Gain Without Pain?

For years, we've heard the phrase "No pain, no gain" with respect to exercise, but that might not be as accurate as once thought according to a recent study that indicates that your pain threshold during exercise may actually be a warning, rather than a gauge of progress.

A study that appeared in the February 2004 issue of Preventive Medicine compared two groups of 30 college students who were subjected to incremental treadmill exercise tests. Investigators measured the transition from aerobic (with oxygen) to anaerobic (without oxygen) activity. Researchers theorized that once a person completes the transition to the anaerobic state, exercise becomes uncomfortable - and even painful. It is this painful or uncomfortable stage of exercise that researchers say should be a hint to "ease up."

The researchers concluded that the perceived transition to anaerobic exercise is a good indicator of nonproductive exercise, and a good monitor for regulation. In other words, when you're exercising and you start to feel uncomfortable, it may be time to stop! Talk to your chiropractor about designing a moderate exercise program suitable to your needs.

For more information on exercise and fitness click here.

Reference:Ekkekakis P, Hall EE, Petruzzello SJ. Practical makers of the transition from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism during exercise: rationale and a case for affect-based exercise prescription. Preventive Medicine Feb. 2004;38(2), pp149-159.

Antidepressants for Children: A Real "Downer"

Recent studies and reports aren't exactly giving pharmaceutical companies a clean bill of health when it comes to medicines formulated to relieve depression in children. In fact, some of the potential dangers associated with these medications are actually prompting U.S. Senate, House and FDA investigations. It's something you should pay attention to!

Two medical journals recently published the results of trials of antidepressant drugs administered to children. The first study found that previous investigations have "exaggerated the benefits" of antidepressant use in children, and that antidepressant drugs "cannot confidently be recommended as a treatment option for childhood depression." Ironically, another study found that an increasing number of children are being prescribed antidepressant medication. Between 1998-2002, antidepressant use among boys increased by 34%, and 68% among girls. Even worse is the use of antidepressants by preschool children: Among preschool girls, use doubled, and in boys, use increased more than 64%.

As with any childhood health condition, make sure your doctor performs a comprehensive evaluation and discusses conservative management, rather than just "prescribing." For more on pediatric health and wellness click here.

References

Jureidini JN, et al. Efficacy and safety of antidepressants for children and adolescents. British Medical Journal, April 10, 2004;328.

Delate T, Gelenberg AJ, Simmons VA, et al. Trends in the use of antidepressants in a national sample of commercially insured pediatric patients, 1998 to 2002. Psychiatric Services April 2004;55(4):387-91.

Fibrous Foods Make for a Healthy Heart"

High fiber intake has been linked to a reduced risk of colon cancer, but recent evidence suggests it may do a world of good for an even more vital organ: the heart.

In a study published in the Feb. 23, 2004 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, data were compiled from 10 U.S. and European studies involving a total of 330,000 adults. Researchers evaluated data on the subjects' diets, paying particular attention to the average amount of fiber -- in the form of whole grains, fruits and vegetables -- consumed by each subject.

Analysis of all 10 studies made one thing perfectly clear: Consuming fiber derived from cereal and fruits reduces the risk of heart disease. More than 5,000 study participants were diagnosed with heart disease and 2,011 died from the condition. While the risk of developing heart disease was reduced by 14 percent for every 10 grams of fiber eaten per day, the risk of dying from the disease was reduced by 25 percent when the same amount of fiber was consumed.

Although a low-carb diet might help you shed pounds, it's important not to eliminate all whole grains, fruits and vegetables from your diet. You may drop the pounds faster on a low-carb plan, but in the long term, you'll put your heart at risk. For more on health and nutrition click here.