondering the best way to get and stay fit? Then ask.

David Kirsch, New York fitness and wellness guru and the owner of the Madison Square Club in Manhattan, was online Tuesday, June 14, at 4 p.m. ET to talk with you about health and fitness tips.

Kirsch, who has more than fifteen years of experience, combines his knowledge of physical fitness, good health and spiritual wellness in his approach to fitness and nutrition. He is an advocate of mind-body conditioning, working with such clients as Liv Tyler, Linda Evangelista, Sophie Dahl, Naomi Campbell, Bridget Hall, Heidi Klum, Faith Hill and James King.

A featured expert on ABC's highly rated series Extreme Makeover, Kirsch is the author of the book "The Ultimate New York Body Plan" (McGraw-Hill, October 2004), a two week makeover and a follow up to his first book "Sound Mind, Sound Body" (Rodale, January 2002). He has also released a series of videos, "David Kirsch's Sound Mind, Sound Body Boot Camp," "David Kirsch's One on One Training Series" and "The Ultimate New York Body Plan."

Kirsch also has experience in the areas of nutrition and skincare. His ventures include "One of A Kind Food[logical not]" "David Kirsch One of a Kind Supplements and Meal Replacement Powder," "MS2 Spa Collection" -- a line of natural, aroma-therapeutic body and skincare products -- and exclusive worldwide fitness excursions.

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MODELS are among the most revered and recognizable figures on the planet. Their alluring bodies, sensuous smiles and elegant wardrobes are the objects of many fantasies.

The bodies and faces that grace magazine covers, billboards, runways and product advertisements are often the result of dedicated, rigorous fitness routines, and the methods of staying in shape are as diverse as the models themselves. Some run, others power walk, do aerobics or ride bicycles to keep those bodies in peak condition. Virtually all watch what they eat.

Roshumba, a New York-based model who has done ads for various products and designers for 10 years, stays in shape with a personalized workout that she calls "Afrobics." "I incorporate African dance movements with aerobic exercise," she says. "I take African dance classes weekly and go to aerobics classes. I take components of both."

The routine, which she does for 30 minutes several times a week, is more fun than work. "It's fun because you have cool drums and get to mix it with funky music. I like the variety," she says. Her routine also includes yoga every other day for 30 minutes.

Williams adds that having a busy lifestyle also helps keep her in shape.

Liza Cruzat, an EM cover girl and one of the top models in the Midwest, stays in shape by running and dancing. "I run about four miles, maybe three days out of the week," she says. She also plays tennis and takes some form of dance, like a modern dance or a jazz class or a ballet class. The daughter of Dr. Edward Cruzat and fitness expert Millie Cruzat, she often attends her mother's dance class, "Millie Cruzat's Total Fitness and Body Awareness," meaning, she says, "the mind and body."

Like all top models, she watches her diet. "I'm considered a vegetarian," she says, "but I eat chicken and fish. I do try to watch the sugar. That's the hard part. That's my weakness."

Veteran model Wanakee is frequently seen modeling apparel in catalogs like E Style. She stays in shape by keeping it all "fun," she says. "I don't believe in panic," she says. "You can't diet or exercise under duress. Otherwise, it won't be fun."

She keeps her figure sexy and trim with a combination of swimming, biking and taking weekly ballet classes. "In the summer, I take ballet classes twice a week, and I ride my bicycle quite a bit," she says. "I swim at least twice a week."

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Are you looking for some advice on how to get and stay fit?

Lynn Swann, chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, was online Wednesday, June 29, at Noon ET to talk fitness. In his role as chairman, a position once held by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Swann is responsible for helping to create and implement President Bush's fitness agenda for the country.

Formerly a football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Swann has worked as a sports broadcaster for ABC since 1976 and has also toured the country as a motivational speaker. He currently sits on the board of directors of three companies, including H.J. Heinz Company, Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, and Wyndham International, Inc.

