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Pilates is a form of low-impact exercise with moves that help strengthen your muscles while improving posture, mobility, and flexibility. This exercise program, which was developed in the early 1900s by Joseph Pilates, is designed to coordinate your breathing with your body movements resulting in more body control.

Originally known as "controlology," Pilates offers a number of health benefits including improving your mobility, helping to manage pain, and building muscle endurance. Typically, workouts last about 45 minutes or longer in a class setting, but there are some Pilates workouts you can do in 20 to 30 minutes at home.

Keep reading to find out how Pilates can impact your health as well as how to implement a program at home.

Pilates is a low-impact exercise program that's good for any age. Whether you are bored with your current fitness routine or you are just looking to exercise more and improve your flexibility, Pilates may be exactly what you are looking for. Here is an overview of some of the potential health benefits of Pilates.

If you are looking to improve your functional movementthe type of movement that helps you complete everyday tasks like walking, sitting, standing, and carrying thingsthen you may want to consider Pilates. Not only can it help your movements become more fluid, but it also can help you develop more balance and stability.

In fact, a study found that people who practiced Pilates for 1 hour, three times a week for eight weeks showed increased balance, stability, and mobility. What's more, the study participants showed more improvementor scored higher on their functional movement screeningsthan the group performing yoga.

Pilates also is great for anyone looking to build muscle strength and endurance. This is largely due to the concentrated effort and control it requires to perform the moves.

For instance, one older studyfound that people who did 1 hour of Pilates twice a week for 12 weeks experienced significant increases in both abdominal endurance and upper-body muscular endurance.

Meanwhile, another study found that people who completed two Pilates sessions a week over three months showed improvements in lower body strength and postural balance. And, a study of postmenopausal women found that Pilates helped strengthen their upper body, lower body, and abdominal muscles.

There is emerging research suggesting that Pilates may be useful for coping with different forms of pain. In fact, in one preliminary study on those with fibromyalgia found that people who consistently participate in Pilates may experience less anxiety and more pain relief.

There also is some evidence that Pilates may be useful in reducing pain caused by osteoarthritis. A randomized controlled study found that people with knee pain benefitted more from doing Pilates than conventional therapeutic exercise.

Pilates may even be useful during pregnancy and lead to better labor and delivery outcomes. For instance, a randomized clinical trial of pregnant women found that those who participated in Pilates twice a week during pregnancy had improved labors with fewer C-sections, episiotomies, and obstructed labor. They also had lower blood pressure and more flexibility.

Like many exercise programs, Pilates can boost your mood and help manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. Some of this boost in energy and mood may be related to the mind-body connection that occurs when practicing Pilates, as well as the fact that working out can boost your endorphinsor those feel-good hormones.

What's more, there are plenty of studies illustrating the positive impact Pilates can have on your mood. For instance, a meta-analysis of eight Pilates studies found that those who practiced Pilates reported fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. They also had more energy and were less fatigued.

Researchers note that Pilates may be particularly useful for those who live sedentary lifestyles. Not only is it a low-impact way to stay active, but it can be particularly instrumental in improving quality of life.

In fact, one small study of sedentary women ages 61 to 67 showed that those who did 30-minute Pilates mat and equipment-based sessions twice a week for six months experienced significant improvements in their quality of life.

While Pilates and yoga are both low-impact, bodyweight workouts that emphasize the mind-body connection, they were created with different roles in mind. For instance, Pilates has a greater focus on building strength and stability in your core and your spine and was initially introduced by Joseph Pilates to dancers and other athletes recovering from injuries.

Meanwhile, yogawhich began in India thousands of years agohas more of a meditative focus. It blends the use of different poses (or asanas) with breathing techniques. And although both Pilates and yoga build core strength, yoga is more focused on stretching and expanding your consciousness through movement.

You can benefit from either discipline, especially because both build flexibility and strength, but Pilates is often more useful for physical rehabilitation. It also can help build your core strength. Meanwhile, yoga may be better for cardiovascular health, especially vinyasa yoga, which tends to be faster paced.

If you are interested in giving Pilates a try to see if it is right for you, you may want to try a few exercises at home first. Doing so, can help you get familiar with the movements and help you decide if you like it before joining a class or finding a studio.

What's more, there are plenty of online resources that allow you to practice the discipline in the comfort of your home. Here are some Pilates moves you can try, but keep in mind there are many more options than what is listed here.

Perhaps one of the most popular Pilates move is "the hundred," which is named after the 100 beats your arms make while holding your legs extended and your head and shoulders off the mat. Many times, this move is used at the beginning of a Pilates class. Here is how you do the hundred.

If your goal is to target your backside including the hamstrings, inner thighs, and obliques then the shoulder hip bridge is the move for you. Here is how to do the move.

People who are looking to really challenge their abdominal muscles, often want to try the roll up. That said, if you are new to Pilates, the best place to start is with the supported roll back and then transition to roll up once you have built up some strength. Here's how to do the supported roll back.

Once you have mastered the supported roll back, you may want to give the roll up a try. However, if you have low back pain or a low back injury, this exercise may not be right for you. At least talk with a healthcare provider before giving it a try.

Based on how difficult it is to master the roll up, it is not surprising that proponents of Pilates claim that this move can be more effective than traditional sit-ups or crunches. Here is how to do the roll up.

