Latest news with #HarvardMen'sHealthWatch
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Ohio lawmakers propose physical fitness test in schools. How fat, obese are Ohio's kids?
Ohio lawmakers want to bring back the Presidential Physical Fitness Test to the state's schools. The proposal would require students in grades 1 through 12 to take an annual fitness exam modeled after the test, which started in 1956 under President Dwight D. Eisenhower and was discontinued in 2012. Ohio lawmakers say today's children need more physical fitness. "In a time when sedentary lifestyles, screen time, and childhood obesity are on the rise, this legislation sends a clear message: physical fitness is not optional, it is essential," said Elgin Rogers, D-Toledo, one of House Bill 322's sponsors. So how heavy are Ohio's children? Here's a look at the state's childhood obesity rates. The rate of obesity in Ohio is 18.3% for children ages 6 to 17, according to the State of Childhood Obesity report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, slightly higher than the national average of 17%. The study uses data from the National Survey of Children's Health in 2022 and 2023. Ohio ranks No. 17 in the nation for obese children, better than Wisconsin (No. 16) at 18.4% but worse than South Carolina (No. 18) at 18.1%. Topping the list is Mississippi, which has a childhood obesity rate of 25%, according to the report. Looking at childhood obesity rates for different age groups in the report, Ohio is No. 12 in the nation for obesity among high school students with a rate of 16.8%. The report uses data from 2019 for that statistic. For children ages 10-17, the obesity rate is 16.2%, 27th in the nation, using data from 2022. And for children ages 2-4 that participate in the state's Women, Infants and Children program, the obesity rate is 12.5%, using data from 2020, putting the Buckeye State at No. 42 in the nation in that age group. According to Harvard Men's Health Watch, a publication of Harvard Medical School, the fitness test has undergone many revisions over the decades. However, the version most people are familiar with consists of a one-mile run, pull-ups or push-ups, sit-ups, shuttle run and sit-and-reach. "The aim was to assess cardiovascular fitness, upper-body and core strength, endurance, flexibility, and agility," Matthew Sloan writes in the article. The test was discontinued in 2012 by President Barack Obama in favor of a different method, the Presidential Youth Fitness Program. The new program "modernized fitness education" by emphasizing student health, goal setting and personal progress. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio lawmakers eye physical fitness test return. Childhood obesity rates
Business Mayor
05-05-2025
- Health
- Business Mayor
David Attenborough credits his health and vigour to diet choice as 99th birthday nears
World-renowned biologist Sir David Attenborough has claimed that he'd love to make it to 100 years old – but claims that his 'end is near'. Despite his feelings, the popular broadcaster credited some of his lasting health and vigour to a simple change in his diet. While not strictly vegetarian, Sir David is widely reported to have significantly reduced his red meat intake. He feels this move could be contributing to his longevity. This isn't something he's started recently, as back in 2017, Attenborough shared his eating habits. He said: 'I have certainly changed my diet. Not in a great sort of dramatic way. But I don't think I've eaten red meat for months.' He admitted that he still eats cheese and fish, but has otherwise 'become much more vegetarian' than he ever thought he would. be.' There is clear science behind the benefits of adopting a more plant-based diet when it comes to overlal health and longevity. Red meat – which includes beef, lamb, mutton, pork, veal, venison and goat – is something the 98-year-old has greatly restricted from his diet. Eating too much processed meat and red meat increases the risk of developing bowel (colorectal) cancer, according to the NHS. Some of these meats are high in saturated fat, which can raise blood cholesterol levels if you eat too much of it. Having high cholesterol raises your risk of coronary heart disease. You should be careful if you plan to cut something from your diet, and make sure that you aren't depriving youirself of essential nutruents. Failing to make sure your diet is healthy and balanced will lead to health problems as well. Experts at Harvard Health claim that those wanting to cut back on red meat should find suitable alternatives to make sure they are getting enough protein. Daniel Pendick, a former executive editor of Harvard Men's Health Watch, wrote that replacing one serving a day of red meat with one of these options reduced mortality in the study by 7% to 19%. fish chicken and turkey nuts beans low-fat dairy products whole grains Despite maintaining a healthy diet and staying mentally sharp, Attenborough confessed to Anderson Cooper in a 2021 interview that he fears cognitive decline as he gets older, with the prospect of becoming 'helpless' due to a condition like Alzheimer's being among his greatest concerns. He also admitted to the Telegraph about his concerns regarding ageing, saying he is 'coming to terms' with the possibility of memory loss as he grows older. Nevertheless, Attenborough remains a force to be reckoned with, continuing to lend his iconic voice to BBC wildlife documentaries. Sir David has been on TV screens for eight decades and shared his fears for the future in the new film Ocean with David Attenborough. It is due to come out on Disney+ later this year. READ SOURCE
