Guest Author: Anjani Amladi Anjani Amladi is a 2nd year medical student at The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC). She was raised in San Ramon, CA and earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences at The University of California at Davis. She has a special interest in alternative medicine, wellness and preventive care. Her goal is to …
Exercise Tips for Those with Osteoarthritis
Patients often tell me that they would like to exercise but hesitate due to their knee or hip pain. They want to know what type of exercise is best for those suffering from osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative arthritis. It is the most common form of arthritis in the knee. It is …
A Little Sun and Vitamin D
Spring is here … the days are longer and sun stronger! This winter I saw local dermatologist, Dr. Ted Stampien, Jr. and his wife, Susan, driving in their convertible. I joked that the only time a dermatologist feels protected from the sun while riding in a convertible is in the winter with the top up. …
Obesity Symposium Part 3 of 3: Bariatric Surgery
In an effort to address the Keystone State’s growing problem with obesity, TCMC with host the 1st Annual Keystone Program – Obesity Symposium 2013 on April 6, 2013. The World Health Organization has classified obesity as a chronic disease and determined that it is reaching epidemic proportions, not only in the United States, but globally. …
Obesity Symposium Part 2 of 3: Bariatric Surgery
The Commonwealth Medical College presents: The 1st Annual Keystone Program “Obesity Symposium 2013” In an effort to address the Keystone State’s growing problem with obesity, TCMC with host the 1st Annual Keystone Program – Obesity Symposium 2013 on April 6, 2013. The World Health Organization has classified obesity as a chronic disease and determined that …
Obesity Symposium Part 1 of 3: Childhood Obesity
The Commonwealth Medical College presents: The 1st Annual Keystone Program “Obesity Symposium 2013” In an effort to address the Keystone State’s growing problem with obesity, TCMC with host the 1st Annual Keystone Program – Obesity Symposium 2013 on April 6, 2013. The World Health Organization has classified obesity as a chronic disease and determined that …
Safe Cycling Tips – Part 2 of 2
Part 2 of 2 Spring has sprung! Dust off your bikes and discover the beauty and challenge of biking in NEPA. Whether you are a rural or urban dweller, the Countryside Conservancy Trails at Lackawanna State Park or the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority trails can meet your needs. By my view, Tour de Scranton is …
Safe Cycling for Good Exercise – Part 1 of 2
Part 1 of 2 Spring has sprung! Dust off your bikes and discover the beauty and challenge of biking in NEPA. Whether you are an rural or urban dweller, the Countryside Conservancy Trails at Lackawanna State Park or the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority Trails can meet your needs. By my view, Tour de Scranton is …
The New Doctor-Patient Relationship – Part 2 of 2
Part 2 of 2 Guest Author: Nicholas J. Russo, The Commonwealth Medical College Guest Author: Nicholas J. Russo, is a recent honors graduate of the Master of Biomedical Sciences Program at The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) where he participated in several research and community service projects. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Technological …
The New Doctor-Patient Relationship – Part 1 of 2
Guest Author: Nicholas J. Russo, The Commonwealth Medical College MBS Class of 2012 The New Doctor-Patient Relationship Part I of II Guest Author: Nicholas J. Russo, is a recent honors graduate of the Masters of Biomedical Sciences Program at The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) where he participated in several research and community service projects. …
Exercise and Be Happy – Part 2 of 2 on Depression
Last week in Part I on Depression I discussed the importance of laughter for the prevention of depression. In this column, I will discuss one of the most understated benefits of exercise – mental health! Specifically, aerobic exercise (exercise that increases your heart rate for 30 minutes or more) such as walking, biking, running, swimming, …
Laugh Your Way to Happiness: Part 1 of 2 on Depression
The decorations are long gone. Family and friends are back to their routines. The bills from the holidays have arrived and winter has hit hard with too many short, cold, dark and dreary days. It only takes a few other problems like stress at work and health issues to put you over the edge… Depression …
Studies Show that Sitting is Unhealthy
Mim Joseph, a librarian retired from the North Pocono School District, is someone whom I have held in high regard for many years. She has been retired from her career for many years but has not retired from life…she is open-minded, intellectually curious and reads incessantly. She remains active despite some recent health issues and …
Health and Exercise Forum Welcomes The Commonwealth Medical College in the New Year
In 2013, “Health & Exercise Forum” will begin a new and exciting journey. Beginning the first two Mondays of the new year, students from The Commonwealth Medical College author columns on a regular basis throughout the year. TCMC students have worked long and hard in 2012 researching, discussing and drafting columns in between their rigorous …
Holiday Health Tips for Seniors
According to American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), seniors are considered those 50 years old and older! By this definition, as hard as it is to admit, I am a senior and as one, I offer holiday health tips for seniors. Overindulgence during the holidays causes many seniors make New Year’s resolutions related to diet …
