Hilton Head Health Earns 2013 Certificate of Excellence

Hilton Head Health has received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award! The accolade, which honors hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Only the top-performing 10 percent of businesses listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.

 

To qualify for a Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor, and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

 

“Hilton Head Health is pleased to receive a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence,” John Schmitz, Owner. “We strive to offer our customers a memorable experience, and this accolade is evidence that our hard work is translating into positive reviews on TripAdvisor.”

Wednesday Wellness: Try Physical Therapy before Knee Surgery

The human knee has a complex shock absorption system that is controlled by both primary and secondary tissues.  The thighbone (femur) sits perched on top of the shinbone (tibia) separated only by a thin layer of sponge-like material called the meniscus.  Our modern day human bodies are greatly outliving our ancestors, thus this tiny shock absorber becomes relatively inefficient as we age.  It’s common that with years of activity the meniscus begins to wear out.  Inflammation is created as the thigh and shin bone come in contact with one another, a process physicians term osteoarthritis.  It’s common in today’s cut-and-paste society for physicians to rush the patient in for a procedure called arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, in which unstable pieces of the meniscus are removed and the remaining edges are smoothed.  However, mounds of research, including a recent publication this past month in the New England Journal Of Medicine (http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1301408), are showing that lifestyle intervention and physical therapy can greatly reduce the pain associated with knee osteoarthritis.

Physical Therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee.  These quadriceps muscles represent the primary shock absorbers in the knee while the meniscus provides only secondary support.  By strengthening the appropriate muscles and improving range of motion the knee operates more efficiently.

At Hilton Head Health (http://www.hhhealth.com) we use exercise strategies adopted from years of medical research in our strength training classes.  So, if you’re experiencing knee pain don’t be afraid to take a trip to H3 before you go under the knife.  If you are interested in learning more we encourage you to also read Strong Women and Men Beat Arthritis (http://www.amazon.com/Strong-Women-Men-Beat-Arthritis/dp/0399528563), by Dr. Miriam Nelson from Tufts University.  Her decades of research have shown that using an exercise program achieved “a 43% reduction in pain, a 44% improvement in physical function and a 71% improvement in strength.”

Friday Fitness: 3 Healthy St. Patrick’s Day Activities

1. Join a Shamrock run:  Visit Active.com to sign-up for a St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock run.  Make sure to suit up in green, the more outlandish the better.  If you can’t make it out to a 5k celebration then try taking a stroll around the neighborhood searching for that perfect green clover. 


2. Add some spinach to your morning smoothie.  My favorite combination is orange juice, frozen raspberries and blueberries, bananas, plain yogurt, ice and a handful of spinach.  You can barely taste the spinach, but the green tint in your morning brew will get you in the mood.  Or, eat the rainbow (not the skittles version).  See how many different color fruits and vegetables you can eat and make it a competition.  Have each member of your family track theirs and see who wins! 


3. Join in the Irish dancing!  Catch up on your moves in the video below, then join the dancers in your local parade as they march by.

Adventures Through the Thai Market

I just returned from a three week backpacking trip in Thailand.  It is an incredibly beautiful country, from the mountains of the north to the limestone cliffs in the south. 



We participated in a number of excursions, but one of our favorites was taking a Thai cooking lesson in the city of Chiang Mai.   They picked us up from the hotel and had us choose six recipes we’d be preparing later that evening. 



We were then taken to the local farmers market and taught about the unique fruits, vegetables, spices, grains and noodles that we’d be using. 





Thai food is notoriously spicy, but remarkably flavorful.  I settled on preparing Pad Thai, Spring Rolls, Coconut Soup, Panang Red Curry, Minced Pork Stir Fry and Black Sticky Rice.  It was enough food to cover both lunch and dinner that day.  By far, my favorite was the Thai coconut soup.  Below I’ve included the recipe.  You’ll probably have to find an international grocery store near you for some of the ingredients.



