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There are numerous ways to protect yourself from acquiring either “flu”, the traditional seasonal or the new H1N1.

It is that time of year when people wake up coughing and sneezing and hope that the symptoms are only a mild seasonal allergy. Unfortunately, it is also cold and flu season and it is important to know the difference. In the last month alone, our office was hit with several seasonal illnesses that lead to days off from work for Gretchen, Amy, and Chris. Did they have a cold or flu?

This column will address a question that is frequently asked by people of all ages and activity levels…stretching.

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.

In honor of physical therapy month, I would like to share a story about a friend of mine who has multiple sclerosis (MS).

Frankie Colletta, the area’s leading running back from Delaware Valley High School sustained a season-ending ankle fracture on October 9th against West Scranton High School at Scranton Memorial Stadium. Over the past week, I have received several inquiries from athletes, parents and coaches about the impact of the new FieldTurf at Scranton Memorial Stadium on his injury. Some readers feel that the injury would not have happened on natural grass while others feel old-style artificial turf is better.

Last year an article in Skeletal Radiology received significant attention for disproving “current wisdom” about running and knee arthritis. Researchers from Austria used MRI imaging to examine the knees of participants before the 1997 Vienna Marathon. Ten years later, runners received an MRI before the 2007 race. Scans of those participating in both races were compared for changes. The results were very surprising.

In this second article dedicated to the runners preparing for the 14th Steamtown Marathon, I thought it fitting to share information regarding the prevention of dehydration for the marathon and recreational runner.

Twenty years ago, two women who were experiencing painful discomfort from excessive breast movement their exercise, sport, and recreational activities decided to by two jock straps, sew them together, and create the world’s first sports bra! These early sports bras were uncomfortable and unattractive! However, with today’s innovative designs and new fabrics, the sports bra offers a cost-effective way of breast protection during exercise!

It is two weeks away from the 14th Steamtown Marathon. For this column, the first of three dedicated to those runners preparing for the big day,
I thought it fitting to share information regarding the prevention of running injuries for the marathon and recreational runner.