Comments Off on Steps For Taking Control Of Your Arthritis

By admin, October 15, 2021 12:56 am

Managing your arthritis may feel impossible. Not only does it complicate a number of everyday tasks, but the pain can be excruciating. But as difficult as dealing with arthritis may seem, there are a number of things that can be done to help. This article will give you some of the best tips on how to better deal with your arthritis.

If you have arthritis, try reducing your caffeine intake. Some people are extremely sensitive to arthritis. In those individuals, reducing the consumption of caffeine can have a positive effect on arthritis symptoms. Reduce the amount of caffeine you consume gradually to best gauge if your results will be positive ones.

Rearrange the furniture in your home. You want to be able to walk a straight line from one room to another. The fewer turns you have to make, the less stress you will place on your weight-bearing joints, especially your hips. You should enlist the help of a friend to move your furniture, of course.

Make sure you don’t smoke. Smoking has been shown to increase your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Not only that, but if you do develop it, smoking has been shown to worsen the joint damage. Patients who smoke most often have much more severe symptoms than those patients who don’t smoke.

Consider joining an arthritis support group. Friends and family members who don’t suffer from arthritis may have a hard time understanding exactly what you are going through and how much it affects your life. Connecting with other arthritis sufferers in a supportive environment can make it easier to cope with the chronic , day to day pain and other difficulties associated with the disease.

See a doctor to find out exactly what type of arthritis you have if you feel you are suffering from arthritic symptoms. There are over one hundred different types of arthritis and knowing your specific type can help you learn how to help take care of yourself more effectively.

Try hot wax for relief. While heating pads can give great relief when used, they do not completely touch every painful spot. Warm wax envelopes your entire hand or foot, giving you complete relief to the painful areas. Make sure the wax is not too hot, and do not use it too often, or you may cause more irritation than you fix.

One way to deal with arthritis is to make sure you are coping with it in a positive manner. Focus on wellness and not on sickness. It is not easy when you are in pain to think in a positive way, but you can do it! It will help you and your pain.

Even though arthritis cannot be cured, there are many things you can do to get your pain under control. Be sure to discuss alternative treatments with your doctor that will give you more control over your pain symptoms. A feeling of empowerment will help you get the most out of your arthritis therapy.

Many who suffer from arthritis feel as if no one else understands and that they are isolated. Don’t isolate yourself–find support groups to help you manage your disease. Support groups on or offline can help you deal with issues relating to arthritis. Exchanging tips with others in the same situation helps everyone cope better.

Be sure to establish a proper balance between exercise and rest in your daily life. When you get plenty of exercise, as well as plenty of rest, you will find your arthritis is less bothersome. Remember that even very fit athletes need to give their bodies time to rest and recuperate between workouts, and so do you.

Occupational therapy has been known to help people who suffer from arthritis. Sometimes this kind of therapy is covered by many health insurance plans. Occupational therapy will help identify problem areas in your lifestyle and work with you to find ways to eliminate them or help you work with them to lead a more pain free life.

Millions of people successfully manage their arthritis, and you can too. While your arthritis may always be a burden, applying the advice in this article can make it much easier to live with. Take the time to give these tips a try and find out what works for you. Once you try them, you’ll be wishing you looked for advice a lot sooner.

Comments Off on Stretching – Ways to Avoid Injury and Keep in Shape

By admin, October 13, 2021 11:52 pm

Most sports medicine professionals can all readily agree that those athletes who take the time to really care for their bodies experience far fewer injuries than those who act reckless with regard to their health. It is really important to remember exactly what a benefit stretching provides when you are trying to decide if spending time stretching is worth it. The exact benefits are almost limitless, however there are some specific benefits that virtually all athletes should experience.

Amongst the benefits of stretching there are the improvements to your circulations, range of motions, posture, overall performance and even your ability to relax after working out. However this is not all that stretching provides, it also helps you decrease the tension in muscles and can even assist in reducing overall joint stiffness that can occur after a work out. The overall benefit of stretching is possible to achieve in as little as 10 minutes before starting an actual workout, which makes it very easy to work into any routine that you are exploring.

