Whether you’re a fitness newbie or looking to get back on track, starting an exercise routine can be a challenge. With a few practical strategies, overcoming exercise barriers including busy schedules, lack of motivation or fear of injury is possible. Learn how to navigate the challenges of maintaining a regular exercise routine and unlock your full fitness potential.  “Time and finances are some of the most common reasons that people feel they are unable to get regular physical activity,” says Erin Fausett, exercise physiologist at OhioHealth. “Making your health and fitness a priority c ..read more

One of the summer’s greatest gifts is the bounty of fresh, sweet berries it delivers. Usually, by the end of May, you can start enjoying nature’s nuggets of sweetness, with fresh berries ripe for picking available into fall. Mother Nature ultimately decides when the harvest of berries is available, but generally you can count on: May:  Strawberries mid-to-late in the month June: Blueberries, black and red raspberries, strawberries July:  Blueberries, black and red raspberries, blackberries August and September: Blueberries, blackberries Here’s a list of u-pick farms throughout ..read more

Whether you’re hoping to shed a few pounds, tone up for summer or boost your cardiac health, starting a new workout routine can be intimidating. Setting achievable goals is key to developing any new exercise plan.  Amy Kleski, director of retail operations for the McConnell Heart Health Center and the Neuroscience Wellness Center at OhioHealth, offers tips on how to strike the perfect balance between challenging yourself and achieving realistic milestones.  “Ask yourself why you want to get fit and what that means to you,” says Amy. “Your goals should go beyond how you look or a numb ..read more

Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or just starting out, we have some valuable advice on how to prepare for the upcoming race season this spring and summer.  Ben Bring, DO, sports medicine physician at OhioHealth and medical director of the OhioHealth Capital City Half & Quarter Marathon, has tips every runner can use to improve running speed, increase distance and prevent injuries. Injury prevention Even longtime runners can push themselves too far and too fast. Dr. Bring says it’s better to run shorter distances slowly with proper body mechanics than ramp up your mileage too quick ..read more

Cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of men and women around the globe. Common heart health tests, including electrocardiograms, stress tests and echocardiograms, can help heart doctors (cardiologists) identify heart conditions earlier than ever before. Abimbola Shofu, MD, a cardiologist at OhioHealth, outlines the most common methods used to evaluate your heart health, when the tests are needed and what they can identify.  “Diagnostic cardiac tests are not something you should try to avoid, even if you don’t have any risk factors,” says Dr. Shofu. “Many people with heart dis ..read more

Whether you’re training for your first 5K or looking to pick up a PR at your next marathon, Ohio has some awesome running clubs that can help you jump-start your fitness goals. Know of an amazing running club in your area? Let us know! We’d love to add it to the list. Athens Southeastern Ohio Trail Runners (SEOTR)Running connects people. This is a core belief at SEOTR, which welcomes all runners into its family of trail-lovers. Ohio Valley Running CompanyOhio Valley Running Company prides itself on being the only locally owned store for running, walking and outdoor fitness. Jonathan and Ariana ..read more

We share the 4 most common injuries — and what to do if they occur Let’s face it: Accidents happen. But not every accident deserves a meltdown. Here are the four most common emergencies — and how to stay calm if they happen. 1. Burns If your child has a burn, whether from scalding water or the sun, run the injured area under cold water. Tip: Cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth to help reduce any risk of infection, and be sure to clean the area thoroughly before applying any kind of ointment. If the burn is minor, a trip to your primary care doctor is the best option. If the burn is more sev ..read more

The arrival of a new baby is a precious time for any family. While your newborn is the center of attention, the weeks after giving birth are an important time of recovery for new mothers. We have postpartum recovery tips, expert advice and strategies to help you during the 12 weeks after delivery, known as the fourth trimester. “The weeks after your baby is born are the next phase of giving birth,” explains Eleanor Byrum, CNP, advanced practice nurse practitioner, lactation and breastfeeding specialist and mother of five. “During the fourth trimester, new moms can go through a vast range ..read more

Anyone struggling with knee pain knows how quickly it can knock you off your feet. Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury or age-related wear and tear, an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist can help you understand what’s causing your discomfort and how to find knee pain relief.  What’s causing your knee pain? Understanding the cause of your pain will lead to a more effective knee injury treatment. Often, your age is tied to the cause of your knee pain.  Some common conditions that cause knee pain include: Jumper’s knee ITB syndrome, a common cause of pain in the outer kne ..read more

A cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming and difficult experience for patients and their families. Coordinating the spectrum of care needed to fight cancer takes a village, and OhioHealth patients have an advantage: a cancer navigator program to guide you through your treatments, offer health education and provide the support needed to manage your cancer diagnosis.  “As cancer navigators, we have the connections and ability to advocate for our patients,” says Katherine Ghilani, an oncology social work navigator at OhioHealth. “Our role is making sure our patients have what they ..read more