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Finger Pointing Get's Us Nowhere!...
Weight management is difficult enough nowadays. Many individuals find themselves discouraged attempting to navigate the, seemingly, endless road on their way to gaining control of their health and weight. There is a multitude of information and a wide array of programs and regimens that can be overwhelming for the average person that is just trying to get into better shape. Despite the fact that the emphasis is always on the physical, the weight management game is mostly mental. The best way to foster and maintain your physical health is to have a strong mental mindset. More than 70% of diet and exercise pursuits fail because the individual has become demoralized and given up. We consistently internalize perceived lack of results as personal failures and abandon the journey. Perhaps the saddest aspect of this is that most people don't even realize that a vast majority of the struggle they experience...isn't their fault. A person's metabolic rate governs their weight gain and loss...a small percentage of which is based upon factors that can be controlled. When you begin to experience negative thoughts/emotions about your weight management journey, consider all the factors that affect it. Check out the list below.
Hormones
Certain hormones can increase or decrease metabolism. Lower than normal thyroid levels can result in approximately a 15% decrease in resting metabolism.
Nutritional Supplements
Certain supplements can increase or decrease metabolism 3 - 16% in doses ranging from .25 to 150 mg per kilogram of body weight.
Pharmaceuticals
Prescription and over the counter drugs can increase or decrease metabolism. It is recommended to measure individuals who are taking medications for chronic conditions.
Fever and/or Infection
An increase in body temperature will increase metabolism. The body is expending more energy to help combat an illness or injury resulting in a significant increase in resting metabolism.
Body Mass
A person with a greater body weight will have a higher resting metabolism than a smaller person because their body has to work "harder" to support and maintain the extra weight.
Body Composition
Muscle burns more calories than fat, even at rest. One kilogram of muscle expends 3-5 times more calories than one kilogram of fat.
Age
Metabolism declines naturally in adults at a rate of about 2-3% per decade because of loss of lean muscle mass.
Gender
Men normally have a higher metabolism than women primarily because of body mass and body composition.
Stress/Emotional Excitement
Good and bad stress could cause an increase in metabolism due to an increased utilization of stress hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Exercise
Strength training can lead to a chronic increase in metabolism because of the increase in lean muscle mass.
Weight loss
The two main reasons for a decrease in resting metabolism are that (1) a smaller body requires fewer calories to maintain the same physiological functions; and (2) during weight loss the body may try to conserve energy.
Caloric Restriction
Restrictive diets consisting of less than 1000 calories per day can result in an acute decrease in resting metabolic rate.
MICROLIFE COVID-19 RESPONSE
Microlife Medical Home Solutions, Inc. is committed to the health and safety of our consumers. In the wake of the recent COVID-19 viral outbreak we would like to ensure that all measures are being taken for the safe utilization of our products as this crisis is resolved.
As you continue to conduct RMR measurements, we'd like you to remember the following safety measures to avoid transmission...
- Have patient/client wash hands before and after measurement.
- Have administering staff wash hands before and after measurement
- Always use a new mouthpiece and nose-clip...NEVER RE-USE
- Have a nearby, covered waste receptacle on-hand and have patient dispose of mouthpiece and nose-clip after completed measurement
**For additional protection, staff may consider wearing sterile gloves during administration
We also recommend cleaning of your RMR measurement device after each use. For your convenience, we have provided cleaning and maintenance instructions below.
Caring for Your MedGem/BodyGem Indirect Calorimeter
The MedGem/BodyGem Device Cleaning Instructions
The MedGem/BodyGem device is designed for extended use under normal conditions. It contains electronic components that may be damaged if not cared for properly. You can wipe the device, with the flow tube still inserted, using a clean dry cloth or disinfecting Wipes. Do not remove the flow tube! There are components and sensors exposed if the flow tube is removed that may be damaged if exposed to water or cleaning solvents.
WARNING: DO NOT SUBMERGE THE MEDGEM/BODYGEM DEVICE IN WATER OR ALLOW WATER OR ANY SOLUTION TO PENETRATE THE DISPLAY WINDOW, SOCKETS, OR OPENINGS ON THE PRODUCT.
Protecting the Medgem/BodyGem device from damage
Protect the MedGem/BodyGem device from extreme temperatures and avoid exposure to excessive heat or moisture that can cause damage to internal components.
Use only Microlife supplied mouthpieces, accessories, power supplies, and replacement parts. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the MedGem/BodyGem device."
How to store the MedGem/BodyGem device
To protect the sensors inside the MedGem/BodyGem device, it is recommended that you leave the MedGem/BodyGem device standing upright between uses. Store it in its case overnight or when it is not in use.
During this time, your safety and that of your patients is the primary concern. We are closely monitoring the situation to evaluate additional measures to support our customers and will disseminate any new information we find. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding the continued use of your devices.
Thank you for being part of the Microlife family. We value your relationship and are here to meet your needs.
Sincerely,
The Microlife Team