Swann has raised money to provide scholarships for the Pittsburgh Ballet and has received numerous honors for his service toward the growth and improvement of America's youth. Since 1980, Swann has been the National Spokesman for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and now serves on their National Board of Directors. He was President of the national board from 1993 to 1995.

The transcript follows.

____________________

Owings Mills, Md.: What are the best activities for persons over 50 to do to get in shape without injury?

Lynn Swann: It will always depend on the kind of shape or what condition that person is in. I would tell you that generally speaking, provided that you're in good health, that walking and swimming and bike riding are all very good forms of exercise for the lungs, for the heart, for the large muscle groups in your leg. You can address the cardiovascular needs while at the same time address the needs of toning up the muscles.

_______________________

Abingdon, Va.: Hi Lynn, I know I need to eat right and keep my weight down, but I can't seem to keep the right mental attitude to do so. As a result, I lose 20 pounds and within a couple of years gain it back. How do I train my brain to keep me where I need to be?

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DURING this month, as we celebrate Black love, why not take the time to prove how much you love yourself? You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain by becoming physically fit. Fitness experts say the best way to prove it is to move it. Get your body moving and eat healthful foods to increase your chances to live a long, active and healthy life.

"Everyone's looking for that magic pill to help them find the fountain of youth," says Adrian Williams, a certified personal trainer from Greenbelt, Md. "Exercise is definitely it."

To help you in your quest for better health, the following are seven health and physical fitness tips that can save or add years to your life:

1. Visit Your Doctor For An Annual Checkup.

Regular checkups are an important key to good health. Doctors can inform patients about preventive measures and early detection of life-threatening diseases or conditions. The earlier you and your doctor know about diseases like breast, prostate or colon cancer, the better your odds of recovery.

In addition, your doctor can help you recognize when there's a threat to your health. Perhaps you've gained or lost a lot of weight recently, with no clear explanation. Your physician can help you get to the bottom of things, and try to ensure your good health for years to come. Often our doctors are the first to tell us we have a weight problem, and they can outline an eating and exercise plan that is most healthful for you.

2. Consult Your Physician Before Beginning Any Health Or Fitness Program.

At this time of year, many Black men and women get on a health kick, go on a diet, head to the gym and overdo it. Without consulting a physician, it's difficult to know if your body is prepared for strenuous exercise or a change in your diet. Without that extra step, you could be putting your health, or even your life, in danger, experts say.

Talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise or diet program! Start slowly and seek out a doctor who can tell you whether any medications you're taking would interfere with exercise, or whether you're fully healed from that surgery you had a month or so ago.

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Q I have really big, muscular calves, which I've heard women can get from using the stair-stepper Is this true? Regardless, how can 1 slim them down?

P.C.

Canyon Country, California

A Tammie Leady, a personal trainer who placed seventh at the New York Pro Fitness contest in May 2002, responds: "Genetics play a major role in the size of calf muscles, so that's one contributing factor As for what's making them bigger than this genetic endowment, muscle growth generally results from resistance training, and you'd have to be using some pretty heavy weights to bulk up your calves to the point you describe. If you are, try going lighter, or take a hiatus from calf training altogether for a while.

As for stair-stepping and calves, women often make the mistake of stepping on the balls of their feet, which keep the calves in a state of constant contraction. Instead, try keeping your heels down so that you aren't always emphasizing your calves."

Q I recently became a vegetarian, and I've been told that if I don't take supplemental Vitamin [B.sub.12], it could have negative effects not only on my workouts but also on my health. Really?

H.T.

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

A Suzanne Havala Hobbs, MS, RD, an adjunct assistant professor at the University of North Carolina's School of Health Policy, adviser for the Vegetarian Resource Group and author of Being Vegetarian for Dummies, responds: "B12 does come primarily from animal food sources, so it's not an issue unless you're vegan, meaning you abstain from all animal products. If you're the kind of vegetarian who eats some dairy products or eggs, or who indulges in seafood, don't worry about taking supplemental [B.sub.12]. And even if you are vegan, you have the option of consuming foods fortified with the vitamin. Check labels to make sure, but these [B.sub.12] foods can include certain breakfast cereals and particular brands of soy milk."

