january 2015 health & fitness - north/south edition

8/9/2019 January 2015 Health & Fitness - North/South Edition

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Special Section to

WINTER 2015 HERSAM ACORN NEWSPAPERS

See Fitness on Page 8

: The Darien Times I New Canaan Advertiser I The Ridgefield Press I The Wilton Bulletin I The Redding Pilot I The Weston Forum I The Lewisboro Ledger

Its official. Its the last week in January, and you havent gottenyourself together to start a fitness routine. Or, maybe you triedthat first week of the month, but found that it wasnt for you.

Throughout the country, people are finding the gym, a styleof dance or Pilates the way to go to lose weight or tone up. Hereare some spots to look at to make changes.

Pure BarrePure Barre, with locations in Fairfield and Westport, launched

a new franchise studio in Darien. Located at 313 Heights Road,it is co-owned by Laura Laboissonniere and Kristin McClutchy.

Pure Barre is a total body workout that is made for absolutelyeveryone, said Laboissonniere, who owns Pure Barre Westportand Fairfield. Its amazing when you see a mother and daughterin the same class both being challenged. I have personally seenit transform my own body, as well as others, and I cannot wait

to bring the workout to Darien after great success in Westportand Fairfield.The ballet barre workout has exploded in popularity since

its inception in 2001, said Laboissonniere. Focusing onthe areas of the body women struggle with the most, Pure

Barre lifts the seat, tones the thighs and upper body andcreates the long and lean muscles of a dancer through

small isometric movements centered around a bal-let barre. Since it began franchising in 2009,

more than 280 Pure Barre studios have openednationwide.

The 55-minute full-body workout concen-trates on the areas women struggle with the

most: hips, thighs, seat, abdominal and arms.The Pure Barre technique is low-impact, protecting your jointsby avoiding any bouncing or jumping. Each strength section ofthe workout is followed by a stretching section in order to cre-ate long, lean muscles without bulk.

We are thrilled to open our newest location in Westport

and bring the excitement and results of Pure Barre to its resi-dents, said Carrie Dorr, founder and chief concept officer ofPure Barre. The continued growth of Pure Barre studios acrossthe country is a testament to the workouts ability to quickly

transform womens bodies, and wecouldnt be happier to bring thisexperience to Darien.

For more information on PureBarre call Laura Laboissonniere at203-557-8663, visit purebarre.comor follow each Pure Barre locationon Facebook.

KoKoA digital gym in Monroe aims to

cut out the confusion and add preci-sion to peoples workouts.

Koko FitClub, 447 MonroeTpke., does away with sometimes

costly personal trainers, and insteaduses computers, attached to eachmachine, to guide people throughtheir exercise routines. It even sendsits members meal plans, recipesand grocery lists, and gives them anonline profile to monitor their prog-ress. There are also online nutritioncourses called Fuel school.

The approach uses a digitalcomputer system to keep people

Bryan Haeffele

Health&Fitness

Finding the right

for you

Bryan Haeffele

Top, assistant manager, and head trainer of Pure Barre Nicole Buyskes demonstrates resistance band exercises with assistant manager/owner of Westport and Fairfield studios LauraLaboissonniere and Lauren Foster, general manager of Westport and Fairfield. At left are people exercising at Darien Pilates. At right, a scene from Pure Barre.

Promotion available to new PB Darien clients only. Available for purchase online orin-studio. Offer is non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, and all sales are final.

1 month of unlimited classes


2/8

2 Health & Fitness Hersam Acorn Newspapers January 29, 2015

One day it just clicked. Something had tochange, and Annamarie Rivera was going tomake it happen.

I was in a really, really bad relationshipthat kept getting worse and worse, Riverasaid, remembering that day. I was tooattached, I couldnt get out of it.

Rivera, 27, said she weighed more than400 pounds five years ago. She was in thehabit of eating fast food more than once aday.

