Summary: Iowa has set a goal to become the healthiest state in the nation in the next five years. Scientists at Iowa State are helping to lead the charge by promoting an "Exercise is Medicine" campaign designed to educate Americans about the health benefits of exercise. The challenge is implementing solutions that initiate movement into the work and home environment.  Iowa State's Nutrition and Wellness Research Center has launched the largest study yet which will involve more than 1500 students and faculty members using an innovative tool that promotes movement: the TrekDesk Treadmill Desks. The Center has just recently reported preliminary findings on the first phase of this research.

Physical inactivity may be America's largest public health nemesis, contributing to a myriad of chronic diseases including obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, depression and anxiety, arthritis, and osteoporosis. Since the average American walks less than half the amount of steps necessary to maintain health and prevent disease, a major challenge is getting office workers and students moving in an increasingly sedentary work environment. Researchers at Iowa State University have just released preliminary findings of a large scale study designed to test the merits of one potential solution: TrekDesk treadmill desks.

The research project is coordinated by a team at Iowa State's Nutrition and Wellness Research Center (NWRC) led by Dr. Greg Welk, Director of Clinical Research and Community Outreach. The team launched a campus wide campaign to promote interest and involvement in physical activity and a key part of their programming involved re-engineering work/ study environments with the use of TrekDesk Treadmill Desks combined with Lfespan treadmills provided by 2nd Wind.

"We have TrekDesks in use at numerous universities across the country", stated TrekDesk CEO Steve Bordley, "many are conducting studies on a variety of health and productivity issues, however the scale of the Iowa State study, when completed, will be larger than all of the other studies combined. I think that shows extraordinary leadership and commitment to their goal of educating America about its current health challenges and offering life changing information and solutions."

The TrekDesk study is part of Iowa State's commitment to the national "Exercise is Medicine" campaign, an effort coordinated by the American College of Sports Medicine and other leading health and fitness organizations to educate the public and medical professionals about the need to view exercise as a vital sign.

The NWRC created a plan that enables the TrekDesks to be piloted in departments and office units across campus. Dr. Welk commented, "Our staff have really enjoyed the opportunities to use the TrekDesks in our facility so we worked out a way to promote shared use across campus." Over 35 other office groups are in line to participate in the three phased testing process.  "The interest has been incredible", Dr. Welk said. "We have a waiting list through April of next year which indicates that people are really interested in ways of being more active at work."

Logging the use of the TrekDesks over specific time intervals, Dr. Welk and his team has focused the study on evaluating patterns and perceptions of use as well as overall satisfaction with the concept of walking while working. Their hope initially is to gain an insight into how to effectively introduce physical activity and at what intervals into the workplace for maximum health benefits.

The study has completed two waves and is currently in the third wave.  The first two waves covered the following departments and offices: Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development, College of Human Sciences Dean's Office, Kinesiology, President's Office, Administrative Services, Sociology, College of Design and Chemistry.

Approximately 82% of survey respondents indicated that they would recommend the TrekDesk and 73% agreed that the university should consider getting TrekDesks for their employees. It should be noted that the TrekDesks were placed in common areas of the offices so that many individuals could have access during the day as opposed to specific offices.  Some specific findings are highlighted below:

  • Frequency of use: The majority of survey respondents (57%) used the TrekDesk Treadmill Desks for 15-30 minute sessions. Approximately 27% used it for 30 minutes to an hour while an equal amount (8%) either used it for less than 15 minutes or for an hour or more.
  • Longevity: Over the initial 30 day test phase, 58% of the respondents reported that their use of the TrekDesk either increased in duration or stayed the same while 42% experienced a decrease in use over this time frame.
  • Ease of Use: A majority of respondents rated typical office duties ranging from typing, writing, and talking on the phone as easily accomplished tasks.
  • Overall Feelings: Respondents reported generally positive feelings after use (e.g. increased energy) and few negative side-effects (e.g. tiredness, , nausea and light-headedness).

The promotion of physical activity at work may help to counter the impact of sedentary jobs and lifestyles in our society. During the 1960's approximately 11% of Americans were overweight but that number is teetering close to 70% today.  At an estimated annual cost of $150 billion annually obesity is recognized as public enemy number one (contributing to more than 58 chronic diseases including the nation's top three killers: heart disease, stroke and cancer).

