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fast food

Fast Food Genocide

/2 April 2018/ All MFN blog/

In his latest book, Fast Food Genocide, Dr. Fuhrman details the shocking role diet has played in derailing the American dream for large segments of our population. He explains how these foods destroy not only our physical health, leading to cancer, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease — he also explores the previously overlooked association of diet’s influence on behavior, emotional health and intellect. The fast and processed food industries keep people hooked on their unhealthy, highly addictive products and that has led to a national health crisis. This tragic and far-reaching epidemic of inferior nutrition can be turned around, and Dr. Fuhrman offers hope, explaining the powerful way a Nutritarian Diet can solve what has become a national health crisis. It is an eye-opening book all of us need to read and share with our friends. Below, Dr. Fuhrman answers what motivated him to write this book and some of the questions surrounding it.

How Can Fast Food Be Genocide?

Genocide — the deliberate destruction of a population — is the most accurate way to describe fast food’s devastating effects on our society. Processed, nutrient-barren products are designed by the food industry to be highly addictive, cheap to produce, and highly profitable. These products do not contain the nutrients humans need to thrive, and in those using them as a primary food source, it has created an explosion of disease, much suffering and death. Fast food and processed foods also damage our genes, which we pass on to our children and grandchildren, and we are seeing dangerous increases in autism, learning disabilities, allergies, autoimmune disease and childhood cancer. This must be stopped.

Which Foods Are The Most Dangerous?

I define fast food in two ways: First, it is the food served at commercial chain restaurants, where processed meats, pizza, burgers, French fries, pretzels, soft drinks, and rich desserts are made in an assembly-line process, with commercial ingredients that are duplicated and dispersed all over the world. Second, it is any commercially-made convenience food that includes artificial ingredients, processed grains, sweeteners, salt, and oil, all with high-caloric concentration and minimal nutrient content. These foods have now become the majority of calories consumed in America.

Why Are These Foods So Damaging to Our Health?

A person who eats fast food, fried food and processed food has an increased risk of cancer, obesity, diabetes, autoimmune disease, depression, and mental illness. Even moderate use of fast food is dangerous. For example, one serving of commercial French fries per week is linked to an over 25 percent increase in risk of developing breast cancer. The World Health Organization has declared that processed meats are a class 1 carcinogen in humans, which places them in the same category as asbestos and cigarette smoking. Fake food produces cancer-promoting signals, damages blood vessel and builds plaque. The food is most often high in calories and fattening. Weight gain has its own dangerous consequences. Body fat produces pro-inflammatory signals, raises blood pressure, drives insulin resistance and secretes growth signals that promote cancer.

How Does Fast Food Contribute to Depression and Mental Illness?

The scope of the effects of fast food on the brain is not yet known, but based on what we know so far, we greatly underestimate these effects, especially the effects on the brains of children. A single episode of elevated blood sugar has been shown to have negative effects on attention and memory. Eating commercial baked goods and fast food is primary causative factor in mental illness and major depression, and brain imaging studies have suggested that elevated blood sugar impairs the brain’s ability to process emotion. For young children, fast food, candy and soda consumption are linked to behavior and attention problems, and depression and suicide in teens. Mental illness now affects one in five in America, and our poor diet is at the foundation of this epidemic.

Why Isn’t This Information More Widely Known?

Some reasons why we are ignoring the devastating health crisis that is right before our eyes is that; we believe food industry propaganda and easily misled by conflicting information; we develop a desire for become addicted to these toxic foods; and we believe in the heavily promoted dogma that modern medical care can save us from nutritional-induced tragedies.

Food companies have discovered how to feed the most people in the most efficient and cost-effective manner to maximize profits. While the marketing spin promotes moderate consumption as safe, and encouraged by social norms. Scientific studies demonstrate otherwise.

REGISTER for Dr. Fuhrman’s upcoming webinar on this topic, Fast Food Genocide: How Processed Food Are Killing Us and What We Can Do About It. Watch live or recorded! Register now >

Joel Fuhrman, M.D.Dr. Fuhrman is a board-certified family physician specializing in nutritional medicine. He is President of the Nutritional Research Foundation and the author of 6 NY Times bestselling books, including The End of Heart Disease.  Visit him at DrFuhrman.com

Jodi Chair Dancing

Are People Still Chair Dancing®?

