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		Why Active Living Initiatives Are Not The Answer To Combat Child Obesity We were recently contacted by a reputable Active Living Organization in Alberta who insisted that our philosophies were inflammatory statements with sweeping generalizations. We immediately and diplomatically addressed the issue with very credible evidence to support the facts on why active living is not the answer to combat child obesity. Moreover, an elaboration on why it is imperative for physical education curriculums to change across Canada to better address the health needs of children. VO2 max: What is it, Why is it so important, and how do you improve it? Exercise physiologists define VO2 max as your maximal rate of oxygen consumption. It is a measure of your capacity to generate the energy required for endurance activities and is one of the most important factors determining your ability to exercise for longer than four to five minutes. Activists Say U.S. Tries to Sap World Obesity Fight Consumer groups accused the United States of trying to sabotage a global fight against obesity targeting junk food and soft drinks. Sometimes, a Healthy Weight is the Way to Go When overweight clients ask a dietitian what a healthy weight is, she tells them it's not necessarily as low as they might think. In light of the obesity epidemic, that news might make a sizable difference to the two-thirds of people who are overweight and the one-third who are obese. Teen Obesity Tied to Adult Death Risk A large study links adolescent obesity to an increased risk of death by middle-age, though the connection seems to be largely explained by the tendency of obese teens to remain so as adults. Frigid Weather and Sports Can Mix Even when the cold winds howl, the freezing rain pours down and the snow flies fast and furious, many winter sports enthusiasts can't wait to take to the fields, rinks or slopes. In fact, winter sports activities are great for body and soul, but cold weather can require a little more preparation and attention to detail for safe participation. Don't Let Asthma Chill Winter Fun Don't let asthma put the chill on your winter fun. Cold air can cause problems for people with asthma when they're skating, snowboarding, skiing or taking part in any other outdoor winter activity. The best way to control exercise-induced asthma (EIA) is to prevent it, Dr. Sally Wenzel, of the National Jewish Medical and Research Center, says in a prepared statement. Helmets a Good Idea for Winter Sports Dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh can be downright dangerous. So can skiing, skating or tobogganing. Every year, thousands get seriously hurt while playing winter sports, and many of those injuries are to the head. School Nutrition Programs Can Work School programs to get kids to eat their fruits and vegetables do make a difference, according to researchers. Their review of several past studies found that "multicomponent" school programs to promote fruits and vegetables--including classroom activities and cafeteria changes such as simply making more produce available--do appear to work. Overweight and Obese Growing at Phenomenal Rates in the U.S. The number of overweight and obese children in the United States is growing at a phenomenal rate. On the whole, kids are spending less time exercising and more time in front of the TV, computer, or video game console. And today's busy families have fewer free moments to prepare wholesome, home-cooked meals, day in and day out. From fast food to electronics, quick and easy seems to be the mindset of many people, young and old, in the new millennium. Poor Fitness Increases Risk of Heart Disease Poorly-fit young adults are three to six times more likely to develop diabetes, high blood pressure and other ailments in middle age that put them at greater risk of heart disease or stroke, according to a study. School Sports Participants Grow Into Active Adults Raise kids to play sports, and you may also raise future generations of healthier adults, according to new research. Early Fitness Pays Off, Study Finds High blood pressure, heart disease and related problems are not the inevitable products of aging but problems that can be held at bay by being fit early in life, a study said. Neighborhoods That Encourage People to Exercise Inviting, tree-lined sidewalks. Speed bumps that make roads safe for bikers. Zoning laws that inspire people to walk to work. This kind of community might actually end the nation's obesity epidemic, and all the attendant diseases that come with it. That's what experts in a variety of fields are beginning to think, and they're joining forces to try and create places to live that are also good for your health. Overweight Boys More Prone to Stress Overweight boys carry a heavier burden of stress-related blood pressure increases and a decreased ability to regain normal blood pressure than overweight girls, says a Medical College of Georgia (MCG) study. Educate on Children's Fitness with BLAST Our communities are in need of a program that will motivate children and educate the parents about Physical Fitness and sport specific skills. To that end their is a solution. B.L.A.S.T. - Balanced Living Active Sport Training � will give children a solid foundation of skills, which will develop youth into empowered, skilful athletes and get their instructors active. Parents will be able to share this experience, instead of sitting on the sidelines watching. Parents will also gain knowledge in effective sport specific training that they can apply to their sport enhancement, promoting an active lifestyle together. What Kind of Fuel Can Help You Stay Active During times of physical activity, you need to make