Read more from the original source:
Pilates: What It Is and How It Can Benefit You - Health.com

Got 11 minutes? That modest amount of daily pulse-raising exercise is enough to reduce the risk of premature death and various diseases, a new review of studies has found.

It adds up to about 75 minutes a week of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, dancing, riding a bike, playing tennis or hiking anything that makes the heart beat faster but isnt so intense that it leaves a person breathless.

One in 10 premature deaths could be prevented if everyone met this goal, researchers reported Tuesday in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. It was enough to reduce the risk of developing heart disease by 17% and cancer by 7%, and came with a 23% lower risk of premature death.

The findings are based on a review and meta-analysis of 196 studies covering more than 30 million participants.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other agencies advise getting 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, which seems to produce the maximum health benefits, according to the paper.

But even half that recommended amount makes an appreciable difference, as the new study shows, and people who are sedentary would benefit the most from moving a little bit more, the authors write.

Thats good news for those who find the idea of working out 150 minutes a week daunting, says Sren Brage, Ph.D., co-author of the paper and head of the Physical Activity Epidemiology group at the University of Cambridge. Some exercise is better than none, he notes.

Our results are encouraging for those who currently do very little activity; it really makes a big difference to your health if you manage to do just a little bit, so we hope that would motivate more people to move, Brage tells TODAY.com.

Physical activity encompasses not just sweating it out in the gym. It is broader than that and includes also walking or cycling to work just getting up and using the big muscles in the legs, moving to stimulate the metabolism it is how we are designed, and if we do not use our muscles, they waste away.

Its still great to go to the gym or go for a hard run, but thats not to everybodys taste or capability, while moderate activity like walking is safe for everyone, Brage notes.

If people find 75 minutes a week is manageable, they could gradually raise it to the full recommended amount of 150 minutes, he says. The paper didnt address whether it was better to spread the exercise out over seven days or do fewer, longer workouts a week.

That exercise routine is also a prescription for better mental health.

Physical activity is highly beneficial for improving symptoms of depression and anxiety in adults more effective than counseling or medications, a separate, new review of studies published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found.

Importantly, the research shows that it doesnt take much for exercise to make a positive change to your mental health, Ben Singh, Ph.D., the lead author and a research fellow at the University of South Australia, said in a statement.

Yet despite the evidence, it has not been widely adopted as a first-choice treatment," he added.

All types of physical activity were beneficial, including walking, resistance training, Pilates and yoga. But bursts of higher intensity exercise had greater improvements for depression and anxiety, perhaps because that stimulates the neurological and hormonal changes linked with larger mood improvements, the paper noted.

Exercise programs that lasted three months or shorter had the most effect, perhaps because people stop following longer regimens, the authors wrote.

They were also surprised that smaller, weekly doses of exercise had a bigger impact on improving mental health than bigger doses though no specific number of minutes per week was recommended in the review. It may be that longer workouts are more burdensome, which in turn impacts the psychological benefits, the authors wrote.

The findings are based on 97 reviews encompassing more than 1,000 trials and 128,000 participants.

Exercise could have a beneficial effect on mental health through the release of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins, Wendy Suzuki, a professor of neural science at New York University, previously told TODAY.com.

I think exercise is an excellent tool to use for anxiety, said Suzuki, who was not involved in the new research.

"Moving your body, includingincreasing regular walking, is an easily accessible and powerful tool to use.

A. Pawlowski is a TODAY health reporter focusing on health news and features. Previously, she was a writer, producer and editor at CNN.

Read more from the original source:
Walking 11 Minutes Every Day Lowers Risk Of Early Death, Heart Disease - TODAY

Both active exercise physiotherapy and exercise for wellbeing (Qi Gong) programs proved effective for improving upper and lower limb range of movement and muscle strength, which in turn improved quality of life, in a cohort of women with fibromyalgia, according to a study in Journal of Clinical Medicine.1

Image Credit: Adobe Stock/Robert Kneschke

Pharmacological treatment has produced meaningful improvement in 30% to 50% of patients, investigators stated. [However], the management of fibromyalgia can also include non-pharmacological treatments such as physiotherapy and psychological interventions, as well as socio-educational measures. These management approaches have shown improvements on physical, psychological, and social quality of life.

Exercise for wellbeing, a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique, combines meditation, movement, and breathing to improve circulation and the immune system while enhancing the flow of the bodys energy, or Qi.2 Physiotherapy techniques include stretching and physical exercise.

In the assessor-blind, controlled trial, investigators sought to compare the efficacy of these programs in terms of improving muscle strength, range of motion, quality of life, and respiratory capacity in this patient population. Eligible patients were women, aged 30 to 65 years, with a clinical fibromyalgia diagnosis according to the American College of Rheumatology Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia.

Data collected included sociodemographic information and outcome measures. The primary outcomes were joint range of movement and muscle strength. Secondary outcomes included respiratory capacity (spirometry parameters) and quality of life, which was evaluated through the Spanish Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (S-FIQ).

One hundred forty-one women with fibromyalgia were entered into the 6-week trial, with 93 patients completing the intervention and all measurements (mean age 52.24 years). Participants were randomized to either a physiotherapy exercise cohort (n = 33), an exercise for wellbeing cohort (n = 31), or a control group (n = 29). Both exercise groups completed 45-minute sessions twice a week, on alternate days, for 4 weeks. A baseline assessment was conducted at week 0 and a post-intervention evaluation was performed at week 5.

