Centered in Motion

Yoga: a cure-all or potentially harmful?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Claudia) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 22:54:00 +0000

In January the NY Times Magazine published an excellent article about yoga that addresses some concerns I have shared for some time. Many people have come to believe that they can self-treat physical ailments with yoga. While that may be true in some cases, for most deep seated problems the treatment needs to be more specific and the instruction nore presonalized than you would find in a yoga class. I whole-heartedly encourage everyone to engage in exercise such as yoga that promotes strength, flexibility, focus and relaxation. Just make sure you do it for the right reasons, and ask for help if something doesn't feel right!

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/08/magazine/how-yoga-can-wreck-your-body.html?pagewanted=all

The barefoot running epidemic - good or evil?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Claudia) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 03:37:00 +0000

If you're a runner you've probably heard heated arguments for and against barefoot running by now. The following article gives a nice overview, and some exercises to improve your running, whether you intend to switch to less shoe or not. If you are contemplating switching to barefoot, make sure you stop by the office so that we can make sure it's right for you, and to put together a plan to make your transition a success!

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/06/magazine/running-christopher-mcdougall.html?pagewanted=all

Yes, eating your veggies will help you lose weight!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Claudia) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 22:04:00 +0000

So will yogurt and nuts, including peanut butter! Potato products, especially french fries and chips, as well as sugar-sweetened drinks and red meats on the other hand have once again been shown to contribute to weight gain. Check out this article from the New York Times for more details on the latest research on what does and does not affect body weight: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/19/health/19brody.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

Ibuprofen shown to decrease the risk of developing Parkinson's

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Claudia) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 01:36:00 +0000

A new study funded by the Michael J. Fox foundation shows that people who take Ibuprofen 1-2x per week decrease their risk of developing Parkinson's disease by 38%. That's very impressive, especially since there is no cure for Parkinson's today, and one in 500 will develop the disease.

Does this mean that you should start taking Ibuprofen regularly? The answer at this time is NO!

While Ibuprofen may decrease your risk of developing Parkinson's, it will definitely increase your risk of gastrointestinal problems. And najor adverse gastrointestinal events attributed to NSAIDs are responsible for over 100,000 hospitalizations, $2 billion in healthcare costs, and 17,000 deaths in the US each year.

In addition, this study examined only data of six years, so it may not have captured Parkinson's cases that develop later on.

What's interesting, though, is WHY Ibuprofen works. It's because it decreases apoptosis (planned cell death), oxidative damage and inflammation of the nervous system. So next time you see your naturopath, ask them what other options there are to achieve these effects!

In Memoriam: Jack LaLanne

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Claudia) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 04:23:00 +0000

Jack LaLanne died today at 96. But he woudn't want us to sit here and cry, oh no. The best way to honor this fitness pioneer's legacy is to get up and exercise! So in his memory, let's start with his face workout. And then take your newly toned face for a walk, run, bike ride, to the gym...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isLJ024EdMA

How to not gain weight this holiday season

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Claudia) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 01:02:00 +0000

It happens every year: The holidays roll around with all the dinners and treats, and despite good intentions all dietary caution goes out of the window. But not this year! Join me in this endeavor not to gain a single pound this time around – without sacrificing the pleasure that comes from eating great food!

1. Eat breakfast! Breakfast eaters tend to weigh less than breakfast skippers. That’s because a morning meal, especially one that includes lean protein and whole grains, makes you feel full for a long time. And breakfast calories tend to come from quality food, which is not something easily said about office treats and cafeteria lunches. It will be a lot easier to take only one of the cookies that get passed around at work if you’ve had breakfast. You won’t be starving at lunch, so it won’t be hard to have just a salad if you know that a big meal is waiting for you at dinner. Yes, you’re eating more calories in the morning, but you’ll more than make up for that by eating fewer throughout the day.

2. Pack snacks like a piece of fruit, carrots and hummus or some whole grain pretzels with mustard. That way, if hunger strikes, you’ll have a better choice than the soggy cake someone brought in from last night’s party.

3. Portion size, portion size, portion size. Many holiday favorites just aren’t the same without the fat and sugar. That doesn’t mean that you have to do without that onion dip or rum cake. Just don’t eat a lot of it. Repeat after me: I will control my portion size!

4. The bottom line is: In order to maintain your weight, what goes in must come out. So you either need to adjust your regular diet to accommodate extra snacks. Or you have to increase your output = physical activity. The choice is yours!

5. Picking up point number four: Get some exercise! Not only do you burn calories, you also build muscle. You increase your metabolism, which means that you can – oh joy! – eat more!

So you’re having trouble keeping up an exercise routine during these dark and rainy days? Set yourself a goal! How about the Shamrock Run in March? Or if you’re motivated by getting out there with others, check out the weeknight rambles at http://www.mazamas.org/your/adventure/starts-here/C83/.

If you follow just these five rules, you’re in good shape to make it through this year’s holiday season without adding pounds!

Bon appétit!

A new addition!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Claudia) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 17:56:00 +0000

Those of you who come in on Tuesdays or Fridays will see a new face at the front desk. As the practice grows, we’ve decided to have full time front desk coverage. So no worries, Missy is still here! She now works Mondays and Thursdays. We are excited to have found Oliver to take over the remaining days. Oliver brings with him prior experience working in a healthcare setting, and he is currently a pre-nursing student. In his free time he enjoys playing with his dogs and riding his bicycle. Welcome, Oliver!

Welcome!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Claudia) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 17:17:00 +0000

Welcome to our blog! From now on this will be the place where you can find news about the clinic, fascinating tidbits from the latest research, tips and tricks to stay healthy and active, and much more.

Enjoy!