The number one New Year’s Resolution in the United States is to lose weight. A close second is to gain control over one’s life. One of the best ways to lose weight is thought diet and exercise. It can also be a very effective method to begin taking control of one’s life. This is especially true for those suffering from stress, anxiety and depression. This year make your New Year’s Resolution to “Get a Runner’s High on Life!”
Specifically, aerobic exercise (exercise that increases your heart rate for 30 minutes or more) such as walking, biking, running, swimming, hiking, elliptical & stepper machines to name a few, is the secret to “runner’s high.” This exercise euphoria is not limited to runners alone, but all who engage in aerobic exercise are more likely to experience high energy, positive attitude, and mental wellness – not to mention burn calories.
Physical activity, specifically aerobic exercise, while well known for its importance to one’s physical well-being has also been scientifically proven valuable for preventing and easing stress, anxiety and depression. Studies have found improvement in mental health for 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 group in counseling.
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This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.comPaul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopedic and sports physical therapy in Scranton and Clarks Summit. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. For all of Dr. Mackarey's articles, visit our exercise forum!
According to American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), those 50 years old and older are seniors! By this definition, as hard as it is to admit, I am well into senior status and as one, I offer holiday health tips for seniors.
Overindulgence during the holidays causes many seniors to make New Year's resolutions related to diet and exercise. But, this year, I propose that seniors incorporate healthy habits during the holiday season, and you may find that your resolutions are not as hard to keep.
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This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com
Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopedic and sports physical therapy in Scranton and Clarks Summit. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. For all of Dr. Mackarey's articles, visit our exercise forum!
Happy Holidays! Despite political divisions and war in the Middle East and Ukraine, it is at this time of year that we celebrate life with great hope and faith. People of many faiths take time to reflect, respect, and resolve. Christians celebrate Christmas, the miraculous birth of Christ, the Son of God, and the Messiah. Jews celebrate Chanukah, the miraculous festival of lights, when one night’s oil provided enough light and safety for 8 nights. Both major faiths promote healthy lifestyles for the mind, body and spirit. These faiths are grounded in hope, faith, love and peace. It is no surprise that studies repeatedly demonstrate that faithful and spiritual people live longer and healthier lives! At this turbulent time in the world, it is important to note that people of all faiths benefited equally!
I purport, that to be truly healthy, one must have faith because complete health is multidimensional. Socrates preached this message to his students thousands of years before Christ. One must have a healthy mind, which requires intellectual stimulation with attainable goals related to education and intellect. One must have a healthy body by eating well, engaging in physical activity and having attainable goals related to his/her body. Likewise, one must have a healthy spirit with faith, hope, prayer and meditation, comrades and counsel, and set attainable spiritual goals.
How being religious or spiritual has been shown to benefit your mind, body and spirit…
1. Healthy Blood Pressure: High blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to heart disease and stroke, which are the leading causes of death in the United States, according to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC). It affects 1 in every 3 adults and only half of these people have their blood pressure under control. Well, religion and spiritually may help …
The health benefits of religion or spirituality are well documented. One study conducted at Duke University Medical Center on 4,000 subjects, older adults who described themselves as religiously active were 40% less likely to have high blood pressure when compared to those less active. Moreover, they were surprised to find that those who described themselves as spiritual rather than religious also were less likely to develop high blood pressure.
2. Greater Sense of Satisfaction: Research also indicates that religious people are more satisfied with their lives than those without faith. A sociology study determined that high satisfaction among church goers may be due to the strong social bonds that are developed within a religious congregation. Regular church attendees see the same people weekly and often more often, when participating in rewarding and gratifying church-related volunteer work.
3. Greater Tolerance for Adversity: In an impressive study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers interviewed 345 late-stage cancer patients to assess their spirituality as it related to their illness. 88% stated that they were religious as it related to their coping mechanisms. It was determined that those using religion for coping demonstrated a 7.4% rate of resuscitation as compared to 1.8% for those not using religion as a coping mechanism.
