ACTIVE CARE

Chances are if you work, go to school or are around kids there’s always someone sniffling, sneezing or coughing.  Of course, all you’re trying to do is avoid getting the cold, flu or stomach virus your self.  But is hand sanitizing, incessant hand washing and kicking open doors like an ER doctor really the only... Read More »

If you’re looking for answers on whether to eat before or after exercise to promote weight loss, research on the topic may leave you more confused.  That’s because a commonly cited article seemingly recommended fasting before exercise, leading to a rash of other articles and blogs using the research as evidence that exercising before eating... Read More »

The fitness community has a well-established love affair with the latest and trendiest exercise programs. Remember Tae-Bo and Billy Blanks? Jazzercise and Jane Fonda? Spin and Johnny G? Yet despite the hype, these fitness programs and their famous, chiseled originators eventually faded into anonymity. However, despite our short attention span with exercise programs, CrossFit believers... Read More »

We may be all born to run, but are we all born to run well, fleet of foot and without injury?  Running is an immensely popular fitness activity and for good reason.  It offers efficient exercise and it can usually be done anywhere or anytime, with only the most basic of equipment.  But this simplicity... Read More »

It’s that time of year that we resolve to start fresh and eat better, workout more, play less iPhone Candy Crush and generally remake everything.  Unfortunately, too often those resolutions don’t make it past Groundhog Day.  Research shows that about 45% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions but only about 8% actually achieve them. But... Read More »

The Olympics give us a fascinating look at the physical and athletic qualities of individuals who have achieved the top level of sport.  But how did these athletes reach that level of athletic performance?  One popular book has advocated the theory that excellence in any sport or activity requires 10,000 hours of practice.  But how... Read More »

In our pursuit of optimal performance, every facet of physiology, nutrition and equipment has been scientifically evaluated and updated.  We have satellites tracking our speed, heart rate monitors to record intensity and a shoe industry that is constantly in search of innovation.  How did Roger Bannister ever break the 4-minute mile without Nikes and a... Read More »

Not to pick on the “weekend warriors” but those that continue to play soccer, basketball and tennis into the 30’s, 40’s and beyond are unfortunately at increased risk for injury.  One of the most dreaded weekend warrior injuries?  Achilles Tendon rupture.   The Achilles tendon is the most commonly ruptured tendon in the body, often requiring... Read More »

If you’re sitting down and reading this, your lower back might be hurting.  Want to fix the problem?  Stand up and keep reading. First the bad news, if you haven’t experienced back pain, chances are you will.  Back pain is very prevalent and studies show that 65% of the population will experience back pain at... Read More »

The milk industry has become well known for its “Got Milk?” advertisements that feature famous athletes with a characteristic “milk mustache.”  The calcium and Vitamin D found in milk is thought to help strengthen the bones of those that exercise (also the bones of those that don’t).  However, recent research suggests that the bones of... Read More »