"The obesity epidemic gets considerable attention in society but the real problem is an epidemic of inactivity" says Dr. Welk. "People have emphasized losing weight but many health problems can be drastically reduced by increasing levels of physical activity and minimizing sedentary time". The study at Iowa State University demonstrates an interest in more active workstations and work environments. "There is clearly no silver bullet but efforts to promote more physical activity at work are certainly part of the solution."

For More Information:

Gregory Welk, Ph.D., Associate Professor - Dept. of Kinesiology

Director of Clinical Research and Community Outreach - Nutrition and Wellness Research Center

Iowa State University

2325 North Loop Drive - Suite 6100

Ames, IA 50011

515-294-3583

gwelk@iastate.edu

Clark & Associates is helping wounded Iraq, Afghanistan veterans walk again

 

Waterloo, IA - On Monday in Waterloo, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) will visit Clark & Associates, a locally-owned provider of prosthetics and orthotics, to highlight new technology being used to help wounded warriors from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan walk again.  Braley is the highest-ranking Democrat on the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

For years, Clark & Associates has worked closely with the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration to provide prosthetics for wounded warriors returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan.  Clark & Associates have been recognized for their work providing technologically-advanced prosthetic devices to veterans.

Braley will meet with founder Dennis Clark to obseve the technology and see the fitting of a new, ultra-lightweight prosthetic for Derick Hurt, an Army veteran who lost both his legs in Iraq.

MONDAY, January 16, 2012

 

9:45am                 Prosthetic Fitting at Clark & Associates

Clark & Associates

527 Park Lane

Waterloo, Iowa

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Household Hazards Expecting Moms Need to Avoid

Pregnant women are trying to be healthier.  Many take all the right steps to promote the birth of a healthy baby, including eating right, taking vitamins and eliminating alcohol and nicotine from their lives.

Unfortunately, all those efforts may be for naught if they are still being exposed to unseen chemicals in their daily lives. Dr. Doris Rapp, an experienced physician and expert on all the hidden household and environmental hazards, wants women to know about the many insidious and dangerous threats to their unborn babies. The harmful exposures can cause serious harm and damaging birth defects to babies in the womb, and they are right under our noses.

"One of the most dangerous groups of chemicals to pregnant women is known as PCBs," said Rapp, author of 32 Tips That Could Save Your Life (www.dorisrappmd.com). "PCB stands for polychlorinated biphenyls, and they are commonly used in industrial pesticides. While they may not be in your house, they may exist in your office, your water or your food, especially if you live near the Great Lakes or consume seafood caught there. These chemicals pass through the placenta into the unborn, and some exposures have been known to cause devastating birth defects.  These chemicals have also been found in the breast milk of women."

According to Rapp, some of the dangers of these pesticides include, but are not limited to:

• Lower birth weight
• Smaller head size and developmental delays
• Movement, mental, and behavioral problems
• Increased or decreased activity levels
• Slowed thought processing and "less bright" appearance
• Lower reaction times
• Compromised nervous systems

"Moreover, a group of pesticides known as organophosphates also poses a high risk for pregnant women," Rapp added.

"These include Bisphenol-A and phthalates," she said. "They are derived from World War II nerve agents and are highly toxic. Even at low levels, organophosphates can be toxic to the developing brain, and studies show that they can affect brain and reproductive development in unborn animals. While most pesticides categorized as organophosphates have been banned for household use, they are still permitted for commercial use, including in fumigation for mosquitoes.  Malathion, a common toxic organophosphate, is still allowed for use as an industrial and household insecticide.  In the US, approximately 15 million pounds of Malathion are used each year by the government, as well as by businesses and homeowners."

Her advice for women is to do all they can to avoid contact with these chemicals, starting before conception.

"Stay as far away as possible from pesticide-treated areas," Rapp said. "Do not eat pesticide-laden food or any fish from the Great Lakes. Try to eat only organic foods. Further, if your job requires you to be in contact with any chemicals or pesticides, insist that other tasks be given to you for the duration of your pregnancy. Half the battle is knowing these dangers exist, but the other half is being informed and conscientious enough to be able to avoid contact with these dangerous and toxic agents."

About Doris Rapp, M.D.

Dr. Rapp is board certified in pediatrics, pediatric allergy and environmental medicine. She was a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the State University of New York at Buffalo until she moved in January 1996 to Phoenix. She practiced traditional allergy for 18 years and then, in 1975, began incorporating the principles of environmental medicine into her pediatric allergy practice. She is a certified specialist in environmental medicine. She has published numerous medical articles, authored chapters in medical texts and written many informative and "how-to" books and booklets about allergy for the public. She has also produced numerous educational videos and audiotapes for the public, educators and physicians.

"We plan to redouble our efforts in 2012 to help make Iowa in fact one of the healthiest states in the Nation."

Peggy Huppert, Iowa Director, American Cancer Society

DES MOINES, IA - The American Cancer Society (ACS) announced its legislative agenda for 2012 at its annual Legislative Breakfast today at the Capitol.

Joining Huppert at the ACS Breakfast was Gail Orcutt, a Des Moines resident who spoke about the deadly toxin in our homes, radon gas.

"While many Iowans know that smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and the most preventable cause of death in the state, most don't know that the second leading cause of lung cancer is radon. It's an odorless, colorless, tasteless toxin that threatens them where they feel the safest...their homes," Huppert stated.

ACS distributed free radon testing kits to those in attendance. "Testing is simple, and with these kits, free. But until you test, you won't know if this killer is lurking in your home," Huppert noted. "Iowans have been living with this threat for years without knowing about it, and with new test kits, Iowans can take steps to rid their homes of this silent killer."

Radon gas seeps into a house from the soil around and under the home; through cracks in the foundation, floor or walls; through hollow-block walls; and through openings around floor drains, pipes and sump pumps.

Governor Branstad proclaimed January as "Radon Awareness Month" with a proclamation dated January 5th, 2012. As many as seven out of 10 homes tested in Iowa have radon levels that exceed federal guidelines for exposure.

Huppert praised Governor Branstad for his proclamation. "Governor Branstad has made it a goal of his Administration to make Iowa one of the Nation's healthiest states, and bringing attention to this silent killer is an excellent step in that direction," she noted.

Huppert outlined there are other steps ACS will take to help the Administration achieve its goal of making Iowa one of the healthiest states in the Nation:

  • Establishing a consumer-friendly Iowa Insurance Exchange;
  • Closing the casino exemption in the 2008 Iowa Smokefree Air Act; and
  • Securing adequate funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs.

"Iowa should move forward on establishing its Iowa Insurance Exchange in the 2012 session, so the federal government doesn't do it for us," Huppert noted. "We have great leaders in the health care and insurance industries in Iowa, and we need to direct our own future and design our own plan tailored to the specific needs of our citizens."

"We also plan to continue our efforts to eliminate the casino exemption from Iowa's Smokefree Air Act. Iowa's casino employees should no longer have to choose between their job and their health," Huppert stated.

"And finally," she noted, "last year the Legislature dealt our efforts to reduce teen and adult smoking a severe setback with budget cuts of over 65%. The tobacco companies haven't reduced their sales by 65%, and we'll be seeking to solidify Iowa's prevention and cessation effort."

"Through our efforts, we will redouble our efforts in 2012 to make Iowa, in fact, one of the healthiest states in the Nation," Huppert concluded.

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Encourages Illinoisans to Walk 167 Miles in One Year for Better Health

CHICAGO - January 6, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced the "Walk Across Illinois Challenge," an initiative to help improve the health and wellness of Illinois residents. The Governor walked 167 miles across Illinois 10 years ago to advocate on behalf of decent healthcare for all people. Today the Governor called on state residents to walk 167 miles during 2012 to improve their own health.

"As the New Year gets underway, many Illinois residents are already making the commitment to get fit and live healthier," Governor Quinn said. "Together, we can make 2012 a year of fitness by accepting the challenge to add a half-mile of walking to each day."

Former Chicago Bears and Chicago Bulls players, schoolteachers and students joined Governor Quinn to launch the program, which is designed to help Illinois residents get healthier by adding a half-mile of walking to their daily routines, which is roughly the distance across Illinois from Rock Island on the Mississippi River to Chicago on Lake Michigan. Residents can accept the "Walk Across Illinois Challenge" by visiting www.WalkAcrossIllinois.org, where they can register and log their miles.

As part of his broader effort to improve the well-being of residents, Governor Quinn also announced the creation of the Governor's Council on Health and Fitness to develop practical ideas to help residents embrace healthier lifestyles. Sandy Noel, a Golden Apple award-winning teacher and physical fitness instructor, will co-chair the Governor's Council with former Chicago Bear and Super Bowl champion Otis Wilson.