sure you're eating healthy meals and snacks (and in the right amounts too). So what kind of "fuel" can help you be and stay active? Whether you're a recreational athlete or a serious endurance athlete exercising for several hours a week, here are suggestions for getting the most out of your exercise program. Maximizing Your Aerobic Workout Typical training goals of aerobic exercise programs Why do you choose to perform aerobic exercise? If your answer is to increase caloric expenditure to achieve weight loss, aerobic exercise is an excellent choice. Muscle vs. Fat: Measure What Matters Understandably, many of us measure our weight with a scale. Insurance companies and health professionals have used height versus weight scales (body mass indicators, or BMIs) for years to determine overall health. However, these indicators are not always informative of an individual's overall health because they fail to determine whether a person is muscled or fat. In fact, BMI calculators will inappropriately rate 1 out of 4 as unhealthy. Five Unhealthy Practices You Can Live With Improving your health doesn't necessarily mean you have to live on bean curd and wheat grass. In fact, some of the indulgences you count among your bad habits � liquor, caffeine, fatty foods � may actually help extend your life. Exercise Levels Rise Only Slightly Over 40 Years The "couch potato" lifestyle appears to be holding its own against four decades of government health campaigns to promote exercise, new study findings show. Working Out to Fight Impotence Pelvic floor muscle exercises can help restore erectile function in men, says a British study. The study by researchers at the University of the West of England in Bristol found men with erectile dysfunction who did pelvic floor exercises had the same overall improvement as men in a large trial of Viagra. Is Inactivity Causing Diabetes Among Kids? Suspecting that inactivity is to blame for the skyrocketing rate of diabetes among children, a Georgia researcher plans to monitor and test third graders to find out for sure. Exercise Flexes Arteries Exercise can counteract the genetic risk of stiff arteries, says a new study of healthy female twins. Serving Up Tips to Avoid Tennis Elbow Don't let your life get fouled up by tennis elbow. A serving of preparation and planning will net you freedom from that nagging injury. Exercise and Cancer Prevention Exercise has many proven health benefits, both for preventing disease and promoting health and well-being. Physical activity has been show to give us protection against the development of colon cancer. Cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and uterus also have been linked to exercise-related prevention. Beat the Top 5 Exercise Excuses The trick to beat exercise procrastination is learning how to counter the excuses that keep you from exercising. Taking control of your workouts not only helps you get the body you want, it also makes you feel more in control of your life. So stop making excuses-and start making progress! Body Builders Warned of Danger of Abusing Insulin Bodybuilders who use insulin to bulk their muscles and enhance their performance could suffer from brain damage or die, British doctors said. Obesity Takes Emotional Toll on Teens Overweight teen-agers may have fewer friends than their normal-weight peers and suffer higher rates of depression and suicide if teased about being fat, a pair of studies stated. Health Report Card Could Help Kids Drop Weight A "health report card" that includes a student's height, weight, and fitness level may help parents address weight problems in their children, new research suggests. Creatine Boosts Brain Power Creatine, a compound found in meat, can bulk up your brain power, claims an Australian study. The study says taking creatine as a dietary supplement boosts your working memory and general intelligence. The findings appear in an issue of Proceedings B, a journal published by the Royal Society. Clots More Common in Overweight People New research suggests the risk of potentially deadly blood clots from long airline flights is small but rises sharply in people who are older, overweight or taking birth control pills. Early Exercise Wards Off Osteoporosis Girls who do regular jumping exercises around the age of 10 may add bone mass that could delay the onset of osteoporosis in later years, researchers said. Eating Cereal Helps Kids Control Weight If you want to keep your kid's weight down, serving breakfast cereal in the morning might not be a bad idea, researchers report. Kids Who Watch More TV Eat Fewer Vegetables The more television children watch the less fruit and vegetables they eat, probably because the advertising they see leaves them craving junk food instead, a study said. Protecting the Knees of Seniors Social support, aerobic activity and self-efficacy are among the factors that help prevent disability in elderly people with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. That's the claim of a study in the December issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism. U.N. Launches Fight Against Obesity, Poor Diets The World Health Organization, alarmed at mounting deaths linked to high sugar and fatty diets, presented its recipe for a world of fitter and more health-conscious eaters. Kentucky Survery Says Teens Getting Fatter A new survey by two state agencies says teens are eating worse and getting fatter. One-third of students in grades nine through 12 were overweight or at risk of being overweight, and half said they'd had little or no physical activity the week before they were surveyed. Nearly one in five said they hadn't eaten a fruit or vegetable during that time. Hydrotherapy and Exercise Help Arthritis Patients