Your Sports Guy Online

Blog

  • What All Nurses Should Have

    What All Nurses Should Have

    As a nurse, it is essential to have personal items to take good care of yourself. It has been said that nurses are like military personnel; not only do they work under pressure, but they also undergo physical stress (mishaps and injuries) on duty. We could also quite possibly, compare the physical side of this job to that of an athlete. That is, a lot of them keep “playing” even when they are injured.

    Bring these items with you whenever you head out onto the field:

    • Lotion

    You will most likely be in a dirty environment that is filled with germs and dirt. You can prevent your skin from getting dry by bringing a lotion bottle. It is also best to bring an unscented lotion since scented lotions can cause allergies, especially when dealing with patients with sensitive skin.

    • Foot massager

    Heel pain is common in nurses since they spend much time on their feet. You can use a foot massager to relieve the tension in your feet and lessen any chances of developing heel pain. A reputable massage equipment company will offer quality and reliable products.  Also, bring an ice pack along; it will be needed for sore muscles.

    • Quality, long-lasting, coffee mug with lid

    Coffee keeps you going during your shift, but if you drink from a paper cup, it can leave stains on your uniform and make the coffee taste bad. Bring a quality coffee mug with a lid to keep your clothes from getting dirty or stained and, most importantly, to keep your coffee hot or cold (whatever way you like it!).

    • Compression socks

    For added protection, bring a pair of compression socks with you. You can try these out before using them during duty hours, so you can determine if they are comfortable or not. This also prevents any possible injury that may occur due to wearing the wrong socks.

    • Stress ball or worry stone

    Easily carried stress balls are helpful for nurses who need to relieve some stress. They can be used at work or even at home, wherever you feel stressed. Worry stones, on the other hand, are smooth rocks that have soothing properties. Rubbing the smooth surface gives a calming effect for those who worry too much, and it can even help you fall asleep. It’s a must-have if you feel anxious about work or family life.

    • Tissues and hand sanitizer (for easy access)

    You need these items at all times to prevent bacteria from spreading to patients and yourself. You can get these items in small travel packs.

    • Healthy snacks

    You don’t want to get caught out during your shift without snacks, especially if you feel weak or tired due to a lack of food. Choose foods that can give you lots of energy, but make sure they are healthy—you don’t want too much sugar! Foods like peanut butter and crackers, cereal bar, or trail mix are all great choices.

    What do nurses need most right now?

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, all nurses need more:

    1. Surgical masks
    2. N95 respirators
    3. Face/eye shields
    4. Gloves
    5. Cleaning supplies
    6. Hand sanitizers
    7. Viral testing swabs

    How do you thank a staff nurse?

    The best way to say thank you to a nurse or healthcare professional is to remember them!

    Nurses are some of the hardest working people in society; without their tireless work, many patients would not be able to receive treatment. One nurse said that there are certain things that he wished all people knew about being a nurse. Here are his thoughts on how you can thank a nurse and what they wish you knew:

    Nurses should never get taken for granted. This is probably true for any profession, but I think nurses get the short end of the stick sometimes because we typically don’t take up as much space or draw attention to ourselves like doctors do (most of the time). So make sure to always say hello and ask how we’re doing (and actually listen when we reply, don’t just pretend like you care and walk away).

    Another thing, every time I get into a patient’s room and introduce myself, I always hear some variation of the following: “what kind of doctor are you?” or “are you a nurse practitioner/physician assistant?” The answer is no. I am not any of those. We’re nurses. Please just call us by our name. Unless we go out of our way to tell you otherwise, assume we are nurses. Our degrees can be from less competitive programs, so it may take us longer to advance in our field, but that doesn’t make us any worse at what we do for your loved one here in the hospital with you today.

    When someone needs help, nursing students step up to the plate and give whatever resource they can to ensure the patient gets their care (and at great cost financially and emotionally for themselves). The nurse should be thanked for showing up every single day. We don’t get to pick our shifts, we take what is given to us. I’ve even had my name put on a cancellation list because someone else didn’t want the shift that was assigned (never mind that I was in school full time at the time so I couldn’t just drop everything for them if they called me in last minute or needed help with something outside of my scheduled hours). I’ve also worked in the ER where sometimes our days are booked solid from 6 am-6 pm without a break unless you count your meal breaks, which are at best 30 minutes long.

    It’s easy to forget that in addition to taking care of your loved one the nurse has other patients and families relying on them. We don’t get paid any extra when we have more than our fair share of work, there are just less nurses working in the hospital every day so it falls on us to do more work without being able to go home until all our tasks are completed for the day.

    The last thing that I want people to know about this profession is that no matter how long or short a shift might be, I always try my best, even if I’m not feeling well, or am extremely busy with other tasks, etc. Nurses will come up with creative ways to make sure you get your medications on time or help you to the restroom and do it safely without hurting yourself in the process. It’s actually pretty amazing but we don’t get enough credit for all that we do. I just want people to know that when you see a nurse, whether it be your nurse or someone else’s, thank them for their work. It makes our day go just a little bit smoother.”

    What every nurse should have in their bag

    1. Stethoscope
    2. Books
    3. Scissors and Micropore Medical Tape
    4. Lotion and Hand Sanitizer
    5. Six saline flushes
    6. Retractable pens
    7. Sanitary items – gauze, sterilized mask and gloves, cotton balls
    8. OTC pharmacy items (cold medicines, ibuprofen, and other emergency meds)
    9. Small notebook – for taking notes from doctors and observations of your patients.
    10. Thermometer
    11. Tongue depressor
    12. Tourniquet
    13. BP apparatus
    14. Watch with seconds hand

  • Healthy Boundaries in Relationships

    Healthy Boundaries in Relationships

    Healthy relationships include respect from both sides. The best way to communicate boundaries with one another is with compassion, understanding, and respect for each other’s expectations. Having respect each time we communicate will ultimately make any relationship healthier and stronger.

    What are the 3 steps to setting boundaries?

