News

By Robert Forster, Physical Therapist

There has been a lot written about fat in both the popular press and in sports related journals and magazines. We are, athletes and the sedentary alike, a society obsessed with fat. We are obsessed with fat in our diets and on our bodies and with good reason. Over 1 million people worldwide are overweight and in many countries including the U.S. these numbers are increasing at an alarming rate. Sixty five percent of U.S. adults are overweight compared with 56% a decade ago. Since 1980 obesity in children has escalated three-fold and now 15% of children over six are overweight. Some scientists think this generation may actually have a shorter lifespan than its immediate predecessor. Additionally, two effects of obesity; high blood pressure and heart disease have recently made the top ten list of global health risks from the World Health Organization.

By Robert Forster, Physical Therapist

Exercise in extreme heat puts great stress on numerous physiological systems of the body. It can severely debilitate athletic performances, create bodily damage, illness and, in extreme cases, cause death. Knowing how the body reacts to heat can help you combat this environmental stress intelligently and prevent it from ruining your preparation for a great performance.

You have planned for months for the biggest triathlon race of the year. It is a true test of your fitness and the many hours of preparation you have invested in your training. NOW is the time when it is all supposed to come together for a great day of racing. On race day you barely notice it feels a little warmer than home because you are distracted with pre-race preparation. You are not accustomed to drinking from the tap so forego your usual jump on hydration but make a mental note to drink more at breakfast. You rush through breakfast and suddenly find yourself at the start a bit thirsty. You attribute the dry mouth to nerves but you are already sweating as the time for your wave to go off approaches. As you pummel your way through the crowded water it's "water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink."