INSIDE HEALTH

Allergies & Asthma
Bones, Joints & Muscles
Brain & Nervous System
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General Health
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ALLERGY

What is an Allergy?The topic of allergies has become routine in our lives, and certainly most everyone has an idea of what an allergy is. Allergies are so common a subject in fact, it seems acceptable to discuss your allergies at a cocktail party with strangers.How do Allergies Start?The allergic person can make allergic antibodies, or IgE, against a variety of allergens, including pollens, molds, animal danders, dust mites, foods, venoms and medications. This occurs through a process called sensitization, where a person’s immune system is exposed to enough of the allergen to make the body produce allergic antibodies to that substance.When and Why do People Develop Allergies?It is unknown why some people develop allergies and some don’t. Allergies seem to run in families, and in some cases family members can share allergies to specific foods or medications. It appears that the allergic response was once meant to protect the body against parasitic infections, although now seems to be an abnormal response to non-infectious triggers.

Bones, Joints & Muscles

What is Back Pain?
Back pain is an easily recognizable problem that can bring on a number of sensations. It can present itself in any location along the spine, a stack of 26 bones connected by ligaments, muscles and shock-absorbing disks.
Back pain is one of the most common complaints brought to doctors in the United States. Over six million cases are seen annually, with the majority being in the lower back. It's expensive, too, ranking 3rd after heart disease and cancer. Around 80 percent of people get back pain sometime in their lives. Although back pain can be categorized in a number of ways, the most obvious is by location. Many types of back problems can occur almost anywhere along the spine.
Herniated Disk
Spinal Fractures Neck or Back Sprain
Spinal Cord Injury
Scoliosis
Adult Scoliosis
Causes of Poor Posture
Spinal Stenosis
Chronic Pain
Bulging Disk
Degenerative Disk Disease
Persistent Pain
Spinal Anatomy
Parts of the Spinal Bone
The Significance of Spinal Curves

Physical Therapy Blog

Knee replacement surgery is becoming more and more common. This surgery can help reduce knee pain from arthritis as well as increase day to day activity. Recovering mobility in the replaced knee is crutial for a good outcome after this surgical procedure. For this reason physical therapy begins one day after the surgery
Regaining knee flexion is an important way to ensure a complete recovery. Gentle movement of the knee is one way to start this rehabilitation program. Eventually the goal should be to regain at least 90 degrees of motion in the replaced knee.

Exercise Injury Prevention - 10 Tips for Injury Prevention During Exercise

Have a Routine Physical / Fitness Test.Visit you doctor before beginning a new exercise program. Any new activity can stress your body. If you have undiagnosed heart disease or other conditions, you should modify your exercise accordingly. Your doctor can let you know what your limits might be and suggest an appropriate amount of exercise for you.
Gradually Increase Time and Intensity.When starting an exercise program, many people have lots of enthusiasm initially, and go too hard, too soon. Begin with moderate exercise of about 20 minutes, 3 times a week and gradually build upon this. You can also use the perceived exertion scale to determine the best exercise intensity for you.
Visit a Personal Trainer.If you just don't know what to do or where to begin, a good trainer will get you started safely and help you learn enough to work out on your own if you choose. A few initial sessions may be all you need.
Warm Up Before ExerciseA proper, gradual warm up goes a long way to prevent injuries. The warm up can consist of walking, jogging or simply doing your regular activity at a snail's pace.
Don't Workout on Empty.While you don't want to exercise immediately after eating a large meal, eating about 2 hours before exercise can help fuel your exercise and help you avoid bonking during your workout.
Drink Before You Exercise.Dehydration can kill your performance, so stay well hydrated. Try to drink 16 oz. of water in the two hours before your workout and then take in water during your workout to replace any lost fluids.
Listen to Your Body.If you experience any sharp pain, weakness or light-headedness during exercise, pay attention. This is your body's signal that something is wrong and you should stop exercise. Pushing through acute pain is the fastest way to develop a severe or chronic injury. If you don't feel well, you should take some time off until your body heals.Also See: Should I Exercise with a Cold or the Flu?
Take Time for Rest and Recovery. In addition to getting enough sleep, it is important to take some rest days. Working out too much for too long can lead to overtraining syndrome and possibly reduce your immunity.
Cross Train.In addition to helping reduce workout boredom, cross-training allows you to get a full body workout without overstressing certain muscle groups.Dress Properly for Your Sport.This includes using appropriate safety equipment for your sport, choosing proper footwear, replacing running shoes as needed and weaing clothing that wicks sweat and helps keep you cool and dry. Read more about how to layer clothing for cold weather exercise.
Dress Properly for Your Sport.This includes using appropriate safety equipment for your sport, choosing proper footwear, replacing running shoes as needed and weaing clothing that wicks sweat and helps keep you cool and dry. Read more about how to layer clothing for cold weather exercise.