In sickness and in movement: a fantastic video, graphically explaining why we need to move for health (and joy).

In sickness and in movement

Six-pack @ 60?

OK, maybe it's really just a four-pack. I have always been thin (right, really skinny) and I assume that is just who I am. Maintaining a level of functional fitness has been part of my life for decades and I am asked, on occasion, whether I work out often, given my four-pack. Yes, I am active but having some definition, even on a rail-thin body, is more of a function of diet than movement. To put it more bluntly, lean bodies are made in the kitchen, not the gym. Following a low glycemic, lean protein with good fats is more valuable than most anything that can be done with workout equipment.

What is an Anti-Inflammatory Diet?

Inflammation following an injury is a pretty straight forward and understandable response of the body to defend and repair itself, as described in a prior post.  Rest, perhaps application of ice and a little time are usually enough for the inflammation to subside and for healing to take place.

But what about long-term, low levels of inflammation that simmer, sub-clinically (without obvious symptoms)? This type of inflammation is now thought to underlie or promote many illnesses and conditions including arthritis, Alzheimer’s Disease, cardiovascular disease and many types of cancer.  Rather than taking drugs to fight inflammation, a better choice is diet, specifically an anti-inflammatory diet, which can keep excess inflammation in check.

What exactly is an anti-inflammatory diet?

Fibromyalgia and Pilates

This weekend, Saturday October 1, 2011, I will be the leadoff presenter at a workshop that deals with Pilates for Fibromyalgia Syndrome.  The workshop will first look at the background of Fibromyalgia (that is my part) and then focus on how Pilates can be an effective tool in the management of this chronic pain syndrome.  After my introduction, the heart of the workshop will be presented by Kathryn Russell and Marilyn Koval of Viva Pilates Studio. The workshop will be held at Body Arts and Sciences International (BASI) in Costa Mesa, California. 

Research has shown that Fibromyalgia is best managed through an inter-disciplinary approach focusing on exercise. The Pilates method, with its emphasis on breath, core strength and joint stability, is particularly successful for those suffering from Fibromyalgia. Due to potential physical limitations due to pain and stiffness, people with Fibromyalgia may need to exercise with special modifications and strategies necessary.

A full description of Fibromyalgia Syndrome would fill pages and pages but a brief summary of this disorder and its control follows:

Hermosa Beach Open- Volleyball Injury Care

The world of professional beach volleyball players requires athletes be in top shape.  (Try running and jumping in beach sand and see how long you last). Demanding practice and tournament schedules often lead to playing with pain and injuries.  When players are involved in tournament play, there is usually little time between matches.  Injuries that might interfere with moving up the ladder towards victory demand immediate attention. 

My Favorite Symptom

It probably sounds odd that I have a favorite patient complaint.  I see patients with a variety of problems.  Some complaints are new, often due to sports, work-related and motor vehicle accidents.  Other problems are chronic, recurring complaints that patients have tried to manage, unsuccessfully, with many approaches.  No matter what the cause or how long it has persisted, when I am able to help someone overcome or better manage a problem, I am deeply gratified. 

One particular patient complaint, however, remains my favorite.

Elk!? Eat Like a Hunter (without hunting)

My wife and I have been bouncing around California quite a bit in the month of August.  From Yosemite (as mentioned in my August 10, 2011 post), to Baja California (twice), central California (including the magnificent Rancho Santa Margarita, a working ranch since 1774) and most recently Point Reyes National Seashore in northern California.  We put in a lot of driving time but also got to take some great walks to see some beautiful sights.

In spite of not seeing patients for a good part of the month, I cannot turn my attention away from health, abundant and nutritious food, exercise and stress management. 

One of the unexpected pleasures was seeing wild elk in Point Reyes. These animals were beautiful and got me to thinking about what passes for meat in the Standard American Diet.  Not to worry, the elk we saw on the trial were in no danger of being hunted or harvested as they live in a protected preserve but they did get me thinking…