Compared with the control group, patients in the exercise for wellbeing and physiotherapy groups reported statistically significant improvements at week 5 in joint range of movement (P = 0.004), muscle strength, (P = 0.003), spirometry (P = 0.039), and quality of life (P = 0.002). Although the physiotherapy group showed better performance in sample terms, there were no significant differences between intervention groups. A small, not statistically significant improvement was reported in the control group.

Changes in spirometry parameters were linked to changes in quality of life, muscle strength, and joint range of movement. The physiotherapy and exercise for wellbeing cohorts generally performed much better when compared with controls in all primary outcome measures except for spirometry parameters.

The difficulty of learning the Qi Gong exercises may have limited the study. To mitigate this, investigators described the key aspects of the practice, such as breath control and body posture, prior to intervention initiation. Further, the intervention period may have been too short to achieve the expected benefits. However, a longer intervention duration may have negatively impacted treatment adherence. A longer follow-up period and a larger sample size may have allowed for a better impression of the overall treatment effects.

Although the S-FIQ included important factors such as fatigue and pain, only the total score was evaluated. Investigators noted that analyzing these items separately may be helpful in determining the impact of these exercise programs on fibromyalgia symptoms.

References

See the original post:
Physiotherapy, Qi Gong Improves Range of Motion, Muscle Strength ... - MD Magazine

According to the study, participants who exercised twice or more weekly with others saw a 29.2% decrease in risk of cognitive impairment, while those who exercised alone saw a 15.1% decrease.

A study at the University of Tsukuba in Japan has found that routine exercise helps prevent cognitive impairment in older adults, with exercising alone being beneficial, but exercising with others having an even greater positive effect.

Regular exercise has benefits beyond a leaner and stronger physique. It also boosts brain function, especially in older adults. And doing exercise with others, according to a study in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, results in even greater cognitive benefits compared to exercising alone.

With the projected increase in the global number of dementia patients reaching 150 million by 2050, there is growing interest in simple lifestyle practices, like exercise and socializing, that can potentially lower the risk of age-related cognitive decline.

Exercise is manageable for many older people, and we saw cognitive benefits from it compared with those who dont exercise, says study senior author Professor Tomohiro Okura from the University of Tsukuba. But its even more noteworthy that we found exercises benefits rise14.1 percentage points in our studywhen performed with others and at least twice a week.

Professor Okuras study collected data on 4,358 older (averaging 76.9 5.6 years) adults in a regional city about 100 km (~62 miles) north of central Tokyo. This took place in 2017 to obtain baseline data for how frequently these people exercised alone or with others. The study team also used a local government database to collect follow-up data on the peoples cognitive condition over nearly 4 years.

The researchers analyzed and calculated the data to find the relation between cognitive decline, exercise, and exercise with others. They found that participants who exercised alone twice or more weekly decreased their risk of developing cognitive impairment by 15.1%. Yet those who exercised with others twice or more weekly showed a 29.2% decrease.

Studies reinforce these findings in various ways. Exercise can provide favorable physical and mental outcomes. It can also reduce chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Exercising in groups introduces a social element, and socializing has also been found to potentially reduce the development of cognitive disorders.

A majority of the older adults in our study took part in exercise by themselves, and we can see the cognitive benefits when they do so at least twice a week, Professor Okura says. Adding in the social element, however, may make regular exercise all the more preventive. Adopting this habit could be extremely valuable.

Further studies now need to look at factors such as exercise intensity and type. These findings may inform the development of specialized exercise programs that combine exercise and dementia for the prevention of dementia and other related conditions.

Reference: Impact of exercising alone and exercising with others on the risk of cognitive impairment among older Japanese adults by Koki Nagata, Kenji Tsunoda, Yuya Fujii, Takashi Jindo and Tomohiro Okura, 16 December 2022, Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics.DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2022.104908

This study was supported by a JSPS KAKENHI Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research and by grants from Young Scientists, JST COI-NEXT, JST SPRING, the Meiji Yasuda Life Foundation of Health and Welfare, and the Japan Sports Association.

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Double the Brain Benefits: Study Identifies New Advantages of ... - SciTechDaily

The Johnson Hall Rotunda echoes with laughter as faculty, staff, students, and alumnae/i excitedly catch up with one another over slices of pink frosted cake to celebrate the Colleges 132nd birthday.

The 2023 birthday celebration took place on February 28, so it coincided with the Colleges 8th annual Giving Day. This year a record-breaking $1,329,823 was raised by 2,667 donors in just 24 hours, exceeding the goal to raise $1 million.

Kicking off the event were remarks from Vice President for College Programs Jean Jackson, 75, which were live-streamed on Facebook so that alumnae and friends worldwide could join the festivities.

We are here today on campus honoring what we know as Meredith College and celebrating the many ways we are indeed going strong, said Jackson. As we approach the middle of the spring semester during the 2022-23 academic year, I can share we have much to celebrate today.

Jackson announced the exciting advancements Meredith has made this academic year. In the fall of 2022, the College opened its newest academic building, Communication and Health, Exercise & Sport Sciences (CHESS). The new building features hands-on learning experiences for students, including a broadcast studio, podcast studio, and Health and Human Performance Lab. Exercise & sports sciences students also piloted their first clinical exercise program utilizing the new space within CHESS.

The academic year saw many students participating in compelling learning experiences, including the Meredith Poll, in which students polled North Carolinians about voter preferences and opinions during the 2022 midterm elections; hospitality and tourism students visited North Carolinas only Forbes 5-star rated property; and Moot Court participants traveled to Yale University and competed in the Elm City Moot Court Competition.

In September 2022 Meredith celebrated the 50th anniversary of the adult education program, Wings. Since its formation in 1972, the program has seen 2,000 adult students complete their college education.

Avenging Angels athletics teams have also continued going strong, with the cross country team finishing the 2022 season atop the USA South standings and a Meredith alumna was inducted into the USA South Hall of Fame.

These are just a few of the many highlights from this academic year. As you can see, we have much to celebrate, said Jackson. Happy birthday, Meredith College! Now, let us celebrate and eat cake!

After Jacksons remarks, attendees began milling about the tables lined with food and party favors, including Meredith party hats, signs, and buttons. Many students reflected on their time and what makes Meredith strong.

Rachel Van Horne, 23, was excited to be in attendance at the party after missing it last year. Upon reflection on her four years at the College, she credits the Meredith students and professors for encouraging her to grow and challenge herself.

Before I came to Meredith, I was incredibly shy, and I never really had any leadership positions beyond church, and now I have several. I think Meredith has pushed me to go out of my comfort zone.

Freshman Kaylee Appleton, 26, said what makes Meredith so strong is the close campus community. This also played a large role in why she chose to come to the College.

Theres a lot of resources Meredith provides that you can use to benefit yourself, and thats helped make me stronger.

Tanasia Yelverton, 26, echoed that the strong community and support from professors at Meredith is what makes the College unique.

Ive definitely gotten more independent since I left my home, so I guess being able to test run adulthood has helped make me stronger.

Link:
Meredith College Celebrates 132 Years of Going Strong - Meredith College

In college and in the three years that followed, I was nothing short of a gym rat. I would wake up between 5 and 6 a.m. every day like clockwork to ensure that Id be able to lift before class. I kept it up post-college to ensure that I could maintain my fitness goals despite working 60- to 70-hour weeks. For me, lifting was the ultimate outlet; the very best stress reliever.

But somewhere between a toxic relationship, processing the end of it, trying to maintain a social life, and working myself to the point of burnout in my final years living in New York, I lost sight of that. Or, more accurately, I just didnt feel like I had the time or energy, nor the confidence, to craft new workouts, walk into what was once my favorite place on Earth, and work myself through reps and sets to the point of exhaustion.

Instead, I started doing trainer-led boutique fitness classes that took the thought out of working out. It was one less thing to think about; I could just show up and do what I was told. And that worked for me for the past six yearsbut it never gave me the same thrill (or feeling of strength) that lifting heavy weights did.

Ive been following mega fit-fluencer Whitney Simmons for a while now, and recently began seeing and hearing a lot about her Alive program. I figured, what the hell, Id give it a try. Long story short: It reignited my love for the gym, and ultimately instilled more confidence in myself.

The Alive app is brimming with over 100 daily workouts to choose from, all of which are between five and 60 minutes long. The options cover a full-body range of categories, including HIIT, Upper, Legs, Push, and Pull options. There are also 33 Warm Ups and Cool Downs, ranging from five to eight minutes.

The app also has challenges that last between 30 and 45 days, and programs that span four to 10 weeks. In both cases, there are beginner, intermediate, and advanced options, so users can tailor how difficult the challenge or program will be.

Users can jot down their thoughts in the in-app journal at any point, and are encouraged to with prompts in the challenges and programs. Meanwhile, the Journey section lets users keep track of the number of workouts and any achievement badges earned.

Like so many, I wanted to kickstart the year with health and wellness at the forefront of my mind. After feeling less fulfilled by Orangetheory (my chosen fitness class for the past two years, which I typically attended three to four times per week) and more energized by the idea of switching things up, I bought a gym membership and downloaded the Alive app. For $14.99 per month, a whole world of fitness possibilities opened up to me, and I couldnt wait to get started.

To kick things off, I signed up for the Alive & Thrive Challenge, a 45-day regimen with four lifting days, one mobility day, and two rest days (accompanied by journal prompts) per week. I opted for the intermediate level and was met with a series of four 45-minute workouts (plus warm-up and cool-down exercises) per week. To get cardio in, I would start each workout with a one-mile treadmill strut.

Heres what I loved most about this challengeand the Alive app as a whole:

Taking on this challenge got me out of my comfort zone and back into the gym. It switched things up every day, which meant that it was never boringI never felt the urge to skip.

Unfortunately, during the last week of the challenge, I got sick and ended up missing three workouts. I planned to make them up the following week but, as it turns out, you cant retroactively complete them if the end date has passed. (Womp womp.) Still, I finished with a 90% Gold completion rate, so no complaints here.

In my opinion: Absolutely. As someone who loves to work out individually but also loves guidance, the Alive app contains everything you need to build new fitness habits, discover new exercises, and expand your knowledge of machines, lifts, and muscle movement in general. And since it has all the instructional videos you could hope for without volume or unnecessary commentary, it streamlines the learning process. Personally, I found that it made re-entering a classic gym easier than ever. (And after six years of avoiding it, thats really saying something.)

