Asthma is a condition characterized by narrowed air passages (bronchi) leading to the lungs, which causes labored breathing and wheezing. In 1990 approximately 5.6 percent of Americans were affected by asthma, resulting in over six billion dollars in healthcare costs. Obesity is common in asthmatic patients, but from research to date it remains unclear how exactly obesity relates to asthma in the general population.

Sylvia Y. N. Young, M.D., M.P.H., of the Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit in Sigonella, Italy headed a study examining the relationship between BMI and occurrence of asthma. People with a BMI of over 25 (measured in kilograms per meter squared) are considered overweight, and those with a BMI over 30 are considered obese.

The study population consisted of 2,788 asthmatic patients and about 40,000 controls enrolled in a military managed health care program in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Enrollees replied to annual questionnaires that asked about their height, weight, and history of asthma. The participants ranged from 17 to 96 years of age.

The researchers found that as BMI increased, so did the rate of asthma. Compared to patients with a BMI under 25, those with BMIs between 25 and 30 were 20 percent more likely to have asthma. Those with BMIs over 40 had 2.8 times the risk for asthma.

To check the accuracy of patients’ replies to the questionnaire, Young and colleagues also randomly selected 1000 of the asthma patients and 1000 of the controls and verified their conditions from online pharmacy records.

After excluding asthma patients not prescribed bronchodilator medications and controls prescribed bronchodilator medications, the authors looked for associations among asthma, BMI, demographic factors, lifestyle, and other disease-related risk factors among 366 verified asthma cases and 744 verified controls.

Again, asthma rates increased with BMI. Among verified subjects, those with BMIs between 25 and 30 were 40 percent more likely to have asthma
than those who were not overweight. Patients with BMIs between 35 and 40 were 4.8 times as likely to suffer from asthma.

In addition to high BMI, the authors found in both the larger and the verified analyses, that younger age, female sex, less physical activity, stomach ulcer, depression, and high blood pressure were also predictors of asthma occurrence.

Minarik stated that he had been practicing there for 18 years and that he saw four or five patients every day. “I’ve been treating people for twenty years already,” he said. He wore a white lab jacket throughout the session and came across as a moderately affable professional.

“What kind of problem do you have?” he inquired. I lied, stating that I had been diagnosed with high blood pressure a few years before but didn’t have symptoms. I said that I was “supposed to” take medication but didn’t, and that I treated my condition with exercise and diet.

“So, high blood pressure, you said?” asked Minarik.

“Yeah.”

“Anything else? Any pains?”

“No.”

The first phase of Minarik’s “reflexology treatment” involved his placing “acupressers” on my hands and feet: (1) a plastic device, indistinguishable from a spring clothespin, on each little toe, (2) a plastic helmetlike device on each big toe, (3) a plastic screw-device with Velcro on each foot, and (4) a “screw-on” plastic clamplike device on each hand and foot. As I lay in the reclinerlike armchair, I looked at the blowup of Minarik and Cuomo and observed: “That’s Mario Cuomo, isn’t it?”

“Yeah,” said Minarik. “He was one of my patients.”

I told Minarik that years ago I had applied to the National College of Naturopathic Medicine; then I asked where he had studied.

“In California,” he replied.

“Is the school still there?”

“Uh, no…”

I asked the name of the school, and he said: “William Fitzgerald School of Naturopathic Medicine and Zone Therapy.”

Then I lay “adorned” for about twenty-three minutes. Minarik spent most of this time in what sounded like a kitchen. Six minutes before the end of the period, he declared that, whatever my blood pressure had been “before,” it was now lower. As he removed the devices, he asked for how long had I had a blood-pressure problem, and I said ten years.

