My Chiropractor Fired Me

Posted on May 21, 2012 by Coco

I haven’t written much about my ITB/piriformis lately. I wish that were because it hasn’t been bothering me, but sadly that’s not the case. After months of do-it-yourself rehab with at-home strength workouts, my foam roller and one of my son’s lacrosse balls, I sought professional help and went to a chiropractor. She diagnosed various imbalances, treated me with chiropractic corrections and deep tissue massage, and kept me running through my trio of spring races.

(Does anyone else think this is a creepy chiropractor picture?)

I was happy to be running, but she was not happy that every week or so she could measure a 3 cm difference in my leg length.  And, while she could relieve that nagging tightness in my SI/piriformis/ITB, it always returned between appointments. Still, at my last appointment I was surprised when my chiropractor fired me. Of course, she told me that I was welcome to continue treatment, but she said that she shouldn’t have to be adjusting me week in and week out, and suggested that I get an evaluation to see if there is something else that is persistently making my right leg pull short.

(1956 Chiropractor Beauty Contest from the LIFE photo archive)

I asked around, did some Google research, and found a marathon running doctor who seemed to fit the bill. (I prefer to see doctors who are runners because they tend to understand runners and running-related injuries more than others!) My initial assessment was anticlimactic–he confirmed the muscle imbalance that a few reps of single-leg squats and leg lifts had told me months ago–and suggested that I start with 6 weeks of physical therapy before undergoing any more expensive/invasive diagnostic tests.

So, that’s where I am.  I’ve booked my physical therapy appointments, but they don’t start until mid-June. Until then, I’m still doing my strength routine, using my foam roller, and trying to keep running.

When you have a sports injury, do you try to find a doctor who also is an athlete?

Do you see a chiropractor?

Posted in Fitness | Tagged , , , | 16 Comments

Let’s Have A Heart To Heart About Heart Disease

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Coco

As much as I dislike the Lawyers Have Heart 10K course, I am disappointed that I won’t be able to run it this year. Even though it has a 7:30 am start time, I don’t think I could make it to my son’s 9:30 am high school graduation on time! Still, I signed up for the race (through the generosity of my employer) so that I can once again do fundraising for this event. While I’ve always thought that the American Heart Association was a “good cause,” since losing my Dad to heart failure last year, it is more meaningful to me now. So, let’s have a heart to heart about heart disease.

Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of women?

I was lucky to survive a blood clot that I ignored for weeks, and promised that I would never ignore symptoms or take my health for granted again. I urge you to learn the warning signs of heart attack and stroke, and don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1 at the first sign of chest pain/discomfort/tightness, shortness of breath, or sudden numbness, weakness, dizziness, confusion, or other sudden symptoms.

If you’ve already donated–THANK YOU! You can stop reading now, or read on to feel even better about your donation!

If you are interested in donating, please go to my my fundraising page.  Here’s why you might want to:

The mission of the American Heart Association is “building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.” The American Heart Association is the largest source of non-governmental funding for cardiovascular research in the country. Funds raised go to research, education, and community programs.  For example:

  • A $25 contribution funds 15 family fitness kits.
  • A $100 donation equips a hospital or health department with American Stroke Association resources.
  • A $300 contribution trains six people to perform CPR and use an AED
  • $500 provides 83 stroke survivors with a one-year subscription to Stroke Connection Magazine
  • $1,000 reaches 500 women with their Go for Women movement resources to help them take charge of their own health.

According to the Lawyers Have Heart website, for every $1 raised through Lawyers Have Heart, 88 cents is used to fund the American Heart Association’s mission.

Thanks for your support!

 

Posted in Life | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Egg White Oatmeal Experiment

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Coco

I finally tried adding egg whites to my oatmeal. I couldn’t find a microwave “recipe,” but I used this one to get an idea of what to do. Here’s what I came up with:

  • I measured 1/3 cup Quaker Old Fashioned Oats into my over-sized mug, added 2/3 cup water, and microwaved for 90 seconds (until it was just about to overflow).
  • Meanwhile, I whisked 2 egg whites until they were frothy.
  • I stirred the egg whites into the partially cooked oatmeal, added a small box of raisins, a splash of vanilla, a dash of cinnamon, and a bit more water, and microwaved the mixture for 60 seconds (again, until it was just about to overflow).

The oatmeal looked fluffier than it usually does, and it really did taste good. The egg whites seemed to change the consistency, but did not add an “eggy” flavor.

Creamy Peanut Butter

Still, I found the taste a bit bland without my usual peanut butter, so I stirred in about 1 teaspoon of peanut butter to give my taste buds what they were expecting.

All in all, it was a success, but I’m not sure how often I’ll go through the extra steps of whisking egg whites to make my oatmeal. On the other hand, the egg whites did add about 8 grams of protein to my breakfast, which probably makes the effort worth it.

Posted in Food | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Walk O’Clock

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Coco

Awake before my alarm,
I grab my phone to check the time.
Her tail starts thumping.
How does she know
It’s walk o’clock?

Posted in Life | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Protein Primer

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Coco

I was surprised when a friend told me that her new afternoon snack is a rice cake with peanut butter. I am so over my rice cake-eating days.  I put rice cakes in the category of foods that make me feel like I am depriving myself even as I am eating them.  No matter what I topped them with, I could not escape the idea that I was eating styrofoam.

But my surprise wasn’t about the rice cakes. It was about her comment that the peanut butter was “a good source of protein.”  How did this idea become so pervasive? Peanut butter is first and foremost a fat. It is a healthy fat. It is delicious. It provides some protein. But it is not a “good source” of protein, especially on a calorie-for-calorie basis.

Creamy Peanut Butter1 Tablespoon = 95 calories, 8 g fat, 3.5 g protein

On the other hand, I have been surprised by other foods that have more protein than I expected, like my Arnold® 100% Whole Wheat Bread.

1 Slice = 110 calories, 3 g fiber, 5 g protein

So, when I fix myself a pre-run breakfast of peanut butter toast, I am getting more protein from the bread than from the peanut butter!

Of course, none of my snacks provide more protein than my Chobani® yogurt.

1 cup = 100 calories, 18 g protein
(the flavored non-fat varieties have about 140 calories and 15-16 g protein)

What is your favorite snack?

Do you like rice cakes?

Posted in Food | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments