Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is commonly seen in sports such as soccer, rugby, and skiing. Although many individuals initially recover well, the ongoing instability often prevents return to sports and leads to further knee injury, and the risk of developing future osteoarthritis becomes increased. Bracing is rarely sufficient. Surgical reconstruction performed early, within 3-6 weeks, helps to minimize the risk of further injury. ACL surgery should be treated as an urgent matter: assessment, diagnosis, and surgery can usually be completed within a few weeks. The athlete, elite, or weekend-warrior can then start early rehabilitation to maximize the benefits of the knee reconstruction.

Research has shown that motion is so critical to our body’s health that a lack of motion has a detrimental effect on everything from digestion to our emotional state, immune function, our ability to concentrate, how well we sleep, and even to how long we live. If your lifestyle does not include enough motion, your body cannot function efficiently. You may suffer from a wide variety of physical ailments, ranging from headaches to high blood pressure; you may experience reduced energy levels and the lack of ability to mentally focus; and because you have less energy, your activity level may drop off even further over time.

Q: What are blisters? A: Blisters are the accumulation of fluid between the inner and outer layers of the skin. They are rarely a serious concern but can become infected and more problematic if not treated correctly. They are often caused by prolonged friction between your foot, socks, and shoes. A blister should be drained, by sterile technique, as soon as possible. If blisters are excessively painful, persistent, or infected, see your doctor or podiatrist for treatment. Wearing dual-layer or blister-free socks will minimize friction and moisture, and help keep you less susceptible to blister formation. Neoprene insoles may also help reduce friction.

Q: I take daily medication for my diabetes. However, the medication does not decrease my blood sugar levels. Can acupuncture treat this? A: Yes, acupuncture can supplement diabetes medication. In Chinese medical views, diabetes is a result of a weakened digestive system. Upon proper diagnosis, practitioners can use acupuncture to balance out the meridians, and the blood sugar levels will naturally drop, sometimes from one treatment alone. Acupuncturists use thin, short needles of ~1.3 cm that are painless, yet effective. Regular follow-up appointments can result in a better maintained morning fasting blood glucose.

Getting in a last camping trip with your pet? Don’t forget how warm the interior of the vehicle can get on sunny days. It’s important to keep your pet’s temperature at a comfortable level. At the campground, control your pet so there are no dangers from dogfights or from wildlife attacks by keeping it leashed or tethered. Prevent getting into food temptations that may lead to burns from fires or spills with hot liquids. Also avoid feeding scraps to pets, which may upset their stomachs. Finally, make sure your pet is tick protected if travelling through the brush.