/28 March 2018/ All MFN blog/

Many years ago in what feels like a land far, far away, my dance career was interrupted by a foot injury which slowed me down but it didn’t stop me.  I was determined to stay active. So began the creation  of, Chair Dancing®. This was over 25 years ago when the term didn’t quite bring to mind what you’re probably thinking about now which leads us to our updated name, Chair Dancing® Fitness and I’m still in business.

I am often asked if there is still a market out there for Chair Dancing® Fitness and after 12 Fitness DVDs, numerous TV appearances and thousands of orders, I am happy to say we are still a viable product. A lot of this is due to the changing demographics – we have people who are living longer and are more active than they used to be. Admittedly, aren’t you more active than your parents and even your grandparents?  I know I am. I can’t tell you how many letters and phone calls I receive from wonderful customers who purchase one of our DVDs then write or call to tell me about their experience.

Ms. C. Lawrence of Middleton, NY wrote me this beautiful handwritten letter to say, “I am so grateful that you took time out to think and design these videos…I attend classes at the senior center but what they don’t know is that I have at least nine of your videos at home from which I can practice at my leisure.”

We are also a nation of people who are bigger than we used to be and that extra weight puts a lot of pressure on those joints yet we still want (and must) stay active. We have helped many start and continue their exercise journey as they battle food and weight loss goals. Some of our customers are those who are turning to bariatric surgery for extra help and our videos give them an entry-level exercise opportunity they can comfortably do at their current size and continue as their fat melts away.

There are customers who, like me, were injured and still want to stay active but need to sit from time to time. Those with arthritis, fibromyalgia or other health issues want to continue their exercise but may need to be seated during some part of their exercise. So, on your seat or on your feet, our programs still work for many people who want an indoor exercise solution that they can do anytime anywhere.

I still chair dance with people all over the country of all shapes, sizes and ages using Chair Dancing® Fitness. My personal and professional goal is to give the gift of better health and fitness; when I hear people use the word FUN in the same sentence as exercise I am filled with gratitude.

Thank you Ms. M. Melnickon of Nebraska who recently share in a 5 star review, “She sure does make exercise fun…”

When inclement weather has people indoors, we offer an entertaining exercise solution and way to get the blood pumping.

Ms. Joan from Pennsylvania said with 10 degree weather she is so very happy to stay indoors and exercise with us. She now happily has six of our 12 DVDs!

Thank you for continuing our mission to provide fitness fun for all. Share a DVD video with a friend, try our slimbell weights, or try a new DVD using the code at our site, www.chairdancingfitness.com. Use code CDForMe25off and get 25% off of your order or sample a snippet of one of our videos from our website.

Jodi Stolove is the CEO and creator of Chair Dancing® Fitness Jodi Stolove is the CEO and writes of her fitness and life adventures. Email her directly at, jodi@chairdancing.com.

Senior Woman Holding Fitness Sign With Family In Background

3 Benefits of Exercise for Seniors

/27 March 2018/ All MFN blog/

It’s no secret that seniors tend to fall into the trap of a sedentary lifestyle. This happens because most of them are disillusioned with the direction their well-being is headed towards. Nevertheless, getting back on your feet has incredible benefits on that front. Contrary to popular belief, it’s never too late to start exercising again.

When you pass a certain point in life, sedentarism almost becomes a given. Few people actually keep being active once they retire because they believe the resting promotes good health. However, that’s only half true. While it’s important to relax and recover, it’s also equally essential to stay fit.

Therefore, a steady exercise routine should be kept up even when you’re well into your sixties, seventies, eighties and so on. Here are the three most important reasons why seniors should work out at least 30 minutes a day.

1. Disease Prevention

When it comes to senior exercise, misconceptions run amok. The most common myth surrounding the concept is that taking up a workout routine later in life is pointless. Many people over the age of 60 think that there’s no point in trying to prolong their lifespan after they’ve passed a certain point. However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, plenty of illnesses characteristic to old age can be prevented through regular physical activity. These include heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and arthritis, to name but a few. And even if you’re already struggling with one of them, exercising still helps by alleviating many of their unpleasant symptoms.

