Early reading lessons for kids often consist of “see Dick run,” “see Spot run,” and of course “see Jane run.” However, actually reading while running isn’t really so easy – even on a treadmill. There are stands that can allow for placement of a book or magazine but the motion of running can make it hard to concentrate on the words.
This is where the ReadingMate comes in as this new system, which is being developed at Purdue University, utilizes a video monitor with head-tracking technology to keep onscreen text bobbing in unison with a runner’s eyes. The monitor also increased font size making it easier to see. All this should help runners stay focused on what they are reading and that could help runners put in more time on the treadmill.
Hey, where did everybody go? (Photo courtesy of Vagabond Shutterbug)
It’s February, we’re well into the year, and there’s no turning back. Which begs the question, how are your fitness goals coming along? Have you been going to the gym regularly since you signed up during the New Year? Have you stayed true to your resolutions? If you said no, you’re not alone. Most of us make unrealistic goals for ourselves, according to Purdue University.
It’s not rocket science: people give up on fitness because they have no goals to begin with, they make unrealistic goals, or they lack the knowledge, motivation, discipline or tools to achieve their goals without injury, according to Lane Yahiro, clinical professor and director of the A.H. Ismail Center for Health, Exercise and Nutrition at Purdue University.
Yahiro offers some very easy tips to stay focus if people wish to get fit. One, be accountable, and exercise with someone with a similar schedule to help you with accountability. “I am a firm believer in having accountability,” Yahiro said. “Having an accountability partner does wonders, especially if the partner is just as excited about exercising.”
Second, establish exercise goals that can be reachable. Yahiro says working with a personal trainer can help you create realistic goals. “Personal trainers should set up daily training session objectives that will help the client work toward reaching both short- and long-term goals. An accountability partner can also work with you in this way.” (In our experience, many personal trainers are expensive and lack the proper training. Before you work with a trainer, make sure they are certified and understand your needs.)
Third, keep track of your progress.
These aren’t bulletproof tips that will guarantee a fit body, but exercise requires motivation, so don’t set the bar too high for yourself.
In this image, the left shows image reconstruction using conventional CT imaging, and the right shows a scan using Veo. (Purdue University)
Purdue University and the University of Notre Dame have partnered with GE Healthcare to develop a new computed tomography (CT) scanning reconstruction technology they are calling Veo. The proprietary technology, according to the consortium, “enables physicians to diagnose patients with high-clarity images at previously unattainable low radiation dose levels.”
Invented in the 1970s, CT is an advanced version of spiral X-ray technology. While the technology has enhanced the ability of physicians to diagnosis diseases, patients are exposed to radiation during scanning. The Veo technology will help physicians get clearer images while exposing patients to less radiation.
“Conventional CT scanning takes thousands of views from different angles to ‘see’ organs and then creates a 3-D image of the person,” said Charles Bouman, Purdue’s Michael J. and Katherine R. Birck Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and a professor of biomedical engineering. “Veo takes radiographic images digitally that use less X-ray. A reduction in X-rays means the radiation dosage is reduced. Then, our computer algorithm uses model-based reconstruction more effectively so we can form a high-quality image with less radiation.
“Basically, Veo cleans up the noise or graininess and creates a sharper image,” Bouman added.
Early reading lessons for kids often consist of “see Dick run,” “see Spot run,” and of course “see Jane run.” However, actually reading while running isn’t really so easy – even on a treadmill. There are stands that can allow for placement of a book or magazine but the motion of running can make it hard to concentrate on the words.