4. Stronger Immune System: According to a Duke University study of 1,718 older adult participants, those described as “highly spiritual” were 50% less likely to have high levels of anti-inflammatory proteins that weaken the immune system and have been linked to some cancers, viral infections and autoimmune diseases. The outcome was similar for those who attend religious services at least once a week.
5. Greater Longevity Those who attend religious services more than once per week are found to live and additional 7 years when compared to those who never attend services. Again, researchers feel that the social benefits of a belonging to a strong religious community may be a large part of the associated longevity. Additionally, the lifestyle of religious people is often healthier: members of these communities rarely engage in risky and unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, excessive drinking, indiscriminate sex, etc
Visit your doctor regularly and listen to your body.
EVERY MONDAY – Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!” via Blog
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This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com
Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopedic and sports physical therapy in Scranton and Clarks Summit. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. For all of Dr. Mackarey's articles, visit our exercise forum!
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 of us, it too can be managed and with a little effort, be kept sharp and clear.
Many experts feel that exercise is the best method to maintain not only physical health but mental health. Regular exercise can prevent the things that contribute to memory loss with age such as; diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and stroke.
Specifically, aerobic exercise may be most beneficial. Aerobic exercise is any type of sustained exercise that strengthens the heart and lungs to improve the body’s use of oxygen. This may include running/jogging, brisk walking, cycling, swimming, rowing, and the use of a treadmill, elliptical, stepper or similar device, at light to moderate intensity which requires the use of oxygen to adequately meet the oxygen demands of the body for an extended period of time. The generally accepted time and frequency is at least 30 minute sessions performed three or more times per week. Two 15 minute or three 10 minute sessions are also valuable. For those with back, hip, knee and other lower body pain, consider low-impact or partial weight-bearing activities such as a recumbent bike or stepper or upright bike instead of a treadmill.
The benefits of a healthy diet are well-documented. Specifically, a Mediterranean-style diet comes highly recommended. It focuses on plenty of fruits and vegetables with fish instead of red meat and olive oil instead of butter. Researchers found people who closely adhered to a Mediterranean diet were nearly 20% less likely to have thinking and memory problems.
Exercise your brain just as you do your body. Make time each day to challenge your brain. Learn something new to keep your mind sharp. Play cards, read a book, do crossword puzzles or other word games, take a class or learn play a musical instrument.
Human beings are social animals and in the right setting, we stimulate and challenge each other. Join a book club, fitness center, or a community center. Consider volunteering, taking an art or photography class. Social interaction can prevent isolation which can lead to depression and depression is associated with dementia.
Without adequate sleep, attention and concentration is compromised. Studies show that those who have normal restful sleep outperform those who are restless and sleep deprived. Some tips for better sleep are: avoid big meals before bed, keep a consistent sleep and wake up time, avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime. “
Consider an afternoon “power nap!” Recent studies show that an afternoon nap was rejuvenating to the mind and body. Participants improved on mental skills such as memory, calculation, orientation and attention.
Cortisol is the hormone associated with stress. Recent studies have found that elevated cortisol levels were associated with poorer overall cognitive functioning, including memory, language, and processing speed.
Try yoga, massage, breathing techniques to relax. Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) techniques can be very effective…try it on YouTube!
Smoking is clearly one of the worst things you can do to your body AND MIND! Smoking can lead to early memory lose in part due to small strokes in the brain. Do whatever it takes to quit; nicotine replacement, medication, or counseling.
There are many medical conditions and medications associated with memory loss. Regular medical check-ups can prevent, diagnose and treat some of these conditions such as; depression, diabetes, thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies, and drug interactions or side effects. For example, sleep aid and anxiety drugs associate with memory loss.
In addition to common tricks such as word association, sticky notes, use your smart phone for appointments and reminders. If you don’t know how to use a smart phone, it is time to learn something new…and that is a healthy brain activity!
