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It’s a Wednesday morning and I’m jogging at a brisk pace on a – not the kind of place you’ll usually find me, as a lover of wilderness trails on which to get my paces. Blessedly, after just 30 seconds it’s all over, and Elena, my analysis expert here at the Runner’s Need store in Glasgow pulls up a video of me running. Together, we watch the footage in slow motion, revealing what deep down I’ve always suspected to be true – I’m not likely to be hired as a running shoe model any time soon. “Your left foot does overpronate slightly, which you can see when you land – it does roll in a bit,” explains Elena. A bit is putting it kindly. I can clearly see my inner arch collapsing with each step and my toes turning out. happens naturally when we run – it’s how your body absorbs shock – but what I’m demonstrating is “excessive” pronation. I’ve had two on my left knee, which Elena says could be the culprit, but equally, some of us are just built that way, while one suggests it can even be the result of running for periods of longer than 45 minutes at a time. I brace myself for her to tell me to stick to hiking, but in fact, it turns out the news isn’t as bad as I thought. “If you’re not getting any injuries, it’s nothing to worry about,” says Elena. And I'm not, so far. She’s quick to clarify that she’s not a physical therapist, but this assertion is backed up by a year-long 2014 study of over 900 runners published in the which didn’t find a correlation between overpronation and injury risk. So can I just keep doing what I'm doing? Not exactly. I do put in anywhere from 15 km to 25 km per week in my running shoes, and as with anything, increased volume can change outcomes. “Over time that repetitive movement can cause strain on your ligaments and that can cause issues down the line," explains Elena. Issues down the line are something I’d like to avoid, but fortunately, I’m able to glean some great advice from my session. Here are five things I learned and will be doing differently going forward when it comes to hitting the trail. Thanks to my job, I hit the trails in all shapes and sizes of shoes from the ultralight to the chunky . But it turns out what I need to be looking for are stability shoes. Elena put me in a big, bouncy pair of On Cloud 5s for the test, explaining that she typically has runners wear these or a pair of because their neutral design makes it easier for her to see a runner’s gait. These are generally a good choice for people with a neutral gait, or even that rare breed that supinates, but now, Elena wants me to run again wearing a pair of stability shoes – basically, shoes with some cushioning, a wider geometry and arch support for runners with normal arches who might overpronate a little. “It just kind of stabilizes the ankle, so it doesn’t actually fix your gait, but it does help.” I change into a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS Support Running Shoes which she shows me have so-called “guide rails” to help stabilize my ankle and have more arch support to keep me from rolling in on my left foot. It sounds a bit gimmicky, but she has my attention. I do another 30-second bout on the hamster wheel at the same speed and then we go back to the computer and watch the two videos side by side in slow motion once again. The cynic in me hates to admit it, but my gait already looks significantly better. Am I just intoxicated by the sight and heady scent of all these beautiful new running shoes and getting caught up in the marketing hype? I pose this question to Keri Bergeron, a Denver-based physical therapist but she confirms that I could be more discerning in my shoe choice. “I would recommend that having better shoes that get you in a more neutral foot position would be ideal, regardless of the distance that you’re running,” says Bergeron. “Over time, the altered mechanics in your foot will change the angles of force at your knee and at your hip up the chain, so though you’re not having any issues at the moment, I do think that it would be super helpful in preventing issues going forward.” The one slight hitch here is that right now, most stability shoes are road running shoes – the Asics Gel Kayano are considered some of the best on the market – and there isn’t much out there for trail runners like myself. That said, there are that do offer better stability just because of the way that they’re made. Back at home, I survey my small mountain of running shoes armed with my new knowledge and I’m pleased to realize that there might be a good reason I’ve been enjoying the new so much this fall – they may not officially be stability shoes, but with their wide geometry and more rigid midsole, they perform a lot of the same tasks. They’re going to see a lot more miles this winter. I’m already well-disposed to prefer . The softer surface feels better on my joints, I like that I have to work harder and get more bang for my buck and most of all, I love being out in nature. That said, when I’m short on time or traveling, I do find myself donning my from time to time and hitting the tarmac. That's okay, but as Elena explains, my preference for trail as an overpronator is probably a better choice. “Trail is less impact and because it’s such varied terrain you don’t have such repetitive movement, every step is different. It’s softer ground and it is a bit less impactful than running on the road.” In other words, running on roads (or the treadmill) usually forces you into highly repetitive movement patterns which can reinforce small niggles and issues until they become big niggles and issues. But wind your way through a forest, skip over uneven terrain and tear up and down hills all the while changing how you strike the ground and overpronation will matter a lot less to your joints. Worrying might be an overstatement, but I've definitely been aware that I tend to roll inward over the years, and I've often wondered whether I should see a coach or PT to try to change things. After all, a quick internet search reveals no end of running experts who will advise you on how to fix your running gait. Do I need to start from scratch? At my age? Luckily, Elena urges me not to get too bogged down in trying to change the way I run, and just let my shoes do the work. “If you’ve never had an issue, I wouldn’t worry about your gait too much. Just run the way you want to run.” I’m the first to admit that a soft, plush sole on a running shoe can feel really lovely. But it can also mean I’m getting less support, according to Elena. “If you overpronate with them you’re just going to make it worse because you’re just collapsing in more.” Do I need to donate my beloved shoes then? Not at all, but I’ll probably save them for now, when I want to pad around outdoors after a long run in comfort. I’d love to do that in a pair of , don’t get me wrong, but with the climate in Scotland and winter on the way, a closed shoe is required, plus this gives me something to do with all my bouncy, road running shoes I won’t be using anymore. As impressed as I am with what a difference a shoe makes, expecting my Speedgoats to solve all my problems is a bit like thinking my will make me fitter. It might give me more tools, but it’s not a replacement for actually doing the work. Though I don’t need to change how I run necessarily, I can take a closer look at my own biomechanics, according to Bergeron. “What can tend to happen with overpronation is the knee can tend to knock inward so side glute strengthening such as glute medius and minimus work would be super important to help keep your hip and knee and in turn pelvis stable over time.” Great, I think to myself, not only did I have to run on a treadmill today but now I have to do the dreaded clamshells too. Bring on the !

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One of the country’s largest health insurers reversed a change in policy Thursday after widespread outcry, saying it would not tie payments in some states to the length of time a patient went under anesthesia. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield said in a statement that its decision to backpedal resulted from “significant widespread misinformation” about the policy. “To be clear, it never was and never will be the policy of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services,” the statement said. “The proposed update to the policy was only designed to clarify the appropriateness of anesthesia consistent with well-established clinical guidelines.” Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield would have used "physician work time values," which is published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as the metric for anesthesia limits; maternity patients and patients under the age of 22 were exempt. But Dr. Jonathan Gal, economics committee chair of the American Society for Anesthesiologists, said it's unclear how CMS derives those values. In mid-November, the American Society for Anesthesiologists called on Anthem to “reverse the proposal immediately,” saying in a news release that the policy would have taken effect in February in New York, Connecticut and Missouri. It's not clear how many states in total would have been affected, as notices also were posted in Virginia and Colorado . People across the country registered their concerns and complaints on social media, and encouraged people in affected states to call their legislators. Some people noted that the policy could prevent patients from getting overcharged. Gal said the policy change would have been unprecedented, ignored the “nuanced, unpredictable human element” of surgery and was a clear “money grab.” “It’s incomprehensible how a health insurance company could so blatantly continue to prioritize their profits over safe patient care,” he said. "If Anthem is, in fact, rescinding the policy, we’re delighted that they came to their senses.” Prior to Anthem's announcement Thursday, Connecticut comptroller Sean Scanlon said the “concerning” policy wouldn't affect the state after conversations with the insurance company. And New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in an emailed statement Thursday that her office had also successfully intervened. The insurance giant’s policy change came one day after the CEO of UnitedHealthcare , another major insurance company, was shot and killed in New York City. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The team looking for a missing Pennsylvania woman believed to have fallen into a sinkhole has determined that an abandoned coal mine is too unstable for people to safely search underground, authorities said Wednesday while still expressing hope Elizabeth Pollard will be found alive. Rescue workers continue to search for Elizabeth Pollard, who is believed to have disappeared in a sinkhole while looking for her cat, Wednesday in Marguerite, Pa. Emergency crews and others have been trying to find Pollard, 64, for two days. Her relatives reported her missing early Tuesday and her vehicle with her unharmed 5-year-old granddaughter inside was found about two hours later, near what is thought to be a freshly opened sinkhole above the long closed, crumbling mine. Authorities said in a noon update that the roof of the mine collapsed in several places and is not stable. The sinkhole is in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. “We did get, you know, where we wanted, where we thought that she was at. We’ve been to that spot," said Pleasant Unity Fire Chief John Bacha, the incident's operations officer. “What happened at that point, I don’t know, maybe the slurry of mud pushed her one direction. There were several different seams of that mine, shafts that all came together where this happened at.” People are also reading... The real reason Corvallis' Pastega Lights moved to Linn County City officials admit Corvallis' flag is 'bad.' Will it change? OSU football: Three takeaways from Oregon State's loss at Boise State Prosecutor: Driver on laughing gas caused double fatal in Sweet Home UPDATED: GAPS teacher strike NOT off after talks over returning to the classroom break down OSU women's basketball: Marotte takes a more aggressive approach on offense Recently made-over park sees this change after Albany got an earful Corvallis chemical manufacturer eyes Albany for expansion Agreement reached (again), GAPS teachers get new contract OSU football: Boise State's pass rush is formidable Strike to end, GAPS reaches tentative deal with Albany teachers Philomath moves forward following July Nazi flag controversy A false start: GAPS strike continues after district, teachers announce deal Philomath's Lumos among 6 wineries suing Pacific Power over wildfires OSU women's basketball: Beavers earn home win over Grambling State Trooper Cliff Greenfield said crews were still actively searching for Pollard. “We are hopeful that she’s found alive,” Greenfield said. Searchers were using electronic devices and cameras as surface digging continued with the use of heavy equipment, Bacha said. Search dogs may also be used. Rescue workers search through the night in a sinkhole for Elizabeth Pollard, who disappeared while looking for her cat, Tuesday in Marguerite, Pa. On Wednesday afternoon, machinery was removing material from the area around the hole while police and other government vehicles blocked a clear view of the scene. Sinkholes occur in the area because of subsidence from coal mining activity. Rescuers had been using water to break down and remove clay and dirt from the mine, which has been closed since the 1950s, but that increased the risk “for potential other mine subsidence to take place," Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said. Crews lowered a pole camera with a sensitive listening device into the hole, but it detected nothing. Another camera lowered into the hole showed what could be a shoe about 30 feet below the surface, Limani said. Searchers have also deployed drones and thermal imaging equipment, to no avail. Marguerite Fire Chief Scot Graham, the incident commander, said access to the immediate area surrounding the hole was being tightly controlled and monitored, with rescuers attached by harness. The top of a sinkhole is seen Tuesday in the village of Marguerite, Pa., where rescuers searched for a woman who disappeared. “We cannot judge as to what’s going on underneath us. Again, you had a small hole on top but as soon as you stuck a camera down through to look, you had this big void,” Graham said. “And it was all different depths. The process is long, is tedious. We have to make sure that we are keeping safety in the forefront as well as the rescue effort.” Bacha said they were “hoping that there’s a void that she could still be in.” Pollard's family called police at about 1 a.m. Tuesday to say she had not been seen since going out at about 5 p.m. Monday to search for Pepper, her cat. The temperature dropped well below freezing that night. Her son, Axel Hayes, said Pollard is a happy woman who likes going out to have fun. She and her husband adopted Hayes and his twin brother when they were infants. Hayes called Pollard “a great person overall, a great mother” who “never really did anybody wrong.” He said at one point Pollard had about 10 cats. “Every cat that she’s ever come in contact with, she has a close bond with them,” Hayes said. His mother worked for many years at Walmart but recently was not employed, he said. “I’m just hoping right now that she’s still with us and she’s able to come back to us,” he said. Police said they found Pollard's car parked behind Monday's Union Restaurant in Marguerite, about 20 feet from the sinkhole. Hunters and restaurant workers in the area said they had not noticed the manhole-size opening in the hours before Pollard disappeared, leading rescuers to speculate that the sinkhole was new. “It almost feels like it opened up with her standing on top of it,” Limani said. Searchers accessed the mine late Tuesday afternoon and dug a separate entrance out of concern that the ground around the sinkhole opening was not stable. “Let’s be honest, we need to get a little bit lucky, right?” Limani said Wednesday. “We need a little bit of luck on our side. We need a little bit of God’s good blessing on our side.” Pollard lives in a small neighborhood across the street from where her car and granddaughter were located, Limani said. The young girl “nodded off in the car and woke up. Grandma never came back," Limani said. The child stayed in the car until two troopers rescued her. It's not clear what happened to Pepper. From field to fork: how America's farming revolution affects your plate and wallet From field to fork: how