Participation in either a hydrotherapy program or a gym-based exercise program for just 6 weeks improves the functional of patients with osteoarthritis (OA). "However, it seems that hydrotherapy may be more suitable for aerobic-based exercise programs and the gym-based exercise program more suitable for strengthening programs," researchers report. Is This Any Way to Choose Foods? Glycemic index is a term bandied about a lot these days. The Atkins, South Beach, Zone, and Sugar Busters diets advise against foods high on the glycemic index, and thus against many grain products, fruits, and vegetables. People with diabetes may hear about it. Is it something you really need to bother about? Doctors Advised to Screen for Obesity In response to ever-expanding waistlines, an independent panel of medical experts recommends that doctors and other health providers screen all adults for obesity. Healthy Ways to Keep Diabetes at Bay As we become fatter and continue to ignore the messages to lose weight and exercise regularly, doctors aren't just worrying about the increasing threat of heart disease. The extra pounds and sedentary lifestyles are putting more people at risk of diabetes. Heart Attacks: Cold Plays A Role As winter temperatures settle in each year, emergency rooms see an upsurge of men complaining of chest pain. The explanation has long been that these heart attacks are triggered by the unfamiliar physical exertion of shoveling snow or the sudden shock of colder temperatures. Exercising More After Cancer Boosts Quality of Life Study after study has shown that exercise improves quality of life in people who have survived cancer. Now, a new study suggests that improvements in quality of life are related more closely to whether cancer survivors maintain or increase their physical activity after treatment rather than on a particular amount of exercise. Morning Exercise May Make Sleep Easier Older women who often have trouble sleeping may want to consider a little workout in the morning for a better rest at night. Morning exercisers had fewer complaints about a bad night's sleep and those who stretched in the morning had somewhat better sleep, a new study found. Women who exercise in the evening, on the other hand, were more likely to be up at night. Active Women Live Independently Longer Older women who take regular walks and remain active have a much better chance of living independent lives as they age, according to a new study published. Pool Therapy May Ease Arthritis Hydrotherapy, or water exercise in a heated pool, was found to improve strength and mobility in elderly patients with arthritis of the hip and knee, according to a study in the December issue of the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. Weight Loss Key for Treating High Blood Pressure Reducing body weight should be a "major component" in the treatment of high blood pressure, new research suggests. For every kilogram lost, blood pressure falls about one point, the authors found. Staying in Shape Staves Off Diabetes in Women Being physically fit may help prevent the development of diabetes in healthy women, according to findings presented at the American Public Health Association's 131st Annual Meeting in San Francisco. Excess Weight in Middle Age Tied to Poor Health Later People who are overweight in middle age are more likely than their normal-weight peers to have a poor quality of life as they grow old, new study findings suggest. Exercise May Reverse Heart Disease in Fat Kids Many studies have shown that children across the industrialized world are getting fatter - and that even toddlers are showing early signs of heart disease such as high cholesterol and the beginnings of clogged arteries. Walk Away From Heart Disease A brisk but comfortable walking pace is a good way to strengthen your heart. That's the claim of a University of Massachusetts study presented Nov. 11 at the American Heart Association's annual conference in Orlando, Fla. Overweight Boys Show More Blood Pressure Problems Among boys, those who weigh more experience a greater increase in blood pressure under stress, and are slower to return to normal pressure levels once relaxed, new research reports. Group Seeks to Curb Promoting Junk Food to Kids Canadians organizations fighting childhood obesity only have to look over the border for alliances. A consumer group in the U.S. charged that the marketing of fatty, sugary, and low-nutrient foods was fueling childhood obesity and it called for restricting promotions targeted at the young. Exercise Gets Blood to Your Brain Exercise fanatics may be right -- getting out and moving increases blood flow in the brain, U.S. researchers said. Tests on monkeys show that exercise helps foster blood vessel development in the brain, making the animals more alert than non-exercisers. Behavior Problems Feed Childhood Obesity If your child is antisocial, anxious, dependent, depressed, headstrong, hyperactive or withdrawn, the likelihood of his or her becoming obese is greatly increased, a new study says. Childhood Obesity Clearinghouse Announced A new survey, database and Web site of childhood anti-obesity programs were announced by the surgeon general. More than 1,000 exercise, nutrition, healthy baby and other anti-obesity programs are expected to participate in the new clearinghouse, called Shaping American's Youth. Nearly One in Three Teens Reports Chronic Condition: StatsCan Survey Chris Siems enjoyed playing sports as much as the next person until tendinitis in his knees forced him into a more sedentary lifestyle. The Toronto-area teen is not alone. Nearly one in three Canadian adolescents reports having at least one chronic condition that keeps them from feeling healthy, according to a Statistics