Health

Fast Fixes

Each year, it seems a new diet fad is born. “Keto,” “paleo,” “low-carb” and “low-fat” are a few weight-loss diet fads making the rounds on social media and appearing on grocery store shelves. Losing weight tops many New Year’s resolution lists, but the clinical process is more complicated and individualized than simply adopting the diet […]

Mental Wellness

About 847,000 adults through- out Missouri live with mental illness, according to a 2016 study by the Missouri Division of Behavioral Health. The National Institute of Mental Health indicates that roughly 20 percent of adolescents, either currently or at some point during their lives, have had a seriously debilitating mental disorder. The need for proper […]

Fit or Fat?

In the past five years, Columbia has steadily climbed Livibility.com’s “Top 100 Best Places to Live” rankings. The community has leapt from the 46th position in 2014 to 21st in 2018. In addition to recreation, schools, real estate and business, the list takes community health into consideration. Niche.com also gave a nod to Columbia in […]

Freezing Fitness

To look at Matt Taylor, one would quickly deduce he is no stranger to the gym. An avid weightlifter, Taylor has dealt with the aches, pains and injuries that come with vigorous exercise. About two years ago, he came upon a new way to deal with his ailments that has also inspired a new business […]

Get Jacked!

No secret in vegan and vegetarian circles, jackfruit has been gaining traction in mainstream cuisine as many look to eat fewer meat-based meals or try more exotic foods. Jackfruit is having a moment. A species of tree in the fig, mulberry and bread-fruit family native to southwest India, the jackfruit produces a large, bright green, […]

Magical Potion

For centuries, “vinegars” have had the reputation of be-ing the ultimate DIY potion for all things household, ranging from shiny bathtubs to eliminating the nastiest of odors. So, what is so special about apple cider vinegar (ACV), and how did it top the health charts after the advent of social media? ACV is fermented apple […]

Sound Sleep

Humans spend an average of one-third of their lives asleep. Therefore, it’s clear that adequate sleep is essential for the human body to function optimally. For more than 18 million American adults, sleep apnea interrupts those few hours of much-needed slumber every night, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder […]

Holiday Stress Busters

After a year of discussing ways to live a healthier version of yourself, we are finally approaching the happiest, busiest and, ironically, most stressful time of the year. Sure, for the kids (and possibly the kid in us all), this is the time for chestnuts, Santa, presents and sleigh bells. However, for the adult in […]

Remedies That Work

Preparing for the fall season includes several fun things: cold and crisp air, leaves turning red and, of course, apple cider and pumpkin spice lattes. The last thing any of us wishes or plans for is to combat the flu. Last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), multiple strains of […]

Going to Pot

When the Columbia City Council passed a resolution in February that supported statewide medical marijuana legalization, it stepped out of its comfort zone and into a familiar place — at the vanguard of progressive policy in Missouri. In 2004, Columbia became the first city in the state to decriminalize possession of minor amounts of marijuana, […]

Fitness Transition

The end of summer signifies several transitions: the start of the new school year, diminishing sunlight and the last time you might be able to indulge in that classic smell of chlorine by the poolside for at least another year. The crisp fall air, sightings of colorful and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, and the red […]

Silver Lining

In 2017, Jennifer Hecker began noticing fatigue and pain in her leg. With a little massage, it would go away, so she dismissed it as perhaps a developing cardiovascular issue or diabetes. The pain began to migrate to her arms — first her left, then the right — so she scheduled a physical with her […]

Eating Out

Eating out is an integral part of our culture. In fact, it is synonymous with celebrations, long and hectic work schedules, or a quick fix when a fast-food run allows for time with family. When eating out is inevitable, knowing where to look for healthy alternatives will help you stay in the vicinity of the […]

Mirage Or Paradise

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with a gastrointestinal disorder, celiac disease, or have been following social media accounts that claim going gluten-free is a magic pill for weight loss, the pros and cons of a gluten-free diet vary. Before you embark on a gluten-free lifestyle, it’s worth gaining an understanding of the many facets of gluten […]

The Sunshine Vitamin

The festive season may have come to an end, but winter is just getting started and plans to stick around for a few months. Many use January to atone for two months of indulgent holiday eating and refocus on health goals. One in three Americans will make a New Year’s resolution to lose weight, but […]

Healthy Holidays

Holidays traditionally imply joyous times and celebrations with family and friends. However, with the holidays comes the stress of managing chores such as shopping, decorating the house and juggling professional and personal commitments. One of the most stressful phenomenon associated with celebratory times is managing your nutritional goals, while still being able to indulge in […]

CoMo Moves

photos by L.G. Patterson Aerial Arts The setup for an aerial arts class looks more like a circus performance than a gym scene. No weights, no equipment, just long streams of silk fabric cascading from the ceiling. But it would be wrong to say that it’s one or the other, says CoMO aerial arts member […]

pain

How to Choose a Physical Therapist

Physical therapy focuses on treating musculoskeletal disorders. One goal of physical therapists is to alleviate pain in their patients. In patients with back pain, physical therapy helps to strengthen the core muscles in their back, which adds to a person’s overall wellness. Ultimately, physical therapists strive to restore the patient’s total functional abilities. Most patients […]