New Year Resolutionis at the Touch of a Button

With the New Year right around the corner, staying fit tops the resolution list for many. Yet, it's so easy to find an excuse to skip the gym because it's inconvenient or you don't have time. Here are 3 apps that make for great workouts from the comfort of your home.

For the Cyclists:
Doctor recommended Zwift allows competing cyclists to race in real time against other cyclists around the world. Don't let bad weather prevent the competition! Become a competitive and social cyclist from your own living room.

For the Yoga Doers:
For the beginners and the pros, Yoga Studio offers prepared video classes, poses, and detailed instruction and advice. Whether you have 10 minutes or 2 hours, this yoga app allows you to carry around a personalized yoga studio with you wherever you go.

For the Runners:
Looking to track your own progress, race against yourself or others, or plan and train for a marathon? Download Runmeter GPS! Whether you are a beginner or avid runner, this app will help you keep up with and customize your training goals and progress.

With the convenience of these apps, the start of a healthy lifestyle is right at your fingertips. Why wait until the New Year? Jumpstart those resolutions and enjoy these full-fledged workouts without dealing with the hassle of a gym.

Keep up with Texas Orthopedics news by following us on Facebook and Twitter (@TexasOrthopedic).

Is Santa Healthy?

Ho ho ho! How well do you think Santa Claus makes out on his annual physical? Would he get a thumbs-up from his doctor, or a scolding for munching on cookies while he delivers toys?

Making presents and tinkering in his workshop is probably pretty good exercise - as constant motion and staying active is always a good thing. Find out what other healthy habits Santa has that may be surprising.

Take this fun quiz, and see if you can follow his lead this holiday season!

http://fit.webmd.com/kids/mood/rmq/rm-quiz-fit-santa

Keep up with Texas Orthopedics news by following us on Facebook and Twitter (@TexasOrthopedic).

Good Nutrition May Keep You Warm in the Cold, Too

In Central Texas, when temperatures drop, it's time to head outside. The cooler temps are a refreshing change from our usual heat, and it's great to enjoy sports and activities outdoors. At the same time, it is a good idea to be aware of how the cold weather can affect your body.

Even when exercising in the cold, your body temperature drops, requiring additional energy to warm up the cold air you breathe in. In fact, up to 23% of calories burned in cold weather exercise go toward warming the air you inhale. This means you may need to take in a greater amount of calories.

Another option for keeping your body warm is to heat up your food. Studies show that eating warm foods can help contribute to your body's heat preservation. Foods like soup, chili, pasta, oatmeal and baked potatoes are all smart options.

Here are 3 tips to keep you fueled up and warmed up out in the cold.

• Stay hydrated, and try wearing your water bottle tucked inside your clothing and close to your body to keep it warm.
•  Have a snack every 30-45 minutes such as an energy bar/gels, trail mix, nuts or fruit. 
• Minimize caffeine and alcohol consumption prior to outdoor activities as they can both be dehydrating. 

Also remember to bundle up properly in several light layers and to use sunscreen on exposed areas to protect your skin.

(Adapted from STOP Sports Injuries)

Keep up with Texas Orthopedics news by following us on Facebook and Twitter (@TexasOrthopedic).

Giving Back to Children in Need: Children's Advocacy Center

Texas Orthopedics has a long tradition of giving back to the community. Children's causes have always been dear to our hearts, especially during the holidays. Along with our standing commitment to Partnerships for Children, we are proud to announce a new relationship with the Williamson County Children's Advocacy Center.

This year we are collecting toys, clothes and other necessities for families aided by the organization.

The Williamson County Children's Advocacy Center offers a child friendly, safe place to disclose child abuse while reducing the emotional trauma for children and non-offending family members. The group is a member of the larger family of Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas, an association representing all local children's advocacy centers throughout the state.

We are proud to have such a generous staff who believes whole-heartedly in the importance of giving back, not just during the holidays, but all year long.

Keep up with Texas Orthopedics news by following us on Facebook and Twitter (@TexasOrthopedic).

Helping Youngest, Most Vulnerable In Our Community

For the past three years, Texas Orthopedics staff and their family members have collected toys, clothes and other important items for local families in need. It is part of our annual charitable giving to Partnerships for Children, a local nonprofit that provides Child Protective Services' caseworkers with items to better serve the kids in our community.

Items collected will help spread cheer among the youngest and most vulnerable members of our Central Texas community - neglected and abused children.

'Tis the season for giving and our staff did not disappoint! Our offices are brimming with donations.

Thank you, Texas Orthopedics staff, for your thoughtfulness.

5 Tips for Eating Mindfully Duuring the Holidays

The holidays have arrived along with an endless parade of festive party platters and potlucks. It can be easy to overindulge at this time of year. Here are 5 tips for making healthy food choices. (And, yes, being healthy still means you can have holiday cookies once in a while).

• Don't leave for a party hungry. Eat a healthy snack before beading out the door such as nuts, yogurt or a piece of fruit. 
• Use small plates to serve yourself. This helps to control portion size. 
• Limit your liquid calories. Margaritas, punches and eggnog are filled with sugar. Enjoy your holiday drink, but sip it slowly, and also stay hydrated. Hunger is often mistaken for thirst, so down a glass of water before piling up your plate.  
• Start with the low-calorie options. Cut-up veggies and salads are a healthy way to fill up before you hit the cheese table. 
• Socialize away from the food. You'll be less tempted to grab that extra cookie if your conversation is out of sigh from the buffet.

This is not the time of year to diet. Instead, focus on maintaining your normal weight during this busy season by being mindful of what you're eating. Your body will thank you for it long after the holidays are over. 

Keep up with Texas Orthopedics news by following us on Facebook and Twitter (@TexasOrthopedic).

Congrats to our Super Doctors!

Congrats to the seven Texas Orthopedics' physicians recognized as Super Doctors by Texas Monthly. The list was published in the December issue of the magazine.

A rigorous process was used to identify physicians who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Learn more about the selection process here.

Super Doctors

 

• Dr. Bradley Adams
• Dr. Robert Foster
• Dr. Peter Garcia
• Dr. Tyler Goldberg
• Dr. Richard Lutz
• Dr. James Smith
• Dr. Scott Smith