Are standing core exercises more effective than traditional sit-ups?

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Think sit-ups are the best way to build core strength? Think again. While sit-ups have been a workout staple for years, standing core exercises might be your new go-to for a stronger, more functional core. 

 

Sit-ups aren’t the only way

Sure, sit-ups target your abs, but they focus mostly on one area, the rectus abdominis. According to Better Health, the rectus abdominis is a muscle that runs from the ribs to the pubic bone in the front of the pelvis, and when it contracts, it creates the bumps known as a "six-pack."  

However, sit-ups miss out on engaging other important core muscles like the obliques and deep stabilizers. Plus, if done incorrectly, they can strain your neck and back. Ouch.  

 

Why standing core exercises win 

Standing core exercises like woodchoppers, knee raises and side crunches work your entire core, from the front to the sides to deep stabilizing muscles. They also improve balance and stability, which is crucial for everyday activities and sports. No more lying on the floor. Get your core engaged while standing tall.  

 

Less strain, more gain 

One of the best parts of standing exercises is how much easier they are on your body. According to Harvard Health, without the pressure of flexing your spine like in sit-ups, standing exercises reduce strain on your back and neck, making them ideal for people with lower back pain or joint issues. 

 

A full-body core workout 

Standing core exercises aren’t just about abs. They’re dynamic movements that engage muscles throughout your body. These exercises mimic real-life motions, helping you build functional strength and mobility. 

 

The bottom line

 While sit-ups still have their place, standing core exercises are a smarter, more effective way to strengthen your core, improve balance and reduce strain. Give them a try. You’ll feel the difference.  

 


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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Are standing core exercises more effective than traditional sit-ups?

While sit-ups have been a workout staple for years, standing core exercises might be your new go-to for a stronger, more functional core. 

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How to prevent bad knees

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

When you bend your knees, do they snap or crackle every time? If so, then you should be careful with your knees. Osteoarthritis is common in women especially after menopause. Below is a list of tips that you can incorporate into your life to prevent bad knees. 

 

  • Stretching

    • Step-ups 

    • Hamstring curls

    • Straight-leg lifts 

    • Butterfly stretch 

    • Standing hip flexor 

  • Low impact cardio 

    • Biking 

    • Walking  

    • Swimming 

  • Weight training 

  • Maintaining a healthy weight  

  • Wearing proper shoes  

  • Maintaining good posture 

 

If you feel your knees becoming weaker, you may be advised by your doctor to receive a cortisone shot. The cortisone shot is a temporary solution that helps relieve arthritis pain. It alleviates the knee pain you may be experiencing. 

 

In extreme cases, if you are still experiencing pain while using methods listed above, your doctor may advise you to undergo knee replacement surgery. After you recover from surgery, you'll likely have improved mobility and enjoy a better quality of life. 

 

To read more about your joints:

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

How to prevent bad knees

When you bend your knees, do they pop or crack every time? If so, then you should be careful with your knees. 

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Talk to the men in your life

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Early detection is the key to surviving prostate cancer

The men in your life should be aware of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer can only occur in men and to diagnose them they will need a prostate screening. Below is prostate cancer information that can be shared with the men in your life, and why early detection matters. 

 

According to the American Cancer Society:  

  • About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. 

  • Prostate cancer is more likely to develop in older men, with the average of 67 when first diagnosed. 

  • Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind lung cancer. 

  • About 1 in 43 men will die of prostate cancer.

 

Early detection matters:

  • 99% - 5-year survival rate if cancer is detected early before it spreads or only spreads to nearby structures or lymph nodes.  

  • 32% - 5-year survival rate if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body such as lungs, liver or bones.  

 

Screening options: 

  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a blood test that assesses your probability of prostate cancer. 

  • Digital rectal exam (DRE) is a physical examination that checks for abnormalities in the prostate. 

  • No single screening is absolute. A diagnosis is usually dependent on several factors, and other tests like a prostate ultrasound or an MRI may be needed.  

 

To help the men in your life, schedule a prostate screening today to detect and treat early signs of prostate cancer. 

 

For more information, visit genesishcs.org/screenings

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Talk to the men in your life

The men in your life should be aware of prostate cancer.