The next phase involved manual massage of my feet, calves, and shins; the next, massage of my soles and toes with a vibrator that had a tapered head, and of the left and right sides of my feet with the Hitachi Magic Twin-Head Massager. The following phase involved my sitting on a footrest with my hands on the “roller”; the next, getting a massage from the mechanical couch; and the last, Minarik’s cracking my neck. I somewhat disliked Minarik’s cracking my neck, knuckles, and toes, especially since he had not stated his intention beforehand.

Minarik sold me the Acupresser for $40: junk consisting of four plastic clamplike devices and a pair of Velcro devices. I asked him why the Velcro on one device was white and on the other, black. He said the difference balances yin and yang.

Minarik stated that he would thenceforth charge me $30 per visit. He recommended two visits weekly for several weeks (purportedly to break up calcium deposits), followed by one visit per month.

On August 3, I again happened to meet the 63-year-old naturopath at the health spa. He asked me how I felt after the “treatment.” I said “fine,” omitting that I thought his treatment was irrelevant. Indeed, the euphoria his brochure had forecast had missed me with a vengeance.

The Bottom Line
Reflexology is a highly variegated practice whose theories lack scientific substantiation. It can be pleasurable or unpleasant, a massage or an invitation to quackery, or just a waste of time.

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In 1990, the brochure included a photo of Minarik and Mario Cuomo, shoulder to shoulder in front of a gas station. The caption described Cuomo as looking “very contented after getting his ailing back cured with a foot reflexology treatment” from the “famed” foot reflexologist.

However, in August of that year, Governor Cuomo responded that he “in no way “endorsed “Mr.” Minarik’s work and that Minarik had never treated him. Brochures distributed between late 1993 and August 1995 do not mention or depict the former governor.

I first laid eyes on Minarik on July 29, 1995, when I chanced upon him in a steam room. This was in a large health spa in Woodside, New York, that had displayed his promotional materials for years. I recognized Minarik from a photo in a copy of a tabloid clipping I had recently seen at the club. The man sitting beside him asked about his cellular phone, perched just outside the window ahead of them. Minarik told the man he was expecting a call from a patient. Before I left the club, I obtained his brochure from a display case.

The cover of the brochure stated:

Foot Reflexology is a science which deals with the principle that there are reflexes in the feet relative to each and every organ and all parts of the body.

As a person gets older, inorganic calcium builds up on these nerve endings causing a shortage of nerve energy back to the corresponding parts of the body. By skillfully stimulating these reflexes, these inorganic calcium deposits can be gradually dissolved enabling renewed nerve energy and blood circulation to previously sluggish glands, organs or other parts of the body. Even after the first treatment, the patient experiences a profound sense of well-being and euphoria.

These assertions are scientifically footless.

The cover further states that foot reflexology has “successfully alleviated” anxiety, arthritis, back pain, bursitis, constipation, depression, fatigue, “female problems,” glandular disorders, headaches, intestinal ills, neck stiffness, sciatica, and more than a half-dozen other health problems.

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Forms and variations of reflexology include auricular reflexology, body reflexology, chakra energy massage, the Laura Norman method, the metamorphic technique, the Original Ingham Method™, the reflexology workout, Vita Flex, and zone therapy. Proponent and quasi-proponent identifications of reflexology vary substantially, for example:
zone therapy

a descendant of zone therapy

zone therapy, comprising (1) macroreflexology (e.g., acupressure and acupuncture) and (2) microreflexology (e.g., ear reflexology, foot reflexology, and hand reflexology)

foot reflexology

a type of shiatsu that focuses on the hands and feet

I first experienced foot reflexology in 1993. The practitioner, evidently a teacher of the Laura Norman method, applied lotion to my feet before massaging them. She stated that she generally used lotion even though the method excluded it. The form of reflexology she performed during the one-hour session consisted of manual massage, almost exclusively of the feet. I rather enjoyed it. The reflexologist told me I had “some tightness” in my intestines and remarked that many reflexologists have no compunctions about rendering diagnoses. My second reflexology experience, which I describe below, was very different.

