People learn in different ways. Reading or hearing about how to do something works for some people, but actually seeing and hearing at the same time is much more effective. For instance, being a cat owner can be challenging at times. What are the nutrition requirements? How do you properly discipline a naughty cat? This video covers the basics by demonstrating proper techniques for all things a cat owner needs to know.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Los Angeles Public Library
Even though I live and work in Southern California, I've only been to the Central Library a few times. I recently joined a group of librarians from UCLA for a docent-led tour, which was well worth the time. My friend Gail from the University of Washington was in town visiting, so I brought her along as well.
The architecture is a mix of new and old. Two arson fires destroyed much of the building several years ago, and hearing about the reconstruction was fascinating. This is a view from the top of the escalator. There are three fabulous hanging sculptures, the closest one is what you see here.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Dangers of Self-Diagnosis
The pain began in my lower shin and worked its way down into my ankle. It started as a simple annoyance but got worse and worse. Then the hiking in Utah and followed by the 10 mile run on Slickrock in Moab, it was really hurting, and I knew I needed a doctor's opinion. According to all the literature, my symptoms were classic: stress fracture of the lower tibia caused by increasing mileage and intensity too quickly. I became more certain over time, and the two doctors I saw agreed.
You see, I was training to do the inaugural Rock and Roll Marathon in Seattle with my two best running buddies - Gail Kouame and Joey Nicholson. I was behind on mileage, and since I was feeling good, I made the mistake of jumping up my mileage far too fast. Injured! I backed way off, but even on short runs it was hurting on impact with every step. I was at the finish line when Joey and Gail came across, but damnit! It would have been so great to have run across with them.
The initial x-rays didn't show anything, but then they usually don't. An MRI or bone scan is needed for a definitive diagnosis. The doctor recommended 6-8 weeks off. I took 8 full weeks without running, cycling and hiking instead. I started running again in late July, and eventually worked up to 5 miles without pain. Okay! I was good to go! But about two weeks later, the pain came back about 2 miles into an easy run. Talk about being bummed out.
I made an appointment with a new doc, and went through the entire process - x-rays, MRI, and guess what? NO stress fracture. One part of my self-diagnosis was correct - overuse due to increasing mileage and intensity too fast. The really bad part of the stress-fracture theory was that I could have treated the problem differently, and not missed out on several months of running. I had read that some research contraindicates icing and anti-inflammatories for treating stress fractures, so I avoided these treatments all together. Total rest is typically prescribed for 6-8 weeks. In retrospect, a few weeks of rest, ice and ibuprofen probably would have done the trick.
Today, I made the decision to register for the LA Marathon, which will be held in March 2010. I will have to train at a much slower pace and with more cross training than ever before. So, I'm not expecting any personal record this time. But I have to tell you, I feel today like I'm walking on air! The thought of being able to get out and RUN, no matter how slowly, has never before been so significant.
You see, I was training to do the inaugural Rock and Roll Marathon in Seattle with my two best running buddies - Gail Kouame and Joey Nicholson. I was behind on mileage, and since I was feeling good, I made the mistake of jumping up my mileage far too fast. Injured! I backed way off, but even on short runs it was hurting on impact with every step. I was at the finish line when Joey and Gail came across, but damnit! It would have been so great to have run across with them.
The initial x-rays didn't show anything, but then they usually don't. An MRI or bone scan is needed for a definitive diagnosis. The doctor recommended 6-8 weeks off. I took 8 full weeks without running, cycling and hiking instead. I started running again in late July, and eventually worked up to 5 miles without pain. Okay! I was good to go! But about two weeks later, the pain came back about 2 miles into an easy run. Talk about being bummed out.
I made an appointment with a new doc, and went through the entire process - x-rays, MRI, and guess what? NO stress fracture. One part of my self-diagnosis was correct - overuse due to increasing mileage and intensity too fast. The really bad part of the stress-fracture theory was that I could have treated the problem differently, and not missed out on several months of running. I had read that some research contraindicates icing and anti-inflammatories for treating stress fractures, so I avoided these treatments all together. Total rest is typically prescribed for 6-8 weeks. In retrospect, a few weeks of rest, ice and ibuprofen probably would have done the trick.
