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Wild animal species like deer, antelope, gazelle, hares, birds, and riverine/marine resources are also found in small proportions in the faunal assemblages of both rural and urban Indus sites suggesting that these diverse resources had a place in the Indus diet, the study notes.

The pattern is similar at the sites in northwest India, where domestic and wild mammals, and smaller proportions of birds, reptiles, riverine fish, and molluscs were consumed.

This study is unique in that it has gotten to look at the contents of the vessels. Normally there would be access to seeds or plant remains. But through the lipid residue analysis, we can confidently ascertain that consumption of beef, goat, sheep and pig was widespread, and especially of beef, said Suryanarayan.

There is also evidence of hares and birds being eaten, although little evidence of chicken being a part of the diet, according to the study. Ledge-shouldered jars and large storage jars at Harappa have been linked to storage of liquids such as wine and oil, it says.

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Dominance of meat in the diet of people Indus Valley civilisation, says new study - National Herald

Some people may experience constipation after diarrhea. Although it is uncommon, some medications or dietary changes may affect bowel movements and cause these drastic changes.

Some people may have underlying conditions that affect their digestive system as well.

Looking at other symptoms may help a person and their doctor identify the underlying cause. Treatment will vary based on the cause.

This article reviews some causes of constipation after diarrhea, treatments, prevention, and when to see a doctor.

It is possible to experience diarrhea after constipation, but it is not common.

This article outlines a few possible underlying causes.

A persons diet can often cause changes in bowel movements.

Some foods may irritate the intestines, though these foods will vary from person to person.

Some people may have an intolerance or allergy to certain foods. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) note that common food allergies could also lead to long-term symptoms, such as chronic diarrhea.

These common food allergens include:

The NIDDK indicate that eating these foods may cause a reaction in the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as constipation and diarrhea.

If the symptoms occur occasionally but are frequent enough to cause annoyance, try keeping a food journal to keep track of diet and bowel movements.

This may help identify trigger foods and intolerances.

Learn more about which foods can cause diarrhea here.

A stomach or intestinal infection may cause temporary changes in a persons bowel habits and movements. For example, the norovirus, which is a temporary viral infection in the stomach or intestines, may cause diarrhea.

The symptoms occur as the bowels inflame, making it harder for them to absorb water, which causes diarrhea.

Some flu symptoms, such as a high fever, may dry the body out, which could lead to a change of symptoms from constipation to diarrhea.

Look out for other telling symptoms of an infection.

Other signs of a stomach infection include:

Learn more about a 24-hour stomach bug here.

In some cases, drastic changes in bowel movements could be due to a medicine a person has taken.

According to one review, some medications may have gastrointestinal side effects similar to the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

These medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antipsychotics, antidepressants, and metformin.

Anyone who experiences gastrointestinal changes after starting a new medication or adjusting a dosage should contact their doctor for more information.

Some of these changes may be temporary and will improve as the body gets used to a medication.

Every drug and body is different, so it is best to talk to a doctor in each case.

Learn more about the potential side effects of medications here.

Pregnancy causes various changes in the body. A persons hormonal fluctuations may affect the transit time of their bowel movements. For example, increased progesterone during pregnancy may reduce gut motility and lead to constipation in up to 38% of pregnancies.

A person can work with a doctor to find ways to ease any uncomfortable conditions or symptoms that occur during pregnancy, such as constipation and diarrhea.

Learn more about constipation during pregnancy here.

Someone who experiences constipation after diarrhea regularly may have an underlying digestive disorder, such as the following.

According to the NIDDK, IBS may cause fluctuations in the texture and consistency of bowel movements.

IBS symptoms can vary from person to person, but these changes generally occur along with other hallmark symptoms, such as:

IBS symptoms may also occur due to other triggers, such as eating something the body has a sensitivity to, high levels of stress, or changes in the gut bacteria.

The NIDDK indicate that there are several different types of IBS. Doctors categorize them according to the symptoms a person experiences, such as IBS-C for constipation or IBS-D for diarrhea.

A person may also have IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M). People with this condition may regularly experience both diarrhea and constipation.

A person with IBS-M experiences at least a quarter of their stools as hard and lumpy and at least a quarter as watery and loose.

Learn more about foods to avoid with IBS.

IBD is different from IBS. IBD refers to several conditions, including Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis.

These conditions can develop if the autoimmune responses are not working properly, and they do not respond to triggers correctly.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), IBD causes chronic inflammation in different parts of the digestive tract.

