Understanding Restaurant Healthfulness in Food Deserts.

OBJECTIVE: To determine differences in restaurant environments between neighborhood and restaurant type to understand better a food desert's eating environments. METHODS: The Nutrition Environment Measures Survey for restaurants was used to assess restaurant healthfulness. Kruskal-Wallis compared healthy index scores, and Pearson chi-square compared individual items. RESULTS: Healthy index scores were consistently low across neighborhoods (total mean = 4.6 out of 23). Fast-food restaurants (mean = 5.7) were more healthful than sit-down restaurants (mean = 3.1). Individual comparisons showed more healthy eating facilitators (eg, nutrition information at point-of-purchase, P = 0.004) in food deserts and more available healthful items (eg, whole grain bread, P < 0.001) in the neighborhoods with high incomes. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Findings indicate equities in restaurant environments across all neighborhoods but inequities across restaurant types, thus conclude the importance of restaurant type in understanding restaurant healthfulness. Policymakers can use these findings to develop healthy eating strategies in varying neighborhoods.

Interactive introductory nutrition course focusing on disease prevention increased whole-grain consumption by college students.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate current consumption of whole grains in college students and determine whether there would be an increase in whole-grain consumption after the students completed an interactive introductory nutrition course focusing on disease prevention. METHODS: Eighty college students, 18-24 years old, participated in the study. Grain and whole-grain consumption, whole-grain food sources, and energy intake were measured before and after the nutrition course. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed. RESULTS: After the study, whole-grain intake significantly increased from 0.37 ounces (oz) to 1.16 oz (P < .001), whereas total grain intake remained the same (3.07 oz). The number of whole-grain food sources increased from 7 to 11 food items after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: A general nutrition course can be used as an avenue to increase whole-grain intake by college students.

Gender differences in food preferences of school-aged children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Schools have the opportunity, through the National School Lunch Program and Local School Wellness Policies, to have a significant impact on healthy eating behaviors. An understanding of children's and adolescents' food preferences in relation to gender and age will facilitate the successful creation of both healthy and financially viable school menus. The purpose of this study was to identify food preferences with respect to gender of school-age children and adolescents in an Ohio school district. METHODS: A survey was administered to 1818 3rd- to 12th-grade students in 1 rural northeast Ohio school district. Students filled out an anonymous questionnaire about their preferences for 80 different foods using a 5-point rating scale. The student data were grouped according to school level attended: elementary (3rd-6th), middle (7th-8th), and high school (9th-12th). An exploratory factor analysis identified entrée and side dish factors. Cronbach's alpha was used to measure each factor's internal reliability. Differences in mean scores by gender and grade for each of the entrée and side dish factors by gender and grade were identified using analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: Boys preferred the meat, fish, and poultry foods over girls; girls preferred fruits and vegetables over boys (p < .05). Furthermore, gender differences in preferences were also demonstrated with respect to school level. CONCLUSIONS: Food preferences differed between genders and these gender differences varied among elementary, middle, and high school students. Gender differences should be considered when providing food choices to boys and girls at all ages.

Evaluation of effectiveness of class-based nutrition intervention on changes in soft drink and milk consumption among young adults.

BACKGROUND: During last few decades, soft drink consumption has steadily increased while milk intake has decreased. Excess consumption of soft drinks and low milk intake may pose risks of several diseases such as dental caries, obesity, and osteoporosis. Although beverage consumption habits form during young adulthood, which has a strong impact on beverage choices in later life, nutrition education programs on beverages are scarce in this population. The purpose of this investigation was 1) to assess soft drink and milk consumption and 2) to evaluate the effectiveness of 15-week class-based nutrition intervention in changing beverage choices among college students. METHODS: A total of 80 college students aged 18 to 24 years who were enrolled in basic nutrition class participated in the study. Three-day dietary records were collected, verified, and analyzed before and after the intervention. Class lectures focused on healthful dietary choices related to prevention of chronic diseases and were combined with interactive hands on activities and dietary feedback. RESULTS: Class-based nutrition intervention combining traditional lecture and interactive activities was successful in decreasing soft drink consumption. Total milk consumption, specifically fat free milk, increased in females and male students changed milk choice favoring skim milk over low fat milk. (1% and 2%). CONCLUSION: Class-based nutrition education focusing on prevention of chronic diseases can be an effective strategy in improving both male and female college students' beverage choices. Using this type of intervention in a general nutrition course may be an effective approach to motivate changes in eating behaviors in a college setting.

I like to jump on my trampoline: an analysis of drawings from 8- to 12-year-old children beginning a weight-management program.

The main objective of this exploratory study was to assess children's perceptions of their activity choices as they began a weight-management program for overweight children and their families. During pretesting of a 10-week weight-management program, participating children were asked to draw pictures of themselves doing something. The drawings of 35 children, ages 8 to 12, were qualitatively analyzed. The analysis focused on (a) the type of activities (i.e., physical or sedentary) children chose to convey, (b) the specific focus of the activities described, (c) the children's future activity choices, and (d) the children's responses to the activities they drew. Seventy-one percent of the participating children drew themselves engaged in a physical activity. These results are notable and suggest positive perceptions of physical activities. Children's views related to their activity choices might play a role in designing weight-management programs that successfully increase children's adherence to long-term physical activity.