By properly ensuring that you are stretching, you are not only providing the benefits to your body, but you are also able to reduce the number of times you are forced to go to the doctor over an injury. Most athletes would rather be playing their favorite sport rather than sitting in a doctor’s office being treated. However, while most athletes would prefer not to spend time being treated, it is still important to seek treatment for all injuries that occur rather than leaving them unattended.

With proper attention paid to stretching in addition to an appropriate exercise routine it is possible to greatly reduce the number of injuries that occur. While not all injuries can be avoided by stretching, it can help to reduce the severity of many injuries as well as reducing the overall number of injuries. It is highly important to work with a coach or other sports medicine professional to develop a routing for stretching that is most effective for your individual lifestyle as well as body type.

Especially important for athletes is discussing their workout habits and any previous injuries when selecting a stretching routine. By carefully choosing the proper exercises and stretches it is possible to help protect against further injury, and really tailor the workout to your exact individual needs. However, just merely stretching to stretch can sometimes void the benefits if the stretches are not the proper type. For example, if you are a runner and focus more emphasis on stretching your arms you are going to see fewer benefits than someone who stretches their back as well as legs before actually running.

Deciding with your sports medicine team the appropriate exercises, number of repetitions and all other pertinent details of your stretching program also helps to ensure that your entire team knows exactly what you are doing, and can make modifications and adjustments based upon what you need as an individual, as well as what you need to improve your overall athletic ability. It is very important to carefully select exercises that are appropriate for your needs at the time of the warm up as well. This means specifically, if you have an injury to your hamstring muscle, you should give it some rest for a couple of days at a minimum.

This brings to light the importance of talking to your doctor and learning to listen to your body. If you feel as if the stretches you are doing cause you more harm than they help, it is time to rework your routine and change how you are treating your body. Remember, changing the types of stretches that you do is perfectly acceptable especially when you are healing from an injury. Working to keep your body in the best overall condition possible is your ultimate goal and working towards that goal often means having to make adjustments to a routine, often at the last minute.

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Comments Off on Tips For Treating Your Arthritis Pain And Symptoms

By admin, October 12, 2021 3:47 am

For anyone who suffers from arthritis, the daily pain involved makes arthritis a very important topic. Although there is a wealth of information available on the Internet, it is difficult to wade through the plethora of information to glean what’s worthwhile. This article is meant to provide you with succinct tips and advice on arthritis.

Arthritis is becoming more and more common! If you notice that you have pain, swelling, or stiffness around your joints, it is important that you see your doctor right away! This could be a sign of arthritis, and if that is the case, you want treatment to begin as soon as possible. Make sure, you also, ask your doctor what kind of arthritis it is. This will be helpful when getting the proper treatment!

Watch out for co-morbid condition, especially depression. Arthritis and depression can lock you into a feedback loop: you’re tired and in pain, so you can’t do the things you love, which makes you more upset. Being upset then leads to symptom flare-ups. If you think you are depressed, speak with your doctor about a referral to a psychiatrist.

Drink a little wine. While some people will tell you that people who suffer from arthritis should never drink, studies have shown this to be an unfounded concern. Light drinkers do not have any excess issues with their arthritis, and red wine may actually help to prevent damaging inflammation from cropping up.

Do not try to hide your condition from your children. Having a family member with rheumatoid arthritis affects everyone in the household even if they can’t understand exactly what’s going on. Teach younger children on a level they can understand. Just make sure that you keep them involved in what is going on with you.

It may sound a little unusual, but soothing music can be beneficial to your arthritis symptoms. Listening to relaxing music has the ability to relax your mind and body, which will relieve your joints of the pain caused by arthritis. Many arthritis sufferers have difficulty sleeping; listening to music that relaxes you, can aid in getting a good night’s sleep.

Try acupuncture. While many people believe this method does not really work, studies have shown that using it can actually release pain relieving endorphins. This can work wonders for arthritis sufferers by targeting painful inflammation and swelling points in the joint, and sending these relieving chemicals to the area to trigger immediate relief.

Make sure your doctor is knowledgeable on the subject of arthritis. Some doctors have had extensive training in the field, and know better and more effective treatments than other doctors might. Ask your doctor how much they know about arthritis, and if they would be comfortable recommending you to someone more experienced.

Be patient with your doctor. With over a hundred different kinds of arthritis in existence, it may take a lot of time and tests before your doctor can tell you which specific one you have. In the meantime, research arthritis in general to find out what you may be dealing with in the future.

Pay close attention to your medical treatment plan. Many arthritis sufferers make the mistake of simply closing their minds to what their doctors are saying to them. A good patient should take notes on what the doctor is telling them, as well as what the pharmacist says. Doing this can keep you informed on your own condition.

Make sure to wear supportive footwear and braces if you are dealing with swollen or tender joints. These supportive items can help reduce your pain which will get you out and about and active again. Do not just accept the pain, work to reduce the symptoms as much as possible.

When dealing with arthritis pain you have to protect your joints. Always be thinking about your joints and your joint health and protect them from injury. So be careful; instead of lifting a heavy object, slide it, or use your shoulder to open a door instead of using your hand.

As you may now be aware, there are many things that the average person can do to help alleviate their arthritis pain and suffering. Though it may seem debilitating now, by following the tips and advice from this article, you will help increase your chances of living a full and unencumbered life with arthritis.

Comments Off on Seeking Chiropractic Care: What You Need to Know

By admin, October 10, 2021 7:00 pm

Do you suffer from pain, discomfort, or have difficulty moving? Whether that pain is caused by arthritis, an injury, or if you don’t know the cause, you may consider chiropractic care. Chiropractic care is a natural way to seek pain relief. With proper treatment, that relief will be long-term and long-lasting. However, if this is your first time seeking chiropractic care, you may have many questions. Continue reading on to get your answers.

Question: What types of conditions can chiropractors treat?

Answer: A wide range. Many are actually surprised to hear that chiropractors treat more than just back pain. This is a common misconception. In actuality, they treat a wide range of medical conditions that result in pain, discomfort, and decreased mobility. They typically treat neuromusculosketal complaints and joint pains in the entire body.

Question: What types of treatments are offered in chiropractic care?

Answer: Many. Although many procedures are performed, two are common. They are adjustments and therapeutic massages. One mistake that many make is believing that they can perform these procedures at home; it is very risky. A chiropractic adjustment is a fine practice that only a few know how to master. Yes, only the hands are used, but precision force is required. The hands manipulate joints to enhance function, improve mobility, and reduce pain. These joints are important to mobility. One wrong move and a person can land themselves in a world of pain.

Question: Is chiropractic care safe?

Answer: Yes. Many are surprised to learn just how safe chiropractic care is. It is actually a lot safer than most traditional forms of medicine. Chiropractors do not prescribe medication. They cannot, but most would not anyways. This is because they believe in natural relief. They also aim for more than just temporary relief, but a permanent solution to the problem. Most primary care physicians mask pain with over-the-counter or prescribed pain pills. This temporarily stops pain, but it will return. On the other hand, chiropractors target the source of the pain and fix it. So, not only is chiropractic care safe, but you get better, longer lasting results.

Question: Do you need a referral before seeing a chiropractor?

Answer: You shouldn’t. Many insurance providers do require referrals for specialists, such as surgeons. Although chiropractors do have a specialty, which is natural manual therapy, they are not legally classified as specialists. All states classify them as contact physicians. This means your insurance provider should not require you to have a referral. In fact, chiropractors provide referrals. In cases that they cannot treat, such as a neck fracture, the patient is referred to a qualified surgeon.

Question: Does chiropractic care hurt?

Answer: It shouldn’t. If you opt for a certified chiropractor who performs all procedures correctly it should not hurt. The only exception is with a therapeutic massage. If you suffer from arthritis, your joints already hurt. The first couple of touches may result in some discomfort, but that will soon disappear. As for adjustments, they should not hurt. Although chiropractors advise against cracking our knuckles, we have all done it. It is similar. You may hear a popping sound, but will feel no pain.

Question: How do I find a chiropractor?