"Adding a little exercise to your daily agenda can make a big difference in your quality of life," Otis Wilson said. "I'm proud to stand with the Governor in encouraging Illinois residents to live healthier in 2012."

Governor Quinn initially launched "Walk Across Illinois" 10 years ago to bring attention to the need for access to decent healthcare. The Governor has converted it into a fitness challenge for 2012 to bolster efforts to improve the health of Illinois residents. Participants who complete the challenge within the year will receive a certificate from the Governor honoring their achievement.

Obesity, high blood pressure and a lack of exercise are growing community health problems across the nation. Illinois came in as the 23rd most obese state in the country, according to a recent report from the Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).By encouraging Illinois residents to include just one half-mile of walking into their daily routines, the "Walk Across Illinois Challenge" can help boost the health, life expectancy and well-being of all Illinois residents, no matter whether they run, walk or use a wheelchair.

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BOSTON?Everyone experiences occasional episodes of forgetfulness.  When an older loved one has a few episodes of forgetfulness, friends and family members may wonder whether those misplaced keys or trouble finding the right word in a conversation is the result of normal age-related changes in memory or an early sign of something more serious. As the Harvard Medical School Special Health Report A Guide to Alzheimer's Disease reveals, the characteristics of these forgetful moments often offer clues as to whether Alzheimer's disease or another dementia may be the underlying problem. For example:

Recognizing and discussing episodes of memory loss. If the person complains about memory loss and can provide details about the episode of forgetfulness, normal aging is more likely. With dementia, it's common that the person affected will only complain about memory problems if she's asked about them and won't be able to recall specific instances.

Worry about memory loss. When dementia occurs, the person affected is often much less concerned about memory loss than her family members are. The reverse is true for normal age-related memory problems.

Losing the way. If your loved one doesn't get lost in familiar surroundings but does sometimes pause momentarily to remember the way, normal aging is likely. But if she gets lost in familiar territory while walking or driving and takes hours to return, Alzheimer's or dementia should be a concern.

Word-finding problems. Occasional trouble finding the right word probably isn't worth worrying over, but frequent word-finding pauses and substitutions ? for example, calling the telephone "the ringer" or "that thing I use to call you" ? are typical of dementia.

Changes in abilities and social skills. While it isn't uncommon for an older adult to be unwilling to operate new devices or to fumble a bit with their cell phone or DVR, it's a warning sign if the person has trouble operating common appliances like the dishwasher or has trouble using even simple new devices. Also, if the person has lost interest in social activities or if his or her social skills are in decline, it's worth noting.

Of course, while these tips can help distinguish between normal age-related memory changes and dementia, concerns about memory problems should be brought to the attention of a doctor.

A Guide to Alzheimer's Disease includes more information on recognizing and managing Alzheimer's disease.

Also in this report:

  • Alzheimer's disease and changes in the brain
  • Medications for managing symptoms
  • Planning ahead on legal and financial issues, as well as residential care
  • Help for caregivers

A Guide to Alzheimer's Disease is available for $18 from Harvard Health Publications, the publishing division of Harvard Medical School. Order it online at www.health.harvard.edu/Alzheimers0112 or by calling 877-649-9457 (toll-free).

XXX

(Kansas City, Kan., January 5, 2012) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 is encouraging people to take simple and affordable steps to test their homes for harmful levels of radon gas as part of National Radon Action Month.  Radon is an invisible, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water.  It causes no immediate symptoms but is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and kills more than 21,000 each year in the United States.

 

"Radon is a dangerous health threat to our families and communities that can be easily avoided through simple testing," said Karl Brooks, EPA Region 7 Administrator. "This month, I urge everyone to test their homes."

 

Nearly one of every 15 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated radon levels. Simple steps to prevent this health hazard can be taken:

 

  • Test: EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that all homes, both with and without basements, be tested for radon. Affordable do-it-yourself radon test kits are available at home improvement and hardware stores and online. A qualified radon tester can also be hired by contacting your state radon office.
  • Fix: EPA recommends taking action to fix radon levels above 4 Picocuries per Liter (pCi/L). Addressing high radon levels often costs the same as other minor home repairs.
  • Save a Life: By testing and fixing elevated levels of radon in your home, you can help prevent lung cancer and create a healthier home and community.

