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Entry bubble Breaking down and calling the doc

By: Jess | February 19, 2009 | Category: Health

The human kneeI’m a runner, and I have a bum knee. Last summer when running hurt so much it brought me to tears, I decided it was time to see the doc. I was sent to physical therapy where I did a bunch of exercises to get things taken care of and off I went when I was fixed.

Except, it turns out I wasn’t so fixed.

So this time when the nagging pain came back, I did a little research. I punched the name of my issue into WebMD, into USA.gov, into every runner’s training resource I could find.

After reading about the symptoms and causes, and running a 5K that left me hobbling around for the rest of the weekend, I finally broke down and called a doctor.

I’m pretty sure he’ll send me for x-rays like last time to make sure nothing is structurally wrong, and then I can only hope for good news.

From what I’ve read it sounds like patellofemoral syndrome (or patellar tracking disorder) takes up to several months to heal. I’m still crossing my fingers that my doc will have some voo-doo magic that will heal me up right quick so I can run a race I’m registered for at the end of March.

I've been pretty lucky that this is the only real medical problem I've ever faced and could easily find information on it. Where do you look for advice and information when you have medical questions or need advice? I'm always interested in hearing about what resources are available.

As for my knee, cross your fingers for me and I’ll keep you posted on how the appointment goes.

| Post a Comment | View Comments [4] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: injuries   injury   jess   knee   knees   overuse   racing   runner's   running   sports  

 

Entry bubble Vancouver 2010!

By: Jake | August 25, 2008 | Category: Fun

Team USA struck gold in the Beijing Olympics. To me, the highlights were Michael Phelps winning a record 8 gold medals, Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin pretty much dominating women's gymnastics and the USA Men's Basketball team making like the Dream Team and winning a gold medal. Jake at Whistler Mountain

As crazy as it may sound, I am already excited about the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia. It makes sense though, since I had a really good time in Vancouver this summer and I am a sucker for skiing, ice hockey, bobsledding and many of the other winter events.

When I was in Vancouver, it was easy to get into the spirit, since construction crews were building event venues and widening the Sea to Sky Highway that connects Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia, site of the alpine, Nordic and sliding events. Like China, I also think that Vancouver has neat cultural offerings that will give their games a distinct feel. Here is what you can expect to see a lot of in 2010:

  • Inukshuk – I am standing in one of these in the picture. The Inuit people of Canada stacked stones in human form across the landscape as guideposts for travelers. Over time, the inukshuks became a symbol of hope and friendship and they are the inspiration for the Ilanaaq—the official symbol of the 2010 Olympic Games.
  • Totem Poles – Another symbol of British Columbia's indigenous past. They are a very popular attraction in the province's capital of Victoria and Vancouver's Stanley Park, one of the largest city parks in North America.
  • Quatchi – One of three Vancouver Olympic mascots, Quatchi is a young sasquatch that inhabits the woods of British Columbia, like the legendary beast his creators were inspired by.

Keep in mind the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games take place at Boise, Idaho in February. But for now, what was your favorite moment from the Olympics?

| View Comments [1] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: canada   jake   olympics   sports   vancouver  

 

Entry bubble The Olympics Are Here!

By: Colleen | August 06, 2008 | Category: Fun

olympic torchLooking ahead to the next two weeks really makes me wish I had TIVO. While I can't complain about spending the next week down the shore on vacay, it is likely that my sunbathing (safely, of course!) schedule will conflict with the viewing times of many of my favorite Olympic events.

Cue that great intro music that NBC plays—the Olympics are back! Starting on Friday (8-8-08), the next two weeks will be packed with intense athletic competition in Beijing, China.

I just love the Olympic Games, especially the summer ones. (I may not be good at it, but events like swimming—I can relate to. Curling? Not so much.) It's great to hear the inspiring stories of these athletes who have basically dedicated their lives to reaching this competition. Through personal sacrifice, injuries, and total dedication, they've reach the pinnacle of their sport.

