| Tips from Me! Health & Injuries |
| First order of buisness, shin splints. Someone in my guestbook asked me how to get rid of them. The best answer is definately rest. However, for a dancer, that could be the hardest remedy to comply with. So, I say to use both ice and a heat pad periodically (not at the same time, of course). Also, massage the area, the entire leg for that matter, to get blood moving. I just have to throw in that it's easier not to get them in the first place than to try to get rid of them. Keeping your entire leg in good shape, plie-ing over your toes, and pointing your foot the whole way (not just half-way) will help to keep those shin splint blues away. |
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| You can't talk about dance injuries without talking about our toes. To prevent toe trouble,wear toe pads and tape around tender and tight parts on your feet with medicle tape. I also put a product called New Skin over "danger spots." - do not put New Skin over open blisters, it hurts even worse. I also use Moleskin over those areas. I also definately recommend a good foot soak in a tub after a hard and painful day. ;-) |
| One health issue that is showing up more and more in the dance world is eating disorders. I can say that it is most definately not worth it. Many hurt themselves in order to feel better or look better in that costume or to get that pas de deux part. Trying to make yourself skinny by hurting your body isn't going to make you feel any better about yourself, I promise. An anorexic loses so much body fat so quickly the body does everything it can to try and fix itself. The body starts to eat muscle tissue for energy and sometimes an anorexic will pass-out in order to conserve energy. Loosing muscle and becoming weaker is most definately not what a dancer needs. Think you know someone who is anorexic? Many symptoms include the obsession with food (constantly feeding others but never themselves) and hair loss. Most anrexics are middle class females who tend to try to please everyone and do everything "perfectly." If you or someone you know fit this criteria, talk to them and visit the links bellow for help. To learn more, visit CBC News: Ballet Dancer Takes Steps to Healthier Bodies or ANRED -Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders |
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| Not too long ago, I received an E-mail asking how to strengthen one's back. I have had difficulty with my back for a few years now. At one point, they thought I may have scoleosis. I do not have scoleosis but still often have severe back pain. I cannot stress enough how important it is to adequately stretch and warm-up before any class or rehearsal. To strengthen your back, I lie on my stomach and lift both my arms and legs and hold it for a few seconds. Than lie back down strait and repeat. Take it slow to start off, the last thing you would want is to become injured trying to prevent injury! However, back strength does not rely completely on your back. It is also necessary to support your back. You should also develop your abdomen and leg muscle. Simple crunches and lunges or bike-riding can do the trick. For more Mc Kinley Health Center Back and Neck Care Guide |