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A Physical Therapist’s Role in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-10-03T11:39:58-04:00

A Physical Therapist’s Role in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Michael Zagare, PT

The goal is to maintain the highest quality of life that a person can have in any stage of Alzheimer's disease. Key elements of rehabilitation include: maintaining good strength, flexibility, posture, coordination, reducing the risk of falls, gait training, communication strategies, and patient/family instruction.

Therapeutic exercise- Exercise contributes to good health and stimulates normal body functions. Routine daily exercise is critical to the successful management of Alzheimer's disease. Through my experience, I have seen that exercise positively influences the body and the mind of the patient as well as the caretaker. It can also help to reduce depression, improve behavior, decrease falls, and prevent bone loss.

Patient and Family Instruction- Treatment strategies for effective communication for a patient with Alzheimer's disease is crucial. Simple strategies such as using the person’s first name, providing simple un-rushed instructions, and utilizing a quiet and familiar room will most likely help provide effective communication. A physical therapist will also educate the family and caretakers on important issues such as transferring/lifting, modification of environment, and assistance with ADL’s.

Gait and Balance training-Treating the underlying cause of gait or balance disturbances is very important for patients with Alzheimer's disease. Testing will help to determine the cause and help tailor the treatment based on each individual. Several important treatment strategies have to be taken depending on the person. These strategies may include adjusting adaptive equipment, footwear considerations, postural education, developing a fall prevention program, review of medications, and general exercise.

Other considerations- Other treatment options for patients with Alzheimer's disease may also include: preventing pressure ulcers, treating urinary incontinence, working on specific activities of daily living such as eating and dressing, and adapting the home environment to the individual’s needs and lifestyle.

Distinctive home physical therapy is proud to be the official onsite providers of the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation!

For Quality physical therapy and rehabilitation for the aging and the elderly give us a call!

Michael Zagare, MSPT
Physical Therapist

Physical Therapy and Senior Rehabilitation

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-10-02T10:52:25-04:00

Do you know someone who can’t get around like they used to?
Are you aware that a loved one is at risk of a fall?
Is someone that you know homebound due to pain?

Give us a call! We specialize in Senior physical therapy services and rehabilitation. All that is needed is a physical therapy prescription and we accept medicare!

Long Island Alzheimer's Foundation Respite Program

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-09-29T05:33:29-04:00

Visit the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation Website

Getting out of a car the safe way!

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-09-24T08:38:42-04:00

Hello again! Todays lets review how to safely get out of a car.

First make sure the car is parked so that there is not an unsafe gap between the car and the curb. This will make it easier and safer to perform the transfer.

Step 1) Remove seatbelt of you’re not going anywhere!
Step 2) Open door and bring legs to the outside of the car, your aide can give you some assistance if needed.
Step 3) Use a handybar device if needed to help get out of the car. A handybar device can be purchased on amazon.com and helps seniors easily get out of a car. This device latches onto the frame of the car making it much easier to help lift yourself up.
Step 4) Patient to place left hand on dashboard and the right hand on handybar device. If you don’t have this device use the door frame.
Step 5) The provider will place their right hand on the patients left hand ( either on the handybar device or car door frame). The providers left hand to be placed near the individuals head to prevent them from hitting their head while standing up.

Step 6) Slowly stand up- wait a second, and then proceed!

Mike Zagare aka “Mike the PT”
Distinctive Home Physical Therapy

Transferring into the car the SAFE way!

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-09-23T14:46:56-04:00

As a physical therapist I often see people get into and out of the car in some pretty funky ways! Follow these steps to help make the transfer as safe as possible!

Here is how to help your patient get into a car

Step 1) Adjust the car seat so that there is plenty of space to perform the transfer

Step 2) Make sure that there is plenty of space between the car and the curb to prevent a patient from falling off the curb

Step 3) Help Guide the patient to the car, always back up slowly until the patients legs hit the car seat!

Step 4) Have your patient reach back with their left arm to the dashboard and their right arm to the head rest

Step 5) Put your hand over their head to prevent hitting their head as they slowly descend into the seat

Step 6) Help them bring their legs into the proper position

Don’t Forget to wear a seatbelt!!

More to come, if anyone has any physical therapy related questions please feel free to ask me.

Mike Zagare aka “Mike the PT”
Distinctive Home Physical Therapy

Hurricane Irene

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-08-27T08:57:49-04:00

Please everyone Stay Safe this weekend!

Exercising Without Injuries

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-07-07T09:32:08-04:00

The intensity at which you exercise will determine what you get out of it. Do you want to lose body fat? If so, you need to exercise at a different intensity compared to someone who trains to build muscle / tone up.
Unlike bones and joints, muscles have a greater blood supply. Muscles can regenerate and respond quickly to the demands of exercise. The goal of all your exercise-related efforts should be to strengthen muscles (expect occasional soreness) and avoid overload of the bones and joints (likely to cause pain and injuries). Typically, exercising with weights can cause soreness, which is a dull aching pain in the muscles. This soreness generally subsides in a 2-3 days, during which your muscles get a chance to rest and emerge stronger. On the other hand, aerobic exercises like walking, cycling, and swimming typically do not cause muscle soreness. They serve a different purpose, and are invaluable in conditioning your heart and lungs.
The Difference Between Soreness And Pain

Soreness usually occurs the day after exercise due to an overload of exertion on your muscles, and the release of stored chemicals from your muscles. This is the reason why soreness sometimes gets worse a day or two after exercise. This is a phenomenon called “Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness” (DOMS). It is more likely to occur if you try new exercises or exert yourself more than you should. You will feel mild discomfort and not necessarily pain which should subside with rest. It’s important to remember that if you do the same exercise over a period of time, the level of soreness will decrease as your body adapts to it. This is why we change your exercise routine every 3 to 4 weeks to help you gain maximum benefit at all times. On the other hand, pain after exercise tends to be sharp and localized around one area. It also tends to persist and sometimes get worse. You should never exercise ‘through the pain’ since this may cause injuries. If you experience pain during exercise, give us a call right away so we can determine the cause of your pain and help you manage it.
Your Pain Prevention Plan
Improper technique, absence of warm ups / stretching and inadequate footwear are major causes of pain and consequently injury. When you feel pain, use the RICE method.

RICE is an acronym for:
Rest: Avoid anything that may cause an increase in pain. Ice: Use an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain. Do not use the ice pack for more than 10-15 minutes at a time. Compression: A handkerchief or bandage around the injured area helps minimize swelling. It should be firm, but not too tight. Elevation: Keeping the injured body part elevated also helps to minimize swelling. WARNING SIGNS: Seek immediate diagnosis from a physician if the pain: - Persists after 12 to 48 hours of ice and rest. - Is sharp and limits movement. - Is accompanied by numbness, weakness, or swelling in the joint. Pain indicates distress to the body - listen to it and take action. A timely trip to your doctor and/or physical therapist will facilitate recovery. Don’t let aches and pains affect your gains. Call us today to see how we can help you with a speedy recovery.

Did You Know Smoking Is Bad For Your Bones?

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-05-21T08:36:01-04:00

According to the most recent statistics from American Lung Association and the Center for Disease Control (CDC), over 430,000 people die each year as a result of smoking-related diseases. According to the American Lung Association, cigarette smoking leads to 87% of lung cancers, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Smoking is known to cause:
• Heart disease
• Lung cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Chronic lung disease

But there is one more thing: smoking is also bad for your bones!

Bones, like other tissues and organs of your body, get their nutrition from good blood flow. Normally, when a bone is injured (i.e. fractured), blood flow brings in the desperately needed nutrients to help heal the bone. Smokers tend to have an elevated level of nicotine in their blood, which constricts blood vessels. This leads to decreased blood flow, resulting in impaired delivery of oxygen and other nutrients.

Thus, when the bone of a smoker is injured, healing is compromised.
With the impaired nutrition to the bones, bone density becomes affected and this can also lead to osteoporosis.

Low Back Pain and Smoking

If you are a smoker and suffer from low back pain, you are not alone. The idea that smoking may be linked with low back pain has been around for quite some time. The key culprit here is nicotine, which limits blood flow throughout the body, including the spine. Chronic oxygen deprivation causes the discs to weaken. The result is malnourished and degenerated discs, which lead to pain. As a chronic smoker, the more you cough, the more you irritate the discs, which results in more low back pain.

If you are considering a fusion surgery, your doctor will ask you if you smoke. This is important because nicotine damages the “bone building cells”. In extreme cases, a surgeon may refuse to operate if the patient is a chronic smoker, since smoking slows down healing after spinal surgery.

The Truth About Exercise After Surgery

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-05-07T18:17:50-04:00

A physical therapist plays an important role in the recovery process following most injuries. With mother’s day round the corner, it’s important to remember that women in particular experience a higher risk from bone-related injuries after menopause. In this newsletter, we try to dispel some of the most commonly-held myths about post injury exercise regimes, so that the mothers (and everyone else) in your family are aware of the do’s and don’ts of post injury exercise.

Myth #1: After an injury, “Bed rest is the best”. Fact: A short period of bed rest (1 to 2 days) can help prevent further injury during the acute phase, but longer rest intervals can be counterproductive. In fact, resting and inactivity can actually cause more pain since a lack of activity leads to reduced blood flow and even muscle weakness. This, in turn, creates more pain and triggers an unhealthy cycle of pain and inactivity that feed each other and aggravate the situation. Always start with low intensity exercises (your physical therapist will point you in the right direction) and ease into an exercise regime that progressively strengthens your muscles and improves flexibility of your joints.

Myth #2: Going to the gym is the best way to regain your strength. Fact: It’s common for people to reinjure themselves if they return to the gym or engage in ‘unsupervised exercise’ too soon after an injury. Trust the expertise of the physical therapist and complete an exercise protocol before progressing to independent, unsupervised exercise.

Myth #3: With any exercise, if there is no pain, there is no gain. Fact: When you first start an exercise plan, you’ll be using your muscles in new ways that may cause soreness the next day, but anything more than a little discomfort isn’t healthy. Contrary to popular belief, exercise doesn’t have to hurt to be effective. Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something’s wrong – if you want to avoid serious injury, listen to your body and back off at the first sign of pain.

Myth #4: Focusing on specific muscles (abs, arms, thighs) is the best way to recover after an injury. Fact: The energy expenditure (amount of calories burnt) increases as you involve more muscle groups and increase the intensity of exercise. As healing continues, your physical therapist may recommend exercises like walking which involve several large muscle groups as opposed to single muscle group movements.

Aquatic Exercise

Exercise done in water (swimming pools) is effective for injury recovery in all age groups. The buoyant forces of water provide a calming, cushioning effect, which protects (and challenges) your muscles, joints and bones. Water is several times denser than air and facilitates high energy expenditure with minimal risk of injury. Water exercise has several benefits and also provides a safe medium for strengthening your muscles post injury.

How Can a Chair Save Your Spine?

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-05-01T09:47:06-04:00

In a 21st century office, work typically involves a lot of sitting in an office chair (usually in front of a computer).

Did you know that sitting actually puts more stress on your spine than standing? To avoid developing lower back problems, it's critical to use an office chair that's ergonomically designed. What does ergonomics mean? It is the applied science of equipment design (in the workplace) intended to maximize productivity by reducing an individual's fatigue and discomfort. An ergonomic chair, for example, is one that supports your lower back and helps maintain good posture.

The big question is - How do we identify the ideal ergonomic office chair?

All ergonomic chairs are not built the same. Since every individual is built differently, it is best to look for a chair that can be easily adjusted in terms of chair height, armrest height and back inclination. There are many types of office chairs and no single chair is the best, but a few simple tips can save your joints a lot of discomfort. You are about to avoid the biggest mistakes most individuals make with chair selection.

If you have any doubts, always speak with your physical therapist to help you find the right chair for your specific needs.

Five key factors to consider while choosing an ergonomic chair:

• Seat height. This should be adjustable. Depending on your height, this should be between 16 to 21 inches from the floor. When sitting, your feet should be flat on the floor and your thighs horizontal (or parallel) to the floor.

• Seat width and depth. Standard seat width is 17-20 inches. The depth (from the front to the back of the seat) needs to be enough so that you can sit with your back against the backrest with about 2-4 inches between the back of the knees and the seat of the chair. The forward or backward tilt of the seat should be adjustable because the right inclination can significantly reduce the strain on your lower back (call us to learn more)

• Backrest. The ideal backrest should be 12 to 19 inches wide. It should be able to support the natural curve of the spine. The more we sit, the more we tend to slouch. Therefore, proper lumbar support provided by your chair’s backrest is very important to help support your spine.

• Armrests. Office chair armrests should be adjustable. They should allow your arms to rest comfortably and shoulders to be relaxed. The elbows and lower arms should rest lightly, which means the armrests should neither be too high nor too low.

• Swivel. This allows you to easily rotate to reach different areas of your desk without straining your spine.

Picking the right office chair can help you avoid the agony of low back pain or neck pain associated with full-time desk jobs. Too much time at the computer or several hours a day on the phone can also put your spine at risk. To learn more about ergonomics and correct body mechanics, give us a call right away.

If Your First Steps Are Painful...

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-04-24T14:15:59-04:00

Pain in the heel can occur due to bone spurs, inflammation of the plantar fascia (known as plantar fasciitis) or impingement of the small nerves in the foot.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain on or around the heel when weight is placed on the foot. This is usually worst in the morning, especially with the first few steps after getting out of bed. In most cases, there is no pain at night since the fascia tightens up overnight. Morning motion causes pulling of the fascia and results in pain that can be described as sharp, burning or stabbing. Pain usually reduces during the course of the day as the tissue warms up. Prolonged standing, walking or getting up after long periods of sitting usually irritate the fascia.

Common causes of heel pain include:
• Excessive running or jumping
• Overload of physical activity (especially for athletes)
• High arches, flat feet, abnormal gait
• Wearing improper shoes while walking or running
• Diabetes contributes to heel pain in the elderly
• Recent weight gain or pregnancy

In most cases, plantar fasciitis does not require surgery and can be treated conservatively. However, every individual heals at a different pace.

If you suffer from heel pain, the first thing you need to do is determine the cause. For example, you may need to replace your old, worn out shoes. You may need to rest if there has been a significant increase in your activity levels.

The next thing to do is to call your physical therapist. You may even need to see a doctor or podiatrist. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy to help you reduce pain and inflammation and resume daily activities without pain. In some cases, your doctor may give you a cortisone shot to address excessive inflammation.

Most people with heel pain get better with physical therapy. Therapy usually includes stretching the calf muscles (on the back of the lower leg) to take the tension off the plantar fascia. If your calf is really tight, the doctor may order a night splint (to be worn while you sleep at night). This will place a mild stretch on the calf muscles and the plantar fascia.

This helps reduce morning pain.

Patients with plantar fasciitis are commonly prescribed physical therapy. Our therapists design exercises to improve flexibility in the calf muscles and the plantar fascia. Treatment helps control pain and swelling. We may use ultrasound, electrical stimulation, ice packs and soft-tissue massage to help you recover as fast as possible. We may even recommend the use of an orthotic depending on the anatomy of your foot.

Obesity and the Aging Population: What Are the Dangers and How You Can Get Healthier

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-04-16T10:12:56-04:00

Nearly 70 percent of adults over age 60 are overweight or obese, putting them at higher risk of diabetes and other diseases, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The study followed more than 4,000 men and women for 18 years and found that those who were overweight, measured by a body mass index (BMI) of 25-29, or obese, with a BMI of 30 or higher, were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

"As you age, your body changes," ABC News senior health and medical editor Dr. Richard Besser said this morning on Good Morning America. "Your metabolism slows down."

Type 2 diabetes has doubled in the U.S. in the past 15 years, and is highest among adults over age 65, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And diabetes is a well known risk factor in heart disease, kidney disease, stroke and other serious medical conditions.

However, keeping a diet rich with greens can prevent excess weight gain, said Besser. “If you don't cut back what you put in your body, you'll gain weight," he said. "It's that simple."

Besides eating well, even light physical activity can significantly contribute to a healthier lifestyle for many elderly adults, according to Besser.

Lower impact activities such as walking, swimming, and bicycling are generally safe for many older adults, even those who have chronic conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure, Besser said on Good Morning America. In fact, many studies show that regular aerobic exercise can lower blood pressure, decrease the symptoms of chronic conditions, and can improve brain function. But the key is to start slowly, he said.

"Just ask your doctor how to do that," he said. Exercise is only good for you if you are feeling well, according to Besser. If you have a cold or the flu, wait to exercise until you feel better.

Warming up and cooling down by walking and stretching before and after each session is important to minimize any soreness or potential injury, he said.

*Original article: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/OnCall/elderly-obesity-older-adults-face-weight-issues/story?id=10985159

High Blood Pressure and Seniors

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-04-10T10:00:07-04:00

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, one in four adults, have a continuously elevated pressure of the blood moving through their arteries. For adults aged 70 and older, that number rises dramatically to two out of three. High blood pressure significantly increases your risk for getting heart disease and/or kidney disease, and for having a stroke. While there may be no symptoms, and people affected by high blood pressure may feel fine, some may experience dizziness, palpitations, sweating, and headaches.

Blood pressure is typically recorded as two numbers — the systolic pressure (as the heart beats) over the diastolic pressure (as the heart relaxes between beats). The Merck Manual on Medical Information defines high blood pressure as a systolic pressure at rest that averages 140 mm Hg or more, a diastolic pressure at rest that averages 90 mm Hg or more, or both. Usually both the systolic and the diastolic pressures are elevated. However, in the elderly, only the systolic pressure may be elevated, which nevertheless can cause medical problems down the road.

Special Factors for the Elderly:

Many Americans tend to develop high blood pressure as they get older, but this is not a part of healthy aging. About 60% of all Americans age 60 and older have high blood pressure. Only a fraction of those who have high blood pressure actually know it and are actively treating it.

Only a few decades ago, the medical community treated the elderly differently when it came to high blood pressure. Since prescription drug interventions could prove risky, only those seniors with extremely high blood pressure were treated. According to the Society of
Geriatric Cardiology, there are now numerous safe and effective blood pressure medications available. “It has been shown that the majority of older patients adhere and respond to treatment as well as or better than younger patients,” the Society notes.

Since the elderly have fluctuations in their blood pressure throughout the course of the day and may have adverse interactions with other medications, doctors should carefully monitor and adjust a senior’s medication. The Society of Geriatric Cardiology recommends that at least two or three blood pressure readings should be taken at different times to establish a diagnosis of hypertension.

Prevention:

The best way to prevent high blood pressure is by adopting a healthy lifestyle:
◦ Following healthy eating patterns: emphasize fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods; eat foods low in saturated fat, total fat,
and cholesterol; eat whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts; reduce fats, red meats, sweets, and sugared beverages. (see The
DASH Diet under “Sources” for more information)
◦ Reducing salt and sodium in your diet: reduce salt intake to less than six grams (one teaspoon) per day from all sources.
◦ Maintaining a healthy weight: since blood pressure rises as weight increases, reducing your weight can improve your
hypertension, as well as reduce your risk for heart disease and diabetes.
◦ Being physically active: even the lowest level of physical activity can have a positive impact on health and well-being.
◦ Limiting alcohol intake: if you drink alcoholic beverages, have only a moderate amount — one drink a day for women; two drinks
a day for men.
◦ Quitting smoking: smoking injures blood vessels and speeds up the hardening of the arteries.

Original article: http://www.ec-online.net/knowledge/articles/bloodpressure.html

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and Seniors

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-04-03T13:53:56-04:00

The most common indication for surgery in persons aged over 60 in the United States is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS). Currently, it is estimated that as many as 400,000 Americans, most over the age of 60, may already be suffering from the symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis [The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and The Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS)] and this number is expected to grow as members of the baby boom generation begin to reach their 60s over the next decade.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, people over 60 will account for 18.7% of the domestic population in 2010 versus 16.6% in 1999.

According to the United Nations' Population Division, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the trend is global with the number of persons aged 60 years or older estimated to be nearly 600 million in 1999 and is projected to grow to almost 2 billion by 2050, at which time the population of older persons will be larger than the population of children (0-14 years) for the first time in human history. The majority of the world's older persons reside in Asia (53 per cent), while Europe has the next largest share (25%).

The prevalence of musculo-skeletal disorders and the cost to treat them led the World Health Organization and the United Nations to declare 2000-2010 be the Decade committed to improving quality of life to people with bone and joint disease and injuries throughout the world.

Physical Therapy for Spinal Stenosis

Physical therapy consisted of exercises, soft tissue manipulation, and other treatment modalities, such as hot and cold packs. The purpose of exercises is to strengthen the abdominal muscles and promote mobility of the lumbar paraspinal muscles, thus minimizing lordosis.

Lordosis can be reduced by up to 7%, which is sufficient to relieve pain. 50 Trunk strengthening exercises were also prescribed to build up the abdominal and lumbar muscles, “thereby creating a corset of muscles to support the lumbar spine” and to build conditioning and increase walking distance.

Exercises that encourage lumbar flexion and flattening of the lumbar lordotic curve can be of a clinical benefit to patients suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis. An exercise program must be used 4 to 5 times a week to be beneficial, and any early signs of improvement are observed 4 to 6 weeks after the program has begun.

Original article: http://www.spinalstenosis.org/

Glaucoma and Aging

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-03-31T07:36:40-04:00

The leading causes of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration tend to come on silently, without pain or other symptoms in the earliest stages. The later an eye problem is diagnosed, the harder it becomes to treat. In some cases, any vision that has slipped away may be gone forever.

Experts say that skipping regular and thorough eye exams is chief among the barriers to early detection. It's important to have your eyes regularly checked through dilated pupils so doctors can get a good three-dimensional view of the optic nerve and retina. For a dilated exam, an eye specialist places drops in the eye to enlarge the pupils.

If you ignore symptoms of glaucoma and fail to get treatment, the damage can be permanent and blindness is more likely. There are eye drops and medications that can be used to treat mild cases of glaucoma. Lumigan and Travatan are two that treat elevated eye pressure. For people in the more advanced stages of the disease, surgery is a necessary measure that many doctors recommend.

Original article: http://seniorhealth.about.com/library/vision/bl_eye_exam.htm

Are You Safe? Life Alert For Seniors

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-03-28T08:32:53-04:00

Life Alert is a Personal Emergency Response and Home Medical Alert System company that saves lives from catastrophic outcomes, using a unique technology to provide superior home audio monitoring protection. Founded in 1987, Life Alert provides its service to members nationwide. The company employs over 600 people, all in the United States.

The company’s service solves a major home security issue. Life Alert’s protection helps people to live at home with independence and comfort, living their lives the way they want to, with a feeling of safety and peace of mind.

Life Alert handles over two million calls a year, and on average saves at least one life from a catastrophic outcome every 17 minutes (over 31,000 in 2010). In Life Alert’s Monitoring Center, the size of its emergency staff per member is 200% greater than a traditional security company.

* Go to www.lifealert.com for more information

Thyroid Disease and Aging

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-03-27T17:50:27-04:00

The incidence of thyroid disease increases with age. An estimated 20% of women over the age of 60 have some form of thyroid disease. The symptoms of thyroid disease vary according to whether too much hormone is being produced (hyperthyroid) or too little (hypothyroid). Hypothyroidism is much more common in the elderly population, and symptoms may be non-specific such as those mentioned above.

