It is important for a runner to be seen when running at night. Choosing the right gear can make a nighttime running experience a safe one.
Running near traffic in dark conditions can be a dangerous undertaking. Visibility drops for motorists and for the runner when the sun is down. Wearing the right clothing and using the appropriate gear for night running will keep a jogger visible to traffic. Here are the essential gear items for any nocturnal runner.
Reflective Clothing for Night Running
Almost any type of clothing can be found with reflective strips or logos. Visit a store that sells runner-specific gear to ensure the highest visibility and the right fit. Reflective jackets, vests, and belts can be worn to make sure drivers notice the runner. If a vest seems too cumbersome there are options. Everything from socks to hats can be found in reflective orange and yellow colors.
Lights for Night Running
Cars are not the only thing on the road that need lights; runners do as well. Headlamps are a great way to increase the visibility of the road to the jogger while adding additional protection from moving traffic. Some headlamps include a strobe feature which has a blinking light on the forehead and a blinking red light on the back of the head. Strobe lights can also be purchased as armbands and in clip-on styles as well.
Reflective Bands for Night Running
One quick way to increase the visibility of a jogger at night is by wearing a reflective arm band. These small strips offer an easy way to add a reflective safety feature without adding the bulk that often comes along with a jacket or vest. Bands are also an inexpensive method of altering a running wardrobe to fit the needs of night running. Reflective bands can be purchased at running specialty stores such as Night-Gear.
Reflective running gear and lights will help keep a runner visible to nighttime traffic. Runners should never depend solely on the drivers however. Always be mindful of the traffic conditions on any road. Although many runners love to listen to music while jogging, night running is a time to be completely aware. That awareness not only includes the visual but the aural as well. Listen for oncoming vehicles and watch for their lights in the trees and on buildings as they approach. Get off the road and leave plenty of room for the driver to pass. Following these basic safety rules and wearing the appropriate reflective gear can greatly increase a runners chance of staying safe when running during the dark. (JWeb)
Friday, April 2, 2010
30/1440 = More than enough time.
There are 1,440 minutes in every day. Schedule 30 of them for physical activity!
Regular exercise is a critical part of staying healthy. People who are active live longer and feel better. Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. It can delay or prevent diabetes, some cancers and heart problems.
Most adults need at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days per week. Examples include walking briskly, mowing the lawn, dancing, swimming for recreation or bicycling. Stretching and weight training can also strengthen your body and improve your fitness level.
The key is to find the right exercise for you. If it is fun, you are more likely to stay motivated. You may want to walk with a friend, join a class or plan a group bike ride. If you've been inactive for awhile, use a sensible approach and start out slowly. (JWeb)
Regular exercise is a critical part of staying healthy. People who are active live longer and feel better. Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. It can delay or prevent diabetes, some cancers and heart problems.
Most adults need at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days per week. Examples include walking briskly, mowing the lawn, dancing, swimming for recreation or bicycling. Stretching and weight training can also strengthen your body and improve your fitness level.
The key is to find the right exercise for you. If it is fun, you are more likely to stay motivated. You may want to walk with a friend, join a class or plan a group bike ride. If you've been inactive for awhile, use a sensible approach and start out slowly. (JWeb)
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Finding Fitness: 10 Ways to Fit in Exercise
The benefits of regular exercise are unrivaled: Physical activity can help you lose weight and prevent a host of ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Being fit also can help you stay mentally sharp.
While most people know they should exercise, you may not know where to start or how to fit it into a busy schedule. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommend that healthy adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity spread out over five days a week, or 20 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity on each of three days a week.
“This is something we recommend to all Americans,” says Gerald Fletcher, MD, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., and a spokesman for the AHA.
An ideal fitness routine also includes resistance or weight training to improve muscle strength and endurance. The ACSM and the AHA recommend that most adults engage in resistance training at least twice a week.
Finding Fitness: 10 Ways to Get in Exercise
Sometimes the problem isn’t motivation — it’s simply finding the time. But scheduling exercise isn’t as difficult as you might think. Here are 10 ways to get you moving more often:
Be less efficient. People typically try to think of ways to make daily tasks easier. But if we make them harder, we can get more exercise, says Sabrena Merrill, MS, of Lawrence, Kan., a certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and spokeswoman for the American Council on Exercise (ACE). “Bring in the groceries from your car one bag at a time so you have to make several trips,” Merrill says. “Put the laundry away a few items at a time, rather than carrying it up in a basket.”
