Research & Reflections

Skating is Medicine in Motion

Skating is far more than a sport, it is a powerful form of whole-body medicine. Every stride on skates activates the large muscles of the legs, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. These muscles do more than create movement; they release signaling molecules called "myokines", which communicate directly with the brain and other organs (Pedersen & Febbraio, 2012).

When we skate regularly, these myokines help improve blood sugar control, reduce inflammation, enhance metabolism, and support brain health (Pedersen & Febbraio, 2012). Research shows that exercise-induced muscle signaling can promote better memory, sharper thinking, and long-term protection against cognitive decline through pathways involving BDNF and related factors (Wrann et al., 2013).

This means skating is not only building strength, balance, and endurance; it may also be nourishing the brain, improving mood, and protecting future health. Regular aerobic activity has also been linked with increased hippocampal volume and improved memory in adults (Erickson et al., 2011).

So when you skate, remember: you are not just moving forward on wheels, you are sending healing signals throughout your entire system.

References

Pedersen BK, Febbraio MA. (2012). Muscles, exercise and obesity: skeletal muscle as a secretory organ. *Nature Reviews Endocrinology.*

Wrann CD, et al. (2013). Exercise induces hippocampal BDNF through a PGC-1α/FNDC5 pathway. *Cell Metabolism.*

Erickson KI, et al. (2011). Exercise training increases size of hippocampus and improves memory. *PNAS.*

(Ai Supported writing)

Dr. Joji Mathew

Mental Health and Physical Health: Two Sides of the Same Coin

During the many years I lived and worked in Qatar, I noticed that most healthcare discussions focused mainly on physical illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart disease. Even during my studies and professional experiences, physical health was often given more attention than emotional wellbeing.

Stress, anxiety, and depression certainly existed, but people rarely spoke openly about them or sought professional support. Mental health was often kept private, misunderstood, or overlooked.

After moving to Australia, I experienced a different healthcare culture. Many people openly discuss stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression. Visiting a psychologist, counsellor, or doctor for mental health support is more accepted and encouraged. Initially, I wondered whether mental health problems were more common in developed countries.

However, through my work as a psychotherapist and healthcare professional, I came to understand something important: mental health problems are not necessarily more common in countries like Australia. Rather, these societies have created greater awareness, acceptance, and access to treatment. People are more likely to recognise symptoms early and seek help without shame.

This understanding also highlights an important connection between the mind and body. Mental health challenges do not remain only in our thoughts or emotions. Long-term stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly affect physical health. This is often referred to as the psychosomatic connection, where psychological distress contributes to physical illness.

Research has shown that chronic stress may increase the risk of:

High blood pressure
Diabetes
Heart disease
Sleep disorders
Digestive problems
Weakened immune function

When the body remains under constant emotional stress, stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline stay elevated for long periods. Over time, this can negatively affect many body systems. In this way, untreated emotional suffering may slowly appear as physical illness.

At the same time, supporting mental wellbeing can improve physical health outcomes. Counselling, mindfulness, emotional support, healthy relationships, exercise, and stress management can all contribute to better overall health and quality of life.

As healthcare professionals and communities, perhaps we need to view mental health not as a separate issue, but as an essential part of total healthcare. Caring for the mind is also caring for the body.

Mental health awareness is not simply about treating illness. It is about prevention, resilience, early support, and helping people live healthier and more balanced lives.

Taking care of your mind is truly part of taking care of your whole body.

References

World Health Organization. Mental health: strengthening our response.
American Psychological Association. Stress effects on the body.
Beyond Blue. Mental health and wellbeing resources.
National Institute of Mental Health. Chronic illness and mental health connection.

(Ai Asissted writing)

Dr. Joji Mathew

Stress Levels Among Hypertensive Employees in a Corporate Company in Qatar: Influence of Demographic, Occupational, and Health Factors

There Is No Health Without Mental Health ; And No Mental Health Without Physical Activity

Health is often understood as the absence of disease. Many people focus on blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, heart disease, or other physical conditions when they think about being healthy. However, modern research and healthcare practice increasingly show that true health is much broader than physical fitness alone. Mental health and physical health are deeply connected, and one cannot be fully achieved without the other.

The statement, “There is no health without mental health,” has become an important message in healthcare worldwide. Mental health affects how we think, feel, manage stress, build relationships, and make decisions in everyday life. When mental wellbeing is poor, it can influence every part of a person’s life, including work performance, family relationships, sleep, motivation, and physical health.

At the same time, there is also “no mental health without physical activity.” Movement and exercise are not only important for muscles, weight control, or heart health. Physical activity plays a major role in protecting and improving mental wellbeing.

The Connection Between Mind and Body

The human mind and body work together continuously. Emotional stress can produce physical symptoms, while physical illness can affect emotional wellbeing. Long-term stress, anxiety, and depression may contribute to:

High blood pressure
Heart disease
Diabetes
Poor sleep
Digestive problems
Chronic pain
Reduced immunity

This relationship is often called the psychosomatic connection, where emotional distress affects the physical body. Stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline can remain elevated during prolonged stress, placing strain on the cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune systems.

