10.30.08
Posted in Brain Injury News at 1:06 pm by Jenny
It was late in the third quarter and Penn State was fighting not only to keep its undefeated season alive, but its hopes for a national championship as well. As Penn State quarterback, Daryll Clark scrambled for a seven-yard gain, he collided with two 300-pound defensive linemen. Seven snaps later, Penn State officials diagnosed Clark with having sustained a concussion from the collision and pulled him from the rest of the game. Those watching the game could see that Clark was visibly upset by the decision not to let him return to play.
Not only did Penn State win the game and keep its national championship hopes alive, Penn State demonstrated that the health of its athlete was more important than winning a football game. Dr. Wayne Sebastianelli, Penn State’s Director of Athletic Medicine, was quoted as saying “We know the stakes are high, but we’re pretty much dedicated to the preservation of an athlete’s well-being. No one questioned it at all. We knew we had to find another way to win. That was it.”
The actions by Penn State’s team doctors and coaches should be a lesson to everyone that players who sustain concussions during sporting events should not be returned to play. Maybe, just maybe, others will follow this example.
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10.29.08
Posted in Uncategorized at 12:51 pm by Jenny
The majority of the posts in this blog speak to individuals who lack motivation to get off the couch and exercise, and to those who struggle to find 30 minutes per day to get to the gym. But what about the "others?" The people who start off their days pumping iron on their home elliptical machines while waiting for their running partners, and wondering if they can get in a bike ride before the roads ice over?
Yes, these types of individuals do exist. In fact, government health officials are taking fitness fanatics' actions into consideration as well. New studies are focusing on whether it's wise for the average individual to exceed 300 minutes of exercise per week. (A few weeks ago government officials released a report noting that the average American should be partaking in 150 minutes of exercise per week.)
According to researchers, if you have the time to get in 300 minutes per week (roughly 45 minutes per day), you can reduce general health risks by 40 percent. The general health risk reduction for individuals who participate in 150 minutes of exercise per week is 25 percent.
If you are concerned about your health risks and are looking to increase the duration and intensity of your exercise routine consider the following activities:
WEEK ONE
Ride a stationary bicycle for 45 minutes two days; play basketball for 60 minutes on two days; go to an aerobics class on three days.
WEEK TWO
Run for 45 minutes three or four days a week; do circuit weight training in the gym two or three days a week.
WEEK THREE
Play tennis for 90 minutes one day; walk briskly for 15 minutes, three days a week; lift weights on two days. Repeat, rotate or add other activities that you have a strong interest in.
Related Articles:
New Government Study Says You Aren't Exercising Enough
Is One Really Enough?
Why am I so Sore?
Creating a Challenging Workout Routine
Exercising on the Road: No Excuses
Exercise More Forget Less
Why You Want to Build Muscle as You Age
Creating a Fitness Routine that Works for You
Getting Motivated to Move
Ways to Integrate Exercise into Your Life
Another Reason to Get Running
Sponsors (article continues below)
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10.28.08
Posted in Uncategorized at 6:34 am by Jenny
Attention couch potatoes: According to a new study, the people who stand to gain the most from exercise are those who go from doing nothing to doing something.
Just when you thought that one-minute stroll from your car to the front door of the movie theater couldn't possibly aid your health, researchers at the University of South Carolina release a study that says your walk actually is worth something.
Scientists maintain that a one-minute walk is a great way to start an exercise routine. "Start" being the operative word. As long as that minute long stroll is the springboard for subsequent movement, then researchers say it's okay. Meaning next week, you should shoot for two minutes, then three minutes, four, etc. Eventually you'll be up to 30 minutes and the results will be evident.
Don't let the number 30 intimidate you. Researchers say you don't have to get in all of your exercise at one time. Rather, you can spread it out over the course of a day--10 minutes in the morning, 10 minutes at lunch and 10 minutes when you come home. Though, experts suggest that on the weekends you should strive to get in all 30 minutes during the same workout.
Researchers also point out that you can vary your aerobic routine by participating in a number of different activities. For instance, instead of walking or jogging every day, consider biking, swimming, rollerblading or playing tennis. You can also get in those cardio minutes from your daily activities such as "heavy" gardening (defined as continuous digging or hoeing), raking leaves, shoveling snow, mopping floors, vacuuming or aggressively scrubbing windows or countertops. Another easy way to burn calories is to make conscious decisions throughout the day such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking at the far end of the lot and hoofing it for a few minutes before you enter the store.
Bottom line: When it comes to exercise, something is better than nothing.
Related Articles:
New Government Study Says You Aren't Exercising Enough
Is One Really Enough?
Why am I so Sore?
Creating a Challenging Workout Routine
Exercising on the Road: No Excuses
Exercise More Forget Less
Why You Want to Build Muscle as You Age
Creating a Fitness Routine that Works for You
Preparing for Fall Workouts
Taking Advantage of Fall's Cool Weather
Getting Motivated to Move
Ways to Integrate Exercise into Your Life
Back-to-School = Back to Regular Workouts
Getting Fit Before the First Flake Falls
How to Get Your Kids in Shape
Another Reason to Get Running
Sponsors (article continues below)
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10.27.08
Posted in Brain Injury News at 1:02 pm by Jenny
Last Thursday, October 23, 2008, I traveled to New York City to participate in a continuing legal education program on traumatic brain injury sponsored by Lorman Education Services. My topic at the program was Daubert Issues in TBI Cases. My presentation focused on the evidentiary requirements for expert testimony and steps that can be taken to keep junk science out of the courtroom. Besides my presentation, the attendees heard from other outstanding attorneys who specialize in neurolaw as well as from Wilfred van Gorp, Director of Neuropsychology at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.
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10.26.08
Posted in Uncategorized at 10:50 pm by Jenny
If you are planning to pig out on Halloween candy in the coming days you might want to consider some of the tips provided in this week's Fitness blogs.
October 20th---Running While Pregnant. Some women can barely walk while they are pregnant while others run marathons. Find out whether running during pregnancy is a wise move or a recipe for disaster in this blog.
October 21st---Keeping a Workout Journal. People journal about their vacations, their love life and their children's milestones, so why not put that writing to good use by documenting your workouts? Find out why more and more trainers are recommending that athletes keep a fitness diary regardless of whether or not they have memorized a set routine.
October 22nd---Weightlifting: It's Not About the Weight. Experienced weightlifters know that the sport is more about good form and technique than it is about how many pounds of steel you can throw around. Find out how you can improve your weightlifting routine in this blog.
October 23rd---Motivating Your Kids to Move. For some kids exercise is a foreign concept. While your children may be more content playing video games or watching TV, studies show it is vital to get them moving. This blog provides tips on how you can inspire change in your child.
October 24th---Weightlifting and the Elderly. Find out why fitness experts are saying that it is never too late to start lifting weights.
October 25th---Finding Time to Exercise. Haven't got a minute to spare in your busy schedule to get in a workout? Join the club. Millions of Americans have the same problem. Instead of making excuses for your lack of motivation, check out the tips in this blog, which may inspire you to get moving.
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