Physical Activity Among Mexicans And Mexican Americans In An Ecologic Systems Framework, Rebecca E. Lee, Lorna Mcneill, Lucie Levesque, Cynthia M. Castro, Edtna Jauregui

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: To operationalize the Ecologic Model of Physical Activity (EMPA) in an environmental and cultural context born in Mexico, but broadly adopted by Mexican Americans in the USA. Methods: Participant observation occurred over an immersive, ten month period in Jalisco, Baja California South, and the Distrito Federal, Mexico. Numerous meetings with researchers, school personnel, state health departments, and residents helped define environmental factors, cultural values, and the political context of Mexico. The EMPA was adapted to include examples from physical activity resources, health care settings and behavioral interventions. Results: Mexico is a middle income country leapfrogging from traditional physical activities …

Gender Difference In Obesity And Preventive Health Behaviors In A Us-Mexico Border Hispanic Cohort, Jing Wang, Belinda M. Reininger, Stanley Cron, Deidra Carroll, Susan P. Fisher-Hoch

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: Overweight and obesity is a prevalent chronic disorder in Mexican Americans, however, obesity-related behaviors and the role of gender remain unclear. This study examined gender difference in obesity-related health behaviors among Mexican Americans. Methods: A sample (n=1439) was drawn from the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort, a prospective cohort sample of Mexican American adults aged 18 years and older living in a large and poor city along the Texas / Mexico border. The participants’ baseline demographic, behavioral, and clinical measures were used for this analysis. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were conducted to analyze the data. Results: The sample had …

Healthy Bites: A Challenge-Based Worksite Wellness Nutrition Program, Mary E. Herndon, Adelina J. Espat, Laura R. Nathan-Garner

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: The worksite health promotion literature has shown that successful nutrition communication programs call for making small changes to diet, one at a time. The use of observational learning (role models) and a “challenge” scenario for behavior change is supported by Social Cognitive Theory. The significance of these small changes in worksites is underscored by a recent Harvard Business Review article suggesting workplace wellness programs can return up $2.71 on every $1.00 invested. The purpose of the proposed program, Healthy Bites, is to increase knowledge of employees regarding the impact of specific nutrition behaviors related to reducing cancer risk and …

Physical Activity Among Asian American Adults: Data From The 2010 Health Of Houston Survey, Dennis Kao, Amy Carvalho, Rebecca E. Lee

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: The Asian American population represents the fastest growing minority groups in the US; yet, little is still known about physical activity (PA) among Asian Americans. This study examines PA among Asian American adults living in the Houston, TX area. Methods: Data on adults aged 18 and over were drawn from the Health of Houston Survey 2010—a population-based survey focused in the city of Houston and Harris County. PA was operationalized in two ways: number of moderate leisure-time PA days in the past week; and meeting CDC recommendations for aerobic exercise. Multivariate regression models (negative binomial and logistic) were used …

Using Housing Market Information To Improve Evaluation Of Physical Activity., Michael C. Farmer, Michael S. Shiroya

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: Heterogeneity exists in urban neighborhoods. Factors that affect home choice can differ even though socio-demographics are quite similar. It is possible residents’ tastes for environment features in home location also predict how well they respond to built-environment changes by increasing physical activity. Observing factors that affect location can contribute to physical activity success in public health. A study area in West Texas appears very homogeneous: 89% Caucasian; 72% registered Republican; 81% families with children; 68% college educated - 87% ‘some college;’ yet two distinct submarkets exist based on subtle differences in home purchase choices. The area has a high …

The Impact Of Home Availability Of The Relationship Between Neighborhood Availability And Fruit And Vegetable Conumption In Low-Income Ethnic Minorities, Erica Soltero, Scherezade K. Mama, Rebecca E. Lee

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: High availability of grocery stores and supermarkets has been positively associated with increased fruit and vegetable consumption, yet some studies have reported that the relationship between availability and consumption is equivocal or inconclusive indicating that availability does not directly translate to increased consumption. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating effect of home availability of fruits and vegetables on the relationship between neighborhood availability of supermarkets and grocery stores and fruit and vegetable consumption in low-income, ethnic minority neighborhoods. Methods: Data used in this study was taken from the Healthful Options Using Streets and Transportation in …

