Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Healthcare Resources For Older Adults In A Medium Sized Community, Ashley Nielson

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Healthcare has become a large concern for a number of older Americans. With increases in healthcare costs and complex programs such as, Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap insurance policies and community programs, many older Americans are left worrying where they will find the money and resources to provide for themselves and their healthcare needs. Medicare, Medicaid and community care resources help to offset individual healthcare costs, but they are often not enough. The programs are complex and confusing and are limited in the care they provide.

"Bariatic Surgery For Obese Adolescents", Hilary Brooke Spooner

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

With the rise of adolescent obesity, the need for treatment of this life-threatening disease is under consideration. There are several methods for the treatment of this disease, but a newer method is on the rise. Bariatric surgery for adolescents is a new technique that has been performed on adults for years, but the effects on the younger population are still unknown. There are certain criteria and guidelines for the patients undergoing this surgery, but the results seem to be promising. Nutritional and surgical complications are of great concern, but are the chronic disease health benefits brought on by weight loss …

Investigation Of The Toxic Affect Of Manganese On Ruminal Microbial Digestion And Growth, Erin Dearing

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

This research investigated the toxic effect of manganese, in a reduced chemical state, on rumen microbial metabolism and growth. The reduced form of manganese is the soluble state found in subsurface waters and has a high red-ox potential. In the study, we investigated the effects of reduced manganese at varying concentrations, on rumen microbial ability to replicate and metabolize carbohydrates. The hypotheses that we tested were as follows: (1) reduced manganese decreases the rate of pH drop associated with rumen culture fermentation of a com based diet and (2) reduced manganese decreases the bacterial growth in rumen culture, as measured …

The Composition And Comparison Of Essential Oils And Their Nutritional Benefits To Enhance And Decrease Risk For Chronic Disease, Heather Wollschleger

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

This paper reviews the current status of our knowledge of essential oils and their nutritional contribution to our diet. The effects of dietary fats on our health differ markedly from the type and form of the fat. Special emphasis is placed on omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and their dietary involvement. Specific oils increase our levels of vital vitamin E and the essential omega-3 and omega-6 fats humans need for mental and physical health. Chronic diseases remain a major cause of death and disability, and risk factors include diets high in saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids. This risk …

The Macrobiotic Diet May Have Benefits In Cancer Prevention, Brittany Lewis

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Macrobiotics is one of the most popular alternative or complementary approaches to fighting cancer. The diet is primarily plant-based, is centered on the idea of an all encompassing "yin-yang" concept in life, mind, environment and food. The dietary components of the macrobiotic diet, along with the many lifestyle implications are shown to have beneficial effects in cancer prevention and therapy. The diet has many anti-carcinogenic compounds, as well as a decrease in foods thought to promote cancer. A cause for concern is the vitamin deficiencies that may ensue in following a strict macrobiotic diet, which typically results from an all …

The Adverse Health Effects Of Trans Fatty Acids, And Implications For Public Policy, Jonathan D. Atkin

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Subject: Trans fatty acids (TFAs) are produced either by the process of bacterial hydrogenation in the stomachs of ruminant animals, or the commercial method called industrial hydrogenation. The latter began early in the 20^th century based on purported health benefits and lowered costs. Alarming results from scientific studies in the early 1990's began to raise questions about whether TFAs should be regulated in our food supply.

Findings/Statistics: Scientific research initially discovered that TFAs raise the LDL/HDL ratio, thereby increasing the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Recent large, prospective, population-based studies have indicated a 25% increased risk of ischemic …