Five Reasons We All Experience Back Pain

Experts estimate that as many as 80% of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. While the pain can be debilitating, most are able heal by themselves however, many have to turn to alternative options for treatment.

The foundation of all treatments of back pain is physical therapy yet, depending on the particular cause of back pain, there are additional treatments available. Below are five common causes of back pain and Pain Management treatments to help improve the pain. (more…)

A Slippery Slope: The Most Common Injuries for Skiing and Snowboarding

The holidays are over, but many of us here in the Northeast, or out in the West, are just beginning to hit the slopes. Whether you are a traditional skier, or a “shredder” snowboarder like me, safety is always of the utmost concern. While these two sports tend to be leisurely for many, the possibility of serious and debilitating musculoskeletal injuries should be recognized and prevented as best as possible. (more…)

Nutrition Trends – Separating Fact and Fiction

The nutrition world is constantly buzzing with new trends and the latest and greatest “it” diet or food–many of which aren’t backed by sound nutritional evidence. Separating the trends from the facts is a big part of my job as a registered dietitian. Here are a few thoughts on some of the latest newsmakers and trends of 2015:

Gut health.

Research continues to point to an increasingly important role the gut plays in our overall well-being. Probiotics have been shown to help relieve gastrointestinal symptoms (think bloating, constipation and diarrhea), environmental allergic reactions and may even reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms. From fermented foods and drinks (kimchi or kombucha, anyone?) to our favorite yogurt standbys, keeping our intestines happy should be a priority this year. (more…)

Mount Sinai First in U.S. to Use Drug-Coated Balloon for Peripheral Arterial Disease

The Mount Sinai Hospital became the first institution in the United States to use a U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration-approved drug-coated balloon to reopen arteries in a patient’s leg. The new device was approved last October to treat arteries above the knee that have been narrowed or blocked by peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a potentially life-threatening condition that may cause leg pain, skin ulcers, and gangrene, and can result in amputation if left untreated. (more…)