Synopsis for July 13, 2006

The MMWR is embargoed until Thursday, 12 PM EST.

1. Trends in Strength Training at Recommended Levels by Age, Sex,
   and Race/Ethnicity - United States, 1998-2004
2. Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication - India, January
   2005-June 2006

Trends in Strength Training at Recommended Levels by Age, Sex, and Race/Ethnicity - United States, 1998-2004

Regularly performed strength training has many positive effects on increasing muscle mass, strength and bone health. All adults are encouraged to engage in strength training activities such as push-ups, sit-ups and pull-ups two or more times per week.

Strength training is important because it helps preserve mobility and reduce the risk of fall-related injuries. Although it is clear that regularly performed strength training results in many positive changes, only 20 percent of adults engage in strength training two or more times per week. Since 1998 the prevalence of strength training has increased slightly, however, findings from this report suggest the need to create more opportunities for strength training.

Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication - India, January 2005-June 2006

Despite the recent increase in cases, progress continues toward polio eradication in India, based on geographic restriction and decrease in genetic diversity of the virus.

In 2005, India reported 66 wild polio cases compared to 134 in 2004. As of June 25, 2006, 60 cases have been reported. There has been a resurgence of cases near the final stages of eradication in India in a highly localized area of Western Uttar Pradesh associated with a decline in immunization campaign quality from June 2005-January 2006. After the use of monovalent oral polio vaccine (mOPV) in 2005, virus transmission has been primarily restricted to the two endemic states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and genetic diversity has also decreased. Through programmatic strategies targeting underserved populations, renewed emphasis on delivery of a birth dose of mOPV, and improved operational aspects, interruption of wild poliovirus transmission in India remains feasible.

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