Study Suggests that Too Much Sitting Can Kill You

Source: news.health.com

(HealthDay News) — For better health, try standing up more, a new study suggests. Those who spend 11 or more hours a day sitting are 40 percent more likely to die over the next three years regardless of how physically active they are otherwise, researchers say.

Analyzing self-reported data from more than 222,000 people aged 45 and older, Australian researchers found that mortality risks spike after 11 hours of total daily sitting but are still 15 percent higher for those sitting between 8 and 11 hours compared to those sitting fewer than 4 hours per day.

“The evidence on the detrimental health effects of prolonged sitting has been building over the last few years,” said study author Hidde van der Ploeg, a senior research fellow at the University of Sydney. “The study stands out because of its large number of participants and the fact that it was one of the first that was able to look at total sitting time. Most of the evidence to date had been on the health risks of prolonged television viewing.”

The study is published in the March 26 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Average adults spend 90 percent of their leisure time sitting down, van der Ploeg said, and fewer than half meet World Health Organization recommendations for 150 minutes of at least moderate-intensity physical activity each week.

The data was collected as part of Australia’s 45 and Up Study, a large, ongoing study of healthy aging. Strikingly, the elevated risks for dying from all causes remained even after taking into account participants’ physical activity, weight and health status.

Sixty-two percent of participants said they were overweight or obese (a similar proportion to Americans), while nearly 87 percent said they were in good to excellent health, and one-quarter said they spent at least 8 hours each day sitting.

Inactive participants who sat the most had double the risk of dying within three years compared to active people who sat least, van der Ploeg said, and among physically inactive adults, those who sat the most had nearly one-third higher odds of dying than those who sat least.

Because many people must sit for long hours at their jobs, they should make sure a greater portion of their leisure time is spent standing, walking or engaging in other movement, said Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, director of Women and Heart Disease at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and a spokesperson for the American Heart Association.

“Yes, you have to work, but when you go home it’s so important you don’t go back to sitting in front of the computer or television,” Steinbaum said. “After the 8-hour mark, the risks go up exponentially. It’s really about what you’re doing in your leisure time and making the decision to move.”

Several workplaces in Australia are testing sit-stand work stations, van der Ploeg said — a generally well-received initiative that may be a future option for other offices. “Try ways to break up your sitting and add in more standing or walking where possible,” she suggested.

While the study uncovered an association between total sitting hours and death risk, it did not prove a cause-and-effect relationship.

The study was limited by the relatively short follow-up period of less than three years, experts said, which may have obscured undiagnosed health problems among participants that could have led to earlier death. Dr. David Friedman, chief of heart failure services at North Shore Plainview Hospital in Plainview, N.Y., said those who sit longer “tend to be sicker, have obesity issues and cardiovascular problems. Perhaps they’re less ambulatory in the first place.”

Van der Ploeg acknowledged these limitations and said more studies will need to replicate the findings and focus more on sitting’s influence on developing conditions such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

“Studies that measure sitting time with activity monitors instead of questionnaires will also help build the evidence base,” she said. “All these studies will further inform us of the exact relationship between sitting and health conditions, which ultimately will result in public health recommendations like we already have for physical activity.”

Sanchez regains top spot on mag's 'Idol' rankings

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-Mexican contestant Jessica Sanchez has regained the top spot on the weekly U.S. magazine’s “American Idol” rankings.

In its “ Top 9 Power Rankings” published on its website on Wednesday, Entertainment Weekly again placed Sanchez at the No. 1 spot after she dropped to No. 3 last week.

This is the third time that Sanchez held the No. 1 rank since this season’s Top 13 were picked.

This week’s rankings are based on the contestants’ performances last week.

“Last week's cover — Billy Joel's 'Everybody Has a Dream' — was tailor-made for the lifelong reality show striver. Her powerhouse diva voice is undeniable,” the article said.

In second place is Colton Dixon, who made a big leap from the No. 6 spot last week.

Dixon was followed by Phillip Phillips, who previously held the No. 1 rank.

Sanchez earned her third standing ovation from the judges and the audience during Billy Joel night on "Idol."

Judge Steven Tyler was so impressed with Sanchez’s rendition of “Everybody Has a Dream,” saying the 16-year-old crooner has “gone way past my judging.”

Judge Jennifer Lopez, on the other hand, was thrilled with Sanchez’s performance, saying it’s like the song was originally written for her.

As for judge Randy Jackson, he lauded Sanchez’s consistency every time she performs on stage, adding that her performance was perfect.

On Thursday, the remaining contestants of “Idol” will be singing the songs of their own idols.

While the show has yet to reveal the list of songs this week, many expect Sanchez to pick Beyonce since she has been vocal in saying that she looks up to the singer.