When I was with him, I was eatingMcDonalds seven to 10 times a week, shesaid. I only knew of Coke and juices. Iwould never think of wanting to eat healthy.

I was always heavy, but when I was inthat relationship, I had gained over a hun-

dred pounds, she said.She was going through the motions, mak-ing her way from her home in Trumbullto her job in Shelton every day, until shedecided she was done with what was hap-pening.

One day I just did a U-turn in themiddle of the road, drove to the gym, andsigned up, Rivera said.

Getting started

She couldnt start her new journey rightaway. She wasnt in any kind of shape to usethe machines and her weight exceededsome of the limits to use the machines.

I just started walking. It was literally thenext day, said Rivera. I dont know whatclicked with me. I just would put my head-phones on and zone out the world aroundme.

A few days later she moved out of the ex-boyfriends house. Despite a few setbacks an accident that affected her mobility she hasnt looked back.

The weight began to fall off. The gymbecame a mental addiction.

This was going to be my outlet, to walkaway stress and any fears. She started herfirst day at the gym with 10 minutes on theelliptical, and then moved to the treadmill.The gym became a mental addiction, shesaid, but in the course of it she met her hus-band. The two were married in May.

The hardest part of [my transformation]was healthy eating, said Rivera. When theysay its a lifestyle change...you really have tochange your complete mental outlook on it.

Finding the right food

When I first started, I started trying tonot have any carbs, Rivera said. But, whenshe started to look at it, she saw that its notright to cut out all carbs. You need to eatgood carbs, she said.

After seeking some help from her mom a marathon runner shes found some-thing that works for her.

She didnt eat out at restaurants for a whilebecause she wasnt really sure what would bethe right food choices for her.

Eventually, you know what to order,Rivera said.

Its been a lifestyle change for her. She said

it needs to be because thats the only wayone can truly maintain a weight. She worksout about six times a week at the local PlanetFitness and eats right.

You cant just eat healthy for one year, getskinny, and then think it will stay that way,she said. You cant do quick fixes and crashdiets. Its impossible. You will never suc-ceed.

She said she loves picking out a varietyof food to eat. She said she has to find thefood she likes because thats the only way tostick with it. If she didnt like the food, shewouldnt eat it.

You have to have a cheat meal a week,she said, to get the craving out of the way.

Once you see results, it will becomesomething that you love doing, Rivera said.

Rivera said as she was trying to find her

way through weight loss, she turned to theInternet and found people with similar sto-ries. She found them inspirational. She soonwas posting her weight loss story on the web

for others. She has found that telling herstory and hearing that shes inspiring othershas helped her stay on track.

You realize that if this person could do it,then I can do it, she said. Its a life-chang-ing journey. I actually truly feel beautiful.

Rivera is hoping to lose about 20 morepounds to get to her goal weight. Shes alsolooking to become a certified personal train-er so she can help someone accomplish whatshe has.

To follow Rivera on her weight loss jour-ney, find her on Instagram @weightlosswith-annamarie or visit Weightlosswithannamarie.com.

Changing her lifeWoman finds her secrect to weight loss

by Robin Walluck

Audra Napolitano photos

Annamarie Rivera works out on an elliptical atthe local Planet Fitness. Top, Annamarie Riveraholds her size 28 jeans that she was barelysqueezing into when she started her exerciseroutine to change her life.

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January 29, 2015 Health & Fitness Hersam Acorn Newspapers 3

Box 1019, Ridgefield, Conn 06877203-438-6544

Robin Walluck, editorBryan Haeffele, designer

Thomas B. Nash,publisher

For advertising information,

call 203-438-6544

Copyright 2015, Hersam Acorn Newspapers, LLC

Health&

FitnessJANUARY 29, 2015

Local health

district

needs volunteersThe Westport Weston Health

District is seeking volunteers to join

its Medical Reserve Corps, part of a

national network of volunteers dedi-

cated to assisting hometown emer-

gency preparedness and response

efforts. Membership is not limited to

medical personnel.