Similarly, physical inactivity can worsen mental health. A sedentary lifestyle is linked to increased risks of anxiety, depression, low mood, fatigue, and reduced self-esteem.

How Physical Activity Supports Mental Health

Research consistently shows that regular physical activity improves mental wellbeing. Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins and other brain chemicals that improve mood, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.

Physical activity can help:

Reduce stress and anxiety
Improve mood and emotional resilience
Enhance sleep quality
Increase self-confidence
Improve concentration and focus
Reduce symptoms of depression
Create healthy daily routines

Importantly, physical activity does not always mean intense gym workouts. Walking, skating, cycling, yoga, dancing, swimming, or playing sports can all support mental wellbeing.

In my own experience working in healthcare, counselling, and sports activities such as skating, I have seen how movement can positively affect emotional wellbeing. Physical activity often creates a sense of achievement, connection, discipline, and emotional release. It can help individuals cope with stress while improving both physical and psychological resilience.

A Holistic Approach to Health

Healthcare systems around the world are gradually recognising the need for holistic care, treating the whole person rather than only symptoms or diseases. Mental health care should not be separated from physical healthcare. Prevention, emotional support, counselling, healthy lifestyles, and physical activity all work together to improve overall wellbeing.

Communities, schools, workplaces, and healthcare providers all have an important role in promoting both mental and physical health. Encouraging open conversations about emotional wellbeing and creating opportunities for regular physical activity can help build healthier individuals and healthier societies.

Conclusion

Mental health and physical health are not separate goals. They are closely connected parts of the same journey toward a healthier life. Caring for the mind helps protect the body, and moving the body helps strengthen the mind.

There is truly no health without mental health — and no mental health without physical activity.

References

World Health Organization. Mental health: strengthening our response.
American Psychological Association. Exercise and Mental Health.
Schuch FB, Vancampfort D, Richards J, et al. (2018). Exercise as a treatment for depression: A meta-analysis. Journal of Psychiatric Research.
Stanton R, Reaburn P, Happell B. (2014). Exercise and the treatment of depression: A review of the exercise program variables. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport.
Beyond Blue. Physical activity and mental wellbeing resources.

(Ai assisted writing)

Dr. Joji Mathew

How Roller Skating Can Help Children with Idiopathic Toe Walking

Idiopathic Toe Walking (ITW) is a walking pattern seen in some children where they tend to walk on their toes without any clear medical or neurological cause. Over time, this habit can affect balance, calf muscle tightness, and the way a child learns to use their feet during movement.

While different therapies are used to support children with ITW, activities like roller skating can play a helpful and fun role in improving natural walking patterns.

Why Toe Walking Happens

In many children with ITW, the brain and body become used to walking on the front part of the foot instead of using a normal heel-to-toe pattern. This can reduce the natural feedback from the heel and affect balance control.

As a result, the calf muscles stay tight, and the child continues to prefer walking on their toes even when there is no physical reason for it.

How Roller Skating Helps

Roller skating provides a different and more structured way of using the feet and legs. The skate boot is firm and holds the foot in a more neutral position. This makes it harder for a child to stay up on their toes.

Instead, the child naturally begins to:

Place weight through the whole foot
Feel pressure through the heel
Use a more balanced standing position

This helps the brain receive new sensory feedback, which is very important for changing movement habits.

Example in Simple Terms

When a child walks barefoot at home, they may naturally rise onto their toes without thinking.

But when the same child wears roller skates, the stiff boot makes it difficult to stay on tiptoes. To keep balance and move forward, they must gently place their foot flat inside the skate and lean slightly forward. This encourages a more normal “heel-down” position without forcing it.

Improving Balance and Strength

Skating is not only about foot position. It also trains the whole body.

To stay balanced on skates, children must:

Bend their knees slightly
Keep their body upright
Use their core muscles
Adjust their ankle position continuously

These movements help stretch tight calf muscles and strengthen the muscles that support normal walking.

Making Therapy Fun

One of the biggest advantages of roller skating is that children enjoy it. Instead of feeling like therapy or exercise, it becomes play.

For example:

Skating games in a safe area
Short practice sessions with family
Simple forward rolling and stopping exercises

When children enjoy the activity, they repeat it more often, which helps their brain learn new movement patterns faster.

A Supportive Activity, Not a Standalone Treatment

It is important to understand that roller skating is not a treatment by itself for Idiopathic Toe Walking. However, it can be a very useful supporting activity alongside:

Stretching exercises
Physiotherapy programs
Strength and balance training

Final Thoughts

Roller skating offers a fun, engaging, and natural way to encourage better foot positioning and balance in children with Idiopathic Toe Walking. By combining play with movement learning, children can gradually develop more typical walking patterns while enjoying the process.

At JSkate, we believe movement should be joyful. When children move with confidence and enjoyment, their bodies learn better and progress becomes natural.

Dr. Joji Mathew

(Ai Assissted)

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