No aspect of life was immune from the COVID-19 pandemic — not even a mega, international event that comes around only once every four years.

As the Black Death, also known as the Black Plague, ravaged Europe and Asia in the mid-1300s, people became increasingly desperate for any iota of respite. Some tried blood-letting. Others opted for rubbing onions—or, in some cases, a chopped snake—directly onto their infected boils.

Dr. Kara Radzak interviews Dr. Sandy Shultz, Dr. Lindsey Lepley, and Dr. Shelby Baez about the work investigating ACL injury risk and rehabilitation strategies for patients with ACL reconstruction. This interview is accompanying the release of a special issue of the Journal of Athletic Training women who are scholars in athletic training research.

The pandemic has done a number on our stomachs. We’re mostly stuck at home—whether working remotely or just staying safe in quarantine. And it’s too easy to just snack all day.

Can certain foods kick your body’s metabolism into a higher gear to help you lose weight? Many foods are touted as metabolism boosters, but how much and when you eat may be more effective ways to get the most impact from your workouts.

What foods help you fuel your workouts, and what should you eat after physical activity?

Which foods do you need to eat as you strengthen your muscles? Foods rich in protein give you fuel for muscle-building workouts, but experts say you need a variety of other nutrients like carbohydrates, fiber, and healthy fats too.

About ten million U.S. adults are vegan or vegetarian. Unfortunately, it’s not the easiest lifestyle to adopt, as finding meatless options at restaurants and supermarkets can be a challenge. Plus, even though some experts say forgoing animal products could save you at least $750 per year, certain specialty foods can be expensive. Despite the cost, though, synthetic meat sales have received a bump this year because of meat shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some meat eaters who switched to vegetarian or vegan options out of necessity may decide to stay once they’ve had a taste.

Boosting our immune system to help us fight disease and illness more effectively is crucial, pandemic or no. Eating healthy, along with exercising regularly and engaging in stress-relieving activities, are critical.

“Since COVID hit, I’ve been exercising outside. But in the heat, how can I stay cool while working out?”

We've always found the idea of vitamins that aid in hair, nail and skin health to be super appealing.

The author of a brand-new sports training book delves into the game-changing concept of “external focus.”