Thai Coconut Soup Recipe

INGREDIENTS 

Broth:

1 can coconut milk

2-3 cups chicken stock (homemade is best, then the stuff in cartons; boullion cubes are a last resort.)

pinch of salt

1 teaspoon palm sugar (You can substitute brown sugar)

2 stalks fresh lemongrass, washed and choppped in chunks (dried lemongrass is far inferior - punch it up with extra lime juice and zest at the end if you're forced to go this route)

3 red shallots, peeled and chunked (You could substitute 3 smashed cloves of garlic plus a bit of onion)

2 coriander roots, scraped (substitute a pinch of whole coriander seed plus a handful of fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves)

2 chili peppers, halved (pick your favorite type, and modify number to suit your spice taste)

1.5 inch chunk of galanga root, chunked (ginger is in the same family, but tastes totally different - galanga TOTALLY makes the flavor of this dish.  If you can't get this locally, travel to a nearby city and visit the asian markets or scour the internets, buy a pound, then freeze what you can't use now.  It's a floral flavor that you'll definitely recognize if you've had tom kha gai before.)

3 kaffir lime leaves, coarsely chopped (You can substitute lime zest if necessary.  It just won't be as fragrant and complex.)

1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional, and kind of a cheat, but often good.)

Chunks:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut to 1" pieces (you can use breasts, but the thighs are moister and tastier)

1 cup chopped mushrooms (your choice - mix it up)

1-3 Tablespoons fish sauce (This stuff is pungent - if you're not familiar, add incrementally and taste before increasing.  But don't be turned off by the smell.  Definitely use some, as it's a key flavor that softens when you add it to the soup.)

1 can baby corn, drained and chopped to 1/2" chunks (optional)

Finish:

1 Tablespoon lime juice (more if compensating - see notes above)

1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped

1/2 cup grape tomatoes halved, or 2 plum tomatoes coarsely chopped (optional)

PREPARATION

• Combine all broth ingredients (coconut milk, stock, salt, sugar, shallots/garlic, coriander, galanga, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chili sauce), bring to a low boil, and simmer for at least 15 minutes.


• Pour through a sieve/strainer to remove chunks, and return the broth to your big pot. You can rescue a few items from the strainer, mince them, and return them to the pot if you like - I usually don't bother. 


• You can usually smoosh more tasty liquid out of the chunks if you try, so give them a stiff squeeze.


• Chop chicken, mushrooms, and baby corn and add to pot with broth.  Add fish sauce, and lime zest if using.  Simmer lightly until chicken is cooked.

 

Friday Fitness: Laps Around The Superdome

Super Bowl Sunday is the second-largest day of food consumption in the United States, after Thanksgiving.  Roughly 28 million pounds of chips, 90 million chicken wings and 8 million pounds of guacamole are consumed during the Super Bowl.  If all the guacamole consumed were spread over the football field the players would be buried over 11 feet deep.  It’s the largest “unofficial” holiday of the year.

Super Bowl XLVII, between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens, is being held in the New Orleans Superdome.  The property is 52 acres and the building itself is about 770 yards round that’s one and three quarters times around a standard track.  So, to put the Super Bowl feast into better perspective I want to compare the number of times you’d have to walk around the superdome to burn off some of the most commonly consumed foods eaten on Super Sunday.  Lace up your shoes, because here we go…

What Causes Chronic Low Back Pain?

Chronic pain, longer than 6-8 weeks, emanating from the lower back can be a serious issue and a number of risk factors can contribute to a host of different problems.  The cause of low back pain stems from either injury or degeneration. 

Degeneration in the lower back is characterized by the breakdown of intervertebral discs (see photo above).  When healthy, these discs have the consistency of a wet sponge and help provide shock absorption during movement.  If over time the discs begin to disintegrate, the vertebrae will grind onto one another causing very serious discomfort.  These discs naturally degrade as we age, but will do so more rapidly if you are carrying extra weight on your belly, have bad posture, use tobacco products, are inactive for long periods or have a job that requires heavy lifting or long term exposure to vibration.



Secondly, if due to an injury the spine contorts from its normal shape the intervertebral discs may press against the spinal cord and/or nearby nerves, often termed a herniated or bulging disc (see photo above).  The most common of these nerves to be aggravated is the sciatic nerve (see photo below).   The sciatic nerve wraps around the sacroiliac (SI) joint and travels all the way to the feet.  If you’re experiencing low back, hip and leg pain than you may be suffering from sciatica, inflammation of the sciatic nerve caused by impingement or herniation.