The local MRC includes members

from Weston, Westport and Wilton.

It stands ready to respond with the

communitys local officials to assist

in public health emergencies (andnon-emergencies as well).

MRC members receive free training

and learn to better prepare them-

selves and their families for emer-

gencies. Volunteers may help with

managing supplies, logistics, traffic

control, or other leadership roles.

For more information, visit wwhd.

org or call 203-227-9571, ext 242.

Staying healthy with a good nights sleepMost people would agree that a good

and comfortable mattress is one of the

keys to good health. After all, who

doesnt feel better after a good nights

sleep?

What most people dont agree on,

however, is what the most comfortable

mattress is.

According to the Better Sleep Counci l,

a non-profit consumer-education arm

of the International Sleep Products

Association, 93% of people surveyed

agree a good mattress will help them

sleep, 90% said a good mattress is essen-

tial to health and well-being, and 82%

said their bed is where they rejuvenate.

So, how do you find that mattress to

make you feel better?

Norwalk Mattress Company has

been helping folks sleep for generations.

Founded in 1918, it began in a garage

loft, later moving to a factory building as

the business expanded.The Drew family ran the business and

took over after World War II. The three

brothers handcrafted each mattress and

boxspring to the measurements of the

bed. In those days, mattresses werent

standard sizes.

The brothers would go to the custom-

ers homes and measure the bed for the

mattress to fit the set. The Drews wives

would cut and sew the material. The

mattresses were rolled edge style, springs

layered with cotton batting and covered

in striped cotton fabric.

The boxsprings were eight-way hand

tied, made to the specific height for the

bed. The company, still to this day, will

come to your home and measure an

antique or odd-size bed to guarantee the

proper fit.

Norwalk Mattress Company runs in

the same manner as it was founded on.

Each mattress and boxspring is hand

made with natural materials cotton,

luxurious Joma wool and Talalay Latex

one at a time by skilled craftsman.

The benefits to having a mattress filled

with natural materials besides hav-

ing it last longer is sleeping on pure,

natural and breathable materials aids in a

healthier and more restful sleep.

Again, whats better than that?

Additionally, they offer flippable mat-

tresses, for added longevity. The store at

145 West Cedar Street, Norwalk, is open

Monday through Saturday, 9-5 p.m.

For more information, find them

online at NorwalkMattress.com, or call

203-866-6913.

Health Brief

Do you need

urgent care,

and want to

skip the ER?


4/8


During knee replacement surgery, an

orthopaedic surgeon will replace damaged

knee surfaces with artificial implants. Most of

the time, all of the surfaces are replaced, but

in some instances, only part of the total bear-

ing surface of the knee warrants replacing.This is known as a partial knee replacement.

This can be either the inner or outer half of

the knee (unicondylar replacement), or iso-

lated to the knee cap and its bearing surface

on the femur (patellofemoral replacement).

Most commonly implants are made of

metal alloys covering the femur and tibia

bone with a plastic insert placed between

them. A small patella button, usually made

of plastic, is used to resurface the contact-

ing part of the kneecap. Alternatively, some

devices are made of ceramic in lieu of metal.

There are many manufacturers of total

knee implants and up to 150 designs on

the market today. While there is general

agreement amongst surgeons, engineers

and researchers on the basics of implantdesign, there are many variabilities within

these parameters. These include: materials

for metal, ceramic and plastic components,

whether the plastic insert is fixed to the tibia,

or rotates freely between the components or

which ligaments are sacrificed, and which

remain; the use of acrylic cement to aid in

implant fixation versus the use of ingrowth

technology where the bone is encouraged to

grow into the metal implant and size varia-

tion, and gender specific implants are also a

consideration.

Strong enough

The materials used for implants must meet

certain criteria. They must be biocompatible(exist in the body without an adverse reac-

tion. They must be strong enough to with-

stand large loads without breaking (this from

both onetime large loads such as in a fall or

twist of the leg) but also have durability over

the long term from the repetitive cyclical

loading to which they are subject.

While titanium is a tremendous material

for making golf clubs, in knee implant design

it proves too soft over the long term, lead-

ing to deformity and wear. Polished cobalt

chrome metal against high molecular weight

plastic is a very smooth interaction, yet over

time, there still can be significant wear of

the plastic. Industrial ceramics are very hard

and strong, and can be polished to an even

smoother surface than metal. However when

it fails, it shatters rather than locally failing,

so this must be considered. Recent advance-

ments have come in even smoother metals

and more durable plastics.

Gender specific

One cannot leave the discussion of knee

implant design without talking about gender

specific implants. Early knee designs came

in three or four sizes (small, medium, large

and extra large). Sizing a knee to match the

patients anatomy avoids over or under filling

the knee is important to restore proper liga-

ment balance around the new implant.

There are some consistent variables

between female and male knees that led someto design some gender specific models. Many

manufacturers incorporated these differences

in their designs already making a uni-sex

blend if you will. Most designs now come

with seven or eight sizes to choose from.

There is no data to support that a gender spe-

cific knee performs any better than a blend.

Interestingly some surgeons that use the gen-

der specific knee have indicated that at times

they have found that the female knee fits

better in a particular male patient.

This leads to the discussion of what is the

right implant for a particular individual. Some

of these concepts are fiery points of discus-

sion amongst world renowned experts in joint

replacement, so it doesnt seem logical that a

patient can have the knowledge base to make

a firm decision about what implant is best

for them. Age, weight, level of activity, metal

allergy, degree of arthritis and degree of defor-

mity are the factors you and your surgeon

should contemplate when selecting prosthesis.

Questions should be asked on all of these top-

ics so an informed decision can be made.

For more information about total joint

replacements, contact Coastal Orthopaedics at

203-845-2985.

Offices are located in Norwalk, Darien,

New Canaan and Westport. A walk-in urgent

care center is also open in Norwalk at Coastal

Ortho Express where no appointments are

necessary and there are extended hours.

Knee replacement: Finding the perfect matchby Dr. Michael M. Lynch

Knee pain? Look to the feetby Dr. Robert F. Weiss

Recently an athlete who was involved in all sports with emphasis on running contacted

our office about a knee problem.

Oftentimes, when knee problems are evident, it is wise to look at the feet. The biome-

chanically weak foot can not only have symptoms in the foot itself, but also the ankle, leg

and knee. A problem in the foot can cause secondary troubles anywhere from the sacroiliac

joint to the forefoot. Thats the reason we have to have a thorough understanding of the

biomechanics of the body from the back all the way down the entire leg to the foot. You

cant separate one factor from the other.

All sports present their own type of overuse syndrome. Distance runners problems

include the knee, heel and Achilles tendon. The long distance runner is subjected to shin

splints and ankle troubles as well. Sprinters, who run on the balls of their feet, develop

bunions and tight posterior muscles. Basketball players have a high incidence of hammer-

toes. All athletes are subjected to recurrent lateral ankle sprains.

The orthopedic approach to overuse syndrome has been very successful. By the ortho-pedic approach, we mean the establishment of motions and positions which will cause

maximum function of the foot and the entire skeletal system so that there will be a pos-

tural and structural balance.

In biomechanical balancing we attempt to cause the feet to function as close to their

neutral position as possible. Neutral position duplicates the joint positions assumed by a

normal foot on standing and when running. Many of the problems leading to the overuse

syndrome can be treated by biomechanical balancing. In podiatric sports medicine, this

is accomplished by functional sports orthotic. A functional sports orthotic or a functional

orthotic, used for people on their feet for many hours during the day, is a device which

controls motion and position of the foot and leg during locomotion. It is well tolerated and

usually results in improved foot function with athletes and people who walk in the daily life

to prevent injury.

