The
computer is making your teens' bones weak
Researchers have found that in boys, higher screen
time was adversely associated to bone mineral density (BMD) at all sites even
when adjusted for specific lifestyle factors.
Results of a study showed that the skeleton grows continually from birth to the end of the teenage years, reaching peak bone mass - maximum strength and size- in early adulthood. Along with nutritional factors, physical activity can also greatly impact on this process.
The Norwegian study explored the hypothesis that greater computer use at weekends is associated with lower BMD. The data was obtained from 463 girls and 484 boys aged 15-18 years in the Tromso region of Norway. The students participated in the Fit Futures study from 2010-2011 which assessed more than 90 per cent of all first year high school students in the region.
BMD at total hip, femoral neck and total body was measured by DXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). Lifestyle variables were collected by self-administered questionnaires and interviews, including questions on time per day during weekends spent in front of the television or computer, and time spent on leisure time physical activities. The associations between BMD and screen time were analyzed in a multiple regression model that included adjustment for age, sexual maturation, BMI, leisure time physical activity, smoking, alcohol, cod liver oil and carbonated drink consumption.
Results of a study showed that the skeleton grows continually from birth to the end of the teenage years, reaching peak bone mass - maximum strength and size- in early adulthood. Along with nutritional factors, physical activity can also greatly impact on this process.
The Norwegian study explored the hypothesis that greater computer use at weekends is associated with lower BMD. The data was obtained from 463 girls and 484 boys aged 15-18 years in the Tromso region of Norway. The students participated in the Fit Futures study from 2010-2011 which assessed more than 90 per cent of all first year high school students in the region.
BMD at total hip, femoral neck and total body was measured by DXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). Lifestyle variables were collected by self-administered questionnaires and interviews, including questions on time per day during weekends spent in front of the television or computer, and time spent on leisure time physical activities. The associations between BMD and screen time were analyzed in a multiple regression model that included adjustment for age, sexual maturation, BMI, leisure time physical activity, smoking, alcohol, cod liver oil and carbonated drink consumption.
Source: www.timesofindia.com
25.11.2014
Modern
hand dryers spread more germs
Modern hand dryers are worse than paper towels when it comes to
spreading germs, according to new University of Leeds research.
Both jet and warm air hand dryers spread bacteria into the air and onto users and those nearby.
Airborne germ counts were 27 times higher around jet air dryers compared to the air around paper towel dispensers, said the scientists.
"Next time you dry your hands in a public toilet using an electric hand dryer, you may be spreading bacteria without knowing it. You may also be splattered with 'bugs' from other people's hands," said Mark Wilcox, professor at the University of Leeds.
For the study, the team contaminated hands with a harmless type of bacteria called Lactobacillus, which is not normally found in public bathrooms.
This was done to mimic hands that have been poorly washed.
Subsequent detection of Lactobacilli in the air proved that it must have come from the hands during drying.
Bacterial air counts around jet air dryers were 4.5 times higher than around warm air dryers and 27 times higher compared to air around paper towels.
Lactobacilli were detected in the air 15 minutes after hand drying, found the study.
"These findings are important for understanding the ways in which bacteria spread, with the potential to transmit illness and disease," Wilcox said.
The findings were published in the Journal of Hospital Infection.
Source: www.timesofindia.com
25.11.2014
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