House Call, MD: Health Carefully Explained

by G. John Mullen, SPT, CSCS | mullen@myhousecallmd.com

Whether you’re Kerri Walsh or an annual beachgoer wearing 100+ sun block, you’re likely to get your hands on a volleyball during your next trip to the beach.  Beach Volleyball is a tough sport but remains omnipresent due to the ease with which newcomers can pick up the sport (almost anyone can hit a few volleys).  No matter your ability, injuries can occur which means that injury prevention should be an inherent part of your pre-beach routine.  You may remember the infamous kinesio tape on Ms. Walsh’s shoulder during the 2008 Olympics providing her the strength, stamina and the extra 6 inches (ok, maybe not the height) she needed to win the Olympic gold. The shoulder is the second most commonly injured site in volleyball, second only to the ankle.  (Read about the prevention and treatment of ankle sprains here).

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by Joshua Goldman, MD, MBA | goldman@myhousecallmd.com

Summer vacations provide the opportunity to travel all over the globe.  While you can’t take your gym with you during your travels, there are plenty of ways to exercise while on the road.  Follow these tips to stay in shape while enjoying your time away from home:

1. Make the commitment: We have a tendency to abandon our workout routine while traveling.  Our recommendation: Don’t!  Commit to working out 3-5 times per week no matter what during your travels and stick to it.  You’ll have more energy and feel better throughout your trip (it’s science).
2. Take advantage of the local resources: Each region of the world has unique natural resources to enjoy.  Incorporate each region’s unique attributes into your exercise routine.  Try rock climbing in Utah, rowing on the Charles River in Boston, biking in the Swiss Alps, running in the streets of Florence or the hiking in the jungles of Panama.

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