Canada survey released. Kids Risk Heart Disease As Teenagers If Obesity Epidemic is Not Addressed Today's children face a future of heart disease, potentially as early as the end of their teen years, if parents and policy-makers don't urgently address the exploding problem of childhood obesity, a U.S. obesity expert warned. Obesity: The Little Known Cancer Risk For more than three decades, the Canadian and American Cancer Societies have nagged, cajoled and inspired people to stop smoking, conducting such campaigns as the Great American Smokeout. Now, cancer societies hope to persuade people that their widening girth isn't just an appearance problem or a heart-disease risk. Exercise Delays Breast Cancer in Women with Mutated Genes Women who inherit mutations of certain genes are at an 82 per cent lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and have a 23 to 54 per cent risk of ovarian cancer, according to a study that analysed the health records of more than a thousand Jewish women. Men, the More You Lose the More Stays Off For obese men trying to lose weight, the more pounds they shed the more likely they are to keep the pounds off, researchers in the Netherlands report. Strength Training Pumps Up Seniors Lifting weights and other kinds of strength training help older adults fight the loss of muscle mass and strength, and the resulting physical disability and frailty. But it's not clear whether strength training helps keep older adults healthier and alive longer, says a study in a recent issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Catching Heart Trouble During Your Workout By detecting a person's inability to pump oxygen through their bloodstream while they exercise, doctors may be able to pinpoint early heart problems, says a study by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. Breast Feeding May Have No Effect On Fighting Adult Obesity Breast feeding provides many vital benefits for health but has no effect on fighting adult obesity, according to research in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). Fast Food Is Lure to Overweight Children Overweight children appear to be especially susceptible to the lure of fast food, a study found. They stuff themselves even more ravenously than other youngsters do and are less able to compensate by eating sparingly the rest of the day. Study Shows Depth of Obesity Stigma While it is no surprise that people often have a low opinion of the overweight, a new study finds that just standing next to a large person can be bad for one's image. Study Backs Exercise for Alzheimer Victims A combination of exercise for Alzheimer's disease patients and training for their caregivers helps combat depression and improve the health of disease victims, a recent study suggested. 1 in 50 Americans Morbidly Obese Americans are not just getting fatter, they are ballooning to extremely obese proportions at an alarming rate. The number of extremely obese American adults � those who are at least 100 pounds overweight � has quadrupled since the 1980s to about 4 million. That works out to about 1 in every 50 adults. Exercise Seen As Help in Cancer Fight New nutrition and fitness guidelines for those living after a cancer diagnosis say appropriate exercise can help even the weakest eat better, feel less fatigue and recover faster. Fitness and Your 6- to 12-year-old Children who enjoy sports and exercise tend to stay active throughout their lives. And staying fit can help improve your child's self-esteem and decrease the risk of serious illnesses (such as heart disease and stroke) later in life. Parents Key to Reducing Childhood Obesity Parents are the best weapons to tackle Britain's growing problem of childhood obesity, the government's Health Development Agency (HDA) said. About one in 10 six-years olds are obese and the numbers are rising but a report by the HDA, a national authority that aims to improve health, found that obesity can be prevented and treated with an integrated approach involving parents and schools. Exercise May Lower Breast Cancer Risk Participating in regular physical "recreational" activity, even for just a few hours a week, may significantly lower a woman's risk of developing early, localized breast cancer, what doctors call breast carcinoma in situ (BCIS). You're Never Too Old To Exercise Abe Cohen works out every day, and the workouts include at least a couple hundred crunches. Cohen is 92. His wife, Esther, who works out with him, is 86. Her daily ab exercise total is 400. Experts think the Cohens show what older people are capable of. Kids' Diets May Promote Weight Gain Children who diet may actually gain weight in the long run, perhaps because of metabolic changes but more likely because they resort to binge eating, doctors report. Obesity Doubles in Canada Since 1985 The fat isn't just creeping up on Canadians, it's galloping. The prevalence of obesity among Canadian women has doubled over the last 15 years, new data show. For men it has more than doubled. "It's astounding," Heather Maclean, of the Centre for Research and Women's Health at the Sunnybrook and Women's Hospital in Toronto, said. The Obesity Fight Has Several Obstacles Obesity is a bigger culprit than smoking in chronic illness and health-care costs. Yet Kelly D. Brownell, director of the Yale Center for Eating and Weight Disorders, has hope and offers a solution in a new book targeting the food industry and obesity crisis. Exercise Testing Predicts Heart Risk Exercise testing not only helps predict a person's risk of death, but it can also help rule out those who don't require aggressive treatment for cardiovascular disease, a study says. Why Should You Exercise? An Overview of the Benefits There are so many reasons to