The phrase "Rhubarb Diaries" has had a rather intriguing evolution over time. In many ways, it started off as an off-hand commentary (that frankly, made no initial sense to me), but became something that is synonymous with "me".
How did this all come about?
I've been a writer-in-disguise (and musician, and photographer, and ...) for many years. The creative element has always existed in my world - maintaining a fine balance with the left brain, "scientific method" persona of my education and profession. Many of my friends - even those I have known for many years - really have no inkling that that person exists. Of course, I find this rather humorous (and fascinating). I guess it must be that sort of "quiet musician/artist and his work" thing.
At one point, I decided it was time to start sharing more of this creative element with the world. This website (and the book that will evolve within it) is a piece of that puzzle.
The first piece of writing I really shared with anyone was the report of my experiences training for Ironman. The feedback was phenomenal. I then had a discussion with a close friend of mine, John, when I was home in August 2005.
I need to preface this by saying that John has always had a dry sense of humor - which I have always appreciated!
Here is how the conversation goes ...
John: Thanks for sending me that race report. You're a really good writer.
Allan: Thanks! It's going to be the basis for my book someday.
John: Great! A book? That's great. You should call it "The Rhubarb Diaries".
Allan: (thinking "what the hell?") Ummm I don't think I understand.
John: Well, it's kinda like the "Motorcycle Diaries".
Allan: (now thinking that he needs to see "The Motorcycle Diaries", but assumes that John has some clue as to what he is talking about) Ok ... now what about the rhubarb part?
John: Remember when you won the rhubarb at that running race you did here a few years ago?
Allan: (thinking back to a long lost moment) Oh yeah ... funny you'd remembered that! (Yes, I won rhubarb at a running event - only in Brockville, Ontario does a slow 5K get you 3rd place in your age group and a rhubarb plant for your work - or lack thereof I suppose)
... and therein lies the basis for what you read (and see, and hear) on this site.
Now I best get down to watching that movie ...
When I was last in this neighborhood, we were discussing the amazing adaptability of the human machine. Incredible as it may sound, human physiology and anatomy will consistently adapt to the world - and if unable to do so, will give us warning signs (such as pain) and then show us that it is unable to do so - by way of injury.
Lest we forget, the body aims for homeostasis - which is, implicitly, "balance". So at any given time, we are in homeostasis and thus always "in balance" relative to the demands on the system at that given point in time. Homeostasis is a wonderful thing. Our cellular mechanisms are constantly seeking homeostasis. We are always trying to find a balance - between stimulus and response, between training and recovery.
But here's the twist ...
To live on planet earth, humans are constantly adapting to the demands of their surroundings. As I am always saying (to anyone who will listen) - Form Follows Function. Our anatomical form evolves depending upon the functional demands that we face. Throughout the evolutionary process, the human form has changed to allow it to better adapt to the world around it.
Let's take a look at a few basic examples. An astronaut traveling to the moon adapts to the inherent decrease in gravitational force by having less muscle mass and a decrease in bone density. Why? There is no functional need for these - and thus the body adapts accordingly. On return to earth, there is a gradual return of bone density and muscle mass. Why? Because there is a functional demand placed on the body - and it adapts accordingly. Form follows function. Along the same lines, the average sedentary American, the "couch potato" if you will, has become very finely tuned anatomically to deal with the imposed demands of "couch-potato-dom" - a perfect slouch into the big puffy couch and very strong thumb musculature for the use of the TV remote!
There were many years in which I truly believed that Hawai'i was probably one of the last places I wanted to visit. Commercialized. A tourist mecca. Haven for newlyweds and the like. Las Vegas of the Pacific -ok, well maybe not quite that bad (and certainly with a whole lot less polyester) ...
Then I made that fateful trip to the Big Island in 2002 - and my life changed forever.
I can look back on it now and chuckle a bit. I went purely for non-metaphysical reasons - to experience the Ironman World Championship (and as a coach no less). It was a short trip, and the intent was, admittedly, far from "self-discovery". But all it took was walking off the plane, onto the tarmac at the airport in Kona - and I knew it was a special place. There is a purity, a vibe, a power that emanates and pervades all existence on the Big Island. It is something that words can't truly describe. It's a bit mystical and other-worldly, but it was definitely something I noticed immediately upon arrival.
... and Why The Current Medical Model Fails Everyone.
The medical and insurance worlds both claim that health promotion and "wellness" are the key to cutting health care costs and fostering an overall improvement in the health and well-being of our aging population. Health care practitioners speak of wellness and "empowerment". The insurance industry has a desire to cut the costs associated with long-term illness and has (to some degree) started to reimburse for some very basic elements related to self-care.
Unfortunately, the reality is that much of this is talk ... and as they say, talk is cheap.
"Empower" has become a societal buzz word. The American Heritage dictionary defines this word as "to give power or authority to; authorize, especially by legal or official means". But it also points out the following:
So in the time it takes to turn on the electric blanket, brew a mug of hot chocolate, and wait for the first intermission to conclude, let's take a moment to ponder some thoughts for the off-season.
They call it Turkey Day ... the day before the college football rivalries play out on stages around the country ... and they also call it Thanksgiving Day. This is a time to share with loved ones and to essentially "give thanks".
I've discovered that Thanksgiving should be a daily occurrence - and not just the time to gorge on turkey, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, and the Dallas Cowboys.
This day serves as but a reminder that every day should be one to give thanks - for health, for family, for friends, for the capacity to pursue intellectual and physical pursuits. Perhaps it shouldn't be even a daily thing - perhaps it's truly being thankful for the moment, the space between experiences and memories, the breath of fresh air that is found in the purity of flow from moment to moment.
Turkey is good, but it just isn't enough - and eating it daily would just be too much for the taste buds!
Smart Physio
posts are on professional and career-related topics such as health, fitness, training, and health care.
Rhubarb Diaries
posts are commentary, perspectives, opinions, humor and insight on all of my favorite topics: music, sport, and politics/current events.
Top 5 finalist in three categories: "Best Overall Blog", "Best PT Blog" and "Best Advocacy Blog".
Allan Besselink, PT, DPT, Dip.MDT has a unique voice in the world of sport, education, and health care, one that has been defined by his experiences as physiotherapist, mentor, McKenzie practitioner, innovator, author, educator, coach, patient, and athlete. Read more about Allan, contact him, get updates via email, or connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Up to 60% of runners will sustain an injury within any given year. Poor running mechanics, in conjunction with poor, ineffective and outdated training methods, can pose a significant injury risk. "RunSmart" was written to address these issues in the running community.
"Running Injuries: Etiology And Recovery- Based Treatment" (co-author Bridget Clark, PT) appears in the third edition and fourth editions of "Clinical Orthopaedic Rehabilitation: A Team Approach" by Charles Giangarra, MD and Robert C. Manske, PT.