Don’t Let Snow Shoveling Be a Pain in the Back
I have two big strong sons who are in college in Philadelphia and miss them very much this time of year! While I love winter, I am not very fond of snow removal. Much has been written about the dangers of snow shoveling on your heart. However, while not fatal, low back pain is the …
Make Adjustments for Temperature and Exercise Year-Round
Many people living in Northeastern Pennsylvania exercise outdoors year round. The psychological benefits are many. We live in such a beautiful environment. Each season brings its own beauty: The fresh green spring, the warm summer breezes, the colorful fall leaves, and the silent white blanket of winter snow. However, you may have to make some …
Prevent Ski Injuries: Part 2 of 2
Part 2 of 2 Like many in NEPA, I love winter in great part due to my love for downhill and cross-country skiing. However, with age and wisdom, I have become much more aware of the need for safety through the use of proper equipment, good technique (Part I – Last Week) and preseason conditioning …
Prevent Ski Injuries: Part 1 of 2
Prevention of Ski Injuries Requires Conditioning, Good Judgment, Equipment Checks, And Good Technique! Part 1 of 2 Like many in NEPA, I love winter in great part due to my love for downhill and cross-country skiing. NEPA is home to many great family ski resorts. Although, I don’t remember when the half-way-house was …
Exercise Can Improve Quality of Life for Those With COPD – Part 2 of 2
Exercise Can Improve Quality of Life for Those with COPD Part 2 of 2 November is National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) month. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This problem refers to a group of lung diseases that causes …
Lung Disease and Exercise: Part 1 of 2
Part 1 of 2 on Lung Disease and Exercise World COPD Day 2012 is Wednesday November 14th! The purpose of this two part series on lung disease is to raise the level of awareness for the prevention and treatment of this disease. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has become the …
Exercise is Free Medicine
In November our nation celebrates two nostalgic days of remembrance; the birthday of the United States Marine Corps (November 10th) and Veterans Day (November 11th). Both are designated to remind Americans of the selfless sacrifice that millions of courageous men and women gave of their ‘today’s’ so we could have our ‘tomorrows’. They purchased our …
Physical Activity & Constipation: Exercise Moves You In the Right Way
While I fully expect to be at the “butt end” of many comments for this column, I feel compelled to address this topic at the request of several patients. It seems that many geriatric physical therapists commonly encounter patients that suffer from constipation which limits their participation in rehabilitation. Ironically, research demonstrates that exercise and …
Knee Arthritis Part 2 of 2: Are You Ready for a New Knee?
Part 2 of 2 I have been advising my patients to exercise, keep active and walk as long as they can in order to stay mobile and healthy. However, seniors often tell me activities that require prolonged weight bearing or walking are limited by knee pain from arthritis. Six years ago, I discussed this topic …
Battling Knee Arthritis – Part 1 of 2
Part 1 of 2 I have been advising my patients to exercise, keep active, and walk as long as they can in order to stay mobile and healthy. However, seniors often tell me activities that require prolonged walking are limited by knee pain from arthritis. They often ask, “What is arthritis of the knee?” How …
National Physical Therapy Month – Exercise Your Mind and Body
USE IT OR LOOSE IT – EXERCISE MIND AND BODY! October is National Physical Therapy Month! Physical therapists are excited about new research which reinforces what we have all suspected; physical activity improves cognitive function and mental activity improves physical function. Mariel Consagra, a local teacher, discovered this research while assisting her husband, Atty. Charles …
Preparing for the Steamtown Marathon
Provisional Bag/First Aide Kit It is one week away from the 16th Steamtown Marathon. This column is dedicated to all the runners preparing for the big day. One small piece of advice; start slowly, avoid the first mile adrenaline sprint downhill, and enjoy the journey! Remember, only one Olympic marathon winner (Juan Zabala, Argentina, 1932) …
Breast Cancer and Frozen Shoulder
Now that NEPA has just supported another successful “Race for the Cure,” and with October named as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am dedicating today’s column to the brave women and their families and friends affected by breast cancer. Presently, in our clinic we have several women suffering a tight or “frozen shoulder” as …
Living With a Cast or Splint
One of the most common questions I receive from patients is related to the management and care of their cast or splint. Given the fact that one has to live with a cast or splint for four to six weeks (sometimes less, sometimes more) many people have concerns about hygiene, swelling, pain and function while …
Childhood Obesity Damaging to Bones & Joints
Guest Columnist: Janet Caputo, PT, DPT, OCS September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month! As a child, I was a “chubby” and I still struggle with my weight. I preferred playing indoors with Barbie dolls while my “skinny” cousins played softball and rode their bikes. My parents, remembering many nights when they went to …
