Health & Wellness

Column: Barton’s Diamond Jubilee — Sixty years of community health care

Rooted in the community, Barton Memorial Hospital opened its doors sixty years ago, on November 23, 1963 — and from that first day, Barton’s commitment to Lake Tahoe has never wavered.

WIC is there to help El Dorado County families grow healthy

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Finding nutritious food on a limited budget can be a challenge. The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program is a federally funded nutrition program administered by the California Department of Public Health that serves pregnant women, women who have recently been pregnant, infants, and children up to their fifth birthday.

Column: Managing ankle arthritis

Ankle arthritis is a common condition characterized by chronic, progressive pain in the ankle joint. It is often a result of previous trauma, though can have other causes such as blood clotting or blockage, inflammation, and infection.

While ankle arthritis cannot be cured, effective treatment options exist to help manage symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle. Treatment requires a step-by-step approach, starting with conservative measures and progressing toward surgical options if necessary.

Diagnosis and Conservative Care

Did You Know Campaign: Fighting the Winter Blues

The Tahoe Alliance for Safe Kids (TASK) shares a new campaign each month through its "Did You Know" series. This month, TASK is sharing ways to tackle the winter and holiday blues in both Spanish and English (Spanish is at the end of this column). In partnership with TASK, Sierra Child and Family Services, who operate the three Wellness Centers in South Lake Tahoe schools, will be promoting ways to manage the winter blues.

Column: Memory myths and facts

While there is no cure for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, you can take steps to lower your risk for illnesses that harm memory and thinking. Here are some myths and facts:

Myth: Forgetfulness is the start of serious memory problems.

Occasionally forgetting things is natural with age. Forgetting where you set your glasses now and then is normal. Losing them often or forgetting what they’re for is not.

Fact: You can “train” yourself to improve your memory.

Column: 5 simple brain-boosters

While there is no cure for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, you can take steps to lower your risk for illnesses that harm memory and thinking. The more of these steps you take, the more your mind and body may benefit.

1. Keep Moving
Being physically active keeps blood flowing to the brain. It also reduces the risk for obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. These are all risk factors for dementia.

2. Adjust Your Eating Habits

Barton Health offers new technology in breast cancer prevention and diagnosis

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Barton Health emphasizes the importance of breast cancer screening, a vital tool in protection and early intervention for breast cancer. Barton Health is proud to offer comprehensive breast care with the latest in screening and diagnostic technologies for the Lake Tahoe community.

Barton’s breast care program utilizes 3D Mammogram Screening and Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and the program now features additional cutting-edge technologies:

CIRCL Mobility at Kahle Community Center

Event Date: 
November 4, 2023 - 10:00am

Instructor: Nancy Taylor
Location: Kahle Community Center
Day & Times: Monday & Fridays at 10:00-10:30am, Ongoing
Ages: 13 & up
Cost: $7.50 drop-in or $37 multi-use cards may be purchased
Release. Restore. Renew
Based on the science of functional movement, class focuses on flexibility, breathwork and mobility exercises to help you move better and longer. Set to a soundtrack of healing tones + sound frequencies to help your mind focus and release stress. Class size is limited

Jazzercize at Kahle Community Center

Event Date: 
November 2, 2023 - 5:30pm

Instructor: Sherry Baiocchi
Location: Kahle Community Center
Day & Times: Saturdays at 9:00am
Tuesday & Thursdays at 5:30pm
No Class on Holidays
When: Ongoing
Ages: 13 & up
Cost: $15 drop-in or reduced monthly passes may be purchased from the instructor
The NEW Jazzercise is a calorie burning, pulse-pounding, fun fitness program that puts your muscles to the test. Hot playlists keep you rockin’. New formats – Fusion, Core, Dance Mixx & Strength incinerate up to 600 calories/hour. Temperature check and mask required at all times. Class size is limited

Qigong & Tai Chi at Kahle Community Center

Event Date: 
November 6, 2023 - 4:00pm

Instructor: Susan Stonestreet
Location: Kahle Community Center
Day & Time: Mondays, 4-5:15pm
Cost: $5 drop-in
All levels and physical abilities welcome! Sessions focus on improving general health and wellbeing of the practitioner. A combination of Tai Chi, Qigong, meditation, gentle rocking & stretching movements and breathing exercises are practiced to enhance students’ balance, coordination, flow and transition. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat to class. Class size is limited