In the case of cardiovascular health, such a routine regulates blood pressure and promotes circulations. This means that your body becomes a lot more efficient in this department. As for type 2 diabetes, being active also keeps blood sugar levels at bay, which is beneficial. Last, but certainly not least, bone and joint wellness are also a positive outcome.

As little as 30 minutes of exercise each day makes for a better musculoskeletal system, which in turn means less risk of developing osteoporosis or arthritis. But if you already have one or the other, much of the pain caused by these conditions can be relieved by a mild workout. Although it might feel difficult at first, soon enough visible recuperation will follow.

2. Improved Mobility

As you grow older, the musculoskeletal system weakens and decays. While this might not always lead to the aforementioned conditions of osteoporosis and arthritis, it will trigger a loss of mobility at some point during your life. Fortunately, adopting a regular exercise routine is an excellent way to counterattack.

Working out increases bone density and range of motion, thus promoting better health in this department. Furthermore, it also helps restore balance and strength to the body, meaning that you will be less prone to collapsing than in the past. As for your muscles, stretching does an outstanding job in keeping them flexible and impeding wasting and shortening.

If you’re over the age of 60, chances are you’ve been experiencing a decrease in your coordination abilities. While this is something that is seen as a natural consequence of aging, it is actually more of a side effect of sedentarism than anything else. And guess what is useful in resolving it? Yes, you’ve guessed it, physical activity.

And on top of that, it’s also a worthy ally in sorting out issues with posture. You don’t have to become the canonically ridiculed image of the hunched down old man or woman when you’re elderly. Many workouts do an excellent job of rearranging the spine properly.

3. Better Mental Health

Last, but certainly not least, a sustained regimen of physical activity works wonders for mental health. It’s no secret that, as you age, you tend to lose much of the sharpness of mind you use to possess in your youth. Your memory becomes worse and worse, and this creates a gateway for neurogenerative disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Exercising doesn’t only prevent them, but it also boosts mood. It’s a natural source of endorphins, fueling your body with enough of the happiness hormones to last you for a good while. By replenishing your reserves, anxiety and depression will also be kept under control, and sadness will become a thing of the past.

Furthermore, regaining your strength and being more capable of handling yourself in day to day life will be a great confidence boost. Good self-esteem is essential to mental health, but many of us tend to forget about that as we age. Fortunately, exercising is an easy way to regain it.

And while we’re on the chapter of mental health, it’s also worth noting that working out adjusts your sleep cycle. If you’ve been struggling with fatigue and insomnia, taking up jogging or even brisk walking can correct that. Not only will you fall asleep faster, but the slumber will be of a better quality and you will wake up feeling rested and refreshed.

Final Thoughts

A regular exercise routine prevents diseases that are specific to aging, improves mental health and provides those who adopt it with better mobility overall. Therefore, if you’re past a certain point in your life, you might want to consider it. Positive results will become visible in no time at all.

Luke S. Mitchell is an MS Undergraduate in Sports Journalism and manager of ExerciseBikesExpert. He is interested not only in the mind-body relationship and how motivation shapes our bodies, but also in how we draw energy just from one simple yet powerful thought. You can find him on Facebook and Twitter.

action-athlete-athletics-618612

Eating for Endurance

/26 March 2018/ All MFN blog/

What’s the best way to fuel for the Boston Marathon?

Should I eat a high fat diet to train my body to burn more fat and less glucose?   

What percent of calories should come from carbohydrate? protein? fat?

When it comes to eating for endurance, today’s athletes are confronted with two opposing views:

  • Eat a traditional carbohydrate-based sports diet, or
  • Eat a fat-based diet that severely limits carbohydrate intake.

What should an eager marathoner, Ironman triathlete, or other endurance athlete eat to perform better? Here’s what you want to know about eating for endurance, based on  the Joint Position Statement on Nutrition for Athletic Performance from the American College of Sports Medicine, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietietics, and Dietitians of Canada.