    1. Challenge Your Guilt.
    2. Identify Your Barriers and Fears.
    3. Make Rules for Yourself.

    Understand that:

    • Boundaries have nothing to do with love
    • Boundaries are a peaceable thing
    • Boundaries are basic principles you identify for yourself

    What are examples of healthy boundaries?

    Boundaries have nothing to do with how much I love someone but more about whether I love myself enough to express my needs in a healthy way.

    Many adult children are emotionally fused with their parents. Parents are the primary source of our adult identity. If you had an unmanageable childhood, chances are that yours is not very clear. When someone is emotionally fused with another person, they have difficulty drawing boundaries between themselves and others. As a result, they give too much and take too little. Understanding the need for boundaries is one of the keys to breaking free from your family of origin and developing a healthier relationship with them (and yourself).

    Most people struggling with boundary issues tend to be those who experienced alcoholic or addictive behaviors in their family of origin. Therefore, it was not unusual for them to take on the addictive behavior of a parent or sibling, whether it was drugs, alcohol, compulsive working out at the gym, or overeating.

    How do you know if you have difficulty with boundaries? Look at your family of origin. Did you have to take care of your parents, for instance?

    Think about boundaries in your current relationships. Do you find yourself giving too much and demanding little in return? Do you feel guilty when you say no? Do others tell you that they don’t know where they stand with you because “you are all over the map?”

    Key components to having healthy boundaries:

    • Know your values and live by them

    You may have gotten away with being “pleasers” all of your life, but you must be true to yourself if you want a fulfilling relationship with others. Ask yourself, what is important in my life? What do I need to do to take care of myself? Set your limits. If you don’t tell others what you want or need, how do they know what to do for you? The only way someone will know is if you tell them! It does not mean that people will automatically give it, but at least the opportunity exists. 

    • Know when enough is enough

    When someone is emotionally fused with you, they will try to get their needs met by leaning on you. It may feel good for a moment, but it doesn’t work in the long run. You end up resenting them, and they become angry because of your “no.” Have compassion for yourself. Boundary issues arise when we have not taken care of ourselves or allowed ourselves to become emotionally suffocated. When you know that someone is trying to manipulate your feelings, tell them “No” and walk away. If it’s not good for you, then it doesn’t feel right! 

    • Practice detachment

    Detachment does not mean that you are dissociated from the situation or person but rather that you allow yourself to step back and examine the situation. When we become too emotionally entangled, it becomes difficult to be objective and make sound decisions.

    If you struggle with setting boundaries, remember that you cannot control what others do – whether it is giving back or withdrawing from you. You can only control how you react. When we strengthen ourselves and practice the above steps, it becomes easier to let go of the fear that others will leave us when we speak up for ourselves. You can learn to trust that what is in your best interest will be in their best interest too! (Adapted from The Wizard of Oz and other Narcissists)

    What are examples of emotional boundaries?

    When family members get together, sometimes those personal boundaries can be blurred. We may feel as though we need to overshare or allow others to disrespect us. Healthy boundaries in family relationships are important because it respects yourself and the people around you.

    When we set up healthy boundaries, we give ourselves permission to protect ourselves and say no without feeling guilty or selfish.

    Here are some tips to help with setting boundaries in your family relationships:

    Clearly identify your boundary

    Make sure you know exactly what it is that you want to communicate to the person about their behavior and be able to express the boundary specifically.

    Be straight forward

    Don’t beat around the bush or sugar coat; just say it straight out.

    Don’t apologize or give long explanations

    Just state the boundary in a simple sentence without any “ifs”, “ands”, or “buts”.

    Use a calm and polite tone

    The more upset you are, the less likely you’ll be taken seriously.

    Start with tighter boundaries

    It’s easier to go from no boundaries to a little boundary. Make small changes before you make drastic changes.

    Address boundary violations early

    Address the problem as soon as it happens, if not sooner. If you don’t address the issue right away, it only worsens and starts to feel natural.

    Don’t make it personal

    When you set your boundaries around someone else’s choices, you don’t have to take responsibility for their choices.

    Respect yourself

    Enough that you won’t allow others to treat you poorly or disrespect your privacy.  You can set healthy boundaries with everyone around you by being honest and respectful about what you expect from them.

  • How to Determine if Its Muscle or Bone Pain

    How to Determine if Its Muscle or Bone Pain

    For many people, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between bone and muscle pain as they usually affect similar areas of the body and have similar degrees of intensity. In general, pain in bones will feel sharper, deeper, and more debilitating than muscle pain.

    Initially, the best suggested course of action would be to schedule an appointment with a health care professional first before determining what type of “pain” you are experiencing and thus deciding on what therapy will best suit the needs of the injury.  

    The health care pros that might choose to go through a “Movement Science” program are prepared for the work as well as the many challenges facing patients with chronic pain in either the muscles, bones or nerves. Academic preparation in this field provides a foundation for a wide range of careers in fields including, but not limited to, exercise physiologists, personal trainers, fitness managers, worksite wellness coordinators, physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, athletic trainers, and group exercise instructors. A good program will meet the needs of both students seeking career training programs leading to an industry-accepted credentials/certificates (for physical therapy assistants) and those seeking to transfer to a four-year institution (for physical therapy or orthopedics).

    The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports findings that the most common causes of fractures are: 

    Osteoporosis is a “porous bones” disease that is more common in older adults, with causes that include hyperthyroidism, menopause, cancer treatment with anticancer drugs or radiation, and a family history of osteoporosis. However, it is not necessarily painful unless and until a collapsed vertebra or a fracture occurs.

    Most do not show symptoms, so watch out for early signs of:

    • Severe pain in the back
    • Height loss
    • Hunched or stooped posture
    • Bone injury caused by bruising or minor falls

    Trauma that results from a motor vehicle accident, a sports injury, or a hard fall.

    Bone stress also termed a stress fracture is caused by over usage of a muscle.