Answer: You have many options. It is easier to turn to your local phone book. In the yellow pages or the business directory, look under the headings of “physicians,” or “chiropractic care.” The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) allows you to search for doctors of chiropractic (D.C.) on their website, located at AmerChiro.org.

Question: Does insurance cover chiropractic care?

Answer: It depends on your insurance company and the coverage plan you selected. A growing number of insurance providers are extending coverage for chiropractic care. Some are doing so at the suggestion of employers and employees. Those in physically demanding professions, such as construction and mail delivery, can benefit from having easy and affordable access to care.

Question: What about those who do not have health insurance?

Answer: If you do not have health insurance, do not avoid seeking chiropractic care. Instead, find a care provider who is willing to work with you. Some will develop affordable payment plans. Some chiropractors also accept credit cards as payment. Although the costs increase with late fees and interest rates, it may be your only way to seek relief.

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Comments Off on Exercise and Arthritis

By admin, October 9, 2021 7:19 am

Your bones hang out in a lot of joints. Knee joints. Hip joints. The joints in your fingers and the joints in your toes.

Wherever bones meet, there is also cartilage, a rubbery, protective layer that ensures your joints bend smoothly and painlessly. But even cartilage cannot do this tremendous job alone. A thin membrane called the “synovium” provides fluid that lubricates the moving parts of the joint. When the cartilage wears out of the synovium becomes inflamed, the result is generally a case of “osteoarthritis” or “rheumatoid arthritis.”

In osteoarthritis, the cartilage can be eroded so much that bone does rub on bone. Thos type of arthritis develops gradually over a lifetime as a simple result of the wear and tear placed on your joints over the years. Very few people escape some degree of osteoarthritis, though the severity varies a great deal.

As a matter of fact, if you are over the age of 50, you are likely to have at least one joint affected by osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis affects men and women equally and is by far the most common type of arthritis, with almost 16 million Americans in the list.

In rheumatoid arthritis, damage to the synovium is at the source of trouble. Doctors and researchers are not absolutely sure what causes it, but most think that rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system actually attacks certain tissues in the body, including those that connect the joints and the synovium.

Rheumatoid arthritis begins with swollen, red, stiff, and painful joints, but it may progress until scar tissue forms in the joint or, in extreme cases, until the bones actually fuse together. Almost 75% of the 2 million people with rheumatoid arthritis in the United States are women. The disease can hit as early as teen years.

Exercising Your Prevention Options

Investing a little time in developing a good weight-bearing low-impact exercise and stretching plan can add up to great results when it comes to staving off arthritis pain. Strong muscles help protect the joints from wear and tear, and the movement keeps joints flexible.

That is why the quest for fitness is at hand, even if you are 50 years and over. However, most Americans over 50 are still right where they always were sitting back and watching others jog by. Most of them contend that that is just for people who have been athletic all their life, or some say exercise is for young people and engaging into exercise will do them more harm than good.

There are still some that insist on excusing their selves in exercise routines because they do not just have time or they have less energy than ever before. These are all lame excuses. Hence, it is time to start to get rid of those pains. Start exercising.

Consequently, preventing arthritis is not an exact science, but physicians have discovered a few ways to lower your risk. Here is how:

1. Do not weight around

The single most important measure anyone can take to prevent osteoarthritis of the knee is to lose weight if they are overweight. Extra weight puts extra stress on your knees. If you are 10 pounds overweight, for example, you put 60 pounds per square inch of extra pressure on your knees every time you take a step. That extra pressure can slowly but surely erode the cartilage in your knees, leading to arthritis.

A study has clearly supported the theory that weight loss weighs in on the side of prevention. In the study, overweight women who lost 11 pounds or more over a 10-year period decreased their risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee by 50%.

2. Stretch those muscles

Any kind of stretching is good as long as you do not bounce, which can lead to a muscle pull. This is according to some of the professors of clinical medicine in New York City.

Try to hold a slow, steady stretch for 15 to 20 seconds, then relax and repeat. It is best to flex up by stretching before any exercise, especially running and walking. But it is also a good idea to stretch each day. Ask your doctor to teach you stretches that focus on potential arthritis trouble spots, such as the knees or the lower back.