Chronic inflammation can worsen symptoms and lead to damage over time.

Symptoms of IBD may include regular and persistent diarrhea and abdominal pain. Other symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, and rectal bleeding.

Symptoms may appear in response to certain foods or other triggers.

Learn more about the differences between IBD and IBS here.

Treatments for constipation and diarrhea will vary based on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.

For occasional cases, the person may only need to make minor adjustments, such as consuming more liquids and adding more fiber to their diet to improve stool consistency.

When a mild stomach infection is the culprit, a doctor may recommend that a person drinks plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, and electrolyte drinks.

After the infection clears, doctors may recommend a person take probiotics to help replenish their healthful gut bacteria.

Doctors may recommend different ways to control the triggers of IBS in each case.

The NIDDK state that doctors may recommend a range of treatments, including:

Learn more about other treatment options for IBS here.

There is currently no cure for IBD. The condition requires regular treatment and checkups with a doctor. Imaging procedures, such as a colonoscopy, can help doctors examine the bowels.

According to the Crohns & Colitis Foundation, doctors may recommend a number of different drugs, depending on the persons needs. These may include anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressant drugs, and specific drugs to relieve diarrhea or constipation.

Some people with IBD may require surgery.

Learn more about Crohns disease here.

It may not be possible to prevent constipation after diarrhea in every case. A person should note any personal symptom triggers and try to eliminate them. It is also important to pay attention to overall digestive health as well as diet and lifestyle factors.

Methods for preventing constipation after diarrhea may vary based on the cause and condition.

However, these tips may help:

Learn more about foods to avoid when Crohns disease flares up.

While experiencing constipation after diarrhea is uncommon, it is not usually a cause for concern. Often, a person has a stomach bug or has eaten something their body has trouble digesting.

However, it is important to pay attention to any other symptoms that may develop. Anyone who experiences severe symptoms or symptoms that last for several days should see a doctor.

A person should also see a doctor if they experience certain symptoms, including continuous pain, bloody stools, and regular fatigue.

Lengthy bouts of constipation may lead to impacted stools that are extremely hard to pass. This may lead to complications, such as hemorrhoids or tears in the anus skin from too much strain. In some cases, the stool may become too difficult to pass at all.

If it becomes very difficult or impossible to have a bowel movement, contact a doctor.

Continuous diarrhea may dehydrate the body. Pay attention to any symptoms of dehydration, such as:

Anyone noticing the signs of dehydration after regular diarrhea should also see their doctor.

Constipation and diarrhea may not commonly occur together, but it is possible. A few different issues can cause this rapid change in bowel patterns.

Managing symptoms may sometimes be enough, such as when a temporary infection or food intolerance has caused constipation after diarrhea.

More chronic symptoms may require medical treatment, and doctors will need to diagnose and regularly treat the underlying condition, such as in people with IBS or IBD.

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Constipation after diarrhea: Causes and treatment - Medical News Today

Chetali Sachin Patil before (left) and after Image Credit: Supplied

One of the few positive things about a pandemic is call timings when you are available and when your loved ones are line up more easily. For Chetali Sachin Patil, who has been trying for a few years to get back to her lean physique, the quick WhatsApp back and forth that began for news of illness and state of home country turned to conversations about fitness.

The 34-year-old Indian says, In March when the pandemic started, the women in my family decided now we have some time to stay home, lets focus all together to work out. So we made a group, separate WhatsApp group [with just us] and started helping each other out.

The support group came as a result of not only availability but also frustration. I was always on the slimmer side when I came to UAE, says the five-foot-one-inch expat. But once she had her baby, she stopped working for a while.

Being confined to a flat and just sitting it meant putting on weight.

This was in 2013. The doctor told me it can lead to trouble so you should get fit. But I was not having any proper guidance so I ended up buying a costly gym membership and I was going to the gym, but I wasnt guided by a proper nutritionist, she says. And so the weight kept rising.

Fast-forward to 2020, when the procurement officer had started working and working out but could not see a change in kilos. Speaking to family members, Patil realized that each member of this group brought something to the table. Some were yoga teachers, others knew a lot about nutrition, still others knew muscle specific exercises. And so the chat group was formed. We try to help and motivate each other. And this is the main thing - my family supported me its what helped me drop the weight, she explains.