The Physical Activity Promotion Environment In Mexican Health Care Settings, Karla I. Galaviz, Lucie Lévesque, Rebecca Lee, Kim Bergeron

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: The health care environment is recognized as a promising setting in which to promote physical activity (PA). Nearly 40% of Mexican adults are inactive and whether Mexican health care environments are promoting PA is unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the PA promotion environment in Guadalajara, Mexico. Methods: Forty primary care clinics and hospitals from the three health care systems in Guadalajara were sampled: 15 from the Secretary of Health, 14 from the Social Security Institutes and 11 from the private sector. A tool for measuring the PA environment of health care settings, including …

A Quantitative Simulation Study Of Obesity Development Among A Young Population, Grant Zhao, Kevin Hall

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: Studying the process of obesity development among a real human population is difficult due to its impracticalities and ethical limitations. Our study aims to discover quantitative relationships and patterns in body weight change and obesity development via a novel approach - mathematical modeling of human metabolism and body weight simulation. Methods: Using publicly available data from the CDC, 1000 male and 1000 female individuals 18 years of age were randomly generated as a virtual population following a normal distribution in body weight and height. Three sample groups, each consisting of 100 male and 100 female individuals, were randomly selected …

A Snapshot: Concepts Of Healthy Eating And Fitness Held By K-8 Pre-Service Teachers, Jon M. Aoki

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the concepts of healthy eating and fitness held by K-8 pre-service teachers at a four-year urban university located in southeast Texas. Methods: A questionnaire that described the participants’ concept of healthy eating and fitness was distributed on the first day of class. A phenomenological approach using a constant comparative method was used to describe the responses from the teacher candidates. Results: Ninety-five percent of the participants lived with someone and were responsible for 75% of the grocery shopping solely or with someone else. In addition, 66% of the students indicated …

Childhood Obesity: Epidemiology - A Social And Cultural Perspective, Thu Huong T. Vu

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the social and cultural aspects of the epidemiology of childhood obesity among local populations in Houston, TX. Methods: Review of recent journal articles, studies, and surveys regarding the relationship between childhood obesity and other social factors, including race, ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic status, and parental behaviors. Literatures should contain not just quantitative data or listing of social and cultural factors affecting childhood obesity, but also discuss how these factors accomplish that. Literatures are analyzed and compared for consistencies and inconsistencies. Results: The findings are divided into three sections: socioeconomic factors, ethno-cultural factors, …

Programs Promoting Physical Activity Among Mexicans, Edtna Jauregui, Ann Pacheco, Fiorella Saavedra, Teresia O'Connor, Cynthia M. Castro, Paul Estabrooks, Rebecca E. Lee

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: Programs to increase physical activity serve an important public health role, and can contribute to improved health status of the population. The goal of this study was to evaluate publically available programs to increase physical activity in Mexico using the RE-AIM framework. Method: Internet searches were conducted with the terms, “programas,” “actividad fisica,” “Mexico,” “Ciudad de Mexico,” “Distrito Federal,” “Jalisco,” and “Guadalajara.” Programs were coded on reach, efficacy, adoption, implementation and maintenance. Results: Thirteen programs were identified. Three were excluded as only offering online health tips. One was excluded as it described a survey of health habits among Mexicans, …

Association Between Physical Activity Resource Quality And Use In Mexicans Through Objective Observation, Ann Pacheco, Erica Soltero, Scherezade K. Mama, Rebecca E. Lee

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: Nearly three-fourths (69.5%) of the Mexican population aged 15 and older is overweight or obese, and 37.7% fail to meet physical activity (PA) recommendations of 150 minutes per week. The prevalence of obesity in Mexican children has tripled since 1980 and is due to the imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. PA may reduce the prevalence of obesity in Mexican adults and youth. PA resources (PARs), such as parks and plazas, may aid in this effort, but little is known about the quality of resources in Mexico and their relationship to PA levels in adults and youth. The purpose …

Assessing Physical Activity Among Hispanics, Charles S. Layne Dr., Sabeen A. Ali, Maria I. Anez, Daniel P. O'Connor Dr., Rebecca E. Lee Dr.

