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An in-depth report on losing and managing weight safely for health benefits.
Dieting; Obesity; Weight loss
A stable weight depends on a balance between the energy you get from food and the energy you use. You use energy during the day in three ways:
Basal metabolism accounts for about two-thirds of spent energy. Your body generally uses this energy to keep your temperature steady and the muscles of your heart and intestine working. Thermogenesis accounts for about 10% of spent energy.
When a person consumes more calories than the energy they use, the body stores the extra calories in fat cells (lipocytes). Fat cells function as energy reservoirs. They grow or shrink depending on how people use energy. If people do not balance energy input and output by eating right and exercising, fat can build up. This leads to weight gain.
When energy input is equal to energy output, there is no expansion of fat cells (lipocytes) to accommodate excess. When you take in more calories than you use, the extra fat is stored in your lipocytes and you begin to accumulate fat.
Obesity is determined by measuring body fat, not just body weight. People might be over the weight limit for normal standards, but if they are very muscular with low body fat, they are not obese. Others might be at normal weight or even underweight but still have excessive body fat. The following measurements and factors are used to determine whether or not a person is overweight to a degree that threatens their health:
A person's disease risk factors and their BMI are important components in determining health risks with weight.
The Body Mass Index (BMI). The current standard measurement for obesity is the body mass index (BMI). In general, a BMI of 25 - 29.9 means you are overweight. Obesity is a BMI of 30 and above. A BMI of 40 or more usually means men are at least 100 pounds over their ideal weight and women are at least 80 pounds over their ideal weight.
Obesity is then classified into three categories:
These criteria may be used to estimate the risk for complications of obesity, such as diabetes, heart disease, or certain cancers. They are also used to help decide when surgery may be most appropriate.
Calculating Body Mass Index. A person's body mass index is calculated as follows:
For example, a woman who weighs 150 pounds and is 5 feet 8 inches (or 68 inches) tall has a BMI of 22.8.
You can check your BMI at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention BMI calculator.
Waist Circumference Waist measurement is another way to estimate how much body fat a person has. Extra weight around the mid-section or stomach area increases the risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Some studies suggest that:
Excess body fat around the abdomen (the "apple-shape") is a more consistent predictor of heart problems and health risks than BMI.
Waist-Hip Ratio. The distribution of fat can be evaluated by dividing waist size by hip size. For example, a woman with a 30-inch waist and 40-inch hip circumference would have a ratio of 0.75; one with a 41-inch waist and 39-inch hips would have a ratio of 1.05. The lower the ratio the better. The risk of heart disease rises sharply for women with ratios above 0.8 and for men with ratios above 1.0.
Anthropometry. Anthropometry is the measurement of skin fold thickness in different areas, particularly around the triceps, shoulder blades, and hips. This measurement is useful in determining how much weight is due to muscle or fat.
Measurement of Obesity in Children
Measuring body fat and diagnosing obesity is different in children and adults.
In children:
A BMI level that says a child is obese at one age may be normal for a child at a different age. To determine if a child is overweight or obese, experts compare BMI levels of children at the same age to each other. They use a special chart to decide whether a child's weight is healthy or not.
Many people with obesity who lose large amounts of weight and gain it back often think it is their fault. They may blame themselves for not having the will power to keep the weight off, and many regain more than they lost.
Today, we know that biology is the reason some people cannot keep this weight off. Even among people who live in the same environment and eat the same foods, some become obese and others do not. Our bodies have a complex system to help keep weight at a healthy level. In some people, this system may not be working correctly.
Think about the gas gauge in your car. If the gas tank is full but the car's gas gauge is broken, it may read empty. You would want to put in more gas, even when the tank is already full.
Some people may struggle to maintain a healthy weight because one or more of the signals that tells the brain when they have eaten enough does not work correctly. In other words, the gas tank (stomach) may be full, but the brain (gas gauge) does not realize that.
Appetite is determined by processes that occur both in the brain and gastrointestinal tract. Eating patterns are controlled by areas in the hypothalamus and pituitary glands (in the brain).
The body produces a number of molecules that increases or decreases appetite, including leptin. Leptin is a hormone that fat cells release. Leptin blood levels rise as the cells store more fat. This increase in leptin levels decreases appetite. Falling levels of leptin make you feel hungry. Still, leptin's role in obesity is unclear.
Our bodies are set to maintain weight within a certain range. That weight range is at least partly determined by our genetic makeup. Genetic makeup refers to certain traits that we inherit from our parents. If a person has the genetic makeup for obesity and they eat a lot of high-calorie foods and do not exercise, it is almost certain they will become obese. It will likely be harder for such a person to stay at a healthy weight than someone who does not have the genes for obesity.
Obesity is not caused by just one gene. There are hundreds of genes that influence body weight. Some people have more genetic risk factors for obesity than others. However, scientists have not yet discovered the exact genes that contribute to obesity.
Genetics also determines the number of fat cells a person has. Some people are simply born with more.
The way we eat when we are children may strongly affect our eating behaviors as adults. When we repeat these behaviors over many years, they become habits. They affect what we eat, when we eat, and how much we eat.
Children are very good at listening to their body's signals of hunger and fullness. They will stop eating as soon as their body tells them they have had enough. However, at some point a well-meaning parent may tell them they have to finish everything on their plate. This forces them to ignore their fullness and to eat everything that is served to them.
As adults, these same people may say that they feel guilty if they do not eat everything on their plate. And today, portion sizes are so large that eating everything on your plate may mean you are eating too many calories.
Other learned behaviors include using food to:
These learned habits lead to eating no matter if someone is hungry or full. Many people have a very hard time breaking these habits.
The foods we eat when we are children may influence our food likes and dislikes for life. Being raised on processed foods that are high in fat, salt, and sugar may make it difficult to start eating natural foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, when we become adults. Not knowing how to prepare these foods can also keep people from eating them.
We are surrounded by many things that make it easy to overeat and hard to stay active.
Many people don't have enough time to plan and prepare healthy meals. Some reasons are:
Less free time also means less time to exercise. Also, more people today work desk jobs compared to jobs in the past that had activity built into them.
Devices such as remote controls, mobile telephones, escalators, elevators, and computers all make life easier for us. But fewer trips up and down stairs and fewer walks down the hall at work to talk with a co-worker mean that we are storing more calories instead of burning them off.
Researchers have found that labor-saving devices had reduced a person's energy use by over 100 calories a day. The average American now eats 100 - 200 more calories a day more than they did 10 years ago. Less activity and more calories can lead to a weight gain of 12 - 25 pounds every year.
Long hours in front of a TV or computer may be the most hazardous pattern of behavior. In one study, TV watching produced a lower metabolic rate than sewing, playing board games, reading, writing, and driving a car. Just the act of watching TV encourages unhealthy snacking and eating patterns.
Many things have changed how and what we eat. Some of these are:
People are not only eating more food than they did 20 years ago but also replacing home cooking with packaged foods, fast food, and dining out. Fast foods may be more harmful than restaurant cooking. These foods tend to be served in larger portions. They generally contain more calories and unhealthy fats, and fewer nutritious ingredients, than homemade or restaurant meals. Snack foods and sweet beverages, including juice and soft drinks, are specific problems that add to the increasing rates of obesity.
Several medical conditions may contribute to being overweight, but rarely are they a primary cause of obesity.
Some prescription medications contribute to weight gain, usually by increasing appetite. Such drugs include:
Do NOT stop taking any medications without talking to your health care provider first.
Where you live plays a role in your risk for obesity. Simply living in the United States makes a person more susceptible to obesity. The prevalence of obesity in America has risen dramatically over the past few years and continues to increase.
Fat tends to settle in certain regions, depending on gender. Women gain fat predominantly in the stomach, hips, and thighs, while men tend to gain fat in the belly and waist.
Risk by Age. People of any age are at risk for obesity. More children and adolescents are overweight in America than ever before. Gaining some weight is common with age, and adding about 10 pounds to a normal base weight over time is not harmful. The typical weight gain in American adults over 50, however, is worrisome. By age 55, the average American has added nearly 40 pounds of fat during the course of adulthood. This condition is made worse by the fact that muscle and bone mass decrease with age.
Risk by Gender. In men, BMI tends to increase until age 50 and then it levels off. In women, weight tends to increase until age 70 before it plateaus. There are three high-risk periods for weight gain in women:
Risk by Economic Group. Obesity is more prevalent in lower economic groups. Low income women and their families tend to have fewer fruits and vegetables and are actually taking in more calories a day than higher-income women. However, obesity is increasing in young adults with college education as well as in other groups.
Ethnic Groups. Among ethnic groups in general, African-American women are more overweight than Caucasian women are, but African-American men are less obese than Caucasian men are. Hispanic men and women tend to weigh more than Caucasians.
US Regions. Regionally, the prevalence of obesity is lowest in the Western states and highest in the South.
In many cases, lifestyle habits and patterns are so well-established and automatic that people are not even aware that they are bad for health.
A number of dietary habits put people at risk for becoming overweight:
Anyone with Sedentary Lifestyles. Office workers, drivers, and people who sit for long periods are at higher risk for obesity.
Ex-Smokers. Nicotine increases the metabolic rate, and quitting, even without eating more, can cause weight gain. Most people who quit smoking gain 4 - 10 pounds in the first 6 months after quitting. Some gain as much as 25 - 30 pounds. It is important to note that weight control is not a valid reason to smoke.
People with Disabilities. Obesity rates are higher than average in people with physical or mental disabilities. Those with disabilities in the lower part of the body, such as the legs, are at highest risk.
People with Chronic Mental illnesses. People who have a chronic mental illness are at high risk for obesity and diabetes, most likely due to their lifestyle. In addition, many of the medications used to treat chronic mental illnesses can cause weight gain and increase the risk of diabetes.
Obesity has become a serious health problem in children and teenagers. A child who is overweight or obese is more likely to be overweight or obese as an adult.
Obese children are now developing health problems that used to be seen only in adults. When these problems begin in childhood, they often become more severe when the child becomes an adult.
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey shows that 17% of children and adolescents (aged 2 - 19) are obese. The number of obese children and adolescents has more than tripled since the 1980s.
No single factor or behavior causes obesity. Obesity is caused by the many factors described above, including a person's habits, lifestyle, and environment. Genetics and some medical conditions also increase a person's chances of becoming obese.
Children are surrounded by many things that make it easy to overeat and harder to be active:
Biological Effect of Childhood Obesity on Adult Weight
Achieving a healthy weight becomes more difficult as children get older. The odds of obesity persisting into adulthood range from 20% in 4 year olds to 80% in teenagers. One reason for the persistence is biological. The fat cells change in number or mass depending on a person's age:
Obesity is a medical condition in which a high amount of body fat makes it hard for a person's internal organs to work well. This can cause poor health. People with obesity are at risk for developing a number of health problems.
Three things can be used to determine if a person's body fat puts them at risk for developing obesity-related diseases:
The higher the BMI, the greater the risk for certain diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep), and arthritis.
The risk of heart disease rises sharply for women with waist-hip ratios above 0.8 and for men with ratios above 1.0.
Weight gain in the area around the waist (apple type) is more dangerous than weight gained around the hips and flank area (pear type). Fat cells in the upper body have different qualities than those found in hips and thighs.
General Adverse Effects of Being Overweight (Not Obese). It is still not clear if being overweight (a BMI of 25 - 29.9) harms healthy people with no risk factors for serious illnesses.
The risk for developing diabetes, gallstones, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and various cancers rises according to how much an individual is overweight. In any case, adults who are overweight in middle age face a poor quality of life as they age, with the quality declining the more they weigh.
Some argue, in fact, that unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle cause the harm -- not the extra weight itself -- in people who are not severely obese.