Another thing she did was cut out food from outside, instead she began to experiment in her own kitchen. Even if I was making junk [food], I was making it at home. And [I was making] a healthier version. Like, they are using cream, Im using yoghurt. So I replaced those unhealthy versions with my healthy versions without compromising on the taste. So I kept exploring, she tells Gulf News.

Besides the inspiration she drew from the women fighting beside her for a fitter lifestyle, she went looking for stories of others who had achieved the seemingly elusive goal. I started seeing so many motivational videos from many people who lost weight, talking about how they lost weight. From them I learnt portion control and [to] include protein in your diet, she says.

This didnt mean changing the style of food she ate. I found what are the main sources of protein for me and how can I include it in my family style. I dont make special meals for me but I try to include one compulsory protein and salad in each ones [the entire familys] diet. That really helped me balance my macros and with my nutrition, she explains.

And she began to track her macros on a fitness app.

When COVID-19 threw a curve ball and she was unable to go to the gym, she continued her exercises at home.

At the end of seven months, Patil was down 12 kg.

Theres a mental health angle to this shedding of weight as well, she says, calling for a shift in perspective. Once I stopped thinking about weight loss, I started shedding weight. Earlier, I was focusing on weight loss weight loss, but when it doesnt happen no you get very disappointed. Now I realise [being fit] is not related to weight loss. You should have a proper healthy and balanced lifestyle.

You should love your body - if you love your body, your body will reply with positive results. I started feeling quite light and happy after I have reduced some unnecessary fat from my body. Its not about weight loss its about healthy lifestyle.

And of course, she says, When my old clothes fit, it feels amazing.

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UAE weight-loss: 'How I lost 12kg in 7 months thanks to family' - Gulf News

Ben & Jerry's is teaming up with former NFL quarterback and social justice activist Colin Kaepernick to deliver fans a new non-dairy ice cream flavor, set to release next year. "Change the Whirled" features caramel non-dairy ice cream with fudge chips and graham crackerand chocolate cookie swirls. The name references Kaepernick's impact on social justice movements since the QB took a knee on NFL sidelines.

Currently, Kaepernick is focused on his organization Know Your Rights Camp, whichoutlines its mission "to advance the liberation and well-being of Black and Brown communities through education, self-empowerment, mass-mobilization and the creation of new systems that elevate the next generation of change leaders."

One hundred percent of the proceeds of this flavor will be going to Know Your Rights Camp and Change the Whirled is set to hit freezer shelves in supermarkets in early 2021. It makes sense that this new flavor is non-dairy since Kaepernick himself follows a plant-based diet and regularly advocates for it.

"Were proud to be working with a dedicated activist like Colin Kaepernick, whose work helped spark the international conversation around racial justice. Follow the graham cracker and chocolate cookie swirls as you dig into this cara-melt-in-your-mouth vegan dessert masterpiece and consider how you, too, can help change the whirled. We are so inspired by Colin Kaepernicks bold activism for racial justice that we did what we do best: We whipped up a euphoric flavor to honor his work." said the Vermont-based ice cream giant in a statement today.

This summer, Kaepernick teamed up with Impossible Foods to pass out vegan food to those in need in the San Francisco area, as well as donated over 4,500 of the plant-based Impossible burgers to a Los Angeles food bank.

Read more:
Ben & Jerry's and Colin Kaepernick Team Up for Vegan Ice Cream - The Beet

The metabolic confusion diet is one of the latest fad diets to be blowing up on social media. Like many fad diets, it promises you can lose weight while still eating what you want.

Fans of the diet claim that by switching between very low calorie days and high calorie days, you can lose weight while simultaneously speeding up your metabolism. It may sound promising, but theres no research to back these claims.

The metabolic confusion diet is similar to intermittent fasting, but without the extremes of energy (calorie) restriction. A person on the diet might, for example, eat only 1,200 calories one day, then eat 2,000 calories the next. Although there hasnt been any research looking specifically at the metabolic confusion diet, we might compare it with a popular form of intermittent fasting: the 5:2 diet where you eat as usual for five days, then either fast for two days or only eat around 500 calories.

Despite being able to eat as much as you like on feed days, people may not feel more hungry and still end up eating less overall and even less on the feed days than they did before starting intermittent fasting. This supports the idea that intermittent fasting can lead to comparable weight loss as conventional diets, where you restrict calories daily.

