Riding a bicycle in spring brings back fond childhood memories. Learning to bike ride is a satisfying accomplishment. Many people can recall receiving their first adult bike. Today, this simple activity has taken on new meaning. It now carries significant fitness, environmental, and economic implications.
Cycling is an outstanding physical activity. It requires the use of large lower extremity muscle groups as well as core muscle training for the low back and hips. Cycling can be both an aerobic and anaerobic activity, depending on the terrain. When riding in a group, it is also a great way to socialize with others.
Over the course of the past 20 years, cycling equipment has changed dramatically. There are now many varieties of bicycles including road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids, tandems, and folding bikes. A hybrid bicycle is a combination of a road bike and a mountain bike. It is currently the most popular due to light weight, versatility, and comfort.
Tom Girard is the retail manager of Zane’s Cycles in Branford, Conn. Worldwide, they are the largest dealer of Trek Bicycles. Girard notes that the latest trend in sales has been toward commuter bikes similar to those sold for many years in Europe. These are hybrids with fenders and safety lights. Girard believes this is a reaction to increasing gas prices and concerns about air pollution.
In an effort to encourage more bicycle commuting, municipalities are incorporating bike lanes into urban plans.
Once a rarity, helmets are now commonly used and have cut back on the number of head injuries among cyclists. The latest bicycle seats are gel-padded and designed to protect the prostate in men, making long rides more comfortable.
Many fundraising efforts now involve participants who cycle long distances for the promise of pledges. Some examples are the “MS Ride” and “Bike New York.” In next week’s column, I will report on how to adequately prepare for these long distance cycling journeys to make them most enjoyable.
Anthony G. Alessi, MD, is Chief of Neurology at The William W. Backus Hospital and in private practice at NeuroDiagnostics, LLC, in Norwich. E-mail him at aalessi@wwbh.org. If you wish to learn more about this column or other sports health topics – listen to the podcast or go to the Healthy Sports blog at www.backushospital.org.
Physical Education helps kids learn
Physical education classes have not traditionally been considered necessary for a successful academic career. Standardized tests now used in elementary schools emphasize reading and math to determine educational success.
A study just published in the Journal of American Public Health demonstrates that it is time to rethink this approach to education. The study showed that reading and math scores for female students between kindergarten and fifth grade were higher in those who spent 70 to 300 minutes per week in physical education classes. Scores were much lower for students who received less than 35 minutes per week.
Interestingly, the benefit was not seen in the student’s male counterparts. It is believed that boys are more active than girls in sports and may require even more time in physical education classes to realize a benefit.
The goal of the Healthy People 2010 federal health initiative is 30 minutes of physical education daily for all students. The hope is this will become part of each student’s lifestyle and carry over into adulthood. Currently less than 13% of students meet this target.
Many school districts have been under pressure to increase class time for math and reading in order to comply with the federal No Child Left Behind law. Most often this is done at the expense of art, music, and physical education classes.
Previous studies have shown that test scores can improve by changing class schedules to allow for sufficient sleep. Proper nutrition also enhances academic performance.
Educating children involves exposing them to a broad range of experiences, not just how to pass a test.
Physical education is an important part of the educational experience and cutting back shortchanges our children. We now have proof that reducing time in physical education class sets them up for failure in other areas.
Anthony G. Alessi, MD, is Chief of Neurology at The William W. Backus Hospital and in private practice at NeuroDiagnostics, LLC, in Norwich. E-mail him at aalessi@wwbh.org. If you wish to learn more about the benefit of physical education for kids – or other sports health topics – listen to the podcast or go to the Healthy Sports blog at www.backushospital.org.
A study just published in the Journal of American Public Health demonstrates that it is time to rethink this approach to education. The study showed that reading and math scores for female students between kindergarten and fifth grade were higher in those who spent 70 to 300 minutes per week in physical education classes. Scores were much lower for students who received less than 35 minutes per week.
Interestingly, the benefit was not seen in the student’s male counterparts. It is believed that boys are more active than girls in sports and may require even more time in physical education classes to realize a benefit.
The goal of the Healthy People 2010 federal health initiative is 30 minutes of physical education daily for all students. The hope is this will become part of each student’s lifestyle and carry over into adulthood. Currently less than 13% of students meet this target.
