When we’re young, falls are treated as teaching opportunities. “Get back on your feet, brush yourself off and keep moving toward your goals,” we were told. But as we age, falls take on a much greater significance. When someone of advanced age falls, they tend to suffer greater distress to their health as well as…
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5 Exercises for Improving Balance & Preventing Falls
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To Stretch or Not to Stretch? Tips for Optimizing Flexibility
Many have grown up with the understanding that, whenever you’re about to work out, compete or otherwise push your body, it’s important to stretch immediately before the activity in order to prevent injury and perform your best. Yet, despite these long-held beliefs – and perhaps surprisingly – there’s little evidence to support this theory. Today’s…
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6 Common Back Pain Myths, Debunked
Despite being one of the top causes of disability in the U.S., affecting around eight in 10 people in their lifetimes, back pain is an ailment often misunderstood by those affected. Such misconceptions can cause those suffering from back pain to seek solutions, potential treatment paths, and even lifestyle alterations that aren’t necessarily in their…
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7 Fitness Tips for Summer Vacation Travel
It’s vacation season, and for many that means visiting faraway friends, exploring new places and possibly even crossing some things of the ol’ bucket list. Unfortunately, traveling often also means lots of sitting, interrupted sleep patterns due to time zone changes, unhealthy eating, and workout routines that are sporadic, if not nonexistent. But, travel doesn’t…
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Tips for Reducing, Managing Plantar Fasciitis Pain
Studies show about three-quarters of all Americans will experience foot pain at some point in their lives. Of them, more than 2 million people who seek treatment each year will learn they suffer from an overuse condition called plantar fasciitis. Fortunately, most cases of plantar fasciitis are both manageable and treatable. Plantar fasciitis will typically…
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Tips for Keeping the Weekend Warrior Healthy, Injury Free
A “weekend warrior” is someone who, due to the hectic nature of a typical workweek, opts to cram most of her or his exercise into weekend workouts, activities, games and/or competitions. And while most physical therapists would never fault anyone for getting exercise, most would also agree that weekend warriors should be particularly cautious as…
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Good Night’s Sleep Linked to Optimal Physical & Mental Health
At a time when studies indicate people are getting increasingly less sleep, one thing remains clear: we need to take sleep much more seriously as it is critical to both health and healing. Those who don’t get enough sleep are prone to lots of health-related issues that can interfere with quality of life and even…
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5 Exercise Myths for People 55 and Older
While it’s expected that most older people tend to slow down with age, the notion that seniors and soon-to-be seniors should trade in exercise and their active lifestyles for bingo and rocking chairs is definitely antiquated, say physical therapists. And yet, when it comes to exercise for the 55-and-older population, plenty of myths continue to…
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Active Kids Become Healthy Adults
With child obesity still an epidemic in the U.S. and reams of research showing both the immediate and long-term benefits of youth exercise, it’s the duty of parents today to make movement and activity a part of kids’ lifestyles. The first step in teaching kids to be active is to be a good role model….
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5 Fitness Tips to Keep Introverts Moving
If you have a more introverted personality, joining a gym, exercise class or workout group may not be your cup of tea. But, that doesn’t have to hold you back from achieving fitness or weight-loss goals. Finding a workout routine that fits your personality is one of the key ways to achieve optimal results. And,…