It’s back-to-school time! For many students, that means getting back into athletics like football, soccer, field hockey, cross country, volleyball, and more. While high school sports come with many benefits, they also present an inherent risk of injury. However, there are steps parents and student-athletes can take to help prevent sports injuries this season. After a relaxing summer, young athletes must ease back into a strength and conditioning regimen. Heading into a sports season without proper conditioning increases vulnerability to sprains, strains, and fractures. Preseason training should focus on sport-specific drills, weight training, core strength, and balance exercises. Many injuries, especially in young athletes, result from poor fundamentals and mechanics. Coaches should spend ample time rehearsing proper form for athletic maneuvers like jumping, cutting, tackling, and more at the start of the season. At home, parents can also watch for muscle imbalances or awkward movements in their child and help strengthen their kid’s fundamentals through play and practice at home. Allowing for adequate time for recovery is vital to an athlete’s success. Sports strains and impact injuries often occur when bodies haven’t fully recovered from the prior day’s activity. Make sure student-athletes take rest days and do easy recovery workouts […]

Every year, countless students experience a sports injury that temporarily pulls them out of their regular routines. While physical recovery is often the primary focus, the emotional and academic impacts can’t be ignored. As parents, understanding how to support your student athlete’s safe return to school is key to helping them stay on track. The transition back into the classroom after a significant sports injury may be difficult. It’s important to remember that it’s perfectly normal for students to feel anxiety or fear about returning – even if their physical recovery has gone well. Parents should take time before school starts to talk to their children about any worries they might have regarding their physical and mental health. . The Physical and Emotional Toll of Sports Injuries Before diving into the specific effects of sports injuries, it is crucial to grasp the overarching context of this issue. Sports injuries don’t just impede physical health – they also create barriers to a student’s academic progress and emotional well-being. The journey of recovery and return to school is a multifaceted process, encompassing more than physical healing. It’s a balancing act of managing physical pain, navigating academic responsibilities, and dealing with emotional repercussions. […]

It is likely that at some point in your life, you have experienced the difficult or infrequent bowel movements associated with the best & worst foods for constipation. However, what you may not know is that you have the power to reduce your risk of experiencing discomfort associated with constipation. The fact is that the leading causes of constipation are poor diet and lifestyle choices, and by making changes to what you put in your body, you could help relieve chronic constipation and/or reduce your constipation risk in the future. Keep reading to learn more about the causes of constipation and what are the best & worst foods for constipation that you should be eating (and staying away from) to promote healthy bowel movements. What is Constipation? Constipation is a common condition that affects people of all ages that is characterized by infrequent bowel movements (fewer than 3 times per week), difficulty passing stools, and/or an inability to empty one’s bowels. Constipation can also cause your stools to be hard and lumpy as well as unusually large or small. Some constipated people may also experience painful bowel movements as well as bloating, discomfort, and the sensation of a full bowel. […]

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 20 million people in the United States suffer from peripheral neuropathy. The NIH also notes that it is particularly common among those suffering from diabetes. So, what is peripheral neuropathy and can acupuncture help to relieve its symptoms? Peripheral Neuropathy Defined Medical professionals define peripheral neuropathy as a disease affecting the nerves that causes weakness, numbness and pain in the feet and hands. Symptoms vary but can include tingling and/or numbness in the hands and feet, sharp, stabbing pain, a weak or heavy feeling in the arms and legs and even a drop in blood pressure for some. How Acupuncture Can Help Although more research is being done, early research does suggest that acupuncture can help with the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. A pilot study done in 2007 provided promising results and a 2017 study also found that, “acupuncture appears to improve nerve conduction study parameters in both sensory and motor nerves.” In addition to improving the immune system and improving the flow of energy in the body, acupuncture and acupressure therapy can work to relax muscles and reduce pain. Let’s look at five specific points that can provide relief for those […]

Whether you are a frazzled parent that is thrilled to get your kids back to school or a busy professional that is realizing there’s a little more than 100 days left to this calendar year…. and you still haven’t gotten around to that “self-care” goal you set for yourself back in January. September is a great time of the year to launch new healthy habits! First, let’s bust the myth that self-care is selfish. You might think, “who am I to take care of my needs first, when my kids / spouse / coworkers / family / friends need me? Or—I have too much work to do, I don’t have time to take care of myself”.  Consider: You don’t have time to not take care of yourself. (What?) There’s a saying I have grown to love, “If you don’t make time for your wellness, then, you will eventually need to make time for your sickness”. Everything else in your life stems from how you feel. When you are feeling healthy, you have the energy and vitality you need to do everything else that matters to you. When you feel healthy and balanced, other people can feel it. When you are a ball […]

(BPT) – Back-to-school is a busy time of year filled with errands and appointments to make sure parents and kids are ready for the upcoming transition. It can also be somewhat stressful — but it doesn’t need to be. By planning ahead and maximizing your time, you can even make it fun. With a little creativity from Crayola, you can turn back-to-school prep into a great opportunity for family time and happy memories. Plan before shopping It’s easier than ever to plan shopping ahead by scoping out products online first, whether that’s new shoes and clothes or those all-important school supplies. Limit shopping trips to just a few locations, and don’t try to do everything in one day. Let online searching help you create your to-do list — then enjoy checking off each item as you get it completed! Involve the whole family According to a recent survey conducted by Crayola, parents view back-to-school shopping as spending quality time with their child and 74% consider it a special bonding experience, so it’s a perfect time to get kids excited about school by letting them help with shopping and prep. Assigning one or two items for young kids to find when […]