SOURCES: WebMD; Harvard Health
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This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com
Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopedic and sports physical therapy in Scranton and Clarks Summit. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. For all of Dr. Mackarey's articles, visit our exercise forum!
Patients often tell me that they would like to exercise but hesitate due to their knee or hip pain. They want to know what type of exercise is best for those suffering from osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative arthritis. It is the most common form of arthritis in the knee. It is usually a gradual, slow and progressive process of “wear and tear” to the cartilage in the joint which eventually wears down to the bony joint surface. It is most often found in middle-aged and older people and in weight bearing joints such as the hip, knee and ankle. It causes gradual onset of pain, swelling and stiffness in the involved joint, especially after increased activity and weakness with loss of function due to disuse.
However, OA is not an excuse to avoid exercise but it is important to be smart about it. Regular exercise is essential to maintain a normal lifestyle for those with OA. However, if you do the wrong exercise, use poor technique, or are too aggressive, you could flare-up your joints and do more harm than good.
When performed correctly, exercise for those with OA has many benefits:
Pain Control
Exercise controls OA pain by releasing natural pain control chemicals in the body called endorphins. It also controls pain by assisting in weight loss and improving range of motion.
Weight Control
We all know how well exercise burns calories and that increased body weight creates increase stress on the joints.
Prevention of Joint Stiffness
Exercise will help maintain joint range of motion. A stiff joint is a painful joint.
Prevention of Muscle Weakness
Exercise will help maintain muscle strength. Weak muscles will allow or increase in joint wear and tear.
Maintain Lifestyle
If a joint is stiff and weak, then they become painful which negatively impacts your lifestyle. Exercise can prevent this problem.
Start Slowly
Wean into exercise because if you advance too quickly, you will flare up the joint and have increased pain. For example, walk for 5-10 minutes the first session. If you do not have pain, add 1-2 minutes each session.
Lose Weight
Every pound lost equates to less stress on your joints. For example, a loss of 5 pounds of body weight translates to 20-30 pounds of stress through the knee, according to David Borenstein, MD, President of the American College of Rheumatology. Also, body weight has a direct impact on daily activities. For example, walking upstairs creates stress through the knee equal to 4 times body weight and seven times body weight going downstairs. Therefore, less body weight equals less stress.
Low Impact Workouts
Low impact exercise creates less stress on the joints while strengthening leg muscles and those who those who maintain leg muscle strength have less stress on their joints. It is even important not to load your arms with heavy objects when walking or using stairs to limit joint stress.
Some examples of low-impact exercises are: walking, swimming, elliptical trainer, and biking. Strength training is also low-impact and should be performed with low weight and high repetitions. Water therapy is great for those with OA, especially in a heated pool. It is a great low-impact exercise with less gravity and stress on the joints. Walk, swim and do mild resistance exercises in the water. Use a snorkel and mask for swimming to limit excessive neck turning and back extension.
Walking is a great form of exercise; however, walking softly is important for those with OA. Wear good running shoes and orthotics if necessary. Discuss this with your physical therapist or podiatrist. When possible, use soft surfaces like cinder, mulch or rubber. Avoid grass and soft stand due to instability and torsion that may irritate your joints.
Warm-Up
Warming up your body is critical to prevent injury to the muscles and tendons. This can be done by marching in place or using aerobic equipment such as a bike for 5 to 10 minutes before exercise. Always perform the warm-up activity at ½ your normal pace.
Balance & Relaxation Techniques
Tai Chi and ballroom dancing are two good examples of activities which promote balance and relaxation. Studies showed that those with OA who participated in Tia Chi two times a week for eight weeks reported less pain, increased range of motion and improved daily activities and function. They also noted less low back pain and better sleeping.
Proper Clothing
Stay warm in winter and consider wearing compression shorts. Be cool in the summer months with DrytechR type material.