3. Walking is always the best exercise

Take a good long walk at least three times a week or participate in a step-aerobics or low-impact exercise routine maximum results. There is no proof that running is bad for the joints, but remember, it may aggravate an injury if you already have one. Just remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

The bottom line is that of all the healthful habits, exercise is the most important. This is because people are designed to be active. Hence, it is really important for people to exercise in order to stay healthy and keep those joints free from wear and tear.

Just keep in mind that the unexercised body, even if free from the symptoms of illness or problems like arthritis, is not at its full potential. Hence, start exercising right now!

Comments Off on Chiropractic Care versus Traditional Medical Care

By admin, October 7, 2021 1:58 pm

Are you suffering from mild to severe pain and discomfort? Whether it is your knees, hands, neck, back, fingers, toes, or another part of the body that hurts, you may be ready to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. This is nice, but have you considered chiropractic care? If not, you should. It is similar, but also very different from traditional medical care. How?

Natural versus Artificial

Over the past few years, a lot of focus has been placed on natural and organic. Many Americans are making the switch to all natural and organic foods and supplements. This nice, but many of those same people turn to traditional forms of medicine and over-the-counter pain relievers to seek relief. This is not natural. Chiropractic care is. Chiropractors may use x-rays and MRIs to diagnose a problem and decide on a course of treatment, but that treatment is done with the precision of the hands. It is manual therapy.

Medications

Medications are commonly prescribed in traditional forms of medical care. They are not with chiropractic care. In fact, chiropractors are unable to write prescriptions. Some believe this is because they “aren’t enough of a doctor.” This is not true. The main reason for their inability to write prescriptions is because they do not believe in their use. Patients are not discouraged from seeking temporarily pain relief with over-the-counter products, but it is only temporary. Chiropractors prefer to make adjustments to treat the problem of pain at it source, not mask the problem with prescription medication.

Side Effects

In keeping with medication, it is important to note the side effects. They are common. It is rare to find a prescribed pain reliever without side effects. Even little side effects, such as an upset stomach or dizziness, can have a profound impact on your life. When seeking medical care, you want to seek relief, not have a new set of problems to deal with. That is why chiropractic care is best to treat pain, discomfort, and decreased mobility. Since there are no drugs prescribed, you will not experience side effects. But, you will get positive effects from either proper adjustments or therapeutic massages.

Safety

In terms of safety, there are little to no risks associated with chiropractic care. In fact, care is recommended for individuals of all ages. Both those young and old can benefit from chiropractic care. With traditional medical care, there are more risks present. Many of the medications prescribed are only safe for certain individuals. For example, those under the age of 4 can rarely seek safe pain relief from over-the-counter or prescribed medications. They can, however, get a safe therapeutic massage or undergo a safe realignment to treat pain and discomfort.

Complications

Chiropractors cannot perform surgery. In most cases, it is not needed. Patients who seek medical care experience pain, discomfort, and decreased mobility. As previously stated, realignment or a therapeutic massage may do the trick. Since surgery is only considered a last resort and performed by surgeon, there is little risk of complications. Surgery opens up a world of complications, including the invasion of germs and infection. Since the body is naturally healed using manual therapy, complications are non-existent.

NOTE: Chiropractors encourage those suffering from pain, discomfort, and difficultly moving to seek chiropractic care. What they don’t encourage is avoiding all traditional forms of medical care. Some conditions, such as the flu, cancer, and diabetes cannot be treated with manual therapy. Never put your health at risk. Chiropractic care is best to treat pain and discomfort. Always keep your primary care physician in mind for other non-pain related medical problems.

In short, there are many differences between chiropractic care and medical care. So, which should you opt for? If you suffer from pain or experience difficulty moving, contact a local chiropractor. See what they can do for you. Since there are little to no risks, you have nothing to lose.

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Comments Off on Dont Be The Disease Managing Your Diabetes

By admin, October 6, 2021 10:19 am

You never really know what to expect in life. Just when things are seemingly going well, something like diabetes can come along and derail everything. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, learn how to manage your lifestyle and the disease by reading these tips below and applying them where necessary.