America's farming revolution affects your plate and wallet In an era of rapid technological advancement and environmental change, American agriculture is undergoing a revolution that reaches far beyond the farm gate. From the food on consumer plates to the economic health of rural communities, the transformation of U.S. farming practices is reshaping the nation's landscape in ways both visible and hidden. LandTrust explores how these changes impact everyone, whether they live in the heartland or the heart of the city. The Changing Face of American Farms The image of the small family farm, while still a reality for many, is increasingly giving way to larger, more technologically advanced operations. According to the USDA, the number of farms in the U.S. has fallen from 6.8 million in 1935 to about 2 million today, with the average farm size growing from 155 acres to 444 acres. This shift has profound implications for rural communities and the food system as a whole. Despite these changes, diversity in farming practices is on the rise. A landmark study published in Science , involving data from over 2,000 farms across 11 countries, found that diversifying farmland simultaneously delivers environmental and social benefits. This challenges the longstanding idea that practices boosting biodiversity must come at a cost to yields and food security. Technology Revolution on the Farm The adoption of precision agriculture technologies is transforming how farmers manage their land and resources. GPS-guided tractors, drone surveillance, and AI-powered crop management systems are becoming commonplace on many farms. These technologies allow farmers to apply water, fertilizers, and pesticides with pinpoint accuracy, reducing waste and environmental impact while improving yields. However, the digital divide remains a challenge. More than 22% of rural communities lack reliable broadband internet access, hindering the widespread implementation of AI and other advanced technologies in agriculture. The Economic Tightrope: Challenges Facing Modern Farmers While technology offers new opportunities, farmers are also facing significant economic challenges. The USDA's 2024 farm income forecast projects a 4.4% decline in net farm income from 2023, following a sharp 19.5% drop from 2022 to 2023. This financial pressure is compounded by rising production costs and market volatility. Climate variability adds another layer of complexity. Extreme weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and shifting growing seasons are forcing farmers to adapt quickly. These factors could reduce agricultural productivity by up to 25% over the coming decades without significant adaptation measures. But adapting requires additional financial resources, further straining farm profitability. Diversification: A Lifeline for American Farms In the face of these challenges, many farmers are turning to diversification as a strategy for resilience and profitability. The Science study mentioned earlier found that farms integrating several diversification methods supported more biodiversity while seeing simultaneous increases in human well-being and food security. Agritourism is one popular diversification strategy. In 2022, 28,600 U.S. farms reported agritourism income, averaging gross revenue of $44,000 from these activities. Activities like farm tours, pick-your-own operations, and seasonal festivals not only provide additional income but also foster a deeper connection between consumers and agriculture. From Farm to Table: The Consumer Connection The changing face of agriculture is directly impacting consumers. The rise of farm-to-table and local food movements reflects a growing interest in where our food comes from and how it's produced. If every U.S. household spent just $10 per week on locally grown food, it would generate billions of dollars for local economies. However, the larger challenges in agriculture can also lead to price fluctuations at the grocery store. The USDA's Economic Research Service projects that food-at-home prices will increase between 1.2% and 2.2% in 2024. The Future of Farming: Opportunities and Innovations Looking ahead, several innovations are poised to reshape agriculture: Sustainable farming practices : Cover cropping, no-till farming, and precision agriculture are gaining traction. These practices can reduce soil erosion by up to 90% compared to conventional tillage. Genetic engineering : CRISPR and other gene-editing technologies offer the potential to develop crops with enhanced nutritional profiles and resistance to pests and diseases. Alternative protein sources : The market for plant-based and lab-grown meat alternatives is projected to reach $30 billion by 2030. Conclusion: A Call to Action The transformation of American agriculture affects everyone, from the food we eat to the health of our environment and rural communities. Consumers have the power to support sustainable and diverse farming practices through our purchasing decisions. As citizens, they can advocate for policies that support farmers in adopting innovative and sustainable practices. The challenges facing agriculture are complex, but they also present opportunities for innovation and positive change. By understanding and engaging with these issues, everyone can play a part in shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system for the future. This story was produced by LandTrust and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Got $10,000? This Unique Nasdaq ETF Could Turn It Into About $1,000 of Income Each Year.