Many school districts have been under pressure to increase class time for math and reading in order to comply with the federal No Child Left Behind law. Most often this is done at the expense of art, music, and physical education classes.
Previous studies have shown that test scores can improve by changing class schedules to allow for sufficient sleep. Proper nutrition also enhances academic performance.
Educating children involves exposing them to a broad range of experiences, not just how to pass a test.
Physical education is an important part of the educational experience and cutting back shortchanges our children. We now have proof that reducing time in physical education class sets them up for failure in other areas.
Anthony G. Alessi, MD, is Chief of Neurology at The William W. Backus Hospital and in private practice at NeuroDiagnostics, LLC, in Norwich. E-mail him at aalessi@wwbh.org. If you wish to learn more about the benefit of physical education for kids – or other sports health topics – listen to the podcast or go to the Healthy Sports blog at www.backushospital.org.
Disc Golf a fun way to get exercise
While traditional golfers throughout the northeast begin to dust off their clubs and clean their spikes in preparation for another season, there is another group of golfers readying themselves for competition.
These people play a game called disc golf.
Disc golf first began in the 1970s. It was the brainchild of Ed Headrick who invented the Frisbee. The discs used in disc golf are a variation of the Frisbee. The shape is more aerodynamic with pointed edges to allow for longer flight. These edges make playing catch uncomfortable.
Much like traditional golf, there are different discs for the drive, mid-range and putting tosses. The discs are carried in a lightweight pouch that is typically worn around a player’s waist.
The object of the game is to throw a golf disc into a target. This is typically a “pole hole” or a basket with a pole in the middle and chains hanging from it. A typical disc golf course consists of nine to 24 holes varying from 150 to 500 feet each. The holes are designed to utilize the natural beauty of the parks where they are laid out. Hazards are thick brush, trees, and water.
Disc golf is a walking sport. There are no carts and average players can easily rack up a sufficient number of steps to meet the daily American Heart Association requirement of 10,000 steps. Novice players will get in a lot more steps. Players can set their own pace.
It is a very social game and allows time for laughter.
As in all other sports, there are those who are serious about the game. The Professional Disc Golf Association has about 14,000 members who compete in professional tournaments. There are an estimated 2,100 courses in the United States, most in public parks that do not charge for play. In Connecticut there are four courses that can be found by logging onto www.discgolf.com.
Disc golf is a lighthearted way to get out of the house and exercise. It also allows for a peaceful way to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us.
Anthony G. Alessi, MD, is Chief of Neurology at The William W. Backus Hospital and in private practice at NeuroDiagnostics, LLC, in Norwich. E-mail him at aalessi@wwbh.org. If you wish to learn more about disc golf – or other sports health topics – listen to the podcast or go to the Healthy Sports blog at www.backushospital.org.
These people play a game called disc golf.
Disc golf first began in the 1970s. It was the brainchild of Ed Headrick who invented the Frisbee. The discs used in disc golf are a variation of the Frisbee. The shape is more aerodynamic with pointed edges to allow for longer flight. These edges make playing catch uncomfortable.
Much like traditional golf, there are different discs for the drive, mid-range and putting tosses. The discs are carried in a lightweight pouch that is typically worn around a player’s waist.
The object of the game is to throw a golf disc into a target. This is typically a “pole hole” or a basket with a pole in the middle and chains hanging from it. A typical disc golf course consists of nine to 24 holes varying from 150 to 500 feet each. The holes are designed to utilize the natural beauty of the parks where they are laid out. Hazards are thick brush, trees, and water.
Disc golf is a walking sport. There are no carts and average players can easily rack up a sufficient number of steps to meet the daily American Heart Association requirement of 10,000 steps. Novice players will get in a lot more steps. Players can set their own pace.
It is a very social game and allows time for laughter.
As in all other sports, there are those who are serious about the game. The Professional Disc Golf Association has about 14,000 members who compete in professional tournaments. There are an estimated 2,100 courses in the United States, most in public parks that do not charge for play. In Connecticut there are four courses that can be found by logging onto www.discgolf.com.
Disc golf is a lighthearted way to get out of the house and exercise. It also allows for a peaceful way to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us.
