1 Degree Performance & Longevity

06/09/2026

☀️ June means that summer starts!
Check out these tips on how to stay safe and healthy during summertime activities!

Health with the Hamels
Tips to keep safe and healthy with summer activities

By Clara and Justin Hamel
The Source Newspaper

Summer is a season filled with outdoor adventures, vacations, sports and long days in the sun. While the warmer weather encourages us to get outside and stay active, it also brings an increase in activity-related injuries. Fortunately, with a few simple precautions you can ensure you are ready to hike, bike, garden and play ball all summer long.

1. Sprains and strains
Sprains and strains can easily sideline those summer plans, so whether it is a weekend baseball game, a family hike or an ambitious outdoor project, be sure to prepare your body properly. Sudden movements, overuse or inadequate warm-ups can stretch our muscles, tendons and ligaments beyond their normal limits and result in painful sprains and strains. Fortunately, many of these injuries can be prevented by warming up before physical activity, gradually increasing activity levels after a less active winter season, wearing supportive footwear and staying well-hydrated to reduce muscle fatigue.

2. Bicycle and scooter accidents
Summer break inevitably means more children out and about zipping around on bicycles and scooters. While it is a wonderful sight to see, it is also important that proper safety precautions are taken to reduce the risk of falls that can result in cuts, bruises, fractures and serious head injuries. Due to the risk of head injury, a properly fitted helmet is the single most important safety measure. Also, inspect bicycles and scooters regularly, ensuring brakes and tires are functioning correctly. Following traffic laws and encouraging children to ride in safe, supervised areas can greatly reduce the risk of accidents.

3. Swimming-related injuries
It is so refreshing to plunge into a nice cool pool, lake or river during the summer heat, and remembering a few swimming rules can ensure you are plunging safely all summer long. Common swimming injuries include slips and falls around wet surfaces, shoulder strains from overuse and more serious water-related emergencies. To stay safe, avoid running near pools (Yes, those signs are there for good reason.), supervise children closely whenever they are near water, and never dive into unfamiliar or shallow areas. Swimmers should also focus on proper technique and avoid overtraining to prevent repetitive stress injuries.

4. Heat-related illness
As temperatures rise so does the risk of heat-related illness, especially during outdoor sports, yard work or extended periods in the sun. These conditions are serious and can develop quickly in the hot sun. Prevention starts with drinking water consistently throughout the day, taking breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas and wearing lightweight, breathable clothing. It is also wise to limit strenuous activity during the hottest hours of the day and recognize early warning signs such as dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, weakness or confusion.

5. Back injuries from outdoor activities
Summer often motivates people to tackle those outdoor projects such as gardening, landscaping or general home improvement. Unfortunately, many of these activities are done without proper lifting techniques, and the repetitive bending, twisting and lifting can place significant stress on the spine and surrounding muscles, leading to back pain and injury. Protecting your back starts with lifting using your legs rather than your back, avoiding twisting motions while carrying heavy objects, taking regular breaks during physically demanding tasks, and maintaining good core strength and flexibility throughout the year.

Most summer injuries are preventable with a little preparation and forethought. Staying active is one of the best things you can do for your overall health, but it is equally important to listen to your body and use common sense when participating in outdoor activities. If pain, stiffness or injury is limiting your ability to take advantage of the summer days, early evaluation and treatment can help prevent small problems from becoming larger issues. Prioritizing your body today can help you make the most of every adventure summer brings your way!

*Dr. Justin Hamel and Clara Hamel have a combined over 30 years of experience in health fields. Reach them at 1° Performance & Longevity, located at 46 N. Central Park Plz., Suite 101, in Jacksonville, on Facebook or by phone at 217-243-6358.

06/08/2026

🟠NEW🟠
We now offer Erchonia low-level laser therapy!

Erchonia’s low-level lasers use visible light wavelengths to trigger a photochemical response in the body — without heat, pain, or side effects.

In simple terms, (1) the lasers emit specific visible light photons that stimulate electron movement within cells, (2) this molecular excitation activates key biochemical reactions, and (3) one of the most important: there is enhanced ATP production via the mitochondrial electron transport chain.

This is not symptom masking. It’s cellular-level healing backed by 30 years of clinical research.

Why this matters to you ...
ATP is the energy currency of every cell in the body.
So, more ATP means:
• Faster recovery from injury
• Reduced inflammation and pain
• Quicker return to function
• Better results with fewer treatments

06/06/2026

⭐️ TEAM MEMBER STATUS UPDATE ⭐️
*Please see yesterday's post about Jen Barrett's new skills & knowledge.

06/05/2026

Our very own Jen Barrett just attended a 2-day advanced training in Atlanta, Georgia with The Academy of Shockwave Excellence.

