AHS News Feed

Exercise and Be Smarter for a Little While

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Charles Hillman, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, concluded in a recent study that exercise can improve mental function immediately after exercise. During a recent interview on Good Morning America, Hillman explained how it works. Using various types of exercise equipment along with brain monitors, Hillman tested several age groups. See the Good Morning America video.

Professor Woods Talks about Exercise and Flu Prevention

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Department of Kinesiology and Community Health professor Jeffrey Woods discusses the role exercise may play in preventing influenza but warns that, while exercise may help, don’t overdo it. Additionally, studies with older adults demonstrate that exercise can extend the protective response to influenza vaccine. Read more about exercise and flu.

Study Examines Gangs and Urban Park Use

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism professors Kim Shinew and Monica Stodolska teamed with graduate student and co-author Juan Carlos Acevedo to examine how gangs use parks, how they affect the use of parks by other residents, and how residents respond to the presence of gangs. The research article is scheduled for publication later this year in the journal Leisure Science. Read more about the study.

Latina Population Cancers Will Soar Soon

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

According to the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health professor Lydia Buki, Latina women will experience a surge in cancer by 2050. Improving education, screenings, access, and cancer support care could improve the diagnosis and survival rate. Learn more about rising rates of cancer.

O'Rourke on U.S. Health-Care Reform

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Department of Kinesiology and Community Health Professor Emeritus Tom O'Rourke shares his views on health-care reform in an interview with News Bureau health sciences editor Melissa Mitchell. Ultimately, health-care reform will depend on whether health care is viewed as a for-profit commodity or a human service. Spend A Minute With Tom O’Rourke for his views.

Truth, Lies, and Brain Technology

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Replacing peripheral-based lie detection tools with brain-based technology may not yield more truthful results, says Melissa Littlefield, assistant professor in Kinesiology and Community Health in a scientific article in Science, Technology & Human Values. Both sets of tools rely on the same three assumptions: lies are measurable, body responses don’t need interpretation, and that truth and deception are somehow connected. Read more about lie detection research.

SHS Student Wins Prestigious American Academy of Arts and Sciences Award

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Department of Speech and Hearing Science undergraduate student Kathleen Mettel received the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AAAS) award for her poster competition submission. Her research was conducted as a research option in the James Scholar program. She will receive a cash prize, a framed award certificate, a one-year subscription to Science, and a mention in the spring issue of Science. The AAAS is the world’s largest federation of scientist and engineers. Kathleen also received the Frances L. Johnson Student Award at the Department of Speech and Hearing Science’s annual awards ceremony. Read more about her awards and research.

The Ultimate Urban Legend

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

When tourists visit places like Chinatown, what they see is more fantasy than fact. What they see is not a true cultural reflection, but rather a cultural interpretation staged to attract tourists. Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism professor Carla Santos and graduate student Grace Yan conducted interviews with residents who understand that creating tourism commerce is more important than creating authenticity. Grace, born and raised in China, considered herself a stranger to the culture and landscape of Chinatown. Read more about their research or read the article published in the Annals of Tourism.

Athletic Charitable Foundations, Hype or Help?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism assistant professor Scott Tainsky met with Salt Lake City Tribune reporter Ross Siler to discuss charitable work done by athletes. Articles in The Denver Post, Salt Lake Tribune, and on FOX Sports explored the validity and efficiency of player-run charitable foundations. Though many have altruistic motives, some start foundations as an extension of their own branding. As a graduate student at University of Michigan, Tainsky participated in research that measured the effectiveness of athlete-run charitable foundations by comparing mission statements against activities and funding efforts of the foundations. The research paper (PDF) was presented at the 2008 North American Society for Sport Management Conference. View details »

Vote by June 16: AHS Alumna Driscoll for Olympic Hall of Fame

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Jean Driscoll, associate director of development and alumni relations in the College of Applied Health Sciences, is a finalist for the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Class of 2009. The U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame exists to recognize the stellar achievements of United States Olympic and Paralympic athletes, teams and coaches. Jean is an accomplished athlete and a global advocate for disabled individuals and athletes. She is responsible for starting the International Disability Sport Outreach Program. Jean earned a B.A. in Speech Communication with honors from the University of Illinois in 1991 and a M.S. in Rehabilitation Administration in 1993. Vote for Jean, and see details about the Hall of Fame Award.

Build a Better Body—Build a Better Brain

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Exercise across the lifespan improves cognitive skills including working memory, multi-tasking, and executive function. Though everyone can benefit, who more than President Obama needs these skills? He describes himself as "skinny but tough," and stays calm and sharp by staying fit. Neuro-cognitive research by Charles Hillman, professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health explores the link between exercise and brain skills in people of all ages. "Exercise just doesn't affect muscles." Read more about Obama, fitness.

