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Women Health Article: Obesity (Weight Loss)

What about weight-for-height tables?

Measuring a person's body fat percentage can be difficult, therefore, other methods are relied on to diagnose obesity. Two widely used methods are weight-for-height tables and body mass index (BMI). While both measurements have their limitations, they are reasonable indicators that someone may have a weight problem. The calculations are easy, and no special equipment is required.

Most people are familiar with weight-for-height tables. Doctors and nurses (and many others) have used these tables for decades to determine if someone is overweight. The tables usually have a range of acceptable weights for a person of a given height.

One small problem with using weight-for-height tables is that doctors disagree over which is the best table to use. Several versions are available. Many have different weight ranges, and some tables account for a person's frame size, age and sex, while other tables do not.

A grave limitation of all weight-for-height tables is that they do not distinguish between excess fat and muscle. A very muscular person may appear obese, according to the tables, when he or she in fact is not.

What is the body mass index (BMI)?

The body mass index (BMI) is a new term to most people. However, it is now the measurement of choice for many physicians and researchers studying obesity.

The BMI uses a mathematical formula that accounts for both a person's weight and height. The BMI equals a person's weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (BMI=kg/m2).

The BMI measurement however, poses some of the same problems as the weight-for-height tables. Not everyone agrees on the cutoff points for "healthy" versus "unhealthy" BMI ranges. BMI also does not provide information on a person's percentage of body fat. However, like the weight-for-height table, BMI is a useful general guideline and is a good estimator of body fat for most adults between the ages of 19 and 70 years of age. However, it may not be an accurate measurement of body fat for body builders, certain athletes, and pregnant women.

It is important to understand what "healthy weight" means. Healthy weight is defined as a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 19 and less than 25 among all people aged 20 or over. Generally, obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 30, which approximates 30 pounds of excess weight. Excess weight also places people at risk of developing serious health problems.

The table below has already done the math and metric conversions. To use the table, find the appropriate height in the left-hand column. Move across the row to the given weight. The number at the top of the column is the BMI for that height and weight.

BMI (kg/m2)	19	20	21	22	23	24	25	26	27	28	29	30	35	40
Height (in.)	Weight (lb.)
58	91	96	100	105	110	115	119	124	129	134	138	143	167	191
59	94	99	104	109	114	119	124	128	133	138	143	148	173	198
60	97	102	107	112	118	123	128	133	138	143	148	153	179	204
61	100	106	111	116	122	127	132	137	143	148	153	158	185	211
62	104	109	115	120	126	131	136	142	147	153	158	164	191	218
63	107	113	118	124	130	135	141	146	152	158	163	169	197	225
64	110	116	122	128	134	140	145	151	157	163	169	174	204	232
65	114	120	126	132	138	144	150	156	162	168	174	180	210	240
66	118	124	130	136	142	148	155	161	167	173	179	186	216	247
67	121	127	134	140	146	153	159	166	172	178	185	191	223	255
68	125	131	138	144	151	158	164	171	177	184	190	197	230	262
69	128	135	142	149	155	162	169	176	182	189	196	203	236	270
70	132	139	146	153	160	167	174	181	188	195	202	207	243	278
71	136	143	150	157	165	172	179	186	193	200	208	215	250	286
72	140	147	154	162	169	177	184	191	199	206	213	221	258	294
73	144	151	159	166	174	182	189	197	204	212	219	227	265	302
74	148	155	163	171	179	186	194	202	210	218	225	233	272	311
75	152	160	168	176	184	192	200	208	216	224	232	240	279	319
76	156	164	172	180	189	197	205	213	221	230	238	246	287	328

Table Courtesy of the National Institutes of Health

Body weight in pounds according to height and body mass index.

Below is a table identifying the risk of associated disease according to BMI and waist size.

BMI	Category	Waist less than or equal to 40 in. (men) or 35 in. (women)	Waist greater than 40 in. (men) or 35 in. (women)
18.5 or less	Underweight	N/A	N/A
18.5 - 24.9	Normal	N/A	N/A
25.0 - 29.9	Overweight	Increased Risk	High Risk
30.0 - 34.9	Obese	High Risk	Very High Risk
35.0 - 39.9	Obese	Very High Risk	Very High Risk
40 or greater	Extremely Obese	Extremely High Risk	Extremely High Risk

Table Courtesy of the National Institutes of Health

source: medicine net .com

Women Health Article: What are the obesity health risks?

Body fat is good for you. It protects internal organs, isolate the organism thermically and softens blows.

However, obesity is harmful and excessive weight can provoke serious disorders and obese people have from double to triple the probability of dying prematurely, compared to people with normal weight.

A person is called obese when the Body Mass Index greater than 30. When the BMI is greater than 40 we speak about grave obesity, which implies a serious risk for the person’s health.

An obese person has a weight that exceeds by far the ideal one estimated from a health point of view (and also from an insurance point of view).

An obese person runs the risk of a range of diseases that are linked to obesity and are more probable when the obesity level is higher.