Pre/Post Exercise First Aid
If you are sore for longer than 12 to 24 hours after exercise, then you overdid it and must make adjustments next time. Otherwise, use hot packs, bath or shower before you exercise to loosen up and apply ice to your joints after exercise, especially if they are sore.
Post Exercise Stretch
Gentle, active range of motion stretches after exercise is important to maintain mobility. Do not bounce or cause pain. For example: Low Back – knees to chest; Arms – row –the – boat, arms behind head, arms behind back; Legs – wall lean calf stretch, bend and extend knees, open and close hips.
SOURCES: Rothman Institute, Philadelphia, PA and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; www.lifescript.com
Visit your doctor regularly and listen to your body.
EVERY MONDAY – Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!” via Blog
EVERY SUNDAY in "The Sunday Times" - Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!” in hard copy
This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com
Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopaedic and sports physical therapy in Scranton and Clarks Summit. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. For all of Dr. Mackarey's articles, visit our exercise forum!
Human beings were designed to move…walk, run, climb, lift, hunt, and gather. Contemporary man has suffered greatly from a technologically driven inactive and sedentary lifestyle. Inactivity is associated with many health problems; obesity, adult-onset diabetes, high blood pressure to name a few. The problems associated with lack of movement are many:
The more you move your body, the more you colon moves! A regular and consistent exercise and activity regime, results in a more consistent bowel schedule, especially with age. Healthy muscle tone in your abdominal muscles and diaphragm is also the key to moving waste through your digestive tract.
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and many inflammatory or auto-immune diseases can cause achy and stiff joints. However, even healthy joints can also stiffen when you don’t use them enough. Put them to work so they don't get tight and cause pain.
All muscles get weak from lack of use, including the muscles that help your lungs expand and contract as you breathe if you don’t work them out regularly. The less exercise or activity you do, the more you experience shortness of breath, even during easy daily tasks.
Physical problems are not the only complication of inactivity. A lack of movement can also increase feelings of anxiety and depression. Aerobic exercises like walking, biking, swimming, or running, have been proven to stimulate endorphins to boost and steady your mood, and even improve your self-esteem.
Many studies have found that regular movement improves energy. Exercise helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. When you sit or are inactive, tissues are not getting the same amount of fuel they need to keep you going.
Movement stimulates your metabolism. Hyperactive people burn more calories…just by fidgeting! Even if you are not hyperactive, the more active you are, the more calories you burn each time you move.
One of the first recommendations sleep doctors make to their patients suffering from insomnia is exercise. When you keep a regular exercise routine, you fall asleep faster, and you sleep deeper once you drift off.
Regular exercise tells your body to make more chemicals called growth factors. They boost blood vessel production in your brain. The more blood that gets to your brain, the better you can think, remember, and make decisions.
Spending most of your time sitting raises your risk of heart disease, in great part due to the fact that partly you’re more likely to have high blood pressure. This is a big risk factor for heart issues like coronary artery disease and heart attack.
When physical activity is a regular part of your life, your body has an easier time keeping your blood glucose under control. Exercise can stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you out of the type 2 diabetes danger zone.
When your core muscles are weak from lack of use, they can’t support your back the way they should. This makes it much easier to tweak your back muscles during everyday movements like standing or reaching. Pilates, yoga, and other exercises that use stretching are good for building a stronger back. Schedule an appointment with a good orthopedic and sports PT.
Logically, one might think that you’d be hungry more often if you exercised more, but the opposite is usually true. Aerobic exercise like biking, swimming, walking, and running can actually decrease your appetite because it changes the levels of certain “hunger hormones” in your body.
Studies show the more moderate activity you get, the lower your chance of catching a cold or other germs. When you make exercise a habit, your immune system gets stronger.
If your skin looks duller than usual, a lack of movement may be to blame. Some studies show that moderate exercise boosts your circulation and your immune system, which helps your skin keep that youthful glow.