The masterclass has allowed Jen to take her shockwave skills to the next level and open the door to new clinical applications and dialed-in treatment approaches through the hands-on mastering of clinical protocols with worldwide experts.

Call us at 217-243-6358 to schedule Focal Shockwave Therapy sessions with Jen, our "shockwave ninja."

My1Degree.com

06/04/2026

👨‍🚀 Speaking of quality and ability ...
Our ARRC LED Red Light Bed goes beyond red light therapy. The results are proven.

My1Degree.com

06/02/2026

06/01/2026

🔌 What is PEMF?
PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy delivers rhythmic, low-frequency magnetic pulses to encourage the body’s own repair and recovery processes, much like supplying the “spark” cells need to function efficiently. It isn’t magic, but when used in conjunction with sound medical care, exercise and a balanced diet, it can be a helpful, drug-free tool for managing pain, promoting recovery and enhancing overall vitality -- feeling a bit like magic after all.

Can it help YOU?
YES!! — it can help with …
- Joint and muscle recovery
- Chronic pain relief
- Bone mending
- Sleep & stress support
- General wellness
- Non-invasive
- Holistic energy

Schedule today at 1 Degree Performance & Longevity, located in beautiful downtown Jacksonville, Illinois!

My1Degree.com

05/28/2026

Pickleball playing is popular! 🥒
Make sure your body is stretched and prepared, though — with pickleball and any sport or physical activity!

Health with the Hamels
Don’t get in a pickle

By Clara and Justin Hamel
The Source Newspaper

Pickleball’s popularity has gained speed at an unprecedented rate. It seems everywhere you turn, people are touting the benefits of pickleball. From great-grandparents to teens, it has increasingly become a means to stay active and fit at all stages of life. The surge in popularity is for good reason — pickleball offers an ideal combination of cardiovascular exercise, balance training, coordination and social connection.

Research continues to show that regular movement paired with community engagement can improve longevity, support brain health, reduce the risk of chronic disease and enhance overall quality of life. An added bonus of pickleball and other racket sports is that they feel more like recreation than work, which is part of the reason so many people that engage stay with it.

The beauty of pickleball is that almost anyone can play. Seasoned athletes to beginners can step on the court together and find mutual benefit. Unfortunately, as participation has surged, so have injuries. Many players underestimate how physically demanding the sport actually is. The quick lateral movements, sudden stops, repetitive swinging and rapid changes in direction can place significant stress on the body if a player is not properly prepared.

One of the most effective ways to prevent injury is to stop treating pickleball like a casual game and start treating it like the athletic activity it truly is. Walking straight onto the court and immediately jumping into a game is one of the fastest ways to strain a muscle or irritate a joint. Taking a few minutes for a proper warm up can make a tremendous difference. Light walking, arm circles, gentle squats, torso rotations and dynamic stretching help increase circulation and prepare the muscles and joints for movement. A body that is warmed up and mobile is far less likely to get injured.

Footwear also plays a major role in staying healthy on the court. Many people wear running shoes, but those shoes are designed primarily for forward movement. Pickleball requires constant side to side motion, and court shoes provide the stability needed to reduce stress on the ankles, knees and hips. Wearing the right shoes can be the difference between feeling good after a match or limping off the court.

In addition, a surprising number of injuries happen when players overreach for shots or try to generate too much power with their arms alone. The mechanics of movement matter. Good pickleball is about force alone. Positioning, balance and controlled movement are key points of focus to prevent injury. Keeping the knees slightly bent, engaging the core and moving the feet instead of consistently lunging can help protect the shoulders, elbows and lower back. In many cases, playing smarter is safer and more effective than trying to overpower the shot.

Pacing yourself is equally important. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of competition and ignore fatigue, especially for players returning to exercise after years away from sports. But tired muscles and slower reaction times are a recipe for injury. Staying hydrated, taking breaks and gradually increasing playing time allows the body to adapt.

Recovery should be an integral part of the game. It is easy to ignore that nagging ache in your ankle or that click in your knee with every shuffle. Remember, the goal is not just to make it through today's game, but to take care of your body so you can play for days to come. This means proper periods of rest, stretching after matches, maintaining overall strength and balance, and listening to your body. Embracing these steps as part of the game can ensure you are playing for years to come.

*Dr. Justin Hamel and Clara Hamel have a combined over 30 years of experience in health fields. Reach them at 1° Performance & Longevity, located at 46 N. Central Park Plz., Suite 101, in Jacksonville, on Facebook or by phone at 217-243-6358.

05/27/2026

It deserves repeating:
🟧 At 1° Performance & Longevity, we believe that a human being's physical, mental and emotional health are interconnected. Each affects the others.

We support wellness and believe in active pursuit of it as a goal -- physically, mentally and emotionally.

Start your wellness journey with us today!
My1Degree.com