Later that year, the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology published a report of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of reflexology. The authors — Terry Oleson, Ph.D., and William (Bill) Flocco, founder of the American Academy of Reflexology, in Burbank, California – defined reflexology therapy as “the application of manual pressure to reflex points on the ears, hands, and feet that somatotopically correspond to specific areas of the body.” What somatotopic correspondence is, is unclear. According to the report, the objective was to determine whether reflexology, relative to placebo treatment, could significantly reduce premenstrual symptoms. All 35 subjects individually attended one half-hour session per week for eight weeks. “Trained reflexology therapists” pressed specific “reflex points” and two specific acupuncture points of subjects in the “true” group; but, to subjects in the placebo group, they gave “uneven tactile stimulation” to areas (on the same appendages) “not considered appropriate” for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

The researchers concluded that their findings “support the use of ear, hand, and foot reflexology for the treatment of PMS.” However, they described the placebo treatment as “either overly light or very rough,” leading me to suspect that it had been tactually inferior to the reflexology performed. (Enlisting nonreflexologist practitioners of a tactual method, such as craniosacral balancing or jin shin do, to treat subjects in the placebo group would eliminate the difficulty the researchers said reflexologists had when they pseudo-treated subjects.) At all events, the study certainly does not validate any theory of reflexology. One of the most cockamamie reflexology theories posits “crystalline deposits” linked to disease: allegedly, crystals form subcutaneously in the “relevant” foot zone when a physical disturbance occurs, and their breakdown relieves the affected part of the body.

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Rub-off lettering can also be used. These letters appear on a large waxed sheet of paper and can be rubbed onto whatever surface you are using. This does not work effectively on fabric, but will work well on most other surfaces. You can find rub-off lettering in artist supply stores and craft shops.

Finally, there are vinyl letters. These are letters that have adhesive on the back. They become relatively permanent once affixed. You”ve probably seen them used to number mailboxes. They come in packages of all sizes and colors, and are available in simple versions and limited size selections at hardware stores. More extensive choices in colors, sizes and fonts are available at artist supply stores, craft shops and office supply stores.

Keeping it fresh
Rotate some of your signs every few days. Each time you move to a new location, it will be as if you put up an entirely different sign. If you have main spaces where information is always found, that is the area to decorate. Other flyers and posters which can be placed on easels, can be moved around for maximum effectiveness.

If your bulletin boards look like a collection of scrap paper in five or six colors, people are probably immune to reading anything. If print on your signs is too small, people will walk right by. The goal of your bulletin boards is to make people stop and ask questions. You cannot communicate everything on one sheet of paper. The ultimate test of your bulletin board is to walk by your board quickly.

If you did not remember anything you saw, or if you weren”t able to read anything as you walked past, neither will your members. Use large type (46 point or above) to capture the attention of your members. Save the small print for brochures.

Here is how I finally resolved my bulletin board dilemma: I covered a large board located in the lobby with teal fabric (our color scheme) and stenciled “CLUB PROGRAMS” in all caps onto black construction paper. The letters were each at least 10 inches high by 5 to 6 inches wide. I enlarged the club logo on the copy machine to about 300 percent of its original size, cut it out, and placed it in between “Club” and “Programs.” I then printed “cover sheets” on white paper from my laser printer. Each cover sheet was the title of an upcoming event or program. I backed them with a piece of construction paper. I then put an information sheet and registration list under that. When members wanted to know more about an event, they merely lifted the top sheet and took a look. If they liked what they saw, they could register right there. For programs requiring a fee, they would go to the front desk, which was located within 25 feet of the program board. It became a very effective tool for membership and it cleaned up the lobby, which was too “busy.” Most importantly, it increased program registrations.

While many fitness centers across the country provide the standard offering of wellness classes such as weight management, stress management, smoking cessation and healthy back, you may want to branch out and offer a wider variety of exciting classes and instruction. For example, consider trying classes in low-fat cooking, in-line skating, snow skiing, golf and competitive running and swimming, to name just a few.

