Sunshine makes people feel good. Consumers seek out products that simulate sunshine, like alarm clocks that wake them with a simulated sunrise, and therapy lamps that provide an artificial light mood boost, not to mention vacation destinations that offer unlimited sunshine. Not only does the sun provide a mental health boost, but it also positively…
What does it take to be a great athlete? The age-old phrase ‘hard work and perseverance always pays off’ may ring true for some, but the secret to athletic success also lies slightly deeper. Sports science is increasingly advancing its understanding of the power that DNA holds in relation to athletic performance. DNA contains our…
Protein is one of the essential macronutrients in the body, along with carbohydrates and fats, which help the body grow and develop over time. Without protein, you’ll eventually die because you won’t be able to produce hormones, neurotransmitters, and antibodies. Aside from that, protein is also responsible for the overall structure of muscles and other…
Inflammation is the body’s mechanism for healing itself. When your body encounters a virus, bacteria, or suffers an injury, it activates your immune system. The topic of inflammation has gained renewed attention through its connection to COVID-19 and long-haul COVID. However, chronic inflammation is a pervasive problem, with an estimated on out of every three…
For many years, The American Heart Association and organizations such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have published physical activity guidelines outlining the recommended amount of exercise required for adults. However, recently, the results of a 30-year longitudinal study were released, suggesting that while those physical activity guidelines are useful, increasing your…
Each year, there are an estimated 1.7 to 3.8 million traumatic brain injuries in the United States, and more than 20 percent arise due to sports and recreational activities. More than 300,000 head injuries result from football, with ice hockey, lacrosse, rugby, and soccer, also seeing a high incidence of concussion. In fact, the Center…
Epilepsy is one of the most common diseases that most young people struggle with today. Even though the world is better educated on the causes for epilepsy and how it must be handled (when compared to how it was stigmatized a few decades ago), there are still a few common myths and misunderstandings about what…
In this week’s episode of the Sports Medicine Weekly Podcast, Dr. Brian Cole is joined by Joshua James, DPT, CSCS from Rush Physical Therapy to discuss high ankle sprains, including how they are diagnosed and the best treatments to help athletes recover. What is a high ankle sprain? A high ankle sprain involves a tear,…
Caffeine is the most popular psychoactive substance in the world, with 89 percent of people in the U.S. consuming at least one drink containing caffeine daily. People depend on caffeine or caffeine supplements for a temporary energy boost, to stay alert, to enhance focus, and even to improve their mood. Over the years, (and thanks…
What’s all the buzz about probiotics and are the health claims valid? Probiotics are “friendly” bacteria, or live microorganisms, that help restore the body’s natural balance of gut bacteria and provide a number of health benefits. While there are a number of great reasons to increase your dietary intake of these natural health boosters, here…
Motivation has never been an issue for Chris. Deployed in the Air Force, working out in the gym, or studying for the bar exam, he’s always given it his best. Even when severe knee pain added to the strain of his missions, he was able to push through the pain. But when his doctor explained…
A study released by the scientific journal PLOS One proves that sugar intake directly correlates to higher rates of diabetes. The study was conducted by four researchers, including Dr. Robert Lustig, presenter of the 2009 “Sugar: The Bitter Truth” talk that became a YouTube sensation at close to 8 million views and counting. What’s more…