Pilates at Kahle Community Center

Event Date: 
Repeats every week until Sat Jan 06 2024 .
November 4, 2023 - 10:30am
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November 11, 2023 - 10:30am
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November 18, 2023 - 10:30am
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November 25, 2023 - 10:30am
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December 2, 2023 - 10:30am
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December 9, 2023 - 10:30am
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December 16, 2023 - 10:30am
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December 23, 2023 - 10:30am
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December 30, 2023 - 10:30am
Event Date: 
January 6, 2024 - 10:30am

Instructor: Rose Marie Ottman
Location: Kahle Community Center
Dates: Tuesday & Saturdays, Ongoing
(ZOOM Option Available – 530-577-4044 for class code)
Time: 10:30 – 11:30am
Ages: 13 & up
Cost: $12 drop-in or multi-use punch cards may be purchased
This is a multi-level fitness class centered on the Pilates matwork exercises. Modifications are provided to address abilities and injuries. Small equipment – weights, toning rings and resistance bands may also be used. In-person class size is limited.

Philippine Stick Fighting Arnis at Kahle Community Center

Event Date: 
Repeats every week until Wed Dec 20 2023 .
November 8, 2023 - 5:45pm
Event Date: 
November 15, 2023 - 5:45pm
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November 22, 2023 - 5:45pm
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November 29, 2023 - 5:45pm
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December 6, 2023 - 5:45pm
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December 13, 2023 - 5:45pm
Event Date: 
December 20, 2023 - 5:45pm

Instructor: Chris & Rick Manglinong
Location: Kahle Community Center

New Session: Wednesdays, November 1, 8, 15, 29
Time: 5:45 – 6:45pm
Adult: 16 & up Cost: $28 Drop-in: $12 per class

Next Session: Wednesdays, December 6, 13, 20
Time: 5:45 – 6:45pm
Adult: 16 & up Cost: $21 Drop-in: $12 per class

Arnis is a blending of countless styles, is simple to learn and requires no special conditioning or raw physical strength. Class size limited

Tae Kwon Do at Kahle Community Center

Event Date: 
Repeats every week until Wed Dec 20 2023 .
November 1, 2023 - 4:45pm
Event Date: 
November 8, 2023 - 4:45pm
Event Date: 
November 15, 2023 - 4:45pm
Event Date: 
November 22, 2023 - 4:45pm
Event Date: 
November 29, 2023 - 4:45pm
Event Date: 
December 6, 2023 - 4:45pm
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December 13, 2023 - 4:45pm
Event Date: 
December 20, 2023 - 4:45pm

Instructor: Chris & Rick Manglinong
Location: Kahle Community Center

New Session: Wednesdays, November 1, 8, 15, 29
Time: 4:45 – 5:45pm
Youth: 7 – 12 years Cost: $20 Drop-in: $8 per class
Adult: 13 & up Cost: $281 Drop-in: $12 per class

Next Session: Wednesdays, December 6, 13, 20
Time: 4:45 – 5:45pm
Youth: 7 – 12 years Cost: $15 Drop-in: $8 per class
Adult: 13 & up Cost: $21 Drop-in: $12 per class

Yoga at Kahle Community Center

Event Date: 
November 7, 2023 - 6:30pm

Yoga for Everybody
Instructor: Susan Glasson
Location: Kahle Community Center
Dates: Tuesdays
Time: 6:30 – 7:30pm ZOOM Option – Check Kahle Facebook Page for class code
Cost: $5 drop-in
Payments can be made over the phone with a debit or VISA/MC credit card
All levels of Yoga enthusiasts welcome! Sessions will focus on pranayama (breath) and asana (postures) during each hour long class. Some basic yoga philosophy will be introduced. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat to class.

Mindful Yoga
Instructor: Susan Glasson
Location: Kahle Community Center

Zumba at Kahle Community Center

Event Date: 
November 3, 2023 - 9:00am

Instructor: Nancy Taylor
Location: Kahle Community Center
Day & Times: Monday - Fridays at 9:00am, Ongoing
Ages: 13 & up
Cost: $15 drop-in or multi-use punch cards may be purchased
Are you ready to dance yourself into shape, reduce stress, burn calories and tone your body? Zumba class is a fun, joyful dance fitness program that incorporates rhythms and dance moves from Latin music, belly dancing, hip hop and more. It doesn’t matter if you think you can dance; all are welcome to join the party! Class size is limited

Column: Breast reconstruction as part of breast cancer treatment

Breast cancer is a challenging journey that affects millions of women. A diagnosis of breast cancer can be accompanied by an array of emotions, and women often find themselves grappling with the idea of losing a part of their feminine identity.

