Muscle Moves

IT8217;S showtime, folks! I8217;m on a paddlewheel showboat with the spectacular Sydney harbour as a backdrop. Some dancers on the boat ha...

Written by Rashmi Uday Singh

December 7, 2003 12:00 AM IST

1 min read

IT8217;S showtime, folks! I8217;m on a paddlewheel showboat with the spectacular Sydney harbour as a backdrop. Some dancers on the boat have danced in the film Moulin Rouge, while others have been part of the Moulin Rouge show in Paris. And all have elastic, never-ending long legs. Is it can-can, cabaret or just a sensational display of boundless energy?

8216;8216;There is no secret,8217;8217; says Daniella Wayman. 8216;8216;We just eat healthy, exercise and dance a lot.8217;8217; Amani Faiz chips in with, 8216;8216;Some of us do yoga, others Pilates8217;8217;. But they have one thing in common. 8216;8216;We always s-t-r-e-t-c-h before and after our dance,8217;8217; they chorus.

nbsp;	You Ask, They Answer

		nbsp;	8226; KID CONCERNS Vikram has an 8-month-old son who does not have good hair growth. Also, he is used to a pacifier. Will this affect the growth of his teeth ? Poor hair growth is a common occurrence in the first year. Only if hair growth is patchy and the skin underlying the hair looks abnormal, is medical consultation needed. It is important to ensure that the child has a balanced diet. A vitamin supplement containing zinc may encourage better hair growth. Also, discourage pacifiers as they are potent sources of infection. Babies who constantly suck on pacifiers develop more gas. Moreover, harmful effects on dentition can take place if the habit continues for several years. Dr Mukesh Sanklecha MD Pediatrics DCHDNB Pediatrics 8226; GALL STONES Chottu Ram has stones in his gall bladder. He wants to know about other options besides surgery to remove item. Gall stones cholelithiasis require intervention in the form of surgery. Symptomatic gall stones definitely require surgery. Multiple small stones that are asymptomatic also have several potential complications and should be considered for surgery, unless contra-indicated. The surgical gold standard for gall stones is laproscopic surgery. Alternative modalities like chemical dissolution or extra-corporeal shock wave therapy have disappointing results. Dr Vinod Chandiramani, Consultant General Surgeon, PD Hinduja National Hospital 038; Medical Research Centre	nbsp;

They explain that stretching is useful for both injury prevention and injury treatment. If done properly, stretching increases flexibility.

The three basic methods are static, ballistic, and PNF. Static is the method recommended for the majority since it is the least likely to cause injury. Ballistic and PNF stretching are not for beginners. Static stretching is done by slowly moving a joint towards its end-range of motion. A gentle 8216;8216;pulling8217;8217; sensation should be felt in the desired muscle. This position is held for 15-20 seconds. A set of three to five stretches is recommended. It is a good idea to start with the neck and progress down to the feet.

Ballistic stretching uses the momentum of a moving body or a limb in an attempt to force it beyond its normal range of motion8212;like bouncing down repeatedly to touch your toes. PNF is an acronym for proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. The most common PNF stretching techniques are: the hold-relax and the hold-relax-swing.

A few more tips:

8226; If you8217;re sweaty, take a shower and then stretch, as the hot water will help relax muscles.

8226; Begin with gradual mobility exercises of all the joints. This way the body8217;s natural lubrication protects the bones at these joints.

8226; Warm up prior to stretching, as this makes muscles more supple.

8226; Stop if you feel severe pain.

8226; Do not hold your breath.

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And do remember to stretch that smile of yours and pass it on, like the Sydney showboat girls.

Do keep calling and writing. And do keep smiling. For all your health queries, call 022-22161313 or log onto http://www.rashmiudaysingh.com. Write to P. O. Box No 19946, Colaba, Mumbai-5 or e-mail holrashmiudaysingh.com

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