Below are some interesting points about thyroid disease and aging as compiled by the American Association of Endocrinologists:

• 1 out of every 5 women over the age of 65 has an higher than normal level of TSH (indicating hypothyroidism.
• Approximately 25% of the elderly population suffer from some form of mental illness. A significant number of these cases may be
related to thyroid disease.

• Approximately 15% of all patients diagnosed with hyperthyroidism are over the age of 60.

• Because of many factors, thyroid disease in those over 65 years old is much more likely to remain undiagnosed as compared
with thyroid disease in 30 to 40 year olds.

There are two more points of importance regarding elderly patients and thyroid disease. First, hypothyroidism is a risk factor for high cholesterol and heart disease. Because many elderly people remain undiagnosed for years, it is important to check cholesterol levels in all elderly patients who are diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The opposite is also true. Elderly patients with persistently increased cholesterol levels should have a thyroid evaluation to make certain that thyroid disease is not contributing to the high cholesterol levels. Second, hyperthyroidism is a cause for osteoporosis, a common cause of weak bones in the elderly.

What can you do to make certain you thyroid level is OK? It's simple. If you are suspicious that you may have thyroid disease, or you have symptoms such as those above that have gone unexplained, ask your physician for a thyroid evaluation. This involves examining the thyroid gland in the neck and a simple blood test to evaluate TSH levels and T4 and T3 levels. Thyroid disease is usually easy to diagnose and treat.

Original article: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=17284

Avascular Necrosis and the Elderly

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-03-23T16:48:23-04:00

From the Mayo Clinic:

Avascular necrosis is the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. Also called osteonecrosis, avascular necrosis can lead to tiny breaks in the bone and the bone's eventual collapse.

The blood flow to a section of bone can be interrupted if the bone is fractured or the joint becomes dislocated. Avascular necrosis is also associated with long-term use of high-dose steroid medications and excessive alcohol intake.

The most common joint affected by avascular necrosis is the hip. Avascular necrosis worsens with time, so managing it is a lifelong process.

Avascular necrosis typically causes pain and reduced range of motion in the affected joint. The most common joints affected by avascular necrosis include:

• Hip. In addition to pain in the hip joint itself, pain also may radiate into your groin or go down your thigh to your knee.
• Knee. In avascular necrosis of the knee, the pain occurs most often on the inside of the knee and worsens with activity.
• Shoulder. Several bones come together at the shoulder, but the one most commonly affected by avascular necrosis is the upper
arm bone.

Some people experience avascular necrosis bilaterally — for example, in both hips or in both knees. Signs and symptoms may appear suddenly if caused by an injury. In other cases, the pain and stiffness may build up slowly over several months. Some people with avascular necrosis experience no symptoms at all.

Other joints that are affected by avascular necrosis include:
• Ankles
• Feet
• Hands
• Jaw
• Spine
• Wrists

* See your doctor if you experience persistent pain in any joint. Seek immediate medical attention if you believe you have a broken bone or a dislocated joint.

*Original article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/avascular-necrosis/DS00650/DSECTION=symptoms

If Your World is Spinning...

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-03-21T09:39:20-04:00

Almost everyone experiences a few seconds of dizziness at some point in their lives. Do you remember your childhood days when you would spin round and round until you got dizzy and had to wait a few seconds till the “world stopped spinning”? It was fun back then, but when it occurs “out of the blue”, it’s something to be concerned about.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 90 million Americans (more than a third of the population) report bouts of dizziness at some point in their lives. Of those, 76 million suffer from inner-ear disorders, which can be caused by:

1. Whiplash (neck injuries)
2. Blows to the head
3. Viral infections
4. High doses of certain antibiotics
5. Stroke
6. Degeneration of the inner ear's balance function, also known as the vestibular system (often deteriorates with age).

Inner-ear problems can manifest themselves in different ways. Some symptoms include dizziness, nausea and blurred vision. It’s not uncommon for individuals with dizziness to go from one doctor to another in an attempt to find a solution.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Seniors

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-03-21T09:27:57-04:00

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a disease of the lungs. A person with COPD has trouble breathing. This is because the airways – the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs – are damaged.

COPD may also be called by other names, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. COPD is a serious lung disease that develops slowly. It may be many years before a person starts to have symptoms of COPD. It can be caused by smoking, air pollution, and genetic factors.

COPD can be treated many ways depending on the severity of the disease. Medication and oxygen machines help ease symptoms but the best way to avoid developing COPD is to stay away from cigarette smoke and do not begin smoking.

Information obtained from: http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/chronic/copd/fact_sheet.htm

Hypertension Study

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-03-17T09:36:21-04:00

Study: Lack of Sleep Not Linked to Hypertension Among Seniors

While sleeping five or fewer hours a night appears to be a significant factor in high blood pressure for people under age 59, short sleep duration does not seem linked to hypertension among people aged 60 and older, according to a study that appears in the journal Hypertension.

In a study of more than 4,800 men and women, aged 32 to 59, who got five hours of sleep a night or less, middle-aged participants were about 60 percent more likely to develop hypertension than those who slept six to eight hours.

But the researchers found no connection between sleep deprivation and hypertension in participants aged 60 to 86. Researchers used data from a large epidemiological study, excluding from the analysis anyone who already had hypertension, and over the next eight to 10 years recorded the incidence of newly diagnosed cases of high blood pressure.

"It's been known for a long time that sleep disorders are associated with hypertension," said James E. Gangwisch, a postdoctoral fellow at Columbia's Mailman School of Public Health, "but that could be for reasons besides not getting enough sleep. This is the first study that shows a relationship between short sleep duration itself and high blood pressure."

However, while getting too little sleep was bad, getting more than the average amount of sleep was not protective. People who got nine or more hours of sleep were as likely to have high blood pressure as those who slept six to eight hours.

Original article: http://www.seniorhealthweek.org/NewsStories/hypertension-story-n7.htm
Source: Source: Medical Week staff, week of May 10, 2006

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Alternative Medicine

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-03-15T10:39:07-04:00

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that most typically affects the small joints in your hands and feet. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.

An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. In addition to causing joint problems, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect your whole body with fevers and fatigue.
Rheumatoid arthritis is two to three times more common in women than in men and generally occurs between the ages of 40 and 60. While there's no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, treatment options have expanded greatly in the past few decades.

Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staff

Some common complementary and alternative treatments that have shown promise for rheumatoid arthritis include:
• Thunder god vine. Preparations made from the peeled root of this plant are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat
inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Studies indicate that it may be helpful in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Side effects
include diarrhea, menstrual changes and hair loss.
• Plant oils. The seeds of evening primrose, borage and black currant contain a type of fatty acid that may help with rheumatoid
arthritis pain and morning stiffness. Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea and gas. Some plant oils can cause liver damage
or interfere with medications, so check with your doctor first.
• Fish oil. Some preliminary studies have found that fish oil supplements may reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain and stiffness. Side
effects can include nausea, belching and a fishy taste in the mouth. Fish oil can interfere with medications, so check with your
doctor first.
• Tai chi. This movement therapy involves gentle exercises and stretches combined with deep breathing. Many people use tai chi
to relieve stress in their lives. Small studies have found that tai chi may reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain. When led by a
knowledgeable instructor, tai chi is safe. But don't do any moves that cause pain.

Original Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/DS00020/DSECTION=alternative%2Dmedicine

Plantar Fasciitis

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-03-12T14:52:17-05:00

Plantar fasciitis (say "PLAN-ter fash-ee-EYE-tus") is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue (ligament) that connects your heel bone to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot. If you strain your plantar fascia, it gets weak, swollen, and irritated (inflamed). Then your heel or the bottom of your foot hurts when you stand or walk.

Plantar fasciitis is common in middle-aged people. It also occurs in younger people who are on their feet a lot, like athletes or soldiers. It can happen in one foot or both feet.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is caused by straining the ligament that supports your arch. Repeated strain can cause tiny tears in the ligament. These can lead to pain and swelling. This is more likely to happen if:
• Your feet roll inward too much when you walk (excessive pronation)
• You have high arches or flat feet
• You walk, stand, or run for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces
• You are overweight
• You wear shoes that don't fit well or are worn out
• You have tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles

What are the symptoms?

Most people with plantar fasciitis have pain when they take their first steps after they get out of bed or sit for a long time. You may have less stiffness and pain after you take a few steps. But your foot may hurt more as the day goes on. It may hurt the most when you climb stairs or after you stand for a long time.

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

Your doctor will check your feet and watch you stand and walk. He or she will also ask questions about:
• Your past health, including what illnesses or injuries you have had
• Your symptoms, such as where the pain is and what time of day your foot hurts most
• How active you are and what types of physical activity you do
Your doctor may take an X-ray of your foot if he or she suspects a problem with the bones of your foot, such as a stress fracture

How is it treated?

No single treatment works best for everyone with plantar fasciitis. But there are many things you can try to help your foot get better:
• Give your feet a rest. Cut back on activities that make your foot hurt. Try not to walk or run on hard surfaces
• To reduce pain and swelling, try putting ice on your heel. Or take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin), naproxen (such as Aleve), or aspirin
• Do calf stretches and towel stretches several times a day, especially when you first get up in the morning.
• Get a new pair of shoes. Pick shoes with good arch support and a cushioned sole. Or try heel cups or shoe inserts (orthotics).
Use them in both shoes, even if only one foot hurts.

Original article: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/plantar-fasciitis-topic-overview

Osteopenia VS. Osteoporosis: What's the Difference?

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-03-04T09:23:04-05:00

What is osteopenia and how is it related to osteoporosis? To begin to answer that question, we must define osteopenia. Osteopenia is the thinning of bone mass. While this decrease in bone mass is not usually considered "severe", it is considered a very serious risk factor for the development of osteoporosis. Osteopenia is commonly seen in people over age 50 that have lower than average bone density but do not have osteoporosis. The diagnostic difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis is the measure of bone mineral density.

Bone mineral density
Bone mineral density (BMD) is the measurement of calcium levels in bones, which can estimate the risk of bone fractures. It is also used to determine if a patient has osteopenia or osteoporosis. Bone mineral density tests are non-invasive and painless procedures usually done on the hip, spine, wrist, finger, shin bone, or heel.

While osteopenia can be diagnosed using plain radiographs, the most common method for measuring BMD (and a way to definitively diagnose osteoporosis) is through Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry or DEXA. This scan uses low-energy x-rays that expose patients to much less radiation than standard x-rays and can assess calcium levels in bone. The results are measured as a "score" and are compared to those of healthy individuals.

What the numbers mean
A patient's BMD is given a T-score, which is derived by comparing it to an average score for a healthy 30-year-old of the same sex and race. The difference between the "normal young" score and the patient's score is referred to as a standard deviation (SD). T-scores can fall as low as -1 SD and still be considered healthy (see table below). Patients with T-scores between -1 SD and -2.5 SD are diagnosed with osteopenia and are considered at high risk for osteoporosis. Patients with T-scores lower than -2.5 SD are diagnosed with osteoporosis.

For these patients, treatment is usually necessary and includes the use of medications to help increase bone mass, as well as lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.

T-score
2.5 to -1 SD
Normal bone density
Between -1 and -2.5
Osteopenia (low bone density)
Below -2.5
Osteoporosis

Who is at risk?
Not everyone will get osteopenia or osteoporosis. However there are certain risk factors that can increase the likelihood that a person will have moderate to severe loss of bone mass, including the following:
Gender - women are a higher risk because they have less bone mass than men. Women also often experience a loss of bone
mass after menopause.

Race - Asian and Caucasian women, especially those who are small-boned, are at highest risk.

Family history - patients with a family history of low bone mass have a 50%-85% increased risk of developing osteoporosis.

Age - most people (men and women) lose about .5% of bone mass every year after the age of 50.

Lifestyle choices - including poor diet with a lack of calcium and vitamin D, smoking, excessive use of alcohol or caffeine, and
lack of exercise contribute to a loss of bone mass.

Other medical conditions - such as hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, and Cushing's syndrome, can contribute to bone loss.
Certain medications (such as prednisone or phenytoin (Dilantin®), are known to cause bone loss as well.

Prevention
While most people experience some loss of bone mass as they age, osteopenia and osteoporosis are not inevitable parts of the aging process. There are things that can be done to keep bones healthy, including the following:
1. Maintain a healthy diet with adequate amounts of calcium, magnesium, vitamins D, K, and C as well as other minerals.
2. Regular physical activity that includes weight bearing exercises, such as low-impact aerobics, jogging, and walking to help
minimize bone loss.
3. Avoidance of smoking and excessive use of alcohol.
4. Regular check-ups with a physician to monitor bone loss, especially in people over age 50.
5. Use of medications to help improve bone health if deficiencies in bone mass are detected.

What you can do
Along with eating right and getting regular exercise, talk to your doctor about having your bone mineral density measured, especially if you are over the age of 50 or fall into one of the higher risk groups mentioned above.

Original article: http://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/osteoporosis/osteopenia-osteoporosis-there-difference

Is Fibromyalgia Causing Too Many Aches & Pains?

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-02-28T09:24:45-05:00

Fibromyalgia is a condition in which your body “hurts all over”, leaving you tired and exhausted. It is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, tenderness and stiffness for millions of people across the country.

Fibromyalgia tends to be more common in women, and the exact cause is unknown. It can be difficult to diagnose since there is no specific test for it, but it’s usually detected by performing various tests (including neurological tests) to rule out other diseases. Some symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

• Pain in “tender points” including muscles, tendons, or joints in both sides of the body
• Sleep disturbances
• Fatigue due to lack of deep sleep
• Mental and/or emotional disturbances
• Headaches, dizziness, tingling, and abdominal pain.

The severity of these symptoms can vary depending on the weather, stress, physical activity or even the time of day.

Although it’s not a progressive condition, it can lead to other conditions including depression, sleep deprivation, restless leg syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Care Connection Inc.

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-02-20T08:41:04-05:00

Care Connection, Inc. provides non-medical companionship and care to seniors. Duties of a companion would include meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, shopping, transportation, and medication reminders. Companions provide supervision and socialization to seniors so they can remain safely in their homes.

Our screened companions are both insured and bonded and are available on a hourly, weekly, overnight or on a live-in basis. Care Connection specializes in offering non-medical help with day to day tasks in a sensitive and concerned way. Matching and connecting the right caregiver to you or your family member is what we do best. For more information please call 516-409-0006 or visit our website at www.nycareconnection.com

Key Vitamins For Seniors

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-02-17T08:57:47-05:00

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is often called the "sunlight vitamin" as it's produced by the body when the sun's ultraviolet rays hit the skin. It also has the distinction of being the only vitamin the body actually manufactures. It is also a fat-soluble vitamin essential for good teeth and bone health. It also helps to strengthen the immune system. The elderly don't usually get enough Vitamin D. Seniors between the age of 50 and 70 need 400 IU (international units) of it per day. If you're over 70, 600 IU per day.

Vitamin K

Seniors usually lack Vitamin K. It is essential for blood clotting and helps maintain and even enhance bone density. It plays a key role in preventing osteoporosis. We mentioned before that Alzhemier's disease and Vitamin K studies show have a common link -- Vitamin K levels are lower in carriers of the APOE4 gene, the gene that is a risk factor in Alzheimer's. Though not a antioxidant per se, it does prevent cell death. RDA for Vitamin K is 120 micrograms per day for senior men, 90 micrograms for senior women.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is essential to good senior health. It is a fat soluble vitamin that has potent antioxidant properties thus preventing the oxidation of the fatty acids in the membranes of all cells. It slows aging. (Entertainer Bob Hope gave vitamin E credit for allowing him to live such a long life.) The RDA (Recommended international units (IU) for an adult is 22 IU (or about 15 mgs). There are times when megadoses are given though when digestive mal absorption doesn't occurs. This can range from 100 IU to 200. The dosage prescribed for protection against coronary disease ranges from 400 to 800 IU per day. If you have any questions as to what you need and if you're aren't sure, consult with your doctor. Let's discuss now those Superstar Nutrients.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha-lipoic acid benefits include not just antioxidant capability, but it also helps the B vitamins produce more energy from proteins, carbs, and fats. This is one of the unknown yet very capable vitamins for seniors you should know about. Studies also show alpha-lipoic acid supplements help prevent complications from diabetes but it also helps in the treatment of many diversified health issues including, glaucoma, even liver problems cirrhosis -- HIV infection. It helps slow aging-- something of interest to all, including seniors.

Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola is another popular memory enhancer that finds its way in a myriad of memory supplements or memory pills. As with Gingko Biloba, the authors can personally testify as to its efficacy. Due to its capability to enhance memory and as a nerve tonic, among other capabilities, Gotu Kola has been called "food for the brain." Interestingly enough, Gotu Kola is a favorite food among elephants perhaps explaining the saying, "A memory like an elephant."

Gingko Biloba

A Vitamins for Seniors web page wouldn't be complete without mention of Ginkgo Biloba. Gingko Biloba comes from a tree species that is literally one of the oldest trees on earth. This powerful antioxidant helps improve circulation, fights coronary disease, and helps improve and correct brain-centered activity by improving oxygen levels in the brain. It even helps in eliminating impotence and in lessening the effects of Alzheimer's disease. For good effect, take 30 to 60 mg twice a day.

Green Tea Extract

Green Tea possesses powerful antioxidants called polyphenols that studies suggest are even more potent than vitamins C and E to destroy cancer-causing free radicals. This is one of the most potent vitamins for seniors or foods in the world, in our opinion. Among its many therapeutic benefits, Green Tea has also been shown to have very promising results regarding preventing prostate cancer. A study conducted by the respected Mayo Clinic found that "the main polyphenol in Green Tea, which is EGCG, inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells and in high concentrations destroys them." Its affects don't apply only to men. In a study reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology July 1996, a study of 35,000 post-menopausal Iowa women showed that those "who drank two or ore cups of tea daily were less likely to develop cancers of the urinary or digestive tract." Look for 25 to 100 mg of green tea extract for best effect.

L-Carnosine

Carnosine is an active antioxidant antiaging substance that is produced by the body by the enzyme carnosine synthetase. It supports cellular rejuvenation by working on both glycosylation and free radical damage. Glycosylation is the oxidation of proteins by glucose (blood sugar) that results in the cross linking of proteins that are in turn implicated in the loss of cell function, genome integrity and aging. Look for a supplement that has 50 to 150 mg of it for optimum effect.

N-Acetyl Cysteine

N-Acetylcysteine has shown the ability in clinical studies to actually improve the autoimmune system while simultaneously preventing cellular damage and thus aging. It also is a potent protector to environmental toxins like secondhand cigarette smoke, herbicides, even some chemicals. It is a powerful oxidant when taken at the 35 to 150 mg recommended level.

Resveratrol

Found in red wine and grape juice (among other sources), Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant that studies have shown eliminates free radical damage linked to many cancers. It also has robust anti-inflammatory properties. Regarding its anti-cancer capability, it actually combats cancer at all three steps: initiation, promotion, and progression.
Resveratrol also possesses remarkable cholesterol lowering ability. Its antioxidant properties also has the ability to reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol). Lastly, look for a supplement that has 25 to 40 mgs of it for best effect.

Original article: http://ezinearticles.com/?Key-Vitamins-For-Seniors-You-Need-To-Know-About-Now&id=827022

The Heart Truth: Exercise For A Healthy Heart

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-02-11T09:04:42-05:00

Valentine's day is next week, and when it comes to your loved ones, the health of the heart is extremely important.

Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in the United States, according to Center for Disease Control (CDC).

A sedentary (inactive) lifestyle is the biggest cause of heart disease. Fortunately, this is something we can change.

Regular exercise can:

• Strengthen your heart and cardiovascular system.
• Lower blood pressure.
• Improve muscle tone and strength.
• Strengthen bones.
• Improve oxygen circulation in the body.
• Increase your stamina, so you can do more without being fatigued, or short or breath.
• Help control your weight and aid in weight loss.
• Reduce stress, tension, anxiety and depression.
• Improve sleep.
• Make you feel more relaxed and rested.

There is not a single pill in the world that can give you all these benefits. Regular exercise can help you dodge a dangeorus bullet - a heart attack and potentially save your life.

A structured, supervised exercise program can improve your health and the quality of your life. ALWAYS check with your doctor before you start exercising, especially if you have any medical conditions and / or take prescription medications.

ACCENT-Home Staging and Organizing, Inc.

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-02-09T09:41:24-05:00

Here is a company that can help prevent Falls by reducing clutter!

ACCENT – Home Staging and Organizing, Inc.
There is nothing like home – Let us help you stay there

Creating a safe and carefree environment for mature adults is our mission. We de-clutter and organize your space, creating a feeling of calm, control and safety. You will enjoy the ease of a lifestyle in a scaled down, well ordered home, which is a key component to your overall health and wellness program.

While we create room by room safety and arrange for the profitable disposal of unwanted items through auction, estate sale, buyout, consignment, donation, or a combination of the above, you can sit back and relax knowing that you are working with certified, caring professionals

Live in a Seas of Organization
Live in control of your possessions, and not your possessions in control of you.
Live stress less and struggle free, when you can easily find what you need.

Accent will provide:
A free home assessment

We love what we do, and hope you do too.

Call them at 516 773 3273.
Visit their website

Is Your Handbag Causing You All That Pain?

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-02-08T08:39:16-05:00

A new fashion trend is emerging, one that can cause more pain than you may realize – it’s those trendy, oversized bags (purses for women, and handbags for men) that wreak havoc on the human body.

There’s nothing wrong with being trendy. The trouble starts when you start loading up these bags with your laptop, wallet, shoes, cell phone, water bottle, magazine, make-up, and a some work related documents – and carrying this everywhere.

Before you know it, there’s a nagging pain in the neck or shoulder that may even radiate down the arm. Carrying the extra weight may cause problems in two ways:

1. It pulls on a web of nerves that can cause aching or shooting pain from the neck down the arm.

2. Every time you sling your bag over your shoulder, the upper back muscles that stabilize the shoulder blade struggle to counterbalance that weight; eventually they get overworked until a small movement like giving someone a hug or reaching for the phone causes sharp pain.

Carrying 10 extra pounds on one side of the body can cause the trunk to tilt sideways to compensate, causing more stress for your lower back. As the stiletto heel is to your foot, the designer handbag is to your upper back.

Importance of Vitamins and Aging

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-02-03T10:24:12-05:00

There has been recent evidence that as one ages one needs different dietary and dietary supplements. This should not come as a surprise - we are not the same when we age as when we were once young. As we age, we tend to eat less (but that does not mean we won't gain weight - but, that's another topic). Eating less and the changes in our digestive system and skin all have effects on our vitamin levels. It had been estimated that almost one-third of elderly people have deficiencies in vitamins and important minerals.

What Changes Elderly Needs for Vitamins As mentioned above, older citizens tend to eat less and less balanced meals. This is a major cause for possible vitamin depletion. Also many medicines that one takes can change the absorption of vitamins. Some people develop gastritis or bowel changes that also adversely affect the absorption of vitamins. Vitamin D is dependent on exposure to sunshine (not a problem for most of us at Seabrook) and in someone is not out in the sun and coupled with the changes to everyone's skin as we age, sufficient vitamin D may not be made. For this reason the daily requirement for vitamin D is greater in elderly than younger people. Even people who take vitamin supplements may take the pill at night or in the morning without food, and most of the vitamins require fat in our diet to help get optimal absorption. The point here, is take your supplement with your biggest meal of the day.

Some Problems with Vitamin Deficiency Vitamin D is necessary for the health of our bones. If we have insufficient levels of vitamin D this can lead to brittle bones. It is important to also take a supplement of calcium to maintain bone density and help prevent osteoporosis in patients who are developing this with age. Vitamin B--12 is important in maintaining mental function. Vitamin B12 is found naturally in lean red meat, chicken and skim milk. Folate and vitamins B6 and B12 are required for homocysteine metabolism and have been shown to reduce heart disease if ingested in appropriate concentrations. The antioxidants potentially reduce the incidence of several chronic illnesses. The point is that vitamins are important in maintaining our health.

Original article: http://www.muschealth.com/healthyaging/vitamins.htm

What is Huntington's Disease and How Can Physical Therapy Help?

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-02-01T10:28:47-05:00

Huntington disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease that results in a progressive loss of functional abilities. Impairments in voluntary movements and the presence of involuntary movements are a contributing factor to functional decline.

Effectiveness of Physical Therapy

One study tracked 40 patients with HD over two years as they followed a comprehensive rehabilitation program. The regime included both the physical and cognitive aspects from physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. The findings showed that over time, physical therapy had positive effects on motor and functional performance. Moreover, cognitive abilities did not decline as would be otherwise expected. These results indicate that patients are able to, at the very least, maintain a constant level of functional, motor, and cognitive performance over two years with the help of physical therapy This is important because HD is characterized by a deterioration of these abilities. However, the problem with this type of study is the lack of control groups, and difficulty in quantifying progress in the absence of any common standards. Despite the evidence indicating that physical therapy can help people with HD maintain independence and functional capacity, recent research suggests that it is not always routinely provided. One survey revealed that only 24% of patients with HD had worked with an occupational therapist, only 8% had been seen by a physiotherapist, and close to none had been contacted by a speech therapist.

Although it is unknown why physical rehabilitation services are so rarely used by patients, several explanations have been proposed. One reason may be the fact that there are very few studies that quantify the effectiveness of such treatments. Another possible reason for the limited use of rehabilitation services is reluctance in the community of service providers to accept people who are afflicted with a progressive condition, because it is thought that their chances of improvement are exceedingly low.

Original article:
http://hopes.stanford.edu/n3559/managing-hd/lifestyle-and-hd/physical-therapy-and-huntingtons-disease-treatment-and-management

Stress Management For Seniors

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-01-29T11:06:46-05:00

Most people don't think about how stressful aging can be. Being past one's youth and retired from employment can trigger stress-related health issues.

Unlike those youthful, carefree years, seniors now have to worry about such things as ill-health, wills, retirement funds and other issues that may occur during one's "Golden Years."

Stay Active
There are many programs geared toward seniors. Local YMCA facilities have water sports and workout routines specialized to abilities and needs. If going to the gym isn't enjoyable or accessible there is Mall-walking, neighborhood walk/jog groups, lawn bowling, golf or community chair aerobics and yoga.
Any sort of activity that gets a person moving for at least half-an hour can help keep the body agile and relieve stress.

Volunteer
Working with charitable foundations in the community helps seniors feel useful and needed. It's also a great way for seniors to still be interactive and work with other people, which is very important.
Socializing with others keeps seniors aware as to what's going on in their community and reduces the chances of becoming isolated or depressed.

Light a (Renewed) Fire
Remind a senior that now that she's retired, she can dig out those paint brushes or dust off that novel she was writing or even take up ballroom dancing. Yes, one phase in her life has closed now that she's not working on her career or now that children have all left her home. Now she can concentrate on what she loves or what she had to put aside throughout her younger years.
Such hobbies are good for the mind and soul and they help to remind seniors of their talents and helps keep them connected to the world in a creative way.

Work-Outs for The Mind
Just as it's important to keep the muscles going with exercise, stretching the mind muscles are important too. Even playing games like Trivial Pursuit, doing puzzles or crosswords, or reading books are great ways to keep the brain cells younger.
Another great idea is to see what kinds of courses or workshops are offered close to home. After all, it's never too late to learn new things or strengthen already attained knowledge.

Tap into the Soul
It's important for people to believe in something beyond themselves. That entity one turns to in times of sadness, turmoil or stress. Whether it's Buddha, God or something else, being able to tune into a Higher Power helps people make peace with themselves and others, which is so important near the end of life.

Practice Relaxation Exercises
Some phenomenal practices include deep breathing, yoga, Tai Chi, meditation and even lighter forms of Pilates. Such relaxation practices help to connect the body, mind and soul as well as provide a much needed stress-buster. Such forms of relaxation are also low-body stress exercises enabling seniors to do the poses with relative ease.

Original article: http://www.myseniorcare.com/health/mental-health/stress-management-for-seniors-article

Physical Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-01-24T08:07:04-05:00

Physical therapy has one simple goal: keeping you moving. It will stimulate muscles, bones, and joints through exercise or other methods. The result is more strength, tone, and overall fitness.

Physical therapists help you with joint function, muscle strength, and fitness level. They understand the mechanics of bones, joints, and muscles working together, the problems that can occur, and what to do about them.
Working with a physical therapist is a good idea at any stage or severity of rheumatoid arthritis.

• Early in the course of rheumatoid arthritis, your physical therapist can assess and document where you are in terms of function, strength, and fitness. Your exercise plan will be designed to maximize your chances of avoiding joint problems as the disease progresses.
• In moderate or advanced rheumatoid arthritis, a physical therapist can help you keep or increase the strength and flexibility you have.

Together, you and your physical therapist will create a road map of improvement for each muscle/joint group, and for your overall fitness. This will become part of the treatment plan for your rheumatoid arthritis. There are a number of strategies your physical therapist can use to reach your treatment goals.

• Exercise. This is the cornerstone of any physical therapy plan. Together with you and your doctor, your physical therapist will design an exercise plan that is targeted to your ability and fitness level. A good plan will include stretching/flexibility exercises; strength exercises, and conditioning (or aerobic) exercise.
• Heat/Ice. Treating inflamed or painful joints with heat or ice packs helps some people feel better.
• Massage. In some patients with chronic pain, therapeutic massage reduces symptoms.
• Motivation and encouragement. While "low-tech," it's hard to overestimate the value of having someone in your corner cheering you on-and pushing you to do better.

*Original article: http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/physical-therapy-for-rheumatoid-arthritis

What is Gout and How Physical Therapy Can Help

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-01-23T08:53:13-05:00

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, warmth and tenderness in the joints. It usually affects the joint of the big toe but can occur in feet, ankles, knees, hands and wrists. Gout occurs when a substance called uric acid builds up in the body and forms needle-like crystals in the joints. The first symptoms of gout often occur in the middle of the night or upon rising in the morning. Wearing shoes and moving the joint or standing may be difficult and painful. Gout accounts for about 5 percent of all cases of
arthritis.

Causes
Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid that occurs when the body has difficulty breaking down protein substances called purines which are found naturally in foods. Sometimes this happens because the kidneys are not getting rid of uric acid properly, and sometimes it occurs because the body produces too much uric acid. Eating too much of certain foods such as salmon, liver, herring or sardines and drinking too much alcohol may trigger an episode of gout.

Treatment
Successfully dealing with arthritis pain and disability requires self-management skills. It is important for patients to learn about their disease and to take part in their own care. Working with health care professionals allows a person to share in decision making and gain a sense of control.

Self-management techniques include arthritis education, exercise programs, relaxation and stress management, eating well-balanced meals and maintaining proper weight, taking care of joints and using assistive devices to rest joints and relieve pressure.

• Exercise can help increase independence, improve mood, decrease pain, increase flexibility, improve blood flow, maintain proper weight and promote general physical fitness. Exercise in a warm water pool is an excellent choice. Physical/occupational therapy can help restore joint movement and increase strength. A therapist can help design an exercise program to meet a person's specific needs.

• Rest also is important. Arthritis may cause tiredness and muscle weakness. A rest or short nap that does not interfere with nighttime sleep may help. Relaxation techniques can be useful in controlling pain. Some people find stress reduction and biofeedback helpful.

• Assistive devices can be used to reduce stress on certain joints. For example, braces or canes may help reduce stress on the knees. Jar grippers or other gadgets may help reduce stress on the small joints of the hands.

Original article: http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/hb/hbgout.htm

Wrist Pain and How to Make it Stop!

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-01-19T18:53:34-05:00

In an age dominated by computers, wrist pain is an increasingly common complaint. There can be many sources of wrist pain, ranging from sudden onset (a fracture after a fall or trauma) to repetitive stress leading to arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

If your pain has been going on for a long time, diagnosing the exact cause is something your physical therapist can help you with. The RIGHT diagnosis can help you get the proper treatment.

So What Are Your Symptoms?

Symptoms can differ, depending on the cause. For example, osteoarthritis pain is usually described as "dull pain", almost like a toothache. Tendinitis may be a “sharp or stabbing” pain. If you have any tingling, or “pins-and-needles” type of sensation, it may be related to nerve pain, which is often present with carpal tunnel syndrome. The exact location and type of wrist pain will help your doctor and physical therapist reach a conclusive diagnosis. This will allow them to design a treatment plan to help you on the road to recovery.

Two of the most common ways to injure your wrist are:

• Sudden impacts. Falls are the most common cause of injury, especially falling with your hand stretched out straight. This can cause sprains, strains and even fractures.

• Repetitive stress. Any activity that requires repetitive wrist motion – hitting a tennis ball, golfing, bowling, typing, or repetitive carrying of objects – can irritate the soft tissue in the wrist.

Impact of Aging on Water Metabolism

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-01-17T09:09:45-05:00

Impact of Aging on Water Metabolism

The age-related decrease in total-body water (relative and absolute) makes elderly persons markedly susceptible to stresses on water balance. Average healthy 30- to 40-year-old persons have a total-body water content of 55 to 60 percent. By age 75 to 80 years, the total-body water content has declined to 50 percent, with even more of a decline in elderly women.

Clearly, the thirst mechanism diminishes with age, which significantly impairs the ability to maintain homeostasis and increases the risk for dehydration. There is also a clear age-related decrease in maximal urinary concentrating ability, which also increases the risk for dehydration. ADH release is not impaired with aging, but ADH levels are increased for any given plasma osmolality level, indicating a failure of the normal responsiveness of the kidney to ADH.

The ability to excrete a water load is delayed in the elderly. This propensity may contribute to the frequently observed episodes of hyponatremia in hospitalized elderly patients who are receiving hypotonic intravenous fluids or whose fluid intake is not properly monitored.

Other changes in renal physiology and anatomy that increase the elderly patient's susceptibility to alterations of water imbalance include decreased renal mass, cortical blood flow and glomerular filtration rate, as well as impaired responsiveness to sodium balance.
The impact of a lifetime of accumulated disease and comorbidities must also be duly considered in every clinical situation with an elderly patient, in addition to age-related physiologic changes. The elderly patient has a diminished reserve of water balance and an impaired regulatory mechanism. Thirst sensation, concentrating abilities and hormonal modulators of salt and water balance are sluggish and highly susceptible to being overtaken by morbid or iatrogenic events.

Original article: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000615/3623.html

What is Gait and How Home Physical Therapy Can Help

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-01-15T10:16:51-05:00

The pattern of how a person walks is called their gait. Many different types of walking abnormalities are produced unconsciously. Most, but not all, are due to some physical condition.
Some walking abnormalities are so characteristic that they have been given descriptive names:

Propulsive gait -- a stooped, rigid posture, with the head and neck bent forward
Scissors gait -- legs flexed slightly at the hips and knees, giving the appearance of crouching, with the knees and thighs hitting or crossing in a scissors-like movement
Spastic gait -- a stiff, foot-dragging walk caused by one-sided, long-term, muscle contraction
Steppage gait -- foot drop where the foot hangs with the toes pointing down, causing the toes to scrape the ground while walking
Waddling gait -- a distinctive duck-like walk that may appear in childhood or later in life

Home Care
Treatment of the cause often improves the gait. For example, gait abnormalities from trauma to part of the leg will improve as the leg heals.
For an abnormal gait that occurs with conversion disorder, psychiatric counseling as well as support from family members is strongly recommended.
For a propulsive gait:

Encourage the person to be as self-reliant and independent as possible.
Allow plenty of time for daily activities, especially walking. People with this problem are susceptible to falls because of poor balance and an unconscious effort to always catch up.
Provide walking assistance for safety reasons, especially on uneven ground.
Consult a physical therapist about exercise therapy and walking retraining.

For a scissors gait:

Loss of skin sensation is often associated with scissors gait, so skin care should be provided in order to avoid skin breakdown and ulcers.
Leg braces and in-shoe splints can help maintain proper foot alignment for standing and walking. A physical therapist can supply these and provide exercise therapy, if appropriate.

For a spastic gait:

Both active and passive exercises are encouraged.
Leg braces and in-shoe splints can help maintain proper foot alignment for standing and walking. A physical therapist can supply these and provide exercise therapy, if appropriate.
A cane or a walker is recommended for those with poor balance.

For a steppage gait:

Adequate rest is encouraged. Fatigue can often cause an affected person to stub his toe and fall.
Leg braces and in-shoe splints can help maintain proper foot alignment for standing and walking. A physical therapist can supply these and provide exercise therapy, if appropriate.

For a waddling gait, follow the prescribed therapy.

Original article: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003199.htm

Incontinence in Women Treated With Physical Therapy

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-01-12T09:20:06-05:00

A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine (March 18, 2008) reports that pelvic floor muscle training, in conjunction with bladder training, resolved the symptoms of urinary incontinence in women. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), proper preventive measures and treatment by a physical therapist can help patients manage, if not alleviate, this often debilitating condition.

The study, which included 96 randomized controlled trials and 3 systematic reviews from 1990 through 2007, concluded that pelvic floor muscles training and bladder training resolved urinary incontinence in women, as compared to drug therapy, electrostimulation, medical devices, injectable bulking agents, and local estrogen therapy.

"This study is significant for many reasons, none more so than because it provides the highest levels of evidence to support the importance of intervention by a physical therapist who specializes in treating urinary incontinence," says Cynthia E Neville, PT, BCIA-PMDB, director of Women's Health Rehabilitation at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

Urinary incontinence, or involuntary loss of bladder control, isn't something that just happens to older patients. In fact, the condition affects men and women alike, young and old. More than 25 million* Americans have urinary incontinence, and the experience can leave them feeling ashamed, socially isolated, and depressed.

Original article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/101112.php

Stretching: Why it is So Important

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-01-10T08:35:47-05:00

Stretching is the deliberate lengthening of muscles in order to increase muscle flexibility and joint range of motion.
Stretching activities are an important part of any exercise or rehabilitation program. They help warm the body up prior to activity thus decreasing the risk of injury as well as muscle soreness.

The benefits of stretching are many and have been proven through various studies over time. Stretching benefits people of all ages, and is intended for the young as well as the elderly population.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the top five benefits of stretching include:

• Increased flexibility and joint range of motion: Flexible muscles can improve your daily performance. Tasks such as lifting packages, bending to tie your shoes or hurrying to catch a bus become easier and less tiring. Flexibility tends to diminish as you get older, but you can regain and maintain it.

• Improved circulation: Stretching increases blood flow to your muscles. Blood flowing to your muscles brings nourishment and gets rid of waste byproducts in the muscle tissue. Improved circulation can help shorten your recovery time if you've had any muscle injuries.

• Better posture: Frequent stretching can help keep your muscles from getting tight, allowing you to maintain proper posture. Good posture can minimize discomfort and keep aches and pains at a minimum.

• Stress relief: Stretching relaxes tight, tense muscles that often accompany stress.

• Enhanced coordination: Maintaining the full range-of-motion through your joints keeps you in better balance. Coordination and balance will help keep you mobile and less prone to injury from falls, especially as you get older.

For more information and original article: http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/flexibilityexercises/a/stretchbasics.htm

Why Physical Therapy Should Be Part of Your Annual Check-Up

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-01-07T09:28:36-05:00

According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) every individual should pay an annual visit to a physical therapist along with making an annual visit to a physician for a complete physical check-up. Recent discoveries have pointed to the fact that physical therapy provides a holistic approach to overall health and wellness.

Benefits of Annual Physical Therapy Check-Up

Physical therapy should be part of your annual check-up. A licensed physical therapist will closely examine nerve, muscle, skeletal, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems through a holistic approach.

• Personalized Program: The physical therapist will also go through your personal health concerns and then work with you on a personalized program so you can actually do something about these concerns.

• Follow Up: In addition to putting together a personalized program a physical therapist will help you to follow through with the program by putting together a year-long plan during your annual check-up. Throughout the course of the year the physical therapist will help you to stick with the plan and make any necessary modifications in physical therapy requirements if you experience a change in your health status during the course of the year.

• Prevent Serious Health Issues: If you schedule an annual check-up with your physical therapist you will receive an annual plan to help improve your health so you have a higher potential to live longer without any serious health issues transpiring.

• Low Cost Solution to Rising Health Care Costs: According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, a research study showed that Americans may be spending money unnecessarily for treatments depending upon the health condition. Physical therapists can offer a personalized treatment plan and education for health and well being to provide an effective holistic alternative while reducing the costs of health care for the patient.

• Reverse the Aging Process: A regular yearly plan with your physical therapist can help you to reverse the aging process. Studies have shown that a regular training program reverses aging at the cellular level. A physical therapist can ensure that you stay with the program and maintain the proper diet and exercise which helps to slow the aging process.

*Original article: http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Physical-Therapy-Should-Be-Part-of-Your-Annual-Check-Up&id=5224046

Study: A Drink a Day to Delay Dementia

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-01-06T09:50:17-05:00

ScienceDaily (May 22, 2007) — In people with mild cognitive impairment, up to one drink of alcohol a day may slow their progression to dementia, according to a recent article. Mild cognitive impairment is a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia that is used to classify people with mild memory or cognitive problems and no significant disability.

Researchers evaluated alcohol consumption and the incidence of mild cognitive impairment in 1,445 people. They then followed 121 people with mild cognitive impairment and their progression to dementia. The participants, age 65 to 84, were part of the Italian Longitudinal Study on Aging and were followed for three-and-a-half years.

The study found people with mild cognitive impairment who had up to one drink of alcohol a day, mostly wine, developed dementia at an 85 percent slower rate than people with mild cognitive impairment who never drank alcohol.

"While many studies have assessed alcohol consumption and cognitive function in the elderly, this is the first study to look at how alcohol consumption affects the rate of progression of mild cognitive impairment to dementia," said study authors Vincenzo Solfrizzi, MD, PhD, and Francesco Panza, MD, PhD, with the Department of Geriatrics at the University of Bari, in Bari, Italy. "The mechanism responsible for why low alcohol consumption appears to protect against the progression to dementia isn't known. However, it is possible that the arrangement of blood vessels in the brain may play a role in why alcohol consumption appears to protect against dementia. This would support other observations that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol may protect the brain from stroke and vascular dementia."

The study did not find any association between higher levels of drinking, more than one drink per day, and the rate of progression to dementia in people with mild cognitive impairment compared to non-drinkers.

Original article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070521162201.htm

Seniors and Delirium

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-01-05T10:32:52-05:00

Delirium is a common mental health disorder involving disturbances in consciousness, perception, thought and memory that primarily affects seniors. It is increasingly being recognized as a serious disorder with a potentially negative impact upon the quality of life of seniors. Delirium can be mistaken for, or exist alongside other, mental disorders, making assessment somewhat difficult.
Symptoms
Delirium is different from both dementia and depression in that the symptoms begin within a short period of time, hours or days. The symptoms may fluctuate over the day, so that the individual may only experience symptoms in one part of the day and be fine the rest of the time. The following symptoms are present in a person experiencing delirium:

Inattention – the senior is not able to focus on a conversation, or is easily distracted by other things around them
Disorganized thinking – speech may be rapid and/or incoherent
Disorientation to time – the senior may think that morning is night
Illusions or visual hallucinations - seeing things that aren't present or misinterpreting noises or situations
Either agitation, or slowed-down physical movement, speech and drowsiness to the point of stupor, and/or alternating between the two extremes (Conn, 2002; Rudolph & Marcantonio, 2003)

Prevalence
Delirium is commonly found in hospitalized seniors; 10-15 percent are admitted to hospital with delirium, while an additional 15-25 percent develop the disorder following admission. Despite the significant numbers affected, from 32 to 67 percent of seniors with delirium are not diagnosed by doctors (Rudolph et al., 2003). It is unknown how many seniors living in the community are affected (McEwan, Donnelly, Robertson, & Hertzman, 1991).
Causes
A diagnosis of delirium requires the existence of a medical condition that can be determined to be the underlying cause. A variety of medical conditions, treatments and substances can cause delirium, including systemic infections, hypoglycema, the result of an operation for treatment of a medical condition, alcohol use, alcohol withdrawal, benzodiazepenes, antidepressants, antipsychotics and lithium (Rudolph et al., 2003). Seniors are more likely to be taking a variety of prescription and over-the-counter medications which can contribute to the risk of adverse outcomes such as delirium (MacCourt, Tuokko, & Tierney, 2000).
Assessment and Treatment
Assessment requires the ability to separate out the symptoms of delirium from other common mental disorders and recognize where delirium is present in addition to dementia or depression. Attention to the underlying medical disorder can help in the treatment of delirium. Ensuring quality care to the senior in the hospital such as ensuring that they receive proper food, water and sleep is beneficial (Rudolph et al., 2003). Supportive interventions can help the senior cope with their disorientation and confusion, such as reminding the individual where they are and why they are in the hospital. Antipsychotic medication can be used for the treatment of symptoms such as hallucinations and agitation (American Psychiatric Association, 1999).
Outcomes
Prevention is generally more successful than treatment once delirium has developed. Although delirium was once thought to be a short term concern, research has recently demonstrated that the symptoms may continue for up to 12 months after the problem is originally diagnosed (McCusker, 2003). Seniors who develop delirium appear to be at higher risk for developing dementia, greater risk of death and decreased likelihood of returning to their formal level of functioning. The moderate rate of success with prevention interventions and the increased long term risk to seniors who develop delirium highlight the need for proper recognition of this common disorder.

Original article: http://www.ontario.cmha.ca/seniors.aspcID=5803

Sleep and Aging

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-01-04T16:27:34-05:00

When it comes to sleep, it isn’t uncommon for seniors to have difficulty staying or falling asleep. The stereotype that all elders spend much of their days sleeping couldn’t be farther from the truth. While most seniors have no problems with sleep, some suffer from insomnia and sleeplessness.

A study of adults over 65 found that 13 percent of men and 36 percent of women take more than 30 minutes to fall asleep. Older adults also wake up more often at night than younger adults, primarily to use the bathroom, owing to prostate enlargement in men and incontinence issues in women.

Unfortunately, getting up at night to use the bathroom also increases the risk of falling, which is a leading cause of injury and death among seniors. For seniors, loss of sleep is also likely to cause attention and memory problems, lead to depression, and result in a poorer quality
of life.
While sleep patterns do change as people age, having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, and waking up tired every day are not typical side effects of aging. Many healthy seniors report few or no sleep problems as they age.
The National Institutes of Health web site includes a Sleep and Aging section that provides detailed information about the importance of sleep for seniors, some of the sleep difficulties people encounter as they age, and the symptoms and treatment of various sleep disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and movement disorders.

