Marshmallows and calories can add up when eating more than a single serving. Can marshmallows be consumed in moderation and still be healthy? Marshmallows Many enjoy marshmallows with hot chocolate, sweet potatoes, and s'mores. However, their nutritional value is not the healthiest, as the ingredients typically include water, sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, and sometimes other ingredients for flavor and color.… Read More
Can knowing the characteristics of each stage of healing help expedite recovery for individuals who are healing after neck and back injuries? Back or Neck Injury Healing Stages At each stage, different things happen at the injury site. This means recommended exercises and activity levels will vary depending on how long it’s been since the injury. The stages to know… Read More
Individuals getting into fitness may wonder whether they should join a gym or exercise at home. Is there an advantage to one versus the other? Gym or Home Exercising, whether at the gym or at home, depends on individual preference and budget. The first step is committing to a fitness health plan. Where to work out depends on the individual… Read More
For individuals who enjoy walking for exercise and health, can knowing when to replace walking shoes help protect their feet and prevent musculoskeletal injuries? Replacing Walking Shoes The best walking shoes must be replaced to ensure musculoskeletal health and prevent injuries. Wearing worn-out shoes during prolonged standing, distance walking or running, and high-impact workouts can exacerbate lower back stiffness, soreness,… Read More
Therapeutic massage guns are great for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Can daily massage gun use be incorporated into a daily routine? Daily Massage Gun Use Athletes or individuals participating in recreational sports and exercise may want to consider adding a massage gun to their daily routine. Massage guns create short, repeated bursts of pressure on certain areas of the body.… Read More
For individuals who like sweet foods but want to maintain health, how do honey and maple syrup compare nutritionally? Honey and Maple Syrup Cutting back on sugar intake is recommended for overall health, but that does not mean eliminating sweeteners completely for most. Honey and maple syrup can flavor various dishes, baked goods, beverages, and more. Because of their natural… Read More
Can Tabata training help burn more calories during and after workouts for individuals who do interval training? Tabata Training Also known as the Tabata Protocol, Tabata training can bring variety to workouts, burn more calories, and get more out of exercise time. This workout is a form of high-intensity interval training, or HIIT, designed to increase heart rate in the… Read More
Are there ways to make ramen noodles healthier for those who enjoy them? Ramen Noodles Instant ramen noodles are dehydrated noodles flavored with powders. They are inexpensive and easy to prepare by adding hot water. However, these packaged noodles are high in fat and sodium. One package of ramen noodles has around 1,330 milligrams of sodium. (U.S. Department of Agriculture,… Read More
For individuals dealing with constipation issues, can using an osmotic laxative help treat and prevent constipation? Osmotic Laxative Osmotic laxatives can help treat or prevent constipation by increasing the amount of water in the colon, softening stools, and making them easier to pass. Some osmotic laxatives are used for bowel preparation to help clear the colon before a colonoscopy. They… Read More
For individuals and athletes with a gluteal contusion with severe bruising, can a healthcare provider determine if there are any other injuries to underlying structures, including muscle or tendon tears? Gluteal Contusion A gluteal contusion is an injury, in this case, a bruise to the buttocks' gluteal muscles caused by damage to muscle fibers and blood vessels. A buttock bruise… Read More
Can the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire help assess how low back pain impacts individuals' ability to perform everyday tasks and activities and help physical therapists incorporate the outcome measure into an effective treatment plan? Oswestry Disability Questionnaire The Oswestry Disability Questionnaire, also known as the Oswestry Disability Index, provides objective data about an individual's lower back pain. It… Read More
Back pain is one of the most common reasons for seeking health care. Individuals dealing with back pain but don't know the cause may have some inflammatory joint disease or autoimmune condition. Can seeing a rheumatologist help? Rheumatologist Depending on what's causing the back pain, individuals may need to see their primary doctor for a referral. Individuals are recommended to… Read More
It can be challenging for individuals trying to keep their homes clean with chronic back pain. Can learning and proper body mechanics help manage household responsibilities without aggravating pain symptoms? Household Chores Household-related back problems usually occur because we don’t take the time to consider how to move and perform the tasks from a musculoskeletal perspective to avoid and prevent… Read More
Individuals walking with a limp that results in pain could have an antalgic gait, an abnormal walking pattern commonly seen in emergency clinics and primary care offices. Can recognizing the symptoms help healthcare providers develop an effective treatment for the underlying cause? Antalgic Gait Limping and having an antalgic gait usually indicate a larger issue within the leg or lower… Read More
Can eating white rice as a primary carbohydrate source provide quick energy and glycogen replenishment for athletes and bodybuilders who require high volumes of carbohydrates for fuel and muscle recovery? Sports Nutrition White Rice Athletes and bodybuilders often eat white rice to restore mass amounts of glycogen after an intense workout, race, or game. Brown rice is nutritious and recommended… Read More