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Going on the road? Does the idea of touring conjure up exciting images of places to see and new foods and adventures to experience in foreign lands? Yes? Well, don't forget those long waits in airports, interminable bus rides, strange beds, and even stranger stages and rehearsal halls. Here are a few tips to help keep your travels from turning into travails.

Simply said, be prepared. Think food, meds, and comfort care. I always travel with a couple of oatcakes and energy bars, which certainly came in handy last year when airport security measures kept me out of reach of food for almost ten hours. Fortunately, I also had brought my own water bottle. You don't want to get caught like I did in the Chicago airport last year when I wound up with some candy-barwannabe energy bar, which plummeted my blood sugar in no time. So pack your own nonperishable foods, and then you won't be forced to eat what's in front of you at the time, or starve.

Medications are, of course, crucial. Remember to pack prescribed medications in their original packaging for legal reasons. The same applies to herbal remedies, especially if you're traveling out of the country. You don't want to be suspected of any illegalities. Then be sure to stock some simple over-the-counter remedies, such as aspirin, liniments, diarrhea medications, cold medications, and vitamins--again, in their packaging.

And what about the actual flight? Remember to hydrate frequently, before you get thirsty. Also, get up and stretch your legs, especially if you've had surgery within the three weeks prior to your flight. Circulation slows on long flights and can cause blood clots in the legs.

As for jet lag, if you have the luxury, one treatment is to slowly change your awake and sleep times to fit the new time zone. This might work when the time difference is just a few hours. For longer travel, try to sleep on the flight, and regulate your sleep cycle as soon as possible once you arrive. You might need an over-the-counter sleep aid, such as the allergy medicine Benadryl or the herbal remedy melatonin. Emergen-C packets are easy to carry, and the added vitamin C may help to alleviate jet lag.

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Q I have a problem that most men would love to have. oneyMy wife had a hysterectomy and now she wants to have sex much more often than I do--four to five times a week. She is 45 and our children are away at college. Is this a result of the hysterectoy or is something else going on that has increased her sexual desire?

R.T., New York

A Some men will consider you to be very lucky to have a woman whose sexual desire has increased with age, rather than to have decreased like that of thousands of other women who are hoping for a Viagra-like pill to boost their libido,

After a hysterectomy, which is the surgical removal of the uterus, doctors say many women experience improvements in sexual functioning, including an increased desire for sex, increased frequency of sexual relations and a decrease in painful or uncomfortable intercourse.

There is a popular perception that a hysterectomy may actually impair sexual function, contributing to the fact that an estimated 1 in 3 American women suffer from low sexual desire, making it the most common sexual problem in women. But studies indicate that the sex lives of many post-operative women moved to a level where they not only enjoyed greater frequency, but orgasms that occurred more often and with greater intensity.

This new focus on sex, doctors say, could also be due to decreased anxiety associated with the fear of pregnancy. Additionally, many women direct more focus on sex when there are fewer child-rearing responsibilities, allowing them more time to relax and enjoy some newly created sexual fantasies.

# posted by Medical Information : 5:27 AM  0 Comments

Q Help! My teenage son wants to get his navel pierced, and been trying to discourage him. Can you outline the problems he might face as a result of going through with this procedure?

A First, he should know that many people make negative value judgments about people who have body piercings. From a medical standpoint, each piercing site has its own potential problems that can develop, ranging from infection to allergic reactions to the formation of scar tissue. Doctors say, in addition to possible blood infections, body piercing can also result in the transmission of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, syphilis and HIV.

If you have questions about health and fitness, send them to the HOUSE CALL, EBONY, 820 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60605. Answers to all questions are checked with a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for individual, professional medical treatment. Because of the volume of mail received, we cannot give personal replies.