Shun labor-saving devices. Wash the car by hand rather than taking it to the car wash. “It takes about an hour and a half to do a good job, and in the meantime you’ve gotten great exercise,” Merrill says. Use a push mower rather than a riding mower to groom your lawn.
Going somewhere? Take the long way. Walking up or down a few flights of stairs each day can be good for your heart. Avoid elevators and escalators whenever possible. If you ride the bus or subway to work, get off a stop before your office and walk the extra distance. When you go to the mall or the grocery store, park furthest from the entrance, not as close to it as you can, and you'll get a few extra minutes of walking — one of the best exercises there is, Dr. Fletcher says. “Walking is great because anyone can do it and you don’t need any special equipment other than a properly fitting pair of sneakers.”
Be a morning person. Studies show that people who exercise in the morning are more likely to stick with it. As Merrill explains, “Are you going to feel like exercising at the end of a hard day? Probably not. If you do your workout in the morning, you’re not only more likely to do it, but you'll also set a positive tone for the day.”
Ink the deal. Whether morning, afternoon, or evening, pick the time that is most convenient for you to exercise and write it down in your daily planner. Keep your exercise routine as you would keep any appointment.
Watch your step. Investing in a good pedometer can help you stay motivated. “If you have a pedometer attached to your waist and you can see how many steps you’ve taken, you’ll see it doesn’t take long to walk 5,000 steps and you will be inspired,” Merrill says. And building up to 10,000 steps a day won’t seem like such a daunting a task.
Hire the right help. While weight training is important, if you don’t know what you’re doing, you run the risk of injuring yourself or not being effective, Merrill says. It’s best to get instructions from a personal trainer at the gym. You also can buy a weight-training DVD and follow along in your living room.
Keep records. Grab a diary or logbook, and every day that you exercise, write down what you did and for how long. Your records will make it easy for you to see what you’ve accomplished and make you more accountable. Blank pages? You’d be ashamed.
Phone a friend. Find someone who likes the same activity that you do — walking in the neighborhood, riding bikes, playing tennis — and make a date to do it together. “Exercising with a friend or in a group can be very motivating,” Fletcher says. “You are likely to walk longer or bike greater distances if you’re talking to a friend along the way. The time will go by faster.” Don’t have a buddy who is available? Grab an MP3 player and listen to your favorite music or an audio book while exercising.
Do what you like. Whatever exercise you choose, be sure it’s one that you enjoy. You’re more likely to stick with it if it’s something you have fun doing rather than something you see as a chore, Fletcher says.
While most people know they should exercise, you may not know where to start or how to fit it into a busy schedule. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommend that healthy adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity spread out over five days a week, or 20 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity on each of three days a week.
“This is something we recommend to all Americans,” says Gerald Fletcher, MD, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., and a spokesman for the AHA.
An ideal fitness routine also includes resistance or weight training to improve muscle strength and endurance. The ACSM and the AHA recommend that most adults engage in resistance training at least twice a week.
Finding Fitness: 10 Ways to Get in Exercise
Sometimes the problem isn’t motivation — it’s simply finding the time. But scheduling exercise isn’t as difficult as you might think. Here are 10 ways to get you moving more often:
Be less efficient. People typically try to think of ways to make daily tasks easier. But if we make them harder, we can get more exercise, says Sabrena Merrill, MS, of Lawrence, Kan., a certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and spokeswoman for the American Council on Exercise (ACE). “Bring in the groceries from your car one bag at a time so you have to make several trips,” Merrill says. “Put the laundry away a few items at a time, rather than carrying it up in a basket.”
Shun labor-saving devices. Wash the car by hand rather than taking it to the car wash. “It takes about an hour and a half to do a good job, and in the meantime you’ve gotten great exercise,” Merrill says. Use a push mower rather than a riding mower to groom your lawn.
Going somewhere? Take the long way. Walking up or down a few flights of stairs each day can be good for your heart. Avoid elevators and escalators whenever possible. If you ride the bus or subway to work, get off a stop before your office and walk the extra distance. When you go to the mall or the grocery store, park furthest from the entrance, not as close to it as you can, and you'll get a few extra minutes of walking — one of the best exercises there is, Dr. Fletcher says. “Walking is great because anyone can do it and you don’t need any special equipment other than a properly fitting pair of sneakers.”