Rescuers reassess safety in search for woman they think fell into a Pennsylvania sinkholeSenior Lily Wahinekapu scored a team-high 20 points and made a crucial step-back jumper with 38 seconds remaining to help the Hawaii women’s basketball team hold off Louisiana-Monroe 69-64 today at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. Freshman center Ritorya Tamilo added 12 points, eight rebounds, five blocks and three steals for Hawaii (2-1). Daejah Phillips poured in 13 points and six assists for UH, which rode its starting lineup of Wahinekapu, Phillips, Tamilo, Imani Perez and MeiLani McBee for heavy minutes. All five played at least 27 minutes with Phillips recording a game-high 33 minutes. UH led by as many as 16 points in the second half but gave up 15 points on free throws in the third quarter alone to allow the Warhawks (3-2) to get back into the game. Jakayl Johnson scored 24 of her game-high 25 points in the second half and ULM pulled within a point at 64-63 in the final minute. Wahinekapu’s jumper made it a 3-point game and Phillips grabbed a crucial offensive rebound off a Wahinekapu miss up 3 and McBee hit two free throws to put the game away. The Warhawks never led. Up next for Hawaii is Eastern Washington on Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Brokerages Set Simulations Plus, Inc. (NASDAQ:SLP) Price Target at $51.40NEW YORK (AP) — Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in the U.S. but was unknown to millions of people his decisions affected. Then Wednesday's targeted fatal shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO on a midtown Manhattan sidewalk thrust the executive and his business into the national spotlight. Thompson, who was 50, had worked at the giant UnitedHealth Group Inc for 20 years and run the insurance arm since 2021 after running its Medicare and retirement business. As CEO, Thompson led a firm that provides health coverage to more than 49 million Americans — more than the population of Spain. United is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, the privately run versions of the U.S. government’s Medicare program for people age 65 and older. The company also sells individual insurance and administers health-insurance coverage for thousands of employers and state-and federally funded Medicaid programs. The business run by Thompson brought in $281 billion in revenue last year, making it the largest subsidiary of the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group. His $10.2 million annual pay package, including salary, bonus and stock options awards, made him one of the company's highest-paid executives. The University of Iowa graduate began his career as a certified public accountant at PwC and had little name recognition beyond the health care industry. Even to investors who own its stock, the parent company's face belonged to CEO Andrew Witty, a knighted British triathlete who has testified before Congress. When Thompson did occasionally draw attention, it was because of his role in shaping the way Americans get health care. At an investor meeting last year, he outlined his company's shift to “value-based care,” paying doctors and other caregivers to keep patients healthy rather than focusing on treating them once sick. “Health care should be easier for people,” Thompson said at the time. “We are cognizant of the challenges. But navigating a future through value-based care unlocks a situation where the ... family doesn’t have to make the decisions on their own.” Thompson also drew attention in 2021 when the insurer, like its competitors, was widely criticized for a plan to start denying payment for what it deemed non-critical visits to hospital emergency rooms. “Patients are not medical experts and should not be expected to self-diagnose during what they believe is a medical emergency,” the chief executive of the American Hospital Association wrote in an open letter addressed to Thompson. “Threatening patients with a financial penalty for making the wrong decision could have a chilling effect on seeking emergency care.” United Healthcare responded by delaying rollout of the change. Thompson, who lived in a Minneapolis suburb and was the married father of two sons in high school, was set to speak at an investor meeting in a midtown New York hotel. He was on his own and about to enter the building when he was shot in the back by a masked assailant who fled on foot before pedaling an e-bike into Central Park a few blocks away, the New York Police Department said. Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said investigators were looking at Thompson's social media accounts and interviewing employees and family members. “Didn’t seem like he had any issues at all,” Kenny said. "He did not have a security detail.” AP reporters Michael R. Sisak and Steve Karnowski contributed to this report. Murphy reported from Indianapolis. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email.