Fitness and Rest: Balance for Results

Many athletes—from serious competitors to avid fitness enthusiasts—work hard everyday with the mantra more is better. Strength training, hard intervals and long workouts are included, but often rest and recovery are neglected. Rest is key to success in any training program whether you are an experienced marathoner, hardcore spin devotee, CrossFit fan or a teenage […]

Menopause: Does Natural Hormone Therapy Help?

Hot flashes. Vaginal dryness. Sleep disruptions. Mood swings. It’s not a pretty picture, but that’s the unfortunate reality for a significant number of women suffering from the symptoms of menopause, which are caused by the natural reduction in hormones that accompany aging. That’s where replacement hormones come in. By swapping in a substitute for those […]

Shop Your Closet

Sometimes a new wardrobe is literally at your fingertips.   We went into the closet of Mia Waligora, of Lake Forest, and created several new outfits for her using pieces she already owned (including a few items she’d never worn). Voila! Eight fresh looks she didn’t know she had. This spring, try shopping your own […]

All About Abdominoplasties

If you’re considering getting a tummy tuck, here’s what you need to know. What is a tummy tuck?  Also known as a “abdominoplasty,” a tummy tuck is used to excise excess abdominal fatty tissue and skin from the mid and lower abdominal areas, as well as tighten the underlying framework/musculature. Abdominoplasty incisions are closed using […]

Cycling Tips from Higher Gear

It’s biking season! As you use your bike for fitness riding or just running errands, a few tips can help make your cycling more enjoyable and better exercise. Stay relaxed: Always remind yourself to stay relaxed on the bike. Keep your arms loose and let them act as shock absorbers. Pedal in circles: Try to […]

Get a Great Butt: Exercises for Glutes

Time to tone up your backside for spring break and beach season. These shapely muscles not only look great in tight jeans, but are necessary for every step and leg movement you make. The gluteals are made up of three muscles maximus, medius, and minimus. Strong gluteal muscles: Support your low back Improve posture Require […]

Planning for End-of-Life Care

It’s true—despite increasing lifespans and technological advances in health care, doctors can’t make humans immortal. Although many people are alive today because of the amazing advances in medicine, there’s a death denying culture in the U.S., according to Carol Taylor, professor of nursing at Georgetown University with a PhD in philosophy and bio-ethics. Taylor spoke […]