A great way to stay in shape is by running. Over the past 30 years, it’s been part of my daily fitness regimen. But I have to admit that as I get older, it has become a little harder to keep running - my knees do not tolerate the pavement like they used to. I had knee surgery in 1976 with excellent results and a quick recovery. But, last week I slipped on a wet floor and sprained that same knee - and my recovery seems to be a bit slower.
About 70 percent of runners experience some sort of knee problem. Two of the most common complaints are due to overuse. The first is runner’s knee - pain felt underneath the kneecap that can lead to swelling. Runner’s knee is caused by cartilage that is wearing away or cracking. The second is iliotibial band syndrome - an ache on the outside of the knee that may extend up to the hip and usually occurs near the end of a run. These two examples are overuse injuries. Runners may also experience muscle strains and joint sprains. Here are a few tips to help prevent such injuries.
While cases of swine flu caused by the H1N1 virus are decreasing and its severity appears to be lessening, the CDC will continue to monitor the progress of this infectious disease - with a special focus on the Southern Hemisphere as their flu season kicks in during in next few months. As things heat up in the Northern Hemisphere, we generally see a break in the flu season because the flu virus tends to do best in cold and dry conditions. However, if you or your child are ill, it is still important that you stay home and avoid contact with others to prevent spreading your illness. See your health care provider so they can determine whether or not you in fact have Swine Flu - but wear a mask to the clinic. And if your child is ill, keep your child home.
Is swine flu gone for good? Certainly not. Remember, this is a new virus and the human population has not developed immunity to it. In previous cases of new viral outbreaks of flu - those in 1918, 1957 and 1968 - there was resurgence of the flu in the cooler seasons. In all three cases, the initial viral outbreak was mild, with more severe outbreaks months later.
Statins, the most common medication used to lower cholesterol levels, can help prevent heart attack and strokes. According to a new study released by the Mayo Clinic, these same medications can also lower the risk of prostate growth and cancer.
The study followed nearly 2,500 men, aged 40-79, from 1990 through the present and examined their risks for the development of prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction. Interestingly, the results of the entire study favored the use of statins.
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