Kumud Khanna

Consensus physical activity guidelines for Asian Indians.

India is currently undergoing rapid economic, demographic, and lifestyle transformations. A key feature of the latter transformation has been inappropriate and inadequate diets and decreases in physical activity. Data from various parts of India have shown a steady increase in the prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the metabolic syndrome, hypertension, coronary heart disease (CHD), etc., frequently in association with overweight or obesity. Comparative data show that Asian Indians are more sedentary than white Caucasians. In this review, the Consensus Group considered the available physical activity guidelines from international and Indian studies and formulated India-specific guidelines. A total of 60 min of physical activity is recommended every day for healthy Asian Indians in view of the high predisposition to develop T2DM and CHD. This should include at least 30 min of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, 15 min of work-related activity, and 15 min of muscle-strengthening exercises. For children, moderate-intensity physical activity for 60 min daily should be in the form of sport and physical activity. This consensus statement also includes physical activity guidelines for pregnant women, the elderly, and those suffering from obesity, T2DM, CHD, etc. Proper application of guidelines is likely to have a significant impact on the prevalence and management of obesity, the metabolic syndrome, T2DM, and CHD in Asian Indians.

Supplementation of Soy Isoflavones Improved Sex Hormones, Blood Pressure, and Postmenopausal Symptoms

Objective: The present study is aimed at determining the effect of supplementing the diet of postmenopausal women with soy isoflavones on blood pressure and hormonal levels and providing relief from symptoms. Method: This research was conducted in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran. In this double-blind experimental controlled study, 61 postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (soy isoflvone, n = 30) or control group (placebo, n = 31). The subjects in the experimental group were given a supplementation of 33 g of soy in the form of biscuits that contained approximately 54 mg isoflavones for a period of 8 weeks. Results: Soy isoflavones supplementation made a significant difference in the severity and intensity of symptoms as determined by the Kuppermann index. On supplementation with soy the intensity of symptoms among the subjects decreased significantly and the mean total score from 26.8% at pre phase decreased to 9.38% at post phase (p < 0.001). In the present study, the level of follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the experimental group decreased after intervention with soy. This reduction in FSH and LH was highly significant as tested by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA; p < 0.001). After intervention with soy, a slight reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was recorded in the experimental group, indicating the beneficial effect of soy isoflavones on regulating blood pressure. Conclusion: This study suggests that soy supplementation could be recommended as an alternative therapy to hormone replacement therapy for control of postmenopausal symptoms.

Ergonomical Study of Workplace Using the Technique of Path Process Chart

The design of any workplace should be such that it enables the worker to perform the work with efficiency and with minimum of strain on his health and safety. The information for such a design can be generated only after an in-depth study has been conducted of the way the particular work is being performed by a worker at a given workplace. Once such an information is available, it can be used to design a more suitable workplace where the work can be performed with greater ease and higher productivity. The present study used the technique of Path Process Chart to study the work of meal preparation as was being performed by 50 homemakers in their kitchens. The Path Process Chart made it possible to study, both the work and the way the workplaces were being used by one or two workers, all at the same time.

Nutrition for the aged

Kumud Khanna is the Director of Institute of Home Economics and the Head of Department of Home Science, University of Delhi. Dr. Khanna is PhD in Community Nutrition from Harvard University, Washington, USA. She has over thirty five years of teaching and research experience. Her research interests include geriatric nutrition, clinical nutrition and public health nutrition.