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Core exercise part of fitness progam For more information and a demonstration on promoting spine health through massage, strength and flexibility, visit the Wellness Wednesday booth from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 23 in the Children’s Hospital lobby.   A strong core, core stability and core strength are common buzz phrases in the fitness industry these days. Most individuals will recognize core or stability exercises as part of their fitness program.The American Council on Exercise (ACE) states that for Americans under the age of 45, lower back pain, discomfort or injury is the most common cause of disability. Approximately 80 percent of Americans will experience some form of lower back pain in their lives. Additionally, researchers have discovered a link between lack of physical activity, being overweight, and smoking with lower back pain. Clearly, a regular exercise program consisting of aerobic conditioning, strength and flexibility training can make a marked difference in preventing and/or managing lower back pain.   Therapeutic massage also is beneficial. It improves blood circulation, aiding in the recovery from muscle soreness. It also aids in relaxing or lengthening muscles to improve joint flexibility, and in reducing or managing pain. The American Academy of Pain Management recognizes neuromuscular therapy, or Trigger Point Massage, as one of the most effective types of massage for dealing with chronic pain due to soft tissue injury. Weekly tips from the Healthy S.C. Challenge Healthy S.C. Challenge is a results-oriented initiative created by Gov. Mark Sanford and first lady Jenny Sanford to motivate people to start making choices that can improve health and well-being. Visit http://www.healthysc.gov. Tobacco Walking is a great way to be physically active and increase your ability to refrain from smoking. Walking can help reduce stress, burn calories and tone muscles, and give you something to do instead of smoking. Walk around a shopping mall,  or take the stairs instead of the elevator. Physical Activity Water, water, water! Everyone should drink lots of it, especially athletes. According to some medical research, 75 percent of all people are chronically dehydrated. Lack of water is the biggest cause of daytime fatigue. Carry a bottle of water throughout the day, and soon, drinking enough water will become habit. Editor's note: The preceding column was brought to you on behalf of Health 1st. Striving to bring various topics and representing numerous employee wellness organizations and committees on campus, this weekly column seeks to provide MUSC, MUHA, and UMA employees with current and helpful information concerning all aspects of health.     Friday, Aug. 18, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.