But while these diets may be successful in getting people to eat less, they may actually reinforce bad eating habits and poor diet quality (such as consuming high-energy, highly-processed foods and drinks), as people may think they can treat themselves following low-calorie days. Indeed, research has shown people following these diets have a less nutritious diet than those following traditional calorie-controlled diets.

Other studies have shown that people following the 5:2 diet consume more calories before fast days unconsciously which could very well happen on the metabolic confusion diet, too.

The other reason for the metabolic confusion diets popularity is because fans of the diet claim that switching between low- and high-calorie days keeps your metabolism active, causing you to burn more calories as a result. Its also believed that this confusion will stop biological resistance such as an increase in appetite to the diet that may derail weight loss or cause you to regain any weight youve lost.

But when we lose weight, our body needs fewer calories to survive. These changes to our metabolic rate (the baseline amount of calories our body needs to function daily) can even be seen several years following weight loss. This is thought to be the result of body mechanisms that adjust the metabolic rate downwards through a special process (called adaptive thermogenesis). This process aims to stop energy from being wasted by preserving it in fat tissue and other fuel reserves. Increased appetite is another way the body tries to restore lost body weight.

The other key selling point of the metabolic confusion diet is that it prevents your metabolism from slowing as you lose weight. However, when we look at studies on intermittent fasting, we see the same reduction in resting metabolic rate as traditional calorie-restricted diets do.

The odd study that has suggested intermittent fasting raises your metabolic rate can often be explained by the inclusion of total fasting.

Fasting causes an acute metabolic starvation response, leading the body to burn through more of its reserved fuel for around 24-48 hours after a fast. All short-term emergency fuel management measures to glucose supply to the brain. But even in this case, any temporary increase in metabolism may be barely detectable. Also, some studies have actually shown greater reductions in metabolic rate with intermittent fasting.

The truth is that no matter how you lose weight, your metabolic rate will decrease. Even certain types of exercise, may not necessarily increase metabolism with studies on endurance training (such as long-distance running) showing that metabolic rate slows in order to use energy more efficiently during exercise. However, the body does burn more calories immediately after exercise to help muscles recover, especially after higher intensity exercise. Regular weight training could potentially lead to a higher metabolic rate.

But if the metabolic confusion diet functions similarly to intermittent fasting, it may have other benefits beyond just weight loss.

Intermittent periods of energy restriction have been shown to improve glucose (blood sugar) and lipid (fat) metabolism. This means the body is better able to deal with carbohydrate and fat from a meal. This makes the body better able to tolerate indulgent foods when we encounter them.

By this token intermittent fasting-type diets can improve your ability to manage fuels in the body known as metabolic flexibility. Metabolic flexibility means youre better at burning and storing carbohydrates when you need to, and equally better at managing the storage and release of fat from fat stores. This improves insulin sensitivity, which reduces overall risk from disease, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. All of this is independent of weight or weight loss.

Although the metabolic confusion diet may be just another fad diet, it may have benefits other than losing weight given its similarity to intermittent fasting. While it cant speed up your metabolism, diets that allow us to have more flexibility in the way we eat are more sustainable and easier to follow in the long run.

View original post here:
Metabolic confusion diet won't boost metabolism but it could have other benefits - The Conversation UK

Dear Doctors: I've heard that when you're on a diet and you decrease caloric intake by a lot, your body will start to consume muscle for energy. It that really true? How can you lose weight and not wind up losing muscle?

Dear Reader: Discussions about losing weight typically focus on pounds, as in, "I want to lose 10 pounds." The important follow-up question here is: pounds of what? Work up a sweat with a vigorous set of tennis, and the scale will show you've immediately dropped a few pounds -- of water weight. You'll gain it right back with your next beverage. (A quart of water weighs 2 pounds, in case you were curious.)

Diets that involve a drastic calorie cut do lead to weight loss, but participants wind up burning not only fat, but also significant amounts of lean muscle. That's a bad idea, because we rely on our muscles for both strength and endurance. Muscle tissue also plays an important role in resting metabolic rate.

The answer to the "pounds of what?" weight-loss question is, of course, fat. When we set a weight-loss target, the goal is to lose fat. Or, to view it in more useful terms, we want to achieve a more healthful ratio of lean tissue to fat. Achieving and maintaining a healthful weight has many benefits, including reducing the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, depression and even certain cancers. And, while it's tempting to try some of the more extreme low-carb and high-fat diets that are now popular, which promise swift and painless weight loss, we believe a moderate approach yields better and more sustainable results.

