Health-and-Fitness online information.

How accurately can you describe your feet? Most dancers can relate every line and curve; feet demand, and get, plenty of attention. And most dancers know which hip is more flexible, which has better turnout. But most dancers are not familiar enough with their knees. Although the lower extremity in general is reported as the site of most frequent injury for dancers (with the foot area ranked first), the vulnerable knee is a close second.

According to Carol Teitz, MD, one of the biggest concerns with dancers, especially in forms that accentuate the use of turnout, is kneecap, or patellofemoral, problems. The kneecap rides in a specific groove of the thighbone, and if the muscles are unbalanced, pain can begin from the kneecap grinding on the groove the wrong way. In a worst-case scenario this tightness can pull the entire kneecap off of the groove. If the muscle imbalance is due to lack of bony hip rotation, the big, tendinous side strap of the thigh, the ilio-tibial band, tries to do the work of the hip joint in rotating the leg, which then pulls the kneecap sideways.

Also, the knee rotates with every step (called the screw-home mechanism); the thigh (femur) goes in one direction and the shin (tibia) goes in the other. In turnout, if the side of the leg is too tight or the hip joint won't allow rotation, many dancers will over-rotate the knee, which can create enormous pressure even during a simple plie. In dances that require many squats or in modern dance forms that use the floor or knee turns a lot, one of the cartilage discs (meniscus) may tear. The two menisci function as padding between the femur and the tibia, moving with the bones to allow more motion in the legs and feet. When the menisci get torn, they can roll up and get caught inside the knee, causing it to lock up or just be painful and inflamed. Fortunately, the leg can function without the menisci, so they can be partially or fully removed; but lack of a meniscus can cause arthritis later.

Overuse is a problem that can lead to patellar tendinitis, or jumper's knee, where the tendon between the kneecap and the tibia gets inflamed. Although this painful condition may take a while to resolve with rest and ice, improved dynamics can help considerably.

Probably one of the most debilitating (though not common) injuries involves the ligaments, usually the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which forms a cross deep inside the knee with its sibling, the posterior ligament, and keeps the femur from sliding off of the tibia. It tends to happen in ballet when landing large jumps, or in forms such as contact improvisation, in which the body twists while the foot stays in contact with the floor.

Form is everything in injury avoidance. Keep your kneecap in line with the second toe. Develop the deep postural muscles of the pelvis and leg, such as the inner thighs and hip rotators, giving equal attention to both the internal and external hip rotators. Lift the kneecap to straighten the leg instead of pushing the knee backward into hyperextension. Stretch the large muscles of the thigh, the quadriceps. Roll the side of the thigh on a foam roller to keep the sides of the legs from becoming overly tight. Improve your balance and pelvic-side muscle coordination by standing on one leg in parallel for twenty seconds with arms crossed and eyes closed. And never forget that hamstring strength is as important as stretch.

What we think translates into our bodies. When an actress portrays a character, viewers see her emotions physically, on her face and in her body. Use your mind as well as your muscles to improve your body's mechanics, and your knees, caught in the middle of all that action, will last a whole lot longer.

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When it comes to public health recommendations for diet and exercise, Americans often receive conflicting messages. Remember the bran craze? After stuffing it into everything that went into our mouths, we learned that bran's role in reducing heart disease risk wasn't quite as dramatic as once suspected.

Now it seems that squeezing in multiple 10-minute spurts of exercise throughout the day may not burn calories as efficiently as doing it all in one shot.

Janet E. Fulton, Ph.D., an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, measured the calorie expenditures of 30 active middle-age women over the course of three days. On one day, the women walked briskly for 30 minutes; on the next, the exercise was broken into three 10-minute walks; on the final day, the women didn't exercise at all.

Results indicated that when the women engaged in 30 minutes of continuous walking, their total energy expenditures for the day amounted to 2,181 calories, as opposed to the 2,121 burned when walking in 10-minute intervals. This 60-calorie difference could translate into a significant reduction in weight over time, roughly five pounds per year.