If you need to sweeten your tea or coffee, but you have Diabetes, try using more natural sweeteners like honey or a sweetener and sugar substitute. These sweetener and sugar substitute can be found at many grocery stores today and is a plant extract, which is very sweet. It can even be found in a powdered form which mimics real sugar.

If you’re looking for a salty snack but your diabetes is holding you back, look no further than a jar of olives! They’re a fruit, tasty, healthy, and fun to eat. You can cut them up and put them in salads, or even on a sandwich! I love to make a homemade submarine sandwich and sprinkle some on top. YUM!

If you want to eat healthier to help overcome your Diabetes, but you just can’t stomach fish without some pops of flavor on it, try capers! They’re like olives in their flavor, but smaller and zestier. You can sprinkle them on any type of fish, I like to also add some slices of Spanish onion, and they take the place of sauce.

Birthday parties can be a nightmare for the parents of a diabetic child, but they don’t have to be as long as you communicate with the hosts of the party. Let them know as far in the future as possible about your child’s illness, and offer to send food with them so they don’t have to come up with alternatives themselves. Send enough for everyone at the party and they won’t feel like they’re different!

To avoid developing a life-threatening infection, avoid going barefoot outdoors. People with diabetes are much more susceptible to developing infections from minor injuries and simply cutting your foot on a piece of glass could become a major ordeal. Instead, try wearing lightweight, waterproof shoes when you’re going outside in warm weather.

It is important that you know how to use your insulin pump. Many people do not get the proper amount of insulin because they are not using their pump correctly. If you do not know what you are doing, do not feel ashamed to ask your doctor or another health professional, for help.

Just like you’re able to buy generic diabetic prescriptions and stay healthy, generic food items can be just as good as their brand name counterparts. Saving money is important to everyone, especially when you’re on a relatively strict diet. If you’re going to buy the generic brand, compare the ingredient list and nutrition data to the brand name to make sure you’re getting the same quality.

Get educated about your condition. The more information you have about diabetes, the better you are equipped to handle it. By educating yourself more, you can in turn educate others including family members and friends. They may not be sure how to handle diabetes and aren’t sure about how they may be able to help you one day.

If you find yourself yawning more frequently than usual at a time of day in which you are ordinarily high-energy, low blood glucose levels may be the culprit. Take your blood sugar measurements to confirm whether or not this is the case; over time you should be able to identify your body’s standard responses to changes in glucose levels.

What you’ve just learned from the tips above is that diabetes can be controlled with the right information and the right amount of effort on your part. Now that you’ve learned more about the disease and what you can do to control it, the next logical step is to apply the information and formulate a plan of action.

Comments Off on Discovering Hyponatremia and Preventing It!

By admin, October 4, 2021 9:18 am

How many people really know without reaching for a dictionary what hyponatremia is? The bad news is that most people are unaware of what it is, yet it is a very dangerous condition that occurs quite often. Much more often than it really should in fact. To blame for the heightened occurrences is the fact that most people do not understand the proper fluid levels that should be maintained during exercise. This is particularly important during those exercises that are quite intensive such as marathons and endurance activities.

Hyponatremia is so important because it involves the blood sodium levels in the body. It is important that these levels be maintained in a proper proportion in order for the body to remain healthy. If the levels are adjusted through extreme sweating or even an over abundance of water consumption then Hyponatremia can occur which creates several problems. If you are seeing a sports medicine doctor and discussing participating in an endurance activity be sure to thoroughly ask about hyponatremia so that you can avoid it as much as possible.

Hyponatremia is important because it occurs when sodium levels are greatly decreased. This occurs in the normal process of sweating. However, creating the actual problem is when athletes consume large amounts of water continuously, which further reduces the ratio of the blood sodium levels. This lowered ratio is what creates the problems of hyponatremia. However, the solution is sometimes quite easy, but unless you have discussed the problem with your doctor, you are unlikely to know.

