| Issue date: Nov 14, 1999
Q: My 14-year-old
daughter plays sports year-round, including volleyball, basketball,
track and softball. During basketball games, her legs often shake
uncontrollably. What causes this, and is there anything we can do
about it?
Ann Lillpop, Corydon, Ind.
Dr. Mitchell: Your daughter's problem is puzzling. Uncontrollable
muscle shaking can be caused by several things, including neurological
problems, muscle problems, metabolic problems (such as salt depletion,
abnormally low blood sugar or dehydration) or even muscle exhaustion
from overuse or overtraining. Take her to see her doctor. You may
need to change your daughter's exercise program to avoid continued
episodes.
George Foreman
on ditching that double chin
A lot of readers have asked
me whether you can exercise away a double chin. You can't "spot-reduce,"
but it can't hurt that old chin to give your neck muscles a workout.
Use the four-way neck machine at the gym, or try this at home: Lie
on your back, with a pillow under you to keep your shoulders off
the floor, and rotate your neck from left to right and up and down.
Then switch over to your stomach and repeat. Most double chins are
just extra fat. When it comes to meat, follow the "if it doesn't
swim or fly, don't eat it" rule. You won't get rid of that double
chin by chewing on a steak.
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