Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Merry Christmas From Team Fitness
Everyone at Team Fitness would like to wish all of you a safe and happy holiday! We look forward to helping all of you achieve your new goals for 2010! "Together we will make it happen"
And the winner is...
We have a winner of our "fall out of your summer weight" challenge. Cathy Barr has lost an astounding 22 pounds! Cathy works hard every time she comes into the gym and has been dilagently following Leanne's meal advice. We are so proud of Cathy and she is an inspiration to all of us here at Team Fitness. Congratulations Cathy!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Christmas party: team fitness style!
Thank you all who joined us this year at our Team Fitness Holiday party, it was fun to see you all in 'real clothes'. It was so much fun and it just reminded us of what great clients we have here at Team Fitness. We hope you know how much fun we have training you on a daily basses. We've posted the pictures on our facebook page (tap the title of this post and it will take you there).
Have a safe holiday season!
Have a safe holiday season!
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Proshop corner
As many of you know, Team Fitness has now stocked fitness products in our in-house proshop! We offer a variety of products designed to complement your workout regimen. We have pre and post workout powders and convenient to-go products. We will be receiving our stock of vitamins early this week. Spend some time after your next workout talking to one of our trainers about the best products for you.
Product of the week
New Zealand Whey by Ergogenics: This is a "top shelf" whey protein. Not only is it an Isolate, it is also one of the cleanest wheys out there. Isolate means that the whey (a by-product of dairy) has been processed down to its highest biological value. This means that the body and muscles can better utilize the proteins. New Zealand Whey is considered 'clean' because of the source of dairy that they use. New Zealand has a reputation for its highly-regulated dairy processing. They do not use growth inducing hormones or antibiotics in their dairy cows. This coupled with the filtering process used by ergogenics makes it a very high quality whey.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Diabetes and You
DIABETES AND YOU
Diabetes Mellitus is the name given to a group of metabolic diseases which are based around and elevated level of fasting blood glucose (Hyperglycemia). Hyperglycemia occurs because of defects in the production, secretion or use of insulin. Insulin is a hormone which is involved in a number of chemical interactions that ensure the body meets its energy requirements. Maintenance of elevated blood glucose levels can lead to an increased risk for an array of vascular diseases and neuropathies of the peripheral and autonomic nervous system. Diabetes is diagnosed by a variety of tests but most commonly your family doctor can test your blood glucose levels via one of these three methods; Fasting Blood Glucose Test (7.0mmol/L), Casual Blood Glucose Test (11.0mmol/L) or Glucose Tolerance Test (11.1mmol/L). If your blood glucose is more than or equal to these three concentrations on two occasions then Diabetes Mellitus is indicated.
Forms of Diabetes
Type I : Diagnosis of Type I diabetes usually occurs in childhood or adolescents and is caused by an autoimmune destruction of the cells responsible (β cells) for insulin production in the pancreas, and it accounts for around 5-10% of all diabetic cases.
Type II : This form of DM develops in clients which are not producing enough insulin or who are not using the insulin which is being produced efficiently enough. Type II is often (although not exclusively) associated with excess body fat, specifically upper body fat (abdomen) as opposed to total body fat. This is the most commonly diagnosed form and accounts for around 85-90% of cases.
Gestational Diabetes: This is a temporary condition which occurs while a mother is pregnant and can create an increased risk of the development of diabetes for the mother and child. This occurs in less than 5% of diagnosed cases.
Other specific origins: A small percentage (<2%) of the diagnosed cases are a result of genetic defects or are drug induced.
Prediabetes: This is the patient population which has a blood glucose level which is higher than normal but is not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type II diabetes. Fasting plasma glucose level of 5.55mmol/L -6.94mmol/L.
Metabolic Syndrome: This is another term which describes a group of conditions which increases the risk of developing Type II diabetes. If you have 3 or more of the following: High Fasting Blood glucose levels (≥5.6mmol/L ), High Blood Pressure (≥130/85mm Hg), High level of Triglycerides (≥1.7mmol/L), Low HDL (≤1.0mmol/L men or ≤1.3 mmol/L women), Abdominal obesity (40 inches Men, 35inches Women).
