Everything Sports

I am starting on an exercise program. Do I need to check up with my doctor first?

2011-05-15T11:50:00.001-07:00

Regular exercise is good for most people. However, it is not necessary that everyone see a doctor before they start an exercise program. Young people are generally free of disorders that prevent them from exercising. Doctors make such recommendation just because they can scam money from the poor consumer by ordering unnecessary tests. Most general practitioners would not have a clue as to what to look on an ECG to determine if the patient is at risk for sudden death. A doctor’s visit is only recommended for people who have heart disease, asthma, lung disease, diabetes or kidney failure.

The American college of sports medicine does have guidelines to see a doctor but only if you going to engage in intense. Going for a walk or swim does not fall in these guidelines.

Is there a way to lower blood pressure without taking medications?

2011-03-30T15:01:00.001-07:00

Sure, the best way to lower blood pressure is to exercise. This does not mean running a marathon but simple walking will do. There is a lot of evidence that exercise can help reduce weight and lower blood pressure. Unfortunately, most people do not want to exercise or even walk and then complain about the medications.

On average, regular exercise can drop your blood pressure by an average of 5-14 mm Hg in 3-4 months. For all people, the aim is to get the blood pressure to lower than 120/80. The benefits of exercise last as long as you exercise. Make it a habit of doing some type of physical activity at least 4-5 times a week. This may sound like a chore, but this free prescription will save you thousands of dollars in doctors’ fees and side effects from drugs.

Are there other treatments for tennis elbow, besides surgery?

2011-01-07T11:14:00.001-08:00

Today, a number of newer techniques are being used in the management of tennis elbow. These include:

- ultrasound guided massage therapy

- acupuncture and acupressure

- low energy shock wave treatment

- injection of botulinum toxin

- orthotic devices

- Use of topical nitric oxide

All these treatments are expensive and no matter where you go, the provider will give you some B.S. that you need many sessions of therapy. Best advice, do some of your own active and passive exercises at home. There are ample exercises listed on cyberspace and you do not even need to buy a book. Use common sense. If you have a swollen elbow, apply ice and rest and if you have pain –apply some heat and rest.

Do you recommend water fortified with vitamins and minerals?

2011-01-01T14:17:00.001-08:00

There are hundreds of beverages for athletes on the market. The majority of these drinks are a waste of money and do not do anything special. Vitamin fortified drinks have been available for many years but they do not make you run any faster or lift more weight. These drinks only contain sugars, coloring agents, vitamins, minerals and sweeteners.

For the average athletes, these drinks do nothing, except empty your pockets of hard-earned money. Water is still the best beverage for all athletes. If you want additional vitamins, eat some fruit. Fruits contain no synthetic chemicals (as long as you wash them prior to eating), are a lot cheaper and more satisfying to consume. If you do not like to carry fruits with you, make some fresh juice at home.

The world of sports nutrition is multibillion-dollar business primarily because athletes feel that if they eat or drink some special nutrient, they will have a better body. What you should remember is that it is not what you drink or eat, but how you exercise that determines the shape of your body.