    Symptoms of fractures:

    • Intense sharp pain at site of injury
    • Inability to move injured area
    • Bruised
    • Deformity 

    Difference between bone pain and nerve pain

    There is not a direct test that will be able to tell what the difference is between muscle, skeletal, or nerve pain. Health pros such as physical therapists have ways to decipher the difference during an assigned exercise or activity.  

    Nerve – burning or stinging sensation that could be isolated or spread to other parts of the body during activity and is usually accompanied by a loss of strength, coordination, or sensation.

    Skeletal – pain usually occurs while doing weight bearing activities, sudden movements, or sustained inactivity and can be sharp, dull, pressure, or throbbing. If it is a fracture, pain is typically sharp, while it may be dull and achy should it be a bruise on the bone.  Pain could be caused by disorders of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bursae, or a combination.

    Muscle – sharp, tear or pulling sensation which occurs throughout the range of motion or during the transition from inactivity to activity. Muscle trauma usually results in impaired function, weakness, instability, or loss of coordination.

    Muscle injuries are most common in athletes or those involved in high demand sporting activities. However, they could happen as a direct result from a fall, or an external force such as a tackle or a vehicle accident. 

    Muscle injury symptoms:

    1. Stinging pain that may become duller over time
    2. Soreness
    3. Swelling or inflammation
    4. Redness
    5. Impaired movement at site of injury

    Muscle injuries are usually determined by physical exam and may require imaging tests such as an ultrasound or an MRI. Treatment involves cold or heat therapy, physical therapy, exercise, and light stretches (if tolerable), as well as over-the-counter pain relievers and plenty of rest.

    Fibromyalgia is a type of muscle pain that causes widespread intense pain across the body, affecting sleep habits, which could and does cause mental as well as emotional distress.

    Tendon and ligament pain is often less intense than bone pain and is worse when the affected tendon or ligament is stretched or moved, usually relieved by rest. 

    Bursae pain can be caused by trauma, overuse, gout, or infection. Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that provide a protective cushion around joints. Usually, pain is worse with movement involving the bursa and is relieved by rest. 

    Joint pain (called arthralgia) may or may not be related to joint inflammation (called arthritis). Arthritis may cause swelling as well as pain. A wide variety of disorders can cause arthritis, including inflammatory arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis), osteoarthritis, infectious arthritis, gout and related disorders, autoimmune disorders and vasculitis disorders, osteonecrosis , and injuries affecting the part of a bone inside a joint. 

    Arthritic pain can be new (acute, for example, when caused by infections, injuries, or gout), or longstanding (chronic, for example, when caused by rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis). Pain resulting from arthritis is typically worse when the joint is moved but usually is present even when the joint is not being moved. Sometimes pain originating in structures near the joint, such as ligaments, tendons, and bursae, seems to be coming from the joint.

    Some musculoskeletal disorders cause pain by compressing nerves. These conditions include the tunnel syndromes (for example, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and tarsal tunnel syndrome). The pain tends to radiate along the path supplied by the nerve and may be burning. It is usually accompanied by tingling, numbness, or both.

    Sometimes, pain that seems to be musculoskeletal is caused by a disorder in another organ system. For example, shoulder pain may be caused by a disorder affecting the lungs, spleen, or gallbladder. Back pain may be caused by a kidney stone, abdominal aortic aneurysm, inflammation of the pancreas, or, in women, pelvic disorders. Arm pain may be caused by a heart attack (myocardial infarction).

    Again, please remember to always consult a physician or health care provider before determining your source of pain or course of action.

  • Lymphedema Products

    Lymphedema Products

    Lymphedema treatments include:

    1. Exercises 

    Light exercises that move the affected limb may encourage fluid drainage and help prepare the body for everyday tasks. The exercises should not be strenuous or tiresome but should focus on gentle contraction of the muscles.

    • Wrapping the affected limb

    When the entire limb is bandaged, it encourages lymph fluid to flow back toward the trunk of the body. Bandages should be tightest around fingers or toes and loosen as it moves up the arm or leg.

    • Massage

    A special massage technique called manual lymph drainage may encourage the flow of lymph fluid out of your arm or leg. Additional various massage treatments such as massage guns or massage chairs may be helpful as well. Make sure to contact a physician before deciding on which techniques work best.

    • Pneumatic compression 

    Includes a sleeve that is worn over affected arm or leg that will connect to a pump that sporadically inflate the sleeve, putting pressure on the limb to move lymph fluid away from fingers or toes.

    • Compression garments

    Long sleeves or socks made to compress the arm or leg to encourage the flow of lymph fluid out of affected area. 

    • Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

    This approach involves combining therapies with lifestyle changes. CDT is not usually recommended for people who have high blood pressure, diabetes, paralysis, heart failure, blood clots or acute infections. Check with a physician.

    Is massage good for lymphedema?

    Massage treatment can benefit a patient with lymphedema. Although, deep tissue massage could potentially be too heavy for someone with lymphedema.  There are certified lymphedema therapists (CLT) and, some physical or massage therapists have had oncology and pathology training.

    Lymphedema refers to an accumulation of lymphatic fluid within one area, also known as swelling.  Gentle massage encourages movement of lymph fluids throughout the body in a specialized lymphedema massage.

    One solution may also be to look into massage chairs as an alternative therapy that could save time and money over the long haul.  A good massage chair should be designed to provide some measure of pain relief and relaxation without the need for person-to-person interaction and, some have the option of controlling the intensity. Some people would agree that opting to go with a massage chair as a potential means to ease their chronic pain allows the user to get a massage in the privacy of their home, on their time, and on their own schedule.   

    Massage therapy increases endorphin levels – conceivably the most valuable aspect of massage. Endorphins are the ‘feel good’ chemicals that run through the body, increasing their levels, inducing positive results. Among other benefits, increasing endorphin levels has been associated with swifter recovery, reduced pain and reduced anxiety. 

