SO...You Wrenched Your Back...Again...

You played that Saturday morning tennis match or round of golf....thought you were Serena Williams or Tiger Woods and really went for that tough shot....now it's Sunday morning and you can't move without yelping in pain and realize I don't work weekends.  What's a doggie to do???

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  How many times have I had patients call early Monday morning because they wrenched their backs out on Saturday morning and haven't been able to move since then.  How many times have I suggested daily yoga, stretching and a weekly acupuncture session to ensure this doesn't happen?  If you listen to what I tell you to do, and come in for your weekly treatments, you would improve your game....not regress.  If you come in for treatments only when you are injured, you defeat the purpose of your game - to get better, stronger, faster and much more precise.  Get with the program today:  exercise, stretch and come in for weekly sessions!

Pain And Soreness Is A Sign

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  If you have been experiencing pain and/or soreness after a physical activity or perhaps sleeping in an odd position - it's time to get yourself into my office and have a treatment.  Pain and soreness are two symptoms whereby your body is telling you something is wrong and needs to be fixed.  Take the hint and take care of your body immediately before a small ache or pain becomes a debilitating condition.  It's the weekend...how many of you are going out to play and how many of you cannot because your back, legs or some other body part is aching???

Poison Ivy and Some Remedies

After trying seemingly every natural product out there to treat my poison ivy rash, and not being able to get to Chinatown to have a 'soak' cooked up for myself (given my busy schedule here at the office), I have had the typical patient experience of this nasty plant's poison.  I always preach that the right medicine for the right pathology; that's why I work closely with several surgeons and allotpathic specialists.  An S.O.S. call to my internist was key here.  My dear doctor squeezed me in as his last patient of the day, and together, we had some good laughs over my latest adventure.  A few steroid pills and seriously strong topical creme and one day later, I'm like a new person.  No itchy skin, no burning and the fluid has drained from the dermal layer of my skin.  The redness is still there, but no symptoms.  The prednisone is pretty evil stuff (can give you palpitations, insomnia, bloating), but for 2 days, I'll bite the bullet and get this rash over with at last.  I think I'll take my doctor's advice and be a good patient....I'll take this weekend off from the hedges and hit some golf balls instead!  Doctor heal thyself...

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day: ....special thanks to all my friends in Wurtsboro for their kindness, compassion and healthy tips to make MY experience with poison ivy more bearable.  A very special thank you to Connie, who, when giving me natural rememdies, reminded me that I really should be checking for ticks....I'll talk about that next time, 'cause I had nothing else to worry about for the moment.  For all you urbanites out there dashing out to the countryside for some fresh air, fun and relaxation....just remember, it's a jungle out there!  Know before you go and be prepared for everything!