Whitneys personality also has something to do with the appeal. Shes quite entertaining, not to mention relatable. Whether its her openness surrounding living with psoriasis, or her GRWM reels or micd-up videos, shes a genuine joy to followand I feel like thats not always (read: rarely) the case with influencers in the 3 million+ realm.

Now, Id be remiss not to mention: The biggest negative feedback surrounding the app (on Reddit, at least), is that Whitney Simmons isnt actually a certified trainer. (And to my knowledge, shes never claimed to be.) She is, however, a dedicated fitness influencer who has been working out religiously for years, not to mention a Gymshark and Alani Nu athlete.

For me personally, Im okay with the fact that shes not a CPT. That doesnt mean that she cant share what she knows, and whats worked for her. After all, after 45 days following Whitneys suggestions, Ive found that its worked for me, too: I feel energized, uplifted, and ready to take on my next challenge. Only this time, it will be in the form of the 10-week Alive Strong program.

See the article here:
I Rediscovered My Love of the Gym With Whitney Simmons Alive Workout App - Well+Good

If the US rollout of the Dexcom G7 beginning a week prior was not enough to place the technology in the spotlight at the 16th annual conference on Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD 2023), the companys presence could be felt throughout the conference through spotlights in symposiums, presentations, and poster sessions as well as with signage throughout the conference center.

Last year at ATTD we first introduced our expanded portfolio of Dexcom CGM systems, said Jake Leach, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Dexcom.1 Almost one year later we are thrilled to report that Dexcom G7 is already available in eight countries, Dexcom ONE has played a significant role in helping expand CGM coverage for millions more people with diabetes and Dexcom G6 continues to lead the industry in connectivity with automated insulin delivery systems and digital health apps.

Check out this special edition ATTD 23 episode of Diabetes Dialogue with Leach, where he discusses the global rollout of the Dexcom G7, Dexcoms future research plans, and the companys access initiatives.

In addition to sponsored symposiums and industry presentations, the ATTD 23 meeting also saw a multitude of oral and poster presentations related to use of Dexcom technology in different patient groups and various settings.

Although a multitude of studies have provided a comprehensive overview of the effects of real-time continuous glucose monitoring in patients with type 2 diabetes, a team led by Thomas Grace, MD, medical director of the Blanchard Valley Diabetes Center, sought to investigate the potential benefit of this technology in an often-overlooked patient population: the uninsured. With this in mind, investigators designed their study with the intent of providing Dexcom G6 systems to a cohort of 200 patients to estimate the effects of initiation on glucose control in this patient population. Of note, Graces ATTD 2023 presentation contained interim data from a cohort of 31 patients with at least 2 HbA1c values available for analysis.

This cohort had a mean BMI of 37.8 kg/m2 and all patients had a baseline HbA1c value of 7.4% or greater. Grace pointed out all study participants were considered CGM-naive and there were no restrictions for study entry based on comorbidities or diabetes treatment regimens. Per trial protocol, no formal training was provided to patients or prescribers.

Upon analysis, results indicated the cohorts mean HbA1c was reduced from 9.9% (SD, 1.9) at baseline to 7.2% (SD, 1.1) at 3 months and further reduced to 7.1% (SD, 1.3) at 6 months. This trend was consistent, regardless of whether or not patients reported insulin use at baseline. Results also indicated no device-related adverse events were reported among participants.

It is likely that people used the data to modify dietary and behavioral choices. The large and clinically significant HbA1c reductions will likely reduce the risk of long-term complications. Expanded coverage for RT-CGM devices may have beneficial cost implications for insurance providers, wrote investigators.2

Led by Erin Cobry, MD, and fellow investigators from the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes at the University of Colorado, the current study, which was a retrospective chart review, was launched with the intent of assessing the utility of the Dexcom G6 in in-hospital settings among people with type 1 diabetes. Limiting their study to pediatric patients 17 years or younger with type 1 diabetes, investigators obtained data related to 497 paired glucose values from a cohort of 32 patients.

This cohort had a median age of 14.5 years, 59.4% were female, and 68.8% were non-Hispanic White. From hospital records investigators obtained data related to blood glucose values, diagnostic codes, and medication administration while hospitalized. For the purpose of analysis, the primary outcome of interest for the investigators analyses was the mean absolute relative difference (MARD). Upon analysis, results indicated the overall MARD was 12.5%, the medical floor MARD was 11.6%, and the intensive care unit MARD was 15.5%. Investigators pointed out 97.6% were within the A&B zones in each group.

It is important to be able to apply this technology to the inpatient setting where close glucose monitoring is especially important. Future prospective studies and impatient protocols will be important to ensure safe and feasible use of continuous glucose monitors in both the pediatric and adult hospital settings, Cobry said.3

Led by Othmar Moser, PhD, of the University of Bayreuth in Germany, and a team of investigators representing institutions in Germany and Austria, the current study was a secondary outcome analysis of the performance assessment of the Dexcom G6 around exercise in different glycemic ranges from within the ULTRAFLEXI-1 study. A randomized crossover trial comparing insulin glargine 300 u/mL and insulin degludec 100 U/mL around spontaneous exercise sessions in adults with type 1 diabetes, the study provided investigators with data for assessing real-time continuous glucose monitoring performance during exercise from 25 people with type 1 diabetes.