Anthony G. Alessi, MD, is Chief of Neurology at The William W. Backus Hospital and in private practice at NeuroDiagnostics, LLC, in Norwich. E-mail him at aalessi@wwbh.org. If you wish to learn more about disc golf – or other sports health topics – listen to the podcast or go to the Healthy Sports blog at www.backushospital.org.
Ultimate Fighting is not for children
In the field of sports medicine, rarely does a topic arise that requires immediate comment and action.
The participation of children in the sport of ultimate fighting is one such topic. Placing children in a cage to grapple with and strike each other until a winner is declared is wrong on many levels.
An ultimate fighting event involves adult, unarmed combatants entering a ring or cage where they pummel each other. Typically the participants are boxers, wrestlers, or mixed martial artists.
Its popularity has steadily increased over the past 10 years, appealing primarily to a young male demographic. Today’s version is much less brutal than its original form which was subsequently outlawed in many states.
Unbelievably, there are now clubs in Missouri where children as young as six are “taught” ultimate fighting. The protective gear worn by the participants is ineffective since it is not designed for the type of punishment inflicted.
There are many dangers in subjecting children to ultimate fighting:
• Striking (repetitive blows to the head) will cause permanent damage to a developing brain. It results in persistent headaches, dizziness, and learning difficulties.
• Grappling (bending an opponent’s limb to cause submission) can result in crippling a participant’s extremity, most commonly the shoulder, elbow or knee.
• Psychologically, it is never healthy to encourage aggressive behavior in children.
The parents of these children maintain that ultimate fighting is a vehicle for improved self-discipline. There are many healthier ways to achieve discipline and athleticism. Traditional martial arts including karate, judo, and kung fu all improve balance and coordination, which are crucial for the developing nervous system. The spiritual aspect of these sports provides a structure for discipline and self-respect.
Missouri is currently the only state that allows children to participate in ultimate fighting. In many states, an activity such as this is a criminal offense.
Children rely on parents and other adults for guidance. Clearly, some children have been mislead.
Anthony G. Alessi, MD, is Chief of Neurology at The William W. Backus Hospital and in private practice at NeuroDiagnostics, LLC, in Norwich. E-mail him at aalessi@wwbh.org. If you wish to learn more about children and ultimate fighting – or other sports health topics – listen to the podcast or go to the Healthy Sports blog at www.backushospital.org.
The participation of children in the sport of ultimate fighting is one such topic. Placing children in a cage to grapple with and strike each other until a winner is declared is wrong on many levels.
An ultimate fighting event involves adult, unarmed combatants entering a ring or cage where they pummel each other. Typically the participants are boxers, wrestlers, or mixed martial artists.
Its popularity has steadily increased over the past 10 years, appealing primarily to a young male demographic. Today’s version is much less brutal than its original form which was subsequently outlawed in many states.
Unbelievably, there are now clubs in Missouri where children as young as six are “taught” ultimate fighting. The protective gear worn by the participants is ineffective since it is not designed for the type of punishment inflicted.
There are many dangers in subjecting children to ultimate fighting:
• Striking (repetitive blows to the head) will cause permanent damage to a developing brain. It results in persistent headaches, dizziness, and learning difficulties.
• Grappling (bending an opponent’s limb to cause submission) can result in crippling a participant’s extremity, most commonly the shoulder, elbow or knee.
• Psychologically, it is never healthy to encourage aggressive behavior in children.
The parents of these children maintain that ultimate fighting is a vehicle for improved self-discipline. There are many healthier ways to achieve discipline and athleticism. Traditional martial arts including karate, judo, and kung fu all improve balance and coordination, which are crucial for the developing nervous system. The spiritual aspect of these sports provides a structure for discipline and self-respect.
Missouri is currently the only state that allows children to participate in ultimate fighting. In many states, an activity such as this is a criminal offense.
Children rely on parents and other adults for guidance. Clearly, some children have been mislead.
Anthony G. Alessi, MD, is Chief of Neurology at The William W. Backus Hospital and in private practice at NeuroDiagnostics, LLC, in Norwich. E-mail him at aalessi@wwbh.org. If you wish to learn more about children and ultimate fighting – or other sports health topics – listen to the podcast or go to the Healthy Sports blog at www.backushospital.org.
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