These diseases are: diabetes, bilary calculosis, respiratory insufficiency, nocturnal apnoea, cardiovascular diseases, arterial hypertension, arthrosis of backbone and of lower limbs, fertility anomalies, cancer.

The obesity state is also a specific risk factor for anaesthetic accidents, if you need a general anaesthesia to undergo a surgical operation.

It has been proved that these risks can be greatly reduced by keeping some parameters under control. Paradoxically, among them weight will be less influential. Recent research has demonstrated that a 10% initial weight loss is enough. It is an easy goal to reach and to maintain and in time it is a sufficient factor to decrease mortality caused by obesity by 20%, decrease by 40% mortality linked to the cancer risk, and decrease by 30% mortality linked to diabetes.

So a little weight loss can bring great benefits to health. But how can we define the risk index more accurately? How can we know when it is opportune to lose weight?

After having calculated your BMI, you also need to measure the waist, as it measures the abdominal obesity level, because abdominal obesity level is another factor directly linked to the health risk of obesity.

However, waist measurement is a useful figure only when the BMI value is under 35%, because if it is greater it means that the risk index is too high. To decrease the pathological risk index linked to obesity, waist measurements should be kept below 88 cm for women and 102 cm for men.

Weight loss is therefore highly advisable when:

• BMI is greater than 30
• BMI is between 25/30 but waist measurement is greater than 88 cm for women and 102 for men
• There are pathological conditions linked to obesity (respiratory, cardiovascular, diabetes, etc) that are already in progress.

In all these cases, following a weight control program nowadays available in many hospital centres, it is possible to significantly decrease pathological risks linked to the obesity condition, even without submitting to an exhausting and inadequate diet.

source: web 4 health .info

Women Health Article: Healthy Life During Pregnancy

You have been leading a sportive life before pregnancy and would like to continue while pregnant. Of course you should continue exercising consulting your health care provider beforehand. But doing your trainings doesn't forget to avoid moves that can harm you anyway in your new state.Note that all of the following must not be avoided, but you need to be careful how you do them.

Jogging.

If a woman didn't jog before she became pregnant, she shouldn't start now. The risk of injury increases. If a pregnant woman is a jogger, she shouldn't run more than two miles a day. Pay special attention to terrain and running surfaces because of connective tissue changes associated with pregnancy. And be sure to wear running shoes with suitable support.

Walking.

Even if you feel yourself unable to jog you could engage in a rapid walking program. This could include a four-to-six-mile walk, depending on terrain and climactic conditions. Avoid exercise during times of high temperatures and humidity.

Aerobics.

When selecting aerobics classes specifically for pregnant women, make sure the class is led by a qualified exercise leader who is aware of the basic physiology of pregnancy and has formal training in physical education. And as far as aerobics is a weight-bearing exercise, the risk increases for potential joint and ligament injuries and unrecognized fetal distress. Avoid exercises that involve overextension or anything performed while lying on your back.

Bicycling.

Exercising on a stationary bike (with a fan) is non-weight-bearing and can be started during pregnancy. It is preferred to standard bicycling because of weight and balance changes. Bicycling should be avoided outdoors during high temperatures and high pollution levels.

Swimming.

Swimming is the most adequate aerobic exercise for pregnant women. Lap swimming, water calisthenics and wading programs are all non-weight-bearing. Women should avoid water that is too cold or too hot and should stay away from a Jacuzzi if the temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees Celsius.

Strength Training (Weight Lifting).

Training with light weights can be carefully continued through pregnancy. Proper breathing techniques are important. Most doctors recommend that pregnant women avoid weight training and sit-ups after the first trimester, especially women who are at risk for preterm labor. Lifting reduces the blood flow to the kidneys and uterus, and exercises done on your back (including sit-ups and leg lifts) cause your heart rate to drop, also decreasing the flow of oxygenated blood to your body and the baby. It's better to tone your abdominal muscles while on all fours, by relaxing and then tightening your muscles as you exhale.

These precautions can help assure that your exercise program is safe for mother and baby:

* Avoid activities with a high risk of falling, such as gymnastics, horseback riding, downhill skiing and vigorous racquet sports.

* Avoid overheating, especially in the first trimester. Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after exercise. Wear layers of "breathable" clothing and do not exercise on hot, humid days.

* Avoid contact sports and any activities that can cause even mild trauma to the abdomen, such as ice hockey, kickboxing, soccer and basketball.

* Avoid scuba diving throughout pregnancy. This activity puts the baby at increased risk of decompression sickness and may contribute to miscarriage, birth defects, poor fetal growth and preterm labor.

* Avoid exercising on your back after the first trimester. Also avoid prolonged periods of motionless standing. Both can reduce blood flow to the uterus.

* Avoid jerky, bouncing or high-impact movements that may strain joints and cause injuries.

* Avoid exercising at high altitudes (more than 6,000 feet) because it can lead to reduced amounts of oxygen reaching the baby.