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Q I just can't believe what my sister told me she heard. She said there condition that causes women to have one orgasm after another without being sexually stimulated. What in the world is going on here? Is this really true, or is someone just playing around with her?

A It is true. Your sister is apparently referring to a rare disorder that doctors call Persistent Sexual Arousal Syndrome (PSAS), a puzzling, life-altering condition that has nothing to do with sexual desire.

Doctors describe it as feelings of spontaneous, intense and persistent genital arousal, with or without orgasm. Sufferers, some of whom experience as many as 200 orgasms a day, say PSAS is debilitating and humiliating because the continuous state of arousal is more like a curse than a blessing. It disrupts some victims' lives to the point of not being able to function normally.

To make things worse, doctors say there is no cure, and they are having difficulty determining a cause. Researchers have focused on everything from hormonal and neurological contributors to excessive blood flow or congestion in the genitals. So far, counseling and the application of a local anaesthetic have shown some promise..

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Q I am a 27-year-old mother of one, and I often experience an irregular heartbeat or skipped beats. I feel these skipped beats in my throat when it happens. I've almost had a nervous breakdown because of it. I stay at home, mostly waiting for it to happen. I never hung out with friends because of the fear that it will happen while I'm out. I wanted to stay home, next to the phone, so I could call an ambulance. What could be causing this problem? A.J., Georgia

A Your level of anxiety goes beyond that which is reflected in many other people who experience what they fear to be abnormal activity of the heart. Doctors say ectopic heartbeats (skipped beats) are an arrhythmia that involve small changes in an otherwise normal heartbeat. In many cases, they may be without noticeable cause, but causes can be associated with excessive smoking, alcohol consumption, caffeine or various other conditions such as heart disorders.

An ectopic heartbeat can be identified during a physical examination that could include tests such as an electrocardiogram, which measures the electrical activity of the heart. The test allows physicians to determine the rate and regularity of beats and the size and position the heart's chambers, and it can reveal damage to the heart. Other tests include an echocardiogram, or patients may be asked to wear a continuous ambulatory cardiac monitoring device, usually for 24 hours.

Often, doctors say, ectopic heartbeats do not require treatment. But in some cases, anti-arrhythmic medications may be needed to correct the condition.

TREATMENT OF GENITAL WARTS

Q I am 23 years old and recently discovered that I have an embarrassing condition called genital warts. I have heard a lot about the herpes problem, but very little about genital warts. What can I do to get rid of them? How contagious are they? I have not contacted a doctor because of the embarrassment. M.D., Youngstown, Ohio

A Don't let your embarrassment prevent you from seeking treatment. Genital warts can be caused by various types of human papillomavirus (HPV), but they are not the same as those that cause warts on the hands and feet.

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Unique work demands and corresponding stress levels increasingly require that those in the law enforcement profession establish lifelong wellness habits. However, one 40-year longitudinal study from 1950 through 1990 found that, appallingly, the life expectancy of a retired male police officer in the United States was 66 years. (1)

Why do some officers succumb to life-threatening habits, such as the lack of physical activity and exercise, smoking and excessive drinking habits, and depression, that increase the risk of obesity? To counter the obesity epidemic and general lack of physical fitness, law enforcement professionals should spend as much time as necessary adequately establishing lifelong wellness routines.

Using the body mass index (BMI)--a measurement tool to determine excess body weight in relation to height--obesity classifies as a range of 30 or higher and overweight between 25 to 29.9. The BMI has become a potential indicator of hypertension, certain cancers, and diabetes. Estimates place ranges of overweight and obesity between 60 and 65 percent in the general population with approximately one-third of the general population classified as obese. (2)

Many statistics and related information exist about the health status of the general population, and several concern the law enforcement profession. In October 2003, the author administered a questionnaire to 75 law enforcement executives and other professionals. Part of the questionnaire included a BMI exercise and nutritional assessment. Based on the BMI, 80 percent of the respondents classified as overweight with approximately one-third identified in the obese category. (3)

Additionally, research has identified 53 stressors associated with police work. (4) Officers suffer more often from heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes than the general public. They have an above average risk for heart attacks, obesity, arthritis, ulcers, and cancer while also prone to bouts of depression and suicide. Further, nearly 30 percent of police officers overindulge in alcohol compared with 10 percent of the general population.