*Original article: http://seniorliving.about.com/od/sleep/a/sleep_and_aging.htm

15 Tips For a Healthy 2011

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-01-03T18:11:59-05:00

It's the New Year, and it's also time for a flurry of resolutions. You're probably thinking about how you can become healthier, be more pain-free, and move better than you do right now.
Great thought! To help you along, here are 15 tips to get you healthy in 2011:

A gradual, personalized exercise program that takes into account your anatomy and physiology is important. Your physical therapist can conduct an evaluation and assist with this.
Make yourself accountable to someone other than yourself. Log your exercises (either at home or at the gym) in a journal and inform your physical therapist about your progress.
Self confidence is critical. Believe in yourself and your ability to become stronger, healthier and more functional. If you think you can, then you CAN!
Visualize yourself as being stronger, with increase energy, as if you already achieved your goals. Positive expectations of health, vitality and energy are helpful to improve your health and well being.
Drink plenty of water. Hydration is important for your blood, kidney, and joints.
Always seek qualified help. Expert supervision provided by a physical therapist is important, especially if you are recovering from injuries or medical conditions.
Be aware of what you eat. Fat has twice the caloric density of carbohydrates and protein. So limit your fat intake and consume a balanced diet containing lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Get into the habit of reading nutrition labels at the grocery store. Not all foods are created equal. Make a conscious decision to shop for natural foods and increase the variety of foods you consume. Most individuals have the same food habits. Deviate from your 'regular diet' and experience a world of fruits, vegetables, herbs and lean protein.
Never skip meals, especially breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day, so start your day right - with a healthy breakfast. It will get your metabolism going, and keep your appetite and blood sugar in check as the day progresses.
Find an exercise partner to help you stay consistent with your exercise regime.
Consistency is key - exercise at least 3-4 times a week.
Challenge yourself each week - gradual progression the only way to improve. Stay within the limits of pain. When in doubt, ask your physical therapist.
Make sure a 5-10 minute warm-up and a 5-10 minute cool-down are part of your home exercise routine. Don't forget to include stretching in the warm-up and cool-down to reduce the risk of injury.
Set specific goals for yourself (consult your physical therapist) and resolve to meet them.
Reward yourself for small victories, they are important milestones towards your 'larger goal'. Positive reinforcement is the best way to stay on track and reach your health and wellness goals.

Cardiovascular Changes and the Aging Process

cynderblox@aol.com — 2011-01-01T13:55:01-05:00

The cardiovascular system is sometimes called the circulatory system because it is comprised of the heart, blood, and blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries). Because it is responsible for circulating oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body, it is, understandably, one of the body systems most affected by age.
The walls of the arteries thicken, lose their elasticity, and become stiffer. This causes a decrease in blood flow to vital organs and causes blood pressure to rise. Major age-related changes include the following:

Blood

1. A decreased hematocrit (the number of erythrocytes in the whole blood) can lead to anemia, as well as certain dietary deficiencies.
Erythrocytes also help in the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide and in maintaining a normal acid/base balance.

2. Peripheral veins become constricted or blocked by the formation of stationary blood clots (thrombus). These can dislodge, causing an embolism in the lungs or an extremity, thus shutting down circulation. When this happens, it most often means an amputation.

3.Because the valves in leg veins are often not able to work to capacity, blood often pools causing swelling of the lower extremeties.

4. The amount of red bone marrow decreases with age, causing a decline in the formation of new blood cells. Therefore, recovery from bleeding episodes will be slowed.

Blood Vessels

1. Blood vessel walls become thicker and tougher. Since the walls no longer have the elasticity to adjust to sudden changes in blood pressure, there is an increased risk of aneurysms.

2. As the inner surface of blood vessels become roughened, age-related changes cause an increased risk in the development of fatty plaques and of thrombus formation.

3. Weakened vascular walls also collect calcium salts, which increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

4. As the walls of veins weaken and stretch, their valves become incompetent. This is more likely to occur in the legs where the walls are subject to greater pressure as the blood struggles to return to the heart against the force of gravity. As a result, distended superficial veins develop (varicose veins). An inflammation, called phlebitis, also occurs more often in the elderly.

Heart

1. There is a reduction in exercise cardiac output. Because the heart is not able to pump the blood as efficiently, circulation is slowed. In addition, the heart cannot respond as quickly, or as forcefully, to the increased workload of the exercised heart. Exertion, sudden movements, and changes in position may cause a decrease in cardiac output, resulting in dizziness and loss of balance. A reduction in cardiac output leads to pooling of blood in the legs, cold extremeties, and edema.

2. The health of the myocardium (the heart’s muscular wall) depends on blood supply, and with age, the likelihood of athersclerosis increases, causing the coronary arteries to narrow, restricting the vital blood supply.

3. High blood pressure (hypertension) causes the left ventricle to work harder. It may enlarge and outgrow its blood supply and thus becomes weaker.

4. Several structural changes in the heart contribute to the impaired response to exercise:
◦ heart muscle loses elasticity and becomes more rigid;
◦ heart valves become thickened by fibrosis and more rigid (leading to murmurs);
◦ the number of pacemaker cells decreases;
◦ aging heart cells have a decreased ability to use oxygen;
◦ arrythmias are more common with age as the cells of the conduction pathway become less efficient.

Original article: http://www.innvista.com/health/anatomy/cardage.htm

TMJ and Physical Therapy

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-12-30T08:21:32-05:00

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are among some of the most frequently used joints in the body, allowing us to talk, chew, yawn, swallow and sneeze. To find your TMJ, place your fingers in front of each ear and open your mouth, you will feel an indentation beneath your finger.

Symptoms:
1. Clicking or popping with opening or closing
2. Pain at rest or with opening/closing of jaw
3. Decreased ability to open the jaw (hypo mobility)
4. Neck pain
5. Tooth sensitivity
6. Dry or burning sensation in mouth
7. Uncomfortable bite
8. Forehead or temple headache
9. Buzzing or ringing in ears
10. Hearing loss

Possible Causes:
1. Trauma to the joint–blow to the jaw or head
2. Excessive stress to the joint from gum chewing, fingernail biting, yawning, chewing on a pen, chewing on ice, and grinding teeth
3. Jaw abnormalities, missing teeth, poor bite (malocclusion)
4. Resting the head in the hand
5. Arthritis of the TMJ
6. Dislocation of the disc
7. Myofascial pain dysfunction
8. Postural abnormalities, especially with a forward head posture
9. Whiplash injury
10. Prolonged mouth and upper respiratory breathing
11. Thumb sucking
12. Ligamentous laxity
13. Birth/Congenital trauma

Exercises You Can do:
1. Chin Tucks-Leading with your chin, try to press your head back. Do 3 sets of 15, twice a day. Try to do this exercise in front of a mirror.

2. Scapular Retractions- Use a theraband or other kind of elastic rubber band for this exercise. Tie the band around a stable object, such as a hinge on a door, the band should be level with your chest height. Holding both two ends of the band in the hands, pull your arms away from the door. Keep the elbow flexed at 90 degrees. Bring the arms back towards the door, slowly controlling the resistance given by the band. DO 3 sets of 15, once a day.

3. Massage the area- Try to gently massage over and around the area of discomfort. This will help to relieve any muscle spasm you may experience. This can be done with your mouth open and closed. Try to massage the area for about 10- 15 minutes.

If you still are experiencing pain after 2-3 weeks, you should see a physical therapist. They will be able to correctly diagnose and treat your pain and give you the plan of care you need to recover.

Original article: http://www.nismat.org/ptcor/tmj

Total Hip Replacement Surgery- How Long Will it Take to Recover?

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-12-29T18:57:55-05:00

The day of hip replacement surgery is mostly a day to recover from your procedure. But it is not just about rest. Depending on the time of day of your surgery, you may be asked to sit in a chair or on the side of the bed.

Patients will begin simple activities including ankle pumps, leg lifts, and heel slides. It is important for patients to take sufficient pain medication to allow them to participate in their rehabilitation exercises.

Hospitalization:
During your hospitalization, you will meet with physical and occupational therapists. The physical therapist will work on mobility, strengthening, and walking. The occupational therapist will work with you on preparing for tasks such as washing, dressing, and other daily activities. Therapy progresses at a different pace for each patient. Factors that will affect the rate of your progression include your strength before surgery, body weight, and ability to manage painful symptoms. The type and extent of surgery can also affect your ability to participate in physical therapy.

Discharge/Rehabilitation:
Patients are usually discharged 3 to 5 days after hip replacement surgery. It is important that discharged patients be able to safely get in their homes and perform regular activities, such as getting to the bathroom and preparing food.
If patients are not progressing to the point that they can safely return to their home environment, in-patient rehabilitation may be recommended. This allows for further work with the therapists and 24-hour support services. Patients who return home will have home services arranged as necessary. This may include a visiting therapist and/or nurse.

Precautions:
After hip replacement surgery, some precautions are necessary to protect the newly implanted hip. These restrictions are known as "hip precautions." Hip precautions prevent you from placing your hip in a position where the ball could potentially come out of the socket -- a problem called a hip dislocation.

Walking:
Most patients take their first steps after surgery with the aid of a walker. Patients with good balance and a strong upper body may opt to use crutches. Transitioning to a cane depends on two factors. First, restrictions from your surgeon -- not all surgeons allow full weight to be placed on the leg in the early weeks after surgery. Second, your ability to regain strength.

Usual time to return: 2 to 4 weeks with a cane; 4 to 6 weeks unassisted

Stairs:
Many patients have to navigate stairs in order to enter or get through their homes. Therefore, your therapist will work with you to get up and down steps using crutches or a walker.

Usual time to return: 1 week with crutch/walker; 4 to 6 weeks unassisted

Driving:
Return to driving depends on a number of factors, including the side of your operation and the type of vehicle you have (standard or automatic). Patients need to be able to safely and quickly operate the gas and brake pedals. Under no circumstances should patients drive when taking narcotic pain medications.

Usual time to return: 4 to 6 weeks

Sex:
Patients can resume sexual activity once comfortable. It is important that you maintain your usual hip precautions to avoid dangerous positions. If you have questions about sexual positions, ask your surgeon or your physical therapist.

Usual time to return: 4 to 6 weeks

Work:
Return to work depends on the activity that you have to do at your job. Patients who work in a seated position, with limited walking, can plan on returning within about 4 weeks from the time of surgery.
Patients who are more active at work may need more time until they can return to full duties. Laborers should consider their work obligations before undergoing hip replacement. For example, patients may not be able to return to activities such as roofing after hip replacement.

Usual time to return: 4 to 10 weeks, depending on work obligations

*Original article: http://orthopedics.about.com/od/hipkneereplacement/p/hiprehab.htm

Sciatica Prevention: What You Can Do

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-12-28T08:56:30-05:00

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve and its branches — from your back down your buttock and leg. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It runs from your spinal cord to your buttock and hip area and down the back of each leg.Sciatica is a very common symptom that is treated by the physical therapists at Distinctive Home Physical Therapy. There are preventative measures you can take to avoid having this pain. The tips below are from professionals at the Mayo Clinic.

1. Exercise regularly. This is the most important thing you can do for your overall health as well as for your back. Pay special attention to your core muscles — the muscles in your abdomen and lower back that are essential for proper posture and alignment. Ask your doctor to recommend specific activities.

2. Maintain proper posture when you sit. Choose a seat with good lower back support, arm rests and a swivel base. Consider placing a pillow or rolled towel in the small of your back to maintain its normal curve. Keep your knees and hips level. When working at a computer, adjust your chair so that your feet are flat on the floor and your arms rest on your desk or the chair's arms, with your elbows bent at a right angle. Take frequent breaks, even if it's just to walk around your office.

3. Use good body mechanics. Being conscious of how you stand, how you lift heavy objects and even how you sleep can go a long way toward keeping your back healthy. That's because poor posture stresses your back, leading to fatigue and stress on joints and nerves. If you stand for long periods, rest one foot on a stool or small box from time to time. While you stand, hold reading material at eye level instead of bending forward.

4. When you lift something heavy, let your lower extremities do the work. Move straight up and down. Keep your back straight and bend only at the knees. Hold the load close to your body. Avoid lifting and twisting simultaneously. Find a lifting partner if the object is heavy or awkward or if you're fatigued.

Original article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sciatica/DS00516/DSECTION=prevention

Ice and Seniors

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-12-27T13:18:50-05:00

Here are some home safety tips for seniors during the cold winter season:

1. A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.

2. A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed for your area.

3. A blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow and dangerous wind chill are expected. Seek shelter immediately! When a Winter Storm Watch is issued . . .

4. Listen to the local radio and TV stations, or cable TV such as The Weather Channel for further updates.

5. Be alert to changing weather conditions.

6. Avoid unnecessary travel. When a Winter Storm Warning is issued . . .

7. Stay indoors during the storm. If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.

8. Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.As winds increase, heat is carried away from a person's body at an accelerated rated, driving down the body temperature.

9. Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks.

10. After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion.

*For complete article: http://www.aginghomehealthcare.com/home_safety_tips_for_seniors.html

Towns Distinctive Home Physical Therapy Travel to

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-12-23T08:45:42-05:00

Distinctive Home Physical Therapy travels to your home and gives you the care you need, without even leaving your house! We travel to your home in Nassau and Suffolk Long Island and Queens, NY. Look below to see if your town is on the list.

Here is a list of towns that we travel to:

Suffolk County: Amityville, Babylon, Bayshore, Bayport, Belle Terre, Bellport, Bohemia, Brentwood, Centereach, Centerport, Central Islip, Cold Spring Harbor, Commack, Coram, Deer Park, Dix Hills, East Northport, East Islip, Elwood, Farmingville, Fort Salonga, Greenlawn, Hauppauge, Holbrook, Holtsville, Huntington, Huntington Station, Islandia, Islip, Islip Terrace, Kings Park, Lake Grove, Lake Ronkonkoma, Lindenhurst, Oak Beach, Oakdale, Mastic, Medford, Melville, Miller Place, Middle Island, Mount Sinai, Nesconset, Northport, Patchogue, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station, Rocky Point, Ronkonkoma, Sayville, Selden, Setauket, Smithtown, St. James, Stony Brook, West Babylon, West Islip, Wyandanch

Nassau County: Albertson, Atlantic Beach, Baldwin, Baxter Estates, Bayville, Bellerose, Bethpage, Brookville, Carle Place, Cedarhurst, East Meadow, East Norwich, East Rockaway, East Williston, Elmont, Farmingdale, Floral Park, Flower HIll, Franklin Square, Freeport, Garden City, Glen Cove, Glen Head, Green Acres, Greenvale, Great Neck, Hempstead, Herricks, Hewlett, Hicksville, Inwood, Island Park, Jericho, Kensington, Kings Point, Lawrence, Levittown, Locust Valley, Lynbrook, Malverne, Manhasset, Manorhaven, Massapequa, Merrick, New Hyde Park, Oceanside, Old Bethpage, Old Brookville, Old Westbury, Oyster Bay, Plainview, Port Washington, Rockville Centre, Roosevelt, Roslyn, Roslyn Heights, Russell Gardens, Saddle Rock, Sands Point, Sea Cliff, Seaford, Searingtown, Stewart Manor, Syosset, Uniondale, Westbury, Williston, Woodbury

Queens: Astoria, Bayside, Cambria Heights, College Point, Corona, Douglaston, Elmhurst, Far Rockaway, Flushing, Forest Hills, Fresh Meadows, Glen Oaks, Glen Dale, Hillside, Hollis, Jackson Heights, Jamaica, Kew Gardens, Laurelton, Little Neck, Locust Manor, Long Island City, Maspeth, Middle Village, Ozone Park, Queens Village, Rego Park, Richmond Hill, Rosedale, Saint Albans, Springfield Gardens, Sunnyside, Utopia, Whitestone, Woodside

Osteoporosis and How to Tell if You Have it

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-12-22T08:07:29-05:00

According to Medicinenet.com, Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by a decrease in the density of bone, decreasing its strength and resulting in fragile bones. Osteoporosis literally leads to abnormally porous bone that is compressible, like a sponge. This disorder of the skeleton weakens the bone and results in frequent fractures (breaks) in the bones.

Determining Factors:

Female gender
Caucasian or Asian race
Thin and small body frame
Family history of osteoporosis (for example, having a mother with an osteoporotic hip fracture doubles your risk of hip fracture)
Personal history of fracture as an adult
Cigarette smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
Lack of exercise
Diet low in calcium
Poor nutrition and poor general health
Malabsorption (nutrients are not properly absorbed from the gastrointestinal system) from conditions such as celiac sprue
Low estrogen levels in women (such as occur in menopause or with early surgical removal of both ovaries)
Low testosterone levels in men (hypogonadism)
Chemotherapy that can cause early menopause due to its toxic effects on the ovaries
Amenorrhea (loss of the menstrual period) in young women associated with low estrogen and osteoporosis; amenorrhea can occur in women who undergo extremely vigorous exercise training and in women with very low body fat, for example, women with anorexia nervosa
Chronic inflammation, due to chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or liver diseases
Immobility, such as after a stroke, or from any condition that interferes with walking

Original article: http://www.medicinenet.com/osteoporosis/page3.htm

Your New Sleep Method For 2011

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-12-21T09:35:18-05:00

Gentle, restorative stretching and controlled breathing as instructed by your physical therapist can help you relax and reduce muscle tension. This will put you in a better state of mind before you go to bed.
Excess weight may contribute to sleep disorders. A physical therapist can also assist you with a safe, effective weight loss program and a regular exercise program designed to relieve muscle tightness and increase flexibility. This will assist you to sleep better.
Eliminate caffeine and soda before bed time (the earlier in the day you can cut these out, the better). Depending on your caffeine fix, you may need to eliminate them around lunch time.
Avoid heavy meals before bed time. A combination of healthy carbohydrates and protein during dinner team containing tryptophan, an amino acid that converts to sleep-promoting serotonin in the body is beneficial. You may want to consider whole wheat pasta, fresh vegetables and parmesan cheese, yogurt sprinkled with cereal, milk and graham crackers etc. For best results, consult a nutritionist for advice about which foods can facilitate (and may adversely affect) your sleep habits.
Your body needs to cool to a certain temperature to reach a sound state of sleep, so if you tend to take a hot bath right before bed time, you may want to do it sooner (right after you get home from work). Cooling your bedroom before bedtime is also a good idea.
Your bedroom must be as quit as possible. Consider soothing music or ear plugs to buffer unwelcome sounds.
Switch off all lights in your bedroom. Dim the lights before bedtime if possible, since this is a biological trigger to 'wind down'. It's unlikely that you will go from the bright lights of a computer or the television to sound sleep since your body is in a 'daytime' mode. Installing dimmers in your bedroom and other rooms is valuable because your body needs darkness to unwind and relax.
Leave all thoughts of work and all to-do lists outside the bedroom. Ban televisions, computers and cellphones from your bedroom, since your body is cued to respond to these devices even if they are in vibrate/silent mode. Resist the urge to use your cellphone as an alarm clock (you may want to switch it off completely) and get a regular alarm clock with a soothing, relaxing wake up reminder.

Consult your doctor if you depend on sedatives and alcohol to fall asleep. Contact your physical therapist to help you with a stretching routine, deep breathing exercises and weight loss programs to improve your health, which will improve the quality of your sleep.

Happy New Year and Sweet Dreams in 2011

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-12-21T09:34:10-05:00

As 2010 comes to a close, the inevitable frantic deadlines and crazy schedules make it difficult to unwind and relax. This can affect your sleep patterns. We spend a third of our lives sleeping, and sleep is the more restorative of all activities, yet it's among the most neglected. If you or your partner have concerns about the quality of your sleep, then this article will be among the most important you ever read to improve your health in the coming year.

Take a moment to evaluate your sleep habits and ask yourself the following questions. Do you:

Go to bed at different times every night
Have difficulty falling asleep
Depend on alcohol, medicines or sedatives to fall asleep
Snore loudly
Experience sleep interruptions; tossing and turning
Wake up tired and restless; possibly with a headache
Doze off at work

Some of the symptoms above may indicate sleep apnea (breathing that is blocked or partly blocked during sleep). Obstructive sleep apnea is largely undiagnosed (and potentially dangerous) because most individuals don't even realize they have a sleep disorder (unlike an insomniac who stays up all night). It affects more than 20 million Americans every night, according to a report on Health.com.

Timed Up and Go Test

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-12-19T10:02:43-05:00

At Distinctive Home Physical Therapy, we use the “Timed Up and Go Test” to gauge our patient’s range of mobility and as a fall prevention strategy.
Here’s an overview of the test:

Patients are instructed to stand up and walk 10 feet as fast but as comfortable as possible. They are then asked to sit down. A score greater than 14 seconds indicates a high risk for falls in the elderly.

Call us today to have your balance checked and to determine your fall risk level!

After Hip Replacement Surgery- Now What?

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-12-17T13:38:13-05:00

Get yourself to physical therapy! Patients can begin physical therapy immediately after surgery. On the first day after surgery, it is common to begin some minor physical therapy while sitting in a chair. Eventually, rehabilitation incorporates stepping, walking and climbing. Initially, supportive devices such as a walker or crutches are used. Pain is monitored while exercise takes place. Some degree of discomfort is normal. It is often very gratifying for the patient to notice, even early on, substantial relief from the preoperative pain for which the total hip replacement was performed.

Physical therapy is extremely important in the overall outcome of any joint replacement surgery. The goals of physical therapy are to prevent contractures, improve patient education, and strengthen muscles around the hip joint through controlled exercises. Contractures result from scarring of the tissues around the joint. Contractures do not permit full range of motion and therefore impede mobility of the replaced joint. Patients are instructed not to strain the hip joint with heavy lifting or other unusual activities at home. Specific techniques of body posturing, sitting, and using an elevated toilet seat can be extremely helpful. Patients are instructed not to cross the operated lower extremity across the midline of the body (not crossing the leg over the other leg) because of the risk of dislocating the replaced joint. They are discouraged from bending at the waist and are instructed to use a pillow between the legs when lying on the non-operated side in order to prevent the operated lower extremity from crossing over the midline. Patients are given home exercise programs to strengthen the muscles around the buttock and thigh. Most patients attend outpatient physical therapy for a period of time while incorporating home exercises regularly into their daily living.

Original article: http://www.medicinenet.com/total_hip_replacement/page4.htm

What's the Weather Got to do With Arthritis?

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-12-16T09:26:20-05:00

Medical Author: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Doctors who specialize in the treatment of patients with arthritis (myself included) generally agree that many patients experience a worsening of joint symptoms with changes in the weather. Moreover, folklore holds that the weather can affect arthritis as emphasized by sayings like "feeling under the weather." We know, for example, that weather clearly influences many health conditions. Examples of this relationship include altitude and ears popping, pollens in the air and asthma or sinus infection, sun rays and skin burning or skin cancer, cold weather and heart attacks, and gloomy, dark weather and depression. We also know that heat packs or hot showers can relax the muscles around the joints and relieve stiffness and pain for some. Conversely, ice packs can ease the inflammation in the joints themselves.

But does the weather actually affect arthritis? If so, how?

First, there hasn't been much real research science. In 1961, a famous arthritis specialist, J. Hollander M.D., conducted a study in which he built a climate chamber and demonstrated that high humidity combined with low barometric pressure were associated with increased joint pain and stiffness. Neither weather factor by itself seemed to influence joint symptoms. The study has been criticized because of the limited number of patients evaluated (12 patients). The theory of the study is that inflamed joints swell as the barometric pressure drops. This swelling irritates the nerves around the joints that sense pain and causes more stiffness.

