Boxing Myths: Busted

If you’ve ever passed by a boxing studio, you know the sport can look intimidating. The punching. The grunting. The sweating. Cooper Fitness Center Boxing Pro Derrick James believes reasons like this prevent people from giving the sport a go.

“In the beginning, a lot of clients say boxing looks so grueling that they’re afraid to try it,” says James. “I think they’re scared they’ll get so tired, they won’t be able to finish the session.”

Yet, James says, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Boxing is a sport he says can be tailored to all ages and of great benefit no matter your fitness level. To prove his point, he breaks down some of the most common myths he hears both inside and outside the ring.

MYTH: Boxing is only for “tough guys”

This comment is perhaps one of the most common James hears and his response is always the same.

“Sure, I work with professional boxers, but I also work with kids, seniors, people with Parkinson’s disease, mothers and fathers,” says James. “My boxing sessions are tailored for each individual and their fitness needs.”

James says he is constantly monitoring his clients throughout the workout, asking them how they’re feeling and insisting they stop for water breaks when needed.

“Once they get over that intimidation factor and see how good it feels to punch, they’re hooked,” says James.

MYTH: 30 minutes isn’t a long enough workout

Most of James’ boxing sessions are 30 minutes long, but in that time, James says his clients are constantly moving.

“Within that time, we’ll probably jog a half mile, do some work on the stairs, ride the stationary bike and spar,” says James. “This sport keeps you moving and keeps you motivated.”

James adds the calories burned in 30 minutes of boxing are more than you’d get jogging on a treadmill.

In fact, a Harvard University study shows a 155-pound person burns an average of 298 calories during a 30-minute run. Compare that to a 30-minute boxing session, which burns an average of 335 calories.

MYTH: It’s not a full-body workout

You may be punching with your arms, but one punch fires up almost every muscle in your body. When you throw a punch, you’re using power from your hips and legs. Each hit also targets your back, shoulders and core. Boxing can help tone your body from head to toe.

“Boxing is all about toning, not bulking,” says James. “This is a sport that helps lean you out. Weight lifting is for gaining muscle. If you look at professional boxers, they’re strong but lean.”

You’re also constantly moving, which helps make the sport extremely aerobic. Not only is the sport beneficial for your body, James says it can also have a powerful impact on brain health.

“Boxing helps with your cognitive skills, depth perception, balance and coordination,” says James. “It’s also an extremely empowering sport. It makes you feel like you can protect yourself should the need arise.”

In addition, it’s a great way to destress. Relieving stress can lower your blood pressure and make you feel happier─all the more reason to get inside the ring.

To schedule a session with James or to learn more about boxing programs available, visit cooperfitnesscenter.com.

 

 

Extending the Mission of Prevention

Improving the quality and quantity of a person’s life is something Cooper Clinic physicians strive to do daily. But they’re not just making a difference in Dallas─they’re sharing their expertise and patient care in a country more than 6,000 miles away.

Each year, Cooper Clinic President and Chief Executive Officer Camron Nelson, MD, travels to Braila, Romania, with ServingHIM, a Dallas-based ministry group. The group provides medical and dental services to those in need in the eastern European community of more than 206,000 people. The ministry sends several teams to Romania, Guatemala and Moldova each year.

“The ministry provides medical and dental services, but we also engage in training opportunities for doctors and dentists in Romania,” says Nelson. “We’re trying to invest in the future generation of physicians and dentists to increase their capabilities and surgical skills. Our teams are also very engaged in advancing spiritual health in the surrounding communities through our partnership with the local churches.”

While the dentists stay busy performing restorative services and extractions, physicians are diagnosing and treating a plethora of health conditions.

“There’s a huge problem with cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes in Braila,” says Nelson. “I spend a lot of time diagnosing and treating those issues while also teaching the patients, like I do here in Dallas, about the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle.”

Cooper Clinic Dermatology Director Rick Wilson, MD, FASDS, FABVLM, has also participated on multiple occasions and is often busiest of all the medical team.

“They don’t have dermatologists in that part of Romania,” says Nelson. “Dr. Wilson will see skin conditions there he’ll seldom see treating patients in Dallas because the issues have gone untreated for such a long time.”

“We see patients with fungal infections, commonly, plus skin cancers, benign skin growths, psoriasis and a host of other issues,” adds Wilson.

On the first day of the trip, ServingHIM hosts a health fair, consisting of free screenings for blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. Dentists also screen for diseases of the mouth and educate community members about the importance of smoking cessation and dental hygiene.

“We’ll set up on a Saturday morning and people start lining up around 6 a.m.,” says Nelson. “The medical team arrives at 8 a.m. and we’ll see approximately 300-600 people by 2 p.m. It’s a great way to reach out to the community.”

