Palm Beach North Sports - December 2021

D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 1 | P A L M B E A C H N O R T H SPORTS 5 EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS INSURANCE Lisa Sliney, MS New York Life Insurance Company 18421 Lake Bend Drive Jupiter, FL 33458 561-706-1951 lsliney@newyorklife.com www.newyorklife.com/agent/lsliney To learn more about becoming an Expert Contributor contact Wayne Canner at wcanner@bestversionmedia.comor 40 7-697-8735. REAL ESTATE Guy Deegiacinto, Realtor Keller Williams Coastal Partners 250 South Australian Avenue West Palm Beach, FL 33401 561-371-8287 guy@guydegiacinto.com www.guydegiacinto.com Running is an excellent workout that benefits both the body and the mind. It can improve heart and lung function, strengthen muscles, and improve overall physical fitness. It releases feel-good chemicals in the brain that improve mood and reduce stress. With the cooler months and lower humidity, it’s the perfect time of year to start running, says Dr. James Carr, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine at HSS Florida in West Palm Beach. And you don’t have to run fast or long distances to start feeling good. He says the first order of business is a good running shoe. “The brand isn’t as important as the right type of shoe for one’s foot. Some people have a very good understanding of their body, and they know that they need a certain kind of shoe,” he says. “However, for someone just starting out, I often recommend going to a specialized running shoe store where they can analyze your feet, analyze how you walk and run, and suggest shoes based on your specific needs.” Dr. Carr’s next recommendation is “slow and steady” for people just starting out or those getting back into the activity after taking a break. “It’s all about gradually easing into it to reduce the risk of overdoing it, which could lead to injury,” he says. He advises beginning runners to start off by alternating walking and jogging. “I tell patients not to worry about distance and timing right off the bat. Give yourself a month or two, and then you can start setting higher goals. You’ll actually find that you’ll make quicker gains if you don’t overexert yourself early on.” It’s important for people to listen to their body, and pain is a signal to stop the activity and take a rest, he says. A sudden injury that causes severe pain, or gradual onset pain that doesn’t go away after several days of rest should prompt a visit to the doctor. For experienced running enthusiasts forced to abandon the activity due to arthritis, advances in joint replacement surgery can get them back on course. In the past, physicians feared consistent high-impact activities would put stress on the joint and cause the implant to wear out sooner. Dr. John Wang, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee and hip replacement at HSS Florida, says newer implants and technology have made it possible for many patients to return to running after surgery. One advance is a cementless knee replacement in which the implant is “press-fit” into the bone without the use of cement. “The bone grows into implant for biologic fixation, and we believe it will form a forever bond that enables the joint replacement to last longer,” he explains. The experts agree that it’s never too late to start running for exercise. “Running is an investment in one’s own health and well-being at any age,” Dr. Carr says. “If it’s something people enjoy, I encourage them to pursue it wisely.” HSS Florida offers a wide range of services for individuals seeking highly specialized orthopedic care. Diagnostic imaging, including MRI, and a Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center are available onsite. HSS FLORIDA RUNNING FOR ALL AGES Submitted by HHS Florida