For complete article: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=14686&page=2

Exercises to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-12-15T10:34:44-05:00

If you sit behind a desk for most of your day, chances are you’re also using a computer. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be brought on by spending a lot of time writing or typing and can also be very uncomfortable.

The exercises below will prevent Carpal Tunnel in the future:

Extend both arms straight out in front of you.
Extend your wrists and fingers back (as if directing traffic to stop).
Hold this position for 5 seconds.
Now straighten your wrists and relax your fingers.
With your arms still straight out in front of you, keep your wrists straight, make a fist, and squeeze it tightly.
Hold this position for 5 seconds.
Keep your fists clenched and bend your wrists down.
Hold this position for 5 seconds.
Straighten both wrists and relax your fingers again.
Repeat this 9 more times.

* Original article: http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/flexibilityexercises/a/CTSexercise.htm

Seniors: More Protein to Improve Quality of Life

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-12-14T09:44:11-05:00

Scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have good news for people who want to stay strong in their old age: older bodies are just as good as young ones at turning protein-rich food into muscle.

A newly published study suggests that a diet containing a moderate amount of protein-rich food such as beef, fish, pork, chicken, dairy or nuts may help slow the deterioration of elderly people's muscles.

Reducing the decline in muscle mass among the elderly is crucial to maintaining their health and independence, these researchers say. And they add that consuming adequate protein is essential for making and maintaining muscles. Since nutritional studies show that many elderly individuals eat less protein than the average person, researchers have reasoned that if the elderly simply increased their protein intake, they might slow down muscle loss -- as long as old age doesn't inherently interfere significantly with the ability to make muscles out of the protein in food.

"We wanted to know if there is some reason your grandmother's body, for example, can't stimulate muscle growth in response to eating the same protein-rich meal that you eat, which might over time contribute to muscle loss," said Douglas Paddon-Jones, an associate professor in UTMB's departments of physical therapy and internal medicine. Paddon-Jones is the senior author of a paper on the study published in the August issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and now available online.

For complete article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/79223.php

Yoga to Improve Balance for Seniors

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-12-13T09:15:19-05:00

Age-related muscle loss and bone loss increases the possibility of trips and falls in seniors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one-third of seniors have some type of fall every year, leading to debilitating injuries such as fractures and even death. Now research reports that yoga practice improves balance and stability in elderly women and may reduce the risk of falling.

The Study
The study, presented at the Annual Meeting of the Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society, examined the effect of yoga on balance and stability in elderly women. Researchers at the Gait Study Center at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, administered a yoga therapy program to 24 elderly women for 9 weeks. The yoga program was designed for seniors by study coauthor and certified senior Iyengar Yoga instructor Marian Garfinkel, Ed.D., and yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar. The yoga practice included postures (asanas) and breathing techniques.

The Results
The researchers found that the participants had increased lower body flexibility and strength, improved single-leg stance and faster stride. Furthermore, the participants had improved postural stability and balance. The study authors suggest that yoga practice may help reduce the risk of falling.

The Main Point
"We were very impressed at the progress our participants made by the end of the program," says researcher Dr. Jinsup Song, director of the Gait Study Center at Temple University, in a news release "Subjects demonstrated improved muscle strength in lower extremities, which helps with stability. There was also a pronounced difference in how pressure was distributed on the bottom of the foot, which helps to maintain balance."

This study is significant because it shows that yoga practice may help reduce the risk of falls and fractures in seniors. Practicing yoga can improve quality of life in our golden years.

Original article: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2932346/yoga_improves_balance_in_seniors.html

Link Between Osteoporosis and Hip Fracture

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-12-10T08:35:34-05:00

A new report says there is a clearer association between a rare form of thigh-bone fractures and long-term use of a class of bone–strengthening drugs called bisphosphonates- more commonly known by such brand names as Fosamax, Actonel, and Boniva.

Doctors said patients should still use the drugs -- they still appear to prevent other, much more common fractures. But the report recommended the U.S. Food and Drug Administration rewrite the drugs' labels to warn doctors and patients about the possibility of femur fractures.

While the group said it is still unclear whether bisphosphonates actually cause fractures, the group also recommended that the FDA create an international registry to track reported cases better.

The American Society of Bone and Mineral Research task force looked at reports on 310 osteoporosis patients who reported a rare form of femur fracture, and found that 94 percent of patients had been taking one of the drugs.

“Based on the report we now feel that there is a definitive relationship between these class of drugs and these fractures, and it's even stronger in those taking those drugs for a long time," said Dr. Elizabeth Shane, a professor of medicine at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and co-author of the report.

For more information and original article:
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/WomensHealth/task-force-cites-stronger-bisphosphonate-fracture-link/story?id=11633302

Every Second Matters- Stroke Prevention

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-12-09T09:43:11-05:00

Unknown to most individuals, holidays can cause a spike in the incidence of a stroke, which is a prolonged deficiency in blood supply to the brain. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in America, killing about 137,000 people each year, and a leading cause of long-term disability for adults.
According to the National Stroke Association, it is estimated that approximately 795,000 strokes will occur this year.

This number is estimated to rise to more than 1 million by 2015.
About 55,000 more women than men have a stroke each year.
African Americans are almost twice as likely to suffer from a stroke.
It is estimated that approximately two-thirds of them are new, but the rest are recurrent strokes. Having a stroke creates a greater risk for another stroke.
Within 5 years of having a stroke, the risk of having another stroke increases by about 40%.

The good news is that 80% of strokes are preventable. Every minute during a stroke is critical. Two million brain cells die each minute, so the risk of permanent damage, disability or death increase by the minute.

Slash Your Risk of Stroke in 2011

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-12-08T08:22:27-05:00

Here are some things you can do today:

Stop smoking and control your alcohol consumption.
Manage high blood pressure.
Manage high cholesterol - cholesterol is the building block for plaque in arteries, which can block blood flow to the brain. This can increase risk of stroke or heart attack.
Manage your diabetes-diabetes makes you four times more likely to have a stroke.
Eat a healthy diet, including a low-sodium diet
Increase physical activity - as little as 30 minutes a day of exercise (walking, swimming, etc) can improve your health, and may reduce your risk for stroke.

So, what's the role of exercise and physical therapy after a stroke?
Physical therapy involves using and strengthening the muscles, and some range-of-motion and stretching exercises to keep the joint mobility. Focus is on regaining the use of the limbs that have been weakened or paralyzed by the stroke.

Sitting around after a stroke is not helpful. Exercise is always better. WHY?

It controls cholesterol levels - exercise increases "good cholesterol" levels.
It fights high blood pressure by keeping your blood vessels healthy.
It controls weight - after the first stroke, many need to lose weight to reduce the risk of another stroke. Exercise helps with weight management.
It fights depression - being physically active helps fight stress and depression, which in turn reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke risk.

To find out more about what exercise plan is right for you or your loved ones, call our office today! It's the most important decision you will make for the health of your family for 2011.

Stress Reduction During the Holiday Season

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-12-07T07:52:24-05:00

For many of us, the holidays are more than shopping for gifts, baking cookies, and spending time with loved ones. It is very common for many people to feel overwhelmed and stressed during this time.
According to the American Institute of Stress, more than 110 million Americans take medication for stress related causes each week. When the holidays come along, people who are already have a predisposition to stress can find themselves feeling blue and more stressed out than usual.

Here are a few things you can do to prevent burnout during the holidays:
1. Have a positive attitude.
2. Try not to worry about things out of your control.
3. Ask people to help you alleviate stress.
4. Exercise for a few minutes a day
5. Eat Nutritional food. Decrease the amount of fat and sugar you eat.
6. Meditate, or take a class in relaxation and stretching techniques-like Tai Chi or Yoga.
7. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages
8. Rest. Try to get eight hours of sleep each day.
9. Get a massage. A massage can be beneficial for the mind and body.

Original article: http://www.healingwell.com/library/health/alden1.asp

Exercise and Type I Diabetes

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-12-06T09:53:31-05:00

All levels of physical activity, including leisure activities, recreational sports, and competitive professional performance, can be performed by people with type 1 diabetes who do not have complications and are in good blood glucose control.

The ability to adjust the therapeutic regimen (insulin and medical nutrition therapy) to allow safe participation and high performance has recently been recognized as an important management strategy in these individuals. In particular, the important role played by the patient in collecting self-monitored blood glucose data of the response to physical activity and then using these data to improve performance and enhance safety is now fully accepted.

Hypoglycemia, which can occur during, immediately after, or many hours after physical activity, can be avoided. This requires that the patient has both an adequate knowledge of the metabolic and hormonal responses to physical activity and well-tuned self-management skills. The increasing use of intensive insulin therapy has provided patients with the flexibility to make appropriate insulin dose adjustments for various activities. The rigid recommendation to use carbohydrate supplementation, calculated from the planned intensity and duration of physical activity, without regard to glycemic level at the start of physical activity, the previously measured metabolic response to physical activity, and the patient’s insulin therapy, is no longer appropriate. Such an approach not infrequently neutralizes the beneficial glycemic lowering effects of physical activity in patients with type 1 diabetes.

For more information and original article: http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/26/suppl_1/s73.full

Slips and Falls During the Frigid Days of Winter

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-12-04T09:20:31-05:00

When the temperature drops, the likelihood of slips and falls for seniors rises. Ice on walkways and driveways result in slippery conditions that can yield injuries.
Here are eight tips to follow:

1. Check your footwear. Examine your shoes and boots. How's the traction? Is it time for a new pair? Better traction can help keep you more stable on icy surfaces.

2. Keep your shovel and salt in your house. The reason you have a shovel and salt is so you don't have to walk on a slippery sidewalk. If you have to traverse through the snow and ice to get to your garage where the salt and shovel are kept, that defeats the purpose.

3. Check the railings. If you have railings leading up to your front door, check to see if they're sturdy. If you slipped, would they be able to support you?

4. Bring a cell phone when you leave the house. If you fall, it can sometimes be hard to get up. Carrying a cell phone whenever you go out can bring peace of mind.

5. Slow down. Allow extra time if it's slippery out. It's when you hurry that you end up pushing the envelope of what your balance can handle. Also, keep in mind that being a little late is better than rushing and causing a fall.

6. Ask for help. If you have to walk across an icy sidewalk or parking lot, try to find a steady arm to lean on. Most people are happy to help an older person navigate a slippery walkway? You just have to ask.

7. Have a plan. When you are going out, ask yourself, "If I slipped and fell here, what would I do?"

8. Strengthen your legs. Strong leg muscles can help you steady yourself if you slip. And if you do fall, they make it a lot easier to get back up. You should exercise your legs regularly to keep them strong. Try walking up and down your stairs repeatedly or do a set of ten squats out of a chair a couple times per week.

*Original article: http://ezinearticles.com/?8-Winter-Fall-Prevention-Tips-For-Seniors&id=903836

Study: Walking Again After a Stroke Using a Treadmill

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-12-03T10:40:10-05:00

Walking After Stroke: What Does Treadmill Training With Body Weight Support Add to Overground Gait Training in Patients Early After Stroke?

A Single-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Marco Franceschini, MD; Stefano Carda, MD; Maurizio Agosti, PT; Roberto Antenucci, MD; Daniele Malgrati, MD; Carlo Cisari, MD on behalf of Gruppo Italiano Studio Allevio Carico Ictus (GISACI)

Background and Purpose— This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of gait training using body weight support on a treadmill compared with conventional gait training for people with subacute stroke who were unable to walk.

Methods— This was a single-blind, randomized, controlled trial with a 6-month follow-up. Ninety-seven subjects were recruited within 6 weeks of stroke onset and were randomly assigned to conventional rehabilitative treatment plus gait training with body weight support on a treadmill (experimental group; n=52) and conventional treatment with overground gait training only (control group; n=45). All subjects were treated in 60-minute sessions every weekday for 4 weeks. Outcome measures were Motricity Index, Trunk Control test, Barthel Index, Functional Ambulation Categories, 10-meter and 6-minute Walk Tests, and Walking Handicap Scale. Assessments were made at baseline, after 20 sessions of treatment, 2 weeks after treatment, and 6 months after stroke.

Results— After treatment, all patients were able to walk. Both groups showed improvement in all outcome measures (P<0.0063) at the end of the treatment and at follow-up. No differences were seen between the 2 groups before, during, and after treatment and at follow-up.

Conclusions— In subacute patients with stroke, gait training on a treadmill with body weight support is feasible and as effective as conventional gait training. However, the need for more personnel for treadmill training makes the use of robotically assisted systems more compelling.

Original article: http://stroke.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/short/40/9/3079

Piriformis Syndrome and Physical Therapy

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-12-02T08:52:48-05:00

Help For Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome describes a condition in which the piriformis muscle may be putting undue pressure on the sciatic nerve. This can cause severe pain and numbness felt deep in the affected leg's buttock and down through the foot. This is sometimes called "fat wallet" syndrome because a similar pain can be felt from sitting on a wallet in your back pocket for too long. Regardless of the name, there is help to relieve piriformis syndrome pain.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help relieve piriformis syndrome pain. Physical therapists use a combination of stretching and alignment to "untangle" the muscle that is putting pressure on the sciatic nerve. This can also involve heat application and deep tissue massages. Another aspect can involve using a Botox injection into the piriformis muscle, causing it to paralyze. Pain symptoms will be relieved for a few months while the therapist works to loosen the muscle in the hope of providing permanent relief once the shot wears off.

Original article and to read more: http://www.ehow.com/way_5157278_piriformis-syndrome.html

What Does Diet Have to do With Fibromyalgia?

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-12-01T16:07:20-05:00

If you think Fibromyalgia and your diet have no correlation, think again. Diet has a tremendous impact of the severity of this condition and you can help yourself by being aware. Foods high in fat bring on symptoms while foods high in fiber and other nutrients help elieviate them.

Read this article from the National Fibromyalgia Association for more information and what you can do to get back to feeling like your old self: http://www.fmaware.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6731

Migraines and Physical Therapy

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-30T13:43:38-05:00

More than 29.5 billion people in the United States suffer from migraines and many do not get treatment. There are not many effective ways to treat migraines, but physical therapy has been a successful route for some.

Read on for more information on how physical therapy can help you or a loved one:

Physical Therapy and Migraines

A classic migraine is often accompanied by tension in the neck. Doctors believe the tension is a result of the migraine, not the cause of it. Even so, relieving neck tension can help to reduce the pain and discomfort brought on by the migraine. A physical therapist or licensed massage therapist can train a family member, partner or friend in specific techniques that will help relieve some of your migraine pain. As soon as you feel a migraine coming on, ask your friend or family member to massage your neck. A physical therapist or chiropractor may be able to teach you some stretching exercise that can also reduce the discomfort and duration of a migraine. Because of the connection between nerve endings in the jaw and neck, pain in those areas can actually be experienced in the head as a migraine. In such cases, physical therapy can help to reduce tension in the neck and jaw and to restore proper alignment and function. Then, often, migraines will cease to occur.

Types of Physical Therapy

There are several types of physical therapy that migraine sufferers might consider trying. Different people experience different results with different techniques. There is classical physical therapy, which uses a combination of massage, adjustments, posture correction and movement work to restore proper function to your joints and muscles. There is chiropractic care. A chiropractor adjusts your joints to restore proper alignment. Misaligned bones can put pressure on nerves, triggering migraine episodes. Restoring proper alignment can be very helpful for some people. There is massage, which focuses on muscle work and can help to relieve neck tension and jaw tension that leads to non-classic migraines. Massage can also help reduce the neck tension associated with classic migraines. There is also acupuncture. This traditional Chinese therapy has shown promising results in treating migraine pain. In a study conducted in Xiangya Hospital in China and published in the Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion journal in 2009, researchers found that acupuncture worked slightly better than prescription medications for improving migraine symptoms. Its effects also lasted longer and had fewer side effects.

Original article: http://www.ehow.com/way_5792011_physical-therapy-migraine-headaches.html

Physical Therapy Best Treatment Option for Spinal Stenosis

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-29T08:39:34-05:00

Physical therapy is something you should look into if you have spinal stenosis, also known as narrowing of the spine. The tips below are a few concepts to help you understand what you can do to relieve some of the pain that comes along with this condition. A physical therapy regimen should always be practiced with a licensed therapist.

1. Use good posture while walking, sitting and even sleeping. By ensuring that the spinal column is properly aligned at all times, you can prevent spinal compression and help to relieve the pain of spinal stenosis. Education about proper posture is a fundamental part of physical therapy.

2. Stretch often to maintain range of motion, flexibility and to relieve stress on the spinal column. Stretching for spinal stenosis should include exercises for the entire body. Often gentle forms of pilates or yoga can be used as a form of physical therapy during and after recovery. Not only do pilates and yoga stretch the body, they also help you to gain strength, another key part of therapy.

3. Participate in gentle exercises that will keep your body moving and help to strengthen your muscles. The most common forms of exercise used for physical therapy and spinal stenosis include water aerobics, walking, cycling, yoga and pilates.

4. Apply heat to painful areas before exercising and stretching to improve circulation to the spinal muscles and increase flexibility. Heat should be applied for 15 minutes maximum; however, never apply heat to swollen, inflamed areas. After your physical therapy exercises and stretches, use ice for 10 to 15 minutes to flush toxins, reduce any inflammation and reduce pain.

Original article: http://www.ehow.com/how_2292620_use-physical-therapy-spinal-stenosis.html

Life Alert For Balance and Falls

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-28T15:37:37-05:00

Falls: Causes, Prevention, and What To Do If It Happens
by Dr. Don Rose

INTRODUCTION
A fall can happen to us all. This is true no matter what our age. While falls are not the inevitable result of getting older, the odds go up as one advances in age.

SYMPTOMS THAT CAN LEAD TO FALLS
Dizziness, lightheadedness, and general weakness can all cause a fall, and each condition may be a sign of an underlying medical issue. In addition, a fall may be a symptom of a serious illness, such as a heart attack, stroke, internal bleeding, or pneumonia. Falls may also indicate a drinking problem; alcohol abuse is an alarming trend among more and more seniors.

HOW FALLS OCCUR
As one ages, eyesight and hearing ability often decreases. Slower reflexes and decreased coordination and muscle strength can limit our ability to take action in avoiding a fall when it starts to happen. Medical conditions like heart disease or low blood pressure can affect balance. Medicines or alcohol can cause lightheadedness. Arthritis can throw off balance, and osteoporosis can weaken bones so they break more easily than when one is young. Fortunately, the most preventable factors are usually things in the home; many folks, especially seniors, just aren't aware of the hazards they have in their abodes.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FALL
If you fall, are badly injured, and can get to a phone, dial 911 and/or someone you know who can take you to a doctor or emergency room. Many seniors should call their health care provider or emergency number after a fall, even if there appears to be little or no injury, just to be safe. Also note that head injuries can be very serious.
Another consideration: a fall may be a symptom of a serious illness. Your health professional can examine you and may order x-rays or other tests, if needed. Also, tell your doctor if you think one or more of your medicines are affecting your balance or causing dizziness.
Lastly, we must consider cases where someone is injured at home and cannot reach a phone. For seniors living alone, the increased odds of a fall means a medical alarm system is a vital step to ensure protection. Just as we use medical insurance to protect our health and assets, a medical alarm system acts as a form of additional insurance when something happens (like a fall) that could be life-threatening when a phone is out of reach. Life Alert can provide this protection; subscribers to Life Alert wear a small pendant which, when pressed, can summon help 24/7 if something happens to you and you cannot reach a phone. See www.lifealert.com for more details.

For original article: http://www.seniorprotection.com/healthtips/falls.aspx

Shoulder Tendonitis and How Physical Therapy Can Help

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-28T15:27:50-05:00

Tendonitis is irritation or inflammation of a joint and can be very painful and uncomfortable. Physical therapy is often recommended by doctors to treat these type of conditions.

What Causes Tendinitis?
Tendinitis is most often caused by repetitive, minor impact on the affected area, or from a sudden more serious injury.
There are many activities that can cause tendinitis, including:

Gardening
Raking
Carpentry
Shoveling
Painting
Scrubbing
Tennis
Golf
Skiing
Throwing and pitching

Incorrect posture at work or home or poor stretching or conditioning before exercise or playing sports also increases a person's risk. Other risk factors for tendinitis, include:

An abnormal or poorly placed bone or joint (such as length differences in your legs or arthritis in a joint) that stresses soft-tissue structures
Stresses from other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, thyroid disorders, or unusual medication reactions

Occasionally an infection can cause tendinitis.
For more information and original article: http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/arthritis-tendinitis

Super Foods and Your Health

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-28T15:22:52-05:00

Are you getting enough “super foods” in your diet? Super foods are foods that are packed with vitamins and nutrients and that help ward off a variety of diseases and illnesses. Below is a list of 10 super foods you should include in your diet.

1. Low fat or fat-free plain yogurt
2.Eggs
3. Nuts
4. Kiwis
5. Quinoa
6. Beans
7. Salmon
8. Broccoli
9. Sweet potatoes
10. Berries

For more information and original article: http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/10-everyday-super-foods

Sweet Potatoes Vs. White Potatoes

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-24T08:51:05-05:00

With Thanksgiving only one day away, it’s not too late to take a look at one of the holiday’s most popular side dishes. Mashed potatoes sure are delicious with a spoonful of gravy but the sweet potatoes gets more points for being the healthier choice. Besides being full of fiber, vitamins and other nutrients, these spuds give you an array of health benefits that white potatoes don’t.

Here are a few of the benefits:

Immunity: Being very rich in beta carotene, which is a major anti oxidant, apart from vitamin-C and B-complex, iron and phosphorus present in them, sweet potatoes are excellent immunity boosters.
Inflammation: Like the common potato, sweet potato also has anti inflammatory properties, although it does not belong to the family of common potato. This is primarily due to presence of beta-carotene, vitamin-C and magnesium. It is equally effective in curing internal and external inflammations.
Asthma: The sweet potato is effective in curing congestion of nose, bronchi and lungs, thereby giving relief in asthma. Its typical aroma helps in this.
Arthritis: Beta-carotene, magnesium, zinc and vitamin-B complex, among others, make sweet potatoes a helping hand to cure arthritis. The water in which the sweet potatoes are boiled can be applied externally on joints too to ease pain in arthritis.
Digestion: The fiber content of sweet potatoes is higher than that of common potatoes and it tastes good too. When these two factors are combined with other minerals like magnesium present in sweet potatoes, it makes an excellent facilitator for digestion. Sweet potatoes are easy to digest too, since they mainly contain starch. They are soothing for the stomach and intestines too.
Cancer: Beta-carotene, the champion anti oxidant and anti carcinogen, the pigments responsible for the color of the peel of the sweet potatoes and vitamin-C, are very beneficial for curing many types of cancer, mainly those of colon, intestines, prostate, kidneys and other internal organs.

