CHD (Coronary Heart Disease) - also referred to as coronary
artery disease. The primary cause of concern with abnormal levels of saturated and trans fats in the foods that are consumed, is due to their potential contribution in raising blood cholesterol, a risk factor in the occurrence of coronary heart disease. Even so, one saturated fatty acid which has been given a lot of interest is stearic acid, found mainly in animal fat and cocoa butter, which is seen to have a neutral effect on cholesterol in the bloodstream. Further research is in the process of being carried out to decide the influence, if any, of stearic acid on other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Doctors and similar healthcare professionals calculate the level of blood cholesterol to help evaluate an individual`s susceptibility to coronary heart disease. In the opinion of the National Institutes of Health, under 200 mg/dl is considered a desirable blood cholesterol level; more than 240 mg/dL is said to be high. Scientific researchers also have identified separate types of blood cholesterol. Referred to as the `bad` cholesterol, LDL fractions contain most of the blood cholesterol and are associated with cholesterol deposits on arterial walls, more commonly called plaque. Referred to as the `good cholesterol`, HDL (high-density lipoproteins) presumably transport cholesterol out of the blood and return it to the liver where it can be broken down and excreted. Therefore, having high HDL levels in total cholesterol (more than 40 mg/dl), may be just as important as having low LDL levels (below l00 mg/dL), in order to reduce the risk of heart disease. Along with diet, a wide variety of health threats influence blood cholesterol. Risk factors beyond one`s control are age, race, and gender. Even so, there are several health threats that individuals do have the means to affect. These involve adhering to a healthy diet, maintaining optimal body weight, getting sufficient exercise, controlling high blood pressure, avoiding cigarette smoking, and good stress management. For some individuals, genetically inherited characteristics could be an even stronger predictor of blood cholesterol than the food they eat.
Healthy Weight - instead of excessive weight or extreme overweight, a body weight that is less likely to be associated with any of the medical problems associated with excess weight, like adult-onset diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, excessive levels of cholesterol in the blood, or others. A BMI (body mass index) within the 18.5 - 25 range is considered a healthy weight, though some people with a BMI in this range may still have an unhealthy level of body fat; a large proportion of their total body weight could come from fat rather than muscle. A body mass index from 25 to 30 is considered overweight and a BMI of 30+ is deemed to be obese.
Alpha-Carotene - a kind of carotenoid (substance in yellow/orange fruits and vegetables and dark green leafy vegetables) found in carrots and pumpkins which provides the physical benefit of neutralizing free radicals (highly reactive particles produced during oxidation) which might damage cells.
Methyl Cellulose - a number of gelatinous chemical compounds, derived from methyls (water-resistant chemicals) and cellulose. Methyl cellulose is present in fruit butters and jellies and acts as a binding and emulsifying agent in such products.
Static Stretch - an easy muscle stretch that produces exactly as much tension as is needed to extend the muscle to its full length and is held steadily for several seconds, without bouncing or any other movement.
Sulfites - a class of sulfur-containing compounds. Sulfiting agents are sometimes used to retain the natural hue of food items like dried vegetables and fruits, and to deter the development of disease-causing substances in fermented foods such as liqueurs and wines. These food additives carry no health risk for most people. A very minor segment of the population, though, has been found to suffer from difficulty in breathing or fatal traumatic shock soon after consumption of these preserving agents. Sulfites may provoke severe asthma attacks in asthmatics who are hypersensitive to sulfites. Due to this, in 1986 the FDA forbade the use of sulfur-based preservatives on fresh fruits and vegetables (except potatoes) that were meant to be sold or served in an uncooked state to customers. Sulfites added to every one of the packaged and processed food items have to be listed on the food label of that product.
Type 2 Diabetes - previously called `noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)` or `adult onset diabetes`. Type II diabetes is the most prevalent kind of diabetes. Around 90-95% of people who have diabetes have type II diabetes. Those who have Type 2 diabetes manufacture insulin, but they either are unable to make insulin in adequate enough amounts or their bodies do not use the insulin they manufacture. Most of the people who have this type of diabetes weigh more than their ideal body weight. Insulin is present in the body, but fails to function as it should. Consequently, people who have type II diabetes may have the means to manage their condition by losing weight through diet and exercise. Such people may also be required to take insulin injections or be on medical drugs in conjunction with adhering to a healthy program of diet and exercise. While type 2 diabetes typically occurs in adults over the age of 30, an ever-increasing number of children and adolescents who are overweight are also developing Type II diabetes.
Weight Lifting Equipment - sports gear necessary to perform weightlifting exercises.
Bariatric - the branch of medicine related to the root cause of obesity, its prevention, and its treatment, using both medical drugs and surgical options.
Nutraceutical - an organic food (such as garlic or soya) or nutritional supplement (such as cod liver oil or garlic capsules) reported to have medical or health benefits over and above basic nutrition, including the prevention and treatment of disease. Studies show that the term `nutraceutical` may not appeal to consumers. (Also see functional foods.)
Brittle Diabetes - an expression used when a person`s blood glucose (sugar) level often swings quickly from high to low and from low to high. Also referred to as labile diabetes and unstable diabetes.
Ballistic Stretching - bouncing to increase the amount of stretch. Could lead to torn muscles and soreness and isn`t advisable.
Lutein - a class of orange-red carotenoid found in almost all green vegetables, which positively contributes to the health and functioning of the eyes.
Duration - the period of time a person is physically active or works out; duration is a means to increase resistance to a muscle or system in order to increase its working capacity.
Toxicologist - a scientist who is trained to examine the nature, effects and identification of toxic substances and the treatment of poisoning.
Creatinine - a waste product usually expelled through the kidneys. The amount of this body waste in blood and urine is a measure of the kidneys` ability to expel waste
Counseling - a form of guidance in which a trained person offers advice or education about problems in any particular discipline.
Aerobic - containing oxygen or requiring oxygen.
Reasonable Goal - an easy target that individuals on a weight loss program can meet to encourage subsequent adherence to a dietary plan.
Oils - triglycerides which retain a liquid form at room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F). Oils are normally included in the generic classification of `fat`, despite the fact that, technically, fats are triglycerides that are solid at room temperature.
Minerals - the micronutrients crucial for physical fitness. As compared with other food groups (fats, carbohydrates, and proteins), minerals do not provide energy to the body. In diet and nutrition, minerals are divided into two groups: macrominerals (also called `bulk minerals` or just `minerals`) and micro minerals (also called trace elements). The body needs `bulk` minerals at a minimum of 100 milligrams per day. Microminerals are needed in lesser amounts, but they are equally essential to the body. Minerals such as calcium, chlorine, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and sulfur are macrominerals. Minerals such as chromium, copper, fluorine, iodine, manganese, selenium, and zinc are microminerals.
Resistive Cuffs and Boots - foam buoyancy devices placed on the ankles and/or wrists to provide extra resistance for water sports, such as water aerobics (cardiovascular workout in the pool with minimal impact on the joints) and deep-water running. This equipment can raise the intensity of the workout by as much as five times.