"This small study," Fulton explains, "is merely suggestive, leading to more questions rather than answers." One question that begs further inquiry is how energy expenditures change over longer periods of time; for example, would the results of this study be any different if these same women were tracked over a six-month period, as opposed to just three days?

Still, Fulton touts the benefits of a 10-minute walk. "It all depends on the audience you are trying to reach and the activity level of that audience. You can't get to 30 minutes without first conquering 10."

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DON'T LET A time-crunched day prevent you from doing your cardio. A recent Irish study showed that short bouts of cardio throughout the day can be as healthy as one long session. Participants--21 sedentary middle-aged men and women--either walked briskly (70 percent to 80 percent of maximum heart rate) for 10 minutes three times a day, or walked once a day for 30 minutes straight. They did this five days a week for six weeks, rested two weeks, then followed the other walking routine for six more weeks. Both walking patterns resulted in the following benefits:

* A slight drop in total cholesterol and an increase in HDL ("good") cholesterol.

* Reduced body fat (which can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease).

* Decrease in diastolic blood pressure.

* Reduced tension and anxiety.

* Improved aerobic fitness (in fact, maximal oxygen uptake actually increased more with the short-bout pattern than with the long).

INTERESTINGLY, people with the lowest levels of fitness who begin a walking program will show the greatest improvements, according to researcher Marie Murphy with the University of Ulster in Jordanstown, Northern Ireland. Also, the fitter you are, the more brisk your pace will have to be for you to reach 70 percent to 80 percent of your maximum heart rate (approximated by subtracting your age from 220). These two findings support those of Kenneth Cooper, M.D., the father of modern aerobics, who has compiled such data for 30 years.

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You may not be able to fool Mother Nature, but you can certainly learn her trade secrets to beauty and longevity. Health experts agree that a well-rested, fit and fueled body will withstand the test of time. So rediscover youth with the tips offered here.

Get proper rest. Most people require about 8 hours of sleep a night, but few get it. The haunting truth is that those who don't may be hacking years off their life. "People who sleep better, live longer," says Dr. Alex Clerk, director of the Sleep Disorder Center at Stanford University. Regular exercise and avoiding stimulants, such as coffee, close to bedtime can lead to a more restful night, he says.

Get physical. An exercise routine, which includes aerobics, walking or other fitness activities, can make you feel and look better. It can also improve your posture and ward off osteoporosis.

Eat early (to boost your metabolism), eat often (to curb cravings) and eat a healthy balance of carbohydrates and proteins. "You can't be young and beautiful without getting proteins balanced with carbohydrates evenly spread throughout the day," says nutritionist Pamela Smith. "Proteins are what let us have beautiful skin, strong nails, shiny hair and clear eyes." A healthy diet should also be chock full of fresh fruits and brightly colored vegetables, which are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants (said to slow the aging process.)

Drink eight glasses of water daily. "Water provides people with smooth, resilient skin that has definition," nutritionist Smith adds.

Avoid constant stress. We function, in part, due to stress. But when stress is constant and unrelenting, it reacts negatively on the immune system, making the body vulnerable to disease and "we tend to age more quickly," says Michele Madison of the Mind/Body Institute in Chicago. The goal, she says, isn't to avoid stress, but to learn better ways of managing it.

Slow down, meditate and relax. Once or twice a day, find a quiet, out-of-the-way place to sit still and just focus on breathing. "Not only does [meditation] help to give a calmer beginning to the day, it also helps to ease us into a more restful evening," says Madison. It also helps to slow down the autonomic nervous system.

Release your emotions with a good laugh or good cry. Physiologically, both actions release chemicals in the brain that create a sense of well-being and act as a cathartic, or cleansing, mechanism in the body.

Pamper yourself. Get a new hairdo or a new haircut. Buy a new dress or shirt. Better yet, enjoy a relaxing and refreshing soak in the bathtub.

Pamper your skin. Youthful-looking skin begins with the basics. So keep it clean, moisturized and out of the sun because even though darker skin has natural sun screening capabilities, excessive exposure to the rays can lead to wrinkling and premature aging. "As people spend more time in outdoor recreational activities, we're probably going to see more damage related to sun exposure," notes dermatologist Denise M. Buntin of Nashville.