* For original article: http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-sweet-potatoes.html

Sciatica and How Physical Therapy Can Help

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-23T20:09:13-05:00

Sciatica can be caused by various things and also can be extremely uncomfortable. Physical therapy is recommended by many doctors and has been shown to give patients better range of motion as well as relief.
Your physical therapist may give you passive treatments such as:

Deep Tissue Massage: This technique targets chronic muscle tension that could be pressing on your sciatic nerve or related nerve roots. The therapist uses direct pressure and friction to try to release the tension in your soft tissues (ligaments, tendons, muscles).
Hot and Cold Therapies: By using heat, the physical therapist seeks to get more blood to the target area because an increased blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to that area. For example, a heat pack placed on your piriformis muscle may help to reduce muscle spasms that could be causing your sciatica. Cold therapy slows circulation, helping to reduce inflammation, muscle spasms, and pain. Your physical therapist will alternate between hot and cold therapies.
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation): You could even use this at home, if your therapist thinks it's necessary. A machine stimulates your muscles through variable (but safe) intensities of electrical current. TENS helps reduce muscle spasms, and it may increase your body's production of endorphins, your natural pain killers. The TENS equipment your physical therapist uses is larger than the "at home" use machine. However, whether large or small, a TENS unit can be a helpful therapy.
Ultrasound: Ultrasound sends sound waves deep into your muscle tissues and creates a gentle heat that enhances circulation and helps to speed healing. Increased circulation helps to reduce muscle spasms, cramping, swelling, stiffness, and pain.

* Original article: http://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/sciatica/physical-therapy-relieve-sciatica

Fish Oil's Health Benefits

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-22T08:49:47-05:00

When many people think of fish oil, their reaction is usually along the lines of pure disgust. Fish oil comes in two forms; a liquid and a capsule. A lot of people prefer capsules because it is odorless and tasteless.

Here are some of the major health benefits fish oil has to offer:

Heart Disease
Weight Loss
Blood Circulation
Immunity
Inflammation
Depression and Anxiety
Arthritis
Alzheimer’s
Cancer
Diabetes

Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Safety Check List

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-21T11:28:39-05:00

Distinctive Home Physical Therapy wants to make sure all rooms in your home are safe and free of obstructions that can lead to falls.

KITCHEN: Look at your kitchen and eating area.
Q: Are the things you use often on high shelves? Move items in your cabinets. Keep things you use often on the lower shelves (about waist level).
Q: Is your step stool unsteady? If you must use a step stool, get one with a bar to hold on to. Never use a chair as a step stool.

BATHROOMS: Look at all your bathrooms.
Q: Is the tub or shower floor slippery? Put a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the floor of the tub or shower.
Q: Do you need some support when you get in and out of the tub or up from the toilet? Have a carpenter put grab bars inside the tub and next to the toilet.

BEDROOMS: Look at all your bedrooms.
Q: Is the light near the bed hard to reach? Place a lamp close to the bed where it’s easy to reach.
Q: Is the path from your bed to the bathroom dark? Put in a night-light so you can see where you’re walking. Some night-lights go on by themselves after dark.

For full article:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/pub-res/toolkit/checklistforsafety.htm

Are Your Stairs and Steps Safe?

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-20T10:51:57-05:00

At Distinctive Home Physical Therapy, your safety is our number one concern. We want to make sure that your home is safe and free of obstruction, especially your stairs and steps.

Here is a list of helpful tips from the CDC:

Q: Are there papers, shoes, books, or other objects on the stairs? Pick up things on the stairs. Always keep objects off stairs.

Q: Are some steps broken or uneven? Fix loose or uneven steps.

Q: Are you missing a light over the stairway? Have an electrician put in an overhead light at the top and bottom of the stairs.

Q: Do you have only one light switch for your stairs (only at the top or at the bottom of the stairs)? Have an electrician put in a light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs. You can get light switches that glow.

Q: Has the stairway light bulb burned out? Have a friend or family member change the light bulb.

Q: Is the carpet on the steps loose or torn? Make sure the carpet is firmly attached to every step, or remove the carpet and attach non-slip rubber treads to the stairs.

Q: Are the handrails loose or broken? Is there a handrail on only one side of the stairs? Fix loose handrails or put in new ones. Make sure handrails are on both sides of the stairs and are as long as the stairs.

For Original article: http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/pub-res/toolkit/checklistforsafety.htm

STAIRS AND STEPS: Look at the stairs you use both inside and outside your home.

Foods High in Omega- 3 Fatty Acids

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-20T10:01:28-05:00

If you learned that eating certain foods could stave off depression, diabetes, and even joint pain would you listen? Well, it’s true. Studies have shown that incorporating more foods with omega-3 fatty acids into your diet could help relieve many of the most common medical conditions including depression, type 2 diabetes, fatigue, cardiovascular disease, and joint pain. Here is a list of the best foods with the highest omega-3 fatty acids:

1.) Flaxseeds
2.) Walnuts
3.) Salmon
4.) Cloves
5.) Oregano (dried)
6.) Cauliflower (boiled)
7.) Sardines
8.) Cabbage
9.) Broccoli
10.) Squash

For more information and original article: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=84

Suffering from Neck Pain? Manual Physical Therapy is the Way to Go

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-18T10:26:38-05:00

An article from the Spine magazine reports that a clinical trial proved evident that patients with neck pain who received manual therapy and exercise had twice the improvement compared to patients that did not receive that treatment. This technique is a hands-on approach that has been shown to reduce pain and symptoms for many injuries and conditions.

For full article:
http://www.aaompt.org/consumers/Manual_Physical_Therapy_Eases-Neck-and-Arm_Pain_FINAL.pdf

Link Between Alzheimer's, Down Syndrome and Atherosclerosis

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-17T09:15:19-05:00

ScienceDaily (Jan. 15, 2010) - Nearly 20 years ago Huntington Potter kicked up a storm of controversy with the idea that Down syndrome and Alzheimer's were the same disease. Now the evidence is in: He was right.

And that's not all. Down syndrome, artery-clogging cardiovascular disease, and possibly even diabetes, appear to share a common disease mechanism with Alzheimer's disease, Dr. Potter and colleagues at the Florida Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, recently reported.

The researchers' two papers -- one in Molecular Biology of the Cell and the other in PLoS One -- implicate the Alzheimer's-associated protein beta amyloid (amyloid protein), which damages the microtubule transport system responsible for moving chromosomes, proteins and other cargo around inside cells. Both studies were done in mice and humans cell cultures modeling Alzheimer's disease. Together, the laboratory discoveries suggest that protecting the microtubule network from this amyloid damage might be an effective way to prevent or even reverse Alzheimer's disease and associated disorders.

For full article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100115182639.htm

Distinctive Home Physical Therapy Newsletter: Exercise-Your Biggest Gift This Holiday Season

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-16T09:12:26-05:00

The average American gains 5 or more pounds during the holiday season, which makes it important to follow a structured exercise program as quickly as possible during or after the holidays.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 68% of adults in the United States of America are overweight or obese. A physical therapist is the right individual to prescribe a structured exercise program to overweight individuals. In fact, if there was a pill that could solve most ailments - high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, it would, quite simply, be called: EXERCISE.
It is recommended that all individuals exercise regularly for optimum health. Several studies show how beneficial regular exercise really is:

A 2008 study published in Physical Therapy Journal found that when people with type 2 diabetes participated in “aerobic exercise and high-force eccentric resistance exercise”, it helped with glucose control, body fat control, and physical performance.
A 2009 study published in the Journal of Strength Conditioning demonstrated that exercise was effective for improving bone health in individuals with osteoporosis, a disease that affects more than 200 million people worldwide.
Did you know that exercise seemed to be one of the few remedies that helped reduce pain for low back pain sufferers? A 2009 study in Spine Journal summarized 20 different clinical trials. It seemed that while many other prevention methods failed, exercise not only helped prevent pain, but also prevent back pain-related loss of workdays.

We can help create an exercise plan to help you and your family stay fit and minimize or eliminate the possibility of weight gain (and associated ailments) this holiday season.

Physical Therapy for Pain Management

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-15T08:39:27-05:00

By Diana Rodriguez
Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH

Chronic pain may leave you wanting to curl up in bed with a heating pad and a bottle of medication to help ease your aches. Although doing exercise may sound like sheer torture, it may actually be one of the best pain management options for your chronic pain.
"Physical therapy can be highly effective for all types of chronic musculoskeletal and neuropathic types of pain," says Tom Watson, PT, DPT, clinical director of Peak Performance Physical Therapy in Bend, Ore.
Physical therapy is used to alleviate sources of chronic pain, including:

Osteoarthritis
Fibromyalgia
Chronic headaches
Rheumatoid arthritis
Neuropathic pain (pain caused by injury to tissues or nerves)

One of the goals of physical therapy, says Watson, is "to help chronic pain patients become stronger, because they're usually weak from not moving."

As a chronic pain treatment, physical therapy can teach people how to move safely and functionally in ways that they haven't been able to for quite a while, Watson adds.

For more information and original article: http://www.everydayhealth.com/pain-management/physical-activity-and-therapy.aspx

30-Second Test Claims to Spot Early Signs of Alzheimer's

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-14T08:50:57-05:00

A new 30-second test could allow doctors to spot the early signs of Alzheimer's.

Researchers have found that many adults in their 40s show tiny lesions in parts of the brain. Alzheimer's patients typically have lesions in similar parts of the brain, only they are much larger. A simple test of physical reactions and memory could help doctors identify adults with the lesions and so catch potential Alzheimer's sufferers early. The test could be available from general practitioners within two years, the researchers said.

"The study lays open possibilities for screening, early detection and intervention," said Professor David Bunce of Brunel University in London. "The earlier we can intervene with people vulnerable to eventual dementia, the greater the chances of preventing or delaying the disease onset."

For complete article: http://www.aolnews.com/health/article/30-second-test-could-spot-early-signs-of-alzheimers/19714698

Exercises For Strengthening Joints and Bones

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-13T08:57:49-05:00

Joint pain and arthritis are two common complaints for elders. Many medications claim to help ease these conditions, but there is an alternative. Exercise not only strengthens your bones and joints, it also keeps your heart and other parts of your body in tip top shape!
Here are some basic exercise moves to try:

1. Walking: This is the best way of stretching your body while burning calories. It’s a great cardio workout and it’s easy on your knees.

2. Riding a bike: While this exercise is a great calorie burner, it isn’t the best for people with knee problems. Bicycling can be a big strain on the knees so use caution if you have any knee pain.

3. Aerobics: This is one of the best exercise plans to prevent osteoporosis. Aerobics strengthens bones, whether it’s a step class or playing a game of basketball.

4. Dancing: Take a dance class if it’s something you enjoy! Not only will it burn mega calories, it will also help your joints and bones. Dancing provides full range of motion for the arms and legs. Your abdominal muscles will also benefit from this workout.

Physical Therapy and Seniors: A Way to Get Back on Track

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-13T08:51:57-05:00

Physical Therapy a Boon for Seniors
Would you believe in a non-drug treatment that works for arthritis, cancer pain, Parkinson's, and incontinence and improves your strength and endurance? There is one -- physical therapy.

WebMD Feature

When a person gets injured or has a prolonged illness, doctors often recommend physical therapy. In the case of older people, though, sometimes this is seen as just something to "try." This could not be further from the truth. Physical therapy is "A-quality" therapy for many conditions affecting older people, from Alzheimer's to urinary incontinence. In fact, one researcher did a study in which you had to be 100 years of age to even participate!

According to Jennifer M. Bottomley, PhD, MS, PT, president of the geriatrics section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and adviser to the surgeon general, one of the main things that brings older people to the physical therapist is a fall. "They want and need to maintain their independence," she says.

"It's important to look at each individual," stresses Tim Kauffman, PT, PhD, professor of physical therapy at the Hahnemann campus of Drexel University in Philadelphia. "Every person of any age has an individual background, say an auto accident, football injury, genetic predispositions. No two 'old' people are the same."

According to APTA, physical therapy can restore or increase strength, range of motion, flexibility, coordination, and endurance -- as well as reduce pain. Another important role is to retrain the patient to do everyday tasks.

*For original article:
http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/physical-therapy-benefits-for-seniors

Physical Therapy For Herniated Discs

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-11T09:54:41-05:00

Physical therapy often plays a major role in herniated disc recovery. Its methods not only offer immediate pain relief, but they also teach you how to condition your body to prevent injury.
There are a variety of physical therapy techniques. Passive treatments relax your body and include deep tissue massage, hot and cold therapy, electrical stimulation (TENS), and hydrotherapy.
Your physical therapy program will usually begin with passive treatments. But once your body heals, you will start active treatments that strengthen your body and prevent further pain. Your physical therapist will work with you to develop a plan that best suits you.

* For more information and original article:
http://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/herniated-disc/physical-therapy-herniated-discs

Blood Pressure Medication Believed to Help Protect Against Dementia

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-11T09:52:22-05:00

A study from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine:

A particular class of medication used to treat high blood pressure could protect older adults against memory decline and other impairments in cognitive function, according to a newly published study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Research suggests that some of the drugs classified as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, specifically those types of ACE inhibitors that affect the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier, may reduce inflammation that could contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease, a major cause of dementia.

Full article:
http://www.ahaf.org/alzheimers/newsupdates/some-blood-pressure-drugs-may.html

Latest Research on Early Detection for Parkinson's

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-09T19:50:47-05:00

This is the latest news from the Parkinson Research Foundation

OTTAWA — High cholesterol levels predict heart disease. High blood-sugarlevels can predict diabetes. But no single test exists to predict whowill develop Parkinson's disease, the second leading brain-wastingdisorder behind Alzheimer's.

Now, a decade-long effort whichstarted at Harvard University and continued in Ottawa, has yielded amethod that, in principle, could identify people at risk of developing adisease that afflicts an estimated 150,000 Canadians.

The storybehind this finding shows why progress toward preventing or curingParkinson's has been so slow. It also highlights how recent advances inAlzheimer's research served as a model for what some researchers havealready dubbed "the Ottawa test" for Parkinson's.

For complete article:
http://www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/Research.aspx

Alzheimer's and Your Brain: A New Study

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-08T18:05:05-05:00

Medical professionals have always believed that exercising one’s brain could ward off Alzheimer’s in the future. But according to a new study in the journal Neurology, brain exercises can do more harm than good. Two experimental groups were monitored and the group that kept mentally sharp did indeed delay the disease. However, once the active participants were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, their brain activity deteriorated at a faster rate. The brain is like a muscle and exercise does make it stronger, but once it’s compromised, exercise can have the reverse affect.

For complete article:
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2010/09/07/new-alzheimers-study-uncovers-a-surprising-twist/

Healthy Greek Burger Recipe

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-07T08:02:03-05:00

This recipe from SELF Magazine is a healthy alternative to a regular hamburger and its also a heart healthy dish!

Greek Burger With Arugula, Tomatoes and Feta

INGREDIENTS:
4 whole-wheat pitas ( 6 1/2 inches each)
1/4 cup skim milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic
2 TBSP chopped fresh mint
4 TSP chopped fresh oregano or 1 TSP dried
1 TBSP fresh lemon juice
3/4 pound lean ground lamb
2 TSP olive oil
3 cups arugula
1 medium tomato, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1 red onion, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1/3 cup crumbled feta

Dressing:
2/3 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1 TBSP chopped fresh mint
2 TSP chopped garlic
2 TSP Dijon mustarf
1 TSP honey
1/2 cup peeled, seeded and finely diced cucumber

PREP:
Heat oven to 350˚. Cut 1/4 off each pita (a half-moon shape from 10 o'clock to 2 o'clock). Chop half-moons, transfer to a bowl and sprinkle with milk. Let soak 5 minutes. Drain and squeeze out excess milk. Puree soaked bread, onion, garlic, herbs and lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Transfer puree to a bowl. Add lamb, season with salt and pepper and combine. Form into 4 patties. Wrap pitas in foil and heat until warm, about 8 minutes. (Or place pitas between sheets of paper towel and microwave until warm, about 30 seconds.) Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Cook burgers to medium, 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Whisk yogurt, mint, garlic, mustard and honey in a bowl. Stir in cucumber and season with salt and pepper. Open each pita, stuff with arugula and drizzle with some of the dressing. Add burger, tomato and red onion to pita. Sprinkle with feta. Serve leftover dressing on the side.

Nutrition Info:
377 calories per serving, 11 g fat, 43 g carbs, 7 g fiber, 32 g protein

* For original article:
http://www.self.com/fooddiet/recipes/2008/01/greek-burger

Physical Therapy After Hip Replacement

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-05T13:45:59-04:00

After having a hip replacement procedure, your journey to a pain-free life is just beginning. Surgery does help alleviate hip discomfort, but physical therapy is crucial to getting on the road to recovery. Many people feel relieved and excited after having hip replacement surgery and are eager to do all of the things they used to be able to do immediately. Alterations to one’s lifestyle must be made to ensure a full recovery. For instance, your therapist may suggest a shower seat or a raised toilet seat to help you slowly ease back into doing daily activities.

For more information and original article:
http://www.everydayhealth.com/hip-pain/hip-replacement-physical-therapy.aspx

Stroke Rehabilitation with Physical Therapy

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-04T16:54:44-04:00

For stroke survivors, an aggressive and thorough physical therapy treatment plan is essential for regaining balance, mobility, and other functions. Stroke is the leading cause of disability in adults, according to WebMD. Physical therapists focus on rebuilding strength, balance, and endurance through a series of exercises and treatment techniques. Studies have shown that stroke survivors who sought physical therapy recovered almost all functions, compared to those who did not seek therapy.

*For original article:
http://www.webmd.com/stroke/news/20030818/physical-therapy-stroke

Primal Reflex Relief Technique or PRRT

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-03T16:18:17-04:00

Primal Reflex Relief Technique is strongly favored by the therapists of Distinctive Home Physical Therapy. Not only is it effective, it also can be used to treat countless injuries and areas of the body.

First, the patient is examined from head to toe by the therapist until the problem area is recognized. Next, the therapist will work on that area and will realize almost instantaneously if PRRT will work or not. If it does work, the results can be life-changing.

See our website for more information on PRRT: www.distinctivept.com!

* For more information go to http://www.quinliskwp.com/web/prrt.asp

Strength Training to Prevent Osteoporosis

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-02T09:18:18-04:00

People diagnosed with Osteoporosis often are under the impression that exercise or any strenuous activity can worsen their condition. That is 100% a myth! Weight bearing exercise, using 3-5 lb. dumbbells actually helps your bones. Depending on the severity, your physical therapist can give you exercises and methods for every day activities, such as learning how to lift and twist without putting pressure on your back and spine.

* For more information and complete article:
http://www.everydayhealth.com/osteoporosis/physical-therapy-for-osteoporosis.aspx

Beat Type II Diabetes With Physical Therapy

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-11-01T17:47:14-04:00

November is American Diabetes month. Although you may not think "physical therapy" if you have diabetes, the American Physical Therapy Association has stated that a safe, individualized exercise program may be the key in preventing type 2 diabetes for those at high risk for the disease.

Nearly 24 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association estimates that the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $174 billion. The cost of caring for someone with diabetes is $1 out of every $5 in total healthcare costs.

Did you know that exercise has a positive effect on diabetes? A combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training to overload the muscles has been shown to help people with diabetes. As your physical therapy providers, we can tell you this is GREAT NEWS because we can help you control type 2 diabetes.

It gets even better. Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable. About 9 in 10 cases could be avoided by taking some simple steps:
1. Keep your weight under control
2. Exercise more
3. Eat a healthy diet and
4. Stop smoking

This is EXACTLY Where We Come In...

In a recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) study, physical therapists have contributed to the finding that lifestyle interventions have a big role in preventing diabetes by helping people develop safe exercise programs.

Your best bet for preventing the onset of diabetes is to remain physically fit and maintain an ideal body weight. Overweight or obese individuals must follow an appropriate exercise program that includes aerobic conditioning.

Your physical therapist can design a low-impact form of weight training by using low-weight, high-repetition exercise bands. This type of exercise helps to avoid excessive joint stress. Modified yoga stretches and Tai Chi are also great forms of exercise to promote flexibility and help with relaxation.

As people who are overweight begin to lose weight and gain fitness, they also need to increase the intensity of their exercise.

Physical therapists are extensively trained in balancing the progression of the exercise prescription with the need for joint protection and safety during exercise. This approach helps people to continue to pursue and enjoy their exercise programs and become lifelong advocates of exercise, supporting the maintenance of a healthy body weight.
What's Weight Got To Do With It...

If you are overweight, you may be at high risk for physical injury due to impaired strength and flexibility.

It's CRITICAL that you work with experts in motion who can help design a safe and comprehensive exercise plan to meet your individual needs.

As your physical therapists, we understand the difficulties you face and we monitor your progress during specific, appropriate exercise programs. This can be the difference between success and failure.

Give us a call today to get yourself, or a loved one started on the road to a healthier you. If you or someone you know is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, consult your physical therapist for a safe, appropriate exercise plan to help reduce that risk.

*Content from Distinctive Home Physical Therapy newsletter

Low Sugar Recipe: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Walnut Bread

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-10-31T15:11:43-04:00

In honor of Halloween, here is a delicious low sugar, healthy pumpkin recipe.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Walnut Bread

Serves 16/Prep time: 15 mins.

What you’ll need:
-Cooking spray
- 1/4 cup Splenda Brown Sugar Blend
- 1 (15-oz) can pumpkin
- 1/3 cup low-fat buttermilk
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 3 egg whites
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 cup Splenda Sugar Blend for Baking
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp chocolate chips (reserve 1 tbsp)
2 tbsp chopped walnuts

Cooking Methods:

1. Preheat oven to 350/175 C. Lightly spray 8 x 4-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, combine Splenda Brown Sugar Blend, pumpkin, buttermilk, oil, egg whites, and vanilla. Mix well and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine Splenda Sugar Blend for Baking, flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients all at once. Mix well. Add 1/3 cup chocolate chips.
5. Pour batter into loaf pan. Top with 1 tbsp chocolate chips and walnuts.
6. Bake 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.

*Original article from:
http://www.lowsugar-recipes.com/dessert-recipes/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-walnut-bread.php

Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid to Help Inflammation

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-10-30T10:40:58-04:00

Our immune systems respond to infection, irritation, and illness by becoming inflamed. Obesity, gum disease, infection, autoimmune disorders, and other toxins in the body are some of the causes of chronic inflammation. Diets high in fat and processed foods cause the body to be constantly inflamed. A healthy diet full of lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains can help your body get back to its old self.

Here are a few foods to add to your diet:

1.) Omega 3 fatty acids: salmon, tuna, and olive oil

2.) Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, and onions

3.) Citrus Fruits: oranges, papaya, and strawberries

Foods to avoid:

1.) White potatoes and starchy vegetables

2.) White bread and other refined sugars

3.) Milk and other dairy products

* For full article, go to http://www.brighthub.com/health/diet-nutrition/articles/39873.aspx

Physical Therapy Can Help With Arthritis

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-10-29T14:19:22-04:00

Having stiff joints is a common complaint for seniors. Arthritis can be brought on by a person’s age or by a fall or other accident. Physical therapy can successful help a person with arthritis regain mobility and enable them to engage in everyday activities with ease.

Here are some of the reasons and ways that physical therapy can help:

* The patient will gain insight to what arthritis is and how they can get back on track,

* Your therapist can teach you exercises and techniques that will alleviate pain.

* If you are overweight, your therapist can help you develop a nutrition plan. Being at a healthy weight helps decrease the excess weight on supporting joints in the back, legs, and feet.

* For full article, go to http://www.medicinenet.com/arthritis_physical_and_occupational_therapy/article.htm

Coffee's Health Benefits

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-10-28T16:56:24-04:00

If you knew that coffee was actually good for you, would you believe it? In the past, studies have continued to show that tea is the hot beverage with the most bang for your health. However, a new study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, has shown that this caffeinated favorite can decrease your likelihood of getting throat and neck cancer by 39 percent. Antioxidants found in coffee beans are believed to also help with brain function and memory. Don’t run to your nearest Starbucks just yet. Because coffee does contain caffeine, too much of it can actually defeat its healthy reputation. An average of two-four cups a day should do it!

