Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Mesothelioma is an uncommon form of cancer, commonly linked with prior exposure to asbestos. In this disease, cancerous cells grow in the protective lining (mesothelium) covering the internal organs of the body. This disease is commonly located in the outer lining of the chest cavity and lungs (pleura). It can also be found in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), or the sac that envelops the heart (pericardium). People who contract this disease have invariably worked on jobs that put them in close contact with asbestos.

One of the characteristics of mesothelioma is that symptoms can appear very late, sometimes 50 years following first contact with asbestos. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma, the diseases most common form, include discomfort in the chest and difficulty in breathing. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma, another form of the disease, include weight loss, abdominal swelling and pain. Blood clotting, bowel obstruction and fever are other symptoms of this type of mesothelioma. If the malignancy has spread to other body parts, then symptoms may include pain, face swelling and difficulty in swallowing food. However, it is important to remember that these symptoms are not exclusive to this disease; they can happen with other less severe conditions as well.

Over the past two decades, the rate of mesothelioma cases has gone up. Still, in the larger picture, it is a relatively rare cancer. The percentage of cases largely depends on the populations exposure to asbestos. In the United States, it has been reported that that frequency may have hit the highest point at 15 per million in 2004. This trend is thought to continue in other parts of the world. Interestingly, mesothelioma is more common in men than women. The risk of this disease augments with age, but a person of any age or gender can be affected. About one-fifth to one-third of all mesothelioma cases are peritoneal.

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Clubhead Speed Development in Your Downswing

Let us review from a biomechanical perspective the downswing before introducing the physical side of the equation into this phase. The downswing begins at the completion of the transition. Weight shift onto the front foot continues during this phase of the swing. The generation of torque is created in this phase of the swing and then is transitioned up through the body into the club.

The majority of torque in this phase of the golf swing is generated by the glutes, hamstrings, quads, and core of the body. (Fleisig, Biomechanics of Golf) The torque created in the lower body creates acceleration in the upper body as energy is transferred into the clubhead. Studies indicate muscle activity also occurs within the pectoralis major (chest), lattimus dorsi (upper back), and rotator cuff muscles during the swing. (Geisler, Kinesiology of the Full Golf Swing) The downswing is complete at the point in at which impact occurs with the golf ball.

As we can see numerous muscles groups are involved in the execution of the downswing, most notably the muscles of the lower body. These muscles (glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps) are responsible for torque development in this phase of the golf swing. Torque is the development of power in a rotational movement pattern. Power in relation to the golf swing is measured through clubhead speed, and the greater the clubhead speed the farther the ball will travel.

This all points back to need for torque development in the backswing if the desire is to increase the clubhead speed of your swing. Outside of improving the efficiency at which the execution of the downswing occurs, the second variable to increasing the torque (i.e. power) development in the downswing is through training your muscular system.

The process by which we can accomplish this goal is through the utilization of golf fitness exercises. These exercises will increase the ability of your lower body muscles to output more power in a rotational pattern (torque). Two physical components are necessary for this to occur. Number one is the development of more strength in the muscles of the lower body, and number two is increasing the ability of these muscles to output more power.

Research indicates in order for the end of goal of higher levels of torque development to occur increased levels of strength must first be developed in the muscles of lower body. Golf fitness exercises that can accomplish this goal will utilize exercise incorporating the muscles of the lower body involved in the golf swing. As well as utilize them in a functional and cross-specific manner to the golf swing.

Keep in mind torque is the development of power in a rotational movement pattern. During the downswing phase of the golf swing, the musculature of the lower body is responsible for torque development. In order to increase the torque outputs of these muscles the first step is to increase the muscular strength of these muscles. The squat with physio-ball is one such exercise that can accomplish this task.

Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness instructors in the world today. He travels the PGA Tour regularly working with professional golfers, most notable PGA and Masters Champion Phil Mickelson. To learn more about Sean Cochran and his golf fitness exercises and training programs go to http://www.seancochran.com

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