Dr. Robert Weiss is a podiatrist specializing in foot and ankle surger y. He was a member

of the Medical Advisory Committee of the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Marathon Trials. His

practice in in Darien is The Foot & Ankle Institute of Darien. He lives in Westport, and is a

veteran of 35 marathons. For information, visit therunningdoctor.net.

The only LIPOLIGHT with 16 Paddles.

Treats multiple areas at the same time.

Double the paddles of older models.

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5/8


As the obesity pandemic increases around the world,

there is a growing demand for less invasive, successfulinterventions to control and treat obesity. The gold stan-

dard bariatric surgical procedures such as gastric bypass,

duodenal switch, sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable bands

have a proven track record to cause significant weight loss

and improve chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

Patients have been limited by insurance coverage and

only 38% of employers offer the benefit that covers the

surgery, while the Affordable Care Act in most states

such as Connecticut do not offer surgical coverage in

any plans. Limitations to access for care as well as the

fear of having surgery, are the most common reasons that

patients do not proceed with lifesaving surgery that now

has a mortality of only 0.13%.

New, cheaper and less invasive treatments to resolve

obesity may be the answer to the acceptance for cover-

age by insurance carriers and create a cheaper option forpatients. These procedures may also alleviate many of the

fears patients have of undergoing traditional surgery.

A suturing device that is placed at the end of a tra-

ditional endoscope now allows surgeons and gastroen-

terologists to create a sleeve gastrectomy by sewing from

the inside of the stomach and eliminating the need for

abdominal incisions. Apollo Endosurgery produces the

Overstitch device. In a recent study 20 patients with a

BMI of 30 and 35 were followed for one year. Patients

lost 43% of their excess bodyweight.

Two companies: Apollos Obrera and the Reshape Duo

now produce balloons that are inserted into the stomach

and remain for six months. The procedures can be per-

formed with limited intervention on an outpatient basis.

The procedures avoid complications due to surgery but

may have limited benefit and need to be removed afterseveral months.

The EndoBarrier is a long, soft plastic tube made by

G.I. Dynamics, which is placed into the first part of the

small bowel, or duodenum and mimics a gastric bypass.

Similar to the results of bypass, the EndoBarrier improves

many of the parameters of type 2 diabetes. It is placed

and retrieved endoscopically and can be performed at

an Endoscopic Surgery Center. The device can be placed

again if patients regain weight so it is reversible and

repeatable. The best candidates for this procedure have a

BMI between 30 and 40 and have diabetes.

In the United States, 80 million people have obesity

and are now candidates for minimally invasive proce-

dures, which can be performed in an outpatient setting.

At a lower cost, these procedures offer an accessibleoption for patients.

The EndoBarrier is approved in Europe. The balloon is

soon to be approved in the United States. The stitch has

been approved in the United States and is available. My

practice, Fairfield County Bariatrics & Surgical Specialists,

P.C., is performing the stitch and will perform the others

as soon they receive approval here in the United States.

For more information, contact Dr. Neil Floch, direc-

tor of minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at

Norwalk Hospital and of Fairfield County Bariatrics and

Surgical Specialists, P.C., 148 East Avenue, Norwalk,

203-899-0744.

A barrier, stitch, balloon

and weight loss!by Dr. Neil Floch

Available through Ridgefield Continuing Education

there will be an introduction to How Foods Fight

Cancer (Feb. 3, 3:30 to 5:30) discusses the link

between diet and cancer and the benefits of a plant-

based nutrition approach.

The class includes a cooking demonstration, sam-

ples, and easy-to-prepare recipes.

Instructor Maddie Sobel is certified as a health

coach through Columbia Teachers College and is

certified by the Physicians Committee for Responsible

Medicine as a Food for Life instructor. She is the origi-

nal creator and manager of the former So Good Vegan

Caf in Ridgefield. She teaches Food for Life classes

at hospitals and community venues.