Fitbit vs. Nike [INFOGRAPHIC]

The age of activity tracking devices is upon us.  Behold the newest addition to the family, the Fitbit Flex!  Earlier this week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Fitbit announced their latest product that will start shipping this spring. The Flex is a wristband tracker similar in form to the Nike Fuelband but with a much more hipster look and checking-in at $50 less.  The Flex also syncs to your iPhone or Android device in real-time, unlike the Fuelband.  So, without further ado let’s take a detailed look at the top three activity monitors on the market.

 

I am disappointed that Fitbit didn’t include a clock interface on the Flex and the omission of the altimeter to count steps is frustrating. But, I’m still partial to Fitbit since their app and online interface include meal tracking software.  If in the future Nike were to incorporate a food database for journaling I would probably teeter my support toward the sports giant. 

Let us know in the comments: Which device are you going to buy?  And, why?

Update: My 1-Month Yoga Journey

If you frequent H3Daily you know a couple weeks ago I publicized the pact I’d made to participate in yoga for one full month. This was the first time that I’d ever taken more than a single class in a week. I admit, there are some revelations I’ve had concerning yoga that now make me a believer.

1. Your golf game will noticeably improve

I’d venture to argue that you’d see athletic improvements in any sport with a month of yoga. I’ve played golf three times in the past month and can see significant improvements in my core flexibility and strength. In addition, my balance is trending upward.

2. I’m sleeping much better

In November, I was waking up one or two times a night and in the morning I’d have a nagging back ache that only a lengthy warm shower could remedy. But, now I’m sleeping through the night and waking up feeling refreshed. The shavasana, known in layman’s terms as meditation, increases Alpha wave production in the brain. Picture the relaxed state a monk is able to maintain. These neural impulses help the brain and body relax.

3. I’m part of a new community

Yoga isn’t just about what you can do on your mat, it’s more about how you connect with others off of it. I’ve been practicing at Jiva Yoga Studio here on Hilton Head and they have an amazing community of like-minded individuals who are welcoming and helpful.

4. I can comfortably touch my toes

A month ago I couldn’t believe that before my third decade of life I wouldn’t be able to touch my toes. Sure, I could lunge toward them and possibly scrape the surface of my big toes, but now I can actually grab the bottom of my foot without bending my knees. As we age, flexibility plays an extremely large role in the health of our spine. If you can’t comfortably reach down and touch your toes without bending your knees you’ll likely have back pain far before you could’ve ever expected.

5. It’s not nearly as intimidating as I had imagined

I envisioned being lost in a room of pretzel twisted bodies. Boy was I wrong. There are lots of different levels in a typical yoga class and modifications are plentiful. Sure, there are times I feel a little out of my element, but getting out of your comfort zone is an important part of yoga. If we are always comfortable then we’re never going to improve.

So, it was definitely worth it! I’d encourage all of you to try yoga for just one month. I have a feeling that you’ll get hooked too

Friday Fitness: Guys, The Things You Need To Know Before Attending A Yoga Class

Guys, Listen Up! 

So, I made a pact with the missus a few weeks ago that I would give yoga a shot for one full month.  I’m two weeks into the journey and think there are a few things you guys should know.

Gentlemen, here’s what they don’t tell you…

• Apparently, the thermostat is broken!

Be prepared, you’re going to sweat your @$$ off!  Drink plenty of water before you go and be sure to have a full bottle within arm’s reach during the class.  Drape a beach towel over your mat to absorb the ridiculous amount of melting body butter or else risk a reenactment of slip and slide. 

• You’ve got to get there at least 10 minutes early.

Real estate is limited in most yoga studios.  So, get there early to stake your claim.  When you arrive take your shoes off and go straight to the room to put down your mat.

• You’ll need two blocks and a strap.

Most studios provide these free of charge.  The blocks are used to bring the ground up to you and the strap can assist during those poses where reaching your feet seems nearly impossible.

• Dress for the occasion

Wear a shirt that’s long enough to tuck in and tight enough that it won’t ride up and affect your breathing during Downward Dog.  Consider wearing compression shorts under your baggy shorts, as you’ll be upside down and downside up in poses that could…ahem…expose some skin.  The ladies will appreciate if you keep it PG-rated. 