* For complete article, go to http://www.lifeslittlemysteries.com/coffees-mysterious-benefits-mount-0879/

How Physical Therapy Can Ease Fibromyalgia Pain

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-10-27T19:32:47-04:00

Living with Fibromyalgia is not easy. For many sufferers, everyday is a constant struggle to move and you can forget about exercise. What if you learned that an exercise regime could actually help you manage your symptoms? Well, many physical therapists are confident that exercise is one of the most effective ways to ease pain. A few options that your therapist may recommend are stretching, aqua therapy, and a low-impact aerobic routine.

*For full article, go to http://www.everydayhealth.com/fibromyalgia/ease-fibromyalgia-pain-with-physical-therapy.aspx

Parkinson's Disease and How Physical Therapy Can Help

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-10-26T14:33:00-04:00

Approximately, 1 million people over the age of 50 have Parkinson’s Disease. Although physical therapy can’t completely cure Parkinson’s Disease, it can be a great method to alleviate many of the symptoms that come with this debilitating condition.

Here are a few areas PT can help you or a loved one:

* Balance issues
* Immobility
* Gait
* Weakness
* Pain
* Fatigue

* For original article, go to http://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/physical-occupational-therapy

5 Stress-fighting Super Foods

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-10-25T19:35:13-04:00

Who knew eating the right foods could actually calm your nerves?
These five foods do just that:

Spinach
Just three cups of spinach a day gives you 40 percent of your daily magnesium, which has shown to stop blood pressure from spiking.

Oranges
An orange a day keeps the germs away! Tension from the day can cause your immune system to weaken, inviting germs into your system. Try snacking on an orange for extra vitamin C.

Chocolate
Yes you heard right, chocolate is indeed on the list of healthy foods. Studies have shown that dark chocolate has the power to boost your body's levels of neurochemicals, which help the brain produce feel good emotions.

Fish
Salmon and tuna are good choices for nixing anxiety. The Omega-3 fatty acids in these guys have an effect on decreasing stress hormones in the body.

Oatmeal
Oatmeal not only keeps you fuller longer, it also has shown to soothe the mind. The vitamin B in this warm cereal stimulate the feel-good chemical seratonin.

For original article, go to: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/5-stress-fighting-superfoods-527064/

What is REALLY Lurking in your Water

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-10-24T19:51:29-04:00

Many people don't think twice about turning on the kitchen faucet, grabbing a glass, and gulping down unfiltered tap water. What if you found out there was disguising bacteria in that water? Read on to learn which bacteria could be potentially hazardous...

CHLORINE
>>When I think of chlorine, I think of the stuff people put in their pool to kill the bad bacteria. However, treatment plants often use chlorine to kill viruses and parasites that are found in freshwater sources. Chlorine can be good stuff in small amounts. However, in larger doses, this chemical can lead to birth defects and miscarriages in women.

>>If you let your glass of tap water sit for at least five minutes, the air will kill off most of the chlorine.

DRUG BY-PRODUCTS & HORMONES
>>Whenever you take a pill, prescription or not, traces of it come out in your urine and ultimately make its way back into our tap water resource. Traces of harmless drugs like ibuprofen or aspirin are most likely harmless but be careful of strong prescription drugs. The by-products of these meds can cause illness like MRSA, an anti-biotic resistant illness.

>>Even if you use a filter, it wouldn't be able to eliminate these residuals. The Environmental Protection Agency is assessing what action to take so you will just have to wait.

BACTERIA
>>Human and animal waste products often contain e-coli bacteria that can make its way into our water by seeping through broken pipes and sewage systems. The only people who really need to worry about getting sick from bacteria consumption are pregnant women. The average person can recover fast if exposed to a small amount of bacteria.

>>BUY A FILTER!!!!

LEAD
>>Homes built before 1975 should use precaution when drinking from the tap. The reports of children getting lead poisoning from eating paint chips contaminated with lead is similar to drinking from the faucet. Just like lead is in paint used in houses built before 1975, the chances of having pipes containing lead are just as likely. Lead is dangerous, even in small doses. It can cause nerve damage, anemia, and fetal problems for women.

>> Run your faucet for at least two minutes before drinking, that way the water that has been sitting in the pipes can flush out and clean water can go into your glass.

The safest thing you can do it invest in a filtration system. They can be costly, but in the long run you will be healthier. I use the Pur filter that clips onto your faucet. A red light goes off to let you know when its time to change the filter.

See how your town ranks:

BEST TAP WATER SOURCES:
1. Arlington, TX
2. Providence, RI
3. Fort Worth, TX
4. Charleston, SC
5. Boston, MA

WORST TAP WATER SOURCES:
1. Pensacola, FL
2. Riverside, CA
3. Las Vegas, NV
4. Reno, NV
5. Houston, TX

*Article from Women's Health magazine*

Exercise In Elderly

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-10-02T06:46:49-04:00

Proven To Improve Quality Of Life - New Study Measures Efficacy Of Three Full-Intervention Programs

A new study appearing in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society compares the efficacy of three programs designed for reducing falls and improving quality-of-life among the elderly; education, home safety assessment and modification (HSAM) and exercise training. The study also examines the secondary effects of these programs on functional balance, daily activity, fear of falling and depression level, finding that exercise training yields the most significant improvements. See full article here

Physical Therapy Topics: Pain in the NECK!

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-08-05T07:23:05-04:00

Chances are you don't think about the muscles surrounding your neck much. These muscles hold your head up and allow it to move it in different directions. These muscles allow you to trace a bug flying across the room, or to follow a tennis ball as you get ready to swing back at it. Then one day, you wake up and suddenly can't move your head, or can only turn to one side. And you experience, literally… a pain in the neck.
That's a scenario none of us want, but it's more common than we realize. The neck is made up of many small muscles and carries a lot of nerves, and can easily suffer from a disc injury or pinched nerves. Due to its mobility and flexibility, the neck has a high risk of injury.

What can go wrong?
A “pulled muscle” (or muscle strain), occurs when a muscle is stretched or exerted beyond its limits. In severe cases, it can lead to a muscle tear.
A “slipped disc” (which can be a herniated or bulging disc) is a disc that has been pushed beyond its boundaries. It may even bulge out and spill into the surrounding area, putting pressure on the ligaments, muscles, or even the nerve itself.

Herniated discs often start with no symptoms, but may eventually lead to tingling, numbness or even sharp pain. So, what are the common causes of a herniated disc?
• Poor body mechanics with daily activities (like frequently lifting or bending improperly)
• Poor posture (in sitting or standing, or too much time on the computer)
• Sports injuries that require a lot of running, jumping or extreme flexibility (like gymnastics)

Common ways to injure your neck can be a fall or an accident, but sometimes neck pain appears out of nowhere. Years of abuse -- like poor posture or poor body mechanics -- can trigger an incident.
Read below to see what our therapists recommend to help you “take the load off your neck”.
The Concequences of Neck Inactivity

In one form or another, excessive stress on the neck is certainly the most familiar cause of injury to the neck muscles. However, a second cause is slightly less threatening, but more common –inactivity. Failure to use the neck muscles regularly through moderate activity leads to sudden overuse, poor posture and other stresses on the neck. As a result, the joints, muscles and ligaments stiffen, and suffer from poor blood flow.
Inactivity by itself can make the neck more susceptible to general joint degeneration!
The effects of inactivity are magnified as we age. This can lead to degeneration in the bones and joints in the neck.

Regular exercise, like walking, swimming, or even playing golf, can help keep these problems at bay. Interestingly, the X-ray of an elderly person’s neck who is more active may look “younger” than the X-ray of the neck of an inactive person in his thirties.
Don’t underestimate the importance of exercising those small, but important, muscles of your neck.
Call us today to see how we can help get your neck to feel and function “younger”.
The Best Treatment For Your Neck

Some neck problems, like a mild sprain or strain, may get better simply with rest and ice.
Other injuries, like a pinched nerve or disc injury may need a more advanced physical therapy plan tailored to your particular type of injury, like:
• Specific exercises to strengthen the neck and improve range of motion, and
• Modalities (like heat/ice, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound).
Here are some tips to keep your neck moving and functioning pain-free:
1. If your job requires you to lift frequently (like in construction work or furniture moving) – be sure to keep good posture as you are lifting. Remember lift with your legs, not your arms or back!
2. If you have to stand for long hours (like working in an assembly-line) – try using a low footstool to prop up one foot, alternating feet from time to time.
3. If you are at a computer all day – keep your chair, desk, and monitor at the proper heights.
Be sure to call us to schedule a complete analysis of what your risk of neck injury is. Remember, help is only a phone call away.

Exercise And Strength Training Could Improve Physical Decline In Elderly

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-07-06T15:01:16-04:00

ScienceDaily (Oct. 3, 2002) — Physically frail elderly persons who followed a physical therapy program consisting primarily of balance exercise and strength training saw a 45 percent reduction in disability after seven months, Yale researchers report in the October 3 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine.

Gill and his team looked at whether activities essential to independent daily living, such as walking, bathing, upper- and lower- body dressing, transferring from a chair, using the toilet, eating and grooming, were improved with either intervention. They developed a disability scale that measured how well each group managed these eight essential activities of daily living. Scores on the scale ranged from zero to 16, with higher scores indicating more severe disability.
"We found that the physical therapy intervention was effective in preventing functional decline, while the control group showed a steady decline over the year," said
Gill. "At seven months, the average disability scores were 2.0 in the physical therapy group and 3.6 in the control group. This reflects a 45 percent reduction in disability for the physical therapy group relative to the control group. These results give weight to the role of 'prehabilitation' or preventive therapy for physically frail elderly persons living at home."
Gill said this kind of program could cut down on nursing home and health care costs for the elderly. There were reductions in nursing home use among the participants in the physical therapy program. They were less likely to be admitted and if they were, spent less time in the nursing home and had fewer fall-related injuries.

See full article here

The Connection Between Stroke and Physical Therapy

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-07-06T14:56:12-04:00

A stroke can affect men and women of all ages and carries with it damaging and potentially life-threatening complications.

Simply stated, a stroke refers to an unexpected loss of brain function that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or when blood vessels in the brain rupture. When the blood flow is affected, the brain cells in the affected area die, and this can cause long-term damage.
Depending on the area injured, a stroke can cause an individual to lose his or her ability to see, speak, read or write, along with loss of memory or an impaired thought process. Also, movement is limited to partial or full paralysis. The slightest of delays in blood flow can cause damage to the brain. The longer the brain is without important nutrients and oxygen carried by the blood, the higher the risk of permanent damage.
So, what are the risk factors of stroke?
They are high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, certain heart conditions, diabetes, obesity, smoking, stress, and drinking too much alcohol. In addition women are subject to an extra set of risk factors, such as menopause and hormonal changes, as well as conditions associated with pregnancy and the use of birth control pills. A low activity level has further been linked to stroke risk, bringing yet another benefit to regular exercise.

Fortunately, you can identify a stoke early through FOUR MAJOR WARNING SIGNS and potentially decrease the severity of the damage:
• Weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg
• Speech or comprehension trouble, vision problems
• Headache
• Dizziness

Each of these warning signs can occur alone or in any combination. So, learn and remember the list. Remember, timing is key. Getting treatment quickly can help counteract the damaging effect of a stroke. So if any of these warning signs occur, be sure to get medical attention immediately!

Impact of a Stroke

Knowing the warning signs of a stroke can not only save your own life, but that of someone close to you as well. In fact, most of us know someone who has suffered a stroke and have seen its damaging effects.
Share this information with members of your family, especially those who are aging, and you just may save a life.
Physical Therapy and Stroke Recovery

You may not expect physical therapy to play an important part in stroke recovery, but it is often referred to as an indispensable tool. While there are other types of stroke rehabilitation, including speech and occupational therapy, physical therapy specifically addresses physical damage. Of course, the type of assistance necessary depends on the type of damage that is present.

As physical therapists, we are trained to teach strengthening exercises to retrain the body following a stroke. Using a series of custom-designed stretches and exercises, we can help a stroke victim broaden his or her range of motion, build muscle, and increase endurance. Before establishing a treatment plan, we test the stroke victim’s current levels of motion, strength and endurance, and use this valuable information to create a plan that best suits the individual.

Word of Caution:

Never underestimate the range of treatment provided by your physical therapist. Even if the stroke victim is suffering from partial paralysis or weakness as a result of the stroke, physical therapy can prove to be very beneficial. In the case of paralysis, we can teach the stroke victim ways to compensate for the loss, in addition to prescribing treatment for the affected limb(s). For stroke sufferers forced to combat ongoing weakness, physical therapy can help to strengthen the extremities as a long-term solution.Physical therapy plays an integral role in stroke recovery. If you or someone you know has suffered a stroke, contact your physical therapist now to open a new door to recovery.

Physical Therapy Topics: Running

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-06-23T11:56:21-04:00

Walking, jogging and running are excellent activities to promote health and wellness. Are you an avid jogger or runner? I f so, could the way you run be hurting you?
When you run, jog or walk, each step sends shock waves up the feet, knees, hips and lower back. Overuse injuries are common, especially with running. The good news is, we can help avoid overuse injuries. Some causes of running induced injuries include:

• Training errors
• Improper running shoes
• Poor weight-bearing or running dynamics
If an injury does occur, physical therapy can get you back on track (pun intended) in a short time. Here are SOME of the most common injuries that occur with running:
1. Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of fibrous connective tissue in sole of the foot, leading to pain on the bottom of the heel.
2. Achilles tendinitis: Heel pain, or pain in the Achilles, due to too much running or running uphill. This can lead to pain and tightness in the calf.
3. Shin splints: Often a result of imbalance in the calf and shin muscles. Pain is along the front side of the lower leg (the shin).
4. Stress fracture: Repeated pounding of the legs can lead to stress fractures, with local pain over the affected bone.
5. Hamstring strain: Too much running can lead to a hamstring pull.
6. Patello-femoral pain or “Runner’s knee”: Increasing running distance too soon can lead to pain behind the patella, or kneecap.
If you have any of these injuries mentioned above, here are some tips from us to help you treat it:
Treatment consists of:
• Rest, anti-inflammatory medication and icing the injured area.
• Stretching muscles that are tight (i.e. - calf for Achilles tendinitis; hamstrings for hamstring strain)
• Strengthening exercises to restore muscle balance.
• In some cases, taping works like a charm - talk to your therapist.
• Orthotics may help alter the forces going into your joints. Talk to one of our therapists to see if this is best for you.
• Remember, if it hurts, don’t do it. For example, if running hurts, try jogging. If jogging hurts, , walk instead.

Are Your Shoes To Blame?
Before starting a running program, ask yourself:
• Are your shoes worn out?
• Are they the right fit for your feet?
• Do you have flat feet? Are your shoes stable enough?
• If your feet are rigid, you need a pair with good cushioning.

All these questions need to be answered. To tell if a shoe can still be used, look at its sole. If it is worn out, it’s time for a new pair! If they twist too easily, it’s another sign they may be worn. Not sure what to look for? Let us guide you.
Runners are very susceptible to injuries, especially with changes in training, including speed, frequency, distance, and surface.
Talk to your therapist about a customized plan to evaluate your foot and minimize or treat injuries.
Your Feet Will Thank You
Most runners fail to take necessary steps to avoid injury. This is where we come in. After the initial evaluation, we teach you how to:
• Get the right pair of shoes - we evaluate the muscles of your feet and guide you to get the right shoes.
• Stretch out properly - we evaluate your requirements and make sure you stretch out your muscles properly before exercise.
• Strategically structure your running - we teach you the right warm, stretch and exercise sequence and coach you through the process of building up your running time gradually. Remember, your running shoes will last about 500 miles before they need to be replaced.
If you are a runner or just happen to walk regularly, you need to call us to evaluate your technique right away. As they say, prevention is better than cure.

Physical Therapy Topics: Vision and Falls

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-06-15T07:37:51-04:00

excerpt by Stephen R. Lord, Ph.D.

Impaired balance in older people manifests as falls and fall-related injuries. Approximately one-third of older people living in the community fall at least once a year, with many suffering multiple falls (Campbell et al., 1989; Tinetti et al., 1988). Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death and hospitalization in people age 75 years and older (Baker and Harvey, 1985). Falls can also result in disability, restriction of activity and fear of falling, all of which reduce quality of life and independence. Furthermore, falls can contribute to the placement of an older person into institutional care (Lord et al., 2001).

There are a number of complementary tests of visual function relevant to risk of falling in older people. These include tests of standard high-contrast visual acuity (letter charts), low-contrast visual acuity (letter charts with gray rather than black letters), visual contrast sensitivity, depth perception, stereopsis and visual field size.

Recent research has shown that while standard measures of visual functioning such as visual acuity and visual field size are fair predictors of falls, other tests that address more closely the visual functions required for maintaining balance and detecting hazards are superior (Ivers et al., 1998; Lord and Dayhew, 2001; Nevitt et al., 1989). For example, we have recently found that of nine measures of vision, impaired depth perception was the strongest risk factor for multiple falls in community-dwelling older people (Lord and Dayhew, 2001). Furthermore, subjects with good vision in both eyes had the lowest rate of falls, whereas subjects with good vision in one eye but only moderate or poor vision in the other had elevated falling rates that were equivalent to those of patients with moderate or poor vision in both eyes. This suggests that the ability to judge distances accurately and perceive spatial relationships is important for negotiating and avoiding obstacles and hazards in the environment.

read full article here

Physical Therapy Topics: Childhood Obesity

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-06-07T08:30:55-04:00

Childhood Obesity: Are Our Children Getting Too Obese?

This is one problem that hits close to home. In May 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama of the United States was in full swing with her campaign against childhood obesity.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and reports from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the prevalence of overweight children between 6-19 years of age is between 17-18 percentile in the United States. This is a disturbing global trend; the number of obese children has tripled over the past four decades across the world.
Why is childhood obesity a problem?
There are several medical issues directly associated to obesity:
1. Hypertension
2. Diabetes
3. Respiratory disease
4. Increased risk of injury
After a child turns 6, the chances that obesity will persist into adulthood increase by 50%. The sooner obesity is treated, the greater the likelihood that the individual can achieve a normal adult weight.

Is Your Child At Risk?
Here are the known risk factors:
• Season (winter), population density (large urban areas) are associated with higher childhood and adolescent obesity.
• Both parents happen to be obese (body frame tends to be inherited).
• Levels of parental education and socioeconomic class.
• Dietary fat intake.
• Time spent watching television. The average American child watches approximately 25 hours of television per week.
So what contributes to childhood obesity?
• Diet: High-fat diets, irregular meals and inactivity continue to be primary contributors to obesity. Limit/avoid the “empty calories” like sodas, candy and chips.
• Inactivity:

• Inactivity is widely recognized as a contributor to obesity. Children aged 6 to 11 years watch 23.5 hours of TV per week and adolescents ages 12 to 17 years watch about 22 hours. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition assessed the effects of reducing television watching and video game-playing in obese 3rd and 4th grade students. The results showed that the body fat level of the children who received the intervention for 6 months dropped significantly compared to the controls.
The Emotional Factor
Children, like adults, can eat in response to moods. Emotions that commonly lead to overeating include sadness, loneliness, anger and celebration. Children can learn to identify their feelings before eating and control the “misinterpreted” urges to eat.
Obese children report greater number of life changes (indicative of stress) compared with other adolescents. Depression, anxiety, social and behavior problems are commonly reported by obese children.
Exercise As The Solution
A physical therapist can determine realistic weight loss or maintenance goals and help the child accept his / her natural body frame. Otherwise, he/she will constantly strive for an unrealistic weight, often leading to restrictive dieting, overeating or binging. Weight loss of one-half to 1 pound per week is realistic. If a child you know needs help, seek the services of a physical therapist, who can set goals that are small and attainable so that the child doesn't feel discouraged.

Encourage daily activity in obese children. Sports participation contributes to improved fitness levels, specifically increased endurance, strength, self-esteem, energy and often, improved mood. Family involvement is crucial.
A physical therapist can identify what (if any) changes family members must make to improve the health and fitness level of everyone in the family—not just the obese member. The parents must become good role models with their eating, exercise and stress management. Strive for an attitude of "we're going to do this together."

Physical Therapy Helps Elderly Stave Off Disability

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-05-20T10:59:04-04:00

Excerpt By Alison McCook, Reuter's Health
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Physical therapy may help prevent physical declines in older, frail people, study findings suggest.

Lead author Dr. Thomas M. Gill of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, said that these results suggest that it is possible for some older people to stave off the disabilities that their weakened state puts them at risk of developing.
"We want to identify older persons who are at risk of being disabled...and try to prevent those outcomes," he told Reuters Health.
Reporting in the October 3rd issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, Gill and his colleagues followed 188 frail patients at least 75 years old, half of whom received a physical therapy program designed to improve their balance, muscle strength and movement.
The remaining patients underwent an educational program, during which healthcare workers visited them and informed them about general health recommendations for the elderly, such as obtaining vaccinations and remaining physically active.
Both programs consisted of home visits by a healthcare worker during the first 6 months, then regular phone calls for an additional 6 months.
The investigators found that patients who completed the physical therapy program reported less disability than their peers at both 7 months and 12 months after the program began.

See full article here

Physical Therapy Topics: Good Posture

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-05-17T09:43:50-04:00

Poor posture is a direct consequence of a modern lifestyle. Poor posture can add years to an individual's appearance without the slightest hint to the individual. It's likely that you may have poor posture and not know it, unless a physical therapist or an exercise professional points it out. The causes of poor posture include:

1. Habit: The unnatural postures of sitting at work (hunched over a computer), standing with uneven weight distribution, leaning forward with a rounded back tend to add up and cause a permanent, unnatural alignment of the spine. Unless we remind ourselves to “sit up straight”, the "bad" posture becomes "normal".
2. Injury: If your back, neck, or shoulder muscles have been injured, you may find it challenging to sit up straight. Injury or weakness in certain muscles can force you to slouch due to pain.
3. Stress: Undergoing physical and/or mental stress can be exhausting on your body. Many people, when stressed, switch to shallow breathing which directly affects overall body posture. Physical stress, where we exert ourselves beyond our capacity can trigger incorrect posture. This can happen quite easily while moving furniture and appliances, or by lifting heavy boxes, or even by picking up infants, toddlers, and children improperly.
4. Genetics: Unfortunately, poor posture can be passed from generation to generation.
5. Shoes: Wearing comfortable shoes are essential for most activities. This is not just limited to the gym, running, or sports, but for every situation that requires periods of standing, walking, or moving in general. Inappropriate footwear can lead to generalized back pain, hip / knee pain, and postural problems.

The truth is - overcoming poor posture can be challenging, especially if it’s been a long time in the making.
There are proper techniques for moving and lifting heavy items, and tips to keep you from getting injured:
• Try to stretch prior to physical exertion.
• When pushing, pulling, or lifting, always take advantage of the strength in your legs, taking special care not to rely on your back for power.
• To lift a box, bend your knees and pull the box close to your stomach. If the box is on the floor, don’t bend over to pick it up; even light boxes pose a hazard if they are picked up incorrectly. With any activity, it is always a good idea to keep your back straight as often as possible.

