Introducing StrengthTape: Enhanced with Ion Health Technology

Written by Laura Turianski

Friday, 16 November 2012 04:14

StrengthTape is a naturally enhanced kinesiology tape that amplifies the benefits of the tape. StrengthTape is infused with microscopic particles of seven different minerals and gemstones, which create negative ions, or anions, that are absorbed through the skin and into the body. Negative ions help to protect against overuse and injury by increasing antioxidants, which protect cells against free radicals. Anions have been associated with increased energy, reduced pain, improved endurance, and reduced inflammation, important benefits for both serious athletes and weekend warriors.

How does StrengthTape’s anion technology work?

StrengthTape comes in both precut strips and uncut rolls. Its latex-free adhesive is durable enough to be worn up to 7 days continuously, providing long-lasting benefits.

Theratape exclusive discount: Manufacturing issues have delayed the first shipment of StrengthTape until late November. For a limited time you can preorder for delivery around December 1st and receive an instant rebate of $2 for each roll you order! Order today, click here!

Archery, the latest comeback sport

Written by Laura Turianski

Friday, 09 November 2012 03:04

Archery is making a comeback due to recent attention from the pop culture world. Despite archery being one of the oldest sports in history, young heroine archers Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games and Merida of Pixar’s Brave, as well as Hawkeye from The Avengers have transformed this traditional sport into a cool and powerful hobby, particularly with kids and teenagers. Sales of archery bows have steadily increased over the past year, as have enrollment in archery programs.

The appeal?

Other than the current cool factor, it is fairly easy to pick up the basics of archery and, after a minimal amount of practice, take satisfaction in seeing your arrow hit the intended target. Plus, you can begin practicing archery for fairly little money.

How to get started?

You should located an archery shop close to you and talk to the staff to pinpoint which areas of the sport would suit you best and get equipment recommendations. Many archery shops will allow you to rent equipment for a reasonable price and lots of them feature indoor ranges as well. You might also consider joining a local archery club to make friends and learn from those more experienced than yourself. You can find archery clubs near you through USA Archery or, if there are none available to you, find information on starting an archery club.

Safety First

Don’t forget to be safety-conscious when you are practicing archery. Your backyard may not be the most ideal place to shoot, particularly if you live in an urban area where someone could be injured by a stray area. Most likely there is an archery range within a short distance from your home where you can safely practice.

Sports Injuries: Doctor vs. Self Treating

Thursday, 01 November 2012 04:59

When it comes to sports injuries, sometimes it’s hard to tell if you should treat it at home or if medical intervention is really necessary.  After all, the most common medical advice offered to sports injury victims is to rest, relax, and stay off the injured area. Not to mention, going to see a doctor requires time and money. So, here are some important factors to consider when you’re determining if you should see a doctor or self treat a sports injury:

Type of injury

There are 3 types of conditions an athlete may encounter: acute injuries, overuse injuries, and medical illnesses or conditions. Many acute injuries can be self-treated as long as the injury isn’t severe, such as an obvious fracture, dislocation of a joint, prolonged swelling, or prolonged or severe pain. It is important that any athlete with a chronic injury or medical condition be evaluated by a doctor before participating in sports to avoid compounding the pre-existing condition with a new injury, which could lead to a debilitating injury.

Red Flags

If you experience any of these red flags, you should get medical attention:

-Pain that gets progressively worse

-Pain while you’re at rest or at night

-Bruises or joint swelling that do not heal

-Loss of consciousness at the time of injury

-Numbness on or near an injured area

Self Treating

Minor injuries that do not meet any of the above criteria should be cared for using the P.R.I.C.E. method:

Protect the area with braces, splints or immobilizers

Rest for the first 24-48 hours to avoid re-injuring the area

Ice should be applied 20 minutes at a time, 4 to 8 times per day, for the first 96 hours to reduce swelling and inflammation. Remember not to let ice make direct contact with the skin.

Compression will prevent swelling as well. Be sure to wrap the area tight enough to control swelling, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation

Elevate, try to get the injury above heart level

Rehabilitation is shown to strengthen muscles and ligaments and speed recovery without causing further injury.

Returning to normal use

Every injury is unique, as is every athlete and the circumstances contributing to the injury, so, unfortunately, there is no uniform answer. The more severe the injury, the longer it will take to fully heal. Try to be patient and trust your body. If you’re in doubt, seek the advice of a professional who specializes in athletes.

Soccer: The best treatment for hypertension

Monday, 22 October 2012 16:27

A recent European study shows the best way to reduce hypertension is actually playing soccer. “Playing soccer scores a hat trick for men with hypertension: It reduces blood pressure, improves fitness and burns fat,” stated lead researcher Peter Krustrup of the University of Exeter in a press release.

The study monitored 33 men age 33-54, all with mild to moderate hypertension. Half of the men took part in soccer training sessions for 1 hour twice a week, the other half, the control group, followed the advice of a general practitioner…get active and eat healthy. The researchers examined the men’s status after three months and six months and found that the soccer-playing group had reduced their blood pressure by 10 mmHg on average, while the GP group only reduced theirs by 5 mmHg. In addition, the soccer group increased their oxygen intake and exercise capacity by 10%, and they also saw a decrease in their body fat mass and their resting heart rate was reduced by 8 bpm.

What about the control group? Researchers saw no significant improvements in any of these areas.

According to the CDC about 1 in every 3 American adults, or 68 million, have high blood pressure, so it’s exciting news that soccer can have such a positive impact.

Krustrup and his team are now interested to find if other sports, such as basketball and football (American), have the same health benefits. They’re also studying how soccer affects the heart’s structure and function, so we can better understand why soccer impacts hypertension more acutely than the traditional methods of diet and exercise. Researchers are also investigating how soccer affects hypertension in women.