Read more from the original source:
Moderate approach to weight loss healthier | | thetandd.com - The Times and Democrat

Weight loss: Here is how you can make a tofu protein shake for an ideal diet to shed pounds  |  Photo Credit: iStock Images

New Delhi: Almost everyone is trying to shed the weight off that they gained over the long lockdown period. Apart from dishes and exercises that promote weight loss, one can also include shakes in their diet. They are easy to make and can contribute to the process of weight loss. This recipe of tofu protein shake is extremely healthy and also, vegan friendly.

The main ingredients of this recipe include tofu, oats and almond milk. Each ingredient offers its own health benefits. Tofu is a rich source of protein, calcium and iron. It also contains a compound called isoflavones. The health benefits this compound can offer include cardiovascular health and improvement of cognitive function.Oats present in this shake recipe will help you get the required fibre. The almond milk present is low in calorie, sugar and high in vitamin E and calcium. This will offer improved bone health and a reduced risk of developing diseases such as osteoporosis.

The recipe, as a whole, is low in calories but rich in protein. This could emerge as a benefit for people working on weight management plans that are focused on muscle gain. You can include this shake as a part of your workout routine.

Get the Latest health news, healthy diet, weight loss, Yoga, and fitness tips, more updates on Times Now

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Weight loss: Here is how you can make a tofu protein shake for an ideal diet to shed pounds - Times Now

Improve your gut health by including these powerful foods in your diet  |  Photo Credit: iStock Images

New Delhi:The health that concerns the gastrointestinal tract is referred to as gut health. An unhealthy gut makes the body vulnerable to several diseases including autoimmune diseases, skin diseases and even cancer. According to the Digestive Diseases Statistics for the United States published on the official website of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases, around 60 to 70 million Americans suffer from digestive diseases that are often a consequence of an unhealthy gut. One of the characteristics of a healthy gut is a healthy microbiome. This can be achieved through food. Therefore, maintaining a balanced diet is one of the most effective methods to improve gut health.

An unhealthy gut can cause extreme discomfort to the body. Some of the effects are as follows:

The food ideal for maintaining a healthy gut must contain a high content of fibre in it. It can also be helpful if the food is fermented or is a source of collagen. Here are some foods that you can include in your diet it maintain a healthy gut:

Some other methods that can help you maintain a healthy gut include staying hydrated, getting proper rest and sleep, being mindful about the type of food being consumed and navigating through life with a healthy, stress-free mind.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

Get the Latest health news, healthy diet, weight loss, Yoga, and fitness tips, more updates on Times Now

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Improve your gut health by including these powerful foods in your diet - Times Now

Most Decembers come packed with things to look forward tothat bubbly season, before the New Year's resolutions kick in, filled with holiday parties and time with family and friends. I don't have to tell you why that's not what's happening this year. What's more, many of the strange bright spots of the pandemic yearpark workouts, sidewalk drinksare getting much less pleasant as it gets steadily darker and colder. Virus cases are spiking around the country, with no real end in sight. The vaccine is on the way, but this winter is frankly going to be a bit of a grind.

You can't control any of thatbut there is still a lot you can do to get through it in good health, both physical or mental. We connected with a pair of health and fitness experts to get four recommendations.

It's not the vaccine you want, but it's the one you need right now. Maybe youre thinking, with everything you're doing to stop the spread of COVID, that a flu shot isn't necessary. You'd be wrong! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone over the age of 6 months old should get one, especially this year.

With COVID-19 cases surging around the country you need to protect yourself from as many other illnesses as possible, says James N. Robinson, MD, a physician at New York's Hospital for Special Surgery. Since most hospitals around the country run at or near capacity during flu season as it is, its important to do our part to keep resources available to treat coronavirus patients.

Hear that? Use the CDC's tool to find a place and go get the shotit's not too late.

Weve been trying this whole work out-from-home thing for a minute now, tackling everything from high intensity interval training routines to leg day without leaving the living room.

But maybe getting on the at-home fitness train hasn't been a top priority According to Polly de Mille, the director of the Tisch Sports Performance Center at HSS, it should be. Besides just the physical benefits of getting active," she says, "there are also very clear psychological benefits."

To ensure that the fitness actually happens, the most important thing de Mille recommends making your set-up as easy and seamless as possible. That includes snagging the tools you need to incorporate regular flexibility, cardio, and strength work into the mix. (Helpfully, this stuff becoming easier to find after months of supply chain disruptions.)

