Flexibility is an often overlooked aspect of physical fitness. However, it is just as important as strength and endurance! Being more flexible has many benefits, including lowering your risk of injury, decreasing pain, improving posture and balance, and improving performance in sports. One area of the body that people usually complain about being “tight” is
According to the CDC, over 34 million people (greater than 10% of the total population) in the United States have diabetes. An even larger portion (88 million or almost 35% of the population) have prediabetes. Although there are many complications associated with diabetes, one of the most common, but also most serious and potentially disabling,
Participation in athletics and exercise are a great way for all girls and women to stay healthy and active throughout the lifespan. However, a real danger is presented when this participation is taken to extremes or when unhealthy dieting is involved. Pressure from sports that promote a thinner physique (for either physical appearance or sport
Have you ever experienced numbness or tingling in your hands and fingers? What about wrist and arm pain or weakness? Do you constantly feel the need to shake your hands out or move your fingers to find relief from symptoms? You may be familiar with the term “carpal tunnel”, more formally known as carpal tunnel
Stroke is one of the most common causes of long-term disability in the United States, affecting nearly 800,000 people a year. In 2019, stroke was the cause of death for about 150,000 Americans, accounting for 1 in 20 deaths according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Learn more about what causes stroke, its potential
The rhomboids (rhomboid minor and major) are a muscle group found in the upper back that are a common cause of pain around or between your shoulders, as well as upper to mid-back pain. Anatomy of the Rhomboids The rhomboids are located directly underneath the large trapezius muscle. They originate at the thoracic spine and
Have you ever heard of “tennis elbow” before? It is a common term for a condition known as lateral epicondylitis. This nickname can be deceiving however, as many people with tennis elbow don’t actually play tennis! Read below to learn more about lateral epicondylitis, its symptoms, and how it is treated. Related Anatomy The lateral
Balance is essential for everyday life. It is what allows us to control our movements and prevents us from falling. It is a necessary component of fitness at all ages and activity levels. In fact, balance is one of the four types of exercise that the American Heart Association recommends be included in a healthy
You may notice that the day after a sleepless night you are not your best self and feel sluggish and groggy, whereas with a good night’s sleep you feel energized and ready to tackle the day. We all know just how important sleep is in order to function at our best on a daily basis,
