I have a passion for creating visual and editorial content to grow brand presence and thought leadership. Below are a few samples of my work for the PowerPlay.us blog and other various communities around the web.

6 Signs you have restless leg syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome (also referred to as RLS and Willis-Ekbom disease) is a fairly common and uncomfortable disorder that causes an urge to move or massage the legs (or sometimes arms) while at rest. It is estimated that 10% of the population suffers from this condition, the majority of whom are women.

RLS symptoms can differ from person to person but if you are experiencing the following signs, you may be a part of that 10%.

1. You have an irresistible compulsion to move your legs, especially while resting.
2. Your legs feel achy, numb, throbbing or even like there are ants crawling on them. The feelings have also been described as “an itch you cannot scratch,” “pins and needles” or “pulling.”
3. You have involuntary jerking or twitching in your legs.
4. Your symptoms are worse in the evening, especially while laying down.
5. The uncomfortable sensations in your legs make it hard to sleep.
6. Your symptoms get better when you move your legs or walk around.

If you identify with these symptoms, you may have Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and are probably desperate for a way to relieve it. Some basic measures to take include regular exercise during the daytime as well as cutting or limiting caffeine and alcohol. Some prescription medications have been used to treat Restless Leg, however they can cause unfavorable or sometimes intolerable side effects. Patients seeking a safe, medication-free therapy should consider a pneumatic compression device (or PCD), a compression machine that pumps air into sleeves worn around the legs. The sleeves compress and release to mimic ambulation (walking or moving around) when you at rest.

PCDs have been clinically proven to alleviate Restless Leg Syndrome discomfort and in some cases, resolve the disorder completely. One study noted that the use of the compression therapy system resulted in a reduction of RLS symptoms in 90% of patients. Typically, patients wear the compression sleeves for an hour before bed, and sometimes while going to sleep if desired. The PowerPlay Leg Massager Kit is a portable system that is lightweight, easy to use and cost-effective.*

So why do compression therapy devices help ease the symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome?

There are a variety of theories as to why PCDs help relieve RLS, including enhanced lymphatic flow, removal of fluids that cause the symptoms from the lower legs, increased blood flow and improved venous drainage. Whatever the cause, it is clear that these calf compression devices are doing the job for most RLS sufferers.

Sources:

1. Lettieri C, Eliasson A. Sequential Compression Devices for Treatment of Restless Leg Syndrome. Medicine, 2007;86:317-323
2. Lettieri C, Eliasson A. Pneumatic compression devices are an effective therapy for restless legs syndrome. Chest. 2009;135:74-80.
3. Rajaram SS, Shanahan J, Ash C, et al. Enhanced external counter pulsation (EECP) as a novel treatment for restless legs syndrome (RLS): a preliminary test of the vascular neurologic hypothesis for RLS. Sleep Med. 2005;6:101–106.

Contraindications: Do not use the PowerPlay Calf Massager if you have a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis, or blood clot in the lower leg)

Recovering from ACL Surgery

An ACL tear, (or anterior cruciate ligament tear) is a fairly common yet devastating injury for athletes. Tears can happen for a number of reasons – changing direction rapidly, stopping suddenly, landing from a jump incorrectly, or colliding with another athlete. It is possible to recover from this injury without surgery with proper care from a Physical Therapist, however most athletes opt for surgery, which can rehabilitate them faster.

Although the ACL surgery recovery times vary from patient to patient, usually between 6 and 9 months, patients may take several measures that may result in a faster recovery, getting them back in the game sooner.

1. Consult your Physical Therapist

Your PT will be your guide to your rehabilitation process. He or she will set you up with range of motion exercises and strengthening methods at the right points of your recovery.

2. Control pain and swelling

Cold and compression are key ingredients of R.I.C.E.therapy – Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Using a cryotherapy device with active compression such as PowerPlay with Knee Wrap can help ease pain and reduce inflammation by pumping blood and oxygen up and out of the injury site. In addition to your cold compression therapy, resting and keeping your leg elevated will also aid in the process to hasten ACL surgery recovery time.

3. Gentle exercise

Your Physical Therapist will tell you which strengthening exercises to incorporate and when. You can definitely expect a variety of range of motion exercises to get your mobility back to what it was prior to injury. Your PT will also recommend a stretching routine, which you should adhere to at home. Exercises will increase in activity level as time goes on, however you must be careful to not do too much too soon.

4. Restoring full ambulation

Starting slowly with more intense exercises is important during recovery from ACL surgery. Swimming and biking can be a gateway to activities such as light running. Increase your stamina, coordination and balance gradually, being careful to not aggravate or re-injure yourself. You should no longer feel pain, and the circumference of your injured knee should match the circumference of your non-injured knee. Once cleared by your surgeon, you may start returning back to your sport. Continuing your cold compression therapy is helpful in keeping swelling down and maintaining your performance.

Library Alehouse – Santa Monica, CA

One of my favorite places to go within the LA area when it comes to good beer and good food in an energetic atmosphere is Library Alehouse on Main Street, Santa Monica.  We discovered this small yet stylish restaurant and pub about a year ago, and we have witnessed the crowds grow in numbers, flocking to the unique beers, quality food, and laid back (but active) environment.  The Library boasts 29 beers on draft, along with a wine list and a menu ripe with California-style pub food.

We were happy to stop in on Friday night before hitting the bowling lanes nearby, ordering a pitcher of North Coast’s PranQster golden ale for the table.  I got an order of the buffalo wings – the best in town in my opinion.  They serve them drums-only with ample amounts of celery and carrot sticks with a chunky bleu cheese dressing – delicious!  Fletch ordered the alehouse burger (medium rare), with sauteed onions and cheddar cheese.  You have multiple choices for building your burger (i.e. cheeses or meats), so you can be sure to quench your burger craving.  Dana got the Cajun chicken sandwich, which she also claimed was very good.  Honestly, I’ve never had anything here I didn’t like, but it’s tough to break away from either the wings or the burgers which are absolutely mouthwatering.

Go here to check out their website and get yourself excited to experience Library’s glory for yourself.