It’s a long, busy day, but one many in the community patiently await.

“Some people wait all year just to come see us because they know American doctors have a high standard of care,” says Nelson. “They value the fact that we take good care of them.”

Diaconia clinic started 20 years ago as a one room clinic with one doctor and a small staff. The clinic is a ministry outreach of Holy Trinity Baptist Church in Braila. Since partnering with ServingHIM, Nelson says the clinic has grown into a four-story building.

The Romanian physicians and dentists saw close to 19,000 patients in 2017, augmented by several medical and dental teams from the United States throughout the year.  The pharmacy at Diaconia provided approximately 16,000 free prescriptions in 2017.

Each ServingHIM team also stays busy with community outreach activities such as vacation bible school, goat ministry (providing goats to needy families) and local school outreach to teach dental hygiene.

Nelson travels to Romania twice a year, once in June to lead a medical/dental team and again in February as part of the Diaconia Board of Directors. The summer trip is approximately 10 days and the team usually provides needed services to several hundred patients during that time. Clinic days often run 10-11 hours each day.

“I always arrive home pleasantly exhausted,” says Nelson. “All of the volunteers, including myself, come home feeling extremely fulfilled.”

“It’s wonderful to give to others without expecting or receiving anything in return,” says Wilson. “Our journey there is just a gesture of love and compassion.”

Self-Defense Tips for College Students

Whether you’re male or female, young or old— knowing how to protect yourself is important. For young college women between the ages of 18 and 22, it is not only important, it is necessary.

It is important to note that being aware of your surroundings is the most effective and proactive method of defense.

“Keep your head on a swivel and refrain from looking at your phone when walking from Point A to Point B,” Cooper Aerobics’ Martial Arts Pro Mike Proctor says. “Do not put yourself in a vulnerable position by not paying attention.”

Proctor recommends taking a class from a skilled professional to actively learn and practice methods of self-defense. In the meantime, he shares a few basic moves in the event you should ever need to defend yourself.

Step 1: Enter

If someone is attacking you head-on, always move forward to proactively defend yourself. Turning your back to the attacker will only limit your options of defense.

“The closer you are, the easier it is to protect yourself,” Proctor says. “At arms-length, the attacker is stronger because they can reach out to hit you, knocking you out. You have to get close to really hurt somebody, especially if the attacker is bigger than you.”

Step 2: Strike

There are several methods of striking that are effective. The key is to learn which methods work in specific situations.

• Eyes

“If possible, attack the eyes first,” Proctor says. “The attacker might be bigger and              stronger than you, but nobody has strong eyeballs. If you can get close enough, use            both hands to poke or claw them.”

• Neck

Another sensitive area to attack is the bottom of the neck near the collarbone. This          method comes in handy if you only have one free hand available. All it takes is a two        finger push to momentarily cut off air supply and startle the attacker long enough to        get away.

• Ears

Using both hands to hit the attacker’s ears in a clapping motion can disturb balance           and even burst an eardrum. The abrupt force can cause disorientation and the pain           can hinder the attacker’s ability to focus on anything else.

To avoid a sticky situation, Proctor recommends additional safety tips:

• Always use the buddy system, especially at night.
• Carry pepper spray at all times.
• Never accept a drink from anyone if you do not know where it came from.

For more information on self-defense or to schedule a session with Proctor, visit cooperfitnesscenter.com or call 972.233.4832.

Why You Should Drink Chocolate Milk Post-Workout

Chocolate milk doesn’t have to be full of calories and sugar to be enjoyable. In fact, low-fat chocolate milk can be a satisfying post-workout staple! Cooper Clinic Nutrition Services shares why you might want to reach for a cold glass of chocolate milk after your next trip to the gym.

The Research

 Science shows what you consume after exercise matters and can even aid in your success as an athlete. Chocolate milk has been shown to be an ideal post-workout snack. Aside from being a treat for our taste buds, low-fat chocolate milk provides nutritional benefits such as protein, vitamin D and calcium.

Research from The University of Texas at Austin found low-fat chocolate milk to be a healthier post-workout drink compared to other sports drinks or calorie-free beverages.

The study compared the physical recovery post-workout of 32 athletes over a 4.5 week period. Participants were split into three groups based on which drink they consumed one hour after a workout: low-fat chocolate milk, a carbohydrate-heavy sports drink or a calorie-free beverage.

Results showed the low-fat chocolate milk drinkers had improved body composition over the course of the study, gaining more lean muscle and losing more fat. Athletes who consumed the low-fat chocolate milk post-workout also performed better during their successive workouts.

