Latest news with #NaplesComprehensiveHealth
New York Post
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Warning over viral Nicki Minaj high heel challenge — physical therapist reveals 3 steps to avoid getting hurt
Strike a pose and… try not to eat pavement? TikTok is teetering on the edge thanks to the 'Nicki Minaj Challenge,' a viral trend that's got users strapping on stilettos and trying to defy gravity. Some pull it off. Others end up with ice packs and bruised egos. 9 TikTokers are doing the 'Nicki Minaj challenge,' balancing on one foot while squatting in heels. @albavukaj / TikTok 9 The trend — which ha some truly impressive videos — has racked up millions of views on TikTok. @sugarspicedelightsbakery, / TikTok The stunt harks back to Minaj's 2013 music video for her song 'High School,' in which she can be seen perched poolside in sky-high heels, crouching down low with one leg crossed over the other. Now, TikTokers are taking the iconic stance to new extremes, striking it while balancing on traffic cones, champagne towers, garden hoes and even surfboards mid-wave. But not everyone is sticking the landing. In a clip with more than 15.5 million views, creator Ashley Raye attempts the pose atop a stack of dumbbells — only to topple over and land flat on her behind. 'The Nicki Minaj Challenge is a fun and impressive way to show off balance and coordination, but don't forget safety!' Morgan Gagnon, a physical therapist with the Hospital for Special Surgery at Naples Comprehensive Health, told The Post. 'While it's great for building flexibility and strength, attempting it without proper technique or awareness can lead to injury,' she warned. Want to attempt the 'Nicki Minaj Challenge' without winding up in urgent care? Gagnon shared three key steps to prep your body so you can serve the pose without the pain. 9 Minaj's 'High School' music video inspired the gravity-defying TikTok trend #1 Master your balance Don't bust out the heels just yet. 'Start with the basics and progress only when you feel stable and confident,' Gagnon said. First, stand on one leg in bare feet or sneakers. If that feels easy, level up to a single-leg squat. Once you're ready for a bigger challenge, balance on one leg on an unstable surface or in heels. 'Finally, if your balance is solid, attempt a single-leg squat on an unstable surface or in heels,' Gagnon advised. 9 The challenge can show off your core strength and balance. @iamashleyraye / TikTok 9 But it can also lead to injury if you aren't careful. @iamashleyraye / TikTok #2 Stretch like you mean it Limber up — your muscles will thank you. Gagnon recommends doing a few key stretches before attempting the challenge. First, the seated figure four stretch: sit with your feet flat on the floor, cross one ankle over the opposite knee, and gently lean forward to feel a stretch in your hip and glute. Be sure to repeat on the other side. 9 The pose resembles a single-leg squat with one leg crossed over the other. @tbhskincare / TikTok 9 In each, users are wearing tall high heels. @wandertheblue / TikTok Next, try the standing figure four stretch: Stand with your feet hip-width apart, lift your right foot and rest your ankle on your left thigh, then slowly bend your left knee and lower your hips as if sitting back into a chair. Again, switch sides. Finally, quad stretches help loosen up your thighs. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, bend one knee and bring your foot up toward your butt, then reach back to grasp your foot or ankle, gently pulling it until you feel a stretch along the front of your thigh. Don't forget to switch legs. #3 Activate your muscles 'This pose requires strong core and lower body muscles, as well as proximal stability,' Gagnon explained. To build strength, she recommends starting with bridges: lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat, then lift your hips while squeezing your glutes. Once you're comfortable with that, try single-leg bridges to push your balance and strength to the next level. Squats are another great way to build muscle for this pose. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees, and lower your hips as if sitting back, keeping your chest up and knees behind your toes. 9 'The Nicki Minaj Challenge is a fun and impressive way to show off balance and coordination, but don't forget safety!' Morgan Gagnon told The Post. @sydneyplumberchick / TikTok 9 'While it's great for building flexibility and strength, attempting it without proper technique or awareness can lead to injury,' she warned. @benblue01 / TikTok Gagnon also suggested calf raises to strengthen your lower legs. Stand with feet hip-width apart, lift your heels slowly until you're balancing on the balls of your feet, hold briefly, then lower back down. To activate your core, try lower plank holds. Get into a plank position on your forearms with your body in a straight line from head to heels. Hold this position, keeping your abs tight and hips level to build endurance and stability. 'Stay smart and strong!' Gagnon said.
Associated Press
05-03-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
NCH Appoints Dr. Patrick Smith as President of the Board of Directors of HSS at NCH Kapnick Ambulatory Surgical Center
/ -- Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) is pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick A. Smith, MD, as the new President of the Board of Directors of HSS at NCH Kapnick Ambulatory Surgical Center. Dr. Smith brings over three decades of experience in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine to this leadership role. A Michigan native, Dr. Smith graduated with honors from the University of Michigan, where he also earned his medical degree. He completed both his surgical internship and orthopedic residency at the University of Michigan Medical Center. Following his residency, Dr. Smith pursued a one-year sports medicine fellowship under the mentorship of Jack C. Hughston, MD, at the Hughston Clinic in Columbus, Georgia. Dr. Smith is board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and holds a subspecialty certification in Sports Medicine. In 1986, Dr. Smith joined the Columbia Orthopedic Group in Columbia, Missouri, specializing in arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine. He served as Head Team Physician for the University of Missouri for 30 years and was instrumental in the care of athletes at the college. In recognition of his contributions, the training center at the University of Missouri football field was renamed the Patrick A. Smith Sports Medicine Center in his honor. Throughout his career, Dr. Smith has been extensively involved in orthopedic research, publishing in numerous peer-reviewed journals. He conducted the first FDA-sanctioned study on the use of platelet-rich plasma to treat knee osteoarthritis and has been a pioneer in the use of internal bracing for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair and reconstruction. Currently, he is engaged in clinical studies focusing on essential factors for rotator cuff healing. 'Dr. Smith's expertise, research, and deep commitment to patient care make him an invaluable addition to HSS at NCH,' said Paul Hiltz, President and CEO of NCH. 'His leadership will further our mission to provide world-class orthopedic care to our community, elevating the level of treatment available in Southwest Florida.' 'I am honored to join HSS at NCH and be part of a team dedicated to delivering world-class orthopedic care,' said Dr. Smith. 'Throughout my career, my passion has been advancing innovative treatments that improve patient outcomes, and I look forward to bringing that same commitment to Naples.' Dr. Smith's passion for patient care and his openness to innovative procedures and technologies have been hallmarks of his career. His leadership is expected to further enhance the quality of orthopedic care at HSS at NCH. About NCH NCH (Naples Comprehensive Health) is an Advanced Community Healthcare System™ serving Southwest Florida with premier routine, critical, and specialty care. NCH, a locally governed non-profit, is recognized as one of Healthgrades America's Top 50 Hospitals which puts it in the top 1% in the nation for clinical excellence, in addition to being named a Top 50 Hospital for Surgical Care. The system is more than just two hospitals (referred to as the NCH Baker Hospital and NCH North Hospital) with a total of 713 beds - NCH is an alliance of over 750 physicians and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida and is the region's only Joint Commission accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center. NCH cardiac care is ranked top-3 in the state by Healthgrades. NCH collaborates with the Hospital for Special Surgery for orthopedics, Nicklaus Children's Hospital for pediatrics, and ProScan Imaging for radiology services, ensuring top-tier medical care is available in Southwest Florida. With the largest provider network, urgent/immediate care centers, diagnostic facilities, and two hospitals, NCH is always advancing the quality of care near you. For more information, visit About HSS HSS is the world's leading academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health. At its core is Hospital for Special Surgery, nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics (for the 15th consecutive year), No. 3 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report (2024-2025), and the best pediatric orthopedic hospital in NY, NJ and CT by U.S. News & World Report 'Best Children's Hospitals' list (2023-2024). In a survey of medical professionals in more than 20 countries by Newsweek, HSS is ranked world #1 in orthopedics for a fourth consecutive year (2025). Founded in 1863, the Hospital has the lowest readmission rates in the nation for orthopedics, Amanda Lucey NCH +1 239-460-7318 Legal Disclaimer:
