This week IS MEMORIAL DAY 2021…THE UNOFFICIAL FIRST DAY OF SUMMER! IT IS TIME TO GET THE HECK OUTSIDE! Research shows that spending time outdoors has many positive effects on your health. While there are many year-round activity options, in Northeastern Pennsylvania our short-lived summer is the inspiration to “suck the marrow out of a sunny day!” Summer in NEPA is enjoyed in many ways such as walking, running, hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating, kayaking, and swimming. Studies show that even less vigorous activities such as fishing, picnicking camping, barbequing, or reading a good book on the porch are healthier than being indoors.
It is reported that Americans spend 90% of their lives indoors and that number increases with age. Worse yet, for some, venturing outdoors is considered risky behavior with fear of the sun, ticks, wind, mosquitoes, and other creatures of God. Well, the truth of the matter is the risk of being one with nature is far less than the ill effects of a life stuck indoors.
Current research suggests that Vitamin D (The Sunshine Vitamin), may offer significant disease prevention and healing powers for osteoporosis, some forms of cancer and heart disease. Of all the methods of getting an adequate amount of Vitamin D, none is more fun than spending time outdoors in the sunlight. It seems that the health concerns of ultraviolet light, sun burn, and skin cancer have created an overreaction to the point of Vitamin D deficiency in many. Balance and common sense go a long way. One can attain normal levels of Vitamin D by being outdoors in the sun and exposing their arms and legs for 10 -15 minutes a few times per week. Additional time in the sun warrants sunscreen and Vitamin D supplements can be used if necessary.
While exercising indoors in a gym is valuable, research shows that time spent indoors is associated with being sedentary and being sedentary is associated with obesity, especially in children. Some studies show that children in the United States spend an average of 6 ½ hours per day with electronic devices such as computers, video games and television. It is also reported that a child’s activity level more than doubles when they are outdoors. So, get out of the office, house, and gym as often as possible. Consider weight training at the gym and doing cardio by walking, biking, or running outdoors.
It is well documented that light affects mood. So, unless you live in a glass house or a light box, getting outdoors is important to your mental health. Furthermore, studies show that exercising outdoors in the presence of nature, even for as little as 5- 10 minutes has additional mental health benefits. For those less active, read or listen to music in a hammock or lying in the grass.
Richard Louv, author of the book, “Last Child in the Woods,” coined the term, nature-deficit disorder.” This term is supported by research that found children with ADHD focus better when outdoors. Furthermore, it was discovered that these children scored higher on concentration tests following a walk in the park than they did after a walk in their residential neighborhoods or downtown areas, showing the benefit of the “green outdoors.”
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that patients recovering from surgery recovered faster with less pain and shorter hospital stays when they were exposed to natural light. Next time you’re recovering from an illness, discuss this with your physician.
In general, breathing fresh air is good for you. Some exceptions might be those with severe allergy problems when the pollen count is high. Despite this, it may be better to take allergy medicine and enjoy the benefits of being outdoors than to be stuck inside. Many pulmonologists believe people with pulmonary problems would benefit from outdoor activities such as a 10–15-minute walk because they are prone to osteoporosis and Vitamin D deficiency. Local pulmonologist, Dr. Gregory Cali, DO, agrees, and also adds that studies do not show that high humidity is dangerous for respiratory patients, but it may be uncomfortable. In cold temperatures, those with pulmonary problems must avoid directly breathing cold air by covering up their mouths when walking outdoors. Overall, the benefits far outweigh the risks.
Read “Health & Exercise Forum” – Every Monday. 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
For all of Dr. Mackarey's articles visit: mackareyphysicaltherapy.com
Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopaedic and sports physical therapy. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at GCSOM.
After a long, cold and snowy winter, complicated by COVID 19, we look to spring as a time of renewal. It is a time for great hope and optimism; trees are budding, flowers blooming and more people are doing their civic duty and receiving vaccinations…all contributing to a sense of promise for a fresh start!
Spring can also be a time of personal renewal…a time to reestablish goals for health and wellness. However, to be completely healthy, one must have a healthy mind, body and spirit. A healthy mind requires intellectual stimulation, a healthy body requires eating well and engaging in physical activity and a healthy spirit, requires faith, hope and prayer and meditation. This spring, consider the following tips to promote a healthy mind, body and spirit throughout the year.
Begin your meal with healthy vegetables and salads will fill you up and reduce the temptation to over-indulge in high-fat, high-calorie foods. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is also very important for good health.
Physical activity is one of the most important factors in improving a lifestyle in a positive way. But, it does not have to be complicated. A minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity, 3-5 days per week will have many positive effects on your body.
One cannot be completely healthy without a healthy mind. Like your body, you must continue to challenge your mind in order for it to remain strong, learn, expand, and grow. Read a good book, do crossword puzzles or try something new...piano lessons! Emulate my mentor, Dr. Gino Mori, who has been taking classes (and takes the exams) in art, science and history since his retirement more than 20 years ago!
Prayer, meditation, or chanting has been known to reduce your heart rate, blood pressure and stress level. These activities can lead to a sense of peace, serenity, joy, and faith. Remember, those who are spiritual and faithful live longer.
Those who love themselves are more likely to take care of their bodies. People who are not comfortable in their own skin are never satisfied with their appearance and often attempt to change their body. For example, men use steroids to appear “bigger and better” or women have cosmetic surgery to appear “younger and better.” It is impossible to love others if you don’t love yourself. You must learn to accept and embrace change in your body and life in order to have a healthy mind, body and spirit.
Get the appropriate amount of uninterrupted sleep. A good sleep promotes healing and refueling for your body. When needed, sit, rest, or take a short nap to recharge.