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FOR superbusy executives who occupy lofty positions in corporate America and at non-profit civil rights organizations, time is money. Consequently, they find it especially difficult to work a regular fitness routine into their hectic schedules filled with high-level meetings, constant travel and a steady stream of breakfast meetings, power lunches and banquet dinners.

Yet, the stress and ever-pressing demands from jobs and families make a regular fitness regimen even more important for people in powerful positions. Medical experts as well as executives themselves emphasize that regular workouts are essential to staying physically fit and mentally alert.

"The type of job I have is very stressful," says Chicagoan Elynor A. Williams, vice president of public responsibility for the Sara Lee Corp. "Exercise is great for attitude adjustments; it is better than cocktails. Working out is a win-win situation, and anyone who has ever been in an executive position knows the benefits of regular exercise. It is wonderful to start your day on a very high note."

John E. Jacob agrees. As president and chief executive officer of the National Urban League, Jacob is personally acquainted with stress. And, consequently, he says he gets his most rigorous workouts by running to catch airplanes and from one meeting to another. However, Jacob does find time occasionally to play tennis and golf, though not nearly as much as he would like to.

Echoing Jacob's sentiment is Dr. Joseph E. Lowery of Atlanta, who is president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Like his colleague Jacob, Dr. Lowery says, "Most of my exercise comes from running through airports." He adds, however, that he also burns calories by "keeping up with my 10 grandchildren and keeping up with my schedule." When he can, Dr. Lowery takes time to play golf.

Despite the hectic schedule that comes with supervising a staff of 70 people and overseeing operations at 340 television stations, Jennifer Lawson jogs every day in Rock Creek Park near Washington, D.C. "Jogging invigorates my mind as well as my body," says the executive vice president of national programming and promotion services for the Public Broadcasting Service.

"Public television is a demanding and challenging field," she adds. "Running through the park, looking at the trees and flowers lets my imagination run free and I sometimes find solutions to problems that eluded me all day in the office. So many new ideas come to mind. I even keep a note pad in my car so I can write them down."

Like these four individuals, there are thousands of other Black executives across the country who know that the stress of power jobs requires a power fitness workout. And regardless of job or profession, keeping physically fit requires discipline, commitment and sacrifices of time and energy.

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WHAT IS THE BEST EXERCISE FOR YOU?

YOU say you've tried to stay fit, but the stationary bike has been standing idly in the basement since the day you bought it a year ago. And you haven't put on a pair of running shoes since the first attempt at jogging made you retired to bed with throbbing muscles. Or maybe you've gone to the health club twice this year, despite the cost of membership. Chances are your chosen route to fitness wasn't right for you.

Choosing the right exercise is a matter of common sense and personal preference. Based on your needs, age and medical history, you should select an exercise that will provide a good cardivascular workout. It should be fun, too. "People should choose an aerobic exercise first that's beneficial for their hearts and lungs," says Dr. Matthew Silver, a National Medical Association fitness expert with a family practice in Columbia, Md. "They should find one they really like doing, and do it often. That way it becomes a part of their lifestyle rather than a chore."

Before flexing a muscle, though, you might need a medical exam. Physicians advise the thirtysomething exercise newcomer to have a routine physical evaluation and possibly a cardiac stress test before starting a vigorous exercise program such as jogging or aerobic dance. This advice especially holds true for people with heart disease, high blood pressure or other ailments.

After you're cleared by a physician to begin exercising choose exercises that meet your needs. Are you exercising for better fitness, or for muscle tone or weight loss? Fitness advisors say that to accomplish either goal you should know the aerobic benefit of the exercise you are considering. A golf game doesn't burn as many calories as a brisk 4-miles-per-hour walk, which burns 350 calories an hour.

If you are overweight and dieting, you may want to bicycle or swim, or try a rowing or a cross-country skiing machine. These aerobic exercises are considered high-energy workouts that burn calories but don't overtax muscles and joints. Fitness pros also say they provide good cardiovascular conditioning because they use the large muscle groups of the arms and legs, and increase oxygen consumption and heart rate during the workout.

Swimming in particular is seen as one of the omst beneficial exercises because it uses all of the muscle groups. It's considered the exercise of choice for the elderly fitness buff, and those with back and knee problems or arthritis. Even the non-swimmer can benefit from water exercises, says Dr. Hanna Sanders, a Palm Springs, Calif., rehabilitative medicine specialist. Those who lack the discipline to work out on their own might get added incentive by joining an aquatic aerobics or dance class at a health club or gym. Such facilities usually offer trainers for consultation and a range of equipment to tone flabby muscles.

But it makes little sense, say health experts, for the sedentary "couch potato" to spend money on a health club he'll never use. A better investment might be an exercise machine that can be used while watching your favorite TV program. You also can jump rope, or do other calisthenics that require little or no investment.

Jogging and running require little more than proper running shoes and can be done practically anywhere. Brisk walking, on the othr hand, is a better exercise for the over-40 newcomer and those susceptible to joint and back problems. "It's the best stimulator to get that heart pumping so you can start the rest of the conditioning," Dr. Sanders says. The young or the restless, however, might consider cross training -- alternating between different exercise routines.

Exercise alone might not accomplish your fitness goal, notes Dr. Paris Bransford, the Houston surgeon who chairs the National Medical Association board of trustees. "You have to consider other aspects of your lifestyle such as overeating. You might need a structured diet."

Once you've decided a course of action, you should be consistent. Studies show that regular exercise can cut by 50 percent the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Health experts say exercise also can help the body ward off disease and be more resilient when illness occurs. On the other hand, says Dr. Bransford, the "week-end warrior," who has a desk job and whose only exercise is a fast game of tennis on Saturdays, is flirting with a hea

"People get overly ambitious and try to do things they did in high school," says Dr. Sanders. "You have to ease into it. Start with low impact and build up. You have to evaluate your life, and place exercise in your schedule. It has to be something you can live with."

# posted by Medical Information : 3:26 AM  0 Comments

Does a trek up a flight of stairs leave you feeling like you've just climbed Mt. Everest? Do last year's blue jeans make your stomach feel like it's in a vise? Has your physician prescribed more exercise?

If so, then you probably should consider walking, which is easy, convenient, inexpensive and virtually stress-free. Almost anyone, at 4ny age and in just about any physical condition, can walk. Compared to other exercise options, walking is also the least complicated. All you need is a good pair of well-cushioned walking shoes and heavy socks to prevent blisters.

Despite its simplicity, a walking program, consistently followed and properly executed, can reap enormous health and psychological benefits. Certainly the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, physically active people on average outlive inactive people, even if they start their activity late in life.

Walking is an excellent addition to an overall weight-loss program. You can also expect to feel more energized and to see an improvement in your overall physical fitness and muscle tone. Physicians often encourage their recuperating patients to take a daily walk in order to strengthen their hearts and back muscles and to increase their lung capacity. Studies indicate that walking stimulates blood circulation, reduces cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and helps to prevent and control diabetes.

Walking also has been found to decrease stress and tension and to help alleviate depression. It can provide companionship when done with a group or serve as a "time out" in the middle of a hectic day. Walking clubs are sprouting up everywhere and dedicated walkers around the country are using their leisure time to rediscover nature and to explore the world around them.

Unlike other forms of exercise, walking is easy to fit into a busy schedule. Experts say three 10-minute walking sessions a day are just as effective as 30 minutes walked all at once. You can park your car a few blocks from work and walk the rest of the way. You can walk during your coffee break, on your lunch hour, and to and from appointments.

Take the stairs instead of the elevator, and walk after dinner instead of watching television. Take your family with you and use the time to touch bases with everyone. Low-impact walking provides all the benefits of aerobic exercise without most of the risks of muscle or joint injuries common to high-impact activities such as jogging or aerobic dancing

The first step in designing a personalized walking program is to visit your physician for a fitness evaluation, particularly if you're overweight, suffer from cardiovascular or respiratory disease, or have some other chronic medical condition.

