PAIN IN THE BACK: “We sit too much, have bad posture, and don’t get enough exercise,” says Dr. Leon Root, orthopedic surgeon at Manhattan’s Hospital for Special Surgery, explaining why back pain is on the rise. Fancy treatments aren’t necessary for relief, he says. “Fifteen minutes of abdominal, back, hamstring and gluteal exercise is the only thing that can usually ensure back pain won’t return.”
BEAT THE HEAT: The risk of hyperthermia (getting too hot) is greater if you have heart, lung, or kidney disease, slowed circulation, obesity or if you drink too much alcohol. To avoid hyperthermia, drink plenty of water, stay in air conditioning, avoid large meals and take several showers with cool water.
CUT THE BEEF: If you are the type who just can’t go a week without your beef, try these tips for a healthier diet. Eat loin or round cuts (tenderloin, top sirloin, eye round or top round). Find hamburger that is labeled at least 95 percent lean. Finally, limit servings of beef to once or twice a week and serving size to about 3 ounces.