“This week's open theme almost guarantees a stunner from Jessica. The only question left is: Who will get to sing last?” said Entertainment Weekly.

Asian-American contestant Heejun Han occupies the bottom spot on the magazine's list.

Report: Heat's James has injured finger

Source: chicagotribune.com

Miami Heat star LeBron James injured the ring finger on his left hand on Monday during the Heat's loss to Indiana, and ESPN.com reported it might be dislocated.

It was not known as of Tuesday how serious the injury is, partly because the Heat did not practice on Tuesday. The team did not comment on James' injury.

The Miami Herald said James is considered questionable for Thursday's game against the Dallas Mavericks.

James, who is right-handed, played his regular minutes on Monday despite sustaining the injury in the first half. The finger was heavily taped, and he played 41 minutes and scored 24 points.

James is averaging 26.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.6 assists this season.

Pinoy Olympic torch bearers proud to represent Filipinos

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

LONDON - Reymund ‘Apol’ Enteria, an OFW working as an occupational therapist specialist at Raphael Medical Centre in Tonbridge, Kent and young British-Pinoy achiever Steven Cheung are amongst the 8,000 inspirational people to be chosen as Olympic torch bearers in the torch relay across the British Isles for the 2012 Olympics.

Representing OFWs

Enteria is from a family of overseas Filipino workers, coming from a very humble background. While his father earned a living as a jeepney driver in Philippines, his mother worked as a factory worker in Hong Kong to fund their education. His brother and brother-in-law are both OFWs in Saudi Arabia. Before moving to the UK, Enteria also worked in Saudi Arabia for many years.

“Talagang OFW ang unang pumasok sa isip ko na i-represent kasi I am an OFW. My mom was also overseas Filipino worker and I’m surrounded by people who are OFWs—brother, my cousins, uncles and friends all over the world working, like me,” said Enteria.

When he is not on-duty as an occupational therapist, he also takes on other part time jobs. He works as a cook for Waitrose in Tonbridge.

Enteria saw a Coca-Cola advert calling for Torchbearer nominations and he felt compelled to share his story. He put his name forward, hoping to inspire those who will read it. It was a straight forward story coming from his heart, narrating the hardships he overcame to be where he is now.

He was shortlisted in October and received a conditional offer in December. The final confirmation came recently in the form of an email from the Olympic Committee.

“Di ko po talaga ma-explain kung gaano ako kasaya sa pagkakapili ko po bilang isa sa mga runner ng 2012 Olympics. Hanggang ngayon di pa rin ako makapaniwala na tatakbo ako on behalf of the Filipino overseas worker. I feel proud and privileged at habang buhay ko itong maalala,” he told ABS-CBN Europe.

On July 22, Enteria will do the 300-meter run for the borough of Barking and Dagenham. The torch relay will start on May 19 until the opening day of the Olympics on July 27.

“Gusto ko po sanang punuin ng mga Pilipino yung 300-meter stretch para ipakita na we Filipinos are united as one,” he said.

Apart from the OFWs and his family, he also dedicates his run to fellow occupational therapists and health workers in the Philippines and abroad.

Olympic ambassador and torch bearer

Steven Cheung was nominated by various groups in Waltham Forest because of his exemplary contributions as a youth community leader in the area. Twenty-two year old Cheung was chose by LOGOC to represent the young people, Filipino and Chinese communities in Britain for the torch relay.

“Proud na proud ako being Filipino and also as an Olympic torchbearer and represent my community in this journey. It’s a once in lifetime opportunity to be involved in the Olympics,” he told ABS-CBN Europe.

Cheung, whose mother is Filipino and whose father is Chinese, will run on July 21 for the borough of Waltham Forest.

“As a Londoner, I am immensely proud of our heritage, roots and community and I am also proud to be able to put Waltham Forest on the map. I am incredibly thankful to LOGOC for their recognition of my hard work and my role for the Olympics,” he said.

Cheung was part of the 2012 Olympics from the beginning having been chosen as an Olympic Youth Ambassadors for Waltham Forest. He was involved in a range of activities aimed at empowering the borough’s young people. He was constantly the voice of the young people in the community, inputting ideas and pragmatic solutions to some challenges related to the London Olympics and Paralympics Games.

“As an Olympic Ambassador and torch bearer, I hope to continue to inspire future generations,” he said.

Cheung is the co-founder of SCF foundation which aims to encourage Filipino participation in Britain through trade, social enterprise and involvement in politics. He was the youngest to run for the EU parliament standing as an MP or Member of Parliament candidate in the June 2009 elections.