exercise, so many benefits of exercising, that entire books could be written on the topic. Everyone exercises for different reasons. The one factor that is of great importantance is that you are exercising or beginning to exercise. Whatever motivates you to exercise is a good reason. If you can find even one benefit on this list, you have enough reason to begin an exercise program and begin taking steps to take care of your health. Exercise Before Surgery Aids Recovery, Study Finds Exercising before surgery can get the body into shape and help recovery after an operation, U.S. researchers announced. They said tests on rats had confirmed what many health experts had suspected -- that being in shape helps the body bounce back after a prolonged recovery. Soda and TV Pack Pounds on Teens Too much television and too many soft drinks may be contributing to the epidemic of obese adolescents. That claim comes courtesy of a study in the September issue of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. Keep Kids Fit...Not Fat The Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health found that school-based programs are successful in increasing physical activity levels and emphasizing the substantial benefits of regular moderate exercise. Yet, by the time children reach high school, only 19 percent of them are considered physically active. Many adults feel miserable about their weight. In most cases their struggles with food began in childhood. In the past 20 years, obesity among 6 to 11 year-old children has increased 54%! Diet Sodas Can Cause Weight Gain! The author's observation has been that diet sodas (artificially sweetened soft drinks), even though containing no appreciable number of calories, are possibly the cause of more weight gain in people who drink them to control their weight. There are countless examples of persons who drink diet sodas and, instead of losing weight, they begin to gain it. Maybe you are one of them. The following is the result of his research. Team Sports Reduces Risky Behavior in Teens Physical activity and team sports offer teenagers more than just the obvious exercise-related health benefits. High school students who take part in team sports and are also physically active outside school may be at reduced risk for engaging in risky sexual behavior and for using drugs or cigarettes, says a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study. The Earlier You Light Up, the Harder to Quit If you started smoking as a teenager, you may be particularly vulnerable to long-term nicotine addiction. An animal study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found the age at which rats begin using nicotine can have a major physiological impact to encourage later use of nicotine. Helping Seniors Stay Fit Older adults at risk for heart disease can improve their exercise habits when they receive behavioral counseling combined with exercise therapy, says a Wake Forest University study. The study found older adults who received that combination increased their amount of weekly exercise by as much as 45 minutes a week compared to older adults who only exercise. Study Links Obesity to Cervical Cancer A study by researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) suggests being overweight could double a woman's risk of developing one type of cervical cancer, known as cervical adenocarcinoma. Although infection with certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary risk factor for cervical cancer, the latest research could help shed light on why some women with HPV develop cervical cancer while others don't. Obesity in Children Linked with Asthma Risk The results of a study published in a past issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology suggest there is an association between being overweight and an increased risk of developing asthma in school-age children. Strength Training for Children and Adolescents Muscle strength development in children has been a topic of debate in the past few decades. However, scientific evidence to separate fact from fiction has been lacking. Many parents and young athletes are bombarded with confusing and, very often, conflicting information regarding the safety and efficacy of youth strength training. Here's an overview. Tai Chi May Help Prevent Shingles Tai chi exercises may help prevent shingles, U.S. researchers reported. Tests on 36 older men and women showed the combination of relaxation and movement used in tai chi boosted immunity to the virus that causes the painful outbreaks. Women Who Exercise With Mirrors Feel Worse Mirrors are as common as paint on the walls of health clubs, but what is so inspiring about watching yourself gasping and drenched in sweat? For exercise novices, not much, according to one study, which found that women who exercised in front of a mirror felt worse than women who exercised without them. Stress Test Can Gauge Women's Heart Risk Doctors hesitate to give women stress tests to diagnose heart disease because the results can be misleading, but a study said that a woman's stamina on the treadmill exam can help gauge her risk. Pedometers Tested As Step to More Exercise Can an inexpensive device that clips onto your belt and tracks your steps really turn a nation of exercise slouches into healthier, more active adults? Exercise Benefits Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers Regular, intensive exercise for patients with rheumatoid arthritis builds muscle strength and aerobic capacity, improves the ability to do daily tasks and fosters a sense of emotional well-being. Why Overweight Women Face Breast-feeding Problems There's no question that breast-feeding has important health benefits for both women and their babies. Now a new study