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CORE STRENGTHENER

From a kneeling position, place your forearms on the floor in front of you, shoulder width apart. Next, fully extend your legs out behind, leaving just your toes on the floor to support them. Keep your body flat and your abdominal muscles contracted, and make sure not to arch your back or stick out your butt. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Repeat three times.

SQUATS

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Slowly, for a count of four, bend your knees and lower your hips into a 90-degree squatting position, keeping your chest high, butt out and abs tight. You may put your arms out in front of you or hold the back of a sturdy chair for balance. Make sure your knees don't extend past your toes. Hold this position for two counts. Then slowly straighten up to the starting position. Repeat 15 times.

BICYCLE

Lying flat on your back, place your hands behind your head with your elbows pointed to the side. Raise your legs straight up toward the ceiling, then bend the knees at a 90-degree angle. Begin moving your legs in a circular motion, as if pedaling a bicycle. After doing this for about 15 seconds, alternate bringing in your right elbow to meet your left knee, and your left elbow to meet your right knee 20 times on each side. To avoid neck strain, make sure your chin doesn't touch your chest. Repeat for three sets.

WALL SIT

Stand with your back against a wall and feet 12 to 15 inches in front of you. Slowly slide your back down the wall until you are in a sitting position, as though seated on an imaginary chair. Make sure your knees do not extend beyond your toes. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Repeat three times.

LATERAL SHOULDER RAISE

Stand on the middle of a resistance band, gripping one end in each hand, palms facing in. Raise arms to your side, shoulder height, forming a T, and hold for one count. Next, to a count of four, lower your arms back to your sides. Be sure to keep elbows slightly bent throughout the exercise. Repeat 20 times. Switch to a tighter band for a more challenging resistance level after a few weeks.

BICEPS CURLS

Stand on the middle of a resistance band. Squeeze the handles and flex your bicep muscles. In two counts, holding the flex, bend your elbows, keeping them close to your sides and pull your hands up to your shoulders. Lower in four counts. Repeat 20 times.

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Dear Families, We all want our children to be happy, healthy, and physically fit. Here are some ways to help your children make healthy choices that will last a lifetime.

Get Active

Federal dietary guidelines recommend at least an hour of moderate physical activity daily for children and teenagers.

* Be active as a family. Whenever possible, go for family walks or bike rides, gradually making them a regular part of your day or week.

* Limit TV, computers, and video games. Try having children "earn" a minute of screen time for every minute they play a sport, ride a bike, or rollerskate.

* Plan for fitness. Park farther away from a store and walk, or take the stairs instead of the elevator.

* Try activities in 10- to 15-minute blocks of time. Your goal is 60 minutes, but any active time still burns calories, helps control your appetite, and is healthy.

* Put homework second (if possible). Kids sit all day at school. Allow them to have at least 30 minutes of physical activity when they get home to relieve stress and get energized for homework.

Make Healthy Choices

Studies show that healthy eating habits, learned early, last into adulthood.

* Schedule regular mealtimes and eat together whenever possible. Children who regularly have family meals are more likely to eat the recommended five daily fruit and vegetable servings than those who rarely eat with their families.

* Avoid eating in front of the TV setting this ground rule will cut down on mindless, unhealthy snacking.

* Limit portion sizes. Fill your child's plate to ensure a balanced meal and appropriate size. If you eat out, don't supersize. Kids don't need that much food.

* Involve kids in meal preparation. Kids will often eat healthier meals if they help plan, shop for, and prepare dinner.

* Quietly phase in changes. If you get rid of soda and junk foods gradually, you'll have a better chance of succeeding than if you suddenly change kids' diet and exercise routines.

