Getting a scientific message across means taking human nature into account

Getting a scientific message across means taking human nature into account

"We humans have collectively accumulated a lot of science knowledge. We’ve developed vaccines that can eradicate some of the most devastating diseases. We’ve engineered bridges and cities and the internet. We’ve created massive metal vehicles that rise tens of thousands of feet and then safely set down on the other side of the globe. And this is just the tip of the iceberg (which, by the way, we’ve discovered is melting). While this shared knowledge is impressive, it’s not distributed evenly. Not even close. There are too many important issues that science has reached a consensus on that the public has not."

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Weekend warrior exercise: is it good for you?

Weekend warrior exercise: is it good for you?

"There is no doubt that physical activity is good for you, but the optimal amount remains a topic of debate. The universally accepted recommendation is that we do at least 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise, or 75 minutes with vigorous intensity. And while some people choose to fit their weekly physical activity into one or two sessions (“the weekend warrior”), others like to spread it evenly over the week, such as walking briskly for 30 minutes a day."

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Taking up running? Here’s what you need to know to make it to February

Taking up running? Here’s what you need to know to make it to February

"On your very first run your body will have become suddenly aware that it needs to remodel to match its new training loads. Our muscular system responds to training easily, and can repair and rebuild in a matter of days. And, because the heart and lungs are part of this system they too will improve rapidly. After just a few runs, the cardiorespiratory system will become more efficient making you feel fitter and stronger. And this is at the core of where most new runners get into trouble. The tragedy is that other soft structures, connective tissues like tendons and ligaments, are just as weak as when you stepped out for your very first run. They are slower to repair and remodel than muscles, and about ten days in to your new regime, they will probably have completed the adaptation from only your first run."

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What’s the best way to go to the toilet – squatting or sitting?

What’s the best way to go to the toilet – squatting or sitting?

"The flush toilet was first invented in the late 16th century by Sir John Harington. But it was only during the 19th century that seated toilets became available for mass use. Most of the Western world still sits to defaecate, while squatting is favoured in the developing world."

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Traumatic muscle fibrosis: From pathway to prevention

Traumatic muscle fibrosis: From pathway to prevention

This is a great research paper follow up to my last post - Sports Massage - The Science is Emerging. My last post was a brief look at the psychological & physiological responses to massage therapy.

In this post I wanted to share some excerpts from a recent review of traumatic muscle fibrosis published in The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery. This paper may provide some insights for therapists wanting to learn more about the interconnected adaptive responses within the nervous system and soft tissue structures. 

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