the 5 best exercises for maintaining health and fitness are push-ups, walking, swimming, strength training, and yoga. Everyone, regardless of age or gender, needs to stay physically active to be healthy. But studies show that only 1 in 5 adults and teens get enough exercise during the day to stay fit. So what are the...
Introduction Imagine an activity that increases your flexibility, strengthens your muscles, centers your thoughts, and relaxes and calms you. Yoga does all that and more! In this article, I will review a brief history and the philosophy of yoga, the different types of yoga, the benefits, equipment you need to do it, where to do...
A runner experiences a muscle cramp in his calf.Source: iStock Facts you should know about muscle cramps A muscle cramp is an involuntarily and forcibly contracted muscle that does not relax. Muscle cramps can occur in any muscle; cramps of the leg muscles and feet are particularly common. Almost everyone experiences a muscle cramp at...
What is an incisional hernia? An incisional hernia is a type of hernia caused by an incompletely healed surgical wound. A hernia is a bulge or protrusion of body tissue or an organ through the structure that normally contains it. A hernia usually occurs when an organ or fatty tissue pushes itself through a weak spot in a surrounding area. In...
Plantar fasciitis facts Plantar fasciitis, or foot ligament inflammation, can be painful. Plantar fasciitis (inflammation to the plantar fascia ligament) is most commonly caused by strain injury causing micro tears to the ligament as it attaches to the heel bone or other areas of tightness on the sole of the foot. The plantar fascia is...
Author: Richard Weil, MEd, CDE Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR Pilates is a popular method of exercise in the United States, with more than 5 million individuals participating. What is Pilates, and should you be doing it? I’ll answer those questions and more in this article. What is the origin of...
Facts you should know about medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury Picture of the ligaments in the knee joint The medial collateral ligament is one of four ligaments that help stabilize the knee. Medical professionals refer to knee injuries that involve the MCL injuries as sprains or tears. A direct blow to the knee or a...
Is the upright row bad for you? An upright row is a form of exercise that mainly targets the shoulder and elbow. You must ensure caution while performing upright row because there is a high risk of injury. An upright row is a form of exercise that mainly targets the shoulder and elbow. It is...
Is umbilical hernia repair major surgery? An umbilical hernia repair is a relatively routine surgery and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. It can be performed as an open surgery or a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. An open surgery might require two to three days of hospitalization, but with a laparoscopic surgery a patient may...
What are the benefits of stepping out with pedometers? The benefits of exercise are well known. Decreased risk of and management of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, improvements in bone density, decreases in blood pressure, reduction in certain types of cancer, increases in muscle strength and endurance, alleviation of symptoms of depression, and...