by Dr. Erin McDonald | Sep 3, 2024 | Optimization
As a young adult, long-distance running was my passion. But during marathon training, I suffered frequent overuse injuries because of the repetitive stress on my joints. A friend suggested I try a low-impact cross-training activity: cycling. I explored how to get into...
by Dr. Jonathan Schmidt | Aug 6, 2024 | Optimization
Both male and female patients often ask me, “Does working out increase testosterone?” In healthy individuals, the short answer is yes. Working out — specifically, muscle resistance exercise — does increase testosterone levels. And by muscle resistance, I mean...
by Dr. Jonathan Schmidt | May 7, 2024 | Optimization
Do several days of gray skies make you feel down? And when the sun finally emerges, does your mood lift dramatically? The catalyst may be vitamin D, the “sunshine vitamin.” When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it manufactures vitamin D3, the active form of D in your...
by Dr. Jonathan Schmidt | Apr 30, 2024 | Optimization
Is there anything better than feeling upbeat and optimistic? Starting and ending each day in a state of happiness benefits our health and well-being, protects against depression, and helps us resist stress. When I see a patient struggle to experience happiness, it’s...
by Dr. Jonathan Schmidt | Apr 23, 2024 | Optimization
During office visits, I always ask my patients if they exercise. Lately, many of them reply, “Yes! I play pickleball!” This isn’t surprising, since an estimated 36.5 million pickleball players are currently active in the U.S. Pickleball — a racquet sport combining...
by Dr. Jonathan Schmidt | Apr 2, 2024 | Optimization
We all want to live to be 100, but if you’re 100 and miserable, what’s the point? Living a long life is only rewarding if you’re in good health. It’s important to know how to stay flexible as you age. We’ve all seen the occasional elderly person who’s stooped and...