    While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, studies have found massage may also be helpful to:

    1.         Lessen depression and anxiety

    2.         Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow

    3.         Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin

    4.         Increase joint flexibility

    5.         Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation

    6.         Paresthesia and nerve pain

    7.         Reduce spasms and cramping

    8.         Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller

    9.         Arthritis

    10.       Relieve migraine pain 

    Why does massage help lymphedema?

    Lymphatic drainage is a specialized, gentle type of medical massage. It may be used as part of your lymphoedema treatment. The aim is to encourage the lymph fluid to move away from the swollen area, so it can drain normally. It also helps lymph fluid drain through the healthy lymph vessels.

    The fluid in the lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from bodily tissues. Some health conditions can cause lymph fluid to build up. Lymphatic drainage massages can benefit people with lymphedema, fibromyalgia, and other conditions.

    People can develop lymphedema as a result of infections, cancer treatments that involve the removal of lymph nodes, and any condition that damages the lymphatic system.

    Lymphatic massage can reduce swelling and improve circulation throughout the lymphatic system. Lymphatic massage usually forms part of a treatment program called decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT).

    Lymphatic drainage massage can benefit people who are experiencing the following:

    1. Lymphedema
    2. Fibromyalgia
    3. Swelling or edema
    4. Skin disorders
    5. Fatigue
    6. Insomnia
    7. Stress
    8. Digestive problems
    9. Arthritis
    10. Migraine episodes

    Negative Effects of Massage Therapy on Lymphedema

    If massage therapy is applied to lymphedematous tissues, an increase in swelling may result. Massage causes an increase in arterial blood flow where applied, resulting in more water accumulating in those spaces. Due to mechanical insufficiency inherent in lymphedema, the lymphatic system will not be able to manage the additional water load. 

    Research shows that, depending on the severity of symptoms, some sufferers may initially experience some pain from the massage. However, it is essential to note that healing is a process; massage therapy will produce the sought-after long-term positive results with some patience. Steadily increased pressure over time is an ideal protocol. Premium massage chairs for home use would provide the ease and frequency of access as well as pressure control, which would be a perfect option for many who suffer.  

    Talk to a healthcare provider first before considering massage for lymphedema; ask about the number of treatments that might be needed, the cost and type, and the insurance coverage if any.  Despite its benefits, massage is not meant to replace regular medical care, and be sure to follow any standard treatment plans already in place. 

  • Are massage chairs good after a workout?

    Are massage chairs good after a workout?

    Massage therapy can induce improvement to circulation and breathing and has also been proven to help heal faster after training. As a result, the soft tissues of the muscles become stronger and healthier and create a more effective training and a faster recovery time between training sessions.

    massage chairs

    Benefits of massage after workout

    Benefits of massage after exercise include but are not limited to:

    • Decrease in pain
    • Improves recovery: Massage after strenuous exercise or from injuries to the muscles improves recovery. Massage improves blood flow, which assists healing to the damaged and/or affected areas. If there are minor injuries the lesions can be repaired quickly as well as effectively. Not only does massage quicken the recovery, but it also works to prevent injuries so that future training sessions are not unproductive, allowing for a quicker return to the activity.
    • Prevents DOMS

    What are doms?

    “Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness” (DOMS) usually occurs several hours after exercise and is painful, producing stiffness in your muscles, usually occurring after starting a new exercise program.

    • Massage post-workout can also provide many benefits for reduced tension, a more effective removal of waste products, an increased range of movement, and an overall improved feeling of relaxation.
    • Massage after a workout helps by increasing blood flow as fresh blood is pumped to the muscles in need, repairing any damaged tissues by carrying nutrients to be fixed quickly.
    • Often, exercise can be exhausting and have psychological effects on the body. However, regular post-exercise massage has shown to decrease depression, elevate moods, reduce anxiety and motivate the body to return to a normal exercise routine.

    Do massage chairs help recovery?

    Whether it is an in-person massage or a massage chair for home use, a post-workout massage will most certainly improve recovery. So yes, massage chairs are helpful to recovery!

    What are the benefits of massage chairs?

    1. Convenience: Accessibility that meets the needs for scheduling as well as duration. A post-workout massage for as little as 10 minutes is effective in improving recovery and reducing inflammation. 
    2. Relaxation: Stress-reducing benefits are immediate and quite like a good workout, the muscular compressions provided by a massage chair also results in increased endorphins within the body. The feel-good hormones produced are a healthy way to reduce stress on the brain and body.
    3. Improve Post Workout Recovery
    4. Reduce Back Pain: Many home massage chairs have options that focus on specific areas of the body, such as lumbar massage to increase circulation and mobility in the low back, going a long way towards improving low back pain resulting from muscular overuse and instability.
    5. Boosting Immunity: Inflammation after a workout is scientifically an immune response. If it is working overtime, the reduction of cytokines from the massage may improve that response, also assisting in cellular function and repair important to the immune system. So whether it is a cold or if it relates to battling a more severe immune issue, frequent massages at home in a massage chair might be exactly what the doctor ordered.

    You Can Even Get a Chair Massage Before Working Out

    Though most of this article is about getting a chair massage after a workout, using it beforehand can be beneficial, too. Massages help your muscles loosen up. This loosening can be of particular convenience if you are sore before going into a workout.

    You might think that working out with sore muscles is an effective way to get in shape. But, rather, muscles that are relaxed and rejuvenated tend to perform better in the gym. For that reason, feel free to use your massage chair both before and after workouts.

    In fact, that is one great thing about getting a massage chair that has a variety of settings. Take the time to figure out which kind of chair massage helps you relax before or after a workout then go into your next fitness regime, ready to be active and mobile.

    A Chair Massage Can Help Lower Blood Pressure After a Workout

    The circulation system can benefit from massage, too. When you work out, your heart has to keep up with the activity. So it is pumping blood a little bit harder to ensure the muscles get plenty of oxygen while they are being pushed and strained.