New Hypertension Risk Identified for Young, African-American Men

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Caucasian and African American men have similar blood pressure readings when measured with the traditional blood pressure cuff. But central blood pressure–the pressure in the aorta near the heart–measured noninvasively by new technology presents a different picture. African American men have higher central pressure and vascular rigidity–contributing factors for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Measuring central pressure could lead to earlier detection and prevention of hypertension. The study was conducted by Kevin S. Heffernan, Sae Young Jae, Kenneth R. Wilund, Jeffrey A. Woods, and Bo Fernhall and reported in the American Journal of Physiology. View details »

Vitamin E Might Reduce Chronic Inflammation

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Department of Kinesiology and Community Health professor Kimberly Huey and a team of Illinois researchers induced acute systemic inflammation in mice previously fed vitamin E. Compared with the placebo, the Vitamin E reduced the expression of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines—regulatory proteins that serve as immune system intercellular communicators. Though much too early too early to say whether the animal model will transfer to humans, Huey says that vitamin E may be beneficial in individuals with chronic inflammation, such as the elderly or patients with type II diabetes or chronic heart failure." The study, was published in he December issue of Experimental Physiology. See more study details at Science News.

Kids Need Active Education

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

To effectively battle the ever-increasing problem of childhood obesity, kids need physical activity beyond P.E. So suggests the new “We Move the Kids” report compiled by conference roundtable participants who attended the 2005 walking conference at the University of Illinois. “There are a number of steps that can be taken to accomplish this,” said Department of Kinesiology and Community Health professor Weimo Zhu, the lead organizer of the “Walking for Health” conference. For example, “science teachers can teach the science behind physical activity—theories about energy transfer. Or teachers can combine graphics and arts, going on a walk to look at different parts of the city.” Read more report findings.

Paralympians Sparkle with Gold, Silver, Bronze

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

From September 6–17 UI student and alumni athletes and coaches competed and coached in four sports representing four countries, capturing 24 medals and one new world record. Jessica Galli received a gold medal and set a new world record in women’s 400m wheelchair track. First-time Paralympian Anjali Forber-Pratt earned two bronze medals, setting a new personal best along the way. Read more about Paralympics 2008 and see all final results.

Nugent Spearheaded Accessibility Firsts

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Dr. Tim Nugent founded the Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) in 1948 to help returning injured veterans take advantage of the GI bill and attend college. Tim built ramps in his garage to demonstrate that injured veterans could succeed academically if they could access the classrooms. Other program firsts include curb cuts, fixed-route buses designed with wheelchair lifts, the development of architectural accessibility standards that were later adopted nationally, and the founding of wheelchair sports. See video to learn more about his contribution: Tim Nugent: Creating an Accessible World.

Americans Need More Physical Activity

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Recently released comprehensive Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans report confirms what we all know—Americans, both young and adult, need to get moving to be healthy. During A Minute With interview, David Buchner, exercise expert and chair of the writing group that drafted the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, summarized physical activity guidelines. Key recommendations for all ages include various levels of aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and bone-strengthening activities weekly as physical capabilities and age allow. Fundamental to success is choosing enjoyable activities, good access to physical-activity friendly parks, exercising with friends, and keeping a log.

Athletes, Driscoll Head to Beijing

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Current University of Illinois student and alumni athletes and coaches will be competing and coaching in four sports representing four countries from September 6–17. Additionally, College of Applied Health Sciences alumna and Paralympic Gold Medalist Jean Driscoll was named in a White House press release as a member of the Presidential Delegation to the Beijing 2008 Summer Paralympics. She will be attending the opening ceremony of the Paralympics along with other University of Illinois Paralympians. Read more about Paralympics 2008.

Braille Diploma Makes for a Touching Graduation

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Bryan McMurray, DRES visual/hearing coordinator, created a first-of-its-kind Braille diploma at the request of Christie Lynn Gilson—recent University of Illinois graduate with a doctorate in special education. The diploma reflects the resurgence of interest in the tactile experience of Braille, which is often replaced by speech-recognition technologies. The Braille diploma complies with the Americans With Disabilities Act and provides an accessible commemorative document.

Community Recreation and Park Agencies Partner for Health

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

A recent study demonstrated the growing number of health partnerhips between recreation and parks organizations and other health care professionals. Low-cost, local facilities such as ball fields, parks, and walking trails can play a key role in physical fitness and the fight against rising rates of childhood obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and chronic diseases. Laura Payne, associate professor in the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism, co-authored the Penn State study. read the in-depth report.

Recreation and Park Agencies Play a Key Role in Promoting Healthy Lifestyles

When community leaders brainstorm ways to improve the health and well-being of youth and families, a team usually brings together doctors and health care professionals, hospitals, public health organizations and schools. But recreation and park agencies are another key player in the fight against childhood obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and chronic diseases says a new report.

