XBox 360 w/ Kinect Changes the Game of Health

I’m not a hard core gamer, but since Microsoft released its Kinect for XBox 360 I’ve turned into a HUGE fan thanks to games like “Your Shape”, “The Biggest Loser”, and “Adventure Games.”    I’m sure you’re wondering why and the answer is simple–these games make me sweat!    After setting up my Kinect and launching the first game, it was so much fun, and it left me drenched in sweat with an elevated heart rate and gasping for air!   I thought to myself, “Wow, I’m out of shape!”

XBox 360 w/ Kinect

Also, with games like  ”Your Shape” I’m able to have my own personal trainer in the comfort of my home–no need to pay gym membership and trainer fees.  This game is truly amazing; I’m can set workout routines that complement my goals and body profile.   There is no special device  to hold during the workout; the Kinect senor senses my body and all I have to do is just get moving!

I know that many Parents struggle with decidng whether to purchase a video game console for their childbren, but I believe that XBox 360 is worth adding to the wishlist!  This console can help encourage children to exercise more which helps in reducing obesity or heart disease, which are ideal.  Just integrate exercise fitness game play with their favorite games, such as for every 15 minutes of regular game play, there will be 15 minutes of fitness game time!   Lastly, not only is the the XBox 360 an awesome gaming console, but also it is a great all-around home entertainment center that delivers both Live and On-Demand content.

So, no matter the occasion, XBox 360 with the Kinect are indeed must have’s for any family!

Is BMI the right calculator for your weight?

Even though the BMI (Body Mass Index) chart is starting to take center stage these days with the current American obesity epidemic, this chart is not new and has been around for centuries.  In fact, the BMI was developed in the late 1800’s by a mathematician, Aldophe Quetelet; who originally named BMI the Quetelet index.   Without giving a mathematics lesson, the BMI, simply stated is a function of weight and height.  Many times in the past friends and family have said, you’re not overweight you look good; that BMI calculator is not for “us”.  So for years, I ignored the BMI (Body Mass Index) until a couple of years ago when I started studying to become certified to Provide Dietary Guidance.  The more I studied the chart, I learned that there were a few missing things not compensated in the BMI calculation, such as bone mass, sex, age, ethnicity or even body fatness, so I guess that’s why my family was against it.  Instead BMI only includes weight (both fat and muscle) and height.  However, despite what many people feel, studies have shown over the years that there is definitely a correlation between the BMI number and body fatness, which makes it important to consider. What do you think?

Throughout the years, there has been controversy by physicians and other health care providers who question whether or not this number is a good indicator.  But even with this controversy, majority of the health care professionals, feel that this number is a good indicator when determining a person’s body weight status.  The following indicates the body weight categories for a specific BMI.^*

Category	Adults (BMI) kg/m2
Underweight	less than 18.5
Normal	18.5 – 24.9
Overweight	25 – 29.9
Obese	greater than 30

^*BMI Chart (2010 US Dietary Guidelines)

The traditional way of calculating one’s BMI is to use the BMI chart.  However,  calculating one’s BMI has gotten easier. There are a number of calculators available on the internet through sites like the Center for Disease Control, as well as available on mobile applications such as the “BMI Calculator” app available for the iPhone.

So, don’t ignore BMI,  use it as one more tool in your healthy living tool box!  Determine what your BMI status is and make adjustments if needed.  But remember, only you and your health care provider can determine what’s best for you!

To learn more about BMI and specific details about the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, download this full report.

The Obsesity Crisis

I know that by now you have heard that in the past 30 years, obesity has increased tremendously amongst adults and children.  Though the numbers have doubled for adults in America, so has the dramatic increase for children.  Moreover, the increase in obesity has also expanded globally.  According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.6 billion people (ages 15 and up) and 20 million children under age 5 are overweight and 400 million adults are obese, globally¹!  The Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to classify overweight and obesity, which is based on one’s height and weight.  When the BMI is between 25 – 29 then it is categorized as overweight, and when the BMI is over 30, then it is labeled as obese (click to see the chart). Please note that the BMI is NOT used to diagnose people, but it is simply a marker that many organizations use.

 

It is important for us to be happy with ourselves, but it is equally important for us to be healthy and to strive to take care of our bodies. Being overweight or obese could cause other health implications such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. So, please, consult with your primary care physician before making abrupt changes that could impact your health.  If you have any questions or would like to see more data, please contact info@rhondascooking.com.   

 

¹ “Obesity and Overweight.”  September 2006.  World Health Organization.  July 2, 2008 <http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs311/en/index.html >.