Core stabilization, or core strengthening has been around for many years and has been ‘borrowed’ by sports performance training programs, exercise programs such as Yoga, Pilates and Boot Camps. In Physical Therapy and rehabilitation, core stabilization means that activation of the trunk muscles must occur first in order for us to create a stable base of support that allows us to move our arms and legs. Making the trunk muscles stronger keeps the spine stable and helps the body stay balanced with movement; preventing falls and injury. In other words: core=balance and stability and therefore less back pain.
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) recently released an article on the effect clothing and bags can have on the body. Generally, women (say it isn’t so) more than men have clothing items that can lead to pain or discomfort- bags being one of the most common. Heavy bags, tight clothes, and many shoes that men and women wear can have negative effects on the body:
- Heavy bags (such as briefcases or handbags) can put strain on the side of your body that they are carried on. When traveling, swap the side that you use to hold your bag often. Try not to over-pack bags, and keep bulky and extra items out of your pocketbook or backpack.
- Shoes with proper support are ideal. High heels change how the body balances and can cause instability when walking, leading to problems with the feet and back. Try to bring a pair of flats with you to change into after wearing heels for a while.
Nice guys finish last? You have heard that one, but what about nice people die first? It’s true. According to Dr. Gabor Mate’, a palliative care physician turned addiction specialist, noted that in his many years of practice, those people who died young of chronic diseases were people who could not say no; those who went out of their way to be helpful, accommodating etc.
I’m not saying be a jerk. It was not those who helped their fellow man, it was those who had a pathological need to be validated. Read more