offers important hope for at least one group of women who traditionally have met with lactation failure. Study Shows Exercise on Par with Viagra for Some A two-year research program at the Cologne University Medical Center in Germany suggests that specially designed physical exercises can be as effective as Viagra (sildenafil) in dealing with some causes of erectile dysfunction. Active Diabetic Men Live Longer Brisk walking may be a key to longevity for men with type 2 diabetes, new research suggests. Looking at data on thousands of men with type 2 diabetes, Dr. Mihaela Tanasescu, of Touro University International in Cypress, California, and colleagues found that men who walked regularly were less likely to die than those who were more sedentary. Obesity Before Pregnancy Ups Risk of Birth Defects Women who are obese when they become pregnant appear to be more likely to give birth to babies with various birth defects than women of healthy weight, new research suggests. Even Short Walk Reduces Deadly Clot Risk in Obese Obese people who are relatively inactive may have trouble dissolving potentially deadly blood clots, but moderate exercise a few times per week appears to help restore that ability, according to new research. People Don't Get the Picture on Heart Risk Simply telling someone that he or she is at high risk of heart attack or stroke is not enough to change behavior, even if that information comes in the vivid form of a picture of blood vessels on their way to serious trouble, a study finds. Exercise Linked to Lowered Risk of Gallstones A daily run or swim could put real distance between you and painful, debilitating gallstones, according to a study. "We think that a very active lifestyle -- doing more than an hour of physical activity a day, with an active job -- can reduce your risk of gallstones by about 60 percent," concluded Dr. Andrew R. Hart of the University of Bristol in the UK. Weight Training Benefits Prostate Cancer Patients Exercise has been shown to help people with several types of cancer cope with the fatigue and functional decline that often result from the treatment for the disease. Now a new study shows for the first time that men with advanced prostate cancer can also reap some of these benefits. Activity Boosts Fitness In Elderly Patients Primary care physicians have an important role to play in encouraging older adults to get fit, according to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (Vol. 24, No. 4: 316-322). Exercising for Fun Better for the Heart Engaging in exercise in your leisure hours can decrease your risk of a heart attack by as much as 60 percent, a German study has found. If your exercise comes in the form of physical strain at work, however, the opposite is true -- your risk of heart disease goes up. Obesity Epidemic Set to Get Worse Obesity has spiraled into a worldwide epidemic affecting 250 million adults but a leading nutritional expert believes the worst is still to come. Overweight adolescents are on course to fuel an even bigger global health problem as they mature into obese adults, he says. Laziness Makes for Dangerous Fat Everyone knows that lazing around can lead to a growing potbelly, but U.S. researchers say that couch potatoes build up dangerous pockets of fat more quickly than anyone thought. But the good news -- or perhaps the bad news -- is that vigorous exercise can take it off pretty quickly, the team at Duke University in North Carolina reported. Exercise May Lower Protein Tied to Heart Disease Regular exercise may help cut blood levels of a protein linked to inflammation and increased heart disease risk, researchers reported at a meeting of the American College of Cardiology. Want to Live to Age 90? Watch Your Weight at 21 Maintaining a healthy weight during the young adult years and staying physically active later in life may be the secret to longer life, a team of California researchers reported. They found that elderly people who reported weighing the least at age 21 and those who regularly participated in physical exercise were more likely than their peers to live to see their ninetieth birthday. Childhood Obesity Linked to Depression Children who are chronically obese may carry the weight of the world on their shoulders -- or at least feel as if they do. A study shows that kids who are substantially overweight throughout much of their childhood and adolescence have a higher incidence of depression than those who aren't. Healthy Lifestyle Can Halt Prostate Cancer Frequent exercise, maintaining a normal body mass index and having routine prostate screenings seem to be significant factors in keeping prostate cancer from progressing. That's the conclusion of a large study of prostate cancer patients by researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Obese Kids Have Quality of Life on Par with Cancer Some obese children and teenagers have a health-related quality of life as low as that reported by young cancer patients, researchers report. The findings suggest that "severely obese children really are suffering in a way that is perhaps greater than people recognize," study author Dr. Jeffrey B. Schwimmer stated. Yoga, Exercise Beats Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis Despite anecdotal evidence that people with multiple sclerosis should avoid exerting themselves, new research suggests that some exercise, including yoga, may combat their fatigue. More Children Getting Adult Diabetes Once a true medical oddity, children with adult diabetes are becoming commonplace. Doctors blame the twin evils of too much food and too little exercise and fear a tragic upswing in disastrous diabetic complications as this overweight generation reaches adulthood. Calcium Helps Girls Keep