"Community recreation and parks is the health provider that you don't know about," says Andrew Mowen, Ph.D., lead author and associate professor of recreation and park management at Penn State. "Traditionally, these agencies are considered as organizers of games and sports in a town's parks or ball fields. But our study shows that 9 out of 10 recreation and park professionals are actively involved in a health partnership, sometimes several of them."

Mowen and his research team conducted a nationwide survey of over 1,200 recreation and park administrators, who were members of the National Recreation and Park Association. Also, in-depth interviews were completed with 16 recreation professionals across the United States in order to understand key themes and issues for the survey.

"Twenty years ago, health care providers didn't consider recreation and park professionals to be a partner in the campaigns to promote health. But in the 1990s, community-based health partnerships were starting to consider the role of recreation and parks in promoting physical activity and quality of life, since many related programs are offered by recreation and park managers," said Geoffrey Godbey, co-principal investigator of the study, and professor emeritus in the recreation, park and tourism management department.

The study found that 88 percent said their organization was involved in a health partnership, with an average of four partnerships per agency. The most common partners were schools, public health agencies and non-profit organizations.

Municipal recreation and parks agencies provide access to low-cost facilities such as ball fields, parks and walking trails for programs, which are highly visible and well known to local residents. Such agencies already reach out to at-risk groups targeted in health campaigns such as children, older adults, low-income and minority families.

"Health campaigns naturally involve recreation and park departments because they provide low-cost, close-to-home opportunities for physical activity, such as trails, recreation centers, outdoor courts, and outdoor swimming facilities," says Mowen. "Parks, trails and recreation centers can also serve as settings for physical rehabilitation."

Successful partnerships were likely to show high levels of trust among partner agencies, a recognized need for the collaboration, administrative support, and staff empowerment. Common health partnership challenges include a lack of seed funding, communication and turf issues, and garnering full support from community stakeholders such as local government or school board members. Despite these barriers, study results suggest that small, rural recreation and park departments are increasingly interested in being an active health partnership participant.

"Having facilities is critical, but then, programs also have to be established to bring in residents and encourage them to take part," say Mowen. "Partnerships that include after-school programs, diet and nutritional information, and policy efforts to promote recreational settings should be encouraged."

"The study was designed to provide baseline information on the state of current health partnership practices within the profession, their successes and their challenges," says the Penn State researcher. "Such information can be used to help a community effectively develop a program in health and physical activity promotion."

Other study authors are Laura Payne, University of Illinois, and Elizabeth Oresega-Smith, University of Delaware.

The report was sponsored by the National Recreation & Park Association and supported with a grant from the National Recreation Foundation.

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Original press release from Penn State.
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Child Care Increases Weight Gain Risk

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Infants cared for by someone other than parents are heavier than their cohorts at nine months of age. Researchers Juhee Kim, assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, and Karen Peterson, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston concluded that reduced breast feeding and early introduction to solid foods may play a role in weight gain. The study, summarized on Time.com, raises questions about the relationship between early feeding practices and childhood obesity. Read the original, scientific article in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.

Go to the Source for Good Health

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

For the most accurate health information, visit the health information portal—a one-stop source that includes links to the latest articles, scientific journals, and related resources. Links are provided for more than 30 health specialties, including aging, alternative medicine, environmental health, oncology, toxicology and even veterinary medicine. AHS librarian Mary Beth Allen coordinated the portal project, a collaboration of 13 campus librarians and three graduate assistants. Read more about the health portal project.

Protein Preserves Bone Density During Weight Loss

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Ellen Evans, associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health and co-author Donald Layman, a U of I professor of nutrition compared bone density following a diet rich in low-fat lean, protein and dairy products against the typical, higher-carbohydrate diet. Results demonstrated that the higher protein diet preserved bone density in 130 middle-aged, overweight persons. See more about the study or read the scientific article in the Journal of Nutrition. Learn more about bone density research.

Real-World Design for Disabilities

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Students in the Division of Disabilty Resources and Educational Services (DRES) and Delta Sigma Omicron (DSO) recently partnered with an industrial design class to create problem-solving, low-tech assistive devices for students with disabilities. Innovative designs included an award-winning chin pointer. DRES, a service unit of the College of Applied Health Sciences, ensures that individuals with disabilities participate fully in curricular, co-curricular, and vocational opportunities available at the University of Illinois. Read more about the project.

Chocolate IS Good for You!