Symptoms of hyponatremia are as subtle as a nauseated feeling, some small muscle cramps, possibly being disoriented and even a bit confused mentally. This is quite often mistaken for just simply being dehydrated which will prompt many people to reach for more water to drink, which ultimately makes the problem much worse. Extreme cases of hyponatremia include symptoms such as comas, seizures and in the most extreme cases, death is possible.

In order to really prevent and treat hyponatremia it is vital that you drink a sports drink that contains sodium, or else eat a food with sodium especially higher levels of sodium to quickly restore the proper levels to the body. In addition, cutting back on the plain water consumption until sodium levels are higher is also advised. If you are having severe symptoms, it is best to see a doctor immediately, preferably a sports medicine doctor who is knowledgeable about treatment options.

In order to prevent hyponatremia there are a few things that you can easily do. The first is ensuring that you are keeping a sports energy drink on hand to continuously drink. While drinking water is important as well, the sports energy drink will help replenish sodium levels while the water will flush more sodium from the body.
If you do not have hypertension discuss with your doctor increasing your sodium intake levels for a few days before the endurance event. Only increase your sodium levels under the watchful eye of your doctor or you could create problems with hypertension where none previously existed.

Additionally, it is best to always drink plenty of fluids. The best guideline to use is a cup of fluids, which is 8 ounces for each 20 minutes of activity. If you are engaging in an hour-long endurance activity that would translate into 3 cups of fluids.

Additionally, it is best to only replace fluids that you lose. This means that you should avoid adding additional fluids to your body that are not needed. For example if you lose 2 pounds from fluid loss, you should replace the fluids that were lost. This would not mean drinking more than 4 cups of fluids at a maximum to replace the missing fluids.

With proper precautions, you can avoid having a problem with hyponatremia and instead enjoy participating safely in the endurance activity of your choice. With careful medical treatment and proper prevention, it is not a problem that will force you to stop engaging in sports; rather it can make you more aware of your bodies’ nutritional requirements.

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Comments Off on Benefits of Using a Stability Ball in Your Training

By admin, October 3, 2021 12:32 pm

If there is one equipment you should not miss in your training, it is the stability ball. The market comes up with new training tools every now and then. Yet you are not sure if they do work and if they are safe. So for one that is guaranteed to work, use the stability ball.

What Is a Stability Ball?

This is a large and inflatable ball used as an exercise equipment. Despite being air-filled, it is generally heavy-duty and capable to hold 600 to 700 pounds of weight. It is comfortable and gives good support. It perfectly suits the trainee as it easily goes with the structure of the body.

This exercise tool is also sometimes called as the physioball or the Swiss Ball.

The good thing about using the stability ball is it reduces the perception of ‘working’ in training, especially for beginners. It gives some element of ‘play’ as you get rough with the training. It adds some fun and excitement as you advance in the movements and techniques.

Another good point with the ball is that it can be used by anybody. No fitness level is required. It is very portable and light weight, easy to bring along even when traveling. It is also inexpensive compared to other exercise equipment and it could last for a very long time.

How Stability Balls Came About?

The use of the stability balls for training can be traced in rehabilitation. As early as the 1900’s, physical therapists have been using balls in addressing the neurological disorders of their patients.

Then, in the early 1960’s, Aquilino Cosani, an Italian toy maker, made the ball and sold it, known then as the ‘Gymnastik.’ Two decades after, Cosani came up with a company called Gymnic and became the major supplier of the stability ball to most rehabilitation programs and centers.

The ball then shifted from the rehabilitation to the athletic area, in the 90’s. It was used to condition the body of professional athletes. From then on, the ball became very prominent in the fitness community.

At present medical specialists and fitness professionals very much recommend the use of the stability ball by the public. It serves more than solving physical problems. It is good in preventing you from having one.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Stability Ball?

The stability ball definitely is best to improve the strength of the abs and the lower-backs. It improves as well the functional strength, balance and flexibility of the body.

1. Proper Alignment
Using the ball during training will test the body to make use of the different parts to maintain the proper balance. The dynamic movements during exercise will improve the natural motor reflexes of the body as different muscles are utilized in movement, especially the ones that are not usually used. The challenge posed by the ball is to maintain balance. As one aims to get the proper balance, the alignment of the body parts is also improved.

