Category Archives: Health and Wellness

Jump on Treating Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Osgood-Schlatter disease (syndrome), a common cause of knee pain in as many as one in five children and young athletes, especially boys, 10 to 15 years of age, usually occurs after a period of quick growth coupled with intense physical or sporting activity. Children who participate in running and jumping activities experience a greater strain […]

Staying Active and Fit in Cooler Weather

While the summer months bring a flurry of outdoor activity and exercise, the cooler fall and winter months mean that you need to tweak your routine for the best results. Protecting yourself from the elements and keeping your program varied will help you maintain optimal fitness results, without compromising your safety and health. Most people […]

Benefits of Physical Therapy for Lupus Patients

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is a chronic, autoimmune inflammatory disease that can affect almost any organ system in the body. It most often develops in women during their childbearing years. Currently, there is no cure for lupus, but treatment can reduce symptoms. These frequently occur in a cycle of flare-ups and remissions. Because […]

Stroke: Every Second Counts

Strokes, or cerebral vascular accidents, exist in varying degrees of severity, depending upon which part of the brain is affected, how much of the brain is affected and the level of exercise the person performs. Other factors that affect stroke severity include advanced age, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, minimal variety in the types of […]

Preparation Before Beginning Martial Arts

In the United States, approximately eight million people participate in martial arts, with tae kwon do and karate being most popular. The injury rate in these activities can be high, especially in women beginning such classes. For this reason, check with your physician before beginning such a potentially vigorous activity. Investigate the various martial arts […]

What Are Kettlebells? How Can They Help Me?

Kettlebells are cast iron balls about the size of bowling balls with a curved handle on one side. Ranging in weight from two to 100 pounds, they are used to promote functional, whole-body conditioning. Some models are designed so that additional weight can be added in small increments to create a progressive resistance regimen. Because […]

What Is a Trapped Nerve?

By creating a pathway from the brain to the limbs, nerves make muscles move and allow skin to feel sensations, including pain, temperature and pressure. A blocked, or “trapped,” pathway can impede the nerves’ normal processes, resulting in pain or reduced mobility. Nerves get trapped for a number of reasons, each of which creates its […]

Staying Fit While Pregnant

If you were athletic before your pregnancy, you can continue your “normal” workouts, as long as you use common sense. For women who were not particularly active before becoming pregnant, it is a great time to begin some gentle, easy workouts. Engaging in some form of prenatal exercise has important benefits: less weight gain during […]

Treadmill Rehabilitation After Stroke

The treadmill used by a person after experiencing a stroke is not your average gym model. It is specially designed to help the rehabilitation process, walking in particular. In locomotor treadmill training, a harness secures the patient and helps support some of his or her body weight. As the patient gains strength and the skills […]

Getting the Right Amount of Exercise

How much exercise is enough? There is no one answer. Age, sex and current fitness level, along with risk factors such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and excessive weight, must be factored into the equation. All of these considerations may make it impractical to compare various fitness programs. But he following guidelines can help you […]