• Choose the right class for you.

There are a dozen different types of yoga classes that you’ll struggle to pronounce.  But, I’ve figured out there are a few basic categories. 

1) Power Yoga – These combine a series of exercises to help tone muscles.  This class is great for the ex-athlete. The poses look similar to lunges, squats and pushups, with the obvious yoga-flare. 

2) Hot Yoga – They’ll advertise that it’s 95 degrees in the room, but with twenty other steaming bodies the heat index is surely over 100. 

3) Restorative/Gentle/Deep Stretch Yoga – If you’re looking to unglue your knotted hips and back then this is the class for you.  Be prepared to hold a stretch for what feels like a lifetime.

4) Flow Yoga –In these classes be prepared to move with each breath. This is probably the closest to cardio you can get with yoga.

• Know the basics.

If you don’t know the difference between upward and downward dog or chaturanga and chair, then you better get to Googling or take a beginner’s class.  Know the basic sun salutation and the variations of the warrior pose before you go.

• BREATH!!!

Sure, they’ll tell you this time and again, but it’s worth reiterating.

Ice Massage Therapy for Knee and Back Pain

Top Fitness Trends for 2013

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has released its seventh year of results (listed below) detailing the anticipated fitness trends for 2013.  ACSM compiles information from thousands of fitness professionals worldwide and ranks them in to the Top 20 overall.  Similar to previous ACSM fitness trends surveys the respondents were asked to make the important distinction between a “fad” and a “trend.”  We here at H3 have been years ahead of the curve in each of the categories, offering fitness sessions that are constantly cutting edge.  

This year’s list includes three new additions:  Body Weight Training, Outcome Measurements and Circuit Training.  It’s better late than never for Body Weight and Circuit Training.  These two types of exercise are some of our favorites.  What are your favorite trends that are expected to expand in 2013?

1. Unprecedented Job Growth in Educated, Certified and Experienced Fitness Professionals


2. Strength Training


3. Body Weight Training


4. Exercise for Overweight and Obese Children


5. The Importance of Exercise in Caloric Restriction Programs


6. Fitness Programs for Older Adults


7. Personal Training


8. Functional Fitness Programs


9. Core Training


10. Group Personal Training


11. Worksite Health Promotion


12. Zumba and Other Dance Workouts


13. Outdoor Activities


14. Yoga


15. Worker Incentive Programs


16. Boot Camp


17. Outcome Measurements to Evaluate Fitness Progress


18. Circuit Training


19. Reaching New Markets


20. Wellness Coaching

Friday Fitness: Breakthrough Technology

Say goodbye to the traditional wrist-mounted Heart Rate receiver. Behold, the Polar H7, a remarkable merger of Bluetooth wireless technology and your mobile device. Last month Polar unveiled their newest addition to a line of products that has set the standard for biometrics.

The Polar H7 is the first Heart Rate monitor to incorporate Bluetooth wireless technology that will integrate seamlessly with you mobile phone. The H7 costs only $80 and the Polar Beat App is FREE. The tandem is able to give you an instant look at your pace, heart rate, calories burned, heart rate zone, history, weekly summaries and it will even utilize your phones GPS to map your run. Whereas, other Apps can monitor your workout, this is the first that can also combine with your heart rate to give you an amazing look in to your exercise intensity.

I’m excited to give this new product a try!

Fitness Friday: Trigger Point Therapy for Knee Pain

Readiness For Change Quiz

How ready are you to change?  Take this 10 question quiz to find out.

Professor James O. Prochaska and his colleagues at the University of Rhode Island developed the Transtheoretical Model of Change in 1977.  The five stages of change were constructed from many years of analyzing different theories in psychotherapy.  The process of a specific behavior change typically follows a series of stages:

1.  Precontemplation – “I can’t change this behavior” or I won’t change this behavior”


2. Contemplation– “I might change this behavior”




• Individuals hoping to enter the preparation stage must first define their motivators, obstacles and solutions.




3. Preparation(0-3 months) – “I will change this behavior”




• The individual will create a set of necessary guidelines and seek support for the ensuing attempt at change.