People who are obese have almost three times the risk for heart disease as people with normal weights. Being physically unfit adds to the risk.
As mentioned above, weight concentrated around the abdomen and in the upper part of the body (apple shape) is more commonly associated with insulin resistance and diabetes, high blood pressure, and unhealthy cholesterol and lipid levels.
As a result, obesity poses many dangers to the heart and circulatory system:
Fat that settles in a pear shape around the hips and lower body appears to have a lower association with these conditions:
Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin Resistance. Most people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese, and weight loss may be the key to controlling the current epidemic of type 2 diabetes. The common factor appears to be insulin resistance -- that is, the body can no longer respond properly to insulin. This has the effect of increasing sugar levels in the blood, the hallmark of diabetes.
Insulin resistance is also associated with high blood pressure and abnormalities in blood clotting. Some research indicates that obesity, in fact, is the one common element linking insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Metabolic Syndrome. Metabolic syndrome (also called syndrome X) is a pre-diabetic condition that is significantly associated with heart disease and higher mortality rates from all causes. The syndrome consists of obesity marked by abdominal fat, unhealthy cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance.
The American Cancer Society's (ACS) cancer prevention guidelines stress the importance of keeping a healthy weight throughout life. The ACS indicates that healthy weight is even more important than eating specific healthy foods, when it comes to cancer prevention.
Obesity has been associated with a higher risk for cancer in general and specific cancers in particular. Studies have also suggested that restricting calories reduces the risk for cancer.
One way in which obesity may increase the risk for cancer is its association with high levels of hormones called growth factors, which can trigger rapid cell production, leading to cancer.
Associations between obesity and the following cancers have been made:
More weight puts pressure on the bones and joints. This can lead to osteoarthritis, a disease that causes joint pain and stiffness. People who are obese are also at higher risk for carpal tunnel syndrome and other problems involving nerves in their wrists and hands.
Infertility. Abnormal amounts of body fat, either 10 - 15% too high or too low, can contribute to infertility in women. Obesity is especially related to certain infertility problems, such as uterine fibroids and menstrual irregularities. In men, obesity can contribute to reduced testosterone levels and erectile dysfunction.
Effect on Pregnancy. Obesity has many dangerous effects on pregnancy. These include high blood pressure, gestational diabetes (diabetes, usually temporary, that occurs during pregnancy), urinary tract infections, blood clots, prolonged labor, and higher fetal death rate in late stages of pregnancy. Obesity is also associated with increased rates of cesarean delivery. Infants of women who are obese are also at higher risk for neural tube birth defects, which affect the brain or spine, as well as other birth defects. Folic acid supplements, ordinarily effective in preventing these conditions, may not be as protective in overweight women. Some evidence also suggests an association between obesity and stillbirths.
Obesity, especially moderate or severe obesity, also puts people at risk for hypoxia, a condition in which there is not enough oxygen to meet the body's needs. Obese people need to work harder to breathe. They tend to have breathing muscles and lungs that do not work as well as those in thinner people.
The Pickwickian syndrome, named for an overweight character in a Dickens novel, occurs in severe obesity when lack of oxygen produces intense and chronic sleepiness and, eventually, heart failure.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. People with obesity, particularly if they also have type 2 diabetes, are at higher risk for a condition called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, also called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This condition can cause liver damage that is similar to liver injury seen in alcoholism. NASH occurs in about half of people with diabetes, and 20 - 50% of obese people, depending on how severe their obesity is. NASH can also occur in overweight children.
Gallstones. The incidence of gallstones is significantly higher in obese women and men. The risk for stone formation is also high if a person loses weight too quickly. In people on ultra-low calorie diets, taking ursodeoxycholic acid (Actigall) may prevent gallstones.
People who are obese and nap tend to fall asleep faster and sleep longer during the day. At night, however, it takes them longer to fall asleep, and they sleep less than people with normal weights. In an apparent vicious circle, studies have suggested that obesity not only interferes with sleep but that sleep problems may actually contribute to obesity.
Sleep Apnea. Obesity, particularly the apple shape, is strongly associated with sleep apnea, which occurs when the upper throat relaxes and closes from time to time during sleep. This closure temporarily blocks the passage of air. Sleep apnea is increasingly being viewed as a potentially serious health problem, which may lead to complications, such as heart disease and stroke. Obstructive sleep apnea may also increase obesity, creating a viscous cycle. Some studies indicate that treating sleep apnea may help people lose abdominal fat.
Depression. Several studies have reported an association between depression and obesity, particularly in obese women. There may be a number of factors to explain the link. In some cases of atypical depression, people overeat and may gain weight. Overweight people may also become depressed because of social problems and a poor self-image. In these cases, depression usually disappears when people lose weight.
There does not appear to be any association between depression and obesity in men.
Social Problems. One long-term study reported that overweight young women completed fewer years of school, were 20% less likely to be married, and had 10% higher rates of household poverty than their thinner peers. Obese young men were also less likely to be married, and their incomes were lower than their thinner peers. Nevertheless, studies consistently show that overweight males (both boys and men) are not as severely emotionally affected as females of any age. Women and girls tend to blame themselves for being heavy, while males tend to blame being overweight on outside factors.
Children and adolescents who are overweight have poorer health than other children. Studies are reporting unhealthy cholesterol levels and high blood pressure in overweight children and adolescents. Of great concern is the dramatic increase in type 2 diabetes in young people, which is largely due to the increase in overweight children.
Weight gain in children is also linked to asthma, gallbladder problems, sleep apnea, and liver abnormalities. Overweight girls are more likely to enter puberty early, according to a new study, and subsequently be at higher risk for breast cancer. It is not clear yet how many of these childhood problems persist in people who achieve normal weight as adults. Staying overweight into adulthood certainly carries health risks.
For most people, changing behavior takes time. All the stages of change are important. A person can learn from each stage. One can go from "not thinking about it" to "thinking about the pros and cons" to "making small changes and figuring out how to deal with the hard parts" to "doing it" to "making it part of your life." Many people fall off track and go through the stages of change several times before change really lasts.
Lifestyle changes usually involve slip-ups. People should not give up because they slip from time to time. Instead, they should forgive mistakes and get back to work toward the goal of lifelong health.
A food journal is a good way to become aware of eating habits.
Think about what triggers, or prompts, may be responsible for some of your eating habits. Is there something in your environment, such as a vending machine down the hall, which makes you eat when you are not hungry or choose an unhealthy snack? Does the way you feel make you want to eat?
Look at your journal and circle the common triggers. Some of them might be:
Start by focusing on the one or two triggers that occurred the most often during your week. Is there something you could do to avoid these triggers?
Some ways to avoid triggers are:
Some other ideas for replacing unhealthy habits with healthy ones are:
It may take a while before people can turn their unhealthy habits into new, healthy ones. Since it took a while to form the old habits, it may take just as long to change them. People should not give up.
Childhood obesity is best treated by a non-drug, multidisciplinary approach, including diet, behavior modification, and exercise. Children should be screened for obesity at age 6, and referred to weight management programs if needed at that time. Moderate-to-intense programs have the highest rate of success with children and adolescents. These programs include counseling and behavior modifications.
Most children spend about 3 hours a day watching TV. When you add in other screen time activities, it is closer to 5 - 7 hours a day. Current screen time guidelines recommend that children under age 2 should have no screen time; above age 2, children should limit screen time to 1 - 2 hours a day.
Children should have many chances to, run, bike, and play sports during the day. Experts recommend they get 60 minutes of moderate activity every day. Moderate activity means faster breathing and faster heart beat than normal. Some examples are walking briskly, playing chase or tag, playing basketball, or playing most organized sports (such as soccer, swimming, and dancing).
Younger children have shorter attention spans than older children. They may be active for only 10 - 15 minutes at a time. The goal is still a total of 60 minutes of activity every day. These ideas may help non-athletic children become active:
Choosing healthy snacks and drinks for your children can be a challenge. There are many to choose from.
The best thing parents can do to motivate their kids to lose weight is to lose weight themselves, if they need to. Parents should lead the way and follow the advice they give their children.
Eating as a family is important -- having meals where everyone sits down and talks about their day. These meals should have some set rules, such as no lectures or teasing allowed. Family meals should be a positive experience. Meals should be cooked at home, and children should be involved in the meal planning. If they are old enough, they can help prepare meals.
A study in Australia, published in February 2011, found that teaching parents healthy life style skills can lead to a sustained weight reduction in moderately-obese children aged 6 - 12 years. A study published by researchers at Yale University supported this find, showing that a family lifestyle intervention produces sustained weight loss.
Commercial and Nonprofit Support Programs for Weight Loss. There are many different types of weight-loss programs. (This report cannot address all of the many commercial and nonprofit weight-loss programs currently available, nor can it assess their claims.)
Taking off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), a nonprofit support organization with many local chapters, is one of the least expensive programs, costing about $30 a year.
Most of the commercial programs, such as Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, and NutriSystem, offer individual or group support, lifestyle changes, and packaged meals. These programs tend to be expensive. There are few well-conducted studies on these programs.
Approach short-term specific goals regarding exercise and eating as something to learn rather than perform. Also, plan ahead when eating out or going to another home for food.
Cognitive Behavioral Approaches. Most support programs use some form of cognitive-behavioral methods to change the daily patterns associated with eating. They are very useful for preventing relapse after initial weight loss.
The patient reviews a personal diary with a therapist or group to set realistic goals and identify patterns that the patient can change. For instance, if the patient normally eats food while watching television, the patient may need to eat in another room instead.
Stress-Reduction Techniques.Stress reduction and relaxation techniques may be helpful for some people with obesity, such as those whose weight is related to night-eating syndrome.
The weight-loss formula: calories used in exercise > calories eaten = weight loss.
This means that to lose weight, the number of calories people burn by exercising needs to be greater than the number of calories they get from what they eat and drink. Even if people work out a lot, they will gain weight if they take in more calories than they burn up.
Another way to look at this is that a 30- to 50-year-old woman who does not exercise needs about 1,800 calories a day to maintain her normal weight. A 30- to 50-year-old man who does not exercise needs about 2,200 calories to maintain his normal weight. For every hour of exercise they do, they would burn:
Even without dieting, people will lose weight if they add any of the activities above to their lifestyle.
Many people sit all day at their jobs. They can add activity to their schedule before work, during work, at lunch, and after work.
People who exercise are more apt to stay on a diet plan. Exercise improves psychological well-being and replaces sedentary habits that usually lead to snacking. Exercise may even act as a mild appetite suppressant. Moreover, exercise improves overall health even with modest weight loss.
Be aware, however, that the pounds won't melt off magically. In addition, if a person exercises but doesn't diet, any actual pounds lost may be minimal. Nonetheless, regardless of weight loss, a fit body will look more toned and be healthier. In addition, exercise benefits the heart even with modest weight loss.
The following are some suggestions and observations on exercise and weight loss:
Warning Note. Because obesity is one of the risk factors for heart disease and diabetes, anyone who is overweight must discuss their exercise program with a doctor before starting. Sudden demanding exercise, in such cases, can be very dangerous.
About 50 - 70 million Americans go on diets each year. No one diet is right for everyone. What works for one person may not work for another.
Before beginning a diet, look at your own eating and activity patterns. Then set goals for changing some of these patterns, or behaviors. Set goals that are realistic for you, goals that you can reach and maintain.
A good diet is one you can follow for years. It should keep your weight at a good level for you and keep you in good health. Some key features of any good weight-loss program or diet are:
Be cautious about any diet that makes unrealistic claims about how much weight you can expect to lose, tells you not to eat food from one of the major food groups, or is based on eating just one food or one type of food.
Calorie restriction has been the cornerstone of obesity treatment. The standard dietary recommendations for losing weight are:
As a rough rule of thumb, one pound of body fat is the result of eating about 3,500 calories. A person could lose a pound a week by reducing daily caloric intake by about 500 calories a day.
To determine your daily calories requirements, multiply the number of pounds of ideal weight by 12 - 15 calories. The number of calories per pound depends on gender, age, and activity levels.
Fat intake should be no more than 30% of total calories. Most fats should be in the form of monounsaturated fats (such as olive oil). Saturated fats (found in animal products) should be avoided.
Extreme diets of fewer than 1,100 calories per day carry health risks and are not recommended. Most of the initial weight loss is in fluids. Later, fat is lost, but so is muscle, which can account for more than 30% of the weight loss. No one should be on very strict diets for longer than 16 weeks, or fast for weight loss.
There are a number of problems associated with extreme diets:
Pregnant women who excessively diet during the first trimester put their unborn children at risk for birth defects.
Eating a balanced diet means you consume the right types and amounts of foods and drinks to keep your body healthy.
For protein in the diet, choose:
Consume 3 cups per day of fat-free or low-fat milk or milk products. Items such as cream cheese, cream, or butter do not count as healthy dairy products.
Grain products include any food made from wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley, or another cereal grain. Products made with grains include pasta, oatmeal, breads, breakfast cereals, tortillas, and grits.
Grains are divided into either whole grains or refined grains. The key to eating healthy is to choose mostly whole-grain products.
Oils are fats that are liquid at room temperature. Most of these oils are high in monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats. This is the best type of oil to use in cooking or preparing foods. Solid fats are solid at room temperature. All of these contain what are called saturated fats. Saturated fats are much less healthy for your heart, blood vessels, and other parts of your body. Saturated fats often also contain cholesterol.
Eat 2 cups (4 servings) of fruit and 2 1/2 cups of vegetables (5 servings) per day for an average 2,000-calorie per day diet.
Low carbohydrate diets generally restrict the amount of carbohydrates but do not restrict protein sources.
The Atkins diet restricts complex carbohydrates in vegetables and, particularly, fruits that are known to protect against heart disease. The Atkins diet can also cause excessive calcium excretion in the urine, which increases the risk for kidney stones and osteoporosis.
"Low-Carb" diets, such as South Beach, The Zone, and Sugar Busters, rely on a concept called the "glycemic index," or GI, which ranks foods by how fast and how high they cause blood sugar levels to rise. Foods on the lowest end of the index take longer to digest. Slow digestion wards off hunger pains. It also helps stabilize insulin levels. Foods high on the glycemic index include bread, white potatoes, and pasta, while low-glycemic foods include whole grains, fruit, lentils, and soybeans.
There has been debate about whether Atkins and other low-carbohydrate diets can increase the risk for heart disease, as people who follow these diets tend to eat more animal-saturated fat and protein and less fruits and vegetables. In general, these diets appear to lower triglyceride levels and raise HDL ("good") cholesterol levels. Total cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels tend to remain stable or possibly increase somewhat. However, large studies have not found an increased risk for heart disease, at least in the short term. In fact, some studies indicate that these diets may help lower blood pressure.
Low-carbohydrate diets help with weight loss in the short term, possibly better than diets that allow normal amounts of carbohydrates and restrict fats. However, overall, there is not good evidence showing long-term efficacy for these diets. Likewise, long-term safety and other possible health effects are still a concern, especially since these diets restrict healthy foods, such as fruit, vegetables, and grains while not restricting saturated fats.
Replacing fats and sugars with substitutes may help many people who have trouble maintaining weight.
Fat Substitutes. Fat substitutes added to commercial foods or used in baking deliver some of the desirable qualities of fat, but they do not add as many calories. They cannot be eaten in unlimited amounts, however, and are considered most useful for helping keep down total calorie count.
Olestra (Olean) passes through the body without leaving behind any calories from fat. Studies suggest that it helps improve cholesterol levels and may help overweight people lose weight. Early reports of cramps and diarrhea after eating food containing olestra have not proven to be significant. Of greater concern is the fact that even small amounts of olestra deplete the body of certain vitamins and nutrients that may help protect against serious diseases, including cancer. The FDA requires that the missing vitamins, but not other nutrients, be added back to olestra products.
Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber found in oats and barley. Products using this substance (Nu-Trim) may reduce cholesterol and have additional health benefits.
A number of other fat-replacers are also available. Although studies to date have not shown any significant adverse health effects, their effect on weight control is uncertain, since many of the products containing them may be high in sugar. People who learn to cook using foods naturally lacking or low in fat eventually lose their taste for high-fat diets, something that may not be true for those using fat substitutes.
Artificial Sweeteners. Many artificial or low-calories sweeteners are available. It should be noted that using these artificial sweeteners should not give dieters a license to increase their fat intake. There is some public concern about chemicals used to produce many of these sweeteners, and the side effects seen in studies using rats. Natural low-calories sweeteners are available that may be more acceptable to many people.
Other sugar substitutes being investigated include glycyrrhizin (derived from licorice) and dihycrochalcone (derived from citrus fruits).
Some studies have reported good success with meal replacement beverages (such as Slim-Fast and Sweet Success). They contain major nutrients needed for daily requirements. Each serving typically contains 200 - 250 calories and replaces one meal. (Note: Using them for all meals reduces calories to a severe extent and can be harmful.)
These weight loss programs can cost about $2,000. People who complete these programs may lose close to 10% of their weight. For example, someone who started 200 pounds loses 20 pounds, on average. But many people regain over half of the lost weight over time.
There are several different drugs used for weight loss. Unless specifically instructed by a doctor, people should use non-drug methods for losing weight. Except under rare circumstances, pregnant or nursing women should never take diet medications of any sort, including herbal and over-the-counter remedies. While weight loss drugs in general have shown some benefit, the overall weight loss achieved is generally limited. In addition, people will usually regain the weight when they discontinue the medication.
About 7% of American adults use nonprescription weight-loss products. People must be cautious when using any weight-loss medications, including over-the counter diet pills and herbal remedies. Buying unverified products over the Internet can be particularly dangerous.
Green Tea. Some studies have suggested that regular tea drinking is associated with lower weight, particularly in people who drink it for years. However, better evidence is needed to confirm the results on this supplement.
Thermogenic Approach to Weight Loss. An approach to weight loss called thermogenic (or hepatothermic) therapy is based on the claim that certain natural compounds have properties that enable the liver to increase energy in cells and stimulate metabolism. Theoretically, the result would be fat loss. Among the substances used in such products are EPA-rich fish oil, sesamin, hydroxycitrate, pantethine, L-carnitine, pyruvate, aloe vera, aspartate, chromium, coenzyme Q10, green tea polyphenols, aloe vera, DHEA derivatives, cilostazol, diazoxide, and fibrate drugs.
Nearly all the current over-the-counter dietary aids contain some combination of these ingredients. There is no evidence that any of these ingredients can produce weight loss, and some may even have harmful effects.
Chromium is a common ingredient in many diet supplements (such as Xenadrine, Dexatrim, Acutrim Natural, and Twinlab Diet Fuel). It is claimed to specifically promote fat loss, rather than lean muscle loss. There is no proof that chromium helps with weight loss.
Ephedra, Ephedrine, and Ma Huang. The FDA does not allow the sale of drugs that contain ephedrine. In May 2004, the FDA banned the sale of dietary supplements that contain ephedra (also called Ma Huang). Ephedra can cause serious side effects, including strokes and heart attacks.
Brazilian Diet Pill. The FDA has warned consumers not to buy a product known as the "Brazilian diet pill." This product is labeled as a dietary supplement, but contains several chemicals found in powerful prescription drugs.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA). Conjugated linoleic acid is found in many dietary products. There is no evidence that it produces weight loss. Furthermore, there is some concern that CLA might increase insulin resistance and a dangerous inflammatory response in people with obesity.
Tiratricol. Over-the-counter products containing tiratricol, a thyroid hormone, have been sold for weight loss. Such products may increase the risk for thyroid disorders, heart attack, and stroke. Tiratricol is also known as triiodothyroacetic acid or TRIAC.
Laxative Actions in Natural Substances. Many dietary herbal teas contain laxatives, which can cause gastrointestinal distress, and, if overused, may lead to chronic pain, constipation, and dependency. Rarely, dehydration and death have occurred. Some laxative substances found in teas include senna, aloe, buckthorn, rhubarb root, cascara, and castor oil.
Guar Gum. Some fiber supplements containing guar gum have also caused obstruction of the esophagus and gastrointestinal (digestive) tract.
Chitosan. Chitosan, a dietary fiber from shellfish, prevents a small amount of fat from being absorbed in the intestine. Well-conducted studies, however, have not found it to be effective. People who are allergic to shellfish should not take these supplements.
Plantain. Dietary remedies that list the ingredient plantain may contain digitalis, a powerful chemical that affects the heart. NOTE: This substance should not be confused with the harmless banana-like plant also called plantain.
Orlistat (Xenical) can help about one-third of obese patients with modest weight loss and can help in long-term maintenance of weight loss. It works by slowing the absorption of fat in the intestine (by about 30%). The average weight-loss attained is around 6 lbs. with use of this drug. However, many people regain a significant portion of this weight within 2 years. While it does not work for all patients, orlistat can improve cholesterol levels, regardless of weight loss.
Orlistat can cause gastrointestinal problems and may interfere with absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E and other important nutrients. The FDA recommends taking a daily multivitamin supplement when using this drug.
The most unpleasant side effect is leakage of oily feces from the anus. Restricting fats can reduce this effect. People with bowel disease should probably avoid it. In spite of these side effects, most patients are able to tolerate this medicine.
There is an approved over-the-counter version of orlistat. Sold under the name alli, it is available at half the prescription strength of Xenical. Those eager to use it should consider its cost (around $100 per month) and modest benefits compared with its side effects.
The weight loss drug sibutramine (Meridia) has been removed from the market because of a high risk for heart attack and strokes.
Phentermine and Other Sympathomimetics. Sympathomimetics are drugs that act like the stress hormone (and chemical messenger) norepinephrine. These medications act as stimulants in the brain. Some are approved for treating obesity, but only for short-term use of 12 weeks or less. Average weight-loss has been in the range of 7 lbs. over the short-term. These medicines include:
Phentermine is the most commonly prescribed appetite suppressant, and is less expensive than orlistat or sibutramine. Its effects are not long lasting, however. It can also raise blood pressure. In addition, phentermine is associated with depression, which is already a problem in many cases of obesity. Note: Neither phentermine nor such combinations are associated with the heart problems linked to the previous phentermine combination known as Fen-Phen (phentermine and fenfluramine).
Topiramate. Topiramate (Topamax) is an anti-seizure medication being investigated for weight reduction. Several clinical trials have reported that obese patients with type 2 diabetes given topiramate lost more weight than those receiving placebo. Weight loss was sustained for up to 1 year. The drug is also being studied for binge-eating disorders associated with obesity. However, psychiatric and neurological side effects may prevent topiramate from being used regularly.
Two weight loss drugs -- lorcaserin and Qnexa, received favorable reviews this year from FDA advisory panels. (Qnexa is a combination of topiramate and phentermine.) While the FDA is not bound by the advisory panels' decisions, it often follows them. If approved, these 2 drugs will be the first prescription weight loss drugs to go on the market since 1999, when orlistat was approved. Both lorcaserin and Qnexa were rejected in 2010 for safety concerns, but the applications were reopened following further studies and new data brought forth by the manufacturers.
Bariatric surgeries produce weight loss through two approaches:
Gastric bypass (also called Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass) creates a smaller stomach but also reroutes or bypasses a portion of the small intestine. As a result, greater weight-loss is achieved then seen with procedures that only create a smaller stomach.
These 3 surgeries above are almost always done through 5 - 6 small cuts in your belly. A camera is placed in your belly to allow the surgeon to see. This type of surgery is called laparoscopy.
Biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch. BPD surgery is more complex than other weight-loss surgeries and is done much less often -- usually only for severe, morbid obesity. The surgeon removes a large portion of your stomach and re-routes where the food you eat goes, so it does not pass through most of your small intestine, where food is normally absorbed.
The care of patients undergoing bariatric surgery, before and after surgery, requires specialized expertise and facilities. Studies have shown that the likelihood of complications is significantly associated with the experience of the surgeon and staff.
Patients must still develop a healthy lifestyle and be calorie conscious after weight-loss surgery. Follow-up must be lifelong. Those who are able to change their lifestyle often can expect to lose 30 to 50% of their excess weight, depending on the procedure.
Bariatric surgery can reduce the risk of disease in people who have severe obesity. These risks include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obstructive sleep apnea, arthritis, and some cancers.
Successful weight loss after surgery can also lead to improvement in those who already have these conditions.
Weighing less should also make it much easier for you to move around and do your everyday activities.
Weight-loss surgery alone is not a solution to losing weight. It can train you to eat less, but you still have to do much of the work. To lose weight and avoid complications from the procedure, you will need to follow the exercise and eating guidelines that your doctor and dietitian gave you.
Surgery may be used for individuals who have severe obesity for 5 years or more and have not responded to other weight-loss therapies, such as diet, exercise, or medications.
Body mass index (BMI) is the most common measure of obesity. BMI measures your weight in relation to your height.
Doctors often use the following BMI measures to identify patients who may be most likely to benefit from weight-loss surgery:
Some experts are now even encouraging weight-loss surgery for most patients with a BMI of 30 or greater and diabetes.
Your doctor must also consider medical problems that could make surgery more risky for you. These include:
Patients with binge eating disorder should be identified before surgery and treated. A full evaluation, including a psychological evaluation, should be performed on all candidates for surgery.
Depending on insurance coverage and which procedure is performed, the cost of bariatric surgery may be up to $35,000. More and more insurance companies are willing to pay for the surgeries for patients who meet the above criteria.
Patient considering bariatric surgery should be well-informed regarding the procedure, its efficacy, side effects, and complications. They should also understand the following:
Is weight-loss surgery safe for teens?
In laparoscopic gastric banding, the surgeon places a band around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch to hold food. After surgery, the doctor can adjust the band to make food pass more slowly or quickly through your digestive system. The band around your stomach is filled with saline (saltwater). It is connected to a container (access port) that is placed under your skin in your upper belly. Your surgeon can make the band tighter or looser by increasing or decreasing the amount of saline in the band. To do this, your surgeon will insert a needle through your skin into the access port.
Most people go home the same day of surgery. Some will stay one night in the hospital. Most people take 1 week off of work.
The average weight loss is about one-third to one-half of the extra weight you are carrying. This may be enough for many patients. The weight will usually come off more slowly than with gastric bypass. You should keep losing weight for up to 3 years.
The band is removable, if necessary. Studies to date indicate that the intestinal tract returns to normal afterward. Studies, including those done in the elderly, have reported significant weight loss and improved quality of life with the procedure.
In gastric bypass, the stomach is divided with staples into two parts. The first part is very small, about the size of a golf ball. This small stomach is called the pouch. The second part of the stomach is much bigger, but food cannot go into it.
The small intestine is connected to the small pouch, which re-routes food around the big part of the stomach. The pouch can only hold a small amount of food, so if you eat too much or too fast you will throw up. Also, your body will not absorb all the calories in the food you eat.
Most people stay in the hospital for 2 days after open surgery. Patients may have a drain (tube) coming out of the stomach, which will drain fluids that build up after surgery. The drain tube is usually taken out about 7 - 10 days after surgery.
People may need to take time off from work for 3 - 4 weeks. However, if the work does not involve too much physical activity, they may be able to return to work sooner.
Total weight loss after bypass surgery is usually greater than after gastric banding.
This surgery has most often been done on patients who are too heavy to safely have other types of weight-loss surgery. Some patients who have this surgery may need a second weight-loss surgery at some time in the future.
In the gastric sleeve surgery, a large portion of the stomach is removed. The new, smaller stomach is about the size of a banana. It limits the amount of food a person can eat by making them feel full after eating only small amounts.
Most people can go home 2 days after the surgery. Patients should be able to drink clear liquids on the day after surgery, and eat a puréed diet by the time they go home.
The final weight loss may not be as large as with gastric bypass. However, it may be enough for many patients. Because vertical sleeve gastrectomy is a newer procedure, there is less data about the long-term benefits and risks. Patients should consult with their doctor about which procedure is best for them.
Weight will usually come off more slowly after gastric sleeve surgery than after gastric bypass. Patients should keep losing weight for up to 2 - 3 years.
Risks common to all weight-loss surgeries are:
These problems with a gastric band or access port may occur:
These problems may occur after gastric bypass:
After vertical sleeve gastrectomy, stomach contents may leak from where the remaining parts of the stomach are stapled together. Patients may need another operation to repair this problem if it occurs.
Most people stay in the hospital for a few days after gastric bypass surgery. Patients are discharged when they can:
Patients continue to eat a liquid or soft diet for several weeks after the surgery. In patients receiving a pouch procedure, the pouch eventually expands to about one cup of chewed food (a normal stomach can hold up to one quart).
Follow-up appointments are essential to determine if nutritional supplements, such as iron, calcium, vitamin B12, or other nutrients, are needed. Supplements, such as a multivitamin with minerals, may be prescribed.
Patients should eat small meals (usually six) throughout the day, rather than large meals that the stomach can no longer handle.
The new stomach probably won't be able to handle both solid food and fluids at the same time. Patients should separate fluid and food intake by at least 30 minutes and only sip what they are drinking.
After surgery, tolerance of fat, alcohol, or sugar decreases. Patients should reduce their fat intake, especially:
Exercise and the support of others (for example, joining a support group with people who have undergone weight-loss surgery) are extremely important in achieving and maintaining weight loss after bariatric surgery.
Exercising can usually resume 6 weeks after the operation. Even sooner than that, most patients will be able to take short walks at a comfortable pace, after consulting with their doctor.
Bessesen DH. Update on obesity. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008;93(6):2027-2034.
Blackburn GL, Hutter MM, Harvey AM, et al. Expert panel on weight loss surgery: executive report update. Obesity(Silver Spring). 2009;17(5):842-862.
Barnett SJ. Contemporary surgical management of the obese adolescent. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2011;23(3):351-5.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tips for parents -- Ideas to help children maintain a healthy weight. Updated May 19, 2009. Available online.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2010 Overweight and Obesity -- Defining Overweight and Obesity. Available online.
Chu SY, Kim, Lau J, et al. Maternal obesity and risk of stillbirth: a meta analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2007;197(3):223-8.
DeMaria EJ. Bariatric surgery for morbid obesity. N Engl J Med. 2007;356(21): 2176-2183.
Dixon JB, O'Brien PE, Playfair J, et al. Adjustable gastric banding and conventional therapy for type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2008;299(3):316-323.
Egberts K, Brown WA, O'Brien PE. Systematic review of erosion after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Obes Surg. 2011;21(8):1272-9.
Flegal KM, Caroll MD, Ogden CL, Curtin LR. Prevalence and Trends in Obesity Among US Adults, 1999-2008. JAMA. 2010;303(3):235-241
Gadde KM, Allison DB, Ryan DH, et al. Effects of low-dose, controlled-release, phentermine plus topiramate combination on weight and associated comorbidities in overweight and obese adults (CONQUER): a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. The Lancet. 2011;377(9774):1341-1352.
Garb J, Welch G, Zagarins S, Kuhn J, Romanelli J. Bariatric surgery for the treatment of morbid obesity: a meta-analysis of weight loss outcomes for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and laparoscopic gastric bypass. Obes Surg. 2009;19(10):1447-1455.
Gardner CD, Kiazand A, Alhassan S, et al. Comparison of the Atkins, Zone, Ornish, and LEARN diets for change in weight and related risk factors among overweight premenopausal women: the A TO Z Weight Loss Study: a randomized trial. JAMA. 2007;297(9): 969-977.
Garvey WT, Ryan DH, Look M, Gadde KM, Allison DB, Peterson CA, et al. Two-year sustained weight loss and metabolic benefits with controlled-release phentermine/topiramate in obese and overweight adults (SEQUEL): a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 3 extension study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012;95(2):297-308.
Hsing AW, Sakoda LC, Chua S Jr. Obesity, metabolic syndrome, and prostate cancer. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;86(3):s843-857.
Hughes AR, Stewart L, Chapple J, et al. Randomized, controlled trial of a best-practice individualized behavioral program for treatment of childhood overweight: Scottish Childhood Overweight Treatment Trial (SCOTT). Pediatrics. 2008;121(3):e539-546.
International Diabetes Federation. Bariatric Surgical and Procedural Interventions in the Treatment of Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A position statement from the International Diabetes Federation Taskforce on Epidemiology and Prevention. 3/28/2011. Available online.
Jolly K, Lewis A, Beach J, Denley J, Adab P, Deeks JJ, et al. Comparison of range of commercial or primary care led weight reduction programmes with minimal intervention control for weight loss in obesity: lighten Up randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2011;343:d6500Meijer RI, van Wagensveld BA, Siegert CE, Eringa EC, Serné EH, Smulders YM. Bariatric surgery as a noveltreatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review. Arch Surg. 2011;146(6):744-50.
Magarey AM, Perry RA, Baur, LA, et al. A Parent-Led Family-Focused Treatment Program for Overweight Children Aged 5 to 9 Years: The PEACH RCT. Pediatrics. 2011;127(2):214-222.
Mustelin L, Silventoinen K, Pietiläinen K, Rissanen A, Kaprio J. Physical activity reduces the influence of genetic effects on BMI and waist circumference: a study in young adult twins. Int J Obes (Lond). 2009;33(1):29-36.
O'Brien PE, Sawyer SM, Laurie C, et al. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in severely obese adolescents: a randomized trial. JAMA. 2010;303(6):519-526. Erratum in: JAMA. 2010;303(23):2357.
Rosenstock J, Hollander P, Gadde KM, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study to assess the efficacy and safety of topiramate controlled release in the treatment of obese type 2 diabetic patients. Diabetes Care. 2007;30(6):1480-1486.
Stothard KJ, Tennant PW, Bell R, Rankin J. Maternal overweight and obesity and the risk of congenital anomalies: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2009;301(6):636-650.
Svetke, LP, Stevens VJ, Brantley PJ, et al. Comparison of strategies for sustaining weight loss: the weight loss maintenance randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2008;299(10):1139-48.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010. Available online.
US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Obesity in Children and Adolescents: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. Pediatrics. 2010;125;361-367; originally published online Jan 18, 2010.
Wahi G, Parkin PC, Beyene J, Uleryk EM, Birken CS. Effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing screen time in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2011;165(11):979-86.
Wardle J, Carnell S, Haworth CM, et al. Evidence for a strong genetic influence on childhood adiposity despite the force of the obesogenic environment. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008;87(2):398-404.
Woo JG, Dolan LM, Morrow AL, et al. Breastfeeding helps explain racial and socioeconomic status disparities in adolescent adiposity. Pediatrics. 2008;121(3):e458-65.
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text:
Just wanted to make an announcement to say we've promoted joey to RR moderator. Joeys been a great contributor and loyal member to these forums for a couple years now and seemed like a good fit moving forward to help with our staff here at RR.
So that being said, please welcome me in congratulating joey!
Welcome aboard buddy.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Dow Chemical Employees' Credit Union Returns $11.5 Million to Members
The $1.4 billion, Midland, Mich.-based Dow Chemical Employees' Credit Union announced a return of $11.5 million to members in rebates and rewards for 2012 — its largest year-end member giveback to date.
The payout stemmed from three different sources: a loan interest rebate, which gave borrowers 50% of the total interest they paid on eligible loans in 2012; a member saver reward, a payback comprising 50% of the dividends and interest members in good standing earned on their shares and deposits in 2012; and a Visa check card rebate, which provided card holders with a 0.125% rebate on all signature-based transactions and one cent for all PIN-based transactions throughout the year, DCECU said.
"At DCECU, we believe in giving back," said Dennis Hanson, president/CEO at DCECU. "We return part of the credit union's earnings back to our members because they are the owners of the credit union. We are pleased to wrap up our 75th anniversary on such a high note."
In 2011, DCECU's year-end member giveback totaled $7.3 million. The credit union serves more than 56,000 members who are affiliated with the Dow Chemical Co.


text: I thought a little experiment was in order to see if there is enough interest for a PBS ongoing thread - everything from Sesame Street to Red Green to Nova to Great Performances. Did anyone catch the "Live at Lincoln Center" opening night with the New York Philharmonic? Besides enjoying Itzhak Perlman, I loved the bang up job Alan Gilbert did with "Pines of Rome" It's as good a performance as I have ever heard - capped off with the very last chord. Huge sound with just the right timing. Pines of Rome is just one of the most fulfilling pieces of music there is. I always want someone to skate to it, but I think it's just to big a piece of music unless someone did a perfect job.


text:
Calendar of Events
Sep 5
NSW: Introduction To Your New Student Week (NSW) Group
3:00 – 4:30 pm / Bald Spot
Here you will meet other new Carls, as well as several returning students called "Peer Leaders" who will be there to help you throughout NSW. You will review the NSW schedule, learn more about Carleton, and begin asking any pressing questions you may have. You'll be with this group throughout the week and beyond, so you definitely don't want to miss this first meeting.
Sponsored by New Student Week 2017. Contact: swojnicki
Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni, Families, Prospective Students, New Students, Faculty Emeriti


text:
Important: This video requires flash player version 9. Click arrow to play.
Student Views videos are produced and edited entirely by current St. Lawrence students.
This semester, Chelsea Nuffer '10 and Kitty Higgins '13 will produce weekly segments.
Suggestions and ideas for future student-produced videos are welcome.
Contact Lisa Cania or Mark Mende with your suggestions


text: All HCV CTL epitopes mapped to within a region of 21 amino acids or less are indicated on the HCV protein epitope maps. The location and HLA restriction elements of CTL epitopes are indicated on protein sequences of H77. These maps are meant to provide the relative location of defined epitopes on a given protein, but the H77 sequence may not actually carry the epitope of interest, as it may vary relative to the sequence for which the epitope was defined. Epitopes with identical boundaries and HLA fields are included in the maps only once. If one laboratory determines HLA presenting molecules at the serotype level (example: A2) and another at the genotype level (example: A*0201) both will be included in the map. MHC specificities are indicative of the host species; when no MHC presenting molecule is defined, the host species is noted.


text:
However, what's
especially lethal is when you can create a negative
advertising campaign that's actually true. That's what Verizon
did when it pounced
on Apple's partner AT&T over the company's poor 3G coverage.
With AT&T's partner Apple recently admitting that the carrier dropped as
many as 30 percent of its calls in some regions, on average,
Verizon, the nation's largest carrier, pounced on its second place
competitor airing a series of commercials mocking it.
took a gamble and took
Verizon to court over its new "There's a map for that"
commercials. It argued that TV viewers by and large weren't
smart enough to distinguish from 3G coverage maps and total coverage
maps, despite the Verizon commercial providing textual and verbal
indications that the maps were representative of 3G coverage.
Thus AT&T argued the commercials would mislead customers into
thinking AT&T had no coverage in much of the country when it
really only had no 3G coverage.
The company upped the
ante when it asked for an injunction on Verizon's latest "Island
of Misfit Toys" commercials, expanding
the case in federal court. However, Verizon refused to back
down from its attacks, commenting
in court filings "the truth hurts."
Now AT&T's
Christmas wish to take its competitor's ads off the air has been met
with disappointment. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Batten
Sr. handed
the telecom a lump of coal, denying their request for an
injunction, commenting that while Verizon's commercials were "sneaky"
they weren't misleading.
Judge Batten Sr. commented
that people might "misunderstand" the commercials, "but
that doesn't mean they're misleading." He even had
both sides laughing when he elaborated, "Most people who are
watching TV are semi-catatonic. They're not fully
The loss is no laughing matter for AT&T,
though, as it faces a worse hit to its already marred brand image,
thanks to the heightened publicity the suit has given the
commercials. Recent brand studies showed that the commercials
seemed to be working with Verizon's brand perception rising over the
past several weeks, and AT&T's brand image plummeting.
will have one final chance to try to silence Verizon, at a second
hearing on December 16. However, with Verizon crying that AT&T
is trying to silence its right to free speech and AT&T unable to
directly challenge the commercials' accuracy, AT&T's hopes of a
last-minute Christmas surprise seem to be growing increasingly dim.
In other news, AT&T has finally
decided to combat Verizon's commercials directly with a commercial of
their own. The company has employed Luke Wilson to jab Verizon on
such issues as simultaneous talking/web surfing and the company's
lack of "popular smartphones". You can view the commercial here.


text:
This is the regulation sized shuffleboard court that sets up in 45 minutes on any hard, level surface and disassembles for storage. Designed in Switzerland, the court assembles easily using 431 10" x 10" tiles that each have a patented six-point interlocking mechanism to ensure a uniform playing surface. The tiles are made from a specially formulated co-polymer that won't warp, fade, or deteriorate like lesser surfaces while providing play that meets competitive players' standards. Shuffleboard discs slide just as smoothly along this court's surface as they do on asphalt or concrete, yet the material stays up to 50% cooler and requires only a leaf blower or hose for upkeep. The court can remain outdoors year round in any climate, or may be disassembled for storage. Comes with four fiberglass cues, eight regulation Nemar tournament discs, (four black, four red), disc carrier, disc wax, and rules. Made in the U.S. 51' 10" L x 6' 3" W x 3/4" H. ($115)
Lifetime Guarantee
The Regulation Size Stowable Shuffle Board Court comes with The Hammacher Schlemmer Lifetime Guarantee. If this product ever disappoints you, for any reason, you may return your Hammacher Schlemmer purchase for exchange, credit, or refund.
Should you have any questions, we are available seven days a week (8:00 am – midnight EST). Please call 1-800-321-1484 to speak with a specialist or email us at email@example.com to receive a response within three business hours or less.
Shipping charges noted in parentheses apply in addition to our standard shipping & service.
We're sorry, but gift wrap is not available. Please call 1-800-395-7006 for Premium or Express delivery rates.
Oversized items scheduled for expedited delivery (Premium or Express) may incur additional shipping and services charges because of their unusual size. Please call 1-800-321-1484 for an estimate of S&S charges. International callers, please call 1-513-860-3397.
We're sorry, but gift wrap is not available for oversized items.
Shipped via truck and may require customer assistance upon delivery. You will be contacted to make an appointment for delivery.
We're sorry, but gift wrap and gift cards are not available.
GST still applies and will be charged upon processing. For complete shipping & service charges please call Customer Service at
May we recommend:
COPYRIGHT © 2018 HAMMACHER SCHLEMMER & COMPANY, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. W109147 E. 57th ST • NEW YORK, NY • 10022 • 1-800-_321-1484


text:
The health of your baby's mouth may be the last thing on your mind. After all, there are diapers to change and many feedings to think about. While baby's first tooth is a milestone to remember, now is the time to think about how you will help your baby have a healthy mouth.
You may be familiar with the most common mouth problems to plague little ones, like teething and thrush. However, you may not know that cavities are the most common chronic disease in young children. Cavities can develop as soon as your baby gets their first tooth. Read more about common mouth problems and how to help your baby have a healthy mouth.
Most babies get their first tooth when they are 5-9 months old and have 6-8 teeth by their first birthday. New parents may dread teething, but many babies will sprout teeth with little more than some crankiness and extra drool. And, of course, chewing on everything they can get their hands on. Tips to help your baby get through teething include:
- Give a cold (not frozen) teething ring to chew on. Never tie a teething ring around your baby's neck because of the risk of strangulation.
- If your baby is uncomfortable, you may be able to give infant acetaminophen. Do not give your child aspirin because it can cause serious illness. Talk to your baby's doctor before using any pain relievers or numbing gels.
- If your baby will let you, massage swollen gums with your clean finger.
Thrush is a mild yeast infection of the mouth. It will look like white patches on your baby's tongue and inner cheeks. Sometimes it may go away on its own, though usually you will need to give your baby an anti-yeast medication.
A breastfeeding mom with a baby with thrush may notice that their nipples are sore or very pink or that they have a lot of pain when their baby latches on. If you are breastfeeding, you may also need to treat your nipples for a topical yeast infection (not thrush) so that you and your baby do not pass the infection back and forth.
You may think that taking care of baby teeth is not important since they will just fall out anyway, right? But healthy teeth are important, especially for babies. Healthy teeth help your child chew and speak clearly. Your child's baby teeth hold spaces for the adult or permanent teeth, and they can affect the way your child's jaw grows. Spots or stains on your child's teeth can be signs of tooth decay. If you see these on your child's teeth, schedule a dental exam.
Start these healthy mouth habits now to ward off cavities before they form.
Feeding Baby for a Healthy Mouth
The way you feed your baby can affect the health of their teeth. Follow these guidelines when feeding your baby:
- Never put baby to bed with a bottle. Milk can pool in your baby's mouth and cause cavities. Drinking from a bottle while lying flat can also cause ear infections.
- For babies aged 1 year and older:
- Limit fruit juice to 4-6 ounces per day.
- Teach your baby to drink from an open cup by the time they are 12 to 15 months old. Do not let your child walk around with a sippy cup unless it has only water in it..
- Give only water or plain milk between meals. Keep in mind that milk has sugar.
- Give lots of fruits and vegetables for snacks. Limit cookies and other sweet treats to special occasions.
Cleaning Baby's Mouth
You can start caring for your baby's teeth as soon as those first pearly whites break through the gums. Follow these guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Family Physicians:
- Start to clean your baby's teeth regularly as soon as they come in. Use an amount of fluoride toothpaste that is about the size of a grain of rice. Progress to an amount that is about the size of a pea by the time your child is 3 years of age. This will reduce the risk of the child swallowing it.
- Clean your child's teeth twice each day, especially before bed.
- Help your child with tooth brushing until they can do it properly themselves—usually at 7-8 years of age. Try brushing first and then let your child finish up.
Taking Baby to the Dentist
Take your baby to the dentist within 6 months of the first tooth coming in, but do not wait any later than 12 months old. The dentist can help you determine your baby's risk for developing cavities and give you advice for how to prevent them. Your child's dentist will:
- Check your baby's teeth.
- Show you how to clean your baby's teeth.
- Talk to you about ways to decrease your baby's risk of cavities, like:
- Limit snacking and drinks between meals, especially sweets.
- Give a fluoride supplement if your home's water supply is not fluoridated. Contact your water supplier to find out if your water is fluoridated. You can also buy home test kits. Fluoride can protect your child's teeth from decay and may even help to decrease decay that already exists. It is especially helpful for a child whose teeth are still developing.
The dentist may also treat your child's teeth with a fluoride solution during the visit.
Good oral health is important for your baby, even before they have any permanent teeth. By starting healthy habits now, you can help your child have a healthy mouth for a lifetime!
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael Woods, MD, FAAP
- Review Date: 08/2017 -
- Update Date: 02/17/2014 -