Countless hours are wasted on feelings of anxiety, regret or worry about a past or upcoming event. This can be a waste of precious life time and adds stress to the body, which makes you more susceptible to disease. Stay focused on the beauty of the present moment!
When you associate with healthy people, you take on their healthy habits. You will drink less, eat healthier and exercise more if you are hanging around with those who engage in these habits...they will have a positive influence on you! Bob Knowles, local insurance broker, is my health and wellness role model. He has tremendous discipline; exercises every morning before work, eats and drinks in moderation and makes time to reflect for self-improvement.
The camaraderie of good friends is essential for a healthy mind, body and spirit. Make it a priority to associate with people who “celebrate life!” The health benefits from these positive-minded, healthy people who appreciate you for who you are will provide you with the support, love, and respect necessary to survive any challenge. Find people who know how they celebrate life! My role model for optimism is Steven Scheinman, MD, President and Dean of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. He demonstrates a keen instinct to find good in others and maintain a positive and optimistic attitude in challenging situations.
Studies show that laughter has health benefits and assist the body in healing. Laughter is contagious, so hanging around with people who are fun and funny, will bring fun and laughter into your life. Try to look for humor in every situation and keep laughing. Spend more time with people that spread joy and laughter. Silly sisters, Rosemary Quinn Malloy, Melissa Quinn LeStrange and Rebecca Quinn Walsh bring a smile to my face whenever I see them or hear their names!
Read Dr. Mackarey’s Health & Exercise Forum – Every Monday. 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
See all of Dr. Mackarey's articles at: https://mackareyphysicaltherapy.com/forum/
Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopaedic and sports physical therapy. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at GCSOM.
New Year’s Resolutions are very predictable. While most are health oriented, I purport that a healthy mind, body and spirit requires a healthy lifestyle. Interestingly, the ten most popular resolutions listed below, all have an impact on a healthy life. Moreover, after living with the COVID-19 virus in 2020, perspectives and priorities may have changed for all of us and forever. As such, before any other health tip can be followed, the number one, two and three health tips for 2021 are:
Polls repeatedly show that one of the most consistent resolutions for the New Year is to make more time to spend with family and friends. Moreover, research shows that the comfort and camaraderie of these people whom we love is important to our health and well-being. However, until we are all vaccinated we must do so with great care and precaution; Zoom, FaceTime, phone calls, drive-by visits, outdoor visits or activities, etc. Be Creative and be careful!
The benefits of regular exercise is no longer anecdotal, it is factual. Daily exercise, even in small doses, has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies clearly demonstrate that it reduces cholesterol and coronary artery disease and the risk of some cancers. Also, it increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better. If done properly, there is no down side. So, make this year the year to do it! While a gym may not be the best option for those at risk, buy indoor home equipment or dress appropriately and use Mother Nature for healthy and inspirational walks.
Recent studies report that more than 66 percent of adult Americans are considered overweight or obese. As a result, weight loss is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions. However, adhering to a weight loss program is not easy. It requires many things, including, setting reasonable goals and staying focused. Often, professional help is required. While this may be one of the most difficult goals to attain, the ultimate reward and value is well worth the effort.
Second only to losing weight, this resolution, while extremely difficult, is another life-saving goal that must be attempted. Studies report that smokers try and fail four times on average before they are successful. SO, KEEP TRYING! Get help. Talk to your physician about using over-the-counter or prescription nicotine replacement therapy and proven quit-smoking aids. Consider smoking cessation classes, support groups and hotlines in addition to the meds. This is one goal that is worth the effort.
Due in great part to our hectic and stressful work and family demands, long before COVID-19, the United States is home to millions of people requiring the use of mood elevators and antidepressants. As a result, it is important to learn what really makes you happy in order to FIND YOUR SMILE. It requires the balance of a healthy mind, body and spirit. It might be a walk in the snow, taking virtual dance, exercise or enrichment class. One hint, smiles are often found in something simple and inexpensive. And, be sure to associate with upbeat, fun-loving and genuine people when possible.
This is one tip for a healthier New Year that I expect to receive plenty of flack about! This is especially true now because more alcohol is being consumed with the stress of COVID-19. But, I would be remiss if I did not mention this potentially harmful habit…excessive drinking. While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are unable to adhere to such a rigid goal. Studies show that moderate drinking can offer many health benefits such as lowering cholesterol and coronary artery disease but that is defined as one or two 8 ounce drinks per day and red wine is preferred. However, many heavy drinkers would do well to taper off to a moderate level. For those with a problem and have decided to stop drinking altogether, there are plenty of help and support available such as Alcoholics Anonymous. There are also a number of treatment-based programs, as well as support groups for families of alcoholics.
This is one tip that few consider being health related. However, serious stress from financial problems affects millions of Americans every day. This cumulative stress can be very harmful to your health and can be lessened by initiating a plan. Get professional help and learn how to downsize and reevaluate your real needs. Less toys (adult and child) with less stress for a longer life! For those suffering from economic hardship due to COVID-19, contact social services and government agencies to determine if assistance is available to you and your family.
There may be no one thing more important to gaining a new perspective on life that to have learned something new. It could be as drastic as returning to school to prepare for a career change or as simple as learning to play bridge. Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Take a virtual course at local college or read a new book. Take a tour of some of the world’s greatest museums. Listen to a TED talk. It will enrich your life and make you a more interesting person. Most local colleges and universities offer virtual and adult education programs
NEXT MONDAY – Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!”
Read all of Dr. Mackarey's articles at https://mackareyphysicaltherapy.com/forum/
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. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.
