The Chicago Sky is proud to partner with and have our players treated by the experts at Vanguard: Chicago Center for Orthopedics.
Recently submitted health-related and orthopedic questions were answered by Dr. Domb for Vanguard: Chicago Center for Orthopedics:

1). To get the most out of my workout, should I sprint or jog? I want to burn fat, become lean and keep my heart level raised throughout the day.
�Jackie M., Naperville

Both sprinting and jogging are excellent exercises. Jogging will burn more fat during the exercise, while sprinting will help raise your metabolism throughout the day. You should always check with your doctor to see if you have any medical problems that might make either jogging or sprinting unsafe for you. Pay attention to your body.

2). What is the difference between dynamic and static stretching? Is one better than the other?
�Rebecca T., Libertyville

Dynamic stretches mimic game-type activities�scissor kicks, butt kicks and high knees are some examples. Static stretches are �stretch-and-hold.� You should hold these for approximately 30 seconds. A combination of both static and dynamic stretches may maximize flexibility.

3). I�ve read that playing sports and exercising can help strengthen your bones and prevent osteoporosis. Is this true? If so, how?
�Gina G., Roscoe Village

The forces that load the bones during exercise can help prevent osteoporosis, as the bone responds to those forces by maintaining its calcium content. Exercise will also help strengthen your muscles and take the pressure off of your joints.

4). I�m a college basketball player and broke my left leg when I was younger. I can still sense that it isn�t as strong as my right leg. Is there anything I should be doing to protect the left leg? Am I more likely to sustain an injury there again?
�Beth G., Hinsdale

If it feels weaker, it probably is weaker. Strengthening an injured limb can help prevent re-injury. Work it out, but do so slowly, and make sure you get an evaluation from your physician or trainer.

5). I recently injured my Achilles tendon after over-training, and ever since I�ve been having pain in my upper back, on the opposite side. Is it possible this pain is related to my old injury?
�Nick Q., Homewood

Injuries in one part of the body can affect other parts of the body, even if they are far away from each other. This is because of the �kinetic chain��the connection between all the parts of our bodies, from head to toe. Check with your physician to find out if there is anything you should be doing to prevent or treat your specific pain.

Would like you to submit your health-related or orthopedic questions?
Email asktheexperts@chicagosky.net with your questions for our "Ask the Experts" online feature presented by Vanguard: Chicago Center for Orthopedics and visit www.chicagosky.net regularly to see if your question has been answered.