* Keep at it, Even if your kids resist at first, keep offering fruits and vegetables at dinner and healthy snacks like low-fat pretzels or yogurt. It may take 15 times before your child realizes that he or she likes these snacks.

* Be tolerant. If they ask, let your kids have less nutritious favorites, like soda, every now and then so they'll be less likely to try to sneak them elsewhere.

* Set an example. If you exercise regularly and eat right, chances are your children will, too.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:57 AM  0 Comments

Air Force and outside health officials have taken a good look at the service's new fitness program and made a number of recommendations for improvement, including adding height and weight back into the standard for measuring abdominal circumference.

The new fitness program encourages all members of the Air Force team to make exercising and eating right a permanent part of their lives. The program's new fitness test, implemented in January 2004, measures aerobic fitness with a 1.5-mile run, body composition with waist size, and muscle fitness with push-ups and sit-ups.

The overall maximum score possible is 100 points, with 50 points possible for the run, 30 points for the abdominal measurement, and 10 points each for the sit-ups and push-ups.

Air Force health officials and experts from a number of outside agencies and universities have completed their first assessment of the new fitness program and decided to award full points on the body composition component of the test if the body mass index is within a healthy range--between 19 and 25. This change is being made to accommodate Airmen unable to obtain the minimum abdominal circumference but who are still at a normal weight for their height.

The Air Force originally disregarded height and weight as part of the body composition standard based on the belief that waist size is an indicator of health, regardless of how tall a person is. While Air Force officials still believe this to be true, they concede that people with a normal BMI are at a minimal risk for disease or cardiac incidents.

The BMI is calculated by taking a person's weight in kilograms and dividing it by that person's height in meters squared. There are several Web sites that will calculate BMI, including http://nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmicalc.htm.

Other major recommendations for improving the fitness program include:

* Lengthening run times for tests conducted at higher elevations. Time lengths will vary depending on altitude, but specific changes have not been determined.

* Retesting Airmen who are rated "marginal" at 90 days instead of 180 days. Air Force Reserve Command will continue to retest people who score in the marginal category, along with those who score in the poor category, at 180 days. The Reserve will include this provision in its supplement to Air Force Instruction 10-248--The Air Force Fitness Program.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:56 AM  0 Comments

Q What is happening to little girls these days? We have an 8-year-old who is showing signs of early puberty. This seems to be happening much too soon, but I hear that it's not so uncommon for girls to get their first period before their 10th birthday. With puberty coming so early, what's causing little girls to grow up so fast? L.E., Charlotte, N.C.

A It is true that more and more girls are reaching puberty younger than ever, with some girls showing signs of puberty as early as 7 and beginning to menstruate a couple of years later.

By definition, puberty is the period of becoming first capable of sexual reproduction. It is evidenced by the development of genital organs and the first occurrence of menstruation. The age at which puberty normally occurs is 14 in boys and 12 in girls, when, doctors say, there is the beginning of hair growth under the arms and the development of breasts. There are several theories about the early development in girls, ranging from hormone imbalances to insecticides, such as PCB, which may affect estrogenic activity in young girls. But recently, researchers apparently have found a link with being overweight. Many researchers believe that African-American girls mature earlier because of "a higher cultural tendency toward obesity," but others think there may be genetic differences within the Black population that could predispose them to premature puberty.

Doctors say early development in girls and boys also prompts other health concerns because when a child begins puberty earlier than normal, it could signal a variety of serious conditions, including a tumor of the reproductive organs.

EMPHYSEMA

Q I was diagnosed with emphysema some years ago and my breathing is becoming more difficult. I know there is no cure and that I may end up in a wheelchair and on oxygen. Can you tell me how emphysema progresses and at what rate? Can it lead to other diseases? L.F., Sheridan, Ore.

A Emphysema, a disease that affects the tiny airways in the lungs that bring oxygen from the lungs to the blood, usually strikes people over 50 and kills more Americans (about 13,000 a year) than any other chronic lung disease.

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