The study cohort had a mean age of 41.4 (SD, 11.9) years, mean HbA1c of 7.5% (SD, 0.8), and 56% were male. From this cohort investigators were provided with data from 24 moderate-intensity cycle-ergometer lab exercise sessions, with a duration of 60 minutes each. As part of the ULTRAFLEXI-1 study, reference blood glucose was compared against sensor glucose levels every 6 minutes. For the purpose of analysis, sensor accuracy was assessed by means of median absolute relative difference (MARD). Analysis of pre-exercise resting conditions, where 98.8% of sensor readings were available, achieved a MARD of 9.4% (Interquartile range [IQR], 4.5-17.7).

Analysis of readings during exercise, which included 98.9% of sensor readings, suggested an achieved MARD of 14.4% (IQR, 7.1-23.6). Further analysis of exercise and reference glucose levels indicated the MARD for time below 70 mg/dL was 39.6% (IQR, 31.5-47.2), for time in range of 70-180 mg/dL the MARD was 15.4% (IQR, 7.9-24.6) and for time above 180 mg/dL the MARD was 9.6% (IQR, 4.7-15.9).

This secondary outcome analysis showed high accuracy during resting conditions for theDexcomG6 system that deteriorated during exercise. During hypoglycemia and exercise sensor glucose readings overestimated blood glucose levels, wrote investigators.4

References

See the original post here:
Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems in the Spotlight ... - MD Magazine

By Submitted Story on March 2, 2023

Returning home after experiencing a health issue with your heart or lungs can be scary. As you recover from treatments and/or procedures, you may feel anxious about a medical team not being there with you.

Your doctor will give you tips for your first few weeks back home, and one may very well be exercise. Its an important part of recovery, and the best way to begin is to join a medically supervised cardiac and/or pulmonary rehabilitation program.

These medically supervised sessions are individually designed to provide the best type of exercise and education for each patient. Marcie Jurges, exercise physiologist in The Outer Banks Hospital Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program, notes, Our focus is to help each person feel better, increase their strength, and overcome the fear that often remains after a cardiac event or new pulmonary diagnosis. We want to build their confidence so that they can begin to get back to what they love.

To ensure the best possible outcome for each patient, the department takes a holistic approach to the rehabilitation journey. We also teach and encourage lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, taking medications as prescribed, reducing stress, smoking cessation, and maintaining a healthy weight, said rehabilitation therapy team member Ashley Taylor, RN.

In addition, a maintenance program is offered for those patients who graduate from the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs and want to continue to exercise in our facility.

If you would like information about these programs and other services offered, call our Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Department at 252-449-5930.

Robin Hollowell (left), a patient in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, receives support from Marcie Jurges, exercise physiologist.

Kill Devil Hills resident Robin Hollowell has had her share of cardiac and pulmonary health challenges, beginning back in 2017, when she noticed shortness of breath while taking the stairs and walking on the beach. I thought I was just getting out of shape because Im not one to exercise, explained Hollowell. An appointment with a cardiologist led to the discovery of two blockages and ultimately a stent procedure. My doctor recommended cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, which is something I was very interested in trying, she said. After something like that, you have some fear about exercising.

Hollowell still dealt with shortness of breath after the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and it was the hospital cardiopulmonary rehab team that recommended she see a pulmonologist. Hollowell did so and discovered that she was suffering from a form of pulmonary fibrosis. Ms. Hollowell has a progressive pulmonary disease, and although there is no cure, her participation in the pulmonary rehabilitation program and now the Self Training Exercise Program (STEP) help her to build stamina so she can function at her highest level, noted team member Ashley Taylor, RN.

When Hollowell finished pulmonary rehabilitation, she chose to continue with the rehab team through STEP. It helps me because it pushes me to exercise. Im more confident to do that with the team around me. Theyre all greatits like family there.

Continued here:
How cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation can enhance quality of life - The Outer Banks Voice

Human Resources: Upcoming March Programs and Events

To register for these and other programs, visit https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/learn-grow/trainings-courses-and-webinars/onsite-programs.

Virtual Resilience and Well-Being Workshop: Real-Time Resilience; 3/1; 12:30-2 p.m.; online; free. This workshop teaches four strategies to challenge counter-productive thinking in the moment. Participants practice each strategy to build greater focus and confidence. This session is part of a six-session resilience virtual workshop series presenting core resilience and well-being skills that you can use in your personal and professional lives. During each 90-minute workshop, youll learn how each skill contributes to resilience and well-being and participate in group exercises with colleagues to explore the content together. We hope that this series provides you with new tools to bolster your resilience and well-being and enhance your relationships at work and at home. This sessions attendance will be marked individually, and not as a part of the series.

Conflict Resolution; 3/6; 12:30-1:30 p.m.; online; free. During this online course, we will learn the different types of conflict, learn to use several tools to help us address conflict in healthy and productive ways, learn how to reap the benefits of conflict, and finally how to mitigate its risks. Well also practice using these tools together so that we can all become more confident in handling disagreements within our team and in our personal lives.

Virtual Resilience and Well-being Workshop: IDEAL; 3/15; 12:302 p.m.; online; free. This workshop teaches a model that guides productive conversations when there are difficult topics to discuss. The model increases the likelihood of positive resolution and builds trust and connection. This session is a part of a 6-session resilience virtual workshop series presenting core resilience and well-being skills that you can use in your personal and professional lives. During each 90-minute workshop, youll learn how each skill contributes to resilience and well-being and participate in group exercises with colleagues to explore the content together. We hope that this series provides you with new tools to bolster your resilience and well-being and enhance your relationships at work and at home. This sessions attendance will be marked individually, and not as a part of the series.