Be a morning person. Studies show that people who exercise in the morning are more likely to stick with it. As Merrill explains, “Are you going to feel like exercising at the end of a hard day? Probably not. If you do your workout in the morning, you’re not only more likely to do it, but you'll also set a positive tone for the day.”
Ink the deal. Whether morning, afternoon, or evening, pick the time that is most convenient for you to exercise and write it down in your daily planner. Keep your exercise routine as you would keep any appointment.
Watch your step. Investing in a good pedometer can help you stay motivated. “If you have a pedometer attached to your waist and you can see how many steps you’ve taken, you’ll see it doesn’t take long to walk 5,000 steps and you will be inspired,” Merrill says. And building up to 10,000 steps a day won’t seem like such a daunting a task.
Hire the right help. While weight training is important, if you don’t know what you’re doing, you run the risk of injuring yourself or not being effective, Merrill says. It’s best to get instructions from a personal trainer at the gym. You also can buy a weight-training DVD and follow along in your living room.
Keep records. Grab a diary or logbook, and every day that you exercise, write down what you did and for how long. Your records will make it easy for you to see what you’ve accomplished and make you more accountable. Blank pages? You’d be ashamed.
Phone a friend. Find someone who likes the same activity that you do — walking in the neighborhood, riding bikes, playing tennis — and make a date to do it together. “Exercising with a friend or in a group can be very motivating,” Fletcher says. “You are likely to walk longer or bike greater distances if you’re talking to a friend along the way. The time will go by faster.” Don’t have a buddy who is available? Grab an MP3 player and listen to your favorite music or an audio book while exercising.
Do what you like. Whatever exercise you choose, be sure it’s one that you enjoy. You’re more likely to stick with it if it’s something you have fun doing rather than something you see as a chore, Fletcher says.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Learning CPR must become part of our civic responsibility...
Civic Responsibility is defined as the "responsibility of a citizen" (Dictionary.com). It is comprised of actions and attitudes associated with democratic governance and social participation. Considering the 325,000 deaths to sudden cardiac arrest each year nationally, we must, as citizens take pause, and be reminded of our civic responsibility to help our fellow man in their time of need.
The fight against Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a fight we can win, together. We can, and are developing cardiac resuscitation systems here in Lancaster County that match and exceed many of the world’s best.
Unfortunately, without the help of our county citizens, our work may prove to be futile.
Learn CPR. You never can be sure the life you may save.
James Weber, EMT
Community Outreach Coordinator
Manheim Township Ambulance Association
The fight against Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a fight we can win, together. We can, and are developing cardiac resuscitation systems here in Lancaster County that match and exceed many of the world’s best.
Unfortunately, without the help of our county citizens, our work may prove to be futile.
Learn CPR. You never can be sure the life you may save.
James Weber, EMT
Community Outreach Coordinator
Manheim Township Ambulance Association
Monday, January 18, 2010
Healthy eating during the cold and flu season
HEALTHY EATING DURING COLD AND FLU SEASON
As the weather becomes colder and we stay indoors more, people often catch colds or other viruses. The cold and flu season can begin as early as October and usually ends sometime in April. While there is no way to cure the common cold or the flu, healthy eating during cold and flu season can help you avoid getting sick.
Foods that may boost immune system
Researchers are finding positive links between immune function and components in food. If you or your kids seem to get one cold after another, you'll want to make sure they eat plenty of immune-building foods.
Garlic may boost your immune system, increasing resistance to infection and stress. To get the immune power from garlic, crush the cloves with the flat side of a knife before adding them to your food. This releases the garlic juice, which has great immune properties.
Cheese and other dairy products contain conjugated linoleic acid, a natural component of dairy fat which has boosted immune response in animal studies.
Yogurt and other cultured milk products contain probiotics, beneficial bacterial with immune-boosting benefits. Look for the “live active culture” seal, which indicates that probiotics have been added. Also check milk product labels for vitamin D. Early research suggests low levels of vitamin D may be linked to a seasonal increase in colds and flu and a higher incidence of respiratory infections.
Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits and juices, may also help the body's immune system.
