Hormonal and metabolic changes, an essential part of the body's response to endurance exercise, are described. (Author/MT)

Research into aging confirms that increased activity is associated with increased life expectancy. The emphasis is changing from high intensity exercise to activity. (MT)

A leading cause of sudden death among young athletes, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) does not always present cardiac signs and symptoms. Echocardiography offers the most effective means for diagnosis. Some patients require pharmaceutical or surgical intervention. Patients with HCM should not engage in organized competitive sports or…

Examines motivational foundations of exercise behavior, presenting a theoretical model in which motivation is the proximal precursor of exercise, which is determined by perceived constraints and situational facilitators. The paper explores the role of cognition versus automaticity in exercise behavior and examines habit versus routine, presenting…

Reviews factors that led to the issuance of official pronouncements on the health implications of physical activity by various prestigious scientific and medical societies, summarizing several statements. Emphasis has shifted from endorsing structured exercise to supporting public health interventions to promote physical activity through…

Exercise has important benefits for people with epilepsy, but several factors must be considered when making activity recommendations. Seizures during sports activity are rare, but physicians, coaches, and parents should know what to do if a seizure occurs. Some antiepileptic drugs may adversely affect sports performance, and exertion may reduce…

Examines risk factors for osteoporosis that are especially relevant to the college health setting, focusing on bone development, inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake, cigarette smoking and alcohol use, steroid use and high protein diets, and physical inactivity and excessive exercise. Also presents intervention strategies for college health…

A path analysis model was applied to data on (N=98) older Mexican Americans. Measures of perceived intergenerational solidarity and activity were treated as intervening variables between health and socioeconomic status and life satisfaction. The addition of intergenerational solidarity to the variables contributed significantly to the explanation…

In a roundtable discussion, a panel of experts address how physicians can identify active patients for whom exercise poses the risk of serious heart complications, how useful stress tests are, what exercise intensity is best, and what physicians can tell patients about the risks of exercise versus its benefits. (SM)

Presents an update on the Year 2000 objectives for the nation that establish targets in 22 priority areas. The article offers information from a study on exercise by the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, reviews Healthy People 2000 data, and lists Year 2000 physical activity and fitness objectives. (SM)

Describes a conceptual model of physical activity promotion based on the unique developmental, psychological, and behavioral characteristics of children. The model adopts a social-ecological framework by acknowledging the input of various personal, social, and environmental influences on children's physical activity. It also unites constructs from…

The presence of older Olympians suggests aging itself may not be the primary obstacle to long-term athletic performance. For older athletes, scheduling sufficient training and recovery time becomes increasingly difficult, but physical and financial rewards entice them to try. No studies have directly addressed the true potential of aging athletes.…

This paper addresses the role of physical education in promoting physical activity and mobility. It is assumed that attitude is an important component that influences physical activity and, ultimately, mobility. A variety of factors and the way they impact children's attitudes toward physical education are discussed. In particular, the outcomes of…

This article provides background information on heart transplantation in general, focusing on pediatric heart transplantation and offering suggestions for teachers regarding the unique concerns of students with heart transplants (exercise, physical appearance, immunosuppressive medications, transplant rejection, infection, and psychological…

Historically, the approach to physical activity for people with disabilities has been couched in medical rationale and focused on rehabilitation. This does not account for physical activity for the joy of it as in play, exercise to improve or maintain fitness, or activity required in employment. The new paradigm of healthy, active lifestyles for…