Saturday, June 30, 2018

Are Omega 3's Good For Your Brain

Omega 3 fatty acids seem important for brain/cognitive function. The debatable point is whether eating omega 3 supplements can increase levels and impact brain health. Read the debate HERE

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Monday, June 25, 2018

Sunday, June 24, 2018

Sweating May Have Helped Us Become The Dominant Species

Sweating may have helped us in hunting and may be part of the reason we became the dominant species. Read details HERE

Friday, June 22, 2018

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Michael Wacha Strains His Oblique Muscle: What Does That Mean?


Oblique muscle strains have reared their ugly head for the St. Louis Cardinals again. This time it isMichael Wacha in the midst of maybe his best season. He is expected to miss a month, but that may be optimistic. Why are these such significant injuries for some sports and playing positions while you never hear about them in other sports?

The oblique muscles reside on both sides of the abdomen and chest running from the pelvis to the chest and ribs in the front and chest and spine in the back. There are 2 muscle groups on each side the internal and external obliques. Rather than running straight vertically or horizontally they run “obliquely” across the body and thus their name.


These muscles are critical for rotational activities and that is why they are more impactful for certain sports. While challenging for any athlete an oblique muscle strain is the worst for those athletes that repetitively rotate. Thus baseball pitchers and hitters are highly affected. Hockey players are also bothered by it while shooting especially during slap shots. We have had several over the years that resulted in several games lost. It much less frequently affects sports that are more linear such as track, swimming football or basketball. It is an infrequent injury even for quarterbacks and I can’t remember a significant oblique injury with loss of time for any of the Rams quarterbacks.


Treatment is similar to other muscle strains and involves conservative management with ice, NSAIDs and rehabilitation including stretching and strengthening. Nothing seems to shorten the recovery which for baseball position players is typically a month. If anything more than a minor strain for a pitcher it can cost 6-8 weeks. Cortisone injections can be utilized, but still time is the best ally and cortisone is relatively a quick fix. These muscle strains typically are diffuse over a relatively large area and thus difficult to pinpoint for an injection. Likewise there is no scientific evidence that platelet rich plasma (PRP) or stem cell injections will speed recovery. That is why these are difficult injuries for the athletes and the fans that follow them. It is hard to be patient.

How To Handle Sore Muscles

Delayed onset muscle soreness is common. Here are ways to prevent and treat it although time is your best friend. Read about it HERE

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Can You Eat Too Much Fruit?

Fruit is fantastic for us and we are encouraged too eat several servings a day. But is it possible to eat too much? Find the answer HERE and be prepared if you ever land on a deserted island like Gilligan

Monday, June 18, 2018

Belly Fat May Be more Dangerous Than You Thought

Belly fat as indicated by a waist greater than 35 in women and 40 inches in men may be a harbinger of future medical issues. Read details HERE

Saturday, June 16, 2018

Monday, June 11, 2018

Is It Safe To eat Foods That Give You Gas

Certain foods cause bloating and gas. Is that a safe phenomenon or should we avoid it. Find the answer and the cause of the bloating HERE

Sunday, June 10, 2018

Friday, June 8, 2018

Seasonal Affective Disorder Can Occur In Summer Also

Seasonal affective disorder is not just in winter. Some people can be affected in the summer. Read details HERE

Thursday, June 7, 2018

Alex Reyes Underwent Latissimus Repair: What Does That Mean?

Cardinal pitcher Alex Reyes underwent latissimus dorsi repair after recently injuring it. Tony Romeo a Philadelphia surgeon performed the repair. The latissimus muscle originates on the ribs and thoracic spine and inserts on the humerus (arm bone) near the shoulder joint. It is responsible for the following actions: extension, adduction, horizontal abduction, flexion froman extended position and internalrotation of the shoulder joint. Given the time to heal and then the lengthy time to return to throwing this will be a season ending injury for him. Read a description of the technique HERE





Walking Pace May Improve Mortality

Walking pace may help predict mortality. While the research has some holes --- self reported walking pace predicted mortality with fast paced walkers better off. Read details HERE

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

This Exercise Is Good For Body And Brain

Strength training or resistance training may help not only your body, but also your brain. Studies show improved mood and help with depression. Read details HERE

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Sunday, June 3, 2018