Using proper running technique is critical for getting the most out of your runs. Not only can improper form increase your risk of injury, it also wastes energy and uses muscles that shouldn't be involved. Ultimately, running with improper form affects the quality of your runs. Today, I am going to take you through a few simple techniques you can use to assess your current running form and offer instructions on how to make corrections when needed. OK, let's go through some basics. When it comes to body mechanics, ask yourself the following questions: • Is your body moving from side … [Read more...] about How to Run With Good Form
Doctors Identify a New Knee Ligament
If you have played sports when you were in high school or in college than you probably have experienced some form of knee pain throughout your lifetime. It turns out that doctors have identified a new knee ligament which can be a source of knee pain and ACL tears. In this recent article by Gretchen Reynolds she enlightens us on this new finding. Last month, knee surgeons from the University Hospitals Leuven in Belgium announced that they had found a new knee ligament, one that had not previously been specifically identified despite untold numbers of past knee dissections and scans. This … [Read more...] about Doctors Identify a New Knee Ligament
Is Something Missing in Your Workouts?
Most athletes and individuals who take some time out of their day to train are serious about achieving some type of results. They will put in quite a bit of time into training utilizing things like strength training, speed and agility training, crossfit, some form of cardiovascular exercise, or possibly a challenge-based event like the Tough Mudder. All of these countless hours spent doing some form of training and yet many people will not achieve the results that they are looking for. The reasons can vary from lack of motivation to life getting in the way. Whatever the reason, the individual … [Read more...] about Is Something Missing in Your Workouts?
High School Teams lack nutritional foundation
Recently, I had the opportunity to speak to a high school athletic team about it's nutritional protocol. It was very interesting to me how influenced the students were by the ad campaigns in fitness magazines. You can pick up any Men's Health, Muscle and Fitness, Flex, and/or Woman's Shape Magazines and as you open them they are loaded with product advertising. I would venture to say that almost half of the magazine is dedicated to advertisement spots. They will market their weight loss, weight gain, more energy products throughout the entire magazine. The advertising is obviously working … [Read more...] about High School Teams lack nutritional foundation
A Few Good Carbs: The New Glycemic Index Diet
There are numerous diet options in the marketplace, however most restrict one of the three main stays that everyone should consume such as fats, carbs, and proteins. In this article by Karen Barrow, she discusses how the Glycemic Index rating works and some of the principles behind its functionality. Sick of counting carbs? A steamy, hot bowl of pasta or just a piece of fruit starts to look pretty good after another bunless burger. If you have these cravings, another trend in dieting may be for you—the low glycemic index (GI) diet. Not all carbs are evil is the motto of the low GI diet. As a … [Read more...] about A Few Good Carbs: The New Glycemic Index Diet
Healthy Life requires a Healthy Gut
A new understanding of the essential role of gut microbes in the immune system may hold the key to dealing with some of the more significant health problems facing people in the world today, Oregon State University researchers say in a new analysis. Problems ranging from autoimmune disease to clinical depression and simple obesity may in fact be linked to immune dysfunction that begins with a "failure to communicate" in the human gut, the scientists say. Health care of the future may include personalized diagnosis of an individual's "microbiome" to determine what prebiotics or probiotics are … [Read more...] about Healthy Life requires a Healthy Gut
Plantar fasciitis: A real pain in the heel
Plantar fasciitis. If you haven't had to deal with it personally, just ask around. Chances are you know lots of people who can describe it in great detail: stabbing heel pain and agonizing steps followed by a frustratingly slow recovery. Plantar fasciitis — an inflammation of the plantar facsia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the arch from the heel to the toes — has become so ubiquitous that podiatrists can practically make the diagnosis before a patient even sets foot in their office. In this article by Chris Woolston, he looks into the possible causes and treatments of this ever-so … [Read more...] about Plantar fasciitis: A real pain in the heel
CDC: Heavy Drinking a Costly Burden to the U.S.
Binge drinking is not just happening on college campuses, many adults are partying in the same fashion as their younger counterparts. The alcohol industry generated almost $20 billion dollars in 2012 and it is expected to rise again this year. In this article by Robert Preidt, he speaks about the increase in binge drinking and the cost to our healthcare system. Excessive drinking is a major economic problem in the United States, costing billions of dollars in health care costs, lost worker productivity and other consequences involved, the federal government reported Tuesday. The nationwide … [Read more...] about CDC: Heavy Drinking a Costly Burden to the U.S.