May 2009 Archives

Swine flu isn't related to the foods you consume

By Janis Turk

Re-thinking serving your mom's smothered pork chop recipe for dinner tonight because of the swine flu pandemic sweeping South Texas? Well, don't. There's no need to put away the pork chops. You can't get the swine flu that way.

Purdue University experts say that avoiding pork unnecessary, for this frightening strain of influenza, commonly called "Swine Flu," is not a food-borne pathogen, meaning it's not transmitted through the food you eat and there is "no risk to the food supply," according to their experts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture have both indicated that influenza is not passed through food.

Purdue Extension nutrition specialist Melissa Maulding is explains, "The flu is a virus that is transmitted through interaction with people, so the biggest defense against catching the flu is to wash your hands."

According to a story on the AgAnswers.Com Web site, which helps answer questions related to the business and science of agriculture and more, Dr. Paul D. Ebner, assistant professor of animal sciences at Purdue University said that, "while the current strain infecting humans is an H1N1 virus that is normally associated with pigs, it is not a classic swine virus. It has changed, obviously in a dramatic way that has allowed it to more easily infect humans. Previously there were a few occurrences of humans catching the flu from pigs, but this strain is different."

So go ahead: Keep pork on tonight's menu -- but be sure to wash your hands first and take care to avoid contact with anyone who might be ill.

Finding the Yoga fit that's right for you

By Bonny Osterhage

Until very recently, I assumed Yoga was the most non-energetic activity in which one could participate, second only to watching grass grow.

A high-intensity adrenaline junkie, I am of the belief that unless there is good music, lots of sweat and fatigued muscles, any other kind of workout is a waste of my precious time.

But last week, a friend challenged me to try the Ashtanga practice of Yoga. Given the excellent shape said friend is in, I agreed (with a smirk and eye roll) to give it a try. After 90 minutes of moving myself from one posture to the next, I realized that, not only was I sweating, I was also engaging muscles I didn't know I had. Furthermore, rather than feeling fatigued after doing Yoga, I felt energized and rejuvenated.

I returned the next day to the Ashtanga Yoga class and now consider myself hooked.

Why am I sharing this? Because Yoga really is for everyone; you just have to find the type that works for you.

Contrary to my earlier misconceptions, not all Yoga practices are the same. In order to help you find the class that works for you, the following list offers very general breakdown of some of the most common Yoga practices. Whether you want a relaxing mind/body focus, or a more intense workout, there is something for everyone and every body type.

Ashtanga
One of the great things about this fast-paced, intense class is that the poses are executed in the same order every time. Through repetition you gain strength and flexibility.

Bikram
This is a series of 26 yoga postures preformed in a sweltering 100◦F room. The intense amount of sweating that ensues cleanses the body and rids it of toxins. It also limbers the muscles, thus allowing them to fall into the poses more easily. But this high-heat Yoga practice is not for the faint of heart.

Hatha
This is the slow and gentle practice that most often comes to mind when you hear the term "Yoga," so it is an excellent choice for beginners.

Iyengar
Rather than flowing quickly from one pose to the next, Iyengar Yoga focuses on body alignment by holding the postures for longer periods of time. Yoga straps, blocks and other props are incorporated into this style.

Kundalini
While all Yoga practices focus on the correct breathing techniques, Kundalini places an emphasis on coordinating the breath with the movement as you flow quickly through the postures.

Vinyasa
Another class that coordinates breathing with movement, a Vinyasa Yoga class consists of several sun salutations followed by a series of intense stretching.

So find your own Yoga style today.

For the Beach to Bay Relay Marathon in Corpus Christi

By Bonny Osterhage

It's that time of year again! On Saturday, May 16, at 7 a.m., thousand of runners will take their marks at Nueces County Park on the beach in Corpus Christi for the 34th annual Beach to Bay Relay Marathon.

Each team of six runners begins the first leg of the race on North Padre Island along the sandy beach. The remaining three legs take place on pavement and wind runners through the Naval Air Station before ending at Cole Park in downtown Corpus Christi.

Steeped in tradition, the Beach to Bay Marathon is always held on the third Saturday in May, which is Armed Forces Day. This event began in 1976 as a way to honor those brave men and women who serve in the military.