The Gift of Feedback; 3/16; 12:30-1:30 p.m.; online; free. Feedback can be an amazing gift that helps improve performance, but many managers feel challenged by giving and receiving feedback. In this virtual session managers will learn how to frame feedback as a gift that creates productive dialog and improved performance. Additionally, we will cover how managers can solicit feedback from staff in order to become a more effective leader.

Gratitude as a Mindful Practice; 3/23; noon-12:45 p.m.; online; free. How does focusing on the good, in the form of gratitude, increase your enjoyment of life? Attend this 45-minute virtual workshop and learn how to use gratitude as a mindfulness practice and re-train the dominant negativity bias we may have.

A Healthier You: How Mental Health Affects Physical Health; 3/28; 12:30-1:30 p.m.; online; free. More evidence continues to show the effect of fitness, nutrition and physical health on our mental health. Some examples include emotional under- or overeating, depression following a medical diagnosis, and exercising to improve mood. In this workshop, participants will learn how to focus on areas that impact both their minds and bodies. They will explore themselves from the inside out by considering the connection between their mental and physical health.

Women and Investing with MetLife; 3/29; noon1 p.m.; online; free. No matter where you are in your life right now, there are some critical steps you can take toward improving your financial health. In this virtual workshop, you will learn about:

The College Financial Aid Process-Tips from Penns Student Financial Aid (SFA) Office; 3/14; noon-1 p.m.; online; free. In this virtual session, join staff from Penns Student Financial Aid office to learn more about the college financial aid process. This session will also offer tips for reading and comparing financial aid package components, communications with the SFA, and provide additional resources.

Virtual Overview of New Childcare and Adult Care Benefit; 3/21, noon-1 p.m.; 3/29, 9-10 a.m.; online; free. The University of Pennsylvania prioritizes providing adult and childcare resources and support.Join this webinar to learn more about the expanded benefit delivered by Bright Horizons, including back-up care and senior care support services.

Virtual 30-Minute Guided Meditation; 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24 and 3/31; noon-12:30 p.m.; online; free. Meditation, quite simply, is training your attention. In an age of distraction, this becomes a very important skill if we are to maintain focus and mental acuity and develop emotional intelligence and fitness. This meditation is guided to encourage spaciousness and stability in your life. It may be the most worthwhile 30 minutes of your day!

Virtual 30-Minute Chair Yoga Plus Core; 3/6, 3/13, 3/20 and 3/27; noon-12:30 p.m.; online; free. This program consists of moves you can do to tone your abdominals, lengthen your spine, and strengthen your entire torso region. Many activities depend on a strong core, from the simple act of bending to put on shoes to the most athletic endeavors. Chair yoga for the core helps you learn to engage your abdominals correctly. With the abdominals engaged, youll find a natural lift and length without having to force anything. In just 30 minutes, beginners and those who regularly exercise can learn what to do without leaving their desks.

Deskercize; 3/7; noon-12:30 p.m.; online; free. This class will take you through a variety of movements that you can do right at your desk. Be prepared to work through a 30-minute low impact strength and flexibility workout.

Virtual Chair Yoga; 3/8 and 3/22; noon-1 p.m.; online; free. Plenty of people turn to yoga for exercise, but striking a pose isnt for everyone. If youve been tempted to try it but dont know where to start, its time to try chair yoga. Chair yoga is a more moderate form of yoga thats done while sitting in a chair or using a chair for support. You get the same benefits of a regular yoga workout (like increased strength, flexibility, and balance) but dont have to master complex poses. Chair yoga can even better your breathing and teach you how to relax your mind and improve your well-being. Ready to give it a try? Join us for a free chair yoga workshop. And dont worry about your experience or flexibilitychair yoga can be modified for all levels!

Virtual Guided Mindful Meditation; 3/16; noon-1 p.m.; online; free. This workshop is for participants to practice present-moment awareness with kindness and compassion. Our practice will include guided meditation focusing on the breath, body awareness, mindful movement, and other practices to cultivate wellbeing for self and others. The workshop is appropriate for people new to mindfulness practice as well as more experienced practitioners. No experience necessary. All are warmly welcomed.

Indoor Monthly Wellness Walk-St. Patricks Day; 3/16; 11 a.m.; the Palestra, 223 S. 33rd Street; free. Join us for an afternoon indoor wellness walk sponsored by Human Resources and led by the Center for Public Health Initiative (CPHI) team. For the months of January-March 2023, we will walk inside Penns historic Palestra. Meet the team at 11 a.m. at the Palestra.The Palestras front doors are locked, but look for HR staff who will open a door for walkers to enter. The CPHI will lead you on a two-mile walk to help you increase physical activity and steps, plus build community with participating Penn staff and faculty. Be sure to wear sneakers or comfortable shoes, bring water, and invite a colleague to join in. For our March walk, held the day before St. Patricks Day, we invite you to wear something green.

Spin Class; 3/21; noon; Pottruck Studio 306; free. (Free HR-sponsored spin class, in partnership with Campus Recreation.) Pedal your way to a fantastic workout indoors. With the use of stationary cycles, each class is led on a virtual outdoor road, complete with a variety of exercises. This class will give you an energizing, calorie-burning, fun workout, and it is great for all fitness levels because you will always ride at a self-directed pace.