Zinc, found in meat, chicken, peanuts and peanut butter, plays an important role in the proper functioning of the immune system in the body
Foods that heal
Fresh ginger root can help you when you are sick by inducing sweating and decreasing nausea and diarrhea. Make ginger tea by grating one ounce of fresh ginger in a pint of water. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add lemon and honey to taste.
Chicken soup and warm beverages increase the flow of nasal secretions, helping alleviate cold symptoms. Of course, the taste and wonderful aroma of chicken soup may be an important part of the beneficial effects.
Healthy eating during cold and flu season means getting the daily requirement of essential vitamins and minerals by eating a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods from all food groups.
Keeping the germs away
The most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick is to wash your hands. A common way to catch a cold is by rubbing your nose or eyes, so to protect against infection wash your hands frequently.
Your hands pick up germs from other people or from contaminated surfaces and hand washing prevents you from infecting yourself with the germs. Use warm water, soap and wash for several minutes for best results.
Other good health practices are not sharing cups, or silverware and cleaning high-contact items, such as doorknobs, faucets and telephones, with soap and water.
Boost your immune system
Even when your hands are clean, staying healthy means more than simply avoiding germs. Healthy bodies have an easier time fighting off infection. To stay healthy and boost your immune system:
Get plenty of rest
Eat a well-balanced diet
Exercise regularly
Decrease stress
Cut back on unhealthy habits, such as smoking and over consuming alcohol
Studies have shown that a session of moderate physical activity produces positive effects on the immune system. Over time, this means catching fewer colds and other upper respiratory tract infections.
Feeling better
For most of us getting sick is a part of life. If you do catch a cold or the flu, the following advice still holds true
To feel better while you are sick:
Drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest
Use a humidifier - to moisten mucus membranes
Add immune-boosting foods to your Shopping List this flu season.
When you are sick, stay home so you don’t infect others. If you do go out and need to sneeze or cough, use a tissue or sneeze or cough into your sleeve or upper arm. Don’t do it into your hand, since you can spread the virus to others by touching people or handling objects that others may use.
This information is not a substitute for a physician's advice or your own good judgment. If you are feeling truly awful, your symptoms worsen or last a long time it is always wise to contact a physician.
As the weather becomes colder and we stay indoors more, people often catch colds or other viruses. The cold and flu season can begin as early as October and usually ends sometime in April. While there is no way to cure the common cold or the flu, healthy eating during cold and flu season can help you avoid getting sick.
Foods that may boost immune system
Researchers are finding positive links between immune function and components in food. If you or your kids seem to get one cold after another, you'll want to make sure they eat plenty of immune-building foods.
Garlic may boost your immune system, increasing resistance to infection and stress. To get the immune power from garlic, crush the cloves with the flat side of a knife before adding them to your food. This releases the garlic juice, which has great immune properties.
Cheese and other dairy products contain conjugated linoleic acid, a natural component of dairy fat which has boosted immune response in animal studies.
Yogurt and other cultured milk products contain probiotics, beneficial bacterial with immune-boosting benefits. Look for the “live active culture” seal, which indicates that probiotics have been added. Also check milk product labels for vitamin D. Early research suggests low levels of vitamin D may be linked to a seasonal increase in colds and flu and a higher incidence of respiratory infections.
Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits and juices, may also help the body's immune system.
Zinc, found in meat, chicken, peanuts and peanut butter, plays an important role in the proper functioning of the immune system in the body
Foods that heal
Fresh ginger root can help you when you are sick by inducing sweating and decreasing nausea and diarrhea. Make ginger tea by grating one ounce of fresh ginger in a pint of water. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add lemon and honey to taste.
Chicken soup and warm beverages increase the flow of nasal secretions, helping alleviate cold symptoms. Of course, the taste and wonderful aroma of chicken soup may be an important part of the beneficial effects.
Healthy eating during cold and flu season means getting the daily requirement of essential vitamins and minerals by eating a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods from all food groups.
Keeping the germs away
The most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick is to wash your hands. A common way to catch a cold is by rubbing your nose or eyes, so to protect against infection wash your hands frequently.
Your hands pick up germs from other people or from contaminated surfaces and hand washing prevents you from infecting yourself with the germs. Use warm water, soap and wash for several minutes for best results.
