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Colorectal Cancer - Preventable, Curable And Beatable
(NC)-March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and to ensure Canadians have the necessary information to make informed decisions and choices about their colon health, frequently asked questions are answered below.
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Diabetes mellitus is a condition resulting from the pancreas’ inability to produce enough insulin, which is needed by the body to help create energy. A deficiency of or ineffectiveness of insulin leads to high glucose levels in the blood, thus,...
How to Lose Belly Fat: Latest Secrets from the Research Labs, Part 3
As many as 5 million Americans are now estimated to have undiagnosed diabetes. Researchers in Asia are now calling diabetes a “worldwide pandemic.”
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The Uninsured Are Sicker And Die Sooner part 2
If common childhood conditions such as asthma, anemia, and middle-ear infections are left untreated or improperly controlled — which can happen if a family lacks insurance — they can affect mental and language development, school performance, and...
Vitamin And Mineral Supplement Benefits
Extensive research studies show that taking vitamin and mineral supplements can potentially improve your health, protect against disease and provide you with the energy you need to live a healthy life. Although each contribute differently to your...
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Obesity, What's The 'Big' Deal Part 3
Obesity, What’s the “Big” Deal? Part III ---------------------------------------------------------- This article has been provided by Dr. M. Montgomery at www.healthyunderstanding.com Dr. Montgomery is a practicing Chiropractor in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Previously we have discussed the obesity epidemic, the Surgeon General’s warning, associated risks of this condition, the definition of obesity and overweight, as well as some of the excuses and lifestyle factors associated with obesity.
In this issue we will discuss some methods of fat calculation, and cut off levels associated with increased risk.
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Methods of Fat Calculation
There are numerous ways in which to calculate the approximate fat content of an individual’s body. Some of the more commonly known methods are: BMI (Body Mass Index), DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry), bioelectrical impedance analysis, skin caliper pinch tests, and underwater weighing. The most direct measures of body fat, such as underwater weighing or DEXA scanning, are impractical for use. Indirect estimates of body fat are more practical. (1)
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Body Mass Index
One of the most commonly used methods is BMI due its ease of use. The calculation for this is BMI = weight (in Kg)/height (m)². The values for different ages show relative health risks.
Although BMI has been used to evaluate overweight and obesity in adults for many years, it has recently been recommended for the screening of children and adolescents. With this change you can use it from the age of 2 years through to adulthood. However, BMI is used differently to define overweight in children and adolescents than it is in adults. (2)
Overweight in children and adolescents is defined as a BMI-for-age at or above the 95th percentile on the CDC growth charts. The risk of overweight for ages 2-20 years is defined as a BMI-for-age between the 85th and the 95th percentiles. (2)
a BMI of 27.3 or more for women and a BMI of 27.8 or more for men.
The World Health Organization assigns an increasing risk for developing other conditions including hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease for people with higher BMI’s as compared to persons of normal weight. Normal is defined as having a BMI between 18.5 and 25 for those of European descent and for those of Asian descent, a BMI of 18.5 to 23 is normal.(1)
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Fat Distribution
In addition to an increase in total body fat, a proportionally greater amount of fat in the abdomen or trunk, compared with fat in the lower extremities or hips, has been associated with increased risk for diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease for both men and women. For people of Asian descent, abdominal (central) obesity is recognized to be a better indicator of future difficulties than BMI. (1)
This abdominal obesity is commonly reported as a waist-to-hip ratio, but it is most easily quantified by a single measurement done at approximately the belly button. Men are considered to have an increased relative risk for coronary artery disease, diabetes, and hypertension if they have a waist circumference of 40 inches (102 cm) or more; whereas women are at increased risk if their
waist circumference is 35 inches (88 cm) or more. (1).
Waist:hip ratios are plotted on a graph according to age and sex. The relative risk associated with the ratio is calculated based on the values plotted. Thus, an overweight person with abnormal fat patterning may be at high risk for these diseases even if that person is not obese by BMI criteria. (1)
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Another thing to consider is that if an individual is heavily muscled, their BMI will not be an adequate predictor of health risk. This is why using a variety of measures will give you a better idea of whether or not you are at an increased risk.
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Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis
There are a number of bioelectrical impedance analysis meters on the market. They work on the principle that electrical currents will travel through different tissues at different rates. By sending a small electrical current through your body and measuring the return speed, an approximate measure of body fat is attained.
As electricity will follow the shortest route, if you use a scale bioelectrical impedance analysis instrument, you will have an idea of your lower body fat content. If you use a hand held device, it will give you an idea of upper body fat. Both of these tend to miss measuring core body fat. An instrument that passes current through the core will give you a better idea of core body fat.
Typical normal values are in the range of 10-20% body fat for men and 15-25% body fat for women. (3) ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- In the next issue, we will review some information about exercise and how much should be done, different types of exercises that you might want to try, and strategies to implement exercise into your life.
In future issues we will look at diet, caloric restriction, supplementation, and more.