Column: Spot Signs of Concussion

As school spins up and student-athletes are in the midst of fall sports, it’s important to be aware of signs and symptoms of a concussion/ mTBI (mild Traumatic Brain Injury).

A concussion is a type of TBI caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth, as in whiplash. Even what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious if it causes a concussion.

Column: Maximizing protection this cold and flu season

The 2023-24 cold and flu season is again upon us. Now is the time to ensure we protect ourselves and others in our community by receiving timely vaccination against Influenza (flu), COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and pneumonia if you have not already received them. Vaccines help slow the spread of infection to lessen the impact on your family as well as local health resources this winter.

Medicare open enrollment workshop in El Dorado County

Event Date: 
October 24, 2023 - 9:00am

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - A free, one-hour virtual workshop to help Medicare recipients understand drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans that will be available in El Dorado County in 2024 is scheduled for Tuesday, October 24, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The workshop is open to the public and will be held via Zoom. A one-hour question-and-answer period will follow the workshop. The workshop is presented by the non-profit El Dorado County Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP).

Barton Health to host South Lake Tahoe Community Health Fair

Event Date: 
October 19, 2023 - 3:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Barton Health is holding its Community Health Fair on October 19 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Bijou Elementary School. This is an inclusive event to benefit all community members, and no registration is required.

The health fair is an opportunity for individuals to connect with healthcare providers and explore various resources for managing their health and wellness effectively.

Column: Navigating the mammogram experience

Mammograms are a vital tool to help detect breast cancer and pave the way for potentially life-saving interventions. For some, mammograms can seem intimidating, but by engaging in mammograms early and often, you can find potential issues at their earliest, most treatable stages.

El Dorado County offering free South Lake Tahoe walk-in flu clinics - Nevada residents welcome too

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Public Health is holding FREE walk-in flu vaccine clinics in South Lake Tahoe starting this month and going until November. Everyone is welcome, including Nevada residents.

The Adjuvanted Flu Vaccine (which is recommended for 65 years and older per the CDC) and the Updated COVID-19 Vaccine will be offered at these clinics when the vaccines are available.

Insurance or appointment is not required for any of the clinics.

South Lake Tahoe Community Flu Clinic Dates and Locations for 2023:

Drive-thru and walk-in flu vaccine clinics at Stateline

Event Date: 
October 4, 2023 (All day)

Douglas County Community Health and Quad County Public Health are both holding flu vaccination clinics at Kahle Community Center on Wednesday, October 4.

Even though they are Nevada agencies, they will be accepting South Lake Tahoe residents as well as Nevada residents.

High-dose vaccines are available for those 65 and older in limited quantities at both events. If you do not have insurance, you will not be turned away.

Column: Train for strength and power at any age

Strength training is routinely emphasized by fitness professionals and for good reason: it is good for your bones, good for your overall health, and it can be fun! Strength training builds muscle, which is a main factor for sports and everyday tasks. Routinely practicing strength training can help us achieve life’s demands like carrying groceries or picking up grandkids, and becomes increasingly important as we age.

Vaping among youth continues to be an issue in South Lake Tahoe and across the U.S.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After decades of anti-tobacco campaigns, American youth are now facing the possibility of more addiction to nicotine than when cigarettes were a popular choice, thanks to vaping and e-cigarettes. The American Lung Association says youth vaping is a significant health issue, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says 99 percent of the e-cigarettes sold in assessed venues in the country contain nicotine.

Column: Training Now for Winter Activities

While the winter is still months away, if you are a skier or snowboarder, now is the time to start getting ready to get on the slopes rather than waiting until the snow is upon us.

Starting two to three months prior to winter, you can begin working a consistent cardio, strengthening, and flexibility program into your activities:

Column: Q&A with a surgeon: daVinci surgical robot

Since 2012, Barton Health’s surgery department has offered procedures with da Vinci, a state-of-the-art surgical technology system that offers minimally invasive procedures and can reduce patient’s time in the hospital. In 2019, a $2.1 million investment brought the da Vinci Xi, the latest in robotic-assisted surgery featuring a new overhead instrument arm and a highly-magnified view from its 3D-HD vision.

Column: Benefits of breastfeeding and support for the breastfeeding journey

Breastfeeding is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, offering a great balance of nutrients for a baby while boosting their immune system and helping protect against a variety of diseases and conditions. Certified lactation consultants, like the team at Barton Family Medicine and Barton’s Family Birthing Center, help parents navigate the journey of breastfeeding and achieve their feeding goals.

