A low-glycemic nutritional fitness program to reverse metabolic syndrome in professional firefighters: results of a pilot study.

Background: The risk for cardiovascular events is higher for those with metabolic syndrome (MetS), and it is known that firefighters have a 4-fold risk for cardiovascular events. The purpose of this study was to quantify MetS prevalence and evaluate the effect of a low-glycemic nutritional fitness program on the reduction of MetS risk factors among firefighters.

Methods: Professional firefighters were screened for MetS then enrolled in a low-glycemic nutritional fitness program for a 12-week period.

Highs and lows: patterns of use, positive and negative effects of benzylpiperazine-containing party pills (BZP-party pills) amongst young people in New Zealand.

Background: This study aimed to investigate patterns and context of use of BZP-party pills, function of use, and positive and negative effects experienced by a sample of New Zealand young people who had used the products.

Methods: A qualitative study comprised of semi-structured interviews and group discussions.

Results: The sample included 58 young people aged 17-23 years who had used BZP-party pills in the previous 12 months.