Why all the fuss about protein?

As someone who has been in the fitness industry for over 30 years as well as someone who has "formal training" in nutrition and exercise, I felt as though I had a pretty good handle on protein requirement and intake. As a physically active vegetarian, I have been keenly aware that I must make sure I am getting adequate protein in my diet at every meal and most snacks. I felt confident that I was eating properly for my body size and lifestyle.

After turning 50 I often felt unusual muscular fatigue, even with basic activity such as climbing a flight of stairs. I was so perplexed by this that I saw my physician just to make sure there was not a serious health problem underlying my fatigue. He was unable to find anything physically that could be causing my fatigue. I remained baffled and continued looking for answers on my own.  Shortly thereafter, as part of my work with A.T. Still University in "Gerokinesiology", one of the students brought in an article on the importance of protein intake for middle aged and older adults to prevent Sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia is a type of "muscle wasting" that occurs due to many of the physiological changes that takes place as we age.

As you may know I have recently accepted a position as Adjunct Professor with A.T. Still University to teach Exercise and Geriatrics courses for Health Science Students. As part of my indoctrination to an on-line learning program, I have been sitting in on a Physical Dimensions of Aging class. This has been a real eye-opener for me and I would like to share one of our current topics with you.

This week the students have been reading about Coordination, Motor Control and Psychomotor Skills and how these skills might change as we age. The key issue being discussed is when should an 'older adult" discontinue driving?

What does this have to do with Mother's Day? (keep reading..)

Welcome to 2010! This was one of those benchmark years for many fitness industry organizations. At the time we were setting goals we thought 2010 was so far away that surely we would have the time to change the "fitness world" as we know it.

But as with so many things, time slipped away from us, and here we are; facing the same challenges of 10+ years ago: An aging baby boomer population, Obesity on the rise, Increased health care costs, and A relatively small percentage of the population choosing to exercise for wellness.

How often have we heard the phrase, "At least you have your health.." Maybe in the past it sounded trite. But now as health care reform has been brought to the forefront of our attention, and as we embark on a New Year with New Resolutions, perhaps the value of health and wellness is becoming more and more evident.