SOURCE: WebMD
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This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com
Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopaedic and sports physical therapy in Scranton and Clarks Summit. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. For all of Dr. Mackarey's articles, visit our exercise forum!
Most of us are all too familiar with someone in our family or workplace that can be described as a hyperactive or high energy person. I am sure members of my family or coworkers in my office are thinking that this statement is a self-description. Consequently, based on doctor’s advice, it is best to limit me to one cup of coffee or pay the price when I become a hyperactive taskmaster. Now, after further research on this topic, I have concluded that it may be that I may be hyperactive by nature, regardless of my caffeine intake. While many of you may find the following facts hard to believe, and the effects of it may vary for everyone, the facts are still the facts.
Approximately 80% of the world's population consumes caffeine on a daily basis. While research is constantly being done on health benefits and side-effects of it, great controversy and misconception persists. The purpose of this column will be to discuss the “current wisdom” and present the truth about it.
Caffeine is completely absorbed within 30 to 45 minutes of ingestion and its effects linger for about three hours. Eventually it is excreted and there is no accumulation in the body. It has been shown to affect mood, stamina, the blood vessels in the brain, as well as stomach and intestinal activity. However, for most people, when used in moderation (200 to 300mg or 2-3 cups), caffeine use is perfectly safe and may offer some health benefits.
Caffeine is a natural substance found in certain leaves, seeds, and fruits of over 60 plants worldwide. In our culture, the most common sources in our diet are coffee, tea leaves, cocoa beans, cola, and energy drinks. It can also be produced synthetically and added to food, beverages, supplements, and medications. Consumption of 130 to 300 mg of it per day is considered minimal to moderate. Amounts exceeding 500 mg are moderate to heavy and more than 1000 mg/day is excessive. The average daily consumption among Americans is about 280 mg/day and 20% to 30% consume more than 600 mg/day. It's contents in some of the more popular forms are:
Caffeine can be habit-forming, but it is not addictive. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse states that it is a mild stimulant but does not have the qualities of addictive stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines. However, sudden abstinence from caffeine can produce mild withdrawal symptoms such as headache, restlessness, and irritability. Therefore, it is recommended to slowly wean off it over a week or two to lessen these symptoms.
The need to eliminate caffeine from your diet is not supported in the literature. In fact, studies show that moderate use can enhance your mood and improve focus and alertness. The American Dietetic Association suggests limiting intake to 200mg to 300mg (2- 3 cups of coffee) per day.
While caffeine is a diuretic, its effects are very mild. However, like all diuretics, it will cause you to urinate more often and therefore, lose fluids. The more fluids you lose, the greater the chance for dehydration, especially if you are at risk due to health issues. Also, long distance runners and athletes performing in conditions of extreme heat must use caution. Minimal to moderate intake with generous use of water and sports drinks should suffice.
A study conducted at the University of Madrid of more than 126,000 people found that women who drank 2-3 cups of caffeinated coffee per day had a 25% lower risk of heart disease. Also, a 33-yearlong study of more than 1,000 participants at Johns Hopkins University found that coffee had no significant effect on the risk of hypertension. Moderation seemed to be the key component in these studies. Interestingly, caffeinated colas did increase the risk of hypertension; however, it was believed to be due to the high amounts of sugars and other ingredients in the drink.
However, for many reasons, physicians tell their cardiac patients, especially those with high blood pressure or abnormal heart rhythms, to avoid it. This matter should be discussed in more detail with your physician before using caffeine. Tea, especially black and green, contains a much smaller amount of caffeine than coffee, is often recommended for the health benefits of antioxidants.
While studies show that moderate amounts (40 – 200mg) in children does not make them hyperactive, others demonstrate that a 12 oz can of cola with only 35 mg of caffeine makes them bounce off the walls. It has been concluded that it is the sugar and other ingredients in the soda that makes them hyperactive. In fact, some studies show that small amounts of it can work like Ritalin and improves focus in children with attention disorders.