Effect of nutrition intervention using a general nutrition course for promoting fruit and vegetable consumption among college students.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of implementing nutrition intervention using a general nutrition class to promote consumption of fruits and vegetables in college students. DESIGN: 3-day food records were collected, verified, and analyzed before and after the intervention. SETTING: A midwestern university. PARTICIPANTS: 80 college students, ages 18 to 24, participated in the study. INTERVENTION: The intervention focused on nutrition knowledge related to prevention of chronic diseases, healthful dietary choices increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, dietary feedback, and interactive hands-on activities. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Consumption of: total vegetable, fresh vegetable, starchy vegetable, french fries, vegetable juice, total fruit, fresh fruit, canned fruit, and fruit juice. ANALYSIS: Dependent t test was used to analyze the differences in pre- and posttest. Analysis of variance was used to determine differences in dietary changes between groups. RESULTS: Participants significantly increased consumption of not only total fruits and vegetables (P < .005), but also fresh fruits and vegetables (P < .005). Intake of french fries decreased significantly (P < .05). Females responded better to the intervention than males in increasing vegetable consumption (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Class-based nutrition intervention focusing on prevention of chronic diseases is a cost-effective approach to increasing fruit and vegetable consumption among college students.

The immunological and metabolic responses to exercise of varying intensities in normoxic and hypoxic environments.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of varying intensities of exercise in normoxic and hypoxic environments on selected immune regulation and metabolic responses. Using a within-subjects design, subjects performed maximal tests on a cycle ergometer in both normoxic (PiO2 = 20.94%) and hypoxic (PiO2 = 14.65%) environments to determine [latin capital V with dot above]O2max. On separate occasions, subjects then performed four randomly assigned, 1-hour exercise bouts on a cycle ergometer (two each in normoxic and hypoxic environments). The hypoxic environment was created by reducing the O2 concentration of inspired air using a commercially available hypoxic chamber. The intensities for the exercise bouts were predetermined as 40 and 60% of their normoxic [latin capital V with dot above]O2max for the normoxic exercise bouts and as 40 and 60% of their hypoxic [latin capital V with dot above]O2max for the hypoxic exercise bouts. Blood samples were collected preexercise, postexercise, 15 minutes postexercise, 2 hours postexercise, and 24 hours postexercise for the determination of interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor-[alpha] (TNF-[alpha]), glucose, glycerol, free fatty acids, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol. There were no significant differences (p < 0.05) between condition or intensity for IL-1 or TNF-[alpha]. Significant differences (p < 0.05) between intensities were demonstrated for epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol (p < 0.05). A significant difference was identified between normoxic and hypoxic environments with respect to nonesterifed fatty acids (0.45 +/- 0.37 vs. 0.58 +/- 0.31 mEq x L-1, respectively; p = 0.012). During prolonged exercise at 40 and 60% of their respective [latin capital V with dot above]O2max values, hypoxia did not seem to dramatically alter the response of the selected immune system or metabolic markers. Exercise training that uses acute hypoxic environments does not adversely affect immune regulation system status and may be beneficial for those individuals looking to increase endurance performance.

The effects of nicotine on the metabolic and hormonal responses during acute cold exposure.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of nicotine on the metabolic and hormonal responses during acute cold exposure. METHODS: Participants in this study included 6 men and 5 women between the ages of 19 and 25 years. Each subject performed 2 cold-air trials (CATs) consisting of a 30-minute baseline (BASE) period and a 120-minute exposure to 10 degree C air. One CAT was performed after a nicotine (NIC) dosing using a 21-mg transdermal patch, whereas the other CAT was performed after a placebo (PL) treatment. Blood samples for metabolic and hormonal measurements were obtained at the end of BASE and immediately after the cold exposure. RESULTS: When examining the sexes separately, there was no difference in norepinephrine between PL and NIC (P = .066). There was also no difference in epinephrine between PL and NIC in either sex (P = .634). From BASE to 120 minutes of the CAT, there was a significant decrease in cortisol (P = .036), but this response was similar between the 2 treatments (P = .077). Glucose and glycerol concentrations were not different between the PL and NIC treatments. At BASE, nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentration was lower during PL compared with NIC (P = .021); however, at 120 minutes of the CAT, NEFA was greater during PL compared with NIC (P = .035). CONCLUSIONS: During 120 minutes of cold exposure, NIC resulted in alterations in the responses in NEFA, whereas the other blood measurements were not significantly different between the 2 groups.

