I taught a pelvic health workshop yesterday, and the information about peeing was a hit. When I asked for urination takeaways, these are some of the responses: Relax when you pee - sit, lean forward No power peeing Don't hold too long if you can help it Sip water throughout the day Peeing is self-care The bladder is a muscle! Yes! For the anatomy lovers, the muscular wall of the bladder is called the detrusor. It stretches and relaxes for the bladder to fill, communicates and coordinates when...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hello! I've been working on yoga videos, and I'm happy to report the first one is ready to watch. If your hips are cranky and you don't feel like doing anything but lying down, I've got you. We can do both at the same time. You'll want to grab a yoga strap, towel, sheet, or belt. The practice takes 20 minutes and works well for easing into the day or winding down in the evening. It's available on Insight Timer for free, whenever you want to use it. Watch it here and bring on the happy hips!...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Some people are naturally even-keeled. I married one of the most grounded people I know. (And he does not practice yoga.) As the saying goes, opposites attract. I need all the yoga. With years of physical practice, meditation, and philosophy, I'm functionally grounded. Most of the time. I've also learned about processing the highs and lows from Dr. Susan David. In her book Emotional Agility, she shares three things that don't help when it comes to our emotions. So, if shoving it down, stewing...
3 months ago • 1 min read
My patients range from their 20s to 90s, and many struggle with leaking. They tell me, "I'm peeing my pants...when I laugh, cough, sneeze, jump, run, stand up, squat, walk long distances, wait too long..." How Not To Pee Your Pants is my offering for a question I'm often asked: "Why didn't we learn this?" You can prevent, improve, or eliminate leaking. I can help. We'll talk about what the pelvic floor is and what it does. It's important to learn how to strengthen and relax it. High tension...
6 months ago • 1 min read
Here are the video slides. (PDF) Your autonomic nervous system runs in the background, taking care of things like heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing, and it affects just about everything, including mood, mental clarity, digestion, and pain level. There are two parts of the autonomic nervous system. The "rest and digest" and "fight or flight" systems are often portrayed as opposites, but they're more like dance partners. Ideally, they work well together and balance each other as needed...
8 months ago • 1 min read
It'd be a challenge to overstate the importance of your pelvic floor. It's intricately involved with going to the bathroom, with sex, and even with breathing. It's directly connected to back and hip pain. So many people suffer from pelvic problems without knowing that pelvic physical therapy can make a world of difference. Here are two tools developed to screen for pelvic floor dysfunction. The Cozean Pelvic Screening Tool and The Pelvic Global Screening Tool (PDF downloads) Whether you're...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read
I'm always excited for fall. 🍁 Cooler days and nights, the leaves changing colors, and pumpkin everything. Yes, please. And even though I no longer live by a school calendar, it still gives back-to-school vibes, and I love it all! A few of my favorite series are returning with new seasons soon. If you're looking for good TV, and you haven't seen these yet, let the viewing begin! 📺 Shrinking - Apple TV+Far and away, my favorite series in recent years. Depth, humor, and lovable characters....
about 1 year ago • 2 min read
When I was a kid, one of our family mantras was "Hard work pays off!" Being a hard worker is an important part of my identity. I like to do the doing and get it done. The problem comes when I'm willing to run myself into the ground before I make changes or set boundaries. This is dumb. My work schedule has been a handful over the past year, and I've regularly been exhausted and stressed. I love the work and the people. It's just a lot. Healthcare is very rewarding, and also...the burnout rate...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read
An effective way to spotlight what matters most to you is to reflect on someone who makes you angry. Like, really angry. It's illuminating, but it might raise your blood pressure a bit, so start with a couple of slow, calming breaths. Then, think of a public figure you loathe.It could be a politician, a business owner, or a fictional character.Choose someone you don't know personally and have fiery anger toward. 📝 Make a list of your grievances.Don't censor yourself. This is for your eyes...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read