the Weight Off Whether calcium comes from dairy products or supplements, girls who consume the highest levels weigh less than girls who consume lower levels, a study says. Run, Don't Walk to Stave Off Heart Death A brisk half-hour walk five days a week might make you healthier, but may not be enough to avoid a premature death from heart disease, British researchers report. Caffeine and Ephedra Before Workout Tax Heart People who consume ephedra and caffeine before they exercise alter their cardiovascular system, placing greater demands on their heart, says a South Dakota State University study. Working Out to Stop Heart Failure A $37 million study to determine if a tailored exercise program can help heart failure patients live longer is being led by Duke University Medical Center cardiologists. It's the first large-scale prospective trial meant to find out whether exercise can stave off death for people with heart failure and other diseases. Being Overweight Isn't Just in Our Genes In Boston, members of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance once held a demonstration they called the Every Body Good Body Festival. They called it that proudly because, they said, there's nothing wrong with being fat, and there's not much they can do about it. Simple Exercise Can Bring Seniors Back in Balance A simple, inexpensive exercise program can help seniors achieve significant strength and balance improvements in just a few weeks and help protect them from falls. These results come from a University of Arkansas-sponsored pilot outreach project. Obesity Behind 90,000 Cancer Deaths Each Year in the U.S. A significant proportion of deaths from cancer may be due to excess body weight and obesity, according to an American Cancer Society report. Based on a study involving almost one million adults, the researchers conclude that 14 percent of deaths from cancer in men and 20 percent of cancer deaths in women may be due to being overweight and obese. Exercising During Pregnancy Although you may not feel like running a marathon - especially in the first 3 months of pregnancy - most women benefit greatly from exercising throughout their pregnancy. But during that time you'll need to make a few adjustments to your normal exercise routine. Flexibility Lowers Arthritis Risk in Older Women Older women who are "double-jointed" -- or those who have super-flexible joints -- are less likely to have arthritic knees than their peers, according to a study of British women. Losing Weight-Or Even Just Trying-Boosts Survival Overweight and obese people who try to lose weight may live longer than people who do not try to shed excess pounds, according to a new study, which also found that people who tried but failed to trim down were less likely to die than those who made no attempt. For a Body Fat Tip Off, Look to Your BMI A measure called body mass index may be a better gauge of health than absolute body weight. But it may take more than a mirror or an arbitrary "goal weight" to get on the road to reducing health risk. A body of research has found that body mass index, or BMI may be a better indicator of health risk than absolute body weight. Exercise Helps Heart Failure Patients For many people with heart failure, gone are the days when doctors advised them to rest and avoid physical activity. Some people with heart failure, including those with unusual heart rhythms, may need to be monitored during exercise, according to the report. Others may be able to exercise safely at home after they have undergone a supervised training program. Unfit Teens Headed Toward Insulin Resistance If your child is unfit and overweight, she may be in danger of developing insulin resistance, an early sign of diabetes. The Medical College of Georgia finding was presented at the American Heart Association's annual conference on cardiovascular disease epidemiology and prevention. Help Your Children Avoid Weight Problems In the past 20 years, obesity among 6- to 11-year-old children has risen 54 percent, according to John Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. Fat kids often suffer socially and have a greater risk of developing conditions like heart disease and diabetes. You can help your children avoid weight problems by following these guidelines. WHO Releases Independent Expert Report on Diet and Chronic Disease A diet low in energy-dense foods that are high in saturated fats and sugars, and abundant in fruit and vegetables, together with an active lifestyle are among the key measures to combat chronic disease recommended in an independent Expert Report prepared for two UN agencies. Exercise Alone May Thwart Pre-Diabetic Syndromey A small study suggests that sedentary adults who get a few hours of exercise each week and don't lose weight may still cut their risk of developing a pre-diabetic condition called insulin resistance syndrome. Workplace Weight-Loss Program Helps Diet Novices Weight-loss programs that operate from workplaces can be a particularly good way to help people who might otherwise not seek advice on shedding excess pounds, Scottish researchers said. Obesity Increases Damaging 'Free Radical' Particles People who are obese seem to have higher-than-normal levels of oxidative stress, an accumulation of the cell-damaging substances called "free radicals," according to a new study. This may be one reason why those who are overweight are at greater risk for developing heart disease. Breast Cancer Patients Not Heeding Exercise Advice Breast cancer patients are not sticking to prescribed diet and exercise routines, even though working out and controlling weight gain might help them avoid future bouts with the disease. That's the observation of a new study by researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, along with colleagues at the National Cancer Institute, the University of New Mexico and the University of Southern California. Stay Warm During Winter Workouts Exercising in the cold can be a brisk, invigorating experience. However, it also demands special attention to preserving your body heat so you can make it through the workout. Your body's ability to retain enough heat depends partly on the insulation you have -- that means your body fat plus your clothing. Environmental factors such as temperature also play a role in whether you'll retain enough heat to stay comfortable. Moderate Exercise OK for Breast-Feeding Moms New moms can stop worrying: Thirty minutes on a treadmill won't deprive your baby of essential ingredients in your breast milk. A study published in a past issue of Pediatrics concludes that moderate exercise doesn't affect levels of three key immunity-building components in breast milk. Couch Potatoes Can Start Young Some children as young as 3 display a sedentary lifestyle that increases their risk of obesity later in life, says a study in the Jan. 17 issue of The Lancet. More Steps, Less Bites Stop Weight Gain Our current environment makes it easy to overeat and forgo exercise, but a few small changes in diet and lifestyle could go a long way, experts said. These simple changes consist of walking a few extra minutes throughout the day and putting down your fork after fewer bites than usual at each meal, they suggest. Many Have Subconscious Bias Against Obese New study findings show that even when people don't believe they are biased against the overweight, those biases often exist at subconscious levels, and may creep out in subtle ways. Location of Body Fat Key in Elderly's Diabetes Risk Although obesity is closely tied to type 2 diabetes, normal-weight older adults may face an increased risk when they have excess fat in all the wrong places, new research shows. The study found that greater fat in the gut or within the muscle tissue of the thighs was related to diabetes risk among normal-weight men and women in their 70s. Finding a Senior-Friendly Fitness Club Many older adults have chronic health issues, including physical limitations. Before you make a decision about joining a health club, the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) suggests you go over a checklist that can help you determine whether the fitness club is age-friendly. Physically Active Lifestyle May Prevent Cancer Deaths Among Men Staying fit and trim may do more than keep your heart healthy, researchers report. It could also reduce your risk of dying from cancer. In a 25-year study, men who were most fit at the start of the study were less likely to die from cancer. And women who were overweight when the study began were at higher risk of dying from cancer. A Little Exercise Can Go a Long Way A little bit of pain may be all you need to feel when it comes to exercising your heart. The intensity of the physical exercise you need to do to reduce your risk of heart disease depends on your individual fitness level, says a study in a past issue of Circulation. Researcher Links Food, Car Ads to Obesity Epidemic Food and automobile companies are spending billions of dollars in advertising to promote conveniences that, over time, may be key factors in rising rates of obesity, according to one Massachusetts researcher. European Diet Industry, Dieters Grow Fat Europe's $100 billion market for slimming products just keeps on swelling--and it's not just the food manufacturers who are getting fatter. Research from analysts Datamonitor showed Wednesday that fewer than one dieter in 50 achieves permanent weight loss, even though each year dieters in the European Union spend the equivalent of the economic output of Morocco in the effort. All the Elderly at Risk for Diabetes Large amounts of muscle fat or visceral abdominal fat may put elderly men and women with normal body weight at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Even though they're not overweight, they may still be at risk for developing diabetes, says a University of Pittsburgh study in a past issue of Diabetes Care. People with Arthritis Can Exercise More While people with arthritis may know that joint-friendly activities such as walking and gardening can help reduce their pain and disability, study findings show that many of them still remain completely inactive. Canadians Living Longer, Getting Fatter Canadian life expectancy is rising in line with that in other countries, but kids are getting fatter and nurses fall sick too much, according to an annual survey of the largely state-funded healthcare system. Limiting TV Could Help Cut Child Obesity-Experts Restricting the amount of television children are allowed to watch each day could help reduce obesity among youngsters, health experts said. Television influences not only what children eat but how much and where they eat. It is also associated with a decrease in physical activity, an underlying cause of the worldwide obesity epidemic. Inactivity Blamed for Teens' Weight Gains Over two decades, teenagers have been getting fatter because they have been exercising less, not because they have been eating more, a study says. Starting Exercise May Help Older Women Live Longer Embracing physical activity beyond age 65 may help women live longer lives, recent study findings released suggest. People who exercise have consistently been shown to lower their risks of heart disease, diabetes, physical disability and some forms of cancer -- but whether older adults can extend their lives by taking up exercise has been unclear, according to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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