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Last week this column discussed “The Top Ten Tips for Better Sleep.” One tip, relaxation, visualization and breathing techniques has great value as a natural sleep aid and warrants further discussion.

Recently, I received an email from a reader who asked me if I thought sleep has a significant impact on health and wellness. The short answer is yes.

How many times have you heard the phrase “My back is killing me!” Almost every American has had an episode of back pain themselves, or knows someone who has had significant back pain. Acute low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common health maladies in the United States and is the leading cause of disability in people younger than 45 years old. It is responsible billions of dollars in health care costs, and is a leading cause of missed work.

Jet lag is considered to be a type of sleep disorder associated with long distance travel between time zones. When traveling between time zones, the natural sleep/wake cycle (circadian rhythm) of our body is disrupted by the change in pattern in daylight. It can be a much more difficult recovery than a few hours sleep and can ruin an active vacation.

To be a competitive runner and have longevity in the sport, optimal form is necessary. Moreover, a recent study shows that a runner can decrease the stresses on the lower body and reduce the incidence of stress fractures when trained to run with proper form using visual feedback while on a treadmill.

Spring has arrived and baseball season is around the corner. It is hard to believe that a healthy young little leaguer has to worry about injuries. They seem so flexible, agile, strong, and fast. Unfortunately, because their bones are not fully developed, they are vulnerable to “Little League Elbow.”

Youth baseball can be a very rewarding experience for young participants, parents and coaches. However, most coaches, without a medical background or additional training, may not have the skill and knowledge to provide a healthy and safe environment.

Summer is finally here and gardeners in northeast PA are anxious work in their gardens and enjoy the fruits of their labor. I have noticed that my associate, Nancy Wesolowski, certified hand therapist, has recently had an influx of patients with hand injuries associated with gardening.

The controversy over the use of prohormone nutritional supplementation in humans (andro) has continued since the investigations of popular athletes. A recent study in the American College of Sports Medicine found, while these supplements are widely marketed, the scientific data supporting the effectiveness is lacking.

This week, I would like to discuss the benefits of cardiovascular exercise and common problems that develop from biking on an improperly fitted bike.