Gentle Yoga; 3/30; noon; Pottruck Studio 409; free; (Free HR-sponsored yoga class, in partnership with Campus Recreation) Let your body reward itself with movement! Join us for this in-person gentle yoga session and explore the natural movements of the spine with slow and fluid-moving bends and soft twists. During this session, you will flow into modified sun salutations that loosen those tightened muscles and joints of the lower back, neck, shoulders, and wrists. And as a bonus, youll get a workout in the process. Participants are welcome to bring their mats; however, mats and props will be available if needed.

Division of Human Resources

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Human Resources: Upcoming March Programs and Events ... - University of Pennsylvania

Despite Metas huge investment (and investment losses) into the metaverse, VR is still much more niche than the marketing makes it seem. Of the more than 215 million games across the U.S., only about 7% of them said that a VR device was their preferred device for playing games. In 2022, VR headset sales fell 2% year over year.

SKIP AHEAD Best VR headsets | Frequently asked questions about VR headsets

While VR might not be your next social platform (yet), it is excellent at delivering unique gaming and exercise experiences. At the end of the day, VR is still primarily for gaming and exercise right now, said Avi Greengart, president and lead analyst at Techsponential, a tech market research and advisory service.

To help you get past the marketing buzz and tech specs, we spoke with Greengart about the best VR headsets on the market today.

There are a handful of VR headsets on the market today, with many big tech companies like Apple developing brand-new headsets, said Greengart. While shopping for a VR headset, the most important thing to consider is what you are trying to do in VR. You have to have at least some idea of what you're gonna use it for, said Greengart. Do you plan on using your VR headset standing up, sitting down, or both? Which room in the house do you plan to put it in? Does that room have a lot of open floor space? These are all important questions to consider, as they will help decide which VR headset is best for you.

The best VR headset on the market largely depends on what you are trying to do in VR. All of the most popular headsets excel in wildly different ways, making the decision more about what you want than what the hardware offers. To pick the best VR headsets, we focused on expert-recommended options from veteran tech brands. We prioritized headsets with stable performance and a history of software support.

If you are in the U.S., the easiest recommendation for VR is still Metas Quest 2, said Greengart. Of all the VR headsets on the market, it is one of the easiest to use. It is completely self contained, you dont need a PC or game console to use it. You can use it standing, sitting down, in small spaces its very portable, said Greengart.

Greengart said the key to the Quest 2s success is its reasonable price and huge library of software. Greengart particularly recommended Beat Saber, a rhythm game that mixes exercise elements to create a very fun experience.

The Quest 2 is more affordable than many other top-rated VR headsets. It comes with a VR headset, charger and two battery-powered touch controllers.

Valves Index VR headset is one of the most powerful on the market. It must be plugged into a high-powered gaming laptop or PC to be used. Unlike the Meta Quest 2, the Valve Index is capable of playing graphically-intense games like Half Life: Alyx.

What distinguishes it from the crowd is its controllers. Each controller individually detects every one of your fingers. This is unique in the VR space and allows for some immersive gameplay experiences.

Valves Index can be bought piecemeal, but we recommend purchasing the full Valve Index VR Kit, which includes everything you need to fully enjoy the system.

If you own a PS5, the new PSVR 2 is one of the best VR headsets to buy. It must be plugged into a PS5 to be used. Reviewers have noted that the PSVR 2 is extremely adjustable and very comfortable. Like the best gaming monitors, it features a high refresh rate 4K HDR screen. Built into the headset are advanced features like eye-tracking, something missing from most other VR headsets.

The PSVR 2 is exclusively for playing video games, and according to reviewers, titles like Horizon: Call of the Mountain and The Last Clockwinder are great games to start with.

The PSVR 2 includes a VR headset, two VR2 Sense controllers, a charger and wired earbuds.

Does VR cause motion sickness?

Motion sickness is absolutely an issue in VR, according to nearly everyone (Greengart, myself, most reviewers and most users). If you get motion sickness from riding in a vehicle or playing first-person video games, there is a good chance VR will impact you the same way.

Luckily, VR technology has improved over time, with many ways to help mitigate motion sickness. For people who are particularly sensitive to motion sickness, try increasing the refresh rate, said Greengart. Refresh rate is essentially how often images are hitting your eyes and how quickly those images are updated, he said.. Really, anything you can do to lower latency in VR will help with motion sickness, as a smoother experience will better recreate real-world movement and motion.

Is VR only for gaming?

Greengart commented that, while there have been strides to make VR a more robust space, it is still best for gaming and gamified fitness activity. He mentioned games like Beat Saber and exercise programs like Supernatural as standout titles that offer an experience that cannot easily be recreated outside of VR.

Which is better: wired or wireless?

Wired VR headsets tend to be very powerful, while wireless ones are often more accessible and easier to use, according to Greengart. Wireless headsets, like the Quest 2, can feel just as responsive as wired ones because they tend to use simpler graphics. Wired headsets, like the Valve Index and PSVR 2, meanwhile, leverage their powerful specs to run high-fidelity games like Half Life: Alyx and Resident Evil Village VR. Which one is right for you depends on what you are looking to do in VR.

At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.

Harry Rabinowitz is a reporter for Select on NBC News.

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The best VR headsets in 2023 - NBC News

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