Until next time…
Yours in Health,
Dr. M. Montgomery @ www.healthyunderstanding.com
References
1. Obesity, Jonathan Q. Purnell, M.D., Medscape.com 2. Overweight Children and Adolescents: Recommendations for Screening, Assessment and Management, Barbara Polhamus, PhD, MPH, RD; Diane Thompson, MPH, RD; Sandra L. Benton-Davis, BS; Christopher M. Reinold, MPH, RD, LD; Comm. Laurence M. Grummer-Strawn, PhD; William Dietz, MD, PhD., Medscape.com 3. University of Michigan Health System (online)
Disclaimer: As always, check with your health care provider to see if this information applies to you. Due diligence is your responsibility. This information is meant to supplement your knowledge, not to replace your own decision making process or take the place of your health care provider.
This is a commercial newsletter provided free by HealthyUnderstanding.com
For weight loss and other health care products go to www.road2health.net and www.road2health1.net for a quick BMI calculation.
This newsletter may be distributed in its entirety without alteration. If you wish to use it in your publication, a copy of your publication would be appreciated. Please send it to DrM@healthyunderstanding.com
371 Kenderdine Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3S5
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Montgomery is a practising chiropractor in Saskatoon, Sk and is the creator of www.HealthyUnderstanding.com
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American Diabetes Association Home Page |
Their mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by this disease. Available in English and Spanish. |
www.diabetes.org |
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Diabetes Information - American Diabetes Association |
The American Diabetes Association recommends the FPG because it is easier, ... Take the first steps toward better diabetes care by visiting the Diabetes ... |
www.diabetes.org |
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Diabetes UK home page - Diabetes UK |
Diabetes UK is the largest organisation in the UK working for people with diabetes, funding research, campaigning and helping people live with the ... |
www.diabetes.org.uk |
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Canadian Diabetes Association |
To promote the health of Canadians through diabetes research, education, service, and advocacy. |
www.diabetes.ca |
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Diabetes information including treating type 2 diabetes at ... |
Offers dietary recommendations, including recipes and tips on managing blood sugar levels. From GlaxoSmithKline. |
www.diabetes.com |
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Diabetes |
Web site for Diabetes. ... publishes Diabetes. Stanford University Libraries' HighWire Press ® assists in the publication of Diabetes Online ... |
diabetes.diabetesjournals.org |
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CDC Diabetes Public Health Resource |
The diabetes information homepage of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, provided by the CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation. |
www.cdc.gov |
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CDC - Health Topic: Diabetes |
Diabetes · Diabetes and Research Diagnostics · Diabetes Surveillance Report · FAQ's on Diabetes · Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon ... |
www.cdc.gov |
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National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse |
Provides educational materials to increase knowledge and understanding about diabetes among patients, health care professionals, and the general public. |
diabetes.niddk.nih.gov |
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Diabetes mellitus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
For diabetes mellitus in pets, see diabetes in cats and dogs. ... Type 1 diabetes mellitus - formerly known as insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM), ... |
en.wikipedia.org |
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MedlinePlus: Diabetes |
(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) - Links to PDF ... Select services and providers for Diabetes in your area. ... |
www.nlm.nih.gov |
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MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Diabetes |
Diabetes affects about 18 million Americans. There are many risk factors for ... These levels are considered to be risk factors for type 2 diabetes and its ... |
www.nlm.nih.gov |
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Diabetes |
What to expect from your diabetes diagnosis? Get up-to-the-minute information about medications, insulin, blood sugar management, nutrition requirements, ... |
diabetes.about.com |
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WebMD Diabetes Health Center - Information on Type 1 and Type 2 ... |
Find in-depth information here about diabetes prevention, diet, ... Study Shows Burned-Out Staffers More Likely to Get Type 2 DiabetesGo To Article ... |
www.webmd.com |
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WebMD Health - 404 Error |
Allergies|Anxiety Disorders|Arthritis|Asthma|Back Pain|Bipolar Disorder|Cancer|Children's Health|Cholesterol|Depression| Diabetes|Diet & Nutrition|Erectile ... |
www.webmd.com |
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Diabetes Overview |
Defines diabetes, including the various types and treatments. Provides information on the impact and cost of the disease, its increasing prevalence, ... |
www.niddk.nih.gov |
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Diabetes News - The New York Times |
A free collection of articles about diabetes published in The New York Times. |
topics.nytimes.com |
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children with DIABETES Online Community |
An online community for kids, families, and adults with diabetes, featuring message boards, chat rooms, and questions/answers from medical professionals. |
www.childrenwithdiabetes.com |
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International Diabetes Institute - Diabetes Research, Education ... |
The International Diabetes Institute is the leading national and international centre for diabetes research, diabetes education and diabetes care. |
www.diabetes.com.au |
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Diabetes New Zealand |
Educates and informs people about diabetes, its treatment, prevention, and cure of diabetes. |
www.diabetes.org.nz |
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