Risk Factors (Am I at risk?)
Age is a risk factor for Type II diabetes by itself so if you are over 40 years then you should be tested at least every three years. However if any of the following points apply to you then you should be tested earlier and more regularly.
- You have immediate family member who has diabetes
- You are from a high-risk group (Aboriginal, Hispanic, South Asian, Asian, or African descent).
- You gave birth to a baby that weighed over 4kg (9lbs) at birth
- You had gestational diabetes
- You have been told that you have impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose.
- You have high blood pressure (≥130/85mm Hg)
- You have high Cholesterol (LDL) or Triglyceride levels in your blood.
- You are overweight (especially if weight is carried around the abdomen).
- You have Polycystic ovary syndrome, Acanthosis nigricans or schizophrenia
How to spot Diabetes Symptoms
Type II diabetes is sometimes referred to as a silent disease, because it is certainly possible to have it and not be fully aware of it. Paying attention to the potential risk factors for Type II diabetes and regular check ups with your family doctor is the best way of avoiding Type II diabetes. However there are some common symptoms that may arise which when combined with the above risk factors may provide cause for further diabetes testing. Some of these symptoms are: Frequent urination, weight change (loss or gain), dramatic loss of energy, blurred vision, frequent or recurring infections, slow healing cuts and bruises, tingling or numbness in hands or feet, or erectile dysfunction.
The Good and the Not so Good news
As you can tell from the risk factors for Type II diabetes a large proportion of the risks are lifestyle related and therefore considered changeable or reversible. If left unchecked these high blood glucose levels can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, vascular impairment, nerve damage, erectile dysfunction and blindness. However it is possible to live a long and healthy life by keeping your blood glucose levels and risk factors in check.
In general the fundamental goal for diabetes management of controlling glucose levels is attainable through healthy diet, exercise and in more serious cases medications (oral hypoglycemics or insulin). Exercise has been found to improve glucose tolerance, increase insulin sensitivity (absorption into muscles for use), decrease insulin requirement and HBA1C levels, not to mention the well known improvements for Cardiovascular disease risk factors (e.g. lipid profiles, blood pressure, body weight, and physical function). There fore increased activity is a must in any diabetes suffer or at risk person.
Since Diabetes Mellitus does have such close links with Cardiovascular, renal (kidney), nervous, and visual system illnesses it is highly recommended that if you are at risk or have been diagnosed with Diabetes that you get medical approval from your Physician prior to engaging in a exercise program.
Once you have received your clearance you can be sure that your new lifestyle changes, exercise routines and eating habits will lead you to feeling great inside and out for many years to come.
“Together we can make it happen”
Diabetes Mellitus is the name given to a group of metabolic diseases which are based around and elevated level of fasting blood glucose (Hyperglycemia). Hyperglycemia occurs because of defects in the production, secretion or use of insulin. Insulin is a hormone which is involved in a number of chemical interactions that ensure the body meets its energy requirements. Maintenance of elevated blood glucose levels can lead to an increased risk for an array of vascular diseases and neuropathies of the peripheral and autonomic nervous system. Diabetes is diagnosed by a variety of tests but most commonly your family doctor can test your blood glucose levels via one of these three methods; Fasting Blood Glucose Test (7.0mmol/L), Casual Blood Glucose Test (11.0mmol/L) or Glucose Tolerance Test (11.1mmol/L). If your blood glucose is more than or equal to these three concentrations on two occasions then Diabetes Mellitus is indicated.
Forms of Diabetes
Type I : Diagnosis of Type I diabetes usually occurs in childhood or adolescents and is caused by an autoimmune destruction of the cells responsible (β cells) for insulin production in the pancreas, and it accounts for around 5-10% of all diabetic cases.