* Eat an adequate diet to gain 25 to 35 pounds (or the amount of weight recommended by health care provider) over the nine months. Most pregnant women require approximately 300 additional calories a day. Those who exercise regularly may require more. Diets should include plenty of carbohydrates, as pregnant women who exercise use this fuel source more quickly during exercise than nonpregnant women.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it's also a good idea to avoid any activities that include: Bouncing, jarring (anything that would cause a lot of up and down movement), leaping, a sudden change of direction, a risk of abdominal injury. Typical limitations include contact sports, downhill skiing, scuba diving, and horseback riding because of the risk of injury they pose. If you do choose to do aerobics, just make sure to avoid becoming extremely winded or exercising to the point of exhaustion.

Source: baby art .org

Women Health Article: Planning a baby?

• Start watching what you eat. Load up on your fruits, vegetables, and whole-grains (such as whole-wheat breads or crackers).
  
  
• Get 400 micrograms (or 0.4 mg) of folic acid daily from foods fortified with folic acid, or a vitamin, or folic acid pill before you get pregnant and in the first three months while you¿re pregnant.
  
  
• Tell your doctor if you smoke or use alcohol or drugs. Quitting is hard, but you can do it. Ask your doctor for help.
  
  
• Get enough sleep (try to get seven to nine hours every night).
  
  
• If you can, control the stress in your life.
  
  
• Move your body. Once you get pregnant, you cannot increase your exercise routine by much.
  
  
• Get any health problems under control.
  
  
• Ask your mother, aunts, grandmother and sisters about their pregnancies. Did they have morning sickness? Problems with labor? How did they cope with them?
  
  
• Find out what health problems run in your family. Tell these to your doctor. You can get tested before getting pregnant for some health problems that run in families (genetic testing).
  
  
• Make sure you have had all of your immunizations (shots), especially for Rubella (German measles). If you haven't had chickenpox or rubella, get the shots at least three months before getting pregnant.
  
  
• Get checked for hepatitis (hep-uh-tie-tus) B and C, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and HIV since these can harm both you and your baby. Tell your doctor if you or your sex partners have ever had an STD or HIV.
  
  
• Go over all of the medicines you take (prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines you buy without prescriptions, and herbals) with your doctor and ask if they are safe to take while you are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant.
  

Source: National Women's Health Information Center

Women Health Tips: Maintaining a Healthy Life

Following a few simple guidelines can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and may help prevent or lessen the severity of some of the issues listed above. Womens' health is built on a few simple principles.

Eat a healthy diet - Keep your diet balanced and include fresh fruit and vegetables. Watch your intake of saturated fats. Be sure to include low fat or non-fat dairy products to supply calcium. If your diet is lacking in some areas, consider a good womens' multivitamin to fill in gaps.<.p>

Watch your weight - Overweight and obese women have greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Increase activity - More than one-half of women do not get enough exercise. Thirty minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week will provide significant health benefits. Be certain to consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program especially if you are currently sedentary.

Don't Smoke - Smoking can lead to lung disease, cancer, early menopause, infertility, and complications with pregnancy. If you smoke right now, quit as soon as possible. Noticeable improvements in health will occur quickly.

Get routine screenings and tests - Early detection is important for successful treatment. Routine screenings should be completed for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancer of the skin, cervix, breast, and colon.

Control stress- Uncontrolled stress can lead to a myriad of health problems. It can also affect relationships both at home and work. Learn what triggers stress in your life and avoid it or develop coping mechanisms.

Taking care of your health does not have to be complicated. Natural supplements may also support a healthy lifestyle. Women's multivitamins can supply nutrients lacking in the diet or lost through the monthly cycle. Herbs like black cohosh, dong quai, evening primrose oil and wild yam may be helpful in reducing symptoms of PMS or menopause. Borage oil and fish oils provide Omega 3 essential fatty acids. Folic acid is a necessity for women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy.

Source: nutra sanus .com

Women Health Article: Cholesterol Disturbances Impair Stroke Recovery

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - New research suggests that people are at an increased risk of memory problems and greater disability after stroke if they have low levels of "good" HDL cholesterol and high levels of homocysteine, an amino acid acquired mostly from eating meat. "These findings show metabolic stress plays a significant role in stroke recovery," lead author Dr. George C. Newman, from the Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, said in a statement.

The study involved 3,680 men and women over age 35 in the United States, Canada, and Scotland who had suffered a mild to moderate stroke within the past three months. All of them completed tests of brain function and disability and were followed for two years.

The researchers identified several factors that predicted memory and disability problems after stroke: increased age, non-Caucasian race, recurrent stroke, diabetes, stroke in the left side of the brain, higher levels of homocysteine and lower levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), otherwise known as "good" cholesterol.

"People with low levels of HDL, high levels of homocysteine, and diabetes are twice as likely as those without such problems to have poorer cognitive function and greater disability after stroke," Newman noted in a statement.

"The study also found stroke recovery was the most difficult for people over the age of 57 with high levels of homocysteine, which is a risk factor for heart problems and associated with low levels of vitamin B6, B12, folic acid and kidney disease," he added.

It's currently unclear why these factors are contributing to a slower stroke recovery and more research is needed, Newman said. "We need to focus our attention on identifying and treating these vascular risk factors since they can be modified."

Source: life script .com