United States Sports Academy
America's Sports University^®

Studies from around the world have suggested that a high consumption of red meat is linked to an increased risk of colon cancer. Diet has a powerful influence on many diseases, including America’s number two killer, cancer.

According to studies from the University of Athens Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health – it has been shown that regular napping appeared to reduce the risk of heart disease by 37%

About 21 million Americans have diabetes, but a third of them don’t know it. That means 7% of Americans are diabetic and many more have impaired fasting glucose, which is better known as pre-diabetes.

In the past 25 years, obesity among U.S. adults has shot up from 15 to 32 percent.

Harvard studies have shown that men who drink moderate to low dose alcoholic beverages like red wine enjoy substantial protection against, first heart attacks, recurrent heart attacks, sudden cardiac death, stroke, diabetes symptomatic benign prostate hyperplasia, and erectile dysfunction.

Recent studies have shown that sleep deprivation cuts into the academic and athletic performance of college students. Short-term side effects of sleep deprivation include delayed reactions and tendencies to make mistakes.

Dr. Thomas H. Lee, M.D., Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, has helped with writing of a special health report: The Healthy Heart states – that physical activity can take aim at America’s number one killer, heart disease. Sedentary living roughly doubles the risk fo coronary artery disease.

Verbal abuse can hurt more than physical assault. Although at least 22 states currently have laws protecting coaches and officials from physical assault, not a single state offers any kind of redress for verbal abuse. Certified and qualified coaches and officials are hard to come by these days. These competent individuals need some protection.

The USA Track & Field official committee has made a recommendation to ban iPods and other music-listening devices in all of its races due to safety concerns of runners being distracted and not aware of their surroundings. Although the concept of the music-listening devices being utilized as an ergogenic aid for sports performance was not the major concern it is something to contemplate.

Catherine Davis, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Medical College of Georgia presented research to the Obesity Society stating that children who vigorously play for 20-40 minutes a day are better at organizing schoolwork, doing class projects and learning mathematics.

US high school girl soccer players suffered 29,167 concussions in 2005-06. That is 8,238 more than US high school boy soccer players at 20,929. There are those that say that the boys have more-developed neck muscles which allows them to better absorb a blow to the head.

A startling number of parents may be in denial about their youngsters weight. A survey found that many Americans whose children are obese do not see them that way. That is a problem because obese children run the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol problems and other ailments commonly found in adults. Experts said doctors need to help parents better understand the health risks of childhood obesity.

Despite all the news in recent years about the health benefits of moderate drinking, excessive drinking causes more than 75,000 deaths each year which makes it the third leading cause of death (after smoking and the combination of poor diet and inactivity). 46% of those deaths are from liver problems; 54% result from acute conditions, including injuries from vehicle crashes; and 72% are in men.

1. Control your blood sugar.
2. Control your blood pressure.
3. Control your cholesterol.
4. Control your weight.
5. Protect your kidneys.
6. Protect your vision.
7. Protect your feet.
8. Stay active.
9. Do not smoke.

High-purine foods may increase the risk of gout, including:

1. All meat, especially organ meats.
2. Meat extracts and gravy.
3. Seafood, especially sardines and anchovies.
4. Yeast and yeast extracts.

Managing several medications can be a burden. Here are some helpful hints on how to create a system for better healthcare.

1. Take all medications as prescribed, whether scripted or over-the-counter- including vitamins, herbs, and other supplements.
2. Maintain a Personal Medication Record & Daily Log of all medications and dosing schedule.
3. Always bring your Personal Medication Record when you go to the doctor, pharmacist and other healthcare providers.
4. Use a weekly and daily pill box to organize your medications.
5. Have all you scripts filled at the same pharmacy.
6. Stay informed and read all directions and inserts.
7. Discuss your medications with your physician on a regular basis.
8. Be aware of your body reactions while on any medication.

Risk factors for pre-diabetes are the same as those for diabetes, including:

1. Being older than 45 years old.
2. Being overweight.
3. Being physically inactive.
4. Being African-American, Latino, Native American, Asian-American or Pacific Islander.
5. Having high blood pressure.
6. Having diabetes during pregnancy or delivering a baby weighing 9 pounds of more.

1. Americans walk an average of 5,300 steps a day.
2. Many health experts recommend doing at least 10,000 steps a day.
3. People who wear a pedometer walk about 2,000 more steps a day than those who don't.

1. Do your own exercise and set an example.
2. Teach your child the sports and activities you know.
3. Emphasize physical activity is fun.
4. Encourage your child's school to amek physical activity part of their program.
5. Exercise or do a physical activity as a family a few days a week.

Millions of Americans are diagnosed with cancer and other potentially life-threatening ailments each year. Here are some tips on how to cope with such an illness:

1. Learn as much as you can about the disease and treatment.
2. Identify your needs, then line up friends and family members who can help.
3. Find the right doctor and hospital and get a second opinion.
4. Get treatment in a timely manner.
5. Relieve the stress by maintaining a routine or spending time with friends.

1. Go to sleep at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning.
2. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine. Dim the lights, listen to quiet music, soak in a warm bath or do some light reading.
3. Avoid caffeine, tobacco and medicine with stimulates before turning in.
4. Eat a small snack if your body is growling at bedtime.
5. Avoid heavy nighttime snacking and smoking to the wee hours.
6. Skip vigorous exercise before bedtime.
7. Keep your bedroom quiet, dark and comfortably cool.

1. Don't smoke.
2. Control your bllod pressure.
3. Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in saturated fats.
4. Exercise regularly.
5. Maintain a healthy weight.
6. Control your blood sugar.
7. Drink alcohol (red wine) in moderation.
8. Get adequate sleep.
9. Get regular medical screening tests for your age group and risk category.