Archive for December, 2009
Researchers in the US studying people with chronic diseases found that physical activity may reduce depression and fatigue by increasing self-efficacy, or the belief that one can master physical goals and attain a sense of accomplishment from applying oneself.
These were the findings of a study by lead author Dr Edward McAuley, a professor of kinesiology and community health at the University of Illinois in Champaign, and colleagues, and appears in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine. A person’s self-efficacy is the belief they can attain a certain goal: an example of my self-efficacy would be that I believe I can climb several flights of stairs or jog around the block without stopping. While there is lots of evidence that physical activity influences well-being, the reason why is less well understood. Read more…What is Kinesiology and Exercise Science
Posted by: | CommentsWhat is kinesiology and exercise science? The study of movement is kinesiology and the science of exercise is the exploration of specific movements in relation to fitness and health. The kinesthetic aspect of the program relates to motion as it realates to health and mental functioning.
Movement, Mental Processing and Mood
Many studies suggest that activity has a direct effect on mental functioning and mood. A sedentary person is more likely to develop depression, inattention, and the inability to focus. Kinesiology is related to language development and communication skills as well.
The motor theory of language suggests that all language is rooted in neurological motor systems based in movement. Fundamentally, all communication arises out of motion. Mental processes, though appearing to be sedentary are based in activity and motion.
Kinesiology
Kinesiology explores movement in regards to intellect with the combination of motion. The field looks at various populations including the elderly, children, athletes, and people with physical challenges due to disabilities or health disease. The approach explore motion in the following realms:
* Life skills
* Exercise
* Physical fitness
* Dancing
* Playing
* Working
* Engaging in sports
The study of human movement is a field that brings together a number of different elements. When you explore motion, you naturally touch upon the following topics, especially in regards to alternative and complementary medicine.
* Psychology
* Physical fitness
* Biochemistry
* Biology
* Neurology
This topic is applicable to health as well as various treatment modalities, including forms of alternative and complementary medicine. The better that an individual understands the science of human motion, the better able he or she is to adopt health practices that are most effective.
What is Exercise Science?
What is exercise science? Not everyone makes the connection between science and exercise, but the two are deeply connected. Every movement, even the most seemingly simplistic motion involves complicated neurological and physical components that work together to make the motion possible. In addition, each movement has ramifications on the mind, body and spirit.
Exercise science explores everything about movement from nutrition to injury and illness. This field of study helps us understand how the body functions from the fundamental origins of movement, including biological, chemical and nutritional realms.
Kinesiology and Exercise Medicine
Kinesiology and exercise medicine relate to more than fitness and workouts. The fields of study look at the inner workings of motion and exercise as well as their impact on the body in various realms. The comprehensive perspective on motion offers new insight into the importance of activity and health
Each approach looks at the body as a machine that drives the mind and emotions through motion. Thought, emotional processing and motion are each interconnected and those who explore the fundamentals of the connection between the body and the mind may want to consider the motor theory of language, kinesiology and exercise medicine.
Music of Mozart Soothes the Preemie Baby
Posted by: | CommentsRepetitive melodies encourage less energy use, more growth, study finds
By Serena Gordon
healthDay Reporter
(HealthDay News) — Could the music of the 18th century classical genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart help tiny infants born today?
Yes, suggests an Israeli study that found that listening for just 30 minutes a day helped premature babies use less energy, which may help them grow faster.
“Within 10 minutes of listening to Mozart music, healthy infants [born prematurely] had a 10 percent to 13 percent reduction of their resting energy expenditure,” the study authors wrote. “We speculate that this effect of music on resting energy expenditure might explain, in part, the improved weight gain that results from this Mozart effect.”
The findings were published online Monday in Pediatrics, and are slated to appear in the January print issue of the journal. Read more…
What are the Different Types of Headaches
Posted by: | CommentsWhat are the different types of headaches? The painful condition has many different causes and the pain manifests itself in a number of different ways. Figuring out which type of headache you have is an important part of treating the condition.
A headache can be classified as a neurological problem but there are many different reasons people experience pain in the head. The symptoms of the headache are indicators of the type of headache you are experiencing. Following are four common types of headaches people experience.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches can occur occasionally or they may be chronic in some individuals. Reasons behind tension pain in the head include but are not limited to:
- Depression
- Underlying medical problems
- stress
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Psychological problems
People who have chronic tension headaches may notice the onset of the problem occurring as early as 20 years of age while others find the onset of the headaches in their late thirties.
Hormonal Headaches
Some headaches occur because there is an imbalance of hormones in the body. The endocrine system is responsible for manufacturing and releasing hormones and this system works in collaboration with the nervous system. When there is an imbalance, headaches can occur.
Migraine Headaches
The painful onset of a migraine headache is enough to put someone out of commission for a day or two. Telltale signs of migraine include pain on one side of the head. The problem occurs when the levels of serotonin change in the brain.
The biochemical changes have and effect on the trigeminal nerve in the head experiences chemical changes that force it to set off a series of occurrences that lead to pain in the head. Part of the reaction involves blood flow moving away from capillaries and into the veins around the head. Nerves close to the veins and arteries become inflamed sending pain signals to the brain.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are relatively rare, affecting roughly one percent of the population. These painful surges have a sudden onset and they leave as quickly as they begin, often with a rush of endorphins that cause a feeling of calm sedation and relief. The attacks occur in groups that can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.
The clusters of headaches may follow a cycle with occurrences appearing in the late night hours or early in the morning. People who have these outbreaks tend to experience them in the fall or spring seasons. Some cycles appear for several weeks, month or years.
Headache Treatment
Getting proper treatment for headaches begins with recognizing the type of headaches you experience on a regular basis. In addition to the four mentioned above are headaches associated with many other conditions, including allergies and underlying medical problems. Anyone experiencing recurring headaches should visit a physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Resource: Methods of Healing
