Hitting the gym, going for a run, or any type of aerobic exercise provides the cardiovascular and muscular benefits we all know about, but exercise can also improve your mental health as well. Regardless of age or fitness level, the effects of exercise on your brain can help lead to happier results. The most immediate effect exercise has on brain function is instantly enhancing one’s mood. Aerobic exercise such as dancing, swimming, jogging, or going for a long walk, will increase blood circulation to the brain – particularly to the limbic system, which controls motivation and mood; the amygdala, which generates fear in response to stress; and the hippocampus, which is important to memory …
With little time to heal aches and pains from exercise, kinesiology tape is often an alternative pain management method athletes use to help speed up the healing process. Kinesiology tape was developed in the early 1970s to prolong the effects of physical therapy. Kinesiotape may be used to help change muscle tone, move lymphatic fluids, correct movement patters, and correct posture. When there’s little time to heal aches and pains from exercise, kinesiology tape is often an alternative pain management method that professional athletes use to help speed up the healing process. Professional golfer Michelle Wie has been wearing kinesio tape on her thigh and knee throughout the LPGA …
The “Freshman 15” may get the most ink when it comes to college students and their health, but one very common issue when the kids go back to school is back pain. Between move-in, sitting for long classes, and lugging textbooks to and from class after a backpack-free summer, back pain and discomfort can be easily caused in just the first few weeks of getting back to school. One back-to-school activity that can affect parents just as much as their kids is moving back into the dorms or off-campus housing. Carrying heavy objects such as luggage, futons, building dressers, and …
Choosing the right sunscreen can be as difficult as deciding on your next vacation destination. With so many unique formulas and SPF levels ranging from 15 to 100+, you may be wondering what all of it really means in the grand scheme of UV defense. Let’s break down the topic of sun protection so that you can make a quicker, smarter decision and spend more time outside than in the sunscreen aisle. First, how does sunscreen work? Sunscreen is a combination of physical and chemical materials that filter sunlight as it reaches your skin. These physical ingredients, such as zinc …
Nothing compares to a cool treat in warmer weather. Instead of opting for an ice cream cone or ice pop, both of which are packed with refined sugar, smoothies are healthier alternatives that boast many nutritional benefits. Preparing these smoothies throughout the season will ensure that the next time you are craving something sweet, you can opt for a nutritious alternative to cool down instead. I’ve found three recipes for super-charged smoothies packed with ingredients to help you feel your best. A fruit smoothie made with seasonal berries is a summer staple. It’s sweet and delicious, so it’s ideal if …
Whether you’re getting more active in sports, headed on a weekend getaway, doing yard work, or simply going to a baseball game, your favorite summertime activities could be making you more susceptible to back pain. Even if you don’t experience chronic back pain typically, summer-specific pursuits may be putting you at a higher risk of discomfort or injury. During weekend getaways or summer vacations, we often find ourselves sitting for long periods of time during car trips or airplane rides on the way to our destination. After sitting for an extended duration, your spine will eventually feel the pressure, resulting …
Have you ever felt sluggish, weak, or dizzy in the middle of the day despite getting adequate sleep and even drinking a few cups of coffee? Chances are you’re suffering from chronic dehydration—when you lose more fluid than is consumed. Many people believe that they are drinking the recommended 6-8 glasses of water a day, however according to DripDrop.com, an average of 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. With the heat of summertime approaching, the amount of water we consume is even more necessary to prevent dehydration. Our bodies are made of 60% water so it’s safe to say that …
While biking, hiking, and running are among the most popular outdoor activities for this time of year, water aerobics can be a lower risk alternative to its more common counterparts. High impact activity, such as running, is a great way to burn calories and lose weight but can sometimes be rough on your joints. Water aerobics can be just as effective at trimming weight and gaining muscle, but is much gentler on your joints due to your body’s “weightlessness” during pool time. Water exercise also greatly lowers the risk of heat stroke or dehydration, common concerns during summertime for outdoor …
You might have often been at the gym or in a fitness class wondering why you’re performing the same workout as the person next to you, but they seem to be “more fit.” Is it because they’ve been working out longer than you have? Is it because they have the help of a personal trainer? Or is it simply due to genetics? Scientists are weighing in with recent published research studies and are finding that your genes may have more impact on how your body responds to exercise than the way you’re exercising. One study, published in March, examined the …
School’s out for summer, but it’s the right time to be preparing for the year ahead, especially when it comes to your health. From January to June 2015, seven cases of bacterial meningitis outbreaks were confirmed at The University of Oregon, causing concern from state health officials, school administrations and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The outbreaks in Oregon are just part of a string of cases popping up around the country in the past year, including Princeton University, spurring the debate of making the vaccine mandatory for all students to receive. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control …