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Produced on 300gsm textured fine art paper.
Certificate of authenticity with each piece.
Kerry Darlington and other art produced in the UK, we aim to ship next day or with in a few days of order.
Artwork which need to be ordered from the Studios may take 14-21 business days to arrive, this may also include instock items as these may be on hold at the Studio. All our items are bespoke pieces, many of which are also hand-signed and are not "off the shelf" items. However we do aim to deliver your artwork as quickly as possible to you.
We do not accept returns of original production / limited edition artwork, this includes animation cels and drawings. If artwork arrives damaged, please contact us within 5 days of receipt and we will work with you to get a suitable replacement.
Payment can be made online by any credit or debit card.
Our site uses the latest 128 bit SSL security, complying with and exceeding all necessary security requirements to protect your details. We do not store any sensitive information (card number, etc).


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For this reason, most MMOs today employ a beta program that is
open to the public. Star
Trek Online continued that trend with developer Cryptic
Studios and its own beta program. Things started off with a Closed
Beta on October 22 last year that was limited to several thousand
players in order to find and fix the most common critical bugs. STO
transitioned from Closed Beta to Open Beta on January 12, and
recently ended the Open Beta program on January 26.
Most video games today ship with multiple bugs, as a consequence
of the strict deadlines in the industry. Ship dates for games are set
months in advance, and developers and publishers can face hefty
penalties for missing those dates. As a result, many games ship with
bugs that are fixed with patches or expansion packs. This may save a
company millions, but also means that customer satisfaction could
take a setback amongst influential early adopters.
MMOs, on the other hand, typically go through a process of
continual improvement, not only on the server side, but on the user's
client side as well. A subscription model allows for permanent staff
to work on game play optimization for usage models that are
unanticipated. Certain levels or scenarios may grow more popular over
time, or exploits developed that must be closed.
DailyTech tried out Star Trek Online during the Open
Beta period, and noticed a marked improvement in gameplay during the
two week period. Load times and the number of critical bugs decreased
during this time, even with the number of players growing constantly.
Publisher Atari gave away over 100,000 Open Beta keys to its
partners, such as NVIDIA and gaming websites. Over half a million bug
reports were generated by the end of Open Beta through the in-game
bug reporting system.
However, there are multiple bugs that still exist. Not all of
these are critical, but do affect game play. One bug that kept
popping up was during the transition from a ground environment to the
space environment. The player's avatar is supposed to change from a
humanoid to a space ship, but sometimes it doesn't quite happen
(see picture).
There are also some problems with Mission Rewards, in which a
Bridge Officer or in-game item is supposed to be added to a player's
inventory but isn't. In many cases it is just a matter of players not
looking in the right place, but this is an issue that we have
personally witnessed. In some cases, Bridge Officers with the wrong
ability set are added instead.
Perhaps the most critical bug left is with the in-game cursor,
which was completely invisible when I first started playing the game.
I had to switch to a windowed mode and select a software cursor in
the troubleshooting settings. This is a problem that has still not
been fixed in the company's Head Start program, which allows
customers who have pre-ordered the game to begin playing ahead of
Tuesday's official launch.
Pre-orders are an important way for a company to gauge interest in
a game. If a game is doing well before launch, a company may decide
to purchase additional servers in order to meet anticipated demand.
Most game developers bear a large upfront cost for game development
over several years, and often don't want to invest too much in
hardware in case a game isn't as successful as hoped.
Unfortunately, the interest in Star Trek Online seems to
have caught Cryptic off-guard, despite the fan base of several
hundred million people. The company announced that it was
ordering new servers during Open Beta, but dropped connections are
still quite common. There are often problems logging in, retrieving
characters, and loading maps. STO servers have been down for
"emergency maintenance" at least a dozen times during the
last week as more gamers have started playing.
The good news is that it means the company is working on it, and
there have been several client patches to address numerous issues. We
often forget that even the mighty World
of Warcraft had numerous bugs at launch, and it took months
to fix the most glaring bugs. Ultimately, long-term subscribers will
wait it out, but others who
are watching may not have the patience.
Update Feb 3:
We have received the following from Cryptic Studios:"We just wanted to update you on our in-game server capacity status. Throughout Head Start we noticed the overwhelming response to the game and we are working on changes to further increase the number of people who can play Star Trek Online at any given time. Our current plan is to have these changes in place sometime this coming weekend. We will, of course, keep you updated on progress as it happens".


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Inline skating can be hazardous if you do not wear proper safety gear or do not learn to skate and stop safely. In fact, people visit the hospital emergency room each year because of injuries associated with inline skates. Wrist injuries are common, as well as injuries to the leg, knee, ankle, or elbow. Injuries to the head and face are also fairly common.
The most common inline skating injuries result from:
- Falling after your wheels hit a stationary object, such as a rock, stick, pothole, bump in pavement, or other object
- Losing balance
- Colliding with another skater, cyclist, or pedestrian
- Losing control, such as while skating downhill
- Hazardous road conditions, such as sand, oil, or wet pavement
- Poor visibility
The following tips help reduce skating injuries:
Proper safety gear for skating includes:
- A helmet that fits well and is worn properly
- Knee pads
- Elbow pads
- Wrist guards
- Gloves
- Your skates should be of high quality and should fit well, providing good ankle support.
- Check your skates on a regular basis to make sure they are in good condition.
- Replace any wheels, bearings, or brakes that are starting to get worn.
- Check your wheels and remove any grass or rocks that are stuck in the bearings.
Get instruction from an experienced skater. You should have basic skating skills (turning, controlling speed, falling safely, and stopping) before you attempt to skate in a public place.
- Be cautious when skating in areas where there are cars, bicycles, pedestrians, and other skaters. Avoid sudden stops and turns.
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Always yield to pedestrians.
- Be alert for children, who are unpredictable and may run across your path when you least expect it.
- Be cautious around dogs, even if they are on leashes. If a leashed dog runs in front of you, you may skate into the leash and fall.
- Skate on smooth, paved surfaces without any traffic. Remember that it can be dangerous to skate in the street.
- Do not skate through water, sand, mud, gravel, dirt, or oil.
- When you approach a driveway or parking lot, always expect a car to come speeding out. When in doubt, slow down.
- Before crossing an intersection, always look around for any car that could turn in front of you.
- When approaching a car parked on the side of the road, be prepared for someone to open a door.
- Obey traffic regulations.
At night, others cannot see you and you cannot see obstacles or other skaters. If you must skate in the dark, wear reflective clothing, put flashing bicycle lights on your helmet, and carry a flashlight.
Do not hitch a ride to any moving vehicle when you are on inline skates. You may not be able to slow down fast enough to avoid colliding with the vehicle that is towing you. You could also be thrown into oncoming traffic. For the same reason, do not let your dog tow you while you are on skates.
While skating, avoid using headphones or anything else that could prevent you from hearing vehicles, cyclists, and other skaters.
- Pass pedestrians, cyclists, and others skaters on the left, and only when it is safe to do so.
- Let others know when you are going to pass them. Say "Passing on your left," in a pleasant tone of voice that is loud enough for them to hear.
- If skating with another person or group, skate in single file.
- Stay to the right side of sidewalks, trails, and bike paths.
- Reviewer: Michael Woods, MD
- Review Date: 05/2016 -
- Update Date: 05/31/2016 -


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Radiation is energy that is sent out from a source. Radiation exposure is when a person is exposed to this energy.
There are different forms of radiation. Some come from nature and some are manmade. There are the ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. There is also the radiation used in microwaves to heat food. Radiation is divided into:
- Ionizing radiation—a high-frequency radiation that is able to damage cells, has also been linked to cancer and other health problems
- Nonionizing radiation—low in frequency and is not known to cause cancer (except for UV rays)
This fact sheet will focus on ionizing radiation.
A person can be exposed to ionizing radiation from:
- X-rays
- Radiation therapy used to treat certain types of cancer
- Radioactive elements in the soil or public works systems, such as the water supply
- Occupational exposures in workplaces, such as uranium mines
- Radiation from nuclear disasters
Risk Factors
You are at risk for radiation exposure if you are near sources that generate it.
Ionizing radiation has been linked to health problems, but not all people who are exposed develop problems. For example, having a chest x-ray does expose you to some radiation, but the dose is low and your risk for health problems is low. Other tests, like CT scans, expose you to higher doses. Health effect risks from CT scans , while still small, are higher than the risk from a regular x-ray .
The greater the exposure, the more likely there will be health effects. For example, doctors treat some cancers with high doses of radiation. This not only kills cancer cells, but also healthy cells. Also, people exposed to large nuclear accidents can be injured by the high amounts of radiation.
There is also the risk of cancer. Cancer may take years to develop after you have been exposed to radiation. Some cancers linked with ionizing radiation exposure are:
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
- Skin cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Breast cancer in women and men
- Stomach cancer
Over exposure that occurs accidentally, such as from nuclear accidents, can cause radiation sickness. Symptoms may include:
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Hair loss
- Diarrhea
- Bleeding
- Burns
- Loss of organ functions
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Your bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with:
- Blood tests
- Stool tests
- Urine tests
The amount of radiation absorbed by your body may be measured. This can be done using a radiation survey meter.
If you have been contaminated, the material will be removed to stop further cell damage. You may be bathed in lukewarm water and soap. Your radiation levels will also be monitored.
If you have radiation sickness, you will be monitored and treated closely while your body heals. Treatment depends on what parts of your body are damaged.
Radioactive iodine can be absorbed by your thyroid gland. This can injure the gland and lead to thyroid cancer. To block your body from absorbing this type of radiation, you may be treated with potassium iodine.
There are policies to prevent the public from dangerous levels of radiation. Safety measures are taken when it is used for medical treatment or is part of a work environment. Talk to your doctor about the necessity for medical or dental radiation procedures.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: Mohei Abouzied, MD
- Review Date: 05/2016 -
- Update Date: 05/27/2015 -


text:
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text:
Two new partners join Virtual Global Taskforce in effort to combat online child sexual exploitation
WASHINGTON DC, USA – Two new industry partners have joined the Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT), an international alliance of law enforcement and private sector agencies dedicated to combating online child sexual abuse.
Kids Internet Safety Alliance (Kinsa) and NetClean signed agreements this month expressing their commitment to working with the VGT to protect children online. Both organizations were voted in by the VGT board of managers in December 2012.
Kinsa is a non-profit organization that helps to protect and rescue child victims of sexual abuse whose images and movies are traded on the Internet. NetClean is an organization that develops technical products to stop the spread of online child abuse images.
VGT Chair Ian Quinn, head of the Cyber Crimes Center for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), said the VGT recognizes that the fight against online child sexual exploitation cannot be undertaken by law enforcement alone.
"Our private sector partners play an important role in the mission of the VGT by sharing their knowledge and resources in our unified agenda," said Quinn. "By joining the VGT as industry partners, these organizations demonstrate their commitment to helping reduce the threat to children everywhere."
"Kinsa is proud to have been accepted as a public partner in the Virtual Global Task Force, the preeminent organization of its kind in the world," said Paul Gillespie, President and CEO of Kinsa. "Kinsa's ongoing efforts to train police officers and prosecutors from developing nations has been widely acknowledged and praised by the global law enforcement community as being extremely effective and successful in saving children everywhere."
Christian Berg, CEO at NetClean commented, "Due to the borderless nature of online crime, law enforcement need to work quickly and collaboratively to combat the threat to children and disrupt criminal organizations. With the help of groups like the VGT we can bring together specific areas of expertise from around the world to help fight the spread of child sexual abuse material."
The other VGT private partners are: End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes network (ECPAT International), International Association of Internet Hotlines (INHOPE), the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC), PayPal, Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit, World Vision Australia, Research In Motion and The Code.
The nine VGT law enforcement member agencies are: HSI; the Australian Federal Police; the United Kingdom's Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre; the National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre, a division of the Canadian Police Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, Royal Canadian Mounted Police; the Italian Postal and Communication Police Service; New Zealand Police; INTERPOL; Europol; and the Ministry of Interior for the United Arab Emirates.
For more information on the VGT, visit www.virtualglobaltaskforce.com


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Many of the 20,000-plus fans who showed up Saturday at The Swamp probably left two hours later still wondering about the passing game.
Many of the 20,000-plus fans who showed up Saturday at The Swamp for Florida's final spring practice probably left two hours later still wondering (and probably worrying) about the downfield passing game.
It simply wasn't there.
But that doesn't mean it won't be there in the fall. That's the message coach Will Muschamp and quarterback Jeff Driskel delivered after the practice.
"I think it will be a lot better (in the fall)," Driskel said. "We have more guys that can stretch the field. We have good team speed at the receiver position. Our line is blocking a lot better, and the quarterbacks are doing a better job knowing when we have the opportunity to launch the ball.
"It's kind of everything working together and running the ball well to set up those plays."
Those plays weren't there in the passing game Saturday.
Like so many aspects of the Gators' overall game this spring, UF was severely limited in the downfield passing game Saturday by the lack of healthy wide receivers.
Quinton Dunbar was limited. Solomon Patton also was in a non-contact jersey. True freshman Demarcus Robinson was limping around on a sprained ankle. Latroy Pittman was out after injuring himself in practice earlier in the week.
It all added up to this: no downfield passing game, something the Gators struggled to establish throughout the 2012 season.
Muschamp did not seem concerned based on what happened in Saturday's practice.
"Well, I think we cover pretty well on defense, and that is something that we take a lot of pride in, eliminating the vertical throw down the field, which we've done pretty well for two years," he said. "We'll go back and look at it.
"I think there were some factors that we can look at and understand why some things happened. I told (offensive coordinator) Brent (Pease) that I wanted to make sure that we got the young backs some carries as well. There were some things we were trying to focus on as opposed to that (the downfield passing game)."
During the scrimmage phases of the practice, Driskel looked downfield on occasion, but never threw the ball more than 15 yards beyond the line of scrimmage until the Gators went into the one-minute, hurry-up drill at the end of practice.
For the day, Driskel completed only nine of 21 passes for 70 yards.
UF's only two offensive touchdowns came on a 3-yard run by walk-on tailback Mark Herndon and a 7-yard TD run by true freshman tailback Kelvin Taylor, the son of former Gator great Fred Taylor.
Driskel said the injuries at wideout were a factor in how Saturday's scrimmage played out.
"You have to move guys around to positions they're not comfortable with," Driskel said. "When you're not as comfortable, you can't play fast. And when you can't play as fast, obviously, you're not going to be as effective.
"But I think (the receivers) did a good job of kind of rolling with it, and played in spots they kind of haven't been in, kind of learning on the run."
Despite the lack of a downfield passing game Saturday, the consensus seems to be that Driskel made considerable progress over the course of the spring and the passing game should be more productive in the fall, with a full complement of receivers and offensive linemen (the Gators had only six offensive linemen available Saturday).
"I've been very pleased with Jeff's progress through the spring," Muschamp said. "Again, command of the offense in what we're doing. We've just got to continue to improve around him. I think we've made some good steps.
"We've got to continue to do that. We've got to get more consistent at the receiver position. We've just got to continue to produce there."
Driskel said the elements will be in place for that to happen.
"I feel as an offense, we had a good spring, got better in areas we needed to," he said. "Our receivers did a good job of knowing spacing and how their routes work together. We did a good job protecting.
"We didn't have too many offensive linemen throughout the spring, but they did a great job of competing and battling. We got the ball off pretty quick. We knew when we had time and didn't. We got a lot better in those areas."
Driskel said he's much more comfortable in the offense than he was last spring (and last season), when he was competing for the starting role with Jacoby Brissett.
"It just settles you down (knowing you're the guy)," he said. "You're not worried about making a mistake. You can go out and play. When you are watching film, when you are in meetings with your coach, you can ask questions and ask them to explain it and not be scared that they think you don't understand it.
"There are a lot of things that help out a lot. It's just more of a comfort level more than anything."
Driskel said there were times last season when he was tentative.
"Definitely," he said. "That, and obviously, now I'm more experienced. Those things working together, it's hard to play as fast as you'd like to, and you need to."
Driskel said he will spend the summer working with his receivers and leading the offense.
"Just continue what we did during spring," he said. "Get good timing in the passing game. Get guys to get good separation and good spacing. Their route spacing is going to be critical for us.
"We are just going to have to stay together and keep doing what we did this spring, keep building and move forward into camp.
"On offense, always, the quarterback's got to be the guy to be the leader. Everybody looks up to the quarterback, so I guess I'll be the leader for the summer."
Muschamp said the offense is heading in a positive direction.
"I think we're going to have some natural improvements offensively," he said. "We're a year older, a year in the system. We're going to be better up front. It starts there.
"We're going to be talented at the running back position. We'll be improved at the receiver position. And I think Jeff is going to be better.
"But we're going to do what we've got to do to win football games. If it means we're going to run it 25 times at the end of the game to beat LSU, then that's what we're going to do."
Contact Robbie Andreu at 352-374-5022 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Also check out Andreu's blog at Gatorsports.com.


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David Lynch
This collection contains the papers related to Major David Lynch, the bulk of the papers span the years 1830-1858: including letters to and from James Buchanan. These materials are owned by the American Catholic Historical Society on and maintained at the Philadelphia Archdiocesan Historical Research Center, 100 E. Wynnewood Rd. Wynnewood, PA 19096. For more information please see: http://www.pahrc.net/
For more information on David Lynch, see the John B. and Carroll R. Powell Collection.


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