Other good health practices are not sharing cups, or silverware and cleaning high-contact items, such as doorknobs, faucets and telephones, with soap and water.
Boost your immune system
Even when your hands are clean, staying healthy means more than simply avoiding germs. Healthy bodies have an easier time fighting off infection. To stay healthy and boost your immune system:
Get plenty of rest
Eat a well-balanced diet
Exercise regularly
Decrease stress
Cut back on unhealthy habits, such as smoking and over consuming alcohol
Studies have shown that a session of moderate physical activity produces positive effects on the immune system. Over time, this means catching fewer colds and other upper respiratory tract infections.
Feeling better
For most of us getting sick is a part of life. If you do catch a cold or the flu, the following advice still holds true
To feel better while you are sick:
Drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest
Use a humidifier - to moisten mucus membranes
Add immune-boosting foods to your Shopping List this flu season.
When you are sick, stay home so you don’t infect others. If you do go out and need to sneeze or cough, use a tissue or sneeze or cough into your sleeve or upper arm. Don’t do it into your hand, since you can spread the virus to others by touching people or handling objects that others may use.
This information is not a substitute for a physician's advice or your own good judgment. If you are feeling truly awful, your symptoms worsen or last a long time it is always wise to contact a physician.
Improving your sleep...
Waking up "on the wrong side of the bed" is a nice way to say a person didn't sleep very well. Have your sleep habits hit the wall? Sure, poor sleep affects your mood negatively. But it also hampers your overall well-being, including how well you fare in your weight loss endeavors.
That’s right... research shows there is a correlation between gaining enough snooze time and losing a few pounds.
From premature aging to a compromised immune system, the side-effects of sleepless nights can add up, according to Barbara Harris, editor-in-chief of Shape magazine and author of Shape Your Life: 4 Weeks To A Better Body -- And A Better Life! (Hay House).
During her more than 15 years at the helm of Shape magazine, Harris compiled the secrets to what makes or breaks an effective fitness regimen. She says getting in the best shape of your life requires more than just a good workout. In fact, Harris maintains that in order to improve your overall well-being, you need to take a holistic approach that focuses on seven main areas: workout, diet, spirituality, sleep, emotions, body image and work. The smaller pieces add up to a healthier big picture, she says.
Shape Your Life is a hands-on guide to achieve those seven elements," Harris tells eDiets in this exclusive. "There are step-by-step programs for each element.
“For the first time in their lives, readers might experience short-term and long-term success. This not only leads to a healthier, better- developed body, but most importantly, a more satisfying and enjoyable life they’ll absolutely love.”
Getting a good night’s sleep is high on the list of things you can do to boost your health and fitness levels. Sleep is crucial for optimum immunity, Harris says. When you don’t get enough shuteye, your workouts may be less effective and you’re more likely to store fat.
But that’s not all. Your ability to manage stress throughout the day is also compromised.
Studies reveal women frequently turn to food to soothe themselves in times of stress. It's also a fact that many women also eat more to raise their energy level. The root of these problems can be traced to the stress-associated hormone cortisol.
Sleep experts know the less you snooze, the more you produce this cortisol.
Harris says the hormone depletes muscle via cellular breakdown. As your cortisol levels increase, your muscles weaken and the strengthening exercises you do become less effective.
Barbara Harris' 10 Tips for a Good Nights Sleep.
1. Get regular exposure to daylight, especially in the afternoon. (Research shows that night-shift workers can improve daytime sleep by working under bright lights.)
2. Prior to bedtime, use dimmer switches or turn off a few lamps to lower the lighting in your home or apartment.
3. Don’t allow yourself to nod off on the sofa. When you start feeling drowsy, get up and go to bed.
4. Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex. Don’t make it a satellite office, study hall or entertainment center.
5. When you can’t sleep, try using imagery and thoughts to relax. Deep-breathing techniques also work.
6. If you haven’t dropped off within about 20 minutes, get out of bed and read or engage in some other quiet activity. Go back to bed when you get sleepy.
7. Put the alarm clock out of sight. Clock watching doesn’t help you sleep -- it may even keep you awake!
8. Sleep specialists recommend lying on your back or on your side, not your stomach.
9. Get Fido and Fluffy their own comfy beds. In a study conducted by the Mayo Clinic, half the people surveyed had their sleep disturbed by pets.
