Here's what's been happening in exercise and fitness research:
- The quick'n'dirty: Massage found to improve immune system function after intense exercise, especially in women.
A study in the Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research reported that after high intensity interval exercise, myofascial massage helped offset the negative effects that the intense exercise can have on the immune system (measured by levels of cortisol). Is it possible, then, that massage after any exercise (or "stress" placed on the body) could boost immune function?
- The quick'n'dirty: Phthalates, a common ingredient in soft plastics (including children's toys) and personal care products, have been linked to childhood obesity.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Medical Center have presented one of the first cases of phthalates being linked to endocrine disruption in humans. While phthalate levels were higher than average in the study's participants, the long term study showed how environmental factors may play a large part in obesity (as a result of hormonal changes). Cause vs. correlation is to be determined, but it can't be a bad idea to avoid the plastics when possible.
- The quick'n'dirty: Not enough sleep may be making your 8-year-old at risk for obesity.
Childhood obesity is the focus of so many research efforts right now; what if we, as parents, were able to influence our children aside from food choices and exercise? Lack of sleep is tied to childhood obesity, at least between the 3rd and 6th grade. According to this article, school age children need 9.5 - 11 hours of sleep, and most kids just aren't getting it.