Regardless of your fitness level, experts advise you to begin your walking session by stretching your muscles for five minutes, followed by a five-minute stretch afterwards to keep from becoming sore and stiff. With stretching, more is not always better. You should generally hold a stretch for approximately 30 seconds and stop if it begins to hurt.

Walk with your body in a natural upright position with your chin lifted and your shoulders held slightly back. With each step forward, plant your heel first, following through and pushing off with your toe. Try to keep your toes pointed forward rather than turning them inward or outward. Swing your arms gently at your side in opposition to your legs, bending them at 90-degree angles if you prefer. Your right arm and left leg should move forward, while your left arm and right leg move backward.

Your physician is the best person to advise you, based on your current level of fitness, on how far and how fast you should begin walking. But studies have shown that even heart attack victims and out-of-shape couch potatoes can begin walking about a mile in 25 minutes every other lay. You should feel refreshed, not worn out after you're done, so don't push yourself to the point of feeling tired and out of breath. If you can't comfortably hold a conversation, advise experts, you're probably walking too fast. Each time you walk thereafter, try to add another 2 to 5 minutes to your previous time.

If you've been fairly active up to this point, you probably an begin walking a little faster than the sedentary stroller. Walking a mile in approximately 15 minutes allows you to obtain a more intense cardiovascular workout. Moving your arms is an important component of brisk walking because the extra movements created by your swinging arms increase your heart rate, help you to take in more oxygen and provide the momentum necessary to help you move faster.

Serious walkers usually can complete a mile in 14 minutes or less. This type of aerobic walking increases your heart and breathing rates even more and allows you to bum as many calories as jogging.

Consistency is more important than intensity, and after some regularity, you'll be able to walk farther and faster. So, whether you're beginning your walking program as a stroller or you're adding to an already established fitness routine, walking, say experts, is the perfect prescription for better health.

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Q I am a 30-year-old woman with a husband and two boys, and we're just trying to live life to its fullest. But now that the war has begun, we've seen what anthrax can do, and I'm scared about the possibility of a smallpox outbreak. How big could this problem be? R.L., Richmond, Va.

A Described as one of the most feared microbes that could be used as a weapon of bioterrorism, smallpox is a highly contagious virus that can spread through the air, and doctors say it is fatal to about 30 percent of the people who are exposed to it. A smallpox outbreak could be a huge problem that would require public health officials to immediately contain it before it infected millions of U.S. citizens.

Symptoms, similar to those of the flu, usually appear about two weeks after exposure and include high fever, fatigue, headaches, backaches and nausea. That's usually followed by severe abdominal pain, a rash in the mouth, throat and on the face and forearms. Researchers say that about eight days after the rash appears, pustules forms scabs that eventually slough off and leave pitted scars, usually on the face.

There is no treatment for the virus, medical experts say, but the vaccine can protect against infection if given within three or four days after exposure. Routine vaccination for the disease was discontinued in the U.S. in 1972, and unfortunately, the vaccine for the "eradicated" disease is believed to be effective for only three to 10 years, health officials say. So even if you were vaccinated years ago, you're likely to be susceptible to smallpox.

Officials say there are nearly 16 million doses of the vaccine available and plans are underway to produce enough vaccine to cope with a potential outbreak after a bioterror attack.

DIET AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Q I was recently admitted to the hospital for high blood pressure. All I was told was to go on a low-sodium diet. What they forgot to tell me was what I can and can't eat. I haven't been able to find any information on high blood pressure and what should be included in my diet. Can you give me some information that will help me to keep my blood pressure down? D.M., Baltimore

A First, have another conversation with your doctor and ask specific questions about your specific concerns. Your health-care giver, who has been following your medical history, knows more about your case than anyone else and is better prepared to deliver specific instructions concerning your condition. Ask your doctor what's best for you, since every person's needs and limitations differ.

There is a large number of people whose blood pressure can be treated by diet alone, simply by controlling salt intake. But you must be aware that sodium can be found in everything from preservatives (sodium ascorbate) to soft drinks (sodium phosphate) to antacids (sodium bicarbonate).

In today's era of health-consciousness, you can find a wide variety of low-sodium foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is even salt that contains no sodium. Nutritionists recommend a diet that includes bread, meat, dairy products, fruits and vegetables; and also suggest that you steer clear of processed foods, which often are loaded with sodium.

In addition to reducing your sodium intake to lower your blood pressure, doctors also suggest a routine exercise program and efforts to decrease stress levels.

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How many times have you said that you were going to start taking better care of yourself only to come back with the same old excuses -- I don't have enough time, or I'm just too busy? Well, look at it this way. If the powerful people who run America can make time to exercise and eat healthy, then you can certainly give it a try. Besides, it isn't as difficult or as time-consuming as you may think.

We asked some of America's most powerful leaders to share the things that they do to stay in shape. Their secrets ranged from exercising to eating right to walking to running and in some cases to simply just saying "no" to some of the most tempting foods.

Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher, who jogs three to four miles each workday and up to nine miles on weekends, enjoys an occasional serving of ice cream or a brownie, but knows that he must eat a balanced diet to stay fit. "I eat at least five servings a day of fruits and vegetables -- and usually more than that -- not just because it's good for me, but because I like it," says Dr. Satcher, who also notes that if you eat more vegetables each day, you will probably eat fewer fattening foods and sweets.

But what about the majority of people who do not like to run or overexert themselves by working out all the time? There's good news from the surgeon general himself, who has 30 years of experience in running but feels "walking is probably the best all-around exercise for most people." He says the first step in starting an exercise regimen that you will stick to is choosing an activity you enjoy.

"The best exercise routine for any person is one they will actually do," says Dr. Satcher. "You can buy all the sports equipment and clothing you want and you can join a health club, but if the gear stays in the closet and you don't actually go to the health club, it doesn't do you and good."

Contrary to popular belief, staying physically fit does not mean you have to work out like you're training for the Olympics. Research conducted by the surgeon general and the Department of Health and Human Services shows that only 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day for at least five days a week can produce substantial health benefits. Moderate activity. includes walking, biking, jogging and swimming. Believe it or not, it also includes everyday activities such as washing the car, walking the dog, working in the garden and raking leaves (Always consult with your doctor before starting any rigorous exercise routine).

So what better way to start working out than by taking a nice and leisurely walk? That's what Alexis Herman, secretary of the Department of Labor, does to keep her petite frame just that. She takes daily strolls in Washington, D.C., along the beautiful grounds of Capitol Hill. "During the week I try to take a walk," says Secretary Herman. "I believe in walking. So sometimes I may' just leave my office and take a walk around the Capitol, and if I am luck enough to get home early in the evening, I take a walk around the Jefferson Memorial."

Secretary Herman, who drinks a lot of water and often nibbles on her favorite snack, pineapple chunks, during meetings, also does 300 jumps on the trampoline at her home in the morning. She says this routine gets the heart pumping the blood flowing.

Her theory for staying healthy is threefold. "You have to exercise your mind, your body and your soul," says Secretary Herman. "And I think that when those three things work together for you, it shows on the outside."

Congressman Harold E. Ford Jr. absolutely agrees. He plays basketball three or four times a week and tries to stay away from the key lime pie and ribs that oftentimes tempt him when he travels to his congressional district of Memphis. If his travel plans do not permit him to play basketball, he works out on a treadmill or enjoys jogging in Memphis.

"I live right on the river downtown [in Memphis]," says Congressman Ford. "Mondays, when I don't think I'll get a chance to get back to D.C. to work out, I run three miles early in the morning on the river."

"I love working out!" proclaims California Congresswoman Maxine Waters. "I do some kind of exercise everyday. I combine some kind of aerobics, such as walking or jogging, with stretching and a little bit of strength training. It relieves any and all stress."

Basically a vegetarian, she stays away from fat, fried foods and dairy products. It is well-known that these are some of the foods that keep most people overweight and at a high risk for heart disease and diabetes.

