Calling the Sugar Plum Fairy Fat and Other Ways To End Up on the Naughty List!

Back in the mid 1990's I first began getting interested in public health. One of my first areas of interest was around eating disorders, especially among female athletes. Many of you may remember the book that sparked my interest, "Little Girls in Pretty Boxes".

This book focused on body weight/image pressures among female athletes in elite gymnastics and figure skating. The book is heartbreaking, following several athletes along paths of injury and disordered eating...many of which lead to permanent injury or death. Even though the book is almost 15 years old, I sometimes wonder if we've even learned anything from those stories.

On NBC's Today Show this morning, Jenifer Ringer was a guest. She is a New York City Ballet principal dancer, currently playing the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker. Her name has been all over the blogosphere in the past week after a critic for The New York Times Dance Section wrote that "she looked as if she'd eaten one sugar plum too many".

In response to the outrage over his comments, the critic (Alastair Macaulay) published a second editorial five days later called "Judging the Bodies in Ballet". His primary argument- judging the body is fair game in ballet. "If you want to make your body irrelevant to criticism, do not choose ballet as a career". And I would assume that he would argue that the same goes for gymnastics or figure skating, where the body is actually part of the art form. But if that is true, how does the cycle of pressure and expectation ever get broken? Are you asking for criticism if you choose to participate in one of these sports?

In public health, we often make much more headway by changing laws/policies versus changing any one individual's opinion. In that spirit, there have been some systemic changes that have made these types of sports safer for young female athletes. For example, a minimum age limit for Olympic competition was enforced (even though some countries have cheated), hoping that it will help with wear and tear on young bodies that can not yet handle the intense training. Changes have been made to make the equipment safer. For example, after many serious injuries occurred on the women's vault in gymnastics, their pommel horse was replaced with a "vaulting table" that was more appropriately sized and padded.

So minimum ages and safer equipment are wonderful, but what will help with the unrealistic body image problem? In her Today Show interview, Jenifer shared that the New York City Ballet has all types of bodies on the roster, including hers that is more "womanly". I guess that's a good start. If ballet companies can model variety and acceptance and strength for their audiences (including aspiring ballerinas), that can begin to change perceptions of what is "normal". And the outrage shown by readers of the critic's comments. I guess that's a good start too.

Shame on you Mr. Macaulay for picking on the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Should Public Health Professionals "Give A Shit" About MTV's New Campaign?

Has anyone else seen #giveashit on Twitter in the past few days? MTV has launched the "Give a Shit" campaign to increase civic engagement and encourage people to voice their concerns for any issue about which they are passionate. Many are voicing concerns about important public health issues like access to clean water. Great way to engage young people, right? Using a play on words. Using foul language. But the question remains- what are the goals of the campaign? Will the campaign actually improve public health?



The primary strategy for messaging about the campaign is a YouTube video featuring Nikki Reed (of Twilight fame). The tone of the two-minute video is hard to classify. In some ways it appears to be a parody of a real PSA (e.g., it simulates Nikki on the toilet so she can use that time to "give a shit"). But then it seems to have genuine moments when it motivates people to join a movement- any movement. Nikki tells viewers that all they have to do is "give a shit". It doesn't matter if they don't actually DO anything...if they CARE, then the world's problems will cease to exist.



As you can imagine, I take issue with this premise. So much of what we know in public health is based on evaluation data that has shown us that "knowledge" does not equal behavior change. "Increasing awareness" about pregnancy does not eliminate unprotected sex. Having the "intention" to stop smoking does not help when someone is addicted to nicotine. Therefore, it is unclear to me how just caring about an issue like access to clean water will result in positive change.



Next, the video goes on to say that once you care about the issue, you should alert your social networks. It shows images of posts to Twitter like, "I just gave a shit about global warming". So I went into Twitter to see if it is actually happening, and it is. The #giveashit hash tag is alive and well and users are reporting that they care about children with special needs, animal cruelty, etc. But again, I'm still at a loss as to how this "caring" and "twitter posting" actually leads to an increase in positive civic engagement. I tried to look for additional information on their website: www.give-a-shit.org but the site is not currently functioning. That is a problem as well. If the goals of the campaign are already unclear, it does not help that users cannot access information beyond the YouTube video. Several advocacy websites offer a brief overview of the campaign that may be helpful in the absence of a functioning website.



So while the play on words is "cute" and I appreciate a campaign that aims to combat the apathy that can be rampant regarding serious public health issues...I don't understand how this campaign will actually change behavior. And no- I don't agree that just caring about an issue will make all problems go away. If it did, we in public health would be out of a job.

4 steps to reduce air pollution at home

Protecting our environment starts at home. The following recommendations are designed to reduce air pollution through simple steps you can implement in your home.


Change the lights

Replace the five most frequently used lights in your house with light bulbs with energy star seal thus use less energy and do your part to reduce pollution from power plants. There are over 40 products with the label, including lights, electronics, air conditioning and heating appliances.

Cool your home intelligently

Improving the performance of your air conditioning system. Contact a licensed contractor for annual maintenance and remember to clean or replace air filters regularly. Use a programmable thermostat Energy Star certified

Seal your home

The windows and doors with slots, cold walls or ceilings and high energy bills are symptoms of air leaks (usually in the attic and basement) and poor thermal insulation. Seal air leaks, add insulation and choose ENERGY STAR qualified windows when replacing old windows. Thereby improve the comfort and durability of your home, save energy and help protect our environment.

Spread the word

Talk to your friends or relatives, colleagues or members of the association of parents of school. Discuss how energy efficiency is good for their homes and good for our environment. Let them know five people and together we will help our homes help us all.

Exercise your body in the style of Gwen Stefani

On Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, reheating the next day, New Years Eve, the first day of the year, the thread of kings ... and then follow. When you put such festivities the result, inevitably for most, is an explosion of fun accompanied by lots of calories.
But do not worry we have a solution for you exercise in the style of Gwen Stefani and regain your normal weight, plus you can look shapely and firm figure. The singer regained her figure after her second child with the help of coach Katie Barnes who shares with us some of the exercises he used the famous.
"Gwen is very disciplined, even when tired she forced herself to train because he knows the benefits that this brings you physically and mentally. Gwen focuses on these results, not tired, why not help being distracted by thoughts we all have as best I do it another day, now I can not because I'm busy, children, work, etc. Karti ...", says Barnes.
"It's easy to convince ourselves and find a thousand reasons why not to exercise, so you have to focus the mind on the reasons why we do need to exercise them. Even a few minutes a day is better than nothing," adds other famous coach who teaches Pilates in Meridian's Bodies in Motion in LA Lifelong Pilates and Santa Monica, in addition to private sessions.
Follow the routine below>>>
Squat with arm band for biceps:
* With a band under feet and right stop, stretch the band at the waist.
* Low in a squat as you bend your arms to your chest.
* Keep the tension on the belt, keeping your elbows at your side.
* Bend your knees keeping heels down and your weight behind them.
* Low squat while keeping your hips to knee level.
* Return to starting position keeping your abs in and back straight throughout the exercise.

In form, 'sexy' and sensual

WeFitFor2 is a new exercise program that aims not only to get fit, but closer to your partner. The routines of physical strength and cardiovascular consist of making your partner a part of your "team" exercises and forget the weights and machines. The concept of "society" or partnering, as they call it, is to use your weight against the weight of your partner and get results, while establishing intimacy with your loved one.

This new technique was developed by Dean Graham and the DVD shows more than 30 years of physical strength and cardiovascular diseases that can be adjusted to each pair, plus 12 mini circuits for training from head to toe without the need of equipment. The routines are designed to burn calories and fat and increase endurance. It's a great satisfaction to see how both improve their physical condition, while sharing time together.

A potential challenge presented is that both people WeFitFor2 must be committed to it seriously, opportunities to burst into laughter as too many movements are learned. But other benefits are improved communication and the development of trust, sensitivity and patience.

Fitness Trends for 2012

 So you do not miss anything ...
There is no doubt that to achieve the desired weight and a toned body, the change must be part of your training program. Whether modifying the duration of the activity, intensity, type of device you use, the class you attend, the number of repetitions and / or time off. Every four weeks at most, you must change something in your routine.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, the ten most popular trends or objectives for 2011 in terms of fitness are:

1) Professionals Search more educated and experienced in the field of physical training. That is why before hiring your next personal trainer, notice that it has a degree in exercise physiology, kinesiology, physical education and / or any similar study, further certifications are best known organizations such as ACSM, NSCA and ACE between others, which require the highest standards of education in the industry. The experience and chemistry to do with this person are also essential. Also, make sure that these certifications are current, as it must be renewed periodically.
2) Physical training for seniors. And every time there are more studies that prove that the true fountain of youth is exercise regardless of age and / or physical condition prior. If you want to fend for yourself, feel full of energy and prevent a number of diseases, so be sure to exercising daily.