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Title: ASSESSING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG HISPANICS

Authors: Charles S. Layne, PhD1,2, Sabeen A. Ali,1, Maria I. Anez, 2, Daniel P. O’Connor, PhD1,2, Rebecca E. Lee, PhD1,2

Affiliations: 1Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, 2Texas Obesity Research Center

Purpose: The lack of regular physical activity is a contributing factor in the world wide obesity epidemic. However, scientists are challenged to find methods by which to accurately assess physical activity performed by individuals who are either obese or at risk of becoming obese. The purpose of this effort is to provide a comprehensive review of …

Physical Activity Interventions Among Hispanics: A Re-Aim Review, Karla Ivette Galaviz, Samantha Harden, Fabio Almeida, Kacie Allen, Maggie Berrey, Scherezade Mama, Erin Smith, Rebecca Lee, Paul Estabrooks

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: To determine the degree to which physical activity interventions for Hispanic populations reported on both internal and external validity factors using the RE-AIM framework (reach & representativeness, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance). Methods: We systematically identified English (PubMed; EbscoHost) and Spanish (SCIELO; Biblioteca Virtual en Salud) language studies published between 2001 and 2012 that tested physical activity, exercise, or fitness promotion interventions in Hispanic populations. We reviewed 142 abstracts and identified 40 studies that met the eligibility criteria (27 in English and 13 in Spanish). A validated 21-item RE-AIM abstraction tool was used …

Sitting Time And Future Health Expectations In African American And Hispanic Or Latina Women, Stacey L. Gorniak, Nathan Parker, Rebecca E. Lee

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: In Lee et al. (2012; J Obesity), a hypothesis relating increased sitting time and lower stress levels was introduced. The aim of this analysis is to evaluate the relationship between measures of sedentary behavior and mental health outcomes.

Method: The current study was a secondary analysis using data from the Health Is Power (HIP) study. Four hundred ten community dwelling African American (n = 263), and Hispanic/Latina (n = 147) women aged 25-60 participated in HIP, a longitudinal, community-based, randomized controlled trial to increase physical activity. Women who met inclusionary criteria gave informed consent and completed health …

Neighborhood Walkability And Physical Activity: Results From The Health Is Power (Hip) Study, Nathan Parker

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: Health Is Power (NIH 1R01CA109403) was a longitudinal, multi-site intervention aimed to increase physical activity (PA) among community dwelling, healthy African American and Hispanic or Latina women. This study investigated the relationship between neighborhood walking environments and PA maintenance from T1 (baseline) through T2 (end of intervention) and to T3 (6-month follow-up post-intervention). Method: Women (N=410, M age=45.2 years, SD=9.4, 62.7% African American) completed interviewer-administered questionnaires assessing demographics at T1 and the International PA Questionnaire (IPAQ) to assess physical activity at T1, T2 and T3. Walkability characteristics for all street segments within 800m of participants’ homes …

Altered Irinotecan Pharmacokinetics In Diet-Induced Obesity, Pranav Shah, Adarsh Gandhi, Romi Ghose

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Title: Altered Irinotecan Pharmacokinetics in Diet-Induced Obesity

Authors: Pranav Shah*, Adarsh Gandhi and Romi Ghose

Affiliation: University of Houston, Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Houston, TX - 77030

Purpose: Irinotecan (CPT-11) is a topoisomerase I inhibitor that has been shown to be highly effective in treatment of colon, stomach, pancreas, and non-small cell lung cancers. It has recently been shown that CPT-11 administration is associated with liver toxicity and this effect is compounded by baseline obesity. It was found that patients with a BMI index of >25 were twice as much susceptible to developing liver toxicity than patients with …

Preventive Health Behaviors Among Hispanics: Comparing A Us-Mexico Border Cohort And National Sample, Belinda Reininger, Jing Wang, Stanley Cron, Susan P. Fisher-Hoch

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: Adherence to preventive health behaviors for chronic diseases would avert 80% of all heart disease, stroke, type II diabetes, and more than 40% of cancer cases. The purpose of this study is to describe the preventive health behaviors for chronic diseases among Mexican Americans residing along U.S.-Mexico border and in the U.S.

Method: Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were conducted on two rich data sets for Mexican Americans. The first data set (n=1439) was from the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (CCHC), a prospective cohort study of Mexican American adults aged 18 years and older living in a large …

Adherence To U.S. Physical Activity And Dietary Guidelines Among A Mexican American Cohort, Belinda M. Reininger, Jing Wang, Stanley Cron, Susan P. Fisher-Hoch

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine adherence to risk factors for chronic diseases among Mexican Americans residing along Texas / Mexico border.

