Sit-ups use to rule the fitness world. For many years, sit-ups were seen as the golden ticket to stronger abs and a trim waistline. As a fitness-crazed teenager, I often did 500 sit-ups a day! No doubt this likely contributed to my back pain and spinal injuries as an...

  The “core” receives a lot of attention in the fitness and physical therapy world.  However, there is often confusion about what the term “core” really means. People often talk about the core as if it is one big muscle. Predictably, when I ask my patients to...

I love when April rolls around and Farmers’ Markets are up and running again here in the Mid-Atlantic. The arrival of beautiful Spring weather is a perfect reminder of the importance of eating locally produced vegetables and fruits in season for optimum health and...

When I work with my clients, one of the first things I do is look at their daily diet. I observe to see if they are getting enough vegetables, proteins, fibers, and other nutrients, as well as a good variety in their diet.  Quite often what I see is chicken, chicken,...

Move over spinach and kale and make room for bok choy. This Chinese cabbage has been popular in Asian dishes for centuries and is now becoming a rising star in the world of superfoods. It has a mild, sweet flavor and crispy texture that combines nicely with many...

Eating should be pleasurable and enjoyable. However, you also have to remember that what you put into your mouths 3-4 times a day can have a significant impact on your health. First and foremost, food is intended to fuel and nourish your body. Your brain and body...

I suffered from GI symptoms for years. I had ongoing stomach pain, heartburn, bloating, and excessive gas that left me feeling miserable, and my stomach distended day after day.  When I sought medical treatment, I was first diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome and...