5Share3) Lift weights. This is definitely my favorite. If you want to actually change your body, regardless of whether the goal is to tone up, lose weight or increase muscle mass and strength, you do weights two to three times a week. And sure, that cost you the last repetition. Do not fear the weight! There is nothing wrong to believe that you're going to put "muscular" lifting weights and therefore you should always do 20 repetitions with weights three pounds. Sometimes you need to do 8 to 10 reps with 15 lbs. You can!
4) Programs to combat obesity in children. This percentage continues to rise and that even if your child is not obese but physically active is at risk of developing health problems later without loss of psychological benefits that exercise brings. Is an example and a daily activity plan with your children that involves exercise. This need not be a structured program, just help with the housework is a way to keep more active than being in front of a computer.
5) Personal Training. If there is a "luxury" that should be on your list of New Year is the power for a few months to hire a good personal trainer. Once you create the habit and learn the basics, you get the most out of your particular training and you could check your program every two or three months if you can not keep a regular personal trainer. Just remember: read, option 1 before hire.
6) Core training. Abdominal training and core stability all the body is important not only to achieve that slender waist, also to prevent injuries and to get the most out of any other activity you do. Yoga and pilates are excellent training methods to develop a strong body center while working flexibility. However, there are exercises such as squats, lunges of the dead weight to the push-ups that work the abdominal area perfectly.
7) Exercise and weight loss. This will remain the goal of many, but if you focus on some of the objectives mentioned above (lifting weights, for example) you will achieve your goal naturally.
8) Boot Camp. This style of workout is excellent combination of power, strength and endurance it imposes. Furthermore, studies prove that the group exercise where somehow competes with others, the greater the likelihood of adherence to the training program. However, make sure that the boot camp has a clear objective and that the instructors are certified. Additionally, it is important to check the physical level they require. In general, I recommend you do weights and cardio activity for one to two months on a regular basis before starting a boot camp. In this way, diminish the risk of injury and you'll actually most of your class.
9) Functional Training. The idea that the muscles work together and not the individual is the basic principle of this type of training programs. There is no doubt that we stand a few times doing a bicep curl static, most likely, is that we win a bag while we walk, so then a lunge with a bicep curl simultaneously would be much better. This will not only help us to perform our daily activities with less effort, will also increase the caloric burn and allow you to move much faster metabolism, more effort because a muscle in just one year.
10) More doctors prescribe exercise. This is just wonderful. A recent study found that people would exercise more if you hear from your doctor what to do Fortunately, more and more doctors are talking about weight training, pilates and even cross fit and not just the traditional 20-minute walk years ago used to prescribe .

Three workout mistakes that slow down your metabolism

Exercise is the most effective way to burn calories. Make sure that these errors did not detract from your workout.
Error # 1: You're in a rutWhen you do the same activity day after day, week after week, your mind is not the only one who gets bored, your muscles as well. Whether you take the same route on your walk or do the same reps with the weights, after a while your body ceases to be challenged and you stuck in your progress.
Improved Go and weekend excursions, look for another series of moves to train with weights, try a new activity with the help of a DVD or online program. The changes do not have to be drastic, alternate adding new moves or disciplines. Keep your routine interesting for both you and your body will benefit.
Mistake # 2: You're slave to cardioWhile aerobic exercise is good for body and spirit, if not strengthening exercises are ignoring a very important component. Resistance training with weight lifting, are the best way to build muscle and lose those love handles. This is especially important as the years add up.
When you reach 30, women lose 1 / 2 pound of muscle per year, men are usually fare better, but muscle loss dramatically accelerates them at 60. Since muscles burn calories even at rest, the muscles will not develop your metabolism slower.
A Skidmore College study found that people with a combined cardio strengthening routine lost more than half of their body fat in 12 weeks, compared with those who only followed a regimen of cardio.
Improvement: Replace a few sessions of cardio endurance and strength exercises. Lift weights at least twice a week, try to exercise all major muscle groups of your body.
Mistake # 3: In the gym the treadmills, ellipticals and stair climbing have the option to 'burn fat' or 'fat burning zone'. The idea is that the body uses less intensity a greater percentage of stored fat for strength. The idea sounds great, do not work as hard to burn fat.
But it's not as easy as it looks. At a lower level of intensity, the body will burn a higher percentage of fat instead of carbohydrates, but fewer calories overall. For example, a 150 pound woman walking on the treadmill at 3 miles per hour (20 minute mile) burns 112 calories in 30 minutes. With this moderate, half of those calories are from fat, about 56. If you were to increase your pace to 4 miles per hour (15 minute mile), calories from fat would be 40%, but it'll burn about 170 calories total in the same half hour, which translates to about 68 calories from fat .
Improved: Burn more calories and uses those calories from fat to increase your overall effort. A good way to accomplish this is with intervals, periods of high intensity, followed by a slower pace of recovery.