Research

        Food facts: A combination of poor nutrition and obesity means older Americans are more at risk to be hospitalized or suffer physical limitations, say researchers in Pennsylvania.

        Researchers evaluated 200 patients 65 and older in the Geisinger Health System, based in Danville, Pa.

        Approximately a third were obese, with BMIs of 30 or higher. Few differences were found in the nutrient intake between older men and women as far as calories were concerned, but older overweight and obese women, especially those who lived alone, earned poor marks for fiber, folate, magnesium, iron and zinc intake and higher intake of saturated fat. The elderly are more likely to suffer from a combination of malnutrition, chronic illness and obesity.

        Dr. Christopher Still, director of Geisinger's Clinical Nutrition Research Center, says the results indicate nutritionists and doctors need to put more emphasis on the quality of food intake as well as on the number of calories consumed.

Nutrition

        Diet cheats: The May 21 issue of Family Circle warns that words like “lean” on food products may add up to a big fat lie. Read the nutrition label on these products to make sure you're not consuming too many calories:

        • Cereals, granola and other breakfast foods: Whole-grain and low-fat don't mean low-calorie. And look out for words like “smart” in the name.

        • Cheese: The difference between low-fat and full-fat cheeses might not be much of a bargain, and most of us tend to use more of the low-fat variety, thinking we can get away with it. Read the labels.

        • Frozen yogurt and ice cream: The calorie range among the low-fat/low-cal varieties is incredible.

        • California dreamin': Those smoothies and burritos can be packed with fat and calories. Some smoothies can add up to 500 calories.

Tips

        Sneaker smarts: Do all those choices in the sneaker aisle confuse you? Then check out these tips from the American Council on Exercise before you go shopping:

        • Know what you need: Most stores carry a variety of sports-specific shoes for walking, jogging, aerobics, etc. If your workout includes a variety of activities, cross-training shoes might be your best bet.

        • Know your feet: If you have high arches, you'll need more shock absorption and greater stability around the ankle. People with low arches need less cushioning but more support and heel control.

        • Check the fit: Choose a store with a wide inventory. Shop at the end of the day when your feet are at their biggest. Make sure there's enough room in the toe box, but not too much at the heel.

        • Check your wallet: Price shouldn't be your first concern, but most athletic shoes will only last three to six months, depending on activity and frequency of exercise. Look at how much you want to spend annually on sneakers.

Calendar

        Benefit walk: The Alcoholism Council of the Cincinnati Area will hold its seventh annual Walk for Alcohol and Drug Addiction Awareness beginning at 8 a.m. May 18 at the Cincinnati Zoo. Information: 281-7880.

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