Feeling fat may be worse for you than being fat | Reuters
December 28th, 2009
“The obesity ‘epidemic’ might have a lot more to do with our collective preoccupation with obesity than obesity itself,” the study’s lead author, Dr. Peter Muennig of Columbia University in New York City, told Reuters Health. “We still need to focus on healthy diet and exercise as public health officials, but we need to take fatness out of the equation. Were we to stop looking at body fat as a problem, the problem may well disappear.”
via Feeling fat may be worse for you than being fat | Reuters.
Antibacterial products can be harmful to health
November 25th, 2009
It’s always been my understanding that using too much antibacterial soap and wipes can cause children to develop overactive immune systems. And now, new research shows that bacteria on the skin actually play a useful role in keeping down inflammation. Check it out.
Children should be allowed to play in the dirt, new research suggests – Telegraph.
My Favorite Vegetable Recipe: Brussels Sprouts!
November 23rd, 2009
Most of us hated Brussels sprouts as a kid. And I still find them mushy and bitter whenever they’re cooked in any wet method. Dry-roasting, however, brings out their sweetness and gives them a crunchy texture.
And speaking of cold and flu season, Brussels sprouts are great immune-boosting food. They contain many disease-fighting phytochemicals, and are an excellent source of vitamin C. And they’re pretty! Here’s a shot from a recent harvest on the farm where I worked this summer.
This is more of a method than a specific recipe. Feel free to add fresh herbs, nuts, or whatever tasty additions you’d like. I also like this method for most fall and winter vegetables.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Rinse sprouts, and slice in half from end to end, through the stem, removing any dead or tough outer leaves. Add sprouts to a large bowl.
Drizzle a small amount of regular olive oil over sprouts, tossing and stirring to coat. You could add fresh herbs at this point if you’d like.
Distribute sprouts on a baking sheet, cut side up. Sprinkle coarse salt over sprouts.
Roast for 30-45 minutes, removing when sprouts are browned and crispy. Serve hot! Just like veggie popcorn.
Chiropractic, Massage and Physical Therapy as CFS or Fibromyalgia Treatment
September 29th, 2009
Found a good article today on why massage and other manual therapy treatments can be great for those with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or anyone with “central sensitization” – when the entire nervous system reacts to a stimulus.
Fibromyalgia Treatment – Chiropractic, Massage and Physical Therapy as CFS or Fibromyalgia Treatment.
… but your massage therapist has to know what she’s doing! “No pain, no gain” will just not be effective, because this will cause the nervous system to overreact.
If you suspect you have fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, or you have a diagnosis, gentle massage might be just the right solution to keep you functioning.
Piriformis: Pain in the You-Know-Where
September 2nd, 2009
I spend several hours a week working at my friend’s farm in North Yarmouth. It’s a pleasure to be out there – and every week I get to come home with a bounty of fresh, organic local vegetables.
Lately, the harvest has been full of bush beans and cherry tomatoes. While these veggies are delicious, they also require extended periods of bending over while twisting and reaching. This is murder on the low back!
To relieve the pain, I went to see a massage therapist friend. I told her I thought there was something out of whack with my sacroiliac joint. She poked around briefly and then mumbled “Nope. Piriformis.”
So what is this muscle? Piriformis originates from your sacrum (base of your spine) and attaches to the top of your thigh bone. It rotates your leg outward. When you lift your leg straight out in front of you, piriformis also brings the leg away from the center of the body, to the side. (Imagine a martial artist doing a roundhouse kick.)
When piriformis has a trigger point, you may feel pain down the back of your leg or into your sacroiliac joint (center of your low back). When piriformis becomes enlarged from repetitive use or strain, it can entrap the sciatic nerve, causing pain and numbness all the way down the leg!
This mimics the condition known as sciatica. It’s called “piriformis syndrome,” and it’s common in runners, golfers, and other athletes, as well as computer workers. It’s also common in people who carry wallets in their back pockets and sit on them all day.
Treating trigger points in the piriformis is just like treating any other muscle. My job involves bringing oxygen to the area, along with simple stretches to increase range of motion. Sometimes treatment may be slightly painful in the moment, but as long as it’s therapeutic pain (“hurts so good”), it may actually be beneficial. As always, remember to communicate with me about pain levels during treatment!
In between appointments, it’s a good idea to stretch your piriformis. I found a really nice video online explaining a good piriformis stretch. I’ve shown this stretch to many of you – it’s always good to see it again. Click here to have a look.
Keep in mind: proper form for this seated stretch is crucial! If you have difficulty maintaining proper form, you can also try this while laying on your back, which stabilizes your spine.
Now Offering Half-Hour Sessions
August 26th, 2009
I’ve added half-hour sessions to my online scheduler, for $30. When you come in for a short session like this, you’ll have to “pick a body part” – I’m intending this offering to be for folks suffering from chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain, not for folks seeking a relaxation-style massage.
But that half-hour time slot may be just what you need to keep you up and moving. It’s also an economical way to keep yourself healthy! Book online today.
Number of Americans taking antidepressants doubles – USATODAY.com
August 4th, 2009
“Half of those taking antidepressants used them for back pain, nerve pain, fatigue, sleep difficulties or other problems, the study says.”
These folks could be getting massage instead!
via Number of Americans taking antidepressants doubles – USATODAY.com.
Research in Water and Fascia
July 21st, 2009
Check this out! Your fascia (connective tissue that surrounds every layer of musculature) is apparently like a sponge.
“…the water content of fascia partially determines its stiffness, and that stretching, or compression, of fascia as occurs during almost all manual therapies, causes water to be extruded like a sponge – making the tissues more pliable and supple.”
Fit Body, Fit Mind? Your Workout Makes You Smarter: Scientific American
July 4th, 2009
Check it out:
“As everybody knows, if you do not work out, your muscles get flaccid. What most people don’t realize, however, is that your brain also stays in better shape when you exercise. And not just challenging your noggin by, for example, learning a new language, doing difficult crosswords or taking on other intellectually stimulating tasks. As researchers are finding, physical exercise is critical to vigorous mental health, too.”
via Fit Body, Fit Mind? Your Workout Makes You Smarter: Scientific American.