In addition to your schedule of classes and seminars, how about developing a series of contests and competitions that run throughout the calendar year. Contests can be motivating for members and can assist them in combating boredom and burnout in their fitness program.

One popular contest idea is the “frequent fitness program.” Modeled after the airline industry’s frequent flier program, this contest rewards points for specific amounts of exercise preformed by members. Points can be accumulated and “cashed in” for prizes such as T-shirts, water bottles, lunches, free tennis lessons and even a free month’s dues.

Remember the age-old saying, “variety is the spice of life.” Give your members the variety they need and the opportunities they want to try new skills and events. Help your members to stay motivated and participating in their health and fitness programs. By doing so, you not only help your members stay happier and healthier, but help increase your facility’s level of membership retention.

Basic medical screening Finally, like many health and fitness facilities across the country, consider offering a comprehensive program of basic medical screenings and services. Basic fitness testing and nutrition analysis are a wonderful complement to any membership and help document member progress.

In addition to basic fitness testing and diet analysis, you may want to add a monthly blood-pressure screening, eye exam, spine alignment analysis and even blood chemistry and cholesterol screenings.

Also, offer a gait analysis for members who enjoy running or walking. Simply videotape your members while they run or walk on a treadmill, then have a physician or a local track coach analyze the members’ strides and give pointers on how they can perform more efficiently.

One final example of a creative screening is to have a certified athletic trainer visit your fitness center once a month. The trainer can answer questions on basic sports injuries and give basic treatment instructions.

Many of the preceding services can be performed in your lobby or other high-visibility areas, and done for little or no charge to you or your members. By working with your local medical community, you can expose your members and staff to a wealth of highly beneficial resources and expertise, while providing valuable programs and services.

Consistent quality service can be a rare commodity in today’s business environment. When competitors are closely matched, those that emphasize superior customer service will win. Be willing to invest time and money into developing creative, educational and motivating programs and services for your members. By doing so, your dividend will be an improved membership retention rate and a healthier corporate bottom line.

I’m not surprised at this spark of intelligence just because Erin has breast implants. Personally, I think women are smart to get breast implants (but not the huge ones) because it gives them power and control over the male species. I’m surprised because until now she has said nothing at all that was the slightest bit memorable.

Plus, until now, she has been featured very often as the camera lingers on her beautilicious bod. But still, she hasn’t really spoken until now.

After Jake read the tree mail announcing the next immunity challenge, Erin responded, “When we started off we didn’t think we could’ve picked a better team. All I know is that the majority of us don’t really care whether or not we win immunity. We’re actually hoping we lose. We’re ready to get rid of some people.”

So who will be the first to go? Ghandia, who sucks at both physical and mental challenges? Tanya, who’s been puking her guts out? Or John, who’s been annoying everyone with his bossiness?

The Tribal Council

The Tribal Council is held in a nifty building at the end of a fancied-up pier. Other than that, all else is the same. They have the torches, the big fire in the middle, and the same general setup with Jeff on the right and the contestants on the left.

Mr. Probst asked a number of questions, including this one to Brian. “In your profession as a used car salesman, do you have an advantage, do you think, in assimilating with strangers?”

Brian dug deep into his Big Book of Cliches and rattled off as many as he could think to say in one breath. I’ll count them for you as I quote his exact response…

“(1) No, if you judge people by the surface or just by on sheer looks, then you’re a very shallow person in the first place, so (2) you’ve got to go a lot deeper than that and really get to know people. (3) It’s all about love. So (4) it’s a beautiful thing once you get to know everyone and (5) not judge the book by its cover. Very important. VERY important.”

(Again, that was an EXACT quote minus the “ums” and “ahs” in between.)

Wow! Five cliches all in one response! That could possibly be a record. Throughout his masterpiece response, Pastor John nodded affirmingly, Tanya remembered hearing these on Oprah, and Helen rolled her eyes in disgust.