Method: Data was derived from the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (CCHC), a prospective cohort study of over 2600 Mexican American adults aged 18 years and older living in a large and poor city along the Texas / Mexico border. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to analyze the data.

Results:The sample (67.06% female) has a mean age of 48.06 ± 15.60 years, 48.81% employed, 45.66% has less than high school education, 77.57% …

The Us National Collaborative On Childhood Obesity Research (Nccor) Measures Registry, David Berrigan, Jill Reedy

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Background: The US National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR) is a collaborative effort among the United States (US) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US National Institutes of Health, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the US Department of Agriculture. The Measures Registry, released April 2011, is one of NCCOR’s new research tools.

Methods: To develop the Measures Registry—a searchable online tool of childhood obesity measures—NCCOR conducted a literature review of all articles with relevant measures published between 2004 and 2010. Measures were categorized according to four domains: individual dietary behavior, individual physical activity behavior, food environment, and …

Sports For Achieving Wellness, Paul Queen Jr.

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Title: SPORTS FOR ACHIEVING WELLNESS

Author: Paul Queen, Jr.

Affiliations: 1Wellness Coordinator, St. Johns Downtown United Methodist Church, 2Wellness Consultant, Houston Parks and Recreation Department (Soccer for Success and The First Tee FM Law Park), 3President/CEO, Quality Wellness.

Purpose: An age-old proverb reads, “It takes a community/village to raise a child”. The purpose of this project was to utilize sports as a vehicle to promote healthy community development. Method: Targeting the Southeast quadrant of Houston, Texas and using multiple community centers we initiated futsal (indoor soccer) team play for girls and boys ages 6 to 18. Each participant’s height, weight, …

Addressing Obesity Prevention And Control In The Workplace, Mary D. Hill

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Texas Obesity Research Center

Addressing Obesity Prevention and Control in the Workplace

Hill MD, Lankford T

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta, Georgia

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Over one-third of adults in the United States (U.S.), over 72 million people, are obese. There are health and economic costs associated with obesity. In 2008, obesity-related medical costs were estimated to be as high as $147 billion. Method: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend policy and environmental change strategies that address obesity in multiple settings: healthcare, schools, child care, worksites, and community. In 2011, about 111.5 million U.S. adults were full-time …

Relationship Between Dyslipidemia And Physical Activity In Mexican Children, Armando Avila-Rodríguez, Elias H. Avila-Rodriguez, Jesus M. Araujo-Contreras, Efren Rivas-Avila, Rebecca E. Lee, Luis J. Rodriguez-Ortega, Nohe Vargas-Chavez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to determine the relationship between physical activity and lipid levels in children 10 to 13 years of age living in Durango, Mexico. Method: Cross-sectional study performed in 823 children (n=428, 52% boys; n=395, 48% girls) enrolled in nine elementary schools. Physical activity was monitored in two ways: a) a questionnaire was used to obtain information about physical activity done in the previous week, and b) steps were counted for 24 hours with a Yamax SW-200 pedometer. A subsample of 425 children provided serum samples to determine total-cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and …

Fast Food And Supermarket Availability, Neighborhood Income And Health Outcomes In Public Housing Residents., Heather J. Adamus-Leach, Scherezade K. Mama, Rebecca E. Lee

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: The availability of fast food restaurants (FFRs) and supermarkets varies by neighborhood income level and may influence health outcomes such as body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP). The purpose of this study was to determine whether neighborhood income moderates the association between fast food restaurant or supermarket availability and health outcomes in public housing residents. Method: Number of FFRs and supermarkets on every street segment in neighborhoods surrounding public housing developments (N=12) in Houston, Texas were counted, then aggregated at the neighborhood level. Residents (N=213) completed measures of BMI (kg/m²) and …

Engaging Mexican American Seniors To Define Healthy Eating: A Community Based Participatory Pilot Study, Adelita Gonzales Cantu Phd, Rn, Jillian Rushing

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Community based participatory research is a research strategy aimed at bridging the gap between research and practice. At the Good Samaritan Senior Center in San Antonio, TX there had seemed to be a disconnect between nutritional education provided to the seniors at their Senior Center and what the seniors did in practice. Despite significant efforts of the staff to provide nutrition education through classes and activities, 61% of the seniors attending still report an unhealthy body weight and many struggle with diabetes according to organizational assessments. The purpose of this study was to utilize Community Based Participatory Research to understand …

Negative Body Image Is Related To Overeating Among Overweight Pregnant Women, Tracey Ledoux, Najmus Saher, Mcclain Sampson, Martina R. Gallagher, Pamela D. Berens

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Background: Overeating and pre-pregnancy obesity increase risks for complications during pregnancy. According to Social Cognitive Theory, individual and environmental factors influence health behaviors. Purpose: This study’s purpose was to determine whether social norms (environmental factor) and body image (individual factor) regarding pregnancy weight control were related to overeating behaviors among overweight/obese (OW/Ob) pregnant women.

Methods: Baseline data from an ongoing prospective study to identify predictors of excess gestational weight gain were used in this study. Pregnant women are being recruited from an obstetric clinic to complete a questionnaire, and research assistants are obtaining gestational weight gain data from …

The Development Of A Diabetes Intervention And Community Education Program, Rosanne Schrieber Keathley Ph.D., Judy R. Sandlin Ph.D., David Ficklen Md, Karen Bilsing Bs

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Title: DEVELOPMENT OF A DIABETES INTERVENTION AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM

Author(s): Rosanne Keathley, PHD1, Judy Sandlin, PHD2, David Ficklen, MD3, Karen Bilsing, BS4

Affiliations: 1Health and Kinesiology, Sam Houston State University, 2 Human Resource and Development, Texas A & M University, 3 Chief Medical Officer, Huntsville Memorial Hospital, 4 Community Relations Manager, Huntsville Memorial Hospital

Purpose: Currently 25.8 million people (8.3%) in the US are living with diabetes. This study assessed the need for a diabetes intervention program through community health screenings. Method: Participants (N=323) completed a diabetes risk questionnaire with health screenings. Ages ranged between 17 …

Correlates Of Military Sexual Trauma, Mental Health, And Obesity Among Women Veterans, Deleene S. Menefee, Wendy S. Leopoulos, Sarah M. Torres, Rebecca Wagner

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: Obesity is a growing concern for Veterans Affairs (VA) providers of women Veterans as recent evidence suggests that females more than males have a higher prevalence of obesity. Further, women Veterans present to VA with rates of military sexual trauma that exceed prevalence rates in the civilian population. Research findings support the tenet that disorder eating, and adverse health outcomes are consequences of sexual trauma. However, the mental health correlates of MST and obesity have not been well established. One recent study of returning combat Veterans found that obesity is a significant concern. This purpose of the current …

Leptin And Its Association With Obesity Among Mexican Adolescents, Jesus M. Araujo-Contreras, Elias H. Avila-Rodriguez, Armando Avila-Rodriguez, Efren Rivas-Avila, Nelda Mier, Abelardo Camacho-Luis, Nohe Vargas-Chavez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: To investigate the association between leptin concentrations and nutritional status among a Mexican adolescent population. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 448 adolescents attending five schools in Durango, Mexico. Serum leptin concentrations were measured by ELISA. Other measurements included height, weight, and waist and hip circumference. Body fat of participants was assessed with bio-electrical impedance using a body composition analyzer InBody-720. Sociodemographic information was also collected. Results: Based on IOTF BMI cut-off points, 34.1% of adolescents were overweight and obese and prevalence rates were higher among females (37.1%) than males (29.5%). In agreement with waist circumference, 22.5% of participants …

Angiotensin At2r Activation Increases Ace2/Ang1-7/Masr Axis And Prevents Fatty-Diet-Induced Obesity, Sourashish Nag, Quaisar Ali, Yonnie Wu, Tahir Hussain

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: Adipose tissue, the obligatory site of fat accumulation causing obesity, expresses local renin angiotensin system (RAS). RAS is commonly known to regulate blood pressure. However recently, we observed that angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R) activation prevents high-fat diet (HFD)-induced adiposity and hyperinsulinemia. Although, the mechanism(s) is(are) not known. There is evidence that other RAS components namely, the angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) positively regulates while the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which catalyzes the production of Mas receptor (MasR) peptide agonist Ang (1-7), inversely regulates adiposity and hyperinsulinemia. In light of the RAS inter-regulatory features, we hypothesize that AT2R …