Health Benefits

 What makes chocolate milk so special? Three reasons you should consume low-fat chocolate milk after an intense workout include:

1. Carbohydrate-to-protein ratio: Low-fat chocolate milk has the ideal carbohydrate-to-protein ratio of 3:1, which will optimally replenish glycogen stores and build lean muscle post-workout.
2. Electrolytes: Electrolytes are lost largely in sweat, especially during the hot summer months. Luckily, chocolate milk contains varying amounts of calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium (nutrients all lost in sweat) to replenish these essential nutrients.
3. Hydration: Chocolate milk is 90 percent water, making it an excellent way to rehydrate after your workout.

What to Look For

 Below is a list of chocolate milk brands recommended by Cooper Clinic Nutrition Services. The nutrition facts are based on a one cup serving.

• Horizon® Organic Low-Fat Chocolate Milk
  • 150 calories
  • 8 g protein
  • 23 g carbohydrates
  • 22 g sugar
  • 5 g saturated fat

• TruMoo® Low-Fat Chocolate Milk
  • 140 calories
  • 8 g protein
  • 20 g carbohydrates
  • 18 g sugar
  • 2 g saturated fat

• Great Value™ 1% Low-Fat Chocolate Milk
  • 140 calories
  • 8 g protein
  • 21 g carbohydrates
  • 18 g sugar
  • 5 g saturated fat

• *Fairlife® Reduced-Fat Chocolate Milk
  • 140 calories
  • 13 g protein
  • 13 g carbohydrates
  • 12 g sugar
  • 3 g saturated fat

*Because Fairlife is ultra-filtered, it contains 50 percent more protein and 50 percent fewer carbs, making it a 1:1 carb to protein ratio.

Alternative milks such as almond milk or coconut milk have little protein and do not offer the same nutritional benefits mentioned above.

To schedule a one-on-one consultation with a registered dietitian nutritionist or for more information on Cooper Clinic Nutrition Services, visit cooperclinicnutrition.com or call 972.560.2655.

 

Article provided by Adyson Mitchell, Dietetic Intern, and Cooper Clinic Nutrition Services.

 

Achieve Your Sweet Summer Glow With Cooper Spa

Summer is in full swing and it’s time to embrace flip flops and sandals. Make sure your toes are ready with the Sweet Summer Glow pedicure from Cooper Spa! This delightful and moisturizing pedicure features Sweet Cream Milk products by Farmhouse Fresh, crafted locally in McKinney, Texas. Each service, whether the pedicure, manicure or body scrub treatment, will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

As one of this year’s summer interns, I had the privileage of experiencing this summer special. Not a bad assignment if I do say so myself!

To begin, Cooper Spa Nail Technician Marcia started a Nectar Powder Milk Bath, which transforms the water into a milky sweet mixture that smells divine- like a bouquet of flowers. She then began working on my cuticles and nails. During the treatment, Marcia revealed the cheap nail polish I’ve been using at home has been damaging my nails. I appreciated her educating me on my nail care, something I’ve never experienced at other spas.

She also informed me that some nail polishes contain toxic chemicals and that I probably have a sensitivity to Formaldehyde, which resulted in the mysterious white flakes on my nails. Marcia not only cleaned up my nails, making them appear better than ever, but  suggested non-toxic nail polish brands, such as ZOYA, that would be safe to use.

Next, Marcia massaged my feet using the Sweet Cream Body Milk, made with sesame seed oil and avocado oil to moisturize my skin. Then, she applied a Sweet Cream Sugar Scrub, which she let exfoliate under warm towels for five minutes. The sugar scrub was truly magical, giving off a sugary sweet aroma. This scrub gave my legs the cool drink of moisture they’ve been desperately needing and made my skin feel fresh and look radiant.

To lock in the moisture, I received a Paraffin Wax Treatment. The wax helps eliminate dry skin and soothes tired feet. Marcia also recommends this for people with arthritis, as it can help with inflammation around the joints.

Marcia went above and beyond to ensure I was comfortable during the treatment, making sure I knew exactly what products were going on my feet and why. Marcia’s attention to detail and love for her job are clear, as she told me,  “Pedicures are my favorite thing to do because I can take feet that are in not such a great condition and make them pretty and healthy. It’s really rewarding.”

Cooper Spa provides unique services that go beyond the reach of a your typical pedicure. The services promote true skin health, making you feel beautiful inside and out.

Cooper Spa’s Sweet Summer Glow Seasonal Services featuring Farmhouse Fresh products  are available now through August 31.

• 60-minute pedicure ($70)
• 40-minute manicure ($45)
• 80-minute body scrub ($155)

Schedule your appointment online or call at 972.392.7729. Cooper Spa is open seven days a week and childcare is available through our Cooperized Kidz program.

Make a Splash this Summer with a Pedicure from Cooper Spa

As the seasons change, so do nail trends. This summer, Cooper Spa offers colors and products that will give your pedicure that perfect pop of color using safe and sanitary products.

Cooper Spa holds itself to the highest standards by using a fresh set of sterilized implements for each client and cleaning the pedicure tubs thoroughly after each use. Cooper Spa assistant manager Erika Bazan shares, “we recently had a state inspector tell us we are ‘a breath of fresh air’ because of our overall cleanliness.”

Staying true to Cooper Aerobics’ core value of prevention, Cooper Spa exclusively offers Zoya nail polish due to their clean ingredients. Zoya products are free of chemicals that can cause hormone disruption which could eventually lead to cancer. Along with their preventive benefits, they also give you a vibrant, fresh-looking color that lasts longer. With several different options, you are sure to find a color you love.

Can’t choose just one? Cooper Spa’s summer polish collection of choice comes from Zoya’s new line, “Sunshine.” There is a color for everyone in this collection of 12 ranging from nudes to bright pinks. “Clementine” is expected to be the number one polish Cooper Spa clients are sure to love. Make a splash this summer with this soft pink polish with orange undertones, accompanied with a hint of gold shimmer.

Since July is the busiest month of the year for beach vacations, it is also the most popular time for pedicures in salons and spas. However, did you know that salt, sand and chlorine are some of the harshest substances to your polish? After a week at the beach, your pedicure will likely have suffered.

Beyond the polish, pedicures help keep your feet healthy. With each service provided, our highly trained technicians share their expertise with clients about the benefits of healthy and beautiful hands and feet. Follow these simple tips from experts at Cooper Spa to ensure your feet stay pedicure perfect:

• Purchase the same polish you choose in the spa for touch ups when needed.
• Always apply a top coat to seal in color and give off shine.
• Apply Intense Overnight Foot Repair Balm regularly to keep your feet soft and smooth. Available at Cooper Spa.

Amp up your new color with our Cooper Spa summer specials to get healthy, glowing legs, feet and especially perfectly pedicured toes:

• Sweet Summer Glow seasonal services, June 25-August 31– manicure, pedicure and body treatment featuring FarmHouse Fresh® Sweet Cream skincare products
• Summer Complements, July 2-August 31– complimentary cuticle soak with a 60-minute pedicure

Swimming for Injury Recovery

When Cooper Fitness Center member Lyndee Myers took a 15-mile hiking trip to Big Bend in May of 2017, she didn’t expect to come back with an injury.

“I was wearing hiking boots for the entire trip but I evidently didn’t have the best arch supports,” says Myers. “Because of that, I developed plantar fasciitis in my foot.”

Myers has always been active. In fact, she’s been a devoted member of Female Focus at the fitness center for nearly a decade. When she returned from her vacation, she found exercise painful. That’s when she knew she needed help.

“I went to the podiatrist, ended up seeing three doctors, did cortisone shots, stem cell injections, physical therapy,” says Myers. “I even took six weeks off from exercising, which didn’t help at all.”

Myers thought she had tried it all until Cooper Fitness Center Swim Pro Marni Kerner suggested she try getting in the pool. Myers had only swam for fun, never for sport, but decided to give it a try.

“I was really apprehensive at first, but when you want to feel better, you do what you have to do,” says Myers. “I started  lessons in April of 2018. They were about an hour, twice a week.”

“Swimming is extremely low impact, so it’s a great option for exercise when you’re recovering from an injury,” says Kerner. “Swimming can also help reduce inflammation, which can help reduce pain.”

Swimming also provides a cardiovascular benefit, helping to increase your heart rate and burn more calories. In fact, swimming is considered one of the top five aerobic exercises.

After two months of twice weekly hour-long lessons, Myers now swims with Kerner for 30 minutes. On the days she doesn’t have a lesson, you can find Myers swimming on her own using techniques she’s learned. She also works on stretches at home, which Kerner recommended, making it a great form of recovery both in and out of the water.

“My plantar fasciitis hasn’t totally gone away, but it’s at the point where it’s much more manageable,” says Myers. “I feel better after swimming. That’s what keeps me coming back.”

“She’s going through her recovery without pain and receiving cardiovascular benefits,” says Kerner. “I can’t think of any client who hasn’t stuck with swimming after an injury. It becomes a life-long sport.”

To learn more about swimming lessons available or to schedule a private lesson, visit cooperfitnesscenter.com.