Caffeine has been shown to increase calcium excretion when taken in large amounts. Unless a child drinks caffeinated coffee in place of milk, there is no scientific evidence that bone loss will occur. When it is used in moderation, no evidence of bone loss exists.
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that caffeine causes fibrocystic breast disease or breast cancer. Confusion may lie with the fact that it is associated with increased breast pain during monthly hormonal changes. If so, women are well advised to reduce the intake of caffeine during this time.
Source: www.LifeScript.com
EVERY MONDAY – Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!” via Blog
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This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com
Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopaedic and sports physical therapy in Scranton and Clarks Summit. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. For all of Dr. Mackarey's articles, visit our exercise forum!
Most would agree that this spring has a little cloudy, rainy and cool in NEPA. However, warm sunny days are soon to come. While protection from the sun is very important, too much time indoors playing computer games and watching television, can lead to potential problems from lack of exposure to the sun. One must use good judgment and have balance as the potential exists for Vitamin D deficiency due to lack of sun exposure. This problem may be true for individuals who use too much protection or spend most of their day indoors due to occupation or poor health. Therefore, it will be the purpose of this column to discuss the importance of Vitamin D for health and wellness.
Vitamin D, a fat soluble vitamin, is found in food and can be made by your body after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. The liver and kidney help convert it to its active form. Therefore, vitamin D assists calcium absorption, which is essential for normal development and in forming and maintaining strong bones and teeth. Without it, bones can become thin, brittle and soft. The classic Vitamin D deficiency diseases are rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Rickets results in skeletal deformities. Osteomalacia is the softening of bones. Therefore, it is essential for normal bone health and may diminish or prevent the onset of osteoporosis in the elderly.
The requirement for Vitamin D is dependent on age, sex, degree of sun exposure and the amount of pigmentation in the skin. Since it can be produced by the body and retained for long periods of time by the body’s tissues, the precise daily requirement has been difficult to determine. Instead, an Adequate Intake (AI) level has been established. AI is a level of intake sufficient to maintain healthy blood levels of an active form of Vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiency can occur when dietary intake is inadequate, when there is limited sunlight exposure, when the kidney cannot convert Vitamin D to its active form or when Vitamin D is inadequately absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Season, geographic location, time of day, cloud cover, air pollution, sunscreens, living indoors and living in cities where tall buildings block adequate sunlight from reaching the ground affect UV ray exposure. Therefore, individuals with limited sun exposure are at risk of this deficiency. Homebound individuals, people living in northern latitudes (e.g. New England, Alaska), individuals who cover their bodies for religious reasons and people whose occupations prevent exposure to sunlight may need to supplement in other forms.
Sunscreens with a sun protection factor of 8 or greater will block UV rays that produce Vitamin D. Older adults have a higher risk for this deficiency because the skin’s ability to convert Vitamin D to its active form decreases with age and the kidneys, which help convert Vitamin D to its active form, do not work as well when people age. Individuals with pancreatic enzyme deficiency, Chron’s disease, cystic fibrosis, sprue, liver disease, surgical removal of part or all of the stomach or small bowel disease may need extra intake because Vitamin D is a fat soluble and they have reduced ability to absorb dietary fat. Supplements are often recommended for exclusively breast-fed infants because human milk may not contain adequate Vitamin D. Consult with your pediatrician on this issue.
SOURCES: The National Institutes of Health; CDC
EVERY MONDAY – Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!” via Blog
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This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com
Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopaedic and sports physical therapy in Scranton and Clarks Summit. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. For all of Dr. Mackarey's articles, visit our exercise forum!
It is four months since many people have made their health and fitness resolutions and hopefully some have stayed the course. If you are looking for another reason to stick to your New Year’s Resolution to get fit and lose weight in 2024 try this…to improve or prevent hip and knee pain!