The cost to participate is $185 per team. For information call (361) 881-6166 or visit the Web site at www.beachtobayrelay.com

Using sound therapy to soothe the soul

By Janis Turk

Ever walk into a clothing store at the mall only to be bombarded with the boom of loud obnoxious music, say rap at The Gap, or disco at a department store? You may want to run away screaming. I can't stand to stay in those stores long enough try things on or stand at the register, and I often wonder if the music that lures younger people into such stores really keeps them there, longer, or makes them rush through in a nervous frenzy, too, as it does me? The point is, if music (or what's passing for it these days) can disturb my soul so, it only makes sense that music can soothe the savage beast, too.

Many mind and body experts these days agree with this idea and are employing different kinds of sound therapy to help us relax and open up paths to a more pure form of energy and relaxation.

It's not a new concept by any means -- we've all heard how classical music can stimulate a baby's brain, and we know how certain songs we love can take us back in time to better days. Music can trigger sweet memories of our youth, and it can pep us up when we are blue--or make us even bluer if we want to wallow in sadness for a while. Jazz may mellow me out or drive you insane, country may calm you or make me want to go for my gun -- but, either way, music and yes, simply sound, clearly has a part in affecting our moods.

Spas today are employing music to soothe the soul during massages. Some ashrams and even some churches have long used chanting to bring the spirit, mind and body, and even groups, in harmony. Schools have used chants and cheers to develop a sense of community and encourage teams on to victory. So it's nothing new to use sound therapy to work wonders in the mind and body.

But it isn't just music that experts are turning to. According to Mary Lopiccalo, lead resonance therapist at Mii Amo, a destination spa at Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona, in a story on sound vibrations on www.Active.Com, "Sound therapy relies on the fact that from the smallest atom to the largest galaxy, everything has a specific frequency of vibration." The article goes on to say that, "Movement is vibration, and vibration is sound," quoting Robert MacDonald, director of healing at Exhale spas. He says in the article that, "Your heartbeat, nervous system and other systems all vibrate at different frequencies, creating various sounds. In a sense, the body is like an orchestra. In terms of sound therapy, when we experience mental, emotional or physical problems, our healthy vibrations in one or more areas are disrupted, and we are "out of tune."

Sound therapy, as used in these and other spas, can help unblock impediments to energy flow and help us to relax in ways that we might not otherwise be able to experience.

So go with the flow, let the music take you, get into all the good vibrations that sound therapy can bring.

Healing Injuries with Sound Waves

by Annette M. Zaharoff, MD

Various types of heat have been found to have useful roles in treating sports injuries. When sports injuries require deep tissue heating, one of the most effective therapies is the use of ultrasound.
 
Ultrasound works by converting high frequency alternating current into mechanical acoustic vibrations, or sonic waves, that are converted to heat. Ultrasound can penetrate about 7 to 8 cm in fatty tissue where it increases the temperature 4 to 5 degrees centigrade.

Uses

Ultrasound is the most effective deep heating modality for rehabilitation of many soft tissue problems. It is helpful in treating conditions like tendonitis, bursitis, tenosynovitis, muscle spasms, and soft tissue trauma.

Applying heat helps the elasticity of collagen in tendons, joint capsules, and scars. Ultrasound is useful to apply to areas to warm them up before stretching. Chronic conditions such adhesive capsulitis and post-surgical scarring also respond to the heat of ultrasound.

When a soft tissue is injured many by products are released by the damaged tissue. Ultrasound can be useful to increase the resorption of these by products and promote healing.
 
Another use of ultrasound is for the delivery of pharmaceuticals for treating inflammation through phonophoresis. This is a treatment whereby the sound waves are used to drive large molecules of hydrocortisone through the skin into soft tissue to reduce inflammation. Phonophoresis has also been reported to enhance the effects of a hydrocortisone injection and in fact, may be considered an alternate delivery system for patients who fear needles when superficial inflammation is present.

As with any prescription therapy or treatment, the use of ultrasound should only be performed under the supervision of a physician or by a licensed physical therapist. It is most effective and safe when a physician prescribes it for the appropriate reasons and a qualified therapist delivers the treatment for musculoskeletal injuries. If you have specific question, ask you sport medicine physician for more information.