10. Only take over-the-counter sleep aids as an occasional emergency measure. You can build up a tolerance to them very quickly. If you can find yourself relying on them, see your doctor.
That’s right... research shows there is a correlation between gaining enough snooze time and losing a few pounds.
From premature aging to a compromised immune system, the side-effects of sleepless nights can add up, according to Barbara Harris, editor-in-chief of Shape magazine and author of Shape Your Life: 4 Weeks To A Better Body -- And A Better Life! (Hay House).
During her more than 15 years at the helm of Shape magazine, Harris compiled the secrets to what makes or breaks an effective fitness regimen. She says getting in the best shape of your life requires more than just a good workout. In fact, Harris maintains that in order to improve your overall well-being, you need to take a holistic approach that focuses on seven main areas: workout, diet, spirituality, sleep, emotions, body image and work. The smaller pieces add up to a healthier big picture, she says.
Shape Your Life is a hands-on guide to achieve those seven elements," Harris tells eDiets in this exclusive. "There are step-by-step programs for each element.
“For the first time in their lives, readers might experience short-term and long-term success. This not only leads to a healthier, better- developed body, but most importantly, a more satisfying and enjoyable life they’ll absolutely love.”
Getting a good night’s sleep is high on the list of things you can do to boost your health and fitness levels. Sleep is crucial for optimum immunity, Harris says. When you don’t get enough shuteye, your workouts may be less effective and you’re more likely to store fat.
But that’s not all. Your ability to manage stress throughout the day is also compromised.
Studies reveal women frequently turn to food to soothe themselves in times of stress. It's also a fact that many women also eat more to raise their energy level. The root of these problems can be traced to the stress-associated hormone cortisol.
Sleep experts know the less you snooze, the more you produce this cortisol.
Harris says the hormone depletes muscle via cellular breakdown. As your cortisol levels increase, your muscles weaken and the strengthening exercises you do become less effective.
Barbara Harris' 10 Tips for a Good Nights Sleep.
1. Get regular exposure to daylight, especially in the afternoon. (Research shows that night-shift workers can improve daytime sleep by working under bright lights.)
2. Prior to bedtime, use dimmer switches or turn off a few lamps to lower the lighting in your home or apartment.
3. Don’t allow yourself to nod off on the sofa. When you start feeling drowsy, get up and go to bed.
4. Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex. Don’t make it a satellite office, study hall or entertainment center.
5. When you can’t sleep, try using imagery and thoughts to relax. Deep-breathing techniques also work.
6. If you haven’t dropped off within about 20 minutes, get out of bed and read or engage in some other quiet activity. Go back to bed when you get sleepy.
7. Put the alarm clock out of sight. Clock watching doesn’t help you sleep -- it may even keep you awake!
8. Sleep specialists recommend lying on your back or on your side, not your stomach.
9. Get Fido and Fluffy their own comfy beds. In a study conducted by the Mayo Clinic, half the people surveyed had their sleep disturbed by pets.
10. Only take over-the-counter sleep aids as an occasional emergency measure. You can build up a tolerance to them very quickly. If you can find yourself relying on them, see your doctor.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Using phone while walking perilous for seniors
By Rachael Rettner @ MSNBC
For older people, gabbing on a cell phone while walking across the street may increase the chances of being run over, according to a new study, although earlier research did not find the same connection among younger people.
Just listening to music on an iPod or other portable device doesn't pack the same risks as talking on a cell phone, the researchers found.
The results are based on two lab-based studies in which participants had to maneuver on a treadmill to cross a virtual street, and so further research is needed to firm up the results in the real world. One possible shortcoming: People may find it more difficult to walk on a manual treadmill than they would on actual concrete. But the simulation allowed researchers to make sure all subjects experienced the exact same conditions.
"Many people assume that walking is so automatic that really nothing will get in the way," Art Kramer, a psychology professor at the University of Illinois who conducted the research, said in a statement. "But actually walking in environments that have lots of obstacles is perhaps not as automatic as one might think."
Previous research in a natural setting found walking and talking on a cell phone so distracting that subjects failed to spot an obvious clown riding a unicycle.
