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 »
Cardiovascular (involving the heart and blood vessels) disease is the leading cause of death in women, accounting for over 500,000 deaths on an annual basis. Over 250,000 of these deaths are directly related to heart disease or coronary artery disease. Heart disease accounts for more deaths a year than all cancers combined. Read more »
Evaluation
Standard neurological evaluation includes testing of memory, cognition, orientation, concentration. In the athletic setting, it’s important to know the player’s usual mental abilities. Often the best questions to determine memory and orientation are related to the game itself — how far into the game are we? What field are we at? Who scored last? What play was running, and how did you get hit? Read more »
Q: We have a daughter who is going to kindergarten soon. Should we be preparing her by practicing letters, numbers, etc? We aren’t sure because she is already so busy … just finished swimming lessons and is starting preschool gymnastics. Read more »
After Hours
Please reserve calls after hours (unless prearranged) for matters of some importance; our working day isn’t over, and may continue into the evening with hospital visits and other business. After hours, you will invariably reach the answering service. These operators have no medical training , and often handle many clients simultaneously. Read more »
A Question of Priority
All your questions about your child’s health are important. But some calls are urgent, while others aren’t. It’s both useful and considerate to “triage” yourself when you call the pediatrician’s office. For example preface a call by saying, “This isn’t urgent. I read an article about dealing with picky eaters, and I’d like to talk to the doctor about it.” Read more »
Used wisely, the telephone can be an invaluable weapon in fighting childhood illnesses. Today’s phone call has almost replaced yesterday’s house call. Every doctor practices over the phone. We use it to diagnose, treat, and just stay in touch. Read more »