There are three major weight-bearing joints in the body, the hip, knee and ankle/foot. Consequently, wear and tear and arthritis are common among these joints. There are almost 800,000 knee replacements and 450,000 hip replacements annually in the United States alone. While there are many recommended methods to avoid or delay joint replacement, only a few are within our control. Genetics, trauma, degenerative diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are difficult to control. However, body weight, aggressive weight bearing sports and overdoing exercises as you age like excessive running, jumping, lifting and squatting can be modified or eliminated to limit the progression of joint damage. According to WebMD, “your knees are powerhouses. They’re the biggest, strongest, joints in your body, and most people use them throughout the day to sit, stand, walk, jump, and bend. They bear 80% of your body weight when you stand still and 150% or more when you walk across the room. In a 160-pound person, that’s 240 pounds of force!”
According to the National Institutes of Health, body weight or body mass index (BMI) has a direct impact on hip and knee degeneration, pain and dysfunction. In fact, one study found that people with or at risk of significant hip/knee osteoarthritis had a 2-3% reduction in risk of hip or knee replacement for every 1% reduction in weight, regardless of the baseline BMI.
It is commonly known that the primary cause of osteoarthritis is normal wear and tear, especially for those over 50. However, extra body weight can accelerate this process. As the joint degenerates, the cartilage at the end and in between your joints gets compressed and dehydrated which leads to deterioration. Eventually, the bones rub directly on each other as the cushion wears away, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness, loss of motion, strength and function.
While it may seem obvious that extra weight will put more strain and stress on the hip and knee joints; another mechanism involved in this degenerative process. Excess body fat can increase chemicals in your blood stream that can cause inflammation in your joints.
If you need a goal and a motive, how about this: losing even 10 pounds will equate to 40 pounds less force compressing and stressing your hips and knees. Moreover, reducing body fat will limit the hormones that cause inflammation in your joints. Talk to your primary care physician or visit www.cdc .gov to find a BMI calculator. Just plug in your height and weight and it calculates it for you. For example, a 155-pound male at 5 feet 8 inches tall has a BMI of 23.6. (A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered a healthy weight for this person).
The Mediterranean Diet is a solid start to eating healthy. It is less of a diet and more of a lifestyle. The foundation of this diet is plant foods built around vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, beans and whole grains. Moderate amounts of fish, dairy, poultry and eggs with limited consumption of red meat are paramount. The Mediterranean lifestyle also includes shared meals with family and friends, small portions, regular exercise, and wine in moderation with food and friends.
Exercise has many more benefits than just losing weight. Physical activity is one of the most important factors in improving a lifestyle in a positive way. A minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity, 5 days per week can greatly contribute to weight loss and longevity.
Researchers have found that the benefits of regular physical activity are numerous. Some of the more important benefits are:
Visit your doctor regularly and listen to your body.
Keep moving, eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and live long and well
SOURCES: WebMD, National Institutes of Health; CDC, American Council on Exercise
EVERY MONDAY – Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!” via Blog
EVERY SUNDAY in "The Sunday Times" - Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!” in hard copy
This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com
Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopaedic and sports physical therapy in Scranton and Clarks Summit. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. For all of Dr. Mackarey's articles, visit our exercise forum!
A myth is a traditional story, idea, or belief, especially one concerning early history of a people or explaining a natural or social phenomenon. It is a widely held but false belief or idea. In medicine, health myths are also widely held beliefs about health issues such as medicines, herbs, treatments, cures, antidotes, etc. which are partially or totally false and unsubstantiated in the scientific literature. This is a partial list of the most common health myths:
SOURCES: WebMd; National Institutes of Health, Mayo Clinic
EVERY MONDAY – Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!” via Blog
EVERY SUNDAY in "The Sunday Times" - Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!” in hard copy
This article does not intend as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com
Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopaedic and sports physical therapy in Scranton and Clarks Summit. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. For all of Dr. Mackarey's articles, visit our exercise forum!