    Well, getting a massage after working out can help with that. Lower your blood pressure after a workout to ensure your heart returns to normal. This relaxing time after proper exercise is going to become an essential part of your health routine.

    Massages Can Help with Flexibility, Too

    When our muscles are more relaxed, they can be pushed and stretched that much further. To be specific, using a massage chair on a regular basis can help enhance your body’s flexibility, another reason it might be in your best interest to use the massage chair before as well as after working out. If you have flexibility training coming up, you’re going to want your muscles to be free from any soreness or fatigue, which is helpful in getting that new yoga pose just right.

    Whether you’re getting a massage from a chair or a professional, the results are the same. Massages are known to help release toxins that build up in our muscle system.

    In fact, that is why the practice of massage has been around for thousands of years. People recognize the health and wellness benefits and continue to want that level of relaxation. 

    Best Massage Chairs

    Z-Smart Massage Chair Plus

    Quality massage chair companies like….

    1. Slabway
    2. Zarifa
    3. Infinity
    4. OskaI

    Pre Workout Massage VS Post Workout Massage

    Pre-Workout

    A massage before working out allows muscles to get warmed up and stretched out to be more flexible, helping to get in the right frame of mind to start the workout.

    A study in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness found that the psychological benefits of a pre-workout massage, including reduced stress, tension, and anxiety leaves one more relaxed and focused on getting the best results from the workout.

    The massage should be gentle with light strokes and not deep tissue, which, if done pre-workout, could cause muscle soreness and tightness before even beginning.

    Post-workout

    Receiving a massage once you’ve finished working out helps reduce muscle soreness by reducing inflammation and reduces your recovery time by speeding up cell recovery.

    The answer is there are considerable benefits to having a massage both before and after a workout. Be especially certain to get the correct type of massage to set the body up for true success.

    Can you overuse a massage chair?

    Excessive use is known to lead to muscle damage, inflammation and bruised tissues, in addition to causing harm to the internal massage chair motor. So, take it slow and easy with your massage chair, especially when you’re using it for the first time. The cost of overuse does not outweigh any perceived benefit.

    Many massage chairs have the ability to stretch and knead the problem areas where muscles are too tight, and relaxing them will help calm down the skeletal structure. It is warned, though, that excessive use of massage chairs leads to muscle damage, inflammation and bruised tissues, in addition to causing harm to the internal massage chair motor. 

    It is worthy to note and be aware of the following list of contradictions for massage therapy:

    • Infectious skin disease
    • A rash
    • An unhealed wound
    • Immediately after surgery
    • A tendency to form blood clots or if using blood thinners
    • Circulatory ailments such as phlebitis or varicose veins
    • Inflamed or infected injuries
    • Areas of bleeding or heavy tissue damage
    • At the sites of recent fractures, sprains, or bruises
    • Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation therapy
    • Osteoporosis (use caution)

    Work with a Professional When Implementing New Health and Wellness Practices

    Of course, prior to starting any new form of treatment it is imperative to talk to a doctor. If there is chronic pain, numbness, or tingling, always consult a physician. A doctor can determine the cause of pain and prescribe the right treatment therapies.

  • What does home care provide?

    What is home care?

    After years of pro and semi-pro sports many of our athletes need attitional care. Here is some helpful information.

    Professional services that help make your home lifestyle easier to maintain are called home care services. People opt for home care services for a variety of reasons. They may include a temporary or a permanent medical disability, busier work routines leading to a lack of time for household chores, an aged person requiring personal support with assistance from a home care provider. 

    People often confuse the terms of home health care and home care. Home health care includes medical support services from a licensed healthcare service provider, a professional therapist or a hired professional nurse, which helps people suffering from disease or a disability catered specifically to their daily needs. On the other hand, home care is associated with people who provide assistance and companionship to elderly persons in their homes. Home care can be provided by skilled people who are adequately trained to provide many duties related to medical supervision of the elderly but are not licensed to provide other medical services. For example, a home care services provider can help an older adult with incontinence issues but can not administer medical aid to the subject as in injections or intravenous fluids. 

    Usually, there are three services:

    Personal home care is required by older adults who are too aged to carry out many of their chores. Home care providers can help such people with their everyday tasks, thus helping them adjust to their lives. Such home care is also known as assistive care, senior or companion care. Such home care providers can be hired to help the aged members of the family for the whole day or just a part of the day when there is no one at home to attend to the needs of the aged person. 

    Most of the time, the adults requiring companionship or assistive home care are suffering from chronic disabilities or diseases that do not require specialized medical care, such as administering injections or intravenous fluids. These chronic disabilities do not hamper a young person from carrying out the daily tasks completely, but managing the daily chores with these diseases might become a challenge for older adults. For example, older adults with incontinence and are unable to walk properly require proper assistive care from either a family member or another person to carry out these tasks. In this case, having a properly trained home care provider can help the adult enjoy a better lifestyle by dispensing these services when required.

    Such home care providers are trained to dispense basic medical services to their clients. For example, home care providers can help an older adult follow his or her daily medication as prescribed by the physician. Personal home care providers can help their clients with the basics of lifestyle such as bathing, dressing and laundry. If disabled, care providers can also help the person use the toilet properly. Apart from these essential services, home care providers also act as a companion for the older adults during times when no family members are at home, which helps the older adults feel less lonely and unattended. They act as a partner in hobbies and as a person to talk to over the coffee in the evening when no one is there!

    Most home care providers work at particular hours; however, if required, a home care provider can provide live-in care for a person. The care plan is managed by the family members or by the services provider to adjust the schedules to provide the best care possible to the client. nursing care and

    health care:

    Care providers specializing in dispensing complex medical care services to the clients fall in this category. A person may require short term medical care if suffering from temporary illness or an injury or may require long-term supportive care in the case of severe chronic diseases or permanent disabilities. A nursing and health care services provider can provide services to such people as directed by the physicians. Hiring a specialized nursing care provider for giving medical care becomes necessary if the patient requires particular medical services. Such services require medical training and can not be carried out by an inexperienced person. 