2. Great Abs
For people working out to achieve great abs, this ball can definitely target the abdominal areas. The abs and the back muscles are simultaneously moved as you work in your balance. Just imagine the good feeling of having a flat stomach area and you will definitely love this ball.

3. Muscle Strength and Endurance
The stability ball can help in alleviating any back pain and preventing one in the future. As all the major muscle groups are exercised, the muscle tone, strength and endurance are also improved. Thus it gives the body flexibility, stability and resistance.

4. Core Stability
This concerns the major muscles that helps stabilize and support all of the body movements. This is made up of back and the deep abdominal muscles. With the ball, no matter how ‘deep’ or ‘into the core’ these muscles are, they are still exercised. This is something only the stability ball can guarantee.

5. Stretching
The ball is a good companion during stretching exercises. With this, you can easily move into and move out of different stretching positions.

6. Losing Weight
Of course, with all the good benefits of using the ball, you will not miss out on the aspect of losing weight. With regular exercises and trainings done with the stability ball, a person can lose some unwanted pounds as the body is firmed.

Health is definitely your most important asset. So do your regular exercises and maintain a healthy diet. Furthermore, have a happy and fun training with the stability ball.

Comments Off on Tips for a Successful Career in Sports Medicine

By admin, October 1, 2021 3:34 am

People are always looking for ways in which they can have a highly successful career and there are things that you can do to really increase the chances of being successful. However, if you simply overlook some tips you can still have a fulfilling career while other tips are quite necessary in order to succeed. Working towards a successful career often begins long before you actually start the career, and sports medicine is certainly no exception.

One of the first considerations that you should look into is ensuring if you are still in school that you are studying enough science to satisfy the needs of sports medicine. If you are someone, who hates biology class, and tries to figure out ways to avoid other science classes then sports medicine may not be the best idea for you. While sports medicine is not always about treating patients, it is still considered a medical field and someone who dislikes science is not likely to find happiness in the field. However, if you really do want to find a career in sports medicine you need to look into taking as many biology, anatomy and physics classes as your school possibly offers.

If you are not in school currently, look for a school that will offer excellent programs in the science fields that are required. If you have already completed your schooling, look and see if your classes that you studied will fulfill the science needs for getting started. If it does not, then it is best to start looking for a school that can satisfy your needs.

Another thing that you should closely look into is selecting the medical school you want to attend. Not all schools are created equally. Students who attend the best schools tend to get a higher quality education and are able to translate that higher education into better careers ultimately. You may have to compare prices of schools to find one you can actually afford, but attending the best school you can possibly afford will certainly pay off in the long run.

While you are looking for the perfect school to attend, consider which area of sports medicine you are interested in specializing in. Most doctors simply cannot attend to all of the medical needs of athletes; there are far too many specialties to even try so it is best that you look for a school that is excellent in your desired specialty. For example, a school that is highly regarded for their training of traditional medical doctors may not be as useful to you if you are looking into a career in orthopedics or even surgery. Ensure you are training for the correct field that you are really interested in.

Look for a residency program that is based in the exact specialty of sports medicine that you are interested in as soon as possible. While all doctors must do basic residency programs, many move on immediately from the residency program into sports medicine. This is not recommended at all, due to the complex nature of the body and the strains as well as considerations when sports are involved it is best to participate in a sports medicine residency program as well before fully starting in the field. This will allow you to maximize your hands on training and get the absolute most possible from all of your education. A career in medicine is certainly not cheap, so do your best to ensure you are putting that education to maximum usage.

Additionally, networking can be your best friend, especially for those who are beginning. Whether you offer your services to a semi professional team, or only to the little league team down the road it gives you the opportunity to help people learn who you are, and what you are capable of doing. You simply cannot purchase advertising that is as good for your practice. So volunteer some of your time monitoring games and helping ensure that athletes are taken care of; people will recognize your efforts and are much more likely to use you when they need a sports medicine doctor.

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