This project involved studying the historic site of Tumamoc Hill in West Tucson and its associated conservation efforts, research, and public use. We looked at the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, and the components and functions of the heart, blood vessels, and blood. We studied Down Syndrome and common heart defects associated with the trisomy of chromosome 21. We then looked at the acute and chronic cardiovascular adaptations associated with exercise, and additional exercise-related considerations needed for individuals with Down Syndrome. After studying these topics, Dr. Zoe Cohen, Alyson Fix, and Michael Seacat hiked Tumamoc Hill and distributed brochures incorporating learned information to hikers that were "Rocking the Moc." Experiences and findings were presented at the Physiology Poster Session on April 17, 2013.

The current societal factors placed on athletes have been causing a dramatic rise in the use of performance-enhancing drugs and practices in recent years. The intensity of competition and the pressures from increases in talent and skill in athletic competitions have led many athletes to look for illegal and alternative ways of increasing their own performance. The use of these methods, such as blood transfusions, EPO injections, anabolic steroids, and stimulants, has been shown to be detrimental to cardiovascular health and the overall health of users. Side effects may cause permanent damage to vital organs and can lead to death over prolonged use. This literature review explains the mechanisms in which these practices promote performance enhancement in athletes. In addition, the effects of these methods on the cardiovascular system and other vital systems is explained. Finally, the ways in which athletic governing boards test athletes for illegal use of performance-enhancing drugs and practices is described. Many athletic organizations, such as the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Olympic Committee, have placed bans on these methods of performance enhancement in order to promote fair and safe athletic competitions for all participants.

Subsequent to the analysis of a pre-workout supplement, during-workout supplement, and post-workout supplement, it was concluded that only the post strength training recovery supplement (Optimum Nutrition’s™ Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein) was able to successfully fulfill all of the company’s claims as well as proved the most beneficial. It was noted that the other two types of supplements had some potentially negative effects on a human’s cardiovascular system, were not necessarily beneficial for strength training exercisers, and contained various ingredients with both valid and invalid company claims. This review of the cardiovascular (CV) system in congruence with strength training supplements concludes the vital connections between the two are important and should be heavily considered upon use of supplementation resembling any of the three reviewed.

Zumba is a dance fitness program (created by Alberto “Beto” Perez in the 1990s), with classes tailored for different groups of people (children, adults, and seniors). The purpose of this thesis is to provide the general public with information regarding the cardiovascular, immunological, and cognitive systems as well as describe the cardiovascular, immunological and cognitive effects of aerobic activity such as Zumba, both in an acute manner (during the class) and chronically (if Zumba is used as part of a long term training program). Hopes are that if enough emphasis is put on the correlation between exercise and health benefits, individuals will make their health a priority, and prevent illnesses associated with these physiological systems.

This thesis constructs a comprehensive analysis of dormant viruses to educate college students about the threats these organisms pose to their health. Focusing on the Varicella Zoster virus, Epstein Barr virus, and Human Papillomavirus, this research provides a detailed description of the pathology and treatment options for each of these viruses. While the defenses of our immune system are paramount to our health, this research reveals that additional protective measures, such as vaccines, are vital to our wellbeing.

Fast food marketing campaigns target children as young as 3 years old with the use of appealing images, TV advertising, toys, and play areas. As children grow older, peer pressure and social media advertising become the typical methods of drawing them in. Psychologically, it has been shown that brand imprinting and the “mere exposure” effect greatly contribute to the effectiveness of fast food advertising, and that the earlier children are exposed to this advertising, the more potent the effects. The consequences of fast food’s popularity include a pronounced increase in childhood obesity as well as poor cardiovascular health from a young age. The high-calorie, low-nutrient food is spiked with unnecessary sodium, sugars and fats, all of which lead to poor health outcomes for children. However, the prevalence of healthier choices on menus and increased parental concern are some of the positive responses to this health epidemic.

The goal of this study is to investigate the components and differences of the modifiable risk factors for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) between individuals diagnosed in both the United States and France. The amount of deaths associated with CAD in the United States greatly outweighs the amount of CAD related deaths in France. More than 18% of all deaths in the U.S. are due to CAD, while in France, that statistic is reduced to just 9%. Out of 172 countries, the United States ranks 107th for highest percentage of deaths from CAD, while France ranks 171st. Risk factors that were analyzed and compared include dyslipidemia, hypertension, cigarette smoking, diabetes, and obesity. The majority of these risk factors are comparably similar between both countries with the exception of dyslipidemia and cigarette smoking being slightly higher in France. However, there is a large difference in the prevalence of obesity. The United States possesses a 35% rate of obesity while France averages just 14.5%. While it remains unclear as to why France has a much lower rate of CAD than the US, it is reasonable to speculate that twice the amount of obesity will also double the amount of CAD. L’abstrait Le but de cette étude étudie les composantes et les différences entre les facteurs de risque modifiables pour la maladie coronarienne (CAD) entre les individus diagnostiqués aux États-Unis et en France. La quantité des morts associés à CAD aux États-Unis est beaucoup plus que la quantité de CAD morts associés en France. Plus de 18% de tous les morts aux États-Unis sont dus à CAD, mais en France, cette statistique est réduite à seulement 9%. Sur de 172 pays, les États-Unis sont 107e pour le plus haut pourcentage des morts de CAD, mais France est seulement 171e. Les facteurs de risque qui ont analysés et comparés comprennent la dyslipidémie, l'hypertension, le tabagisme, le diabète et l'obésité. La majorité de ces facteurs de risque sont comparables similaires entre les deux pays, à l'exception de la dyslipidémie et le tabagisme qui sont légèrement plus élevé en France. Cependant, il y a une grande différence dans la prévalence de l'obésité. Les États-Unis possède un taux de 35% d'obésité, mais France a seulement un taux de 14,5%. Bien qu'il reste difficile de comprendre pourquoi France a un taux beaucoup plus moins de CAD que les États-Unis, il est raisonnable de supposer que deux fois la quantité de l'obésité sera doubler la quantité de CAD aussi.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death of men and women in the United States. In fact, heart disease kills more people than all types of cancer combined, equaling almost 787,000 people in 2011 (25). In addition, it was estimated in 2012 that 52 billion dollars was spent in direct and indirect costs of heart failure and by the year 2030, the total cost of heart failure will triple (26). There are many modifiable risk factors that have been shown to reduce an individual’s chance of having heart failure, and one of these factors is exercise. Exercise will not completely prevent the decrease in cardiovascular function as an individual ages, but will help maintain cardiac output, VO2 max, and blood pressure. Any amount of exercise is beneficial, even for patients with pre-existing heart disease. Therefore, those who have risk factors for heart disease should consult their doctor and begin an exercise program to reduce their risk of a coronary event.