Column: Exploring Birthing Options

No matter how much you plan or research ahead of time, childbirth may not go as expected. There are important choices to make, and even when you have given birth before, a lot can happen in the moment.

If you previously had a baby via a C-section delivery and are having another baby, you may have the option to have another cesarean or try a vaginal birth. More women are attempting a vaginal birth after a cesarean, or VBAC, and Barton Family Birthing Center offers mothers this option in a medical environment.

One Pill Can Kill: Parents 411 about fentanyl poisoning

Parents, the drug landscape has changed. Drug overdoses no longer only impact people fighting the disease of addiction — deaths from counterfeit pills containing fentanyl are surging across the U.S. and unknowing teens, some as young as 13, are dying from fentanyl-related poisonings.

Dr. Audrey DaSilva on board as newest pediatrician at Barton Health

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health has announced that Dr. Audrey DaSilva has joined Barton Pediatrics as a pediatric specialist. DaSilva joins a team of providers improving access for young families seeking pediatric care in the Lake Tahoe community. Over the past year, Barton Pediatrics has welcomed a wider range of physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) who are accepting new pediatric patients.

Column: 60 years of Barton Health ~ The 1990s

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Sixty years ago, the community’s dream of a local, Tahoe-based hospital became reality. Barton Health has assembled a collection of articles to commemorate 60 years of quality and compassionate health care for our community and its visitors. Beginning with the 1950s, an article outlining the events of each decade will be published monthly, culminating with the 2020s on Barton’s official 60th anniversary in November. Follow along this historical journey each month and learn more at BartonHealth.org/History.

1990s: Expanding to Meet the Needs of the Community

Column: Making going back to school a breeze

Most kids and parents have a mixture of excitement and nervousness about starting a new school year. This is normal. However, parents can help ease the transition from summer vacation to the school routine. Here are some tips to prepare you and your students for the upcoming academic year.

El Dorado County sees first positive test for West Nile Virus in a human this year

El Dorado County health officials received confirmation Friday that the County’s first human case this year of West Nile virus infection was reported near Placerville.

West Nile virus activity has been detected in 26 humans in 12 California counties. El Dorado County announced the first bird-positive case this year on August 2, 2023.

Column: Have you heard? Ways to protect your hearing

About 48 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss, so it’s important to take steps and create habits throughout your life that will preserve this important sense. Just like blood pressure, weight, and other health benchmarks, hearing should be checked regularly, treated if necessary, and protected from damage.

Though noise affects our hearing over time, noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. The following tips can help protect hearing at any age.

Slow Food Lake Tahoe Edible Garden Tour

Event Date: 
August 19, 2023 - 9:00am

Join Slow Food Lake Tahoe (SFLT) for a tour of local, high sierra edible gardens on Saturday, August 19, 2023 from 9am – 2pm. Get inspired by gardens of all shapes and sizes - all grown successfully in our high elevation region. Participants will leave with ideas and resources for their own garden space. We'll move caravan style, beginning at the SFLT Food Bank Garden located at the Truckee River Regional Park. Bring a friend, meet some inspiring gardeners with all levels of skill, and join us on this adventure through town!

Location

SFLT Food Bank Garden, 10500 Brockway Rd, Truckee, CA
United States

Column: Understanding opioid use disorder and embracing harm reduction strategies

Event Date: 
August 10, 2023 - 5:00pm

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a complex and challenging condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is crucial to approach this issue with compassion, empathy, and a focus on harm reduction strategies. By understanding OUD and using de-stigmatizing language, we can promote a more inclusive and supportive environment for those affected by this condition.

Community invited to provide input on El Dorado County mental health funds

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency, Behavioral Health Division invites the public to provide input on the annual update to its Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Three-Year Program and Expenditure Plan. The update covers fiscal years 2023/24 to 25/26.

Children's Health and Wellness: Immunizations, First Aid and Nutrition

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The community is invited to the next free community forum where there will be free vaccinations, information on childhood nutrition, first aid strategies, and where parents can get tips on how to talk to their kids about difficult subjects!

The Tahoe Learning Haven is hosting the event on August 9 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe, 1100 Lyons Ave., South Lake Tahoe.

El Dorado County's Health Department will be there to provide free immunizations for all required school immunizations if needed.

Column: Keys to Hydration this Summer

Working up a good sweat when you exercise lets you know you're working hard, but it's also a sign you're losing water — water that needs to be replaced. Dehydration, a dangerous loss of body fluids, should be considered during hot days, especially with extended sun exposure.

