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Health Clubs (health + club)
Selected AbstractsDNA damage in peripheral blood leukocytes of physically active individuals as measured by the alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis assayENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS, Issue 4 2009Gursatej Gandhi Abstract DNA damage induced by physical activity and/or exercise has been reported under different conditions but not for individuals maintaining physical fitness by regular strenuous exercise. Therefore, we compared levels of DNA damage in blood leukocytes of 40 healthy individuals (35 males, 5 females) who regularly exercised in gymnasiums/health clubs and 15 healthy sedentary controls who had never exercised. The former group was selected (after informed consent) on the basis of how long they had been exercising on a regular basis as well as their exercise schedule and regimen. The length of time since starting a regular exercise regimen ranged from 2 months to 9 years, whereas the daily exercise duration ranged from 40 min to 3 hrs and warm-up sessions ranged from none to 90 min. The length of DNA migration (44.66 ± 2.68 ,m in males, 29.62 ± 1.69 ,m in females) and the percentage of cells with tails (79.86 ±1.27% in males, 67.20 ± 0.96% in females) in peripheral blood leukocytes of physically active individuals were increased significantly (P < 0.001) with respect to corresponding values in control males and females (18.85 ± 1.79 ,m, 23.37 ± 3.94 ,m; 24.50 ± 1.98%, 33.00 ± 4.44%, respectively). Highly significant differences for DNA damage were also observed between physically active males and females. These observations, in the absence of any other exposures, indicate a correlation between strenuous exercise to keep fit and increased levels of DNA damage. This finding may have relevance in terms of the ageing process, with diseases associated with aging, and with carcinogenesis. Environ. Mal. Mutagen. 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Exercise Preference Patterns, Resources, and Environment Among Rural Breast Cancer SurvivorsTHE JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 4 2009Laura Q. Rogers MD ABSTRACT:,Context:Rural breast cancer survivors may be at increased risk for inadequate exercise participation. Purpose: To determine for rural breast cancer survivors: (1) exercise preference "patterns," (2) exercise resources and associated factors, and (3) exercise environment. Methods: A mail survey was sent to rural breast cancer survivors identified through a state cancer registry, and 483 (30%) responded. Findings: The majority (96%) were white, with mean education of 13 (±2.5) years and mean 39.0 (±21.5) months since diagnosis. Most participants (67%) preferred face-to-face counseling from an exercise specialist (27%) or other individual (40%). A third (31%) preferred home-based exercise with non face-to-face counseling from someone other than an exercise specialist. Participants preferring face-to-face counseling were more apt to prefer supervised exercise (38% vs 9%, P < 0.001) at a health club (32% vs 8%, P < 0.001). Home exercise equipment was reported by 63%, with 97% reporting home telephone and 67% reporting Internet access. Age, education, self-efficacy, treatment status, and exercise behavior were associated with exercise resources. The physical environment was often not conducive to exercise but a low crime rate and high trust in neighbors was reported. Conclusions: Rural health education programs encouraging exercise should offer multiple programming options while considering the physical environment and capitalizing on available resources and beneficial social environmental characteristics. [source] Original Article: Activity, inactivity and quality of life among Lebanese adolescentsPEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2010Abdallah Fazah Abstract Background:, The aim of the present study was to investigate recent overweight and obesity prevalence rates for Lebanese adolescents, and to examine differences in physical activity, screen time (sum of time spent in front of TV, computer, and videogames), and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for the first time among normal, overweight, and obese adolescents. Methods:, One thousand Lebanese adolescents (14,18 years old) from nine schools participated in the study. Height, weight, physical activity, screen time, and HRQOL variables were assessed using validated self-report questionnaires. Results:, A total of 7.8% of boys and 1.75% of girls were obese, and 22.5% of boys and 12.47% of girls were overweight. Normal-weight boys reported higher physical activity scores at health clubs than obese boys. Normal-weight girls reported higher leisure time and total physical activity scores than obese girls. In the normal-weight group, boys reported higher total screen time than girls. Normal-weight boys reported higher physical functioning scores than their obese peers. Normal-weight girls reported higher physical functioning and average HRQOL scores than obese girls. Normal-weight and overweight boys reported higher average HRQOL scores than girls. Conclusion:, The present study is the first to provide data on physical activity, screen time, and HRQOL among Lebanese adolescents. Despite the need for further research, all those concerned with the pediatric population are urged to develop and implement effective strategies to increase physical activity and improve HRQOL among adolescents based on the present findings. [source] The Effectiveness and Cost Effectiveness of Public-Access DefibrillationCLINICAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 7 2010Roger A. Winkle MD Many sudden cardiac deaths are due to ventricular fibrillation (VF). The use of defibrillators in hospitals or by outpatient emergency medical services (EMS) personnel can save many cardiac-arrest victims. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) permit defibrillation by trained first responders and laypersons. AEDs are available at most public venues, and vast sums of money are spent installing and maintaining these devices. AEDs have been evaluated in a variety of public and private settings. AEDs accurately identify malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias and frequently result in successful defibrillation. Prompt application of an AED shows a greater number of patients in VF compared with initial rhythms documented by later-arriving EMS personnel. Survival is greatest when the AED is placed within 3 to 5 minutes of a witnessed collapse. Community-based studies show increased cardiac-arrest survival when first responders are equipped with AEDs rather than waiting for paramedics to defibrillate. Wide dissemination of AEDs throughout a community increases survival from cardiac arrest when the AED is used; however, the AEDs are utilized in a very small percentage of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. AEDs save very few lives in residential units such as private homes or apartment complexes. AEDs are cost effective at sites where there is a high density of both potential victims and resuscitators. Placement at golf courses, health clubs, and similar venues is not cost effective; however, the visible devices are good for public awareness of the problem of sudden cardiac death and provide reassurance to patrons. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] | ||||||||||