4. Action(3-6 months) – “I am changing this behavior”




• It’s common that within this stage individuals relapse.  Successful lifestyle change stems from the ability to recover from such slips.




5. Maintenance(6+ months) – “I still am changing this behavior”




• Continued adherence to the new behavior for an extended period of time will lead to the habit becoming part of the everyday lifestyle.

Are you thinking about changing a bad habit or unhealthy behavior? Take this 10 question “ready or not” quiz and see just how ready you are.  Use the key at the end of the quiz to help better understand what stage you might be in.

1. Regarding my awareness about this behavior:

a. Others have suggested that I have a problem behavior but I don’t agree.

b. I might have a problem behavior but I am not sure.

c. I have a problem behavior.

2. When a loved one or trusted friend suggests that I may have a problem behavior …

a. I am likely to tune them out, change the subject or get defensive.

b. I don’t like it, but I know that they see something that worries them and are right in

expressing concern.

c. I am ready to listen and talk about it.

3. This problem behavior …

a. is really just a nuisance and I don’t have time to deal with it.

b. is causing me worry and/or distress.

c. is causing me, and some of the people I care about, significant worry and/or distress.

4. When I think about my problem behavior …

a. I usually make excuses, rationalize or minimize its impact on my life.

b. I want to change but I don’t because of fear, pride or lack of motivation.

c. I really want to change but don’t know how to begin or continue once I start.

5. Regarding knowledge of my problem behavior:

a. I know very little about it.

b. I have begun learning more about it.

c. I have learned a great deal about it.

6. Regarding my knowledge of resources for my problem:

a. I don’t know of any resources.

b. I have learned about some of the resources available but don’t feel I have enough

information.

c. I have more than adequate knowledge about how or where to get help.

7. Regarding my current motivation for change:

a. I have practically no, or very little, motivation at this time.

b. I have some motivation to change but I will need more to succeed.

c. I am very motivated to change.

8. Regarding my current plans to change:

a. At this time, I have no plans to change.

b. I am thinking about change and the impact it would have on my life.

c. I have a definite plan for change.

9. Regarding my support for change from others:

a. I have almost no support from others.

b. I have some support but it may not be enough.

c. I have excellent support.

10. Regarding previous attempts to change:

a. I have never seriously attempted to change this behavior.

b. I have tried to change on one or more occasions but have failed miserably.

c. I have tried to change before and have had some temporary success.

 

Scoring key

If you answered “a” to any question, give yourself 1 point.

If you answered “b” to any question, give yourself 5 points.

If you answered “c” to any question, give yourself 10 points.

 

Results

Total your score. If your score is:

10-15 points, you are in the precontemplation stage. Your score suggests that you are not yet ready to engage in changing this problem behavior.

16-40 points, you are in the contemplation stage. Your score suggests that you are considering

changing this behavior but are not quite ready. People in this stage seek knowledge and  additional encouragement before they engage in behavior change.

41-100 points, you are in the preparation stage. Congratulations. Your score suggests that you are preparing to change this behavior. People in this stage have acquired additional knowledge and support and have a viable plan.

Sources: Changing for Good by J.O. Prochaska, J. C. Norcross, and C.C. DiClemente. Morrow, 1994; The Transtheoretical Approach: Crossing the Traditional Boundaries of Therapy by J.O. Prochaska and C.C. DiClemente. Krieger Publishing Company, 1984.

Friday Fitness: 3 Killer Kettlebell Exercises

The kettlebell is a cast iron weight that resembles a cannonball with a handle.  It was originally developed by a Russian in the 1700s as part of his physical training and conditioning program.  The Soviet army began using the device in the 20^th century to help make sure their troops were well prepared.  The device itself didn’t make it to the states until the 1960s when Pavel Tsatsouline started offering instruction and in 2001 began formally training instructors.  You can now find this simple exercise tool at most gyms.  Check out my video for 3 killer kettlebell exercises.

Devin's Dash - One Month To Go!

If you subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter, you already know today marks one month until Devin’s Dash 2012!

This will be my second time attending Devin’s Dash and my first time running in it. Last year I had the opportunity to cheer for everyone as they crossed the finish line. I can’t tell you how impactful it was seeing everyone’s smiling faces and hearing friends and family cheer for their loved ones. I watched as each person received a high-five from Robert Moore and embraced Adam Martin and Kelia Bennett while thanking them for all their encouraging words. Of all the 5K’s I’ve attended, I’ve realized Devin’s Dash is truly one that embraces the spirit of what the race is all about. Not everyone participating knew Devin, myself included, but after all the touching stories from those who did, you can actually feel his energy at the race. For many, Devin’s Dash is a time when they complete something they never thought they could do—their first 5K; for others, it’s a time to reunite with friends; but for everyone, it’s a time to give thanks for all the influential people you’ve come across in life.

I am looking forward to honoring Devin and all those in my family who have faced cancer by running in this year’s race. I am also excited about raising money for such an amazing cause. This year’s event proceeds benefit Happiness Is Camping, a summer camp for children affected by cancer run by a former H3 Guest. Recently, Adam volunteered at the camp and shared some of his pictures below.

If you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to register for the race. Registering really is the first step in holding you accountable. I also recommend joining the Devin’s Dash Facebook event page. Every time I check the page I get even more excited about the event! You can also message me at aglover@hhhealth.com if you would like to contribute pictures to the Devin’s Dash board on Pinterest.

So with one month to go, I bid you happy training and hope to see you on Sept. 22nd!

Adam's visit to Happiness Is Camping:





 



 

Have you envisioned your “Gold Medal Moment?”

There were so many thrilling and inspiring moments in the 2012 London Olympics.  There were the six medals that Michael Phelps captured to be the most decorated Olympian ever, the smile and humility possessed by the 17 year old gold medal swimmer Missy Franklin, the redemption in USA women’s soccer and the miraculous story of double amputee Oscar Pistorius.  But, my favorite moment came during Judo, when 22 year old Kayla Harrison won the first ever gold medal in USA history.  During the first part of the video below Kayla describes how she had envisioned her gold medal moment every day before going to bed.

“Every night before I go to bed I visualize my entire day, the perfect day on August 2^nd.  I go through my warm-up, I go through what I’ll eat for breakfast, I go through my weigh-ins, I go through each and every match and then I’m on top of the podium and seeing the American flag go up and hearing the national anthem.”

Have you ever envisioned your gold medal moment?  Is it the look on your face when you cross the finish line at your first 5k?  Is it the feeling you’ll possess when you mount a bike and ride with your grandchildren at the next family reunion?  Is it the joy you’d experience when you fit in to a smaller size?  Or, is it winning the battle of self-confidence over food?

I challenge you to create a detailed account of your “perfect day”, the one you’ve been longing for and start envisioning it every night.

Will the PPACA (aka Obamacare) make us healthier?

It's been over two and a half years since our lawmakers passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.  Until last month the details of the bill hadn't been finalized due to the enduring controversy over the individual mandate. I'm not writing this article to debate the constitutionality of the mandate, there are plenty of places on the web you can engage in that banter. But, I do want to examine the measures passed to improve public health, some of which have already begun.

It's fairly clear that the mere fact of possessing health insurance will not necessarily make you healthier. But, of the over two thousand pages included in the document, only fifty of the pages within the section "Title IV - Prevention of Chronic Disease and Improving Public Health" address the importance of preventative medicine and the steps the President will take.  Much of Title IV revolves around the organization and creation of governmental councils aimed at improving the well being of Americans, thus, boosting the budget of the Department of Health and Human Services by over two billion dollars.  Below I've highlighted some relevant changes discussed within the document:

1.  Establishment of the "National Prevention, Health Promotion and Public Health Council" (Sec. 4001)

a. Chaired by the Surgeon General and composed of over 12 top federal agency directors

b. The council is advised by a group of the nation’s top 25 non-federal licensed health professionals with expertise in various areas of wellness.

c. The council in 2010 unveiled a national prevention, health promotion and public health strategy that's since led to the USDA "MyPlate" overhaul of the previous nutrition pyramid, the First Lady led "Let's Move" program and numerous other goals and objectives for improving the health of the United States.

d. The council is tasked to report each year to the President and Congress on the progress of federally funded programs.