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Too excited to wait

Amy Stewart was 31 weeks pregnant when she fell ill. Concerned for both her unborn son, Graham, and herself, she sought guidance from Aaron Bowers, D.O., in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Genesis HealthCare System.  

“I trusted Genesis and Dr. Bowers because I had a great experience having my first child at Genesis, and I returned for my second child,” said Amy.  

Dr. Bowers diagnosed Amy with preeclampsia, a condition characterized by persistently high blood pressure that can develop after 20 weeks of pregnancy. If left untreated, it can lead to seizures, known as eclampsia. He advised keeping the baby in the womb for as long as possible to promote healthy development. Amy followed his recommendations, but as her condition worsened, another evaluation on October 17 led Dr. Bowers to conclude that inducing labor was the best course of action. After reviewing her options, Amy agreed. 

“At Genesis, we do everything we can to ensure the safety of mothers and their children,” said Dr. Bowers. “With preeclampsia, we monitor in case we need to induce the mother into labor. We strive for the ideal outcome for the mother and her child.” 

Newborn life savers 

Born six weeks early, Graham’s organs were still developing. Initially, he required both a breathing machine and a feeding tube. However, with specialized care, he gradually gained the ability to breathe and feed on his own. 

Aaron Bowers, DO

Aaron Bowers, DO

“In the Special Care Nursery, it felt like we were more than another name on paper,” said Amy. “The nurses are truly special, and we received the best care. Before being admitted, I knew some of the nurses, and I found comfort in their personal touches, such as sharing their personal experiences. I’m glad we chose Genesis.” 

“To have that level of care was incredible,” said David Stewart, Amy’s husband. “We found great care close to home. We were able to keep a loose routine and see our family, including our three-year-old daughter, Amelia.”  

 

Happy family of four

Too excited to wait

Once Graham was stronger and healthy, he and Amy were finally able to go home. Their family eagerly awaited their return, excited to bond with their newest addition. Amelia was especially delighted and wasted no time playing with her little brother. 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Too excited to wait

Amy Stewart was 31 weeks pregnant when she got sick. Worried for her unborn son, Graham, and herself, she turned to Aaron Bowers, D.O., in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Genesis HealthCare System to determine if everything was okay.

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Brushing your teeth can affect your health

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Did you know brushing your teeth can affect your health?

What is one thing we do in the morning and at night? Brush our teeth. If it’s not morning and night, at least two times throughout the day. We do it to get fresh breath or old food out of our mouths and keep our teeth and gums healthy. What could possibly be the harm in that? Believe it or not, you can cause problems by brushing your teeth.  

Brushing your teeth too hard can hurt. You may think that it is getting all the food or substance off, but you could be damaging your teeth. According to the University of Connecticut, “brushing your teeth too hard can wear down enamel, irritate your gums, make your teeth sensitive to cold and even cause cavities.” It doesn’t occur to us that these things can happen, especially if we use a soft toothbrush.  

Did you know that your toothpaste also plays a key role in your dental health? It does. It may seem like a small factor, but it can create many benefits for you. According to California Oral Health Technical Assistance Center, “the key ingredient is fluoride, which evidence shows prevents tooth decay. Fluoride replaces lost minerals in teeth and makes them stronger.” Make sure that you are not the only one with fluoride toothpaste in your family. Some children’s toothpastes do not carry enough fluoride for them to gain the benefit.  

We must remember that our dental health is as important as our physical, emotional and mental health. We want to take care of our teeth as best as we can so we can eat our favorite foods without pain. Mostly importantly, we want to keep smiling at people to make their days.  

 


Ready to get healthy?

Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Did you know brushing your teeth can affect your health

What is one thing we do in the morning and at night? Brush our teeth. If it’s not morning and night, at least two times throughout the day. 

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Savage, Kathleen R.

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on
Doctor ID
5875
Kathleen Rose Savage, MD
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Reedus, Derrick L.

Kyle.Norton
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5865
Derrick Lamar Reedus Sr., MD
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751 Forest Avenue
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Zanesville, OH 43701
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Parra Munoz, Edwiin D.

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Edwiin D Parra Munoz, APRN-CRNA
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Motton, Jaana I.

Kyle.Norton
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Jaana Isis Motton, PA-C
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McInturf, Elizabeth S.

Kyle.Norton
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5860
Elizabeth Suzanne McInturf, MD
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Elizabeth
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