According to the surgeon general, African-Americans have a rate of coronary heart disease that is 40 percent higher than Whites while the prevalence of diabetes among African-Americans is about 70 percent higher than among Whites.

"With that in mind, I would generally suggest a diet that would lower your cholesterol level by lowering the intake of calories, fat and cholesterol," says Dr. Satcher.

Skipping a few of those big cholesterol meals coupled with moderate but regular exercise works for New Jersey Congressman Donald Payne. His schedule keeps him so busy that he "manages his meals by virtue of his schedule," but he also squeezes in a lot of extracurricular activities to stay in shape.

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`What can I tell my overweight daughter about her potential health risks?'

EXCESS WEIGHT AND HEALTH RISKS

Q I'm very concerned about my 16-year-old daughter, who is overweight and keeps getting bigger. She doesn't seem to be so concerned about her weight because she says she is no larger than most of her friends and classmates. I try to give her a balanced diet, and I discourage snacking. What can I tell my daughter about the potential health risks that her weight can cause? M.W., Washington, D.C.

A Your daughter appears to be like many other teenagers who comprise today's younger generation, a large percentage of whom tend to eat more and spend more time in front of the TV or computer, rather than participating in more physical activities. The result is a growing number of overweight, out-of-shape youngsters.

Many doctors say such sedentary lifestyles contribute to some serious medical problems, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, certain cancers and osteoarthritis. But another serious and growing condition associated with overweight teenagers is noninsulin-dependent diabetes (type 2), which reduces the body's ability to control blood-sugar levels and is a major cause of heart disease, kidney disease and blindness.

The good news is that if your daughter loses some weight, she will reduce her chances of becoming a victim of the conditions associated with excess pounds. Slow and steady weight loss of no more than 1 pound a week is the safest way to shed the pounds.

In addition to getting an appointment for your daughter to see a physician, encourage her to become more physically active. Plus, continue to make sure she eats a balanced diet.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF COLIC

Q My husband and I became first-time parents a month ago, and our son has changed our lives so much for the better. Our concern is that he cries for a long period of time. No matter what we do, he won't stop crying. What could cause him to cry so much? I try to make him as comfortable as possible. J.K., Miami

A Assuming your doctor has excluded other causes of the baby's citing and irritability, including illness, it appears that your son is having bouts with colic, an acute spasm accompanied by severe pain in the abdominal cavity. Doctors say the exact cause of infant colic, which is common among newborns, is not known but appears to be the result of a combination of factors, including family history of irritable bowel syndrome. It also could result from a reaction to cow's milk or other elements that may be in formula or breast milk.

Colicky babies have prolonged periods of crying, usually at the same time each day. Normally, a baby with colic eats and gains weight well, seems very hungry and often sucks vigorously. If he fusses soon after a feeding, he may need more opportunities to suck, particularly, doctors Kay, if a bottle-feeding takes less than 20 minutes.

The crying infant may quiet down when held, rocked or patted gently. Fortunately, colic usually clears up by 3 months of age.

LACTOSE INTOLERANCE

Q I have loved milk and other dairy products since I was growing up. But now that I am 35 years old, I have all kinds of abdominal pain and discomfort whenever I drink milk. What could be the cause of my problem, and will I have to stop drinking milk forever? M.L., Atlanta

A You probably are among the estimated 75 percent of African-Americans who experience lactose intolerance, which is the inability to digest the natural sugar in milk and milk products because of a lack of the natural enzyme that breaks down lactose. Symptoms include diarrhea, bloating and abdominal discomfort about 20 to 30 minutes after ingesting dairy products.

If you don't want to give up milk and milk products, yon can purchase lactose tablets to he taken before eating dairy products or you can buy milk that's lactose-free.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:31 AM  0 Comments

Expert Advice on Health and Fitness

`Can the new fat blocking diet drug help me lose 10 stubborn pounds?'