 

Radon can enter a home through cracks in the foundation or other openings, such as holes or pipes. Although radon can enter a home through the water supply, entry through the soil is a much larger risk. Radon in a home's water system is more likely when the home has a ground water source - such as a private well or public water supply system that uses ground water.

 

In addition to testing for radon, there now are safer and healthier radon-resistant construction techniques that home buyers can discuss with builders to prevent this health hazard.

 

In 2011, EPA announced the Federal Radon Action Plan, along with General Services Administration and the departments of Agriculture; Defense; Energy; Health and Human Services; Housing and Urban Development; Interior; and Veterans Affairs. This action plan will demonstrate the importance of radon risk reduction, address finance and incentive issues to drive testing and mitigation, and build demand for services from industry professionals.

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Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc of Raleigh, NC and Marquette, MI today announces the first clinical use of nanOss Bioactive 3D, a three-dimensionally shaped addition to its flagship biologic bone graft product line, nanOss Bioactive.  The new nanOss Bioactive 3D bone graft utilizes proprietary nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite as well as a collagen-based biopolymer to promote bone growth in the posterolateral spine.

Regarding Pioneer's latest product introduction, Mr. Shane Ray, General Manager - Biologics for Pioneer stated, "We are extremely excited to start the clinical phase of nanOss Bioactive 3D. Three-dimensional shapes are popular in spine surgery and with this addition, we now have one of the most extensive biologic portfolios on the market."

Pioneer Surgical Biologics now offers a full line of synthetic bone grafts as well as human tissue products including machined lateral, traditional lumbar and cervical allograft, human demineralized bone matrix (DBM) bone grafts, as well as bone graft delivery accessories. For more information regarding Pioneer's Biologics Product offerings, including nanOss Bioactive 3D, please visit the Pioneer Surgical website at www.pioneersurgical.com.

About Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.
Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc. is a dynamic medical device firm founded in 1992. Pioneer's focus on innovation has resulted in over 120 U.S. and foreign patents, with numerous patents pending. The company has a comprehensive portfolio of orthopedic, spine and biologic systems. Pioneer entered the orthobiologics market with two acquisitions in 2007. Our Orthopedic, Spine, and Biologics divisions produce state of the art, cost-effective solutions for surgical procedures that have proven difficult or problematic for both surgeons and patients. For more information on Pioneer and its products, visit www.pioneersurgical.com.

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January is National Blood Donor Month and above all other times of the year, it is the month that presents the most challenges for blood collection. Changing weather, busy holiday schedules, increased cold and flu symptoms and even the winter blues can keep the most dedicated blood donors from making or keeping an appointment to give.

This January is no exception with the local Red Cross in need of blood donations. First-time and regular donors are encouraged to make a difference in their communities by scheduling an appointment to give blood every January, and regularly thereafter. Remember, just one pint of blood can help save multiple lives.

How to Donate Blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation's blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.

 

Blood Donation Opportunities

CLINTON COUNTY

1/23/2012, 2:30 pm- 6:30 pm, Northeast Elementary School, 1450 370th Avenue, Goose Lake

1/26/2012, 1:00 pm- 6:00 pm, United Methodist Church, 621 South 3rd Street, Clinton

 

HENRY COUNTY

1/17/2012, 1:00 pm- 6:00 pm, First United Methodist Church, 214 N. W. Second Ave, Galva

1/25/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St., Kewanee

 

MERCER COUNTY

1/17/2012, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm, VFW Hall, 106 SW 3rd Ave., Aledo

1/24/2012, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, Mercer County Hospital, 409 North West 9th Avenue, Aledo

 

WHITESIDE COUNTY

1/17/2012, 1:00 pm- 5:15 pm, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton

1/17/2012, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm, United Methodist Church, 200 West Lincolnway, Morrison

1/18/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls

1/24/2012, 1:00 pm- 5:15 pm, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton

1/25/2012, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls

1/27/2012, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, Halo Branded Solutions, 1980 Industrial Drive, Sterling

1/28/2012, 6:00 am-12:00 pm, CGH Main Clinic, 101 E. Miller Road, Sterling

1/28/2012, 7:00 am-11:00 am, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Shake into shape after the holidays with Ashley from New York! Beginner veils and bellydance for all ages. Great for toning away the holiday fat!  $15.00  Tuesday, December 27th from 6:30pm until 7:45pm at the Moline Club, 513 - 16th St, Moline IL 61265.  Just west of the I-74 bridge.

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