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Dark chocolate lowers cholesterol and blood pressure levels when combined with plant sterols and cocoa flavanols, according to research by Ellen M. Evans, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health and of nutritional sciences, and John W. Erdman, a professor of food science and human nutrition. Sponsored in part by Mars, Inc., the research compared levels before, during, and after an eight-week course of chocolate bars twice a day. Participants' cholesterol and blood pressure measurements were compared following four weeks each of treated and untreated chocolate bars. Read the scientific article in the April edition of the Journal of Nutrition.

Exercise Impacts MS Symptoms

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Multiple sclerosis strikes in the prime of life and is chronic, progressive, and unpredictable. Department of Kinesiology and Community Health professors Robert Motl and Edward McAuley and grad student Erin Snook have examined the role exercise plays in relieving or reducing symptoms of this crippling disease. "Those who are more physically active have more confidence in their exercise performance, are more self-confident in general, and have more confidence in their ability to manage the disease," Motl said. Continuing research will focus on how and why physical exercise affects quality of life for MS patients. See article on MS research.

Trail Use Varies by Culture

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism professors Kim Shinew and Monika Stodolska seek to understand how minority populations use recreational trails. What's interesting in the trail literature is that it's assumed that the trails are going to be used for jogging or bicycling and other more active types of leisure use, Stodolska said. What we found is this is not really how a lot of minorities are using this area. It's more of a passive and social type of use. To maximize health benefits among minorities, trail managers and designers must understand cultural differences. Read more about recreation research.

Fit Kids, Fit Brains

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Research by kinesiology professors Darla Castelli and Charles Hillman correlates aerobic fitness with academic performance. At a recent congressional briefing, Dr. Castelli presented data about the correlation demonstrating that fit children made fewer errors than sedentary ones. Aerobically fit children scored better on standardized tests in reading and mathematics. Supported by the American Heart Association, the FIT Kids Act would address fitness levels in schools.

Battlefield Helmets Transmit Blast Injury Data

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Led by Principal Investigator Kenneth L. Watkin, professor in the Department of Speech and Hearing Science, researchers will modify and test battlefield helmets with smart nanotechnology sensors embedded within helmet straps and head band. Medical data will be transmitted via small cell phone-like devices to first responders and medical staff about to receive injured personnel. Read more about the research.

Disabilities and the Web

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Jon Gunderson, Ph.D., Director of IT Accessibility at the Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES), has received a $50,000 Mellon Award for Technology Collaboration to develop and release a Firefox accessibility extension. The extension will provide features for people with disabilities to navigate web resources and to support developers in designing and debugging web applications.

Exercise Heals Wounds

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Department of Kinesiology and Community Health professor Jeffrey Woods and other researchers have found that exercise reduces skin inflammation and accelerates wound healing. So far, only mice have been tested but Woods expects to begin trials in the near future applying research theories to people. Woods said, "The bottom line is that if you are wounded or have a problem healing, exercise is safe and potentially beneficial." Read theories that might explain why exercise helps. See related article on inflammation and exercise.

Health Care 9-1-1

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Tom O'Rourke, Professor Emeritus of Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, translated rising health care costs into actual consumer goods and services for comparison to other countries. He noted, "the amount of money we are spending on health (in the United States) is absolutely ridiculous, and something needs to be done before it's too late." Read how Americans fare.

Hillman Named to Top 100 List

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Charles Hillman, professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, joins other notables on the list of 100 Most Influential Sports Educators in America announced by the Institute for International Sport and honors those who use sport to educate and build positive values. The list includes Tiger Woods, Phil Jackson, Bob Costas, and AHS Distinguished Alumnus Rainer Martens. Read more about the awards and list.

College Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

More than 300 alumni, faculty, staff, and friends attended the College of Applied Health Sciences 50th Anniversary celebration during the weekend of October 26–28, 2007. Activities included departmental open houses, a pre-game tailgate, wheelchair basketball, an anniversary gala, and recognition of our distinguished alumni.

Cannabis Use Depends on Motivation

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Researcher Carla Santos and doctoral student explored motivations for cannabis use at home and abroad. They wanted to know if those who experiment on vacation are likely to continue using at home and considered how social forces affect behavior on vacation and at home. See cannabis study details.

Football Helmets Detect Impact

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Unity High School players sport high-tech helmets with encoder modules that transmit head impact data wirelessly to a laptop. Steven Broglio, professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health collects and analyzes the data. The team's athletic trainer also uses the information to determine if players should be removed from the game. Read more about helmet research.

Project Provides Wheelchairs and Instruction to Ghanaian Athletes

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:08 GMT

Boston Marathon champion and Summer Olympic silver medalist Jean Driscoll was invited to travel to Ghana, West Africa to teach a wheelchair track camp. Jean recognized the need for ongoing, international support. Read more about Jean's experience and The International Disability Sport Outreach Program within the Center on Health, Aging, and Disability.