TAMING BACK PAIN - by Sameh Fahmy
While new replacement disc surgery is available, nonsurgical and drug-free treatments also are gaining popularity

It's not too much of a stretch to say that to experience back pain is to be human. About 80% of people have back pain at some point in their lives, and it's second only to cold and flu in the number of doctor's visits it prompts.

Part of the problem is in our design. We're the only animals that get around exclusively by walking on two feet, and that places a tremendous amount of stress on our backs. Click here to read more.

Tips:
ARE YOU READY TO STOP QUITTING TOBACCO?
To learn how, visit these top-ranked internet sites:

How to Quit — www.cdc.gov/tobacco/how2quit.htm

Smoking Cessation Resources —
www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml

Smoking Cessation Consumer Tools Kit —
www.surgeongeneral.gov/tobacco

Smoking Cessation Resources Fact Sheet by the American Lung Association — www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp

Quit Smoking All Together — www.quitnet.com

Stop Smoking Chart (Ranking of the top stop smoking products for 2006) — www.quit-smoking-reviews.com

MEDLINEplus: Smoking Cessation (Wide listing of services and providers for Smoking Cessation Treatment) —
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/smokingcessation.html

Smoke-Free Kids — www.smokefree.gov

TENNESSEE TOBACCO QUITLINE
1.800.QUIT.NOW (1.800.784.8669) is a toll-free service offered to any Tennessean who uses tobacco products and is provided by the Tennessee Department of Health. Callers are connected with a trained "quit coact" who guides them through the quitting process. In addition, the program provides ongoing professional coaching vai individually scheduled calls from a counselor personally assigned to them. Callers also have free access to relapse-prevention techniques, "Quit Kit" resource materials, information on nicotine replacement therapies and other services to aid in the quitting process.

LOCAL RESOURCES
Williamson Medical Center's Community Education Department (615.-435.5116) conducts classes on tobacco cessation around the year. Contact the hospital regarding upcoming sessions.

SPRING SPORTS TIPS - Provided by Star Physical Therapy
When spring sports start-up, our offices see an increase in ankle injuries. Common symptoms include tenderness and swelling on the outside, below and just in front of the ankle bone. Here are a few tips and exercises that may help prevent injury of you ankle this season:

1. Before you go to bed at night, put a pillow on the floor and try balancing on one foot on the pillow for 15 seconds at a time.

2. Toe raises and heel raises are good strengthening exercises that you can do anytime and anywhere; try 30 repetitions for each, slow and steady.

3. On a flat and clear surface, walk on your heels and walk on your toes 20 feet/steps.

4. If you have a past history of ankle injuries, an ankle brace would help prevent further injuries

Don't underestimate the benefits of these simple tips. This tip was provided by Shawn, an athletic trainer at Star. For more information on ankle safety, call Shawn at 615.591.8480.

SAFETY TIPS TO REDUCE LAWN MOWER ACCIDENTS
As summer kicks into high gear, mowing the lawn becomes a weekly – and sometimes dangerous - chore for millions of homeowners. According to the University of Michigan Health System, about 75,000 Americans are injured each year in lawn mower accidents, nearly 10,000 of which are children. Click here for a complete list of safety tips.

TIPS FOR EXERCISING IN HOT WEATHER
Exercising in hot and humid weather can be challenging at best and hazardous at worst. Dehydration is a constant concern, and body temperatures can quickly rise from the normal range of 97-99 degrees Fahrenheit to 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Click here for a guide to exercising in hot weather.

Links:
PATIENT EDUCATION
General Information — www.aaos.org
All About Back & Neck Pain — www.allaboutbackandneckpain.com
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — www.aofas.org
Arthritis Foundation — www.arthritis.org
Artificial Disc Replacement — www.artificialdisc.com
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) — www.fmnetnews.com