Dr. Annette Zaharoff is a sports medicine physician specializing in the non-surgical evaluation and treatment of injuries. She maintains a private practice in San Antonio and may be reached by calling her office at (210) 616-0646 or visiting her Web site www.drZmd.com

Working the center

by Shannon Sutton
 
By now I'm sure we are all familiar with the term "core."  Like an apple core, or the earth's core, it is the body's center or midsection, and is the origination of all movement.  All too often we focus on the obvious muscle groups such as glutes (for that firm, round backside) or triceps (to tighten up that arm flab), but as a personal trainer and fitness coach, my advice is to incorporate the instability factor and work your core and other muscle groups simultaneously.

One simple way to emphasize core training within your resistance routine is to omit the stability of sitting or lying on a bench and opt for an E-ball. This forces your core muscles to engage in order to maintain balance which in turn increases caloric expenditure, strengthens your midsection and  whittles your waist down to size more quickly!  Makes sense, doesn't it?

The following are just a few examples of exercises that help the core while working other muscle groups:

Bicep curls:  Have a seat on a properly sized ball (hips and knees should be at 90 degree angles, shoulders over hips and knees over heels) and perform your bicep curls.  Be sure to draw your abs in tight and practice good posture.

Triceps:  Lie back with head and shoulders resting on the ball; again, joints stacked. Raise dumbbells directly over your shoulders with arms parallel and slowly bend elbows to 90 degrees, hold for a count and return to starting position.

Chest flies:  Begin in the same position as the triceps exercise with dumbbells raised directly over your shoulders and slowly open your arms lowering the weight to shoulder level, hold and return to starting position.

Try to focus on drawing your navel in and holding a really tight core while performing these and other exercises. The E-ball can be used in just about all of your exercises, just get creative and have fun with it!

Shannon Sutton is an independent certified personal trainer. Her certifications include ISSA, NASM, APEX and Reebok. She has invested years in helping individuals reach their health, fitness and wellness goals. Contact her at (210) 722-3962.

Walk & Roll 2009

by Bonny Osterhage

This month, two events will mark the 13th annual Walk & Roll season sponsored by the Metropolitan Planning Organization. The events are designed to promote healthy, economical and eco-friendly modes of transportation that can be enjoyed by everyone.

The fun starts Friday, May 1, with the Walk & Roll to Work Rally from 8 to 9 a.m.     Downtown participants are encouraged to participate in a short morning walk or bicycle ride to Main Plaza where the rally will be held. VIA Metropolitan Transit will provide free bus transportation for cyclists.

Sunday, May 31 is the date for Walk & Roll on the River Fest from 8 a .m. until 1 p.m. The event will celebrate the opening of the San Antonio River Walk's new northern extension. As part of the day's festivities, the Texas Wanderers have designed both 5 km and 10 km routes for guests to trek, while cyclists can choose from a 28-mile Historic Missions Cycling Tour led by a member of the San Antonio Wheelmen, and/or a short Family Bike Ride led by the South Texas Off-Road Mountain Bikers.

Throughout the day, complimentary refreshments, music, health screenings and bike check-ups will be available as well as educational exhibits and prizes, all at the Pearl Brewery.  For more information visit www.walkandrollSA.com.

Get on a bike!

By Bonny Osterhage

This May marks 50 years since the League of American Cyclists created National Bike Month. In addition to simply encouraging people to get out and ride, the league this year is actively promoting a "people bike to work week," May 14-18. Of course in a city the size of San Antonio, we know that it is not always possible to get to work on two wheels -- but don't let that keep you from celebrating National Bike Month anyway.

The League of American Cyclists has a pamphlet that offers 50 suggestions on ways to participate in National Bike Month that are as easy as, well, riding a bike. The pamphlet can be viewed at www.bikeleague.org. Here are just a few examples of what you will find:

1.    Join a local bicycle club.
2.    Organize a group to clean a local bike trail.
3.    Write your congressman about the importance of bicycling.
4.    Organize a neighborhood bike parade.
5.    Put on a bike rodeo at your child's school.

No matter how you choose to celebrate this month, do it on two wheels--it's good for you, body and soul, and great for the environment, too.