About Jerry Ryan, Ph.D. Expertise I have a Doctorate in Natural Health and I am well-versed in a wide range of topics within that field. I teach individuals and group classes on nutrition, diet, nutritional supplements, juicing, fasting, exercise, aromatherapy, herbs, massage, meditation, relaxation techniques, stress management, anti-aging, etc. However, I am not a physician and cannot diagnose conditions or prescribe treatments/medication. But, I can make recommendations and refer you to appropriate information sources for the proper courses of action.
Experience Prior to my education as a Doctor of Natural Health, I worked for over 20 years as a member of the trauma/transplant surgical teams at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital, and other facilities from coast-to-coast. I also have extensive training in exercise and nutrition, having trained for over 20 years as a bodybuilder and martial artist. I have been taught by Taekwondo coaches from the Olympics and Black Belt Hall of Fame members and I have trained with athletes from the World Wrestling Federation.
Organizations I belong to the American Nutriceutical Association and Health Innovators International. I also belong to the local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary International, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks.
Publications Black Belt magazine; Inside Kung Fu magazine; Paraplegia News / PN Magazine; The Accord, the Journal of Spinal Cord Injuries Australia
Education/Credentials I have a Bachelor's degree, a Master's degree, and a Ph.D. degree in Natural Health. I have served as a member of the Alternative Medicine Advisory Board for the Veterans Administration Network 20; I have been a member on the Institutional Review Board for Portland VA Medical Center; I have also served as a member of the PVA Education Foundation Board based in Washington, DC.; I am currently a Trainer for Healthy Lifestyles for the Disabled through the Oregon Office on Disability & Health.
Awards and Honors Who’s Who in the West, 1992; Who’s Who for Business Professionals, 2004
Past/Present Clients Guest speaker at Nike World Headquarters, 2004
Question My wife and I are in a weight loss contest, not unlike the TV show, the Biggest Looser. She wants to meausre loss by percentages, not pounds lost. I agree that NORMALLY that would be fair ... but here are MY arguements for doing pounds, not percentages:
She is a busy RN, working on her feet all day, I am at a forced desk job. Hence, for 9-10 hours a day, our activities are controlled. Because of our jobs, she naturally will get more calories burned.
True, I am a male, she is a female, Harder for females generally to drop weight. But I am 58, she is 45. I say the age difference should compensate for the gender differences.
And finally I am at 275, 6ft3in tall, she is at 195, 5ft7in tall. I have a LOT more to drop. Is that a factor ? I don't know.
Just curious what you would suggest for a fair contest rule and WHY ?
Thanks !
Answer I agree with the percentages rule for several reasons.
The amount of calories you burn is based not only on movement but on overall bodyweight. You burn more calories than she does even if you're both sitting still. You'll also burn even more calories when you're moving than she does.
I agree with your analysis of the gender vs. age aspect. Women naturally carry more fat than men and it's harder to lose weight as one grows older.
The fact that you have more weight to drop is to your advantage. Heavier people lose weight more rapidly simply because they are burning more calories to sustain their body size.
Percentages wins. Good luck in your efforts.
Thank you for your question, Bill. I hope that my answer was helpful.
