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Like the steel framework of a high-rise building, our body’s skeletal structure and connecting tissues support our active lifestyles throughout the day. Unlike a building’s framework, we can actually strengthen and improve our internal framework every day to stay healthy and avoid injuries.

October is Healthy Bone and Joint Month, so active people of all ages, especially aging adults, should “listen to their body” and take stock of what hurts after mowing the yard, walking the dog or competing in weekend sports.

For 10 years, Michael F. experienced random, 24 - hour periods where he would become violently ill, in what he described as, “the closest [he’s] ever felt to death.” These bouts of sickness led him to the emergency room many times looking for answers. He tried to speak with his doctor about his symptoms to no avail.

As a childbirth educator and doula, I have always maintained a holistic mind frame of the human body and its functions. When I am teaching a childbirth education class or attending a birth as a doula, I am always amazed at how every function of our bodies has a purpose. During my classes, I work hard to convey how body and mind work together in both pregnancy and birth. Maintenance and preparation for this dual relationship between mind and body is just as vital.

How does exercise and fitness play a role in a healthy pregnancy?

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is very common among adults. Despite how many people have high blood pressure, many are unaware they even have it because it’s often experienced without any symptoms at all, only identified only through a blood pressure reading. And while blood pressure readings can be conveniently measured at home, many adults are unfamiliar with what to look for and how to translate the results.

It is easy to think of diaper changing as the stinky work that nobody wants to do. True, there are some uncomfortable moments and some less than fragrant smells, but these few minutes with your baby can tell a person more than you might consider. Diapers are an excellent barometer of the quality of feeding for breastfeeding mothers and the perfect chance for bonding. The kind of diapers used are not important when it comes to checking feedings or bonding. The type of diaper used is important when cost, time and the environment are considered.  

While pregnant on a trip to California with her husband, Kyle, in September 2019, Connie suddenly became very ill and swollen.

Still concerned about her health once she arrived back home in New Mexico days later, her mother encouraged her to go to the doctor. She was worried  she may be experiencing preeclampsia, a complication usually experienced later in pregnancy that causes organ damage.

Lisa Markland and her husband Dave Markland completed the 10K for the Run, Walk & Roll event on the C&O Canal towpath that went from Darnestown to Potomac, Maryland and back. Her husband is a very healthy 62-year-old Coast Guard veteran but Lisa’s story is a bit unique, and why they chose this particular race challenge (for her, this was a true challenge in every way). She wanted to share it with us.

On August 2, 2020, Brandon Esquibel was going to meet a friend when the unthinkable happened: he had to make a split-second decision when a truck was barreling toward him from behind as he was approaching a red light on his motorcycle. Brandon knew he had two options: get slammed by the truck or speed through the red light hoping he’d make it to the other side of the road safely. He took a shot crossing the intersection and collided with another vehicle.

“Her urine test came back dirty. She is a drug user.”

OR

“She tested positive for an illegal substance. She may have substance use disorder.”