So, if youre going to need resistance bands, a few dumbbells, and a stretching strap, treat yourself and get that stuff now. You dont need to spend a ton of money, she says. But do what you can to make it seamless: "Remove as many barriers as possible.

Its important to try to get as many of your recommended daily values of vitamins and minerals from your dieteating a well-rounded diet of whole foods has so many holistic benefits that can't just be summed up with a list of micronutrients.

But Robinson says theres nothing wrong with reaching for supplements in a strategic way to boost your overall wellbeing come December through March, if need be. In particular, he stresses the importance of vitamin D.

Vitamin D doesn't occur in our diet naturally, although some milk and cereals are fortified with it, he says. The only way we get Vitamin D naturally is from the sun. Of course, during the winter months, we get less sunlight, and Vitamin D deficiency is very common.

More here:
COVID Winter: Four Ways to Stay Healthy and Sane Over The Next Few Months - GQ

LAKELAND Lakeland's South Florida Avenue is looking a little slimmer these days in Dixieland.

After the road was narrowed from five lanes to three under the "road diet,"it's new size is getting mixed reviews.

Construction of the South Florida Avenue's $950,000 redesign was completed in early September, several weeks ahead of Florida Department of Transportation'sproposed one-year study period from October 2020 to 2021.

Three months later, residents and local business owners have gotten a chance to test drive theroadway. Jason Hagerman, a Dixieland resident, said he was originally staunchly against project but says his opinion and concerns have changed over time.

"I've been pleasantly surprised that travel time hasn't gone up nearly as much as I thought it would," he said. "Butjust as many of us predicted, it's very difficult during rush hour to get into and out of Dixieland."

Hagerman noted that driving northbound along the main arterial road, there are nointersections that offer a designated left turn signal. He said drivers often must wait for oncoming vehicles to voluntarily stop to make a left. Residents have said this can lead to a backup in the turning lane.

Lakeland's Traffic Department has worked in conjunction with the FDOT since August to implement a re-timing of all traffic signals in the corridor in an attempt to allow for easier travel. Other modifications have been proposed, but are still under consideration.

FDOT officials predictedreducing the number of lanes on the one-mile stretch from Lime Street south to Ariana Street would cause a 17- to 50-seconddelay.

Travel data collected via bluetooth by the city show drivers heading into the downtown area may experience less of an impact than those heading south.

Prior to the road diet,it took the averageperson 2 minutes, 30 seconds during theweekday rush hour 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. to drive South Florida Avenue from Ariana Street north to Lime Street. Now, the city's preliminary data showthe same one-mile stretch takes about 2:58to 3:08a difference of 28 to 38 seconds.

Drivers heading south out of the downtown area have a slightly different experience. Driving along South Florida Avenue from Lime Street to Ariana took roughly2 minutes,15 seconds before the diet. That has increased to 3:29 to 3:56 minutes. That's up to an additional minute and 41seconds, or approximately 75% longer travel time.

Tonya Rogers, president of the Dixieland Historic Neighborhood Association, said the slower speed of traffic has made it easier for her to get out of her neighborhood she usually uses Highland Drive and onto South Florida. Rogersfinds her fellow drivers are willing to allow her to cut in, rather than encountering two lanes of travel flying by.

"I was for the project, and I'm still for the project, I think it's been great," she said. "I do feel safer. Before, the lanes were so narrow, it was kind oflike close your eyes and hope you make it through."

Walkability

Two of the benchmarks for the road diet's success set by the FDOT and the cityare whether the road modifications will improve pedestrian walkability and reduce the number of crashes.

Its been roughly three months since construction wrapped up, and Dixieland isntexactlybooming. Small businesses along the one-mile stretch affected by the new lane constraints said the project hasnt brought them any new customers.

I have notnoticedany more foot traffic or people walking around in this part of Dixieland, no, said Christine Boring, owner of Bungalow Boutique and Gifts.

While business owners agree theroaddiet didnt hurt their stores, they also dont think it helped.

Karen Dasher, owner of Dixieland Relics, said business has beenso busy its bizarresince she reopened around May.WhileDasherisnt sure what to attribute the increased interest to, shes positive it wasn't the new lane constriction. Isolation during the beginning stages of COVID-19 driving people out of their homes, even if just to shop, is a stronger possibility, she said.