The effect of cold exposure on the hormonal and metabolic responses to sleep deprivation.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 12 degrees C cold exposure for 180-minutes on the hormonal responses of sleep-deprived individuals. METHODS: Participants underwent 2 cold-air trials: 1 after a normal night of sleep (ie, 6-8 hours) and 1 after 33 hours of sleep deprivation (SDEP). A venous blood sample was taken at baseline and then at 90-and 180-minute cold-exposure time points. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to determine significance between a normal night of sleep and SDEP for norepinephrine, epinephrine, cortisol, insulin, thyroid hormones triiodothyronine and thyroxine, glucose, and non-esterifled fatty acids. RESULTS: There was no significant main effect for time, trial, or interaction for insulin, thyroid hormones, epinephrine, cortisol, and glucose (P < or = .05). A significant main effect for time for norepinephrine and non-esterified fatty acids was demonstrated (P < .001). DISCUSSION: The lack of significant differences in the hormonal and metabolic responses to cold exposure combined with SDEP may have been because of an ability of the individual to continue to respond despite the environmental stressor or the physiological effect elicited from cold exposure, thereby possibly masking physiological responses of SDEP. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these data, SDEP combined with protracted cold exposure apparently was not a great enough stressor to cause a differential response in the hormonal and metabolic parameters.

Thermal and metabolic responses of sleep deprivation of humans during acute cold exposure.

PURPOSE: This investigation evaluated the effects of 33 h of sleep deprivation on the thermoregulation in 12 male and female subjects (26.6 +/- 6.4 yrs) during 180 min of cold exposure in 12 degrees C air. METHODS: Subjects underwent two cold air trials (CAT): one following a normal night of sleep (i.e., 6-8 h) (CON); and one following 33 h of sleep deprivation (SDEP). Rectal temperature (Tre), mean skin temperature (Tsk), heat production (HP), and tissue insulation (Iti), were measured at 5, 15, 30, and every 30 min thereafter. RESULTS: ANOVA revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05) between CON and SDEP for Tre, Tsk, HP, and Iti. A main effect for time was demonstrated for Tre, Iti, HP, and Tsk. A trial x time interaction for Tre and Tsk (p = 0.021) was demonstrated. DISCUSSION: Significant interactions were demonstrated for Tre and Tsk, but post hoc analysis determined no differences between SDEP and CON. This may have been due to the length of the sleep deprivation, cold stressor, or a combination of the two. There were also no overall differences in HP or Iti between SDEP and CON. Further research in this area is needed to evaluate the effects of sleep deprivation during acute cold exposure.

Nicotine effects on thermoregulatory responses of men and women during acute cold exposure.

INTRODUCTION: Due to the impact of nicotine (NIC) on the physiological processes involved in temperature regulation during cold exposure, it is conceivable that NIC may affect the body's thermoregulatory abilities during a cold stress. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of NIC on thermoregulatory responses during acute cold exposure. METHODS: There were six men and six women between the ages of 18 and 25 yr who participated in this study. All subjects were active, apparently healthy smokers. Each subject performed two cold air trials consisting of a 30-min baseline period (BASE) and a 120-min exposure to 10 degrees C air. One cold air trial was performed following a NIC dosing using a 21-mg transdermal patch while the other trial was performed after a placebo (PL) treatment. RESULTS: During the cold air trials, there were no differences in rectal temperature (Tre) or mean skin temperature (Tsk) between the PL and NIC treatments in either sex (p > 0.05). However, in men, heat production (M) was 12% lower (p < or = 0.05) and tissue insulation was 17% higher (p < or = 0.05) during the NIC treatment compared with the PL treatment, while these responses in women were unaffected. In both men and women, finger skin vascular conductance (SVCfin), expressed as a percentage of the BASE value, was higher during the NIC treatment compared with the PL treatment during the cold air trials (p < or = 0.05). Lastly, throughout the cold air trials, there was no difference in thermal sensation between the PL and NIC treatments (p > 0.05). DISCUSSION: In conclusion, although NIC administration resulted in sex-specific alterations in M and tissue insulation during cold exposure, the response in Tre was unaffected.

Age effects on thermal, metabolic, and perceptual responses to acute cold exposure.

INTRODUCTION: Thermoregulatory accidents rank as the sixth leading cause of death among older adults. Therefore, there is an urgency to clarify the influence of age on thermoregulation. This investigation sought to evaluate the influence of age on the thermal, metabolic, and perceptual responses of healthy, physically active, old (OLD) and young (YNG) men during exposure to 12, 18, and 27 degrees C for 120 min. METHODS: There were four old (67.7 +/- 4.6 yr) and four young (26.7 +/- 3.4 yr) adult men who participated. Following a baseline period (30 min), the subjects, wearing only cotton shorts, were moved into an environmental chamber where they remained seated for 120 min or until rectal temperature (Tre) was < or = 35 degrees C. Data were collected for Tre, mean skin temperature (Tsk), oxygen consumption (Vo2), tissue insulation (I), thermal sensation (TS), and heat production (HP). RESULTS: Analysis of variance demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) time x group interaction for Tre, HP, and I, whereby Tre, HP and I were higher in the YNG vs. OLD. Also, Tsk differed between YNG and OLD with the OLD exhibiting a higher Tsk. TS did not differ, although subjects reported feeling colder with each trial. DISCUSSION: These data suggest that there may be a differential thermoregulatory response between OLD and YNG individuals. The higher Tsk in the OLD suggests a deficit in the peripheral response leading to an increased heat loss over a protracted period of time. This heat loss may contribute to the reduction in core temperature and to the development of hypothermia in the older adult.