Type II : This form of DM develops in clients which are not producing enough insulin or who are not using the insulin which is being produced efficiently enough. Type II is often (although not exclusively) associated with excess body fat, specifically upper body fat (abdomen) as opposed to total body fat. This is the most commonly diagnosed form and accounts for around 85-90% of cases.
Gestational Diabetes: This is a temporary condition which occurs while a mother is pregnant and can create an increased risk of the development of diabetes for the mother and child. This occurs in less than 5% of diagnosed cases.
Other specific origins: A small percentage (<2%) of the diagnosed cases are a result of genetic defects or are drug induced.
Prediabetes: This is the patient population which has a blood glucose level which is higher than normal but is not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type II diabetes. Fasting plasma glucose level of 5.55mmol/L -6.94mmol/L.
Metabolic Syndrome: This is another term which describes a group of conditions which increases the risk of developing Type II diabetes. If you have 3 or more of the following: High Fasting Blood glucose levels (≥5.6mmol/L ), High Blood Pressure (≥130/85mm Hg), High level of Triglycerides (≥1.7mmol/L), Low HDL (≤1.0mmol/L men or ≤1.3 mmol/L women), Abdominal obesity (40 inches Men, 35inches Women).
Risk Factors (Am I at risk?)
Age is a risk factor for Type II diabetes by itself so if you are over 40 years then you should be tested at least every three years. However if any of the following points apply to you then you should be tested earlier and more regularly.
- You have immediate family member who has diabetes
- You are from a high-risk group (Aboriginal, Hispanic, South Asian, Asian, or African descent).
- You gave birth to a baby that weighed over 4kg (9lbs) at birth
- You had gestational diabetes
- You have been told that you have impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose.
- You have high blood pressure (≥130/85mm Hg)
- You have high Cholesterol (LDL) or Triglyceride levels in your blood.
- You are overweight (especially if weight is carried around the abdomen).
- You have Polycystic ovary syndrome, Acanthosis nigricans or schizophrenia
How to spot Diabetes Symptoms
Type II diabetes is sometimes referred to as a silent disease, because it is certainly possible to have it and not be fully aware of it. Paying attention to the potential risk factors for Type II diabetes and regular check ups with your family doctor is the best way of avoiding Type II diabetes. However there are some common symptoms that may arise which when combined with the above risk factors may provide cause for further diabetes testing. Some of these symptoms are: Frequent urination, weight change (loss or gain), dramatic loss of energy, blurred vision, frequent or recurring infections, slow healing cuts and bruises, tingling or numbness in hands or feet, or erectile dysfunction.
The Good and the Not so Good news
As you can tell from the risk factors for Type II diabetes a large proportion of the risks are lifestyle related and therefore considered changeable or reversible. If left unchecked these high blood glucose levels can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, vascular impairment, nerve damage, erectile dysfunction and blindness. However it is possible to live a long and healthy life by keeping your blood glucose levels and risk factors in check.
In general the fundamental goal for diabetes management of controlling glucose levels is attainable through healthy diet, exercise and in more serious cases medications (oral hypoglycemics or insulin). Exercise has been found to improve glucose tolerance, increase insulin sensitivity (absorption into muscles for use), decrease insulin requirement and HBA1C levels, not to mention the well known improvements for Cardiovascular disease risk factors (e.g. lipid profiles, blood pressure, body weight, and physical function). There fore increased activity is a must in any diabetes suffer or at risk person.
Since Diabetes Mellitus does have such close links with Cardiovascular, renal (kidney), nervous, and visual system illnesses it is highly recommended that if you are at risk or have been diagnosed with Diabetes that you get medical approval from your Physician prior to engaging in a exercise program.
Once you have received your clearance you can be sure that your new lifestyle changes, exercise routines and eating habits will lead you to feeling great inside and out for many years to come.
“Together we can make it happen”
For more information and great links Go to:
Canadian Diabetes Association www.diabetes.ca/
American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org
Type II Diabetes http://diabetes.about.com/
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