November is National Diabetes Month. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), 23.6 million adults and children, 7.8% of the population in the United States, have diabetes. Unfortunately, one-third of these people are not aware that they have the disease.
While there is no cure for osteoporosis, being proactive can prevent, slow or stop the progression of this disease. As discussed in last week’s column, a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use, a well - balanced diet – rich in calcium and vitamin D, and weight –bearing exercises – such as walking and weight training are essential in the prevention and treatment of this disease.
One topic that is constantly resurfacing for physical therapists is osteoporosis. This week’s column will review the definition, cause and prevention. Next week, I will present the 10 best exercises to prevent osteoporosis.
To prevent cancer, doctors recommend that you avoid smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol, and eating preservatives and artificial sweeteners. And there is a growing body of scientific evidence that physical activity and exercise can be used as a primary prevention against cancer.
In the past, people being treated for a chronic illness, like cancer, were often told by their doctors to rest, conserve their energy and reduce their physical activity. Recent research has shown that exercise is not only safe and possible during cancer treatment but it can improve your function and quality of life.
The last two weeks have been dedicated to the signs, symptoms, prevention and treatment of blood clots. This column is specifically for the health and wellness of the long distance traveler.
Physical activity, specifically aerobic exercise, is a scientifically proven useful tool for preventing and easing depression symptoms. Studies in the British Journal of Medicine and the Journal of Exercise and Sports Science found that depression scores were significantly reduced in groups that engaged in aerobic running, jogging or walking programs, 30-45 minutes 3-5 days per week for 10-12 weeks when compared to a control group and a psychotherapy counseling group.
Patrick McKenna, Editor for The Times-Tribune recently sent me copy of a press release regarding a warning from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that the prevalence of arthritis will increase significantly by 2030.
Eating disorders among athletes is not uncommon, especially in the female athlete. This is the third of three columns on this topic. Athletes with eating disorders need referral to a health care professional.
Eating disorders are becoming epidemic in athletes. This is the second of three columns addressing this topic.
