Exercise And Sport Their Influences On Women S Health Across The Lifespan

This Research Topic of Frontiers in Physiology is dedicated to the memory of Professor Nigel Stepto, the Lead Guest Editor of this collection, who sadly passed away during its formation. Prof Stepto was a passionate and recognised world leader in the field of Exercise Physiology with outstanding contributions, particularly in the area of women’s reproductive health. Nigel’s research passion was in understanding the mechanistic effects of exercise for health and therapy with a special interest in insulin resistance and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, the leading cause of anovulatory infertility in young women of reproductive age. He was the co-Deputy Director - Research Training at the Institute of Health and Sport (IHeS) at Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia and held adjunct associate professorial roles at Monash University and the University of Melbourne. He was Chair of the Exercise and Sports Science Association (ESSA) Research Committee, Project Director of the Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS) and an active member of the Australian Physiological Society (AuPS). Alongside his influential research career and leadership roles, Nigel was a strong advocate for postgraduate and early career researchers. His collaborative nature and approach to research ensured those mentored by him were considered, included and valued members across his many research projects and initiatives. Nigel’s impact and influence on the careers of early researchers will continue at Victoria University with both a Nigel Stepto Travel Award and Nigel Stepto PhD Scholarship established in his honour. Nigel was great friend and colleague to many who is very much missed. Nigel is survived by his wife, Fiona and two children Matilda (14 years) and Harriet (11 years). Vale, Professor Nigel Stepto (12 September 1971 – 4 February 2020).

The purpose of the The Active Female: Health Issues Throughout the Lifespan, 2nd Edition is twofold: (1) to increase the awareness of wellness and fitness issues for active females and their family members; and (2) to provide an avenue for medical practitioners, allied health professionals, health educators, and certified individuals in sports medicine to gain critical, updated knowledge of a field specific to active females. Part I of the book offers a foundation to help the reader understand the interrelationship among body image concerns, the female reproductive cycle, and musculoskeletal anatomy/physiology of females that makes their health risks and concerns unique. Reproductive health is discussed by a prominent researcher in reproduction/endocrinology. An overview of the Female Athlete Triad which is a syndrome of three interrelated conditions (isordered eating, menstrual disturbances and bone loss) is presented in Part II. Physicians and certified professionals in sports medicine discuss the individual components of the triad, relating not only to the athletic female but also to the recreationally active woman throughout the lifespan. In Part III, Prevention and management of common musculoskeletal injuries is addressed by a female orthopedic surgeon who sub-specializes in treating female athletes. Finally, appropriate exercise and nutritional guidelines for active females are discussed in Parts IV-V of the book by certified professionals and licensed physicians in sports medicine. An invaluable addition to the literature, The Active Female: Health Issues Throughout the Lifespan, 2nd Edition will be of great interest to physicians, allied health care practitioners, medical/other wellness educators, and students who are interested in advancing women's health issues. Sports medicine specialists, family practitioners, gynecologists, team physicians, residents in sports medicine, athletic trainers, health educators, nurses, physicians assistants, physical therapists, sport psychologists, counselors, athletic trainers, and other members of the sports medicine team should also find this title of significant interest.

The book is an evidence-based source of information on women’s health issues for health professionals already practicing lifestyle medicine, as well as an entry level textbook for those new to the field of lifestyle medicine. The collective expertise of each of the editors along with content provided by leaders within the American College of Lifestyle Medicine fills a much-needed void within the specialty of Lifestyle Medicine and is for providers of women’s health globally.

Even though slightly over half of the U.S. population is female, medical research historically has neglected the health needs of women. However, over the past two decades, there have been major changes in government support of women's health research-in policies, regulations, and the organization of research efforts. To assess the impact of these changes, Congress directed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ask the IOM to examine what has been learned from that research and how well it has been put into practice as well as communicated to both providers and women. Women's Health Research finds that women's health research has contributed to significant progress over the past 20 years in lessening the burden of disease and reducing deaths from some conditions, while other conditions have seen only moderate change or even little or no change. Gaps remain, both in research areas and in the application of results to benefit women in general and across multiple population groups. Given the many and significant roles women play in our society, maintaining support for women's health research and enhancing its impact are not only in the interest of women, they are in the interest of us all.

Physical inactivity is a key determinant of health across the lifespan. A lack of activity increases the risk of heart disease, colon and breast cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, osteoporosis, anxiety and depression and others diseases. Emerging literature has suggested that in terms of mortality, the global population health burden of physical inactivity approaches that of cigarette smoking. The prevalence and substantial disease risk associated with physical inactivity has been described as a pandemic. The prevalence, health impact, and evidence of changeability all have resulted in calls for action to increase physical activity across the lifespan. In response to the need to find ways to make physical activity a health priority for youth, the Institute of Medicine's Committee on Physical Activity and Physical Education in the School Environment was formed. Its purpose was to review the current status of physical activity and physical education in the school environment, including before, during, and after school, and examine the influences of physical activity and physical education on the short and long term physical, cognitive and brain, and psychosocial health and development of children and adolescents. Educating the Student Body makes recommendations about approaches for strengthening and improving programs and policies for physical activity and physical education in the school environment. This report lays out a set of guiding principles to guide its work on these tasks. These included: recognizing the benefits of instilling life-long physical activity habits in children; the value of using systems thinking in improving physical activity and physical education in the school environment; the recognition of current disparities in opportunities and the need to achieve equity in physical activity and physical education; the importance of considering all types of school environments; the need to take into consideration the diversity of students as recommendations are developed. This report will be of interest to local and national policymakers, school officials, teachers, and the education community, researchers, professional organizations, and parents interested in physical activity, physical education, and health for school-aged children and adolescents.

Using research-based evidence, this text provides current rationale for the types, intensity, and duration of physical activity that may be prescribed to populations with commonly occurring chronic ailments. The relationship between the etiology of these conditions and the physiological effects of physical exercise for these groups of patients is explained. This text is ideal for students on courses encompassing health-related exercise and exercise prescription such as sports science, physical therapy and occupational therapy, as well as exercise professionals who may deal with rehabilitation of special populations. The book is also an ideal reference for fitness instructors, sports trainers, and medical professionals. In depth investigation into the growing areas of exercise prescription in relation to commonly encountered medical conditions. The book follows a consistent structure throughout, aiding the reader's comprehension and allowing ease of reference. Contraindications are provided, as well as guidelines for effective physical activity prescriptions. The author avoids giving specific prescriptions allowing the professional to judge from the evidence at hand what is best for each individual patient. Encourages real world application of ideas presented. A detailed glossary defines and explains terminology vital and unique to this field of study.

Exercise to Prevent and Manage Chronic Disease Across the Lifespan provides evidence-based insights into the clinical utility of exercise in the management of disease across a broad range of specialties and diseases. The book offers research informed strategies for the integration of exercise into standard practice in fields such as neurology, endocrinology, psychiatry and oncology, as well as decision-making pathways and clinical scenarios to advance patient care. The book is divided by specialty and includes clinical scenarios to allow for the integration of information within practice. The book's synthesized research evidence allows practitioners to safely and effectively begin to capitalize on the benefits of exercise in their patients. Provides broad insights into the evidence-based underpinnings of the use of exercise in a range of common diseases Coverage includes the immune system, musculoskeletal disease, oncology, endocrinology, cardiology, respiratory diseases, and more Includes a glossary, bibliography and summary figures for quick reference of information