AHS News

Real-World Design for Disabilities

Thu, 08 May 2008 08:00:00 CDT

Students in the Division of Disabilty Resources and Educational Services (DRES) and Delta Sigma Omicron (DSO) recently partnered with an industrial design class to create problem-solving, low-tech assistive devices for students with disabilities. Innovative designs included an award-winning chin pointer. DRES, a service unit of the College of Applied Health Sciences, ensures that individuals with disabilities participate fully in curricular, co-curricular, and vocational opportunities available at the University of Illinois. Read more about the project.

Chocolate IS Good for You!

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Dark chocolate lowers cholesterol and blood pressure levels when combined with plant sterols and cocoa flavanols, according to research by Ellen M. Evans, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health and of nutritional sciences, and John W. Erdman, a professor of food science and human nutrition. Sponsored in part by Mars, Inc., the research compared levels before, during, and after an eight-week course of chocolate bars twice a day. Participants' cholesterol and blood pressure measurements were compared following four weeks each of treated and untreated chocolate bars. Read the scientific article in the April edition of the Journal of Nutrition.

Exercise Impacts MS Symptoms

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Multiple sclerosis strikes in the prime of life and is chronic, progressive, and unpredictable. Department of Kinesiology and Community Health professors Robert Motl and Edward McAuley and grad student Erin Snook have examined the role exercise plays in relieving or reducing symptoms of this crippling disease. "Those who are more physically active have more confidence in their exercise performance, are more self-confident in general, and have more confidence in their ability to manage the disease," Motl said. Continuing research will focus on how and why physical exercise affects quality of life for MS patients. See article on MS research.

Trail Use Varies by Culture

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism professors Kim Shinew and Monika Stodolska seek to understand how minority populations use recreational trails. What's interesting in the trail literature is that it's assumed that the trails are going to be used for jogging or bicycling and other more active types of leisure use, Stodolska said. What we found is this is not really how a lot of minorities are using this area. It's more of a passive and social type of use. To maximize health benefits among minorities, trail managers and designers must understand cultural differences. Read more about recreation research.

Fit Kids, Fit Brains

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 08:00:00 CST

Research by kinesiology professors Darla Castelli and Charles Hillman correlates aerobic fitness with academic performance. At a recent congressional briefing, Dr. Castelli presented data about the correlation demonstrating that fit children made fewer errors than sedentary ones. Aerobically fit children scored better on standardized tests in reading and mathematics. Supported by the American Heart Association, the FIT Kids Act would address fitness levels in schools.

Battlefield Helmets Transmit Blast Injury Data

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST

Led by Principal Investigator Kenneth L. Watkin, professor in the Department of Speech and Hearing Science, researchers will modify and test battlefield helmets with smart nanotechnology sensors embedded within helmet straps and head band. Medical data will be transmitted via small cell phone-like devices to first responders and medical staff about to receive injured personnel. Read more about the award.

Disabilities and the Web

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 08:00:00 CST

Jon Gunderson, Ph.D., Director of IT Accessibility at the Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES), has received a $50,000 Mellon Award for Technology Collaboration to develop and release a Firefox accessibility extension. The extension will provide features for people with disabilities to navigate web resources and to support developers in designing and debugging web applications. Read more about the Mellon Award.

Exercise Heals Wounds

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 00:00:00 CST

Department of Kinesiology and Community Health professor Jeffrey Woods and other researchers have found that exercise reduces skin inflammation and accelerates wound healing. So far, only mice have been tested but Woods expects to begin trials in the near future applying research theories to people. Woods said, "The bottom line is that if you are wounded or have a problem healing, exercise is safe and potentially beneficial." Read theories that might explain why exercise helps. See related article on inflammation and exercise.

Health Care 9-1-1

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:00:00 CST

Tom O'Rourke, Professor Emeritus of Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, translated rising health care costs into actual consumer goods and services for comparison to other countries. He noted, "the amount of money we are spending on health (in the United States) is absolutely ridiculous, and something needs to be done before it's too late." Read how Americans fare.

Hillman Named to Top 100 List

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 08:00:00 CST

Charles Hillman, professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, joins other notables on the list of 100 Most Influential Sports Educators in America announced by the Institute for International Sport and honors those who use sport to educate and build positive values. The list includes Tiger Woods, Phil Jackson, Bob Costas, and AHS Distinguished Alumnus Rainer Martens. Read more about the awards and list.