Thank you very much to everyone who participated in our first fundraiser for the Special Olympics of Southeastern Wisconsin. Whether you bought a baked good, donated at the front desk, bid on an item at the auction, or donated an item to the auction, we thank you!

Together, our efforts raised $4100 for this worthy cause. All of the money donated to Special Olympics of Southeastern Wisconsin stays in the area and goes directly to helping the 1500 area athletes participate in athletic events and healthy living promotions free of charge.

Again, we greatly appreciate your help and we look forward to next year's event!

Are you and your family prepared for the upcoming flu season? Let's talk prevention, including vaccination, hand washing and healthy living.

There are three types of vaccines to consider this season for protection: the Seasonal Flu Vaccine, the H1N1 Vaccine, to protect against the swine flu, and the pneumonia vaccine. Talk with your health care provider about which vaccines are recommended for you and your family, as well as any local vaccine clinics. For up to date information visit the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/flu

WASH YOUR HANDS. The best way to prevent the spread of ANY infection is through proper and frequent hand washing. Use soap and water often, especially after you sneeze of cough. When you do sneeze or cough, please cover your mouth with tissue and dispose of that tissue right away. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Be sure to wipe down the equipment after using it here at the club. Use the hand sanitizer frequently in between hand washing.

HEALTHY LIVING involves getting plenty of rest, staying physically active through our great club classes, and eating a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meat and dairy. Don't forget the water too!! You can also super charge your immune system by adding Isotonix OPC3, a super antioxidant and immune-system booster, Isotonix Vitamin C and Isotonix Vitamin D3 with K2. All superior supplements available to you through Razor Sharp Fitness. Take control of your health and wellness, it's your responsibility.

Mark your calendars for the inaugural Mt. Pleasant Half Marathon/5k Run on Saturday, April 10th, 2010. This marathon is part of the nationwide USRA Half Marathon Series which features 8 -10 events around the country. Razor Sharp is a sponsor of the event and we are very excited to have this run in our own backyard. The race start and finish will be at Case High School and the route will wind through the Mt. Pleasant community.

Look for more details about the run, training programs and race weekend events in upcoming newsletters. To register, go to http://www.mtpleasanthalfmarathon.com.

It is officially fall and the weather is changing as fast as the leaves. Gone are the warm dry days of summer replaced with cold and damp ones. Cold, damp weather has a way of seeping down to the bone and making people with arthritis or old injuries really feel the pain. Chinese Medicine would call this a Cold Damp Bi.

The word "Bi" in Chinese medicine means "Painful Obstruction", and the Cold and Damp are the external pathogens that are the cause of the painful obstruction. There are many different types of Bi pain that are caused by different external and internal pathogens. The external Pathogens (pathogens that enter the body from the outside) are quite often seasonal, so we see a pattern in the number of patients coming in with particular Bi syndromes depending on the season.

The good news is that Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine can help! So if you are really feeling your aches and pains this fall season (or anytime), make an appointment with one of Razor's Acupuncturists right away!

The 8-week fall fitness challenge was expectedly smaller than our 12-week New Year challenge, but we still had an impressive 39 members that were determined to see results. In fact, everyone who had their post measurements taken saw a positive change in their body composition!

We awarded various prizes to the top 6 point earners in the challenge. We also had 20 people earn 300 points or more, which put them in a drawing to win 3 months worth of their dues (individual rate) free!

It is our plan to do two challenges per year. Each January we will do the "New Year, New You" 12-week challenge and each fall we will then hold the "Fall Into Fitness" 8-week challenge. Watch for information posted throughout the club and in the December newsletter on how to participate.

Despite the big brother gluteus maximus getting all the attention, the gluteus medius is arguably one of the most important muscles in the entire human body. The muscle lies under the large gluteus maximus attaching at the illium (hip bone) and the lateral femur (thigh bone).

When the leg is free to move, the primary job of the gluteus medius is abduction of the hip, or swinging of the leg straight out to the side. More importantly, however, is the action of the muscle while the leg is planted. When bearing weight on one limb, the role of the gluteus medius is to hold the pelvis level. This action is very important as it is necessary every time we take a step while walking to prevent the pelvis from dropping on the side of the swinging limb.

Weakness of the gluteus medius is quite common. When the muscle is weak, the resulting pelvic drop can cause malalignments and abnormal stress on the joints and tissue structures of the body. Pain and dysfunctions caused by a weak gluteus medius are often referred to joints other than just the hip where it acts. Gluteus medius weakness and the subsequent malalignment and altered gait mechanics can lead to many pathologies including: hip bursitis, IT band syndrome, low back issues, snapping hip syndrome, patellofemoral pain and general knee and ankle pain, just to name a few.

To strengthen the gluteus medius, focus on single leg actions in which the foot is planted such as single leg squats and step ups, or exercises in which you actively abduct at the hip such as lateral band walking and lying lateral leg raises. Always remember to contact your doctor or physical therapist if you are experiencing any undiagnosed pain.

Bill Lyon, CSCS, CPT is a certified personal trainer at Razor Sharp and second year physical therapy student.