Participants in Kramer's study took their virtual stroll on a manual treadmill that only moves when the person walks. Images of an intersection were projected on three screens placed in front of, to the right and left of the subject. The treadmill was synced up with the virtual environment. Each participant had to complete a jaunt that included crossing a street, with cars, three times: once with no distractions, having a cell-phone conversation, and listening to music on an iPod.
The research involved two studies.
The first, with 36 college students, showed that students trying to hold a phone conversation took 25 percent longer to cross the street compared with those without phones and those listening to iPods. Cell-phone users were also less likely to finish crossing the street in the 30 seconds allotted for the task.
However, the young adults were not more likely to get hit by a virtual car even if they were talking on a cell phone. The study was published online Nov. 5 in the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention.
The researchers note that cell-phone users who didn't finish crossing spent most of their time waiting at the curbside, suggesting they failed to spot safe opportunities to cross the road. In real life, pedestrians do not always have the option to wait — they might be in a hurry to get to work, or running late for an appointment. In such rushed instances, failing to recognize a safe time to cross could have harmful consequences, such as a vehicle collision, the authors write.
The second study, yet to be published, focused on people 60 and older.
"Older adults on the phone got run over about 15 percent more often [than those not on the phone]," Kramer said. Subjects who had a history of falling fared even worse.
"Walking and talking on the phone while old, especially, appears to be dangerous," Kramer said.
But why was music-listening less of a hazard than talking on the phone? The researchers point out that a conversation requires a person to comprehend and respond, while listening to tunes is a more passive activity. They speculate it may be easier for an individual to tune out music to concentrate on the task at hand, while the same cannot be said for chatting on the phone.
© 2009 LiveScience.com. All rights reserved.
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34131615/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/
© 2009 MSNBC.com
For older people, gabbing on a cell phone while walking across the street may increase the chances of being run over, according to a new study, although earlier research did not find the same connection among younger people.
Just listening to music on an iPod or other portable device doesn't pack the same risks as talking on a cell phone, the researchers found.
The results are based on two lab-based studies in which participants had to maneuver on a treadmill to cross a virtual street, and so further research is needed to firm up the results in the real world. One possible shortcoming: People may find it more difficult to walk on a manual treadmill than they would on actual concrete. But the simulation allowed researchers to make sure all subjects experienced the exact same conditions.
"Many people assume that walking is so automatic that really nothing will get in the way," Art Kramer, a psychology professor at the University of Illinois who conducted the research, said in a statement. "But actually walking in environments that have lots of obstacles is perhaps not as automatic as one might think."
Previous research in a natural setting found walking and talking on a cell phone so distracting that subjects failed to spot an obvious clown riding a unicycle.
Participants in Kramer's study took their virtual stroll on a manual treadmill that only moves when the person walks. Images of an intersection were projected on three screens placed in front of, to the right and left of the subject. The treadmill was synced up with the virtual environment. Each participant had to complete a jaunt that included crossing a street, with cars, three times: once with no distractions, having a cell-phone conversation, and listening to music on an iPod.
The research involved two studies.
The first, with 36 college students, showed that students trying to hold a phone conversation took 25 percent longer to cross the street compared with those without phones and those listening to iPods. Cell-phone users were also less likely to finish crossing the street in the 30 seconds allotted for the task.
However, the young adults were not more likely to get hit by a virtual car even if they were talking on a cell phone. The study was published online Nov. 5 in the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention.
The researchers note that cell-phone users who didn't finish crossing spent most of their time waiting at the curbside, suggesting they failed to spot safe opportunities to cross the road. In real life, pedestrians do not always have the option to wait — they might be in a hurry to get to work, or running late for an appointment. In such rushed instances, failing to recognize a safe time to cross could have harmful consequences, such as a vehicle collision, the authors write.
The second study, yet to be published, focused on people 60 and older.
"Older adults on the phone got run over about 15 percent more often [than those not on the phone]," Kramer said. Subjects who had a history of falling fared even worse.
"Walking and talking on the phone while old, especially, appears to be dangerous," Kramer said.
But why was music-listening less of a hazard than talking on the phone? The researchers point out that a conversation requires a person to comprehend and respond, while listening to tunes is a more passive activity. They speculate it may be easier for an individual to tune out music to concentrate on the task at hand, while the same cannot be said for chatting on the phone.
© 2009 LiveScience.com. All rights reserved.
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34131615/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/
© 2009 MSNBC.com
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