“I keep reading about new risk factors for heart disease,” your client says. “We already haveto keep track of blood pressure, cholesterol, HDL andLDL, andsomeday we’ll be tested for something that signals inflammation in the arteries, and also for a chemical called homocysteine that’s been linked to plaque buildup. Do you know how theseareaffected by exercise and lifestyle?” Read more »
Children should not suck or chew medications, especially aspirin, as they may erode teeth and irritate gums. Try grinding medications in favorite foods, like yogurt, applesauce or peanut butter. Read more »
Urinary incontinence, or the inability to control one’s urination, is a very common and distressing problem for many women. Up to 30 percent of older women are affected to some extent. Millions of dollars are spent each year on protective pads and garments. Even more expensive, to many women, is the resulting negative impact on their quality of life. Even an occasional episode of incontinence can interfere significantly with daily activities and adversely affect social interaction, which is crucial to enjoying life.
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Treatments for breast cancer that disrupt estrogen levels may increase patients’ risk of developing depression, preliminary research suggests.
Both chemotherapy and the commonly used drug treatment, tamoxifen, can disrupt the activity of the hormone estrogen in breast cancer patients. Read more »
Prompt diagnosis is the best defense again rheumatic fever. Remember, rheumatic fever is closely related to strep throat.
Be sure to call your doctor … Read more »
* Requirements for certification. What prerequisites have been established for being accepted into the certification process (e.g., educational degrees, professional experience, etc.)? Does the certification procedure include a written exam, a practical exam or a combination of both (if the latter, what is the relative importance of each type of exam)? Does the certification process require internship experience (if so, what does the internship entail)? Read more »
Gaining a competitive edge
Addressing the issue of whether health/fitness professionals should expend the energy and resources to become certified is relatively easy. In a word, “yes.” Certification offers several benefits to professionals. For example, professionals who are certified tend to earn higher salaries and receive an enhanced level of respect from their peers and clients. Read more »
Unfortunately, no precise formula or guideline exists regarding how much of each attribute a person should possess to justifiably be considered a “qualified” professional. Under most circumstances, having formal academic preparation requires that an individual earn an educational degree in exercise science or a related field from an accredited institution. Read more »
The positive impact that exercise can have on the physical and mental health of participants is well-documented. For example, countless studies have reaffirmed the critical role that regular physical activity can play in preventing (and in numerous cases treating) many common medical conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease and some forms of cancer). Read more »
While some factors that promote illness while traveling are often unavoidable, such as climate changes and altered sleep patterns, one measure you can take toward protecting your immune system is bringing along your own pillowcase. Read more »