Should I use canthaxanthin as a sunless tanning alternative?

The substance canthaxanthin is a carotenoid. It is the other major carotenoid other than carotene. Studies have been conducted on canthaxaanthin’s ability to combat vitiligo. Vitiligo is a skin disorder marked by the appearance of whitish nonpigmented areas with hyperpigmented borders. Due to its effectiveness on vitiligo, bodybuilders do use it as a tanning alternative. Since the substance is fat soluble, caution should be used.

My new client has informed me that he does not have the plantaris muscle. Will this adversely affect his training?

The plantaris muscle, which is absent in some humans, is a vestigial biarticular muscle that contributes minimally to ankle plantar flexion. It originates on the lateral supracondylar ridge of the femur above the lateral head of the gastrocnemius. It inserts on the calcaneous (medial side, deep to the gastrocnemius tendon). The tibial nerve (S1, 2) innervates the plantaris muscle. Since the plantaris muscle only contributes minimally to plantar flexion, the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, also known as the triceps surae, can sufficiently bring the ankle into flexion, therefore training will not be adversely affected.

My son seems to wear out the innersole of his tennis shoes at an extremely fast rate. Is there something I can do about it?

You should take your son to a physician to assess his normal gait (walking) patterns. It sounds as though your son has a pigeon type gait. This simply means that the foot never resupinates, staying abducted (pronated) in the swing, abducted and pronated during the entire stance phase of gait from heel contact through toe off. This results in a subluxed foot which could account for the excessive wear on the medial aspect of the heel and medial aspect of the sole of the forefoot in your son’s shoes. This is not meant as medical advice and should not replace the recommendations of a qualified physician.

What is flaxseed oil?

Flaxseed oil is a good source of linolenic acid (a third type of omega-3 found in vegetable oil not fish)). These fatty acids are used to make docosahexanoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. It is not the same thing as the essential fatty acid linoleic acid, which cannot be produced in the body. Studies do support its ability to lower triglycerides but not specifically the bad LDL cholesterol. Not enough is known about potential long-term effects from its use. The AHA recommends its use only under the supervision of a physician.

What is ankylosing spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis is a stiffening of the joints due to abnormal bone fusion in the vertebrae or a fusion of vertebrae to form one unit. Ankylosing spondylitis can be a seriously disabling disease. Depending on how far it progresses, it can leave a person with a spine completely fused in flexion, with the head forced against the chest. This condition is permanent and will eventually run its course. Exercise should be focused to strengthening the muscles that EXTEND the spine and head, to possibly slow the progression of the flexion posture. As always, this information is not intended as medical advice and should not take the place of a physician’s diagnosis or recommendations.