I'm rooting for Team USA in a few events in particular:

  • Swimming—Michael Phelps has the chance to beat Mark Spitz's record of 7 gold medals in a single Olympics. Watch out for Ryan Lochte, a fellow American, who is hot on his tail. Also, Dara Torres, at age 41, is competing in her 5th Olympics.
  • Gymnastics—Not that the boys aren't impressive, but I'm much more into women's gymnastics. Shawn Johnson has the chance to be the 2nd American in a row to win the all-around gold, only the 3rd in history after Mary Lou Retton and Carly Patterson.
  • Track and Field—Is there anything cooler than holding the title of "fastest man alive"? Tyson Gay may own that as the current American record holder in the 100 meters.

More than anything, the Olympics carry a spirit of camaraderie and international respect that would be nice to see more often than every four years.

What are your favorite events and athletes? Do you have any personal Olympic stories?

| View Comments [2] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: athlete   colleen   competition   medal   olympics   sports  

 

Entry bubble Be Safe for Memorial Day Weekend

By: Nicole | May 23, 2008 | Category: General

When I was in college, my parents lived aboard a 41’ sailboat. I must confess that this arrangement made for fabulous spring break visits to the Florida Keys. I fondly remember the marina restaurants dotted along Boot Key Harbor, where my parents anchored their floating home. Still, the Keys can be a treacherous place to live. I can’t begin to describe the storms my parents weathered while there. Listening to their stories has given me a new appreciation for the importance of boat safety, which brings me to my topic.

For many people, Memorial Day Weekend marks the beginning of summer. Here in the Chesapeake Bay area, we are sure to see folks heading in droves to the water, which is one reason that National Safe Boating Week (May 17-23) always begins the Saturday before Memorial Day Weekend. In recognition of the week, the United States Coast Guard offers important boat safety tips, such as:

    Boat
  • Ensure life jackets are within reach and are worn at all times by children and weaker swimmers.
  • Complete a safe boating course.
  • Properly equip and inspect your vessel; get a free vessel safety inspection.
  • Maintain a prudent speed and respect others on the water.
  • Help fellow boaters in distress.
  • Avoid alcohol while boating.
  • File a float plan to tell others where you will be boating.

The National Library of Medicine offers some additional water safety tips. And the Federal Citizen Information Center offers more information and resources about water safety for swimmers, especially children.

I hope you have a wonderful and safe weekend. I’ll be soaking up the sun, with the appropriate precautions of course!

| View Comments [3] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: boat   boating   memorial   ocean   safety   sports   water   weekend  

 

Entry bubble Play Ball!

By: Colleen | April 02, 2008 | Category: Fun

Monday kicked off my favorite time of the year as a sports fan. It was Opening Day at Citizens Bank Park. baseball

Although the Phils dropped the home opener, it does nothing to diminish my excitement that baseball season is here.

Baseball is my favorite sport to watch in person (followed closely by college basketball and NFL football. On TV my favs are: college basketball, NFL football, college football, and then baseball...the differences in these two lists call for a another post entirely.)

Few things in life beat sitting in the warm sunshine on a clear afternoon with your friends and a hot dog, watching your favorite player crush a home run and your team ultimately winning the game.

Baseball has long been known as our "national pastime" and plays an important role in American history.

  • Each year, the President throws out the first pitch of the World Series
  • Franklin Roosevelt urged MLB to continue play during World War II to boost the spirit of the American people and to show resiliency
  • April 15, 2004 marked the first Jackie Robinson Day. This annual tradition serves as a reminder of when Jackie broke the color barrier—not just sending a message in sports, but society as well.
  • In the spring of 2001, President Bush opened the South Lawn of the White House for kids to play t-ball, keeping in the tradition of the "people's house."

Warm up your vocals and get ready to sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," baseball is back!

| View Comments [3] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: baseball   colleen   national   pastime   president   series   sports   world  

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