Dooley Noted: 5/8/2015 I had a fantastic experience with a patient that could have turned out to be tragic. She is currently four months pregnant and is getting stronger and out of more pain every week. She came to me after many therapists, medical doctors, and friends discouraged her from getting pregnant. After all, she had a history of back pain. When trying to conceive, she was inundated with discouraging statements like the following: “Your … Read more
Video Dooley Noted: 5/7/2015 In this week’s video segment of Dooley Noted, I discuss an alternative to the standard crunch or sit-up. In the V-Sit up, we use anterior abdominal muscles to create the pressure needed to rise from a supine (face-up) position. The V-Sit minimizes neck involvement to coach full-body tension and abdominal stability. Try this if the neck attempts to dominate movement. This drill can also improve overhead position, if stability issues prevent … Read more
Dooley Noted: 5/6/2015 Leaving Grenada yesterday, I stopped by the duty-free shop. I saw copious alcohol, cigarettes and candy. But I was surprised to only see health warnings on the cigarettes. The pictures are seen below. They feature warnings like. “Smokers die younger,” and “Smoking kills.” I’m not arguing with this truth. My father smoked for 57 years, and many blame smoking for his small cell bronchogenic carcinoma. But I’m still concerned. I … Read more
Dooley Noted: 5/5/2015 At age 21, I let anxiety get the best of me. I was hospitalized with a panic attack. I was quickly offered a copious amount of medication, mostly in the form of anxiolytics (Klonopin) and benzodiazepines (Xanax). I’ll never forget the interaction with my doctor. Picture me 15 years younger. Doc: “Why don’t you take Xanax? It’s wonderful for diminishing anxiety.” Dooley: “I’ve read that, sir. But what is creating my anxiety?” … Read more
Dooley Noted: 5/4/2015 I’m obsessed with walking on straight lines and elevated planks, like the one you see in the picture. I am fascinated that people will walk in a straight line on a wide surface, without much deviation. However, the moment you narrow them in, they find it challenging to walk on that same straight line. The perception of difficulty and safety greatly affect your system of balance. Balance needs two of the three … Read more
Dooley Noted: 5/3/2015 Yesterday, I called my mother. She was proud to have attended her first CPR and first aid class at the American Red Cross, along with my big sister, Kim. My mother had not been in a classroom in 48 years. She started relaying what she learned, and she laughed as she noted that multiple choice questions are often challenging. I was beaming with pride that she did something so proactive to make … Read more
Dooley Noted: 5/2/2015 The Person: Dr. Kelly Blundy Profession: doctor of chiropractic extraordinaire and owner of several practices of the Spine and Health Center of Montvale How I know her: Dr. Blundy and I matriculated at Logan College of Chiropractic at the same time. We knew the same people but somehow never met. I met her while we were both practicing at Manhattan Spine and Sports Medicine. We became instantaneous friends. How she’s changed me: … Read more
Dooley Noted: 5/1/2015 The average person works 8 hours a day, five days a week. That means the average person spends 8 hours awake not on his or her career, and 8 hours asleep. That also means the average person spends 48 hours every weekend not working on their careers. Eight days every month are spent recharging on weekends. Add an extra seven days minus sleep if you count the fact it’s an 8-hour day. … Read more
Video Dooley Noted: 4/30/2015 In this video segment of Dooley Noted, I demonstrate a standing version of the active straight leg raise. This drill uses abdominal stability and breathing to encourage more range of motion in the hips, especially the hamstrings. Try this, along with the toe grab drill, to help with more healthy range in exercises like the toe touch, hip hinge, and pistol squat. Enjoy! As always, it’s your call. – Dr. Kathy … Read more
Dooley Noted: 4/29/2015 Some people are great on their own, living for themselves and leading a great, self-servant life. Others are equally great but have a knack for connecting other people with potential to be great. I’ve had the honor of being guided by several envoys. One of my fitness envoys was Ari Harris. Ari is the owner of Pharaoh’s Army Fitness in Queens. He had the guts and gusto to leave a job personal … Read more