Health and Fitness
Last-resort bariatric surgery has the ability to improve lives
By Kellie B. GormlyAfter years of trying to lose weight with dieting and exercising, 345-pound Eric Schmidt turned to his last resort: bariatric surgery. “I had tried a …
City Spree debuts this weekend as 'race without a course'
By Rex RutkoskiThose who can think on their feet may have the most success — and fun — as City Spree debuts this weekend. Entrants in this …
Earlier age for morning-after contraceptive pill pits old vs. new
By Aaron AupperleeTeens can’t drink alcohol or gamble in casinos. They have to turn 18 to smoke cigarettes, buy lottery tickets, vote or join the military. A 16-year-old can’t drive with friends in the car. A 13-year-old can hunt, but only if …
Popular psychologist Joyce Brothers dead at 85
By The Associated PressLOS ANGELES — Joyce Brothers, the pop psychologist who pioneered the television advice show in the 1950s and enjoyed a long and prolific career as …
Where does that daily cup of coffee stand in your health watch?
By Dr. Kay Judge and Dr. Maxine Barish-wredenPeople often ask whether coffee is good or bad for the health. The answer is both good and bad. Many studies have been done that …
‘Thigh gap’ trend for some young women worries culture watchers
By Rachel WeaverA new body-image obsession showing up in Twitter feeds and Tumblr pages is causing concern among the medical community and female-empowerment advocates. There are hash …
Runners prefer outdoor workouts to ‘dreadmill’
By Doug GulasyIn training for the Pittsburgh Half Marathon held last Sunday, Cameron Blissell admittedly didn’t run as much as he wanted because of recent cold weather. …
‘Exhilarating’ Bodypump weighlifting class offers ‘full workout’
By Sandra Fischione DonovanAfter taking fitness classes from instructor Kelly McCaffrey at the YMCA in Delmont, Patti DeStefano of Harrison City wanted something a bit more physically challenging. She heard about Bodypump, a type of weightlifting class offered at the nearby East Suburban …
Pogo sticks take an extreme leap into the future
By Rachel WeaverPogo sticks are no longer just child’s play. The sport of extreme pogo has been gaining popularity in recent years, and this week, Pittsburgh plays …
Gene test may help guide prostate cancer treatment
By The Associated PressA new genetic test to gauge the aggressiveness of prostate cancer could help tens of thousands of men each year decide whether they need to treat their cancer right away or can safely monitor it. The new test, which goes …
So Many Questions: Bodybuilding’s Phil ‘The Gift’ Heath hopes to get kids moving
By Kate BenzPhil “The Gift” Heath Most people would agree that snagging a Mr. Olympia title might easily be considered as the pinnacle of a professional bodybuilder’s …
Pittsburgh’s first indoor trampoline park jumps into high-energy fun
By Kellie B. GormlyYoung brothers Vicente Anchondo and Brett Chufe strap on their jumping shoes, and eagerly dart over to the trampoline court. “Jump, jump, jump, jump!” Vicente, …
Patients add meditation to treatment plans
By Rachel WeaverNancy Dolan-Brady felt dreadful. Weeks into a regime of intense chemotherapy to fight stage 3 colon cancer, she lay in bed, nauseous, aching, sweating, miserable. …
Marathon handcyclist’s triumphs overshadow tragedy
By Karen PriceTom Davis was a runner throughout high school and college before he lost most of his left leg in an IED attack while serving in …
N.J. man with cystic fibrosis eyes Pittsburgh Marathon again
By Karen PriceThe first thing Steven Bell does when he wakes up is take a few deep breaths to find out what kind of a day it’s …
Pittsburgh Marathon notebook: Training group could help give running edge
By Karen PriceIf running a half marathon or marathon seems too daunting, joining a club or training group could be the answer. Local specialty running shops including Fleet Feet in Bethel Park and Elite Runners & Walkers in Robinson and Monroeville offer …
Extra costs for safety at Pittsburgh Marathon won't hamper organizers
By David ContiHiring extra police and sending more bomb dogs to protect the Pittsburgh marathon won’t bankrupt the city or the nonprofit that runs the race, officials …
Western Pennsylvania has seen a spike in Lyme disease cases
By Rick WillsIn the six years he’s worked as a veterinarian in Butler County, Dr. Hisham Ibrahim has treated 63 dogs that tested positive for Lyme disease. …
Filling gap in Great Allegheny Passage could bring more cyclists to Pittsburgh
By Tom FontaineFilling the last gap of the Great Allegheny Passage could bring out-of-town bicyclists to Downtown Pittsburgh in droves. But once here, they would be on …
How to replenish yourself post-workout
By The Indianapolis StarIf you’re feeling fatigued, sore or worn out, what you’re eating after exercise may be to blame. That’s not to say you need to eat more, but smarter. “The biggest mistake people make after a workout is eating too many …