Warning! 7 Lies All Women Tell Men

Source: mademan.com

Let me start by being completely, um, honest. Every once in a while, we ladies have been known to play a little fast and loose with the truth around you guys. Believe me, we do it with the purest of intentions (really!). And rather than try to change us, your best bet—for keeping your woman happy and your sanity intact—is to simply recognize what’s going on and be smooth about it. With that in mind, here are seven lies we commonly tell men, and how to handle them. Just trust me on this stuff, OK?

1. “Give me your completely honest opinion…”

What we really mean: “Tell me what I want to hear.

What to do about it: I know, it’s confusing as hell. We say “seriously,” and “I really want the truth,” but the chances that we actually want the truth are about as good as the chances you want us to tell you that it’s OK, size really doesn’t matter. There are even times when women think we’re prepared for honesty and even then, when it comes out, it just plain sucks. So err on the side of safety (and of grateful-for-the-white-lie affection), and tell me…I’m hotter than that chick, this dress does not make my butt look big, my mom isn’t overbearing at all…and you’ll be golden.

2. “I’m fine. Really.”

What we really mean: “I’m as far from fine as can be.”

What to do about it: No matter how much it may seem we want you to leave us alone with that simple statement, we don’t. The worst thing you can do in this situation is say, “OK, good,” and end the conversation. Instead, we want you to show some serious concern until we’re ready to actually voice what’s wrong. It’s all about making us feel like our happiness is a priority. Want some extra points? Throw in a line about how you’re not going anywhere until you’re sure everything is OK. We. Will. Swoon.

3. “I’ve slept with X number of guys.”

What we really mean: “I’ve slept with just a few more than X number of guys.”

What to do about it: Remember the “rule of three” made famous by American Pie? (Guys have slept with three fewer women than they say, and vice versa.) Well, the magic number may not always be three, but the idea is founded in truth. The reason we omit a few escapades from our history is because we’re ever fearful of being seen as “easy”—and don’t they all say that easy girls don’t land the guys in the long run? Want the truth? Make us feel confident that your opinion of us doesn’t lie with our sexual history—and that no matter how many guys we’ve been with in the past, we’re still pure in your eyes. Simply reaffirming those things (and consistent acts of chivalry—flowers, romantic dates, time with our families and friends to show your interest outside of sex), will have us more inclined to be honest about our pasts, and to keep our bedroom doors open.

4. “Yeah, that was GREAT. I totally got off.”

What we really mean: “That was good, but I didn’t get off and I probably won’t. Now I’m tired and ready to spoon.”

What to do about it: Don’t take it personally (well, unless this is a regular occurrence—then, you might want to try some new in-bed strategies). Sometimes, it just doesn’t happen for us—and that doesn’t mean the sex wasn’t good. Don’t badger us about what exactly was so “GREAT.” Simply accept our evaluation for the day and move on.

5. Oh my God, I LOVE sports!

What we really mean: “I love putting on a cute jersey and tossing back red-headed sluts while my hometown team is winning.”

What to do about it: Just humor us. It’s fun to jump on the sports bandwagon—and yes, sometimes we might be trying to impress you and your Sunday-Funday-inclined friends by joining in on the debauchery. But, chances are if you ask me any details about stats or players (at least post the championship ’90s Chicago Bulls dream team—yes, I’m looking at you, BJ Armstrong), I’ll come up short. So, invite me to hang when you’re heading to your favorite sports bar every once in a while, and save the quizzes for your equally obsessed buds.

6. “Sure, go out and have a guys’ night!”

What we really mean: “I’d really rather you hang out with me.”

What to do about it: It’s not that we don’t want you to have your own friends, or your own life. We just want it to fit conveniently into our own lives. Translation: please try to plan your guys’ nights to align with my girls’ nights—and prepare for me to call and text you to meet up once my girlfriends start taking shots and pairing off with the gropey guys on the dance floor. Another good time to hang out with your boys: when I’m out of town (though I’ll still secretly wish you were sitting in your apartment moping and waiting for my nightly phone call).

7. “I’ve never cheated on anyone.”

What we really mean: “I may have cheated on someone before, but I’m afraid that if tell you, you won’t think of me as sweet and relationship-worthy anymore.”

What to do about it: Let’s face it—throughout time, we women have been scarred by the idea of guys who just want to get us into their beds, but keep our toothbrushes as far from their places as possible. You “relationship” guys are few and far between, so sue us if we’re inclined to hold on tightly when we find one of you. And part of that may mean keeping mum on that one little slip-up we had after the sophomore year foam party. It’s possible that, if you sincerely assure us it won’t affect our current goings-on, we’ll tell you the truth—but don’t count on it. The fear of losing a could-be great love is one a lady doesn’t take lightly.

OFW families urged to save, invest more

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

MANILA, Philippines - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is urging beneficiaries of remittances to channel the money sent home to the Philippines by their loved ones overseas for more productive uses such as savings and investments.

BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said during the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the central bank and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas the need for beneficiaries of overseas remittances to save and invest more.

“We would like to harness the potential use of remittances for savings and investments,” Tetangco stressed.

He pointed out that the World Bank has ranked the Philippines as the fourth largest in terms of remittances. Remmittances from overseas Filipinos grew 7.2 percent to a record level of $20.117 billion last year.

He added that the BSP is confident that remittances would grow five percent this year as the amount of money sent home by overseas Filipinos climbed 5.4 percent to $1.557 billion last January from $1.476 billion in the same month last year.

Higher remittances result to stronger external payments position, boosting the country’s buffer fund to fend off the impact of global shocks.

Results of the BSP’s Fourth Quarter 2011 Consumer Expectations Survey (CES) showed that the percentage of households of OFWs that set aside money for savings has increased to 42.6 percent in the fourth quarter of last year from 35.5 percent in the third quarter

However, the survey showed a drop in the number of OFW households that use remittances for investments to 6.4 percent in the fourth quarter of last year from 9.1 percent in the third quarter, but increased compared to 5.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010.

The survey also showed that beneficiaries of OFW remittances that used their remittances to buy consumer durables increased to 27.4 percent from 26.9 percent while those that used their money to buy houses likewise rose to 11.4 percent from 9.3 percent. A sharp rise was also noted for those who used remittances to acquire motor vehicles to 8.3 percent from 5.7 percent.

Tetangco said the BSP has been encouraging beneficiaries of remittances from their loved ones working overseas to save and invest regularly to improve the financial condition of the Philippine economy.

“While remittances boost economic activity through higher private consumption, the potential of remittances for other productive uses such as savings and investments has yet to be maximized,” the BSP chief.

Last year, remittances accounted for nine percent of the country’s domestic output as measured by the gross domestic product (GDP).

Imelda Nicolas, chairperson of the Commission of Filipino Overseas, said hard earned and pooled investments should be used effectively and productively through cooperatives, microfinance, migrants’ savings, investments programs, and social enterprises.

“These remittances will be our tool in transforming several underdeveloped areas in the country into vibrant communities,” she added.

The Remittance for Development Council is an advisory and policy-recommending body that would help organize and optimize the channeling of individual and collective remittances for national and local developments.

The council would ensure the smoother inflow of remittances and promotes the use of convenient and secure channels in the financial sector so the amount of money sent home could be mobilized for lending and other productive activities.

NBA Rumors: Why Derrick Rose's Latest Injury Stint is No Cause for Concern

Source: bleacherreport.com

Derrick Rose has not played a single second for the Chicago Bulls since March 12 and has sat out the last seven consecutive games due to a sore groin.

After missing just six games total in his first three seasons in the league, Rose has been out a whopping 17 games during the 2011-12 regular season and remains sidelined.

According to Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago, Tom Thibodeau admitted that Rose is just beginning to run on a treadmill and his timetable to return remains fluid.

"(I'm feeling) way better," Rose said. "(When the injury occurred) I was actually bleeding, my groin was bleeding, but now it's healed. It's just scar tissue and it's pretty hard trying to get that to move around, it's going to take little time."

As gruesome as the injury sounds, Bulls fans shouldn't be concerned.

Chicago is doing the right thing by holding him out during the regular season to ensure his availability for the playoffs as that is when his team will need him most.

The Bulls are 12-5 with Rose sitting on the sidelines and hold the best record in the league at an impressive 40-11 mark. With Chicago rolling and clearly in the playoff picture with a legitimate shot to win a title, why jeopardize Rose's health at this juncture of the campaign?

It's not a smart move.

The lockout-shortened season is a marathon rather than a sprint. Critical injuries to key players will have a disastrous impact on any playoff hopes teams hold, and the Bulls know it. That is why the team is making the right call in resting Rose for as long as he needs in order to get back to 100 percent healthy.

There is no reason to bring him back before he's ready. The Bulls aren't fighting for postseason position in the standings, nor is the team struggling consistently without him in the lineup. Chicago has two capable backups behind Rose in C.J. Watson and John Lucas III, and each has shown more than enough to be relied upon to produce while the reigning MVP is out.

It might be frustrating for some fans to tune into Bulls games and not see Rose on the court, but it's in the best interest of the team and those same fans will certainly feel better when he's balling in the postseason without any sort of restrictions.

Baby steps are being taken with Rose and the team is certainly handling him with kid gloves, but it's the proper move when it comes to the team's most important player. If the Bulls and their fans want to see this team realistically compete for a title, Rose getting his health right is the first step in the right direction.

Without Rose at full strength, there won't be a championship in the Windy City any time soon.