Class meets at the Venus Building (old high

school; use Governor Street entrance). Advance regis-tration required. Cost is $31. An additional food fee of

$10 to $12 is payable to the instructor at each class.

Visit ridgefieldschools.org or phone Peggy Bruno at

203-431-2812 to register.

Rose of Hope to

feature yoga instructor

from Norma Pfriem center

The 2015 Rose of Hope winter event is Monday,Feb. 23, at 6 p.m., at the Trumbull Marriott, 180

Hawley Lane.

The title of the event is Transforming Tragedy: A

9/11 Survivors Story

Colleen Reilly, an integrative Kundalini yoga instruc-

tor at the Norma Pfriem Breast Center in Fairfield and

the Grove Healing Center in New Jersey, is the keynote

speaker.

To register, or for more information, visit foundation.

bridgeporthorthospital.org/ROHWinterEvent2015.

Cooking class teachesparticipants how

food fights cancer

Health Briefs

The Early BirdFeels the Burn.

Living. Longer. Stronger. And now, even earlier.

Like us on

DARIEN

Were All In.

darien-ymca.org


6/8


Finding help with Al-AnonMillions of people are affected by

the excessive drinking of someoneclose. Al-Anon is for families, rela-tives, and friends whose lives havebeen affected by someone elsesdrinking.

Regrets and resentments may notfaze the alcoholic, but bitter feelings

can affect adult children of alcoholicsfor a long time, said Pamela Walters,Al-Anon information analyst. Thatsone reason why many professionalscall alcoholism a family disease.

The organization has a list of ques-tions to ask to see if Al-Anon is foryou. The list includes:

Do you worry about how muchsomeone else drinks?

Do you have money problemsbecause of someone elses drinking?

Do you feel that if the drinkercared about you, he or she wouldstop drinking to please you?

Do you tell lies to cover up forsomeone elses drinking?

Are you afraid to upset someone

for fear it will set off a drinking bout? Do you feel like a failure becauseyou cant control the drinking?

For more information, call 1-888-825-2666 or visit ctalanon.org.

St. Vincents customizes urgent

and emergency care visitsMost of us anticipate a lengthy wait in

the event we need to go to a walk-in or the

emergency room. Now, with planMYcare.

com, offered by St. Vincents Medical Center,

you can eliminate the wait. planMYcare.com

is an online, self-scheduling service recently

launched by St. Vincents, for their emer-

gency room and all four of their Urgent Care

Center walk-ins in Fairfield County. They

are the first hospital in the area to offer this

type of personalized service.

This user-friendly tool helps to take

some of the anxiety and guesswork out of

where to go for the best and most timely

care. Just go to planMYcare.com on a com-

puter or your smart phone, and the next

available appointments are displayed at all

four Urgent Care locations in Bridgeport,

Fairfield, Monroe and Shelton, and at the

hospitals ER in Bridgeport. You choose the

time and location that best suits your needs,

and book it.

Knowing when a doctor will see you,

and having the option to wait in the comfort

of your own home, just makes sense, said

Thomas Saxa, a registered nurse and man-

ager of St. Vincents Urgent Care Services.

At the same time, our staff will know

approximately when a patient will arrive and

what injury, illness or treatment they may

require.

Since the planMYcare launch in October,

patient reviews have been positive. Nobody

likes to wait especially when everyone

is coughing and sneezing around you, said

one patient using the service at St. Vincents

Fairfield Urgent Care Center.

I got an appointment within two hours

and they saw me at the exact time I had

requested, said another patient who used

the feature at the Shelton Urgent Care.

A patient who vi sited the Bridgeport

Urgent Care wrote, My son had an allergic

reaction and we had gone to a walk in closer

to my home where they said he had a three

hour wait. I went to planMYcare.com and

found a time that would be less than a 30

minute wait. When we got there, they took

him immediately. I was extremely grateful

for the wonderful care he received, from the

front desk girl to the nurses and doctor.