Carson Valley Health welcomes Shalini Malasingam to Behavioral Health Services

GARDNERVILLE, Nev. - Carson Valley Health (CVH) has announced Shalini Malasingam, LMFT, has joined its Outpatient Behavioral Health Services team.

South Lake Tahoe children's health and wellness forum: immunizations, first aid and nutrition

Event Date: 
August 9, 2023 - 6:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The next Tahoe Learning Haven forum for the community will focus on children's health and wellness and includes free school immunizations on Wednesday, August 9 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe.

UNR researchers share ways to better understand the nutritional value of plant-based-meat alternatives

RENO, Nev. — Researchers from the University of Nevada, Reno examined misconceptions resulting from the health halo effect and steps to become better-educated consumers. Consumers may not realize they are being impacted by a health halo effect, which creates false perceptions of whether a certain food product is healthy or unhealthy based on factors like keywords used on the product’s labeling or in marketing campaigns.

Column: SUP and your shoulders

Lake Tahoe is a SUP, standup paddleboard, paradise — 72 miles of gorgeous shoreline ringed with snowcapped peaks — an outdoor excursion good for body and soul.

Paddling is an excellent workout, targeting not only your core muscles but also muscles throughout your entire body. Your arm, shoulder, and back muscles engage when you paddle through the water, while your leg muscles work to maintain your balance.

Like any sport or workout, there are some musculoskeletal risks related to SUP including shoulder impingement, lower back strain, and elbow pain.

Douglas County Community Health hosts Back-to-School vaccine clinic for all ages

Event Date: 
July 27, 2023 - 12:00pm

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. – The Douglas County Community Health Clinic, along with the Douglas County School District, invites parents/guardians to bring their children to the Back-To-School immunization clinic to receive all routine childhood vaccines. The event will be held Thursday, July 27, 2023, from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. behind the Douglas County Community Center in Gardnerville. The center is located at 1329 Waterloo Lane in Gardnerville.

Deterra Drug Deactivation System – a simple step in eliminating medications in your home

Parents work hard to keep their kids safe. Seatbelts are worn in the car, fences surround pools, and helmets are worn when playing sports and riding bikes. So, what about the medicines that are in your homes? Do you regularly clean out and monitor the medicine cabinet in your home?

60 Years of Barton Health: 1980s - Beyond the hospital walls, supporting patients at home

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Sixty years ago, the community’s dream of a local, Tahoe-based hospital became a reality. Barton Health has assembled a collection of articles to commemorate 60 years of quality and compassionate health care for our community and its visitors. Beginning with the 1950s, an article outlining the events of each decade will be published monthly, culminating with the 2020s on Barton’s official 60th anniversary in November. Follow along this historical journey each month and learn more at BartonHealth.org/History.

Column: Summer of Skin Care


Skincare is an essential daily routine. As summer heats up and you spend more time outdoors, it’s important to adjust your regime to accommodate the heat and exposure. Though skin care will look different for every person, any skin care routine should include cleansing, exfoliating, hydrating, and protecting.

Tahoe Outdoor Yoga at Kiva Beach

Event Date: 
Repeats every week until Wed Aug 30 2023 .
July 12, 2023 - 8:00am
Event Date: 
July 19, 2023 - 8:00am
Event Date: 
July 26, 2023 - 8:00am
Event Date: 
August 2, 2023 - 8:00am
Event Date: 
August 9, 2023 - 8:00am
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August 16, 2023 - 8:00am
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August 23, 2023 - 8:00am
Event Date: 
August 30, 2023 - 8:00am

July + August 2023

WEDNESDAYS 8am

South Lake Tahoe

Join us for this sweet summer ritual that began at Kiva Beach in 2011. Start your Wednesday mornings connecting with nature, meditation, breath, movement and community with a guided yoga class on the beach.

Everyone welcome. Please bring a towel, blanket or outdoor yoga mat to practice on (we will be on sand). It will most likely be sunny, so if you have sensitivities, bring appropriate sun protection. After class, optional beach clean up and/or cold plunge in the lake. Class starts at 8am and runs for a little over one hour.

Location

Kiva Beach, South Lake Tahoe, CA
United States

Column; How regenerative medicine helps the body’s healing process

Living an active lifestyle can be tough on your body, particularly your joints and tendons, which can lead to setbacks like injury or pain. Repetitive use from sports like skiing, mountain biking, and hiking cause wear and tear, causing the body’s tissue to become inflamed which can be painful. While a recovery period of rest, ice, compression, and elevation can work to some extent, non-surgical regenerative treatments focus on improving the healing process and getting you back in the game.

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