(BPT) – You probably know what’s coming: Along with changing leaves and dropping temps this fall will come the sniffles, stuffy nose and itchy eyes from allergies to certain plants like ragweed. Unfortunately, climate change has increased the intensity of symptoms and the length of time that many people cope with their autumn allergies. If fall is a time when you’re hit hard by allergies, you are better off acting now — instead of after you’re already experiencing symptoms. “Don’t let the changing seasons catch you by surprise,” says Kathleen May, M.D., president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “Planning ahead can help make this year’s fall allergy season a lot more manageable, no matter what’s happening in the environment where you live.” Whether you’ve had allergies for years or you suspect that they may be the cause of your recent unpleasant symptoms, here are tips from ACAAI to help you prepare for autumn allergies before they strike — so you can reduce itching, sneezing and wheezing and enjoy everything the season has to offer. Stay in the know Keep an eye on your local pollen and mold counts. When they are high, it’s best to […]

(BPT) – Summer is here and, for many people, it’s a time to kick back, relax and enjoy some much-needed vacation time — and pneumococcal pneumonia shouldn’t stand in your way of enjoying all that summer has to offer. Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can disrupt your life for weeks and can even put you in the hospital or be life-threatening. And you’re at increased risk if you’re 65 or older, or 19 or older with certain underlying medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, or chronic heart disease. People often think that pneumococcal pneumonia can only be caught in the winter or during flu season, but it can strike any time of year. Vaccination helps protect against pneumococcal pneumonia, and is available all year round, so now is the time to get vaccinated and have one less thing to think about when you’re enjoying warmer weather and longer days — whether it’s gardening, beach-time or trying out that new grill. Even if you’ve already been vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia previously, your healthcare provider may recommend another vaccination against it for additional protection. So, in addition to sunscreen and staying hydrated, another preventative health step you can […]

(BPT) – There’s been a resurgence of interest in supporting local businesses lately as more consumers realize the crucial role these businesses play within their communities — and the valuable personal connections gained from patronizing smaller, sometimes family-owned companies. This is especially true for your neighborhood pet store, where the staff and owners get to know you and your pets, providing a unique level of connection and care for your pet’s health. Here are the four main reasons to support your local businesses — especially neighborhood pet stores — and what you (and your furry friend) gain in return. 1. Neighborhood pet stores help foster connection What better place to chat about your pet’s quirks, charms and needs than at your neighborhood pet store? Many pet store owners, staff and shoppers are fellow pet parents, and understand the raw, unadulterated love we all share with our pets, providing a real sense of connection, comradery and mutual support. You can lean on this community to care for your pet like you do, because they know that choosing the best nutritional options for your pets is how you show your furry friends you care. 2. Your neighborhood pet store cares about you […]

Pet parents know there are some things that cats shouldn’t eat. What they might not realize is that many more toxins than they know about are present in their cats’ environment. Food, medication, house plants and cleaning products can be dangerous to cats, but our feline friends could access them at any moment. To prevent poisoning in cats, pet parents should learn about toxic substances and the symptoms associated with them. When you’re more aware of your cat’s surroundings, you’re better equipped to seek medical help if poisoning does occur. Here are the most common household toxins to watch out for in your home. Ingredients in human food Cats are very curious creatures. If they find food, they might want to taste it. A cat may steal bits of food from plates and open containers while their owner is in another room. Some cats have also been known to rummage through trash bins and fish out discarded table scraps. In other cases, a pet parent or guest may inadvertently offer food that’s actually poisonous to cats. Cats can develop any number of symptoms from eating toxic food. The symptoms range from mild to life-threatening, and they depend on which toxin […]

(BPT) – Finding motivation on a Monday can be tough. However, there’s no greater motivator to get up and moving like having your canine companion by your side to help you take on Monday — and every day of the week — like a pro. Active dogs and their humans take challenges head-on, and when you consider the ways in which you’ll both benefit from being active together, and getting the fine-tuned nutrition necessary to help keep active dogs strong and energized, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish together. Tennis pro Venus Williams knows prioritizing her dog’s health through exercise is important to his longevity. “My dog Harry is such a huge part of my life. My dream is for him to have the longest life possible,” said Williams. “When I go to practice, he goes to practice. If I go to the gym, Harry goes to the gym.” To help pet parents get outside and move with their four-legged friends, Williams has teamed up with Purina Pro Plan Sport to take Monday motivation to a whole new level with the “Monday Like a Pro” Challenge. Every Monday through May 21, Venus and a group of content creators […]

(BPT) – When you think of autumn, you likely picture cozy fires, hot cocoa and piles of colorful leaves. While beautiful, this season can also pose certain dangers to your four-legged friends. During the fall, the days grow shorter, which means less daylight and visibility. As you get ready for fall weather and activities, check out these four tips for keeping your dog safe from light-up gear to wireless fences for dogs. 1. Take walks during the daytime During the warmer months, you may have gotten used to taking your furry friend out for walks in the early mornings or late afternoons. However, you’ll need to adjust your walk times so drivers can clearly see you and your dog when crossing the street. It may take time for you and your pup to adjust, but it’s the easiest way to keep both of you safe. 2. Invest in light-up and reflective gear If your schedule doesn’t allow you to switch up your walk times, you’ll need gear to make you visible to motorists. For your canine companion, invest in light-up LED collars and leashes that offer solid or flashing illumination in low light. Reflective collars and vests can be used […]