The St. Vincents Medical Center ER

implemented planMYcare.com in December

and is already seeing the benefits for both

patients and ER staff. It gives the patient

much better access to us, and helps stream-

line the emergency room experience for

them, said Dr. Doodnauth Hiraman, direc-

tor of emergency care at St. Vincents. plan-

MYcare also helps our emergency depart-

ment team triage more efficiently, knowing

a little about the patient and nature of their

visit before they actually arrive in the ER.

planMYcare is intended for non-life-

threatening conditions only. We need to

make it perfectly clear to the community,

calling 911 is the best course of action for

true emergency situations, said Hiraman.

planMYcare.com will extend to St.

Vincents fifth Urgent Care Center at St.

Vincents Stratford Health and Wellness, a

brand new, state-of-the-art medical building

opening next month at 3272 Main Street,

Stratford.

To learn more information about St.

Vincents, visit StVincents.org.

Here are open meetings for Al-Anon for people to

go for support, and not necessarily speak. For even

more meetings, visit: ctalanon.org/meetings/meet-

ings-by-town.

DarienMonday, 8 p.m., Noroton Presbyterian Church

2011 Post Road.

Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., St Thomas More School, 374Middlesex Road, Newcomers meet at 7 p.m. in con-

verted garage.

Tuesday, 8 p.m., St Lukes Church, 1848 Post

Road, library in school basement in rear.

GreenwichMonday, 8 p.m., Christ Church, 254 East Putnam

Avenue, in library.

Thursday, 11:30 a.m., St. Catherine Of Siena

Church, 4 Riverside Avenue, Room 101 of school

building.

Thursday, 8 p.m., Greenwich Hospital, Watson

Pavilion, 5 Perry Ridge Road, cafeteria meeting room,

lower level. Also same time at the Pemberwick Room,

third floor.

New Canaan

Sunday, 10:30 a.m., Silver Hill Hospital, 208 ValleyRoad, Martin Center.

Monday, 12 p.m., St. Marks Church, 111 Oenoke

Ridge, Adult Meeting Conference Room, education

building east entrance.

Dr. Doodnauth Hiraman of St. Vincents Medical Center Emergency Department with a patient.


7/8


Its January and what often comes with it are the winter

blues. Youve probably tried everything in the past to battle

the sadness and inevitable sniffles and colds that arise during

the long winter months.

But have you tried reflexology?

Reflexology is an alternative medicine that deals with the

principle that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands

which correspond to all of the glands, organs and parts of the

body. The premise is that the application of pressure to these

reflex areas through thumbs, fingers and hand techniques can

affect a physical change to the body.

Reflexology therapeutically reduces stress and tension

throughout the bodys systems to improve blood and lymph

circulation, increase nerve supply to the cells and release tox-

ins from the bodys tissues. It promotes the release of endor-

phins, the bodys natural feel-good hormones, well document-

ed in their ability to relieve stress.

Overall, reflexology has been known to relieve:

Stress and stress-related conditions. Tension headaches.

Digestive disorders.

Arthritis.

Insomnia.

Hormonal imbalances.

Sports injuries.

PMS.

Back pain.

History

Reflexology was first practiced as early as 2330 B.C. by the

Egyptian culture and the alternative therapy as we know it

today was first researched and developed by Eunice Ingham,

the pioneer of this field. Her first book on the subject was

published in 1938. Currently, it is one of the most used

alternative therapies in Denmark and is commonly used in

Norway.

The Center of Spirituality and Healing at the University of

Minnesota website cites a summary of 168 research studies

and abstracts that Kunz and Kunz compiled from journals and

meetings from around the world. Many of these studies origi-

nated in peer-reviewed journals in China and Korea. All of the

studies had information about the frequency and duration of

the reflexology application.

Benefits

Based on the studies they reviewed, Kunz and Kunz identi-

fied four primary effects that reflexology demonstrates:

1. Reflexology has an impact on specific organs (e.g., fMRI

readings demonstrated an increase in blood flow to kidneys

and to the intestines)

2. Reflexology can demonstrate an amelioration of symp-

toms (e.g., positive changes were noted in kidney functioning

with kidney dialysis patients)

3. Reflexology creates a relaxation effect (e.g., EEGs mea-

sure alpha and theta waves, blood pressure was decreased,

and anxiety was lowered)

4. Reflexology aids in pain reduction (27 studies demon-strated a positive outcome for reduction in pain; e.g., AIDS,

chest pain, peripheral neuropathy of diabetes mellitus, kidney

stones, and osteoarthritis)

Jessica Van Sciver, director of health and fitness at the

Darien Y, recognizes the benefits of reflexology and has now

included it in the Ys wellness offerings along with massage.

Reflexology can benefit both body and mind and is a won-

derful standalone therapy or complement to massage therapy,

said Van Sciver. Were excited to add it to our wellness offer-

ings at the Y to benefit both members and non-members.

For more information about reflexology or massage at

the Darien Y or to make an appointment, contact Anthony

Mirabel at [email protected] or 203-912-3570.

Add reflexology as a new

element of your wellness plan

Jill Tomasello, PT, OCS, FABDA, Cert. MDT

Brian Wolfe, DPT, OCS

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Board Cerfied Orthopedic Clinical Specialists

Member, Hospital for Special Surgery Rehabilitaon Network

Aer 25 years in Stamford,

we are now more convenient for you at:

242 West Avenue, Darien, CT

203-359-8326 www.AdvancedPTC.com

No referral needed

902 Oakridge Commons South Salem, NY 10590

Call us at 914-533-7555

www.premierfitnessgroup.com

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on track with their exercising and charting theirworkout routine. Users have accounts and Kokokeys they stick into the machines to personalizetheir workouts based on goals theyve set andhealth metrics they recorded when they joined.

When a user does an exercise such as an inclinebench press, the computer describes the propertechnique where to position the chest andelbows, and how to hold and move the weights.

Within two months, I hit my goal weight,said Connie Parker. Im still losing weight whilegaining strength and getting toned. I am down27 pounds and have my figure from 25 years agoback.

When the set begins, the screen shows a squaremoving up and down at the ideal pace. A line,which represents how the user is actually movingthe weight, moves up and down as well. The goalis to keep the line within the square.

For more information, call 203-445-6110 orvisit monroe.kokofitclub.com30for30.

PilatesDarien Pilates follows the traditional teachings

of the Pilates system. The goal is to have thoseexercising feel stronger, more connected and cen-tered in their lives.

Pilates is a method of exercising that wascreated by Joseph Pilates several decades ago.

According to the Darien Pilates website, Pilateswork started in Europe and England during

World War I before he immigrated to the UnitedStates, where he opened the first Pilates studio.

Here at the studio we are dedicated to creatinga safe and welcoming place for Pilates devoteesto make profound connections with themselvesthrough their individual workouts connectionsthat are carried out into their daily lives, a post

on the studios website said.Pilates is a series of exercises that are used

to develop strength, flexibility and stability inthe entire body. To do that, one has to use thepowerhouse, a group of muscles including theabdominals, hips, inner thighs, buttocks, shouldergirdle and lower back.

Focusing on controlling the movement from thepowerhouse is essential to the work and takes alot of effort. That means its the quality, not quan-tity, of each exercise that is important.

Darien Pilates is located at 870 Post Road inDarien. For more information call 203-662-0084or visit darienpilates.com.

FitnessContinued From Page One

Bryan Haeffele

Left, a scene of a class at Pure Barre in Westport. Thiswarmup is led by Nicole Buyskes. Above, a Pilates routine atDarien Pilates.

Bryan Haeffele

An exercise routine is demonstrated at Pure Barre in Westport.

january 2015 health & fitness - north/south edition

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