On to the votes…

John voted for Ghandia

Helen voted for Clay because it was a “financial move” saying that he didn’t need the money as much as the rest of us.

Oh puke. What an idiot. I just can’t stand this crap about how people shouldn’t be allowed to win because they already have money. I just lost every bit of respect for Helen I once had and I had a lot. I thought she could very well be one of the craftiest in their tribe. Now I understand why she wasn’t selected to solve the puzzle that Ghandia bombed on: because Helen is a dolt.

All the others voted John off the island. As his torch was put out, a few in the tribe realized, “Uh oh, who’s going to read the maps? Who else other than me really knows how to row a boat? Oh crap. We’re doomed.”

In the next episode, we see golf playing, more storms, more fighting amongst Team Skateboard, and Helen and Jan, having voted off the one guy who could read a map, get lost in their canoe as the waters get more and more rough.

Of course, what I find really interesting is that a camera crew was right with them all the way, rowing, cursing at the rain, cursing at the two who are lost, “IT’S THIS WAY, YOU IDIOTS!! I’M TIRED OF FREAKING ROWING!”

Without a doubt my favorite song on this album would be the opener, the soothing (at least to me), head-drowning, and impressively dark ‘Depression, Part I’, which is a beautiful example of ambient/abstract/droning black metal guitarwork, and which features, for me, the most moving melodies on the entire record. This entire song is put together perfectly, and as it cycles through its different sections I am always impressed by its ability to project an atmosphere of isolation, misanthropy and…a forsaken melancholy. What’s especially interesting is the creative ending guitar section starting at 10:03 and ending at 11:21 – this is basically just a minute of guitars, free from all restrictions, reaching out and stretching forth to harmonize with each other in a storm of distortion. Impressive. Many people, I am sure, would find this song disturbing (both its sound and its lyrics), but for me it is pure uninterrupted bliss…

This is officially Abyssic Hate’s first album (there were a number of tapes released before this), and although it includes material from an earlier date in this band’s progression and so doesn’t exactly refer to what Shane may be doing now, it makes me look forward to hearing more of his music, and I wish him luck…I believe that this band, like so many other one-man bands in the history of black metal, really has something original to say and has invented an original method for doing so…let’s hope that Abyssic Hate’s future lives up to the promise of this initial outpouring. This record is highly recommended.

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No, these melodies have been wrenched out of highly emotional moments and spun together to form a tapestry that I believe is both revealing and mystifying, much like the very personal or ‘confessional’ lyrics, which must have been written in order to exorcise dire demons, and which can either be read as a glimpse into specific times in a man’s life, or as abstractions begging to be interpreted in the search for general communication. ‘Revealing’ – in that the lyrics and melodies are much more emotional, subjective, and personal than most bands, and ‘mystifying’ in that these songs do not ever really directly picture (for the reader) what they are trying to communicate…they don’t spell out the source of (or primary inspiration for) their creation, for example, and they don’t concretely refer to specific instances in time – the images are metaphors or descriptive symbols, and what they communicate is primarily emotional instead of being the telling of a story or the spreading of one distinct message. Rather, what we have here are isolated segments of deep pain, personal suffering, bled out in a recording studio…and the lyrics are the attempt on the part of the musician to bleed out on paper, using evocative language, what he couldn’t exactly refer to or evoke using abstract music. In other words, depending on what you want to take away from this album and how squeamish you are when it comes to feeling empathy for an artist, these songs will either manifest themselves as personal snapshots of extreme emotional states, or generalized dark ‘narratives’ that seek to speak in a language of distress, appealing to you because you may or may not have experienced similar moments. Internal or external – will you choose to desensitize yourself to the power of these melodies, or will you seek empathy in their relation? How much of yourself will you bring to the listening? Again, much like Burzum, what you get out of listening to this music will depend, to a great degree, on what you bring into it…

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