1. Eat enough calories.

Most athletes need ~21 calories per pound (45 cal/kg) of lean body mass (LBM). That means, if you weigh 150 pounds and have 10% body fat, your LBM is 135 pounds and you require about 2,800 calories a day. That said, energy needs vary from person to person, depending on how fidgety you are, how much you sit in front of a computer, how much muscle you have, etc.. Hence, your body is actually your best calorie counter—more accurate than any formula or app!

If you are eat intuitively—that is, you eat when you feel hunger and stop when feel content, you are likely eating enough. If you find yourself stopping eating just because you think you should, if you are feeling hungry all the time and are losing weight, you want to eat larger portions. Underfueling is a needless way to hurt your performance.

If you can’t tell when enough food is enough, wait 10 to 20 minutes after eating and then, mindfully ask yourself “Does my body need more fuel?” Athletes who routinely stop eating just because they have finished their packet of oatmeal (or other pre-portioned allotment) can easily be under-fueled. Even dieting athletes want to surround their workouts with fuel. Their plan should be to eat enough during the day to fuel-up and refule from workouts, and then eat just a little bit less at the end of the day, to lose weight when they are sleeping.

2. Eat enough carbohydrates.

According to the Position Statement on Nutrition for Athletic Performance, the optimal amount of carbohydrate on a day with one hour of training is 5 to 7 grams carb/kg. On high volume days, you need about 6 to 12 g carb/kg body weight. For a 150-pound (68 kg) athlete, this comes to about 350 to 800 grams carb a day—the equivalent of about one to two (1-lb) boxes of uncooked pasta (1,400 to 3,200 calories). That’s more than many of today’s (carb-phobic) athletes consume. You want to make grains the foundation of each meal : choose more oatmeal for breakfast; more sandwiches at lunch; and more rice at dinner to get three times more calories from carbs than from protein. Otherwise, you set the stage for needless fatigue.

3. Eat adequate­—but not excess—protein.

Protein needs for athletes range from 1.4 g/kg (for mature athletes) to 2.0 g protein/kg (for athletes building muscle or dieting to lose fat). For a 150-pound (68 kg) athlete, protein needs come to about 95 to 135 grams protein per day, or 25 to 35 grams protein four times a day. That means 3 eggs at breakfast (with the bowl of oatmeal), a hearty sandwich at lunch, portion of lean meat/fish/chicken at dinner, and cottage cheese (with fruit) for an afternoon or bedtime snack.

For vegetarians, generous servings of beans, hummus, nuts and tofu at every meal can do the job; a light sprinkling of beans on a lunchtime salad will not. By consuming protein every 3 to 5 hours, you will optimize muscle building and deter muscle breakdown.

4. Fill in the calorie-gap with fat.

Include in each meal and snack some health-promoting, anti-inflammatory fat: nuts, salmon, peanut butter, avocado, olive oil, etc.. Fat adds flavor, offers satiety, and is a source of fuel for endurance exercise. Training your muscles to burn more fat for fuel happens when you do long, steady “fat burning” exercise. By burning more fat, you burn less of the limited carbohydrate (muscle glycogen, blood glucose) stores. You will have greater endurance and avoid or delay hitting the wall.

A (tougher) way to train your body to burn more fat is to severely limit your carbohydrate intake and push your fat intake to 70% of your calories. That could be 1,800 calories (185 g) of fat per day. This very high fat diet produces ketones and forces the body to burn ketones for fuel. Keto-athletes endure a tough, 3 to 4 week adaptation period as their bodies transition to burning fat, not glucose, for fuel. While some keto-athletes rave about how great they feel when in ketosis, the sports nutrition literature, to date, reports little or no performance benefits from a ketogenic sports diet.  It might nix sugar binges, but it’s unlikely to make you a better athlete.

5. Drink enough fluids.

A simple way to determine if you are drinking enough fluid is to monitor your urine. You should be voiding dilute, light colored urine every 2 to 4 hours. (Exception: athletes who take vitamin supplements tend to have dark colored urine.) You want to learn your sweat rate, so you can strategize how to prevent dehydration. Weigh yourself nude before and after one hour of race-pace exercise, during which you drink nothing. A one-pound drop pre- to post-exercise equates to 16 ounces of sweat loss. Losing two pounds of sweat in an hour equates to 32 ounces (1 quart). To prevent that loss, you should target drinking 8 ounces of water or sports drink every 15 minutes. Athletes who pre-plan their fluid intake tend to hydrate better than those who “wing it.”

6. Consume enough calories during extended exercise.

If you will be exercising for longer than 60 to 90 minutes, you want to target 40 to 80 calories (10 to 20 g) of carbohydrate every 20 minutes (120 to 240 calories per hour), starting after the first hour (which gets fueled by your pre-exercise food). If you are an Ironman triathlete, long distance cyclist or ultra-athlete who exercises for more than three hours, you want to target up to 360 calories per hour. The key is to practice event-day fueling during the months that lead up to the event. By training your gut to tolerate the fuel, you’ll be able to enjoy the event without fretting about running out of energy.

The bottom line:

If you are going to train, you might as well get the most out of your workouts. Performance improves with a good fueling plan. Eat wisely and enjoy your high energy!

Nancy Clark, MS, RD, CSSD (Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics) counsels both casual and competitive athletes at her office in Newton, MA (617-795-1875). Her best selling Sports Nutrition Guidebook and food guides for marathoners, cyclists and soccer players offer additional information. They are available at www.NancyClarkRD.com. For her popular online workshop, see www.NutritionSportsExerciseCEUs.com.

Reference:

Thomas, T at el. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada and the American College of Sports Medicine: Nutrition and Athletic Performance. J Academy of Nutri and Dietetics. 2016; 116 (3):501-28

running-beach

Proven and Tested Tips to Run Safely with Diabetes

/23 March 2018/ All MFN blog/

According to statistics, in 2014, 8.5% of adults above 18 years old had diabetes. Sadly, the disease is also affecting the youths below the age of 20. Basically, what this means is the chances of getting the disease are becoming higher for everyone. Eating healthy and maintaining a good exercise routine are often thought of as preventive measures but the truth is they can work wonders even if you have been diagnosed.

In this article, we will discuss some simple tips on how you can run safely with diabetes.  There is no reason for you to quit running just because you have the condition. In fact, being able to lose weight with running can contribute to your general health.

You simply have to take a few more things into consideration before you hit the road. First off, you need to understand the needs of your body depending on the type of diabetes you have.

Running With Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is basically when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin and the sufferer requires daily insulin injections. The condition is not curable and symptoms include excessive urine, constant hunger, thirst, weight loss, and fatigue.

Those suffering from type 1 diabetes face the risk of getting fatigued after extended periods of running. You will need to constantly monitor your sugar levels during the run and make sure they stay normal. This is one of the most important steps you ought to take: understand how your body reacts to exercise and fueling.

Once you understand your body’s reaction, you may opt to use a GU energy gel after every 15 minutes to fuel their runs. However, before making any decisions, consult your physician and get their advice first. When it comes to fueling, runners generally require 30-60 grams of carbohydrates every hour but this depends on your insulin levels.

Preventing Low Insulin Levels

Type 1 diabetes sufferers need to always remember that the blood glucose response to exercise will vary depending on these factors:

  • The level of your blood sugar before the run
  • The intensity or duration of the run
  • The changes in your insulin intake

Basically, through trial and error, you will be able to come up with a system of insulin intake and fueling that works for you.

Running With Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and happens when your body does not properly use insulin-making your body “insulin resistant”.  Initially, your pancreas produces extra insulin but in time it isn’t enough to keep your sugar levels normal.

The symptoms are very similar to Type 1 diabetes and include weight loss, increased thirst, and frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision and slow healing sores.

The benefit of running even with diabetes Type 2 is that, your muscles use glucose during exercise which means your glucose levels go down. There are also many long-term benefits of running with Type 2 diabetes such as lowered risk of heart problems.

Like Type 1 diabetes, you will need to constantly monitor your blood glucose levels during exercise and fuel accordingly. The same suggestions provided for Type 1 Diabetes can be applied to Type 2 diabetes.

General Tips for Running with Diabetes

Whichever Type of diabetes you are diagnosed with, there are some general rules you can follow to make sure you are safe during your runs. Of course, consulting your physician should always be on top of the list, after you do this, remember these five tips:

1.  Ease into running

This is true even if you have been running for a long time in the past. Remember that your body is different now and you need to understand it all over again. Instead of running a sprint immediately, gradually ease into it. Try walking for an hour, then upgrade to a brisk walk, then combine walking and jogging and finally try a short run.

2. Engage in Strength Training Exercises

According to one study, increased muscle mass attained as a result of strength training can contribute to blood glucose absorption thereby lowering the levels in the blood. This, in turn, can increase insulin sensitivity. You don’t have to go to the gym to lift weights but even workouts such as squats, push-ups, and lunges that use your own body weight can be done at home.

3. Have a Running Buddy

This is another great aid to running with diabetes safely. Find a running buddy who knows your condition and knows what to do if your blood sugar gets too low. Another option is to carry an identification tag with you that says that you have diabetes.

4. Wear the right footwear

Although this applies to everyone who runs, it is more serious if you have diabetes. Wearing the wrong kind of footwear could lead to getting foot ulcers. With diabetes, even the slightest blister could take a long time to heal and lead to many more complications such as gangrene.

When purchasing footwear, take into consideration the shape of your foot and whether you have foot deformities such as bunions. If you do have any kind of foot deformity, you might need special inserts or specially made therapeutic shoes.

5.  Keep yourself hydrated

A lack of water can greatly affect blood sugar levels so before you run, make sure you are fully hydrated and continue to hydrate during your run.

Conclusion

Running with diabetes is possible. You just have a checklist that is a little longer and a body that has different needs. Don’t let diabetes be the end of your running career! Remember that there are thousands of runners who continue to run marathons with the condition and you can do the same.

Amber Irwin is a running and sports writer; she loves to share her passion with fellow outdoor lovers. Amber believes running is an amazing sport for everyone and hopes to inspire others. Visit her website, everyfirststep.com

References

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs312/en/

http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/statistics/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20353011

http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/type-2/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20351193

https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/type-2-diabetes/type-2-diabetes-exercise

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2992225/

Health

Full Transparency in the Health and Wellness Industry

/22 March 2018/ All MFN blog/

Ari Gronich, MFN Industry Expert and owner of Achieve Health USA, was recently interviewed by the In the Clear Podcast, with host Justin Recla, to discuss full transparency in the health and wellness industry. Ari is The Performance Therapist and brings experience working with Olympic, Paralympic, professional, and amateur athletes for almost 20 years. He has over 25,000 hours of hands on work and 5000 plus hours of training and internship. Listen in to hear him talk about what transparency in health and wellness looks like.

 

You can find the full transcript on Ari’s website, achievehealthusa.com 

Posted with permission from Ari Gronich.

Ari Gronich is highly trained and certified in many disciplines within the fields of bodywork, emotional release, energy work, nutrition, sports hypnotherapy, health, and kinesiology and sports therapy. For the last 17 years, he has helped transform his clients’ bodies and lives through increased performance, thus enhancing physical, mental, and emotional health. To work with Ari, or for a Consultation Appointment you can email PerformanceTherapist@gmail.com or call 310-363-0FIT (0348). Visit his website, PerformanceTherapist.com

senior man having a massage in a spa center

What is an Allied Healthcare Professional?

/20 March 2018/ All MFN blog/

Whether it’s exercise, nutrition, or massage therapy you are seeking, finding the right person to do the job can be incredibly challenging. The area known as allied healthcare professionals can be a challenging one to navigate.

The professions that require a state or national licensures, such as physicians, nurses, or physical therapists, help to provide checks and balances on who should and should not be providing a service to any individual. However, there are many professions within our healthcare community that are poorly understood and many times misrepresented by individuals with minimal certifications or credentials.

Allied healthcare professionals are thought to make up roughly 60% of the healthcare workforce by providing a range of diagnstic, technical, therapeutic and direct patient care and support services that are critical to the other health professionals they work with and the patients they serve. All categories of allied healthcare require either registration by law to practice or post secondary degree or higher education. Click here for more information about allied healthcare professions.

Is it time to re-assess who you trust with your healthcare needs?

It is essential to know the credentials and education of anyone you are trusting for information or advice whether it be an accountant, lawyer, dentist or teacher. Healthcare is no different, but there are many misunderstood healthcare professions.

Distinct from nursing, dentistry or medicine, allied healthcare professionals make up approximately 60% of the health workforce. Examples include athletic trainer, exercise physiologist, paramedic, and massage therapist. Many times, these professionals are those you are referred to by your physicians to help manage your healthcare needs daily, weekly, and monthly. National and state licensures ensure that certain healthcare professionals uphold the standards and scope of pratice that is pertinent to their level of education.

senior man having a massage in a spa centerMultiple allied professions remain to establish this key aspect of standardized care which simply means that certain professions are more susceptible to individuals claiming a level of expertise or knowledge that can be misleading or confusing to the general population. For example, as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist, I clearly understand the difference between my skillset and that of a personal trainer; however, to the general public, both professions provide guidance with exercise. Due to lack of established licensure exams, it is unclear to many people that some Exercise Physiologists (like myself) have a Master’s Degree, while others may have earned a weekend certification. It is incredibly important for you to understand the roll of any healthcare professional from which you seek treatment and advice as well as their experience and background in relation to your particular healthcare needs. Accessing information about these resources from a knowledgeable professional can help to ensure proper connection to an individual that is appropriately educated to effectively meet your needs.

Jaclyn Chadbourne, MA, CES has worked within the allied health profession as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist for 15 years.  She is currently the Director of Research and Development at Universal Medical Technology, and serves as Adjunct Faculty at University of New England DPT Program

senior-and-trainer

Tips for Exercising With Multiple Sclerosis

/12 March 2018/ All MFN blog/

Exercise and stretching are very important for someone who has Multiple Sclerosis. Each individual, however, is different and exercises need to be tailored specifically to that person. The exercises that are chosen depend on the progression of the disease, what the individual is capable of doing, and even the day. Exercises may have to be changed if the client is too tired or is feeling stronger and has more energy.

What exactly causes Multiple Sclerosis is not known but there are symptoms to look out for. The symptoms are fatigue, walking difficulties, vision problems, spasticity or stiffness, weakness, bladder problems, depression, dizziness or vertigo, emotional changes, cognitive changes, pain, headaches, tremors and breathing problems. Exercise prescriptions need to be planned according to the symptoms that are being presented. Each time you work with your trainer talk to them about how you feel that day. This will help to ensure that you don’t overdo a workout.

Many times, we hear the saying no pain, no gain. Please keep in mind that this is not true for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. You want the workout to feel challenging but it is important not to overheat. If you feel warm, simply take a break and continue when you feel that you have cooled down. Individuals in wheelchairs benefit from exercise as well. I would like to share an example of a client of mine.

My client, Sally, (the name has been changed) was a client of mine for 4 years. She is in a wheelchair and had no leg movement and minimal arm movement. Through exercise she is almost able to feed herself and I have her doing simple leg movements. I cannot see any leg movement but she can feel it. She reports that her muscles are sore when we are finished. The important thing is to just move.

It is important to start an exercise program slowly and to set goals. If you would like to get to 20 minutes of activity maybe start with 10. Do not assess how well you are doing by comparing yourself to others. Look for progress in yourself through reaching personal goals as in the example of my client.

As an individual with Multiple Sclerosis starts exercising they may have less depression, improved strength, better bladder and bowel function, a positive attitude and be better able to participate in social activities. Please remember that it is important to share any symptom changes with your trainer. The exercises may have to be adjusted frequently for a safe and effective workout.

Robyn Caruso is the Founder of The Stress Management Institute for Health and Fitness Professionals. She has 15 years of experience in medical based fitness.

Sources
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Living-Well-With-MS/Health-Wellness/Exercise
http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/guide/multiple-sclerosis-symptoms-types