Looking for that healthy exercise or treatment option that's right for you? The Lyceum Wellness Center hosts its "March Into Wellness" day March 24, and will offer a variety of fitness and health experts from throughout the area. Located in the Manayunk-Roxborough area, the events will provide an opportunity for people to receive a day of free wellness instruction and free treatments from a variety of practitioners. Whether you live in Narberth or Chestnut Hill, or anywhere in between, this event is the area's must-attend for health.  Below is a breakdown of the experts speaking March 24. …

Many of you have begun to work out at a gym like Balance or with the assistance of videos you acquired during the holidays, now that the holiday gluttony has ended. But as you enter (or re-enter) the gym life, a key to success that many people overlook is stretching. One thing I have discovered about people who workout is that they may know a lot about their form of exercise, but do not know how to care for their bodies in an optimal way to reduce pain and heal injuries. As a personal trainer and massage therapist, I have had a number of clients who have received cortisone shots or who were …

So, you made a New Year’s Resolution?  From past experience, how long do you usually make it before the resolution is but a distant memory?  Well, if you really want to keep your resolution(s) this time, consider a few helpful tips from area wellness professionals. MOTIVE:  You need to have a really good “Why” that will trump all of your excuses to quit, all of your tiredness, all of the chaotic agendas that will pull you away from your goals.  Mere vanity or luxury are rarely strong enough motives.   No, to do the work of reaching a goal, you have to have a reason – a really good one – and …

For the last three weeks, I've explored various approaches to dealing with depression (and anxiety) besides pharmaceutical prescriptions. Week one focused on the similarities between sleep deprivation and depression. Week two we looked at how exercise and meditation create chemicals in the brain that make us feel good instead of blue. Week three examined the positive power that comes with giving, especially in yourself to something bigger than yourself when you volunteer for a cause.   This week, we'll talk about a tool called Killing the ANTs, and the power of faith.  Killing the ANTs is …

Depression and anxiety are becoming serious American realities. Commercials litter the TV singing the praises of anti-depressant medications. What was once thought taboo, is now common practice. More of your friends and neighbors are on anti-depression or anti-anxiety medications than ever. However, though pharmaceutical medication certainly has its place, the goal should be to achieve relief from depression or anxiety through natural, or non-medical means if at all possible, and use pharmaceuticals as a "last resort". In previous weeks we have examined sleep deprivation's effects on the …

Last week, I began a discussion on depression. Depression can be in response to circumstances or can be an internal state that exists regardlessof whether circumstances are pleasant or painful.   I examined sleep deprivation's effect on our brains as it mimics symptoms of depression, and disables our brains from being able to adequately handle the stresses of life. I argued that when feeling depressed, the first thing someone should consider is whether or not they are getting enough sleep. This week, I'd like to put forth a few tools additional tools we can use to handle stresses and sadness…

For some, the winter holiday season is, "the most wonderful time of the year." For others, it is a cold, dark, reminder of loved ones no longer with them; or a time full of financial stresses that are only magnified in the face of Christmas shopping and holiday parties.   Every story is as individual as the person who is experiencing it, but there are some physiological factors that can worsen or lessen one's ability to face the stresses or sadnesses of the season. Some people should seek counseling if the issues become unbearable. But some may find relief by addressing certain physical …

With the Philadelphia Marathon only days away, an article on running seems appropriate.  Running can be a fantastic full body workout.  Every muscle in the entire body is engaged: legs for the running motion, arms for pumping, and core (stomach and back) for staying upright.  Endorphins (feel good brain chemicals) are generated, heart and lungs are exercised, and calories are burned.  And, runners are rarely overweight.  For every 10 pounds of weight we add about 45 pounds of pressure to our knees when we walk.  So someone who is 25 pounds overweight (using a BMI index as a general guideline…

Halloween is a fun and festive event. Kids and adults get to fantasize about being someone other than we are. We attend parties at McShea’s, buy scrumptious cupcakes at Bredenbecks, or watch our kids dress up for a schoolyard parade at Cook Wissahickon School. But a serious evil accompanies all the innocent fun – wicked amounts of sugar and fat.  Multiple studies have shown that foods with fat, sugar, and salt (combined) trigger the same part of your brain as heroine and cocaine, and can be truly addictive. Here is a short list of sugar crimes from "141 Reasons Sugar Ruins Your Health" by Dr…

The survey results are in for your favorite grocery store.  In Narberth it’s Narberth American Family Market, in Roxborough it’s ShopRite, and in Chestnut Hill it’s Weavers Way. So what are some “home remedies” for cold and flu symptoms that can be found right there in your favorite store (even if it didn’t make the winner’s circle)?  This week we'll look at a few remedies that involve your feet.  Your feet?  Yes, your feet.  Vinegar Soaked Socks to Reduce a Fever  After looking long and hard for a clinical study to prove or disprove this ‘old wife's tale’, all I found were blogs where people…

As cold and flu season draws near, I've decided to examine various ways to prevent and combat viruses such as colds and flu. Week one, I touted the importance of taking a Vitamin D supplement to empower your body to resist the flu (5000-10,000 iu per day has been clinically to be as effective as a flu vaccine) and two herbs (elderberry and olive l proven eaf extract) which have been clinically shown to contain anti-viral properties effective in defeating the flu and cold. Last week, I examined potential benefits of acupuncture/acupressure in building up the strength of your immune system as a…

Once again, flu season is upon us.  In my last article, I examined the importance of taking a Vitamin D supplement to empower your body to resist the flu (5000 iu per day has been clinically proven to be as effective as a flu vaccine), and two herbs (elderberry and olive leaf extract) as which have been clinically shown to contain anti-viral properties effective in defeating the flu and cold. This week we’ll discuss the claims of Acupuncture in the fight against colds and flu.  According to The World Health Organization, Acupuncture is effective in preventing cold and flu, and shortening the …