2.  Universal coverage of preventative screening services and immunizations (Sec. 4002-4004)

a. A Presidentially appointed task force will continually review research to determine what screening services are vital and should be covered at no cost or with low deductibles.

b. This section includes appropriations for education and outreach through a national media blitz.

3.  Establishment of School-based health centers (Sec. 4101)

a.  These centers will provide comprehensive primary health services to prevent and treat a wide array of physical and mental health ailments in children.

4.  Oral Healthcare Prevention Activities and Education for Children and Families (Sec. 399LL)

a. The focus of this section is on federally funded oral disease management techniques for children

5.  Grants galore for creating healthier communities (Sec. 4201)

a. These grants are released only after adherence to strict requirements governmental oversight

6.  Nutrition labeling of standard menu items at chain restaurants (Sec. 4205)

a. Regardless of the type of ownership, if a restaurant has 20 or more locations it will now be required to post the number of calories next to the name of the menu item.

7.  Technical assistance and research for employer-based wellness programs (Sec. 399MM)

a. The government will begin providing web portals and other resources to help employers measure the wellness of employees.

In general, I am very pleased with the current and slated changes to preventative healthcare.  Also, keep in mind that there are several other sections I omit for both brevity and importance.  In the future I'd like to see either state or federal governments begin offering research proven incentives to living a healthy lifestyle.

Friday Fitness: Finding Inspiration in an MRI

Stop searching—this just might be the motivation you needed.  The image above is a cross sectional MRI of the thighs in three different adults.  The first, a 40 year old triathlete, depicts the femur in the center (darkest), surrounded by the quadriceps muscle and a thin layer of adipose tissue (fat).  The phrase, “if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it” is true of muscular tissue.  The process, termed atrophy, begins just weeks after halting a consistent exercise program.  Thus, the reason an active 40 year old can go from thighs resembling a lean sirloin to that of a fatty rib-eye after years of physical inactivity.  The stringy muscle surrounded by a side of mashed potatoes in picture two reaffirms the importance of an active lifestyle.

Yet, it’s never too late to begin an exercise program.  Adults can double their muscle strength within the first two months of starting.  Picture three is evidence that if you start today you can cease the expansion of fatty tissue and reinvigorate the growth of muscle.  The benefits of this as we age would lead to a dramatic improvement in quality of life.  Working out ain’t easy, sure.  But trying to get your old butt out of a chair or up a set of stairs when your muscles are withering away is much harder.

Movie Review: “I AM”

The director of “I AM”, Tom Shadyac, is most well-known for his smash hits Ace Ventura, Liar Liar, The Nutty Professor, Bruce Almighty and Patch Adams.  Shadyac is one of Hollywood’s most successful writer/director/producers.  However, everything changed for Shadyac in 2007 when he had a horrific bike accident that left him with Post-Concussion Syndrome, a condition where the symptoms of the original concussion never go away.  These symptoms included intense and painful reactions to light and sound, severe mood swings and a constant ringing sound in the head.  Shadyac tried every manner of treatment, traditional and alternative, but nothing worked.  He suffered months of isolation and pain and finally reached a point where he welcomed death as a release. “I simply didn’t think I was going to make it,” he admitted. 

While confronting his own mortality, he asked himself, “If this is it for me –  if I really am going to die  –  what do I want to say before I go?  What will be my last testament?”  Shadyac and a crew of just four set out to interview the world’s top scientists, psychologists, artists, environmentalists, authors, activists, philosophers and others in his quest for truth.  The root of each of his discussions stemmed from two questions, “What’s wrong with our world? and, What can we do to make it better?”

Watching “I AM” was a transformative experience.  You learn throughout Shadyac’s journey that there is a lot right with the world, foremost being that cooperation and not competition may be nature’s most fundamental operating principle.  Shadyac even points out that Darwin, who coined “survival of the fittest” only used the famous term twice, whereas, he used the word “LOVE” 95 times in his book The Descent of Man.

Shadyac’s enthusiasm and optimism is contagious throughout the film.  You’ll finish the film feeling as though you can really make a difference in the world starting simply by changing the way you think about yourself.  I would definitely recommend you watch this one.