NEW FAT-BLOCKING DIET DRUG

Q I have been taking a variety of steps to lose some weight for years, and I've almost gotten to where I want to be. I work out and watch my diet, but for some reason, I can't seem to get rid of these last few pounds to reach my target weight of 155. Can the new fat-blocking diet drug help me to lose 10 stubborn pounds so that I can feel good about myself again? S.M., Camden, N.J.

A You already should feel good about yourself because you have taken significant steps to live a healthier life. However, the new fat-blocking diet drug, Xenical, was not designed with you (and others like you) in mind--dieters who want to lose about 10 pounds. The drug that blocks much of the body's intake of fat, rather than--like most diet drugs--suppressing appetite, is recommended only for those people who are severely overweight (at least 20 percent above ideal body weight). Physicians say Xenical prevents enzymes in the intestines from breaking down fat into smaller molecules that can be absorbed into the body and thereby reduces overall fat intake by about 30 percent. In essence, the diet drug cuts a person's total calorie intake.

Obesity is considered a serious health problem in the U.S.--among young and old--and doctors say it contributes to such serious conditions as high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol.

In your case, continue to eat properly and stick to your exercise program. You not only will eventually get rid of those hard-to-lose pounds, but you'll experience other benefits associated with physical fitness and a well-balanced diet.

GENERIC DRUGS OR BRAND-NAME DRUGS?

Q I have questions about whether to use generic drugs or brand-name drugs. Generic drugs are usually cheaper than the brand-name drugs, and I want to know if that means generic drugs are not as good and are less effective. Should I always choose the generic drugs or does it depend on the medical condition? L.J., New Orleans

A The term generic implies less expensive, lower quality and a product that's not as effective as brandname products. But doctors say this is generally not the case with pharmaceuticals. Drugs are often known by a variety of names. When a drug is first discovered, it's given a chemical name, and when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the drug for general prescribing, it's given two additional names--a generic name and a brand name, identifying it as the property of a particular manufacturer.

Doctors say generic drugs, which must be the "therapeutic equivalent" of brand-name drugs, generally do as good a job as brand-name drugs, but at a much lower cost. So far, there is no data that indicate that an FDA-approved generic drug is inferior to the brand-name ones. Even so, some doctors choose to recommend brand-name drugs because some medical conditions require particularly careful dosing.

Talk with your physician to see if a generic drug is right for you. Not all prescribed drugs have an FDA-approved generic equivalent, but the FDA publishes a book, Approved Drug Products With Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations (commonly called "the Orange Book"), that lists all FDA-approved medications and identifies generic drugs that the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent to brand-name drugs. If your doctor or pharmacist doesn't have access to the book, you can find answers to your questions at www.accessdata.fda.gov/ob/default.htm on the Web.

SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT OF ROSACEA

Q I'm a 38-year-old woman who, as far as I know, is not allergic to anything, but my face is often red and pimply. What could be the cause of my problem that's causing so much frustration? E.B., St. Paul, Minn.

A Your problem could be the condition known as rosacea, a skin disorder that's characterized by redness, tiny pimples and broken blood vessels that are usually on the central area of the face. Doctors say the cause isn't known and those with the disorder should avoid foods that cause blood vessels in the skin to dilate--spicy foods, alcohol, coffee and other forms of caffeine. Antibiotics and tetracyclines can improve the condition, so you should see a dermatologist.

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The injunction, which would have prevented ICON from using the mark "CrossBow by Weider" on exercise equipment, was issued by the lower court, in response to a lawsuit filed by the Nautilus Group, makers of Bowflex strength training products.

"Currently, while we await further word from the court, there is no longer an injunction against ICON," said Brad Bearnson, ICON's general counsel. "ICON will continue to sell the same quality product under the CrossBow by Weider name."

Bearnson also noted that in May of 2003, ICON prevailed against Nautilus' attempts to convince this same lower court that ICON's product literally infringes the Nautilus patents.

"As a consumer-centric company, we strive to develop quality products that help people lead a healthy lifestyle. When we set out to develop the CrossBow by Weider, we wanted to create an innovative strength product to help people burn calories, build muscle and get fit," Bearnson said. "We believe in the legal process. We are pleased with the court's ruling and have always been confident in our position."

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