While I normally do not address the topic of shoveling snow until January, considering recent weather events, I thought it might be valuable to present it sooner. Much has been written about the dangers of snow shoveling for your heart. However, while not fatal, low back pain is the most common injury sustained while shoveling […]
The “first Thanksgiving” was in 1621 between the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony and the Wampanoag tribe in present day Massachusetts to celebrate the harvest and other blessings of the previous year. In 1789, President George Washington, at the request of Congress, proclaimed Thursday, November 26, as a day of national thanksgiving. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln […]
Part II of II November is National Hospice Month! During this time, we celebrate the tireless work of the hospice professionals who assist patients and their families during the weeks and months that they journey with a serious or terminal illness. However, in addition to the service of providing pain and symptom management, assisting with […]
Part I of II November is National Hospice Month! Each November, the community of hospice and palliative care professionals celebrates National Hospice Month. Although, at first glance, spotlighting the concept of death and dying may seem a bit gloomy. It’s actually the concept of quality of life and the focus on living that is truly […]
Recently, two patients asked me when I thought it would be safe for them to return to their exercise programs after abdominal surgery. She stated that she was not sure how to properly and safely implement or return to her program. This column will attempt to ensure a safe return to activity and exercise following […]
Osteochondritis dissecans, also called OCD, is the most common cause of a loose body or fragment in the knee and is usually found in young males between the ages of ten and twenty. While this word sounds like a mouth full, breaking down its Latin derivation to its simplest terms makes it understandable: “osteo” means […]
New study recommends a 30 minute walk 3-5 times per week to reduce lower back pain! Fall has arrived in NEPA and walking is a great way to enjoy the fall foliage. Moreover, a new study has found that walking can reduce lower back pain. Researchers in Australia followed more than 700 adults who had […]
Age-related changes to your body are normal and expected. For example, loss of muscle tone, stiffness in joints, and loss of balance. With effort, some of these changes can be retarded and managed with stretching, strengthening and balance exercises. The brain is no different…it can slow down and lead to memory lapses. However, for most […]
Congratulations to more than 1,000 courageous runners who finished the 27th Annual Steamtown Marathon today. Most, if not all of you are waking up this morning with a little less jump in your step than you had yesterday. As active people by nature, many of you will resist the logic of rest, despite the pain […]
Provisional Bag/First Aide Kit It is one week away from the 27th Steamtown Marathon. This column is dedicated to all the runners preparing for the big day. One small piece of advice; start slowly, avoid the first mile adrenaline sprint downhill, and enjoy the journey! Remember, only one Olympic marathon winner (Juan Zabala, Argentina, 1932) […]
