Speaker Series

Physical Edge 2025 Speaker Series

 

Cognition & Brain Health

Monday, January 27, 2025, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Presented by Kate Silva, DPT

Join us for an informative workshop on brain health as we age. We will explore typical versus atypical changes in brain function and discuss the latest research on Alzheimer’s prevention. You’ll also gain practical tips for improving memory, boosting brain function, and staying mentally fit as you age. Whether you’re looking to enhance cognitive performance or simply stay informed about brain health, this workshop offers valuable insights for everyone.

Resources

A Guide to Cognitive Fitness, Harvard Health

Recreation Schedules, City of Davis

Healty Brain Aging Lecture Series, UC Davis

Mini Medical School Video Series, UC Davis


The Forgotten Foot

Monday, February 24, 2025, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Presented by Eric Lazar, DPT

Why is it that the foot seems to be so frequently overlooked in health and fitness? Our feet are our interface with the ground throughout the majority of our waking day, yet we tend to just cover them up with shoes and not give them the attention they deserve and need. In this presentation, we will discuss the importance of keeping your feet literally in contact with the ground. We will go through the mechanics and necessity of both pronation and supination, and how these motions affect the rest of the body, all the way up the chain. We will discuss joint mechanics and how the mobility and stability of the foot are key for proper muscle activation throughout the body.

Resources

Gary Ward’s book What the Foot?

This masterclass with Jay Dicharry provides great information about the foot.

This video (link through TikTok) demonstrates pronation nicely with a foot model.

For toe spacers, this brand (Correct Toes) is considered to be quite good.

For exercises, toe yoga is a good.

This video from Correct Toes talks about exercises to help with bunions.

 


Why We Hurt

Monday, March 31, 2025, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Presented By Mat Moore, MPT

We will explore the underlying causes of pain and how a holistic, systemic approach to movement can provide relief. This session will delve into how pain often arises from dysfunctional movement patterns, imbalances, or compensations. This workshop aims to empower individuals to better understand their pain and take actionable steps toward long-term recovery.


Falling and Balance

Monday, April 28, 2025, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Presented by Kate Silva, DPT

Join us for a practical workshop focused on building better balance and reducing the risk of falls. We will cover what balance is, how it changes over time, and key areas to focus on to improve stability. You’ll also learn valuable techniques for minimizing injury in the event of a fall, including how to fall safely and strategies for efficiently getting on and off the ground. This workshop is designed to help you stay active and confident whilereducing the risk of injury.


Benefits of Physical Activity for Adults with Chronic Pain

Monday, May 19, 2025, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Presented by Eric Lazar, DPT

According to surveys in recent years, over 50 million adults live with chronic pain, generally defined as pain lasting more than 3 months. Chronic pain often contributes to disability, sleep disturbances, poor quality of life, anxiety, depression, fear of movement and deconditioning. In this presentation, we will discuss how physical activity, or more simply movement, is frequently the best non-pharmacological solution to managing chronic pain. We will provide a variety of strategies that people can incorporate easily into their daily lives.


Arthritis

Monday, June 23, 2025, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Presented by Kate Silva, DPT

In this workshop, we will be discussing arthritis and how to manage pain and stiffness. This workshop is full of helpful information to re breakdown what arthritis is, how best to manage its symptoms, the benefits of exercise, and ways that you can manage it!


Is it Just 10,000 Steps?

Roadmap to creating a healthy walking program

Monday, July 21, 2025, 1:15 PM
Presented by Nicole Nosek, DPT

We’ve all heard the magic number – 10,000 steps a day – but what does it really take to walk your way to better health? This engaging session goes beyon the step counter to explore how to build a walking program that is realistic, enjoyable, and effective. Learn how to set the right goals, stay motivated, and use walking to boost your physical and mental well-being. Perfect for anyone ready to turn a simple habit into a lifelong path to health.


The Power Within: Breath & Core Connection

Monday, August 25, 2025, 1:15 PM
Presented by Sue Prasad, DPT

At the heart of every movement is your breath. At the center of your strength is your core. Learn how breath and core work together to create a sense of grounded strength, fluid movement, and inner resilience. Through breath-centered practices and mindful core engagement, you’ll learn how to access deeper support in you rbody – support that enhances not just how you move, but how you feel.


Understanding Vertigo: Finding Your Balance

Monday, September 22, 2025, 1:15 PM
Presented by Toshio Leeper, DPT

If you’ve ever felt like the room is spinning or struggle with sudden dizziness, you are not alone. Vertigo affects millions and can interfere with even the simplest daily activities. In this session, we’ll break down what vertigo really is, what causes it, and hou you can take control. Discover practical tips, treatment options, and balance exercises designed to help you move with greater confidence and ease. Wheter your’re experiencing vertigo yourself or supporting someone who is, this talk offers valuable insights and hope for better balance.


100-Year Lifestyle; Lessons from the Blue Zones

Monday, October 27, 2025, 1:15 PM
Presented by Dennis Vo, DC

Learn the simple yet powerful habits around diet, movement, social bonds, and purpose that promote lasting wellness. Walk away with meaningul insights to nurture your body and spirit for a lifetime of health and happiness.


The Beat Goes On: Building Habits for a Healthy Heart

Monday, November 17, 2025, 1:15 PM
Presented by Kate Silva, DPT

A healthy heart doesn’t happen by cance – it happens by choice. This class is all about helping you make those choices easier and more effective. You’ll learn how everyday habits like moving more, eating well, managing stress, and getting quality sleep can protect your heart and boost your overall well-being. No gimmicks – just simple, sustainable steps to keep you rheart strong and your energy high. It’s never too late (or too early) to take care of your heart!


Stretching: The Secret to Staying Active

Monday, December 15, 2025, 1:15 PM
Presented by Mike Kwong, PTA

This session dives into the often-overlooked power of stretching, why it matters, how it supports mobility and injury prevention, and how to make it a regular part of your routine. Wheter you’re an athlete, a weekend walker, or just trying to stay limber, you’ll learn practical tips and techniques to keep your body flexible, strong, and ready for anything.