    Short term home health care is required by persons with temporary disabilities due to an accident or an injury or bedridden at home after a surgical procedure. Such people usually have to observe a tight medical care schedule, where they require intravenous fluids, administration of injections at suitable intervals and/or require ventilator care if they are in a state of coma. A home health care provider can provide all these services because of skilled and professional experience in this regard. Such home care providers also look after the medication schedules of the individuals and provide physician-prescribed home care during the recovery period after an injury or a surgical procedure. These services are sometimes called “visiting nurse services”, as the care providers most often work at particular hours without providing live-in 24-hour care to patients. However, in severe cases, live-in nursing care providers can also be hired to provide complex medical assistance to the patient, such as ventilator care or dialysis for a short term, until the patient recovers from the severe illness. 

    Long-term supportive health and nursing care are usually required for persons suffering from extreme illnesses such as cancers or severe permanent disabilities. Such home care is also known as catastrophic care. People requiring such nursing services may require specialized medical services such as needing a ventilator or a dialysis machine to perform essential body functions. In this case, hiring a good nurse with adequate experience in dispensing these services in a hospital or somewhere else can be beneficial because they are professionally trained and skilled to administer medical care that can be too complex for the family members, such as tracheostomy tube care, feeding and urinary tube insertion and removal. Patients who are severely disabled due to spinal injuries or brain injuries and are in a coma often require such services from an experienced home nursing provider. 

  • Do Massage Chairs Have Medical Benefits?

    Do Massage Chairs Have Medical Benefits?

    Massage chairs often seem like luxurious pieces of furniture. But research has demonstrated that these can be helpful tools in a wellness and fitness regimen for everyone, including athletes. 

    Several clinical studies have shown significant improvement in blood circulation, immunity response, muscle recovery, and managing hypertension. The health benefits of massage can be associated with enhanced mobility, muscle recovery, pain management. It’s also effective in treating neck, upper back, and lower back issues.

    The aspect of massage chair therapy that comes as a surprise to people is that medical research has demonstrated that regular use can increase problem-solving abilities. These chairs are also highly effective in lowering stress levels and anxiety. That’s why you see an increasing number of massage chairs in corporate settings, hospitals, and other places where people are usually high-strung. Having white-collar executives and healthcare personnel experience found massage therapy improved mental well being and accelerated their work performance. It was demonstrated to decrease the rate of incidence of work-related injuries.

    Massages help significantly in overcoming anxiety and depression and alleviating insomnia and sleep disorders. We know now that anxiety is a component of many other illnesses, so effective treatment automatically alleviates many other symptoms. Wellness comes from a relaxed body and a serene mind. Getting massages definitely contributes to both. 

    The Zero gravity position first started with the need to decrease the effects of take-off on astronauts as the optimal way to surmount that initial moment without straining their bodies. Furniture manufacturers embraced the same technology to relieve the constant loading off of the joints and muscles. 

    The Benefits from Owning a Massage chair

    Receiving a massage from a trained professional is a wonderful experience.  But having one on call day or night and access to someone at home and work would be an expensive proposition. Access to a massage chair solves many of these problems.  All you need to do is play some instrumental music and light a couple of scented candles near the chair. With a massage chair in your home, you can access daily massages whenever you want. 

    Here are factors to consider when deciding to purchase a massage chair

    1. Enhanced Muscle Recovery After Working Out

    With heating cycles and zero gravity settings, a deep tissue massage adds to rejuvenating the body after a workout. A quick recovery time means that you will want to resume your daily activities with the soreness eliminated and return to your sports routine.  

    2. Handle Anxiety and Stress

    Several clinical studies report that regular massage was effective in decreasing stress and anxiety. Therapeutic massage stimulates the release of ‘feel-good hormones’ such as serotonin and dopamine while decreasing cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. The combination of these reverses a volatile temperament and stabilizes mood swings. Stress and anxiety are quite abundant and will lead to actual illnesses. Massage costs much less than medication without side effects.  

    3. Constant Fatigue

    Many people report a sense of constant fatigue. Between lifestyle issues and digital devices, many things can keep us from a sense of real relaxation.  Massage is highly effective in overcoming sleep problems. , With a massage chair at home, the ability to let go and fall asleep fast is almost certain. 

    4. Alleviate Sore Muscle Pain

    Muscles become sore after exercise, playing sports, or after a long day at work. This ache is caused by the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles. Massaging the affected areas stimulates blood flow, which delivers more oxygen and helps carry away the lactic acid. A massage chair with a heating element is even more effective at alleviating sore muscle pain.

    5. A Targeted Treatment with Lower Back Pain

    75% of adults report experiencing some form of lower back pain. They get it with varying degrees of severity, but those who have a severe case need to live with it as it becomes a chronic condition. Regular massages increase mobility and aid in pain management. Studies also show a long-term increase in healing. Orthopedic doctors widely recommend massage as a part of the rehabilitation process for lower back pain. 

    6. Decreases Neck Problems

    Most massage chairs have a targeted massage for the neck and shoulders. This is quite successful in relieving the discomfort with a stiff neck and decreasing the headaches that also come from it. Massages that target this area decreasing stress and stimulating dopamine and serotonin. This also increases the pain threshold and assists the soreness in healing. 

    7. Replicates Chiropractic Adjustments for Sciatica

    Many massage chair models were developed with input from doctors and chiropractors. The result has been several impressive features and ergonomic enhancement with these chairs. An ability to twist and tilt and provide both heat and deep tissue massage helps address sciatica-related discomfort. These sessions also have a high success rate in decreasing shooting pain and keeping it at bay afterward.

    8. Improvement In Blood Circulation

    Massage plays a part in a well functioning circulatory system. The zero gravity position is a popular technique employed to decrease the heart’s loading, improve oxygen intake, and fix several circulatory issues.  Massage also decreases stress, improving circulation, as stress increases hypertension, heart rate and constricts arteries.

    9. Increased Oxygen Flow to the Arms and Legs

    While much of what we’ve discussed has concentrated on the torso region, massage chairs can increase the pumping of more blood to the extremities. Tissues that receive more oxygen can heal, renew themselves, and perform optimally.

    10. Improve the Lymphatic System

    Our lymphatic system is a key to our immunity. Vigorous movement helps to flush all the free radicals and toxins that pile up upon our lymph nodes. Massage flushes the lymphatic system keeping us well-defended from pathogens and feeling refreshed after ditching the bio-load that weighs down our systems. 

    When the day is done, unwind with a gentle massage, and slip out of the day’s anxiety and soreness.

  • Are Community College Classes Easier?

    Are Community College Classes Easier?

    Over the years, community college has gained a reputation for being the ‘easy’ alternative to the traditional college experience. Many sports orientated students feel that by enrolling at these schools, they can earn a degree while bypassing some of the stress and demand of attending a 4-year university. Unfortunately for these misguided students, community college is by no means easy, and in some cases, may even be as hard to complete as a four-year university.

    In a recent study, six of ten students who enrolled at a community college to transfer to a four-year school, in fact, dropped out after their first semester. Instead of sliding through what they thought would be an easy first two years, these students hit the wall at the beginning because they underestimated what was involved with community college. A primary reason for this high dropout rate is the difficulty of courses. Contrary to popular belief, community colleges can be quite challenging.

    Most community college programs require students to demonstrate an ability to succeed in traditional subjects such as math and English. These courses can prove problematic if you’ve been away from it for a while. A significant portion of community college students are adults who have been away from school for a while, and their skills in areas like arithmetic, grammar may have lapsed with time. 

    Required courses can also be necessary for a specific major or program. Almost all academic fields have courses that the school has deemed essential. They are often difficult and cannot be avoided. If you don’t pass these, you cannot earn your degree. Examples include an anatomy course in an allied health program or an accounting course for students studying business management. 

    Difficult courses can force students to either withdraw from and/or re-take the class. This has a serious impact on your future chances of graduation. Statistically, it’s been shown that withdrawing from or re-taking twenty percent or more of your classes reduces your chances of graduating by over half.

    Community college courses feature an abundance of unique assignments and projects. No matter what major you choose, you can expect a combination of quizzes, exams, essays, group projects, and presentations to complete as a part of your coursework. Your area of study determines the type of assignment you encounter. For example, students taking a design course will have most of their grade determined by a mid-term and comprehensive final project. Meanwhile, a psychology program from the same school might not include a final exam but rather grades students based on a series of essays, tests, and presentations. It could also feature a series of smaller exams spread throughout the semester. Depending on how you learn, this may make completing a course much harder. Long essays can be difficult for students who are not experienced writers, and students who have problems with public speaking may struggle with making presentations. 

    Regardless of subject matter, community college courses are intended to be engaging. Large universities may seat hundreds of students for a single lecture class. Community colleges have an average class enrollment of somewhere from 25 to 30 students. Rather than listen to a professor lecture for an hour, classes often consist of discussion, group work, and various cooperative projects.

    Many community colleges also grade their students based on their participation and attendance, meaning you can’t just slide into the back of the classroom and chill out while the teacher talks. You’ll be expected to show up for every class and make meaningful contributions to the class discussion. Failure to do so will almost certainly affect your grade. This often-overlooked aspect of community college can take precious points off your final grade. If you’re hovering between a passing and failing grade, poor attendance and a lack of participation could prevent you from passing.

    Many instructors and professors who choose to teach at community colleges do so as a part-time job, meaning they have jobs during the day and teach these courses on the side. Sometimes their jobs are quite industry-specific. This means that your teachers can give you classwork and instruction based on what they’re experiencing in the real world right now. These instructors often teach because they are passionate about their subject. These professors are extremely knowledgeable and able to help students with many different types of questions or concerns.

    The final element as to why community college courses can be as challenging as four-year university colleges involve the transfer of credit and articulation. Many students see community college as the first rung on the post high school academic ladder, with the idea that they will transfer to a university once they complete their Gen Ed requirements or earn their Associates Degree. Universities accepting those credits want to ensure that the courses that students complete are at the same academic level as the ones they offer. Check if the community college has an articulation agreement with the universities which you are considering long term. 

    An articulation agreement is a formal relationship between a community college and a four-year institution to create a seamless transfer process for students. Though many community colleges say they help their students transfer to four-year colleges and universities, only those with articulation agreements can absolutely guarantee admission. An articulation agreement is a signed legal contract that goes into great detail about guaranteed admission, acceptance of transfer credits, eligibility for scholarships, and academic course requirements. 

    These agreements help open communication lines between the community college and four-year institution to hammer out the details for what transfer students need to know. Articulation agreements are also known as transfer agreements or transfer guides. Still, the founding principle is the same: to provide students with a step-by-step guide for completing necessary course requirements and transferring credits to another school.  Having these agreements in place, the community college is responsible for ensuring that the courses they offer are college caliber. 

  • Sports: A Caricature of People

    sports Caricature
    Custom Caricature for Al Kaline created by Goofyfaces Robert Bauer

     

    We love our teams.We love our sports heroes. We follow them through the ups and downs. It’s like life. We celebrate winning years and cry over loss in the troubling years. Sports inspires and motivates some people to take action in their own lives to be a better person, more active or healthier.

    Many people look at individual players as gods and they even gamble on these sports, which is not really healthy, so looking treatments for compulsive gamblers is useful as well. Unfortunately, sports athletes are real people with flaws. Over time they will disappoint and fade. That is why I like to look at players through the lens of caricature artists. 

    Caricature artists have a way of dissecting a person and pull out the imperfections in a comical or exaggerated way. If the artist really knows the athlete they will ad elements to the images about the players strengths and weaknesses. These portraits help me to understand players and their personalities. Maybe, it’s just me.

