Body Sense

Autumn 2012

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BODY TALK COMPILED BY JED HENEBERRY App Update: The Mindfulness Series From MindApps comes a series of smartphone apps featuring guided meditations, automated reminders, and location- specifi c notices designed to help you become more present in your life. Meditations are available in durations of three, fi ve, 15, and 30 minutes, and can be programmed to send you a message at predetermined times. Developed by yoga teachers, the Balance with Bodywork For most people, balance is something that's taken for granted. For the elderly, failing balance is a real concern and can lead to falls, which may result in signifi cant health problems. Fortunately, researchers found that a 60-minute massage had stabilizing effects on balance in older adults. The study, which was recently published in the I nternational Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, found that both single- and double-legged balance was improved after the massage session, and that subjects had decreased blood pressure afterward. Researchers believe that massage "may produce adaptations that decrease risk of falling." apps combine "modern technology with ancient wisdom in a creative way," according to Magnus Fridh, one of the developers. The series includes The Mindfulness App I and II, as well as Mindfulness for Pregnancy, and is available in the iTunes App Store. Go Bananas for Exercise Cyclists taking part in a recent study found no difference in their performance during 75 kilometer time trials whether they ingested bananas or Gatorade as they pedaled. "In general, ingestion of bananas before and during prolonged and intensive exercise is an effective strategy … for supporting performance," says researcher David Nieman, PhD. Bananas have historically been known as a good source of fi ber, potassium, and vitamin B6, as well. "Bananas and Exercise Metabolism" was published online in the journal Plos One. Body Sense 11

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