Gabriela Benavides, store manager at Coliseum of Comics Lakeland,agrees.

"Its just the same. People who are trying to come to the store have been coming in because they know were here, shesaid.

Benavides said the lack of parking in Dixieland probably contributes to the much lower foot traffic in comparison to downtown.Boringnoted that there is parking alongthe avenue, its just often behind businesses and difficult to find for consumers passing through especially since many cars fly through the Dixieland stretch at top speed.

Despite a lack of increased foot traffic so far,business owners wouldnt mind seeing the road diet become a permanent solution. Even if customers arent taking advantage yet, sidewalksseemsaferand business owners like Dasher now feel comfortable telling customers to use them when walking in between storefronts.

Walking on the sidewalk was scary out there. And its not scary anymore, Boring said. Theyve made a bad situation better.

Rogers, a Dixieland resident, said she previously wouldn't use the sidewalks.

"I walked it before they did the road diet and it was so dangerous I turned around and came home," she said. "I'm excited to see if the change goes through, I think they will see more pedestrian traffic."

Boring and Rogers said they hopethings will get even better oncebeautificationof the sidewalk commences.

The FDOT's original design included placingconcrete sidewalk planters along South Florida Avenue. These are no longer likely to be installed, according to city officials, because of the costs of the planters, installation and maintenance.

Instead, the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency plans to work with FDOT andadjacent property owners to determine other low-cost beautification measures that can be implemented during the one-year test period.

If the road diet is deemed successful and made permanent, the FDOT and the city will begin work on improvements to Dixieland's sidewalks and intersections, according to city spokesman Kevin Cook,including measures to address issues with the Americans with Disabilities Act that couldn't be addressed with the substandard design that existed prior to current construction.

Degree of Danger

Even if sidewalk safety has improved, other danger persists. Dasher said while the increased traffic along South Florida is not enough to really fuss about, she has noticed an uptick in minor accidents.

Dasher said shes seen three accidents in a short period of time. Theyre all the same: Someone jets out from a storefront into oncoming traffic. Dasher said the road diet has seemedto increase accidents and near misses of that nature.

Were constantly hearing a lot of people squealing tires to keep from having the cars hit each other, Dasher said.

Motorcyclist Alex Peacock, a Dixieland resident of more than adecade, said he feels the redesign while offering wider travel lanes, leaves him less available space to move away from oncoming vehicles by placing concrete bumpers between the vehicle and bike lane.

"I feel like I'm in more danger," Peacock said. "It almost takes away possible escape routes for me."

Traditionally, Peacock said bike lanes and the road shoulders often serve as a last resort for motorcyclists looking to get away from an oncoming vehicle.

"I'm absolutely feeling the pinch," he said.

Peacock said he's also seen a number of unaware drivers bottom out their carson the temporary concrete curb cuts when trying to get over a lane or turn at the last minute.

There were31 accidents reported to the Lakeland Police Department in the affected portion of South Florida Avenue, between Lime and Ariana streets between Aug. 1 andOct. 31. By comparison, the same stretch of road had 14 accidents in 2019 and 17 in 2018, according to reports provided to The Ledger by Lakeland police spokeswoman Robin Tillett.

"A preliminary review of recent crash data has revealed that the number of rear-endcrashes has increased to date.Unfortunately, this type of reaction is typical when modifications are made to roadway networks," the city said in a written statement upon review of the data.

This year's accidents have resulted in eight injuries,double the four reported in 2018 and one in 2019. However, the police department's roadwayreport does not provide specific details on the severity of each injury.

Lakeland officials responded that rear-end crashes "tend to be less severe" in nature.

"We expect that the rear-end crashes on S. Florida Avenue should reduce as motorists gain a better understanding of the operations," the city's statement said.

There are approximately 10 months left in the official study of the South Florida Avenue road diet before a decision is made on whether the changes become permanent part of Dixieland. The number of overall crashes, vehiclespeeds and travel times, traffic displacement and any related economic development of the corridor, in part thanks to pedestrian traffic, will be considered.

City staff said residents and businesses will have a chance to voice their opinions before a determination is made.

Sara-Megan Walsh can be reached at swalsh@theledger.com or 863-802-7545. Maya Lora can be reached at mlora@gannett.com or 863-802-7558.

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Love it or hate it: Accidents up, travel delayed in early stages of Dixieland road diet - The Ledger

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