Today, I made the decision to register for the LA Marathon, which will be held in March 2010. I will have to train at a much slower pace and with more cross training than ever before. So, I'm not expecting any personal record this time. But I have to tell you, I feel today like I'm walking on air! The thought of being able to get out and RUN, no matter how slowly, has never before been so significant.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Juggling
Life is busy these days. But then, when is it ever "not busy"? Right now I am taking a minute to reflect on work-life balance. In both arenas, there are many things I must do, and many things I want to do.
I'm excited about a few work-related things :
13 Things class
Starting work on major consumer health project with the California State Library
Formulating outline for presentation at a meeting in January
At home, we're planning new paint colors in two bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchen, plus carpet in bedrooms and new kitchen floor
Getting ready for trips to Montana over Thanksgiving and Boston in April
Planning things to do for visits by friends in November and December
Starting to run again, slowly. Not sure if I'll be able to train for the LA Marathon though. Maybe next year.
Trying to get enough sleep. Important for physical health and a positive attitude!
I'm excited about a few work-related things :
13 Things class
Starting work on major consumer health project with the California State Library
Formulating outline for presentation at a meeting in January
At home, we're planning new paint colors in two bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchen, plus carpet in bedrooms and new kitchen floor
Getting ready for trips to Montana over Thanksgiving and Boston in April
Planning things to do for visits by friends in November and December
Starting to run again, slowly. Not sure if I'll be able to train for the LA Marathon though. Maybe next year.
Trying to get enough sleep. Important for physical health and a positive attitude!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
One way to stay healthy
Last Saturday I hiked Half Dome in Yosemite with my husband and about seventeen friends. We had perfect weather and a fabulous time! Here are a few of us about 7.5 miles into the hike.
Exercise --> good for the body
Friends --> good for the soul!
Friends --> good for the soul!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Information is Powerful
As a consumer health librarian, health information is the driving force in my professional life. I spend a good deal of time traveling near and far, sharing information with other librarians about providing health information services to consumers. Librarians learn about great online resources and how to help patrons become better informed about their own health. Some of the same information will likely make its way into this blog!
Health is also important in my own personal life. I expect that some of the future postings will include thoughts on what it means to live healthy lives, food and eating, fitness and outdoor activities. I'll be sharing things I find interesting and useful, and hope you will enjoy it too!
Kelli
Health is also important in my own personal life. I expect that some of the future postings will include thoughts on what it means to live healthy lives, food and eating, fitness and outdoor activities. I'll be sharing things I find interesting and useful, and hope you will enjoy it too!
Kelli
No Time Like the Present
The idea for the Health-e Librarian was prompted by a class assignment to explore Web 2.0 technologies. While it only took a minute to actually create the blog, I must have considered a hundred different titles before settling on this one. The explosion of online health information has impacted me greatly, both personally and professionally. This blog will contain musings about how good information has shaped the "health-e" person I am today.
I have dabbled a bit with Web 2.0 technologies, but I haven't used any kind of systematic approach. I was attracted to this course because it looks like way more fun than the usual. We are being given the opportunity to "play", and I'm always interested in a new adventure! While I'm looking forward to all the new things I'll learn, I'm eager to see the creativity of everyone else in class. It is certain to be a great learning experience.
Just like starting a diet or a fitness program, there is no better time to start than now!
Kelli
I have dabbled a bit with Web 2.0 technologies, but I haven't used any kind of systematic approach. I was attracted to this course because it looks like way more fun than the usual. We are being given the opportunity to "play", and I'm always interested in a new adventure! While I'm looking forward to all the new things I'll learn, I'm eager to see the creativity of everyone else in class. It is certain to be a great learning experience.
Just like starting a diet or a fitness program, there is no better time to start than now!
Kelli
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