---------------------------Week of Feb 5, 2001-----------------------
============= TRAINER'S CORNER ===============
Reader Questions

A reader recently asked the following questions:  Do carbs turn to
sugar/fat when you don't work out enough? How much working out is enough?
How do you know when you're getting enough protein? 

To answer the first question, realize that calories not burned by the body
are simply stored as bodyfat regardless if they came from fat, protein,
carbs, or alcohol.  The difference lies in the fact that some forms of
calories are stored more easily by the body than others.  Protein is the
least likely to be stored because it takes the most energy to break down.
Alcohol cannot be used as fuel by muscles and is stored easily, making it
a big no-no for anyone trying to shed bodyfat.

The second question depends on the person's exercise and health history,
as well as their goals.  To obtain health benefits from exercise is much
easier and less time-consuming than trying to change one's appearance.
ACSM guidelines simply state that to obtain the health benefits from
exercise, one should perform an accumulated time of rhythmic activity
minimum 20 minutes each day of the week. Weight training should be
performed minimum 2 days per week.  For those of you fortunate enough to
have a MrTrainer video, you'll find all of the details for your fitness
level and goals in the Members Only area of the website.

The final question is very controversial, even among experts.  Ranges of
protein intake among different sources are anywhere from .3 to 1 gram per
pound of bodyweight.  This holds true whether your intake is from meat,
fish, poultry, or plant sources.  If you are a true vegan, realize that
most of your protein is from incomplete sources with the exception of soy
so it is important to include soy in your diet.  For more dietary
information, visit the resources area of the website.
Always contact a nutritionist before modifying your diet.

============= DOC TALK ====================
Arthritis

The term 'arthritis' can refer to many clinical entities such as 
osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative joint disease, or other
nonspecific rheumatoid conditions.

Two of the most common forms are osteoarthritis and degenerative joint
disease.  These essentially represent "wear and tear" on the joints that
accumulates over the years.  Sites that are commonly affected include the
shoulders, cervical and lumbar spine, hips and knees.  Although
inflammation is uncommon, there is usually evidence of deformities, pain
and loss of functioning.

Obesity is a common aggravating factor, especially on the spine, hips and
knees.  Excessive weight leads to unnecessary strain on the joints, and
also accelerates the damage.

Regular exercise, weight loss and medications are used to control the 
symptoms.  Some patients have benefited from the use of glucosamine.  
Although not completely proven, this supplement may help maintain joint
health.
============= EXTRA ================
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***********************************************************************************
MrTrainer newsletter is a weekly publication.  http://www.mrtrainer.com
Trainers Corner is written by Matthew Beeners, ACE certified personal
trainer.
Doc Talk is written by William L. Harrison, M.D.
THIS COLUMN IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY—IT IS NOT INTENDED TO
REPLACE THE ADVICE OF YOUR PERSONAL PHYSICIAN.
Copyright (C) 2000 MrTrainer. All Rights Reserved.