Sonya Sanderson

Is Big Really Beautiful? Understanding Body Image Perceptions of African American Females

The purpose of this study was to obtain body image information from African American (AA) college-age women (age 18-25) from a historically Black college and/or university (HBCU) and a predominately White college (PWC) with regard to their body image, body shape, appearance, and related factors. Findings from this study will provide the health education profession with valuable information on body image from a cultural perspective of AA women. A one-way ANOVA was used to analyze comparisons between the two groups. Results from the Young Women’s Experiences with Body Weight and Shape were analyzed using five different factors: weight dissatisfaction, slimness as quality of life, interpersonal messages regarding slimness, rejecting the value of thinness, and valuing exercise. Significant differences were found with: weight dissatisfaction (p = .010), slimness as quality of life (p = .000), and interpersonal messages regarding slimness (p = .000). AA women at the HBCU were more satisfied with their body image on these three factors and similar to AA women at the PWC on two factors: rejecting the value of thinness (p = .229) and valuing exercise (p = .828). These findings will assist in developing programming based on racial differences and similarities.

Comparison of Body Composition Measurement With Whole Body Multifrequency Bioelectrical Impedance and Air Displacement Plethysmography in Healthy Middle-Aged Women

Our purpose was to evaluate accuracy of multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MFBIA) using air displacement plethysmography (ADP) as the criterion measure. Body composition of 27 women was assessed by ADP followed immediately by MFBIA. There was a strong relationship (p = .01) between ADP and MFBIA in absolute lean mass (r = 0.80), absolute fat mass (r = 0.99), percent lean mass (r = 0.91), and percent fat mass (r = 0.91). Although MFBIA consistently overestimated lean mass and underestimated fat mass compared with ADP, agreement between measurements was within 2%–3% body fat. An accurate assessment tool, MFBIA can be useful in clinical settings.

BMI and EAT-26, Predictors for Low BMD?

The primary purpose of this study was to characterize bone mineral density (BMD) in healthy adult females in the Southern United States. A secondary purpose was to determine to what extent age, race, body mass index (BMI), and disordered eating contribute to BMD status. Age ranged from 25 to 50 years (39.8 ± 8.5). Race was classified into Caucasian or non-Caucasian. BMI was 28.97 ± 7.85 (kg/m2). The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) was used to identify disordered eating characteristics. The Alara MetriScan was used to assess BMD values. Regression results showed that the linear combination of three independent variables—age, race, and BMI—predicted 34.5% of the variance in BMD, R2 = .345, R2adj = .334, F(3, 170) = 29.87, p < .001. The strongest predictor of low BMD was Caucasian race.

Strategies for Maintaining Appropriate Behavior in Inclusive Physical Education Settings

T typical physical education class period consists of a number of instructional activities linked together by brief transitory phases, or transitions (e.g., lining up, identifying teams, handing out equipment, etc.). Transitions can challenge even the most experienced physical educators, because without good classroom management, transitions can provide opportunities for off -task behaviors and disruptions that result in a loss of instructional time. Vogler, van der Mars, Cusimano, and Darst (1999) examined the eff ects of transitions on students’ learning and off -task behavior with children in inclusive elementary physical education classes. Th e authors reported an average of 16 transitions per class period, with 26% of the time in a class period allocated for transitions. Results from the study indicated that there was a correlation between the frequency of off -task behavior and the frequency of transitions, with more frequent transitions resulting in higher levels of off -task behavior. By Sonya Sanderson, Kelly A. Heckaman, James M. Ernest, Sherifa Johnson, and Scot Raab Strategies FOR MAINTAINING Appropriate Behavior IN

Booking It: Using Children's Literature to Get Students Moving

Physical activity should be naturally occurring and not necessarily labeled as “exercise.” Rather, it should set the stage for lifestyle habits that include movement for physical and mental health. The cross-curricular integration of literacy and health and physical education may help students see ways to connect physical and academic learning. In this article, two university professors combine their academic passions to present ways to combine reading and physical education to foster health and literacy for children. Through a collaboration with physical and health education teachers, classroom teachers, librarians and the community, pedagogical approaches are offered to help students experience the integration of physical activity and literacy beyond typical “reading” and “PE” classes. A selection of childrens literature for Pre-K through Grade four is provided as a starting point for educators to try something new.

Difference in Bone Mineral Density Between Young Versus Midlife Women

Background: Older age is a risk factor for low bone mineral density (BMD). Older women have been found to have lower BMD than younger women. Recent trends for decreased calcium consumption and physical activity may place younger women at greater risk than previously anticipated. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of age on BMD in young (19.1 ± 0.4 years) versus midlife (46.3 ± 0.4 years) women. Methods: BMD was assessed with the Alara MetriScan. Results: Young women had lower BMD compared to midlife women (T score: − 1.18 ± 0.78 versus 0.25 ± 0.12; P < .05), lower body weight (65.6 ± 1.6 kg versus 79.6 ± 1.9 kg, P < .001), and lower body mass index (BMI; 23.7 ± 0.6 versus 29.3 ± 0.7 kg/m2, P < .001). Discussion: Based on these data, younger women are at greater risk for loss of BMD and early onset osteoporosis than their older counterparts. Translation to Health Education Practice: Health Educators should teach that calcium and vitamin D supplementations are vital in maintaining bone mineral density throughout an individuals life span.