    There are many ways to remember our heroes. Caricatures are just one way.

    I know of people who have rooms dedicated to their favor team or players. They line the walls with posters, ticket stubs and memorabilia.

    Sometimes an entire nation rallies around a sports team. In Argentina, Reuters reported, a “weary nation” was able to find “rare joy” in the achievements of its World Cup team.

    The World Cup and other major sporting events, like the Olympics or LeBron James returning home all affect people lives. Sports exercises a lot of power over some people.

    Bill Simmons, one of the most influential American sportswriters, once wrote after his team lost the Super Bowl, “I have never been able to answer the question, ‘Why does this matter to me so much?’ That’s just the way it’s always been. Ever since I can remember.”

    Sports affects people emotionally. When your team wins there is a high that lasts for days. If your team loses depression can run your live for days or weeks.

    How about when you are ready to celebrate. Your team fought a hard fight and now you’re planning which celebration party to attend the following evening. And this happens….

    After that amazing play the punter received death threats. Sad. Unfortunately, that is not the first time a game took a turn for the opposing team in the last seconds. It will not be the last and there will always be idiots who put so much emotion into a game that they can’t control their temper.

    The above mentioned Bill Simmons wrote a piece on being a fan. You can find the full version here. I’ve shared some of his thoughts below.

    Fan Behavior
    Be very careful when using the word “We” with your favorite team. Use it judiciously. Just remember, you don’t wear a uniform, you don’t play any minutes, and you’re not on the team. And yes, this was an extremely tough line for me to straddle during the Patriots’ Super Bowl run.8. No hopping on and off the bandwagon during the season with the flip-flop, “I knew we were going to self-destruct! … All right, we won six straight! … I knew we wouldn’t keep playing this well. … I knew we would bounce back!” routine as the season drags along. Just for the record, this is probably my biggest fault as a sports fan — I overreact to everything. I’ve already written off the Celtics three different times this season, and I’ve given up on Antoine Walker roughly 435 times over the past six years. Can I get some medication for this?

    It’s OK to root against your team, if they’re hopelessly out of the playoff race and you want them to keep losing so A) they’ll get a better draft pick, or B) you’re hoping the coach and/or GM will get fired. Don’t feel bad about it.(Note: It’s also OK to wager against your team, if they’re hopelessly out of the playoff race. But only then. And only if you don’t make it a habit.)

    If one of your fantasy guys is lighting it up against your favorite team (scoring goals, rushing for big yards, making jumpers, etc.), you can’t pump your fist, high-five anyone or refer to the player in a “That’s one of my guys!” sense, especially if it’s a crucial game or a crucial juncture of the game.(That’s maybe the No. 1 problem for sports fans these days: When to draw the line between fantasy and real life. It’s an ongoing battle. Even if you can’t help getting secretly excited about your fantasy guys when they’re thriving against your favorite team, at least make sure you feel guilty, too. Don’t you hate that enthralled/guilty feeling? Is there anything worse? I’m babbling …) You can forgive Knicks fan for booing their brutal team this season.

    Don’t boo your team unless it’s absolutely warranted — like with the brutal Knicks situation this season, or if you’re hoping to get a coach fired or a specific player traded or something. When you think about it, what’s the purpose of booing your team? If you’re trying to inspire them, usually you end up sending them into a deeper funk — odds are, your team already knows it’s struggling. And if you’re trying to light a fire under a specific player, usually you end up making him even more nervous and tentative. So why boo in the first place? Trust me, dead silence sends a bigger message than anything. And it’s not potentially destructive.

    (There’s only one circumstance where booing doesn’t cause more harm than good: If you have a great team that seems to be going through the motions. For instance, the Lakers have a tendency to sleepwalk against inferior teams at home; As soon as the fans get a little restless, Shaq and company seem to wake up. Unfortunately for the Lakers, their fans aren’t paying attention that closely because they’re busy either trying to get on the Jumbotron, averting their eyes from Dyan Cannon, or trying to figure out things like “How many points do you get if you shoot one from half court?” or “How come that clock on the backboard keeps counting down backward from 24?”)

    After your team wins a championship, they immediately get a five-year grace period: You can’t complain about anything that happens with your team (trades, draft picks, salary-cap cuts, coaching moves) for five years. There are no exceptions. For instance, the Pats could finish 0-80 over the next five years and I wouldn’t say a peep. That’s just the way it is. You win the Super Bowl, you go on cruise control for five years. Everything else is gravy.

    You can follow specific players from other teams, but only as long as they aren’t facing your team. For instance, it’s fine to enjoy the Brett Favre Experience if you’re a Jaguars fan … just don’t get carried away and start making a scrapbook, collecting all his football cards and so on. That’s a little sketchy. And you can’t purchase his jersey under any circumstances. Patriots fans aren’t allowed to complain about their team for at least five years.

    Just because you supported a team that won a championship, it doesn’t give you the right to turn into a pompous, insufferable schmuck. Remember this.

    Good advice. It is amazing what people will do to support their team. Is it bacause they have no life. Yeah, I went there. No goals and dreams of their own. Maybe it’s an escape. Sports happens.

    Maybe you have the answer. Share you thoughts in the comments.

    Source of note:  http://www.cjr.org/full_court_press/science_sportswriting.php

  • Sports and New Construction

    Managing the construction of a new stadium is not small job.  I’ve had the opportunity to photograph multiple stadiums being built through the years. It’s an amazing operation.

    You have so many pieces to the puzzle it’s amazing. All of the independent contractors and specialists involved on the job.  You often have multiple investors in the project looking over you. Government, especially local, is often highly involved. This doesn’t make the process easy.

    The Atlanta Falcons new project is interesting.  They are spending a billion dollars for a retractable roof. Although it is not an entirely new stadium the price tag alone is a good indication of the complexity and the level of management needed to run a project like this.

    I’m interested in the best contractors for this type of job.  Are there specialists?  Or do they higher the firm with the lowest bid?