Published: Aug. 20, 2010 @ 6 a.m.
BRIGITTE CUTLER: After training for months to run a race it is now over. The effort put forth in a race is often much more than in a regular training session so aches and pains will be evident. If you want to minimize the effects of vigorous activity causing micro tears in the musculature, I always recommend a cold-water submersion - Yes! An ice bath - even submerging your body in cold water will reduce the onset of muscle pain the next day. This is not for everyone, but those who can stomach it should give it a try.
Published: Sept. 02, 2010 @ 11 p.m.
As you head out this Labor Day weekend, you might want to take the insect repellant with you to ward off mosquitoes. James L. Henricks, director of environmental health for Sangamon County, provides the answers to help keep you protected from those pesky mosquitoes.
Published: Sept. 04, 2010 @ 11 p.m.
BRITTANY LAURENT: It can stop you in your tracks during a run or wake you up in the middle of the night. That painful spasm that leaves your muscles hard and tight is a muscle cramp, a condition that most people have experienced. Muscle cramps are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. They can occur at any time throughout the day or night but usually go away on their own. Even though they may be extremely painful, there is usually no serious cause for concern.
Published: Sept. 03, 2010 @ 11 p.m.
LINDA CASTOR: It's Labor Day weekend-the last "hurrah" of the summer season-and you and your family are ready to embark on that driving trip you've been planning for weeks. But as soon as everyone piles into the car, the full moon law goes into effect. Instead of experiencing a heavenly, family vacation with your loving children, you are now entrapped for miles in a hellish nightmare with possessed, wild animals resembling your kids who end up fighting, screaming, complaining and throwing things out the window! This was NOT what you had envisioned!
Published: Aug. 31, 2010 @ 11 p.m.
SARA LOPINSKI: Wouldn't you like your brain to be the healthiest it can be to improve brain function, memory and concentration? All it takes is the addition of these ten "smart" foods and beverages to your daily meal plan.
1. Berries: We are talking about strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. Berries help protect the brain from stress and may reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
Published: Aug. 30, 2010 @ 11 p.m.
MOLLY SUHADOLNIK: Most of us start running for good health, to stay fit, to live longer, but the bottom line is -- we want to lose fat. Most of the general population has not been properly educated on exercise and what is effective.
The easiest thing that humans can do as a form of physical exercise is to run. We all can do it no matter what level, we do not need instruction on how to run and it is free. Sure, if you are starting from ground zero, you will see a bit of fat loss.
Published: Aug. 27, 2010 @ 11 p.m.
BRYAN TAYLOR, DC: Healing time for sciatica can be variable and most often the nerve is affected by muscle and joints. It is very important to deal with inflammation created by this condition.
Manipulation and soft tissue therapy can be a direct conservative approach that helps reduce compression and irritation to the nerve. The goal here is to help remove the mechanical processes that create the problem and allow it to heal.
Published: Aug. 19, 2010 @ 6 a.m.
TODD SMITH: Sunday was the test for all my weeks of training. At 6:30 a.m., I made my way to the Illinois State Fairgrounds for the 6.2-mile Abe's Amble. I looked for those I had trained with who had become friends over the many, many miles we have run together.
Published: Aug. 25, 2010 @ 11 p.m.
DR. LEONARD RYBAK: Chronic middle ear infection is one of the most common childhood illnesses that bring children to see a physician.
Ear infections also are one of the most common causes of hearing loss in children. These infections are very prevalent among young children, especially those who are exposed to other children in daycare.
Published: Aug. 24, 2010 @ 11 p.m.
DR. ZIAD ISSA: Despite the prevalence of heart disease, many patients are living longer thanks to advancements in new technology. Today, more than two million Americans rely on a pacemaker or defibrillator to regulate their heart beat. As the patient population continues to increase, many questions have surfaced from patients and loved ones about implanted cardiac devices.