Poor posture can also be an indicator of a more serious spinal condition, such as scoliosis, an abnormal spinal curve. Scoliosis may be present from birth, or it may develop over time, although in most cases, its true cause is not fully understood. Scoliosis can be very painful because it causes misalignment throughout the entire body, but it may be diagnosed as the result of rib, hip and shoulder problems, muscle variations in the back, or nerve dysfunction.

Overall, the best way to prevent unwarranted injury is by using common sense and maintaining good posture. This is exactly where we help you. Our experienced staff can alleviate poor posture and help restore muscle balance and proper joint alignment.
Practice Makes Perfect!

If you experience aches and pains as a result of poor posture, a good starting point is to try and correct your posture one day at a time. At work, place a small reminder on your computer, desk, or workspace to keep you aware of your position, especially if you will be sitting for extended periods of time.

Self awareness is part of the solution. If your body has found its way into an unnatural "comfort zone", remind yourself that each day you sit up straight brings you one day closer to relief. We will evaluate you to determine exactly what must be done to restore optimum posture and to relieve aches and pain, allowing you to function better and breathe more efficiently (plus, it looks better!).
Physical Therapy As A Solution

Physical therapy is a proven solution for poor posture and associated aches and pains. Give us a call today and take advantage of the our knowledge and expertise. We will teach you the right methods to look 'posture perfect'.
Our skilled staff will provide you with a precise, targeted exercise plan (and tips on exercises to avoid) to restore optimum posture. We will also teach you the correct ways to sit and stand, move and lift items, get in and out of bed and exercise / breathing techniques to minimize strain on your joints.

So pick up the phone and give us a call - good posture is what the human body was designed for, and that's exactly what we can help you achieve!

The Benefits of Daily Exercise for the Elderly

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-05-12T09:40:06-04:00

Senior Fitness Helps Avoid Chronic Disease
Asa Ghaffar
“Data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that "About 28 percent to 34 percent of adults aged 65 to 74 and 35 percent to 44 percent of adults ages 75 or older are inactive, meaning they engage in no leisure-time physical activity."
A regular exercise routine can help seniors avoid chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer disease, high blood pressure and heart disease . The CDC Report also stated that "Only 13 percent of individuals between ages 65 and 74 reported engaging in vigorous physical activity for 20 minutes 3 or more days per week, and only 6 percent of those 75 and older reported such exercise."

Read more at : The Benefits of Daily Exercise for the Elderly: Senior Fitness Helps Avoid Chronic Diseases http://senior-fitness.suite101.com/article.cfm/daily_exercise_for_the_elderly#ixzz0nir9AOv8

Physical Therapy Topics: Hip Arthirtis

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-05-02T13:24:29-04:00

Hip arthritis generally results from osteoarthritis, or “wear-and-tear” arthritis. In a nutshell, osteoarthritis progressively wears away the cartilage of the joint it affects. Without cartilage in the joint to make movements smoother, the hip bones begin to grind and cause pain. Hip arthritis is typically found in individuals who are:
• Over 50 years old
• Overweight – in fact, weight loss has a tendency to lessen the symptoms of hip arthritis.
• Genetics - if the condition runs in your family, your chances of developing it are much greater.
• Trauma – injuries to the hip, including fractures, can increase risk.

There’s no way to tell for sure who will develop hip arthritis, but there are a few measures you can take to avoid this debilitating condition:
• Lose weight. More weight = more compression on all joints. Weight loss can dramatically decrease symptoms.Seek the help of your physical therapist or exercise professional. We can teach you exercises to better distribute the pressure on your joints from everyday movements.
• Modify your activities. Limit activities that are painful. Continue with ones that are not. Aquatic exercise is a great option to perform exercises without increasing joint compression. Use walking aids. We can show you the right way to use a cane/crutch to help alleviate your pain.
• Ask your doctor about trying anti-inflammatory medications.
• In severe cases, you may need to talk to your doctor about hip replacement surgery.

As soon as you start feeling the symptoms of hip arthritis, including limited range of motion, joint stiffness, and pain in the hip area, see your doctor. If you receive a diagnosis of hip arthritis, following the steps outlined above. The goal is to avoid a hip replacement surgery, which should always be your last resort. Our well trained staff will help you make the most of your condition so you can carry out your day to day activities with less pain.
Becoming a Couch Potato Wont Save Your Hip
It's a common misconception that less activity (being sedentary) will “save” your hip from further decay. On the contrary, medical experts recommend that you remain as active as your comfort level will allow.You certainly don’t want to force activities that will result in more pain down the road..

If you or a loved one have any hip discomfort, it is IMPERATIVE that you consult our staff right away for recommendations on exercises and activities that will be right for your condition.
The Importance of Heat and Stretching
Before exercising, use heat to loosen the muscles in preparation for stretching exercises. The best method is a warm shower or bath for 10-15 minutes. You can also use a heating pad or a towel warmed in the microwave, but remember, warm heat gets into the joint better than dry heat! Then, STRETCH daily!. Some common stretching we recommend include:
• Knee-to-chest pulls.
• Start in a comfortable position lying on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Bring one knee to your chest and hold it with your hands for 10 seconds. Do not bounce. Lower your leg and repeat the process with the other leg. Repeat the sequence 5 times.
•
• Hamstring stretch. Lie on your back in a doorway, with one leg through the open door. Slide your leg up the wall to straighten your knee. You should feel a gentle stretch down the back of your leg. Hold it for 10 seconds. Be careful to not arch your back, or bend either knee. Remember to keep one heel touching the floor and the other heel touching the wall. Do not point your toes. Repeat with your other leg..
Physical therapy is a critical step in the management of pain associated with hip arthritis. We will work with you to create a treatment plan that includes exercise and other specialized techniques to relieve your pain.

Physical Therapy Topics: Is that BlackBerry Causing You Pain?

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-04-22T15:52:34-04:00

We live in a world of information and technology. People of all ages and backgrounds are clicking away on a Blackberry, PDAs, or Iphones. These phones are very useful in helping us manage a calendar, surf the web, check email and text. But there is something no one is talking about. Using your phone too much can be a source of pain in your thumbs, wrists, forearms, even your neck!

That’s right. Most people work on their blackberries and cellphones with their thumbs (not using the fingers at all) and in a position that’s not natural for the thumb and wrist joints. Therefore, after hours of improper positioning of the hand and wrist, it is not uncommon to feel aches and pains throughout the thumb region, with possible extensions into the wrist, forearms, even your neck. As a result, injuries such as “Blackberry thumb”, carpal tunnel syndrome, or elbow pain can occur. In addition, looking down for a prolonged period of time can lead to neck pain.

How can PDAs lead to overuse injuries?
The intention of spending 5 minutes checking your e-mail can easily turn into an hour browsing the web on the phone for some individuals. Your thumb, wrist, and neck have been held in the same unnatural position the entire time. Before long, your thumb(s) have been typing in an awkward position that they start hurting. Your wrists have been bent over and tendinitis can set in. Your neck aches from looking down at your Blackberry for a long time.
The key here: Listen to your body! If there’s any pain, stop what you’re doing and rest!
If you’ve already started to feel the effects of excessive blackberry use, call your therapist today.

The Aches and Pains of the Blackberry...

If you spend a lot of time on your PDA, you should be aware of the signs of overuse.
• In the early stages, expect general aches and pains.
• Tightness in the muscles within and surrounding the joint (thumb, wrist, or neck) slowly worsen over time.
• If not addressed, pain continues to persist and is more constant throughout the day.
So, what do you do to prevent any short-term or long-term injury?
• The number one solution is REST! Rest your thumbs (after all it’s the fingers that are meant to do the typing, not your thumbs).
• Take frequent breaks while doing a lot of texting or e-mailing. Your body cannot heal if it is constantly subject to the same activity. So be sure to stretch your hands and wrists frequently.
• Give your neck a rest by looking up and bending sideways, stretching every 5-10 minutes. Ask your therapist what the best stretches are for your hands, wrists, and neck.
Preventing The Woes Of The Blackberry
If you find yourself suffering from the aches and strains after prolonged use of your PDA, our qualified staff can help to alleviate some of the related discomfort. In addition to pain relief, we can also teach you the best way to position your thumbs, hands, wrists, and neck to prevent further injury.
Word of Caution:
Prevention is the best medicine. Here are some tips from our team:
• Take frequent breaks – rest after every 10-15 minutes. Periodically look up, giving your neck a break from looking down
• Hold the Blackberry a little higher to decrease the amount of stress on the neck (so you don’t have to look down as much)
• Write fewer and shorter messages
• Try to keep your wrists straight when holding your Blackberry from both sides
• Alternate typing between fingers to give your thumbs a break
• Consider using a portable ergonomic keyboard for your PDA, especially if you travel a lot and are typing consistently.
• Make sure that you keep your hands, wrists and arms at the proper angles to prevent other injuries from developing.
Don’t hesitate to call our office before your hands, wrists and neck suffer any further. By now, you probably know that a little human care and intervention from our team is exactly what you need in a increasingly technology-driven society.

Physical Therapy Topics: Caring for Arthritic Joints

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-04-01T08:43:48-04:00

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. This degenerative joint disease is a chronic condition characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage, leading to bones rubbing against each other. Typically, it affects the 'bigger' joints in the body, like the hip, knee, shoulder, even the spine. This leads to progressive stiffness, inflammation, pain and loss of mobility in the joint.

Many people think that exercising with osteoarthritis is difficult, even impossible, because of the pain. The truth is that an arthritic joint needs to get nutrition, and there is no better way to provide joints their nutrients than movement itself. Exercise is actually beneficial for those with osteoarthritis, but there are some things to remember.

• Exercise will help you feel better, reduce pain, and improve your ability to do daily activities if done regularly.
• A common symptom is pain after activity, which may make you reluctant to exercise. However, you can help relieve pain with heat or ice to stay active.
• Ice is a great drug-free pain reliever. It helps decrease joint swelling and pain. If your joint hurts, apply ice for 15 minutes. If you don't have a cold pack, a bag of frozen vegetables (like peas) will do the trick.
• Exercise should be balanced with rest and joint care. If your joints hurt or you notice redness or swelling, rest your joints, then try a little exercise.
• Sharp or unusual pain may be a sign of injury. Talk to your physical therapist or health professional if you have new or more intense pain.
• Always check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Joints and muscles need to be exercised to prevent stiffness and weakness. Also, exercise will make you feel better and help you maintain a healthy weight. Excess body weight places extra force and pressure on arthritic joints, which helps osteoarthritis progress more rapidly.

Why Should I Exercise?

Here’s what happens without exercise. Less movement means more stiffness in your joints, making your osteoarthritis progress faster. Research suggests that if your joint is unusually loose or does not line up normally, some exercises may hurt more than help your joints. Your physical therapist is the right professional to help you determine what exercise is best for you.

Stretching and strengthening exercises will help prevent associated stiffness and reduce stress on the joint. For example, strong thigh muscles will minimize some of the stress off the weight-bearing joints of the knee and hips.
Exercise for people with osteoarthritis can help to:
• Improve joint function and movement
• Possibly delay or prevent the need for surgery. (For example, the need for knee replacements due to severe knee osteoarthritis)
• Improve strength, posture and balance in older adults, reducing the risk of falls.
Spring Into Group Exercise!
Exercising with a friend, or in a group is a lot easier than exercising alone. People with osteoarthritis who exercise in groups have less pain, less depression, and better joint mobility.
Here are 4 tips to keep your joints healthy:
• Watch your weight. That’s the best thing you can do for your joints. Research shows that with every pound gained, a person puts four times more stress on the knees.

• Strong muscles cushion your joints. If your muscles are weak, your joints take the beating, especially your knees, which support your entire body weight. Talk to your therapist before starting any exercise on your own. You don't want to strain the very joint you are trying to strengthen.
• Low-impact exercises like biking and swimming are great for arthritic hips and knees, but this varies from one person to another.
• Find out what exercises are safe for your joints. Research shows that those who participate in a home exercise program and also attend an exercise class have better gains in function. So if you don’t know what exercises are right for you, call us today to see what’s best for your joints! We can help you spring into action!

Physical Therapy Topics: Ankle Sprains Explained

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-03-16T07:55:43-04:00

The ligaments surrounding the ankle are surprisingly fragile. A seemingly harmless motion has the potential to cause serious sprains. Ankle ligaments are elastic structures that hold the ankle joint together to prevent (or minimize) excessive twisting and turning that can lead to injury. These ligaments are able to stretch slightly to accommodate normal movements, but as with everything, they have an inherent limit. When they are stretched beyond their natural limits, the result is a painful sprain.

You probably know the feeling...

Anyone can suffer from ankle sprains, from trained athletes to a regular Joe. A few actions that can lead to ankle sprains are:
• Running, particularly if you plant your foot at an awkward angle
• Walking on uneven surfaces
• Missing a step while climbing stairs

You can even sprain your ankle just from stepping out of bed, if you happen to step down on something that twists your ankle at an unnatural angle. In fact, 25,000 U.S. citizens sprain their ankles every day, both from athletic activities and day-to-day missteps.

When you sprain your ankle, here’s what happens:

Blood rushes into the injured area, causing inflammation. The ankle swells up, causing increased sensitivity of the nerves, leading to pain. Attempting to move the ankle, standing or walking on it can be extremely painful. The injured ankle might also become red and overly warm because of the increased blood flow.

Typically, a sprain is minor enough to heal by itself by the next day. However, if the ankle gets swollen and standing or walking on it becomes unbearable, a fracture needs to be ruled out. So be sure to go to the hospital and seek an X-ray or consult your physician at the very least.

Take The First Steps To Recovery!

The main goal in the early stages is to reduce inflammation. An important step after the injury is to apply ice as quickly as possible, in order to minimize swelling. Ice also helps to reduce the pain, redness, and warmth common to ankle sprains. It’s also important to rest the ankle as much as possible, and to elevate it above your heart. All this will facilitate healing and help your body absorb the fluid that has flooded into the tissue surrounding the injured area.

We Can Help!

The muscles surrounding a sprained ankle often tighten and shorten, resulting in decreased range of motion. As a result, your ankle is more prone to re-injury unless you stretch and strengthen those muscles.
This is where we come in to help you.

Our staff will work with you closely, every step of the way to carefully retrain the muscles and ligaments surrounding the injured area in order to help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible. We know how frustrating it can be, and want to assure you that we are committed to your rehabilitation and exercise needs.

One stretching activity we normally recommend during the process of recovery is a calf stretch. Here’s how to perform it:

1. Stand leaning against wall (or a piece of furniture that won’t move).
2. Take one step forward with the uninjured leg. Shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles point straight to the wall.
3. Bend the front knee slightly, and bring the hips forward. Make sure the back leg is straight and the heel is on the ground.
4. Hold the stretch for 15-20 seconds.
5. Repeat 3-5 times.

Quick Notes:
• Be careful not to perform any stretches that cause immediate or intense pain, as you could cause injury to the already-tender muscles and ligaments.
• Use smooth, slow movements and remain within the limits of pain.
• When in doubt, err on the side of caution.
We can help you create a customized stretching plan that will restore flexibility in your muscles, provide pain relief and minimize the likelihood of further injury. Please call us to schedule a consultation today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Physical Therapy Topics: ACL injury

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-03-03T07:11:39-05:00

If you’re a sports fan, you've probably heard of ACL injuries but do you know how they are treated? In a nutshell, an ACL injury is a tear in the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), which is a ligament inside the knee that connects your upper leg and lower leg. It helps keep the knee stable. ACL injuries can range from minor injuries to complete tears, which can cause severe pain and immobility.
What causes ACL injuries?
ACL injuries are common in contact sports, especially football and soccer. If your foot is planted on the ground and something causes your knee to bend backward, twist, or move from side to side, your ACL could tear. Jumping and other sudden movements can also damage the ACL. Therefore, skiers and runners are at risk for ACL tears too. An ACL tear can affect any athlete. In fact, the NASCAR title favorite Denny Hamlin tore his ACL playing baseball, as reported by the Associated Press on January 26, 2010.
Individuals who do not engage in contact sports could also suffer from an ACL injury as a result of falling off a ladder or twisting their knee while climbing stairs. As with the rest of our bodies, the ACL gets weaker and more prone to injury with age, making individuals over 40 at a greater risk for injury.
How will I know if I have an ACL injury?

Typically, the first sign of an ACL injury is moderate to severe knee pain, but there are other symptoms as well:
• A popping noise or sensation in the knee when the injury happens
• Severe knee swelling within the first hour or two after the injury, which could indicate bleeding inside the knee
• The inability to move your knee because of the pain, swelling, or both
• An incredibly unstable feeling in your knee when you try to walk, or if it buckles or gives out on you
Remember, don’t let it go untreated. If you do, you can cause more damage to your knee joint. So be sure to make an appointment with your doctor if you suspect an ACL injury.

Use RICE For Immediate Relief

Starting first aid immediately after an ACL injury can minimize the extent of damage. The RICE method can work wonders to help reduce the swelling and pain associated with an ACL injury.

• Rest your knee. Don’t try to walk if you can avoid it.
• Secondly, put Ice on your knee.
• Then use an elastic bandage to apply Compression to the knee, being careful not to put it on so tightly that you restrict blood flow.
• Lastly, Elevate your leg above your heart. You can do this by lying down and propping your injured leg on a pillow or two (as you ice and compress it).
Strengthen the Knee to Get Yourself Back on Track

Depending on the extent of the injury, surgery may or may not be required. This is a decision you and your doctor will make together.

The primary role of physical therapy after an ACL injury is to return the injured knee to the same level of function as it was prior to the injury. With a multi-faceted approach geared towards optimum recovery, our rehabilitation professionals will get you back on your feet as soon as possible.

After a complete evaluation, we will often prescribe a comprehensive rehabilitation program consisting of:
• Flexibility routines
• Strengthening exercises
• Stabilization movements
• Endurance activities

Your physical therapist will work with you to determine the best plan of action, based on your activity level before the injury and the current functionality of your non-injured leg. By working closely with us, you might be able to strengthen the quadriceps and hamstring muscles that support your knee enough to avoid surgery and further injury. This varies from one case to another, but we can assure you we will go out of your way to minimize surgical involvement.

We can help you experience both short-term relief and long-term recovery from your ACL injury. Please call us to schedule a consultation today. We also offer preventive strengthening programs to assist you or an athlete in your family to stabilize and strengthen the knee joint, minimizing the possibility of ACL injuries. After all, "Prevention is better than cure".

Physical Therapy Topics: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-02-17T09:14:25-05:00

Do you suffer from Pain or Numbness in Your Arm and Hand?
In today's newsletter, we will examine one of the possible causes, known as Thoracic
Outlet Syndrome. It is a condition that causes pain in the neck, shoulders, and down the arm due to compressed nerves or blood vessels. The small passageway through the thoracic outlet (the area located between your neck and armpit) can be blocked, restricting blood flow and nerve transmission to vital tissues in the arm and hands.

Some factors that might cause a blockage include:
• Enlarged muscles in the area, particularly from weight lifting
• Excessive weight gain
• Tumors in the lung region (a rare condition)
Unfortunately, there is no specific cause found for thoracic outlet syndrome. Symptoms must be evaluated on an individual basis. Extensive tests are often conducted to diagnose a true thoracic outlet syndrome.

Here's a quick and easy way to determine if you or someone you know might be suffering from thoracic outlet syndrome..

Common signs include:
• Mild to severe pain in the neck, shoulder, and arm
• Tingling/numbness in the arms and/or hands
• Signs of poor circulation in your hands, like having “cold hands”
• Weak grip strength in one arm relative to the other

If these symptoms seem familiar, a visit to your medical practitioner could lead to answers and relief, often using conservative treatment options. These include include exercises supervised by experienced physical therapists or exercise professionals.

Simple, Powerful Remedies
If you’re suffering from thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms, there are a few things you can do at home to help ease your discomfort.
1. Avoid overhead work, especially for prolonged periods of time.
2. If you tend to sleep with one arm positioned above your head, try to train yourself to keep your arms by your side.
3. If you do a lot of typing or other tiring arm and hand work during the day, be sure to take short, frequent breaks to give your muscles a chance to rest.
4. Stay away from lifting heavy objects as often as you can.

Stretch, Strengthen and Improve Posture...
Gentle stretches, progressive strengthening and postural reeducation go a long way to treat this condition. We recommend that you diligently follow our exercise program. Our commitment to quality and pain relief assures you a comprehensive evaluation and a specific, targeted program to help you recover quickly. The treatment for thoracic outlet syndrome can be conservative, but may require surgery in some cases. The sooner we see you, the more we can do to help you recover.

A comprehensive rehabilitation program, the kind that we provide, will help strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder so that they are better able to support the involved region. Here's what you may be looking at, in terms of treatment options:
• Postural exercises can help you stand and sit straighter, which significantly decrease the pressure on the nerves and blood vessels.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as prescribed by your doctor, can ease the pain. If you are overweight, your physician may recommend a weight loss program.
• You may need to change your work station and avoid strenuous activities. Talk to a physical therapist about the best ergonomic set-up for your work station.
• In some instances, when conservative treatment fails, surgery is the last resort. The surgery involves dividing a muscle in the neck and removing a portion of the first rib.
Thoracic outlet syndrome can be a painful and frustrating condition, especially when it inhibits a person from enjoying daily activities. The good news is that thoracic outlet syndrome is treatable, often times with stretching exercises (among other treatments) that your physical therapist and rehabilitation team recommends.
As with every condition, the sooner you come in for help with your pain, the faster your recovery will be.
Schedule your consultation with us today to be on the road to recovery.

Proudly Serving the following towns in Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens NY

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-02-13T05:41:36-05:00

Nassau County Towns:

◦ Baldwin
◦ Bellmore
◦ Elmont
◦ Franklin Square
◦ Freeport
◦ Freeport Village
◦ Garden City
◦ Levittown
◦ Lynbrook
◦ Merrick
◦ New Hyde Park Village
◦ Rockville Centre
◦ Uniondale
◦ Valley Stream
◦ Great Neck Village
◦ Great Neck
◦ Manhasset
◦ New Hyde Park
◦ Port Washington
◦ Saddle Rock
◦ Sands Point
◦ Bayville
◦ Bethpage
◦ Hicksville
◦ Massapequa Park
◦ Plainview-Old Bethpage
◦ Syosset
◦ Syosset/Woodbury
◦ Glen Cove
◦ Long Beach

Suffolk County Towns:

◦ Amityville
◦ Babylon Village
◦ Lindenhurst ◦ East Northport
◦ Huntington
◦ Huntington Life
◦ Northport Village
◦ Northport ◦ Bellport
◦ Blue Point
◦ Brookhaven
◦ Mastic, Mastic Beach & Shirley
◦ Port Jefferson
◦ Patchogue - Medford
◦ Stony Brook ◦ East Hampton
◦ East Hampton Guide
◦ Montauk ◦ Bay Port-Blue Point
◦ Bay Shore LI
◦ East Islip
◦ Oakdale
◦ Ocean Beach
◦ Sayville
◦ West Islip
◦ Riverhead
◦ St. James
◦ Smithtown ◦ East Quogue
◦ Hampton Bays
◦ Sag Harbor
◦ Sag Harbor
◦ Greenport
◦ Mattituck

Queens :

Long Island City, Astoria, Steinway, Ditmars, Ravenswood, Dutch Kills, Queensbridge, Hunters Point, the Midtown Tunnel, Blissