Blog: Girlfriend Records

The benefits of Bikram Yoga

Most athletes hope to sweat profusely and lose weight when working out. Bikram Yoga may be a quick way to accomplish both of those goals while improving overall health. I was recently invited to participate in a standard 90-minute Bikram session. I agreed with cautious curiosity. Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that combines mental, physical and spiritual disciplines. It consists of poses or postures designed to increase strength and flexibility. Another [...]

Wellness programs provide professional support

A recent article in The Bulletin told the story of a 6-year-old boy who, along with his mother and others, was rescued at sea by the U.S. Coast Guard. The group was escaping oppressive conditions in Haiti 18 years ago. The young man decided that he would eventually serve in the Coast Guard like his rescuers. Last week, he graduated from the Coast Guard Academy as an officer. This story exemplifies the fact that children are impressionable and often emulate [...]

girl friend records

girl friend records

The curious case of turf toe

Toe injuries are not often associated with the need to remove an athlete from a contest. Turf toe is a painful foot injury that has pushed athletes to the sideline for extended recovery periods. The human foot is divided into three basic sections: the hindfoot (heel), the midfoot (arch), and the forefoot (toes). Turf toe affects the forefoot. Turf toe involves the first metatarsalphalangeal joint. This joint is the connection between the great toe and the bone that [...]

Professional athletes and depression

There are many terms used to describe professional athletes. Some of these include famous, rich, leader and superstar. One word not commonly applied in this context is “depressed.” Depression is an illness that affects approximately 15 million American adults each year. Like many other illnesses, depression has no boundaries in regard to gender, profession or socioeconomic status. Previously thought to be an illness of adults, depression is often overlooked in children and young adults. [...]

All sports supplements are not created equal

A visit to any athletic training room reveals a variety of tools used to heal the wounds of battle including whirlpools, various adhesives and pads. A recent addition is an area occupied by strength and conditioning specialists. It is in this area of the locker room where discussions of injury prevention predominate. Improving human performance involves multiple disciplines. Developing a powerful muscular system relies on a variety of fitness activities. [...]

Be prepared before hitting a sports fantasy camp

A professional pianist slides into second base, fracturing his right hand a week before a scheduled performance with Aerosmith, an orthopedic surgeon breaks his ankle rounding third and a homemaker dislocates her finger trying to barehand a ground ball. These are all examples of injuries seen in the growing business of fantasy baseball camps. Adult fantasy sports camps allow participants to swing, shoot, putt, ski or bat with their sports idols. As the variety of camps and participation has grown, so has the number and type of injuries. [...]

The viability of sports medicine academies

Recently, a high school classmate who has become a successful orthopedic surgeon approached me about becoming involved in establishing a sports medicine academy within our alma mater. The concept of sports medicine academies has arisen from the increased number of people participating in athletic activities and subsequent sports-related injuries. Several recent surveys project a growing need for health care professionals with a background in sports medicine. Sports medicine is generally associated with professional and collegiate sports teams. Interestingly, although highly publicized, these high profile injuries make up [...]

When heading for the hills, practice avalanche safety

Seventeen people have lost their lives this year in accidents related to avalanches. Although uncommon in the northeast, many winter sports enthusiasts will soon be heading west for the spring season. An avalanche consists of large volumes of snow sliding down a mountain at high velocity. These sudden events result in destruction of roads, homes and lives. Trees, boulders and debris often become part of the descending flow. Snow and ice will accumulate in layers as the winter season proceeds. [...]

Digging deeper into exercise immunology

One of the most exciting fields of research in human physiology involves the effects of physical training on the immunologic response. Immunology is the study of the ability to fight off attack from infection and certain forms of cancer. It consists of a response that utilizes white blood cells that isolate and destroy an offending agent. Among the more common triggers of the immunologic response is the influenza virus. It also has a negative effect [...]

Cardiac arrest during marathons are rare, but possible

Millions of Americans participate in long-distance running events. The marathon distance (26.2 miles) and the half-marathon (13.1 miles) have become increasingly popular. It is because of the extreme physical demands of these competitions that the occasional report of sudden death during an event is not surprising. The human heart consists of four chambers that contract and expand in sequence to pump blood throughout the vascular system. In order to do this, the heart has a carefully synchronized electrical network that must fire signals in a rhythmic manner. [...]

Giants' Mark Herzlich overcomes bone cancer

Inspirational comeback stories abound in the world of sports. This year’s NFL season is no exception, such as the come-from-behind, underdog victories by the Denver Broncos, led by Tim Tebow. One story that bears noting is the return of Mark Herzlich to the sport many thought was part of his past and not his future. Herzlich, a 24-year-old linebacker for the New York Giants, was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a form of bone cancer, while playing for Boston College. His treatment included chemotherapy, radiation therapy and excision [...]

Celtics player saved from aortic aneurysm

Amidst the confusion of ending the NBA lockout and hurriedly beginning a shortened season, a young life was saved. Jeff Green, a 25-year-old forward, had signed a one-year, $9 million contract to play for the Boston Celtics. During a routine preseason physical examination, he was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm. Instead of heading over to the practice court, Green was headed to the operating room. The aorta is the largest artery in the human body. It provides the main passageway for richly [...]

Fitness gifts for the holiday season

Finding an appropriate gift for someone interested in fitness can be a complex and daunting task. The vast array of offerings may be confusing and an error will result in another dust collector. This week is a good time to make some recommendations and provide some caution. Michael Sena’s Traveling Trainer. This product provides a perfect combination of fitness equipment, instruction and dietary tips in a convenient travel case. Sena, a nationally known personal trainer, provides instruction [...]

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most prescribed medications worldwide. In sports medicine, they are often referred to as performance “enabling” drugs. Common NSAIDs like Motrin, Naproxyn, Toradol, Voltaren and Celebrex can be administered orally, by injection or applied to the skin. As opposed to steroids, the NSAIDs have fewer side effects and do not build muscle like androgenic steroid drugs. Inflammation is a normal response of the human body to injury. NSAIDs are effective in treating headache, injured nerves, arthritis and painful [...]

Sports injuries can't hide from imaging techniques

Sports injuries often require the use of x-rays and more sophisticated diagnostic imaging studies to determine the nature and severity of the injury. These studies and techniques have evolved significantly over recent years. Among the most commonly used imaging studies are x-ray, computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). X-rays were first used in the late 19th century, primarily to determine fractures and other boney injuries. CT scans came into use in the early 1970s and are designed to measure differences in density, especially in [...]

The heart is a muscle that needs training too

When athletes are described as “having a lot of heart” it often refers to their desire to compete even in the face of overwhelming adversity. In sports medicine, an “athlete’s heart” has an entirely different meaning. The human heart is composed of four chambers: the right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium and left ventricle. The heart functions as a pump moving blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs where it becomes infused with oxygen. The left-sided chambers then [...]

The simple act of jumping rope

The decision to get into better physical condition can become a very expensive enterprise. When the effort involves children, the interest can be short-lived and lead to unused gym memberships. Some activities involve little cash outlay and can be enjoyed by the entire family. Among these is jumping rope. The history of jumping rope is believed to date back to Egypt in 1600 AD. Rope jumping not only served as child’s play but as training for warriors. [...]

Peyton Manning and cervical radiculopathy

Among recent recurring stories in sports is speculation regarding the successful return of Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. On Sept. 8, Manning underwent a third surgery to alleviate pressure on a nerve root in his neck. The cervical spine consists of seven bones called vertebrae located below the skull. Discs made of cartilage separate each of the vertebrae to avoid the friction and wear of bone rubbing on bone. This entire system is held together by a series of ligaments. The cervical [...]

Amateur boxing has its place when done correctly

Amateur boxing has been described as being a part of the fabric of society. Boxing, for many young athletes, is their first exposure to organized sports. Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Paediatric Society issued a policy statement on boxing participation by children and adolescents. The position states that they “…oppose boxing and, in particular, discourage participation by children and adolescents.” The position statement goes on to encourage alternative sports such as “swimming, tennis, basketball and volleyball.” This position [...]
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