Blog Archives

Video

This video explains what functional fitness really means, and why it matters.

Earlier this week I wrote about the benefits of exercise on health, fitness, and physical function across the lifespan. Of particular interest is the concept of functional fitness, which aims to improve physical function in practical, real-life settings. This is no more important than activities of daily living, which are a major reason so many elderly lose independence. In fact, many younger people find it difficult to do these basic, day-to-day activities.

Watch and learn…

 


Nutrition, exercise, and health information can be confusing. 
But it doesn't have to be that way.
What can I help you with?
 drbrianparr@gmail.com | http://twitter.com/drbrianparr
Video

Friday video pick: Be carb smart.

Nutrition can be confusing! Depending on the day, individual nutrients and whole foods may be good for you…or really bad. This is especially true for fats and carbohydrates, the major sources of calories in our diets. I have written about carbohydrates previously, but this video can also help you become carb smart!

How do carbohydrates impact your health? | via YouTube


Nutrition, exercise, and health information can be confusing. 
But it doesn't have to be that way.
What can I help you with?
 drbrianparr@gmail.com | http://twitter.com/drbrianparr
Video

How to encourage people to use the stairs? Make it fun!

This isn’t new, but it is a neat way to encourage people to take the stairs.

 

Video

MMMMMM, cookies!

It’s Friday afternoon, so a video seems like a good idea. Cookies seem like a good idea, too. So, how about a video about cookies!

I’m a bit of a food science geek, so a video about the chemistry of cookies got my attention.

 

The Chemistry of Cookies via TED-Ed

Video

The problem with bicycle commuting might be bike lanes

I saw this video earlier this week and thought it was worth sharing, for two reasons. First, it’s funny. Second, it makes an important point about the safety and practicality of commuting by bicycle.

I bike to work as often as I can, so this is something I am interested in. Since I live in a town that has no bike lanes, the specific problem in this video doesn’t apply to me. But I still have to deal with other vehicles, both moving and parked, as well as other obstructions in the roads. I do my best to be a good cyclist and stay out of the way of cars, but it isn’t always easy. Unfortunately, as the video shows, I’m not sure having bike lanes would solve the problem.

http://youtu.be/bzE-IMaegzQ | via Unlooker

Video

Replacing sedentary time with physical activity–at the bar!

I’m a big fan of finding ways to turn sedentary time into opportunities to be active. At home, this includes spending less time sitting watching television and more time up and moving. Even getting off the couch during commercials can make a difference. At work, using a standing desk, holding walking meetings, and taking frequent activity breaks are good ways to limit sitting time.

But what about when you meet your friends at the bar for a drink. Even though alcohol consumption (in moderation, of course) can have health benefits, the fact that you are sitting doesn’t do you any favors.

Problem solved! I was in Indianapolis last week for the American College of Sports Medicine annual meeting when I happened to see this:

handlebar

It’s called the HandleBar Pedal Pub and it is a mobile bar. Like most bars, there is a bartender who serves drinks. But unlike most bars, the patrons pedal while they drink. There is also a driver, presumably a designated driver, who makes sure they don’t hit anything.  You can learn more at http://www.handlebarindy.com/

Now you can combine happy hour with exercise time!

Video

Exercise as a treatment for depression, according to my students.

We just wrapped up our spring semester and graduation was last night.

I was fortunate to have five outstanding seniors in a research topics course in which we read and discussed research in the area of exercise and neuroscience. I think they got a bit tired of writing papers, so they proposed making a video for the exercise and depression unit.

This is their take on exercise as a “drug” to treat depression:

Video

Watch this before you see The Hunger Games this weekend.

The Hunger Games opens in theaters tomorrow. Based on the hugely popular book by Suzanne Collins, it is expected to be a hugely popular film. You should probably see it.

But watch this video before you go

Video

Sugar: The Bitter Truth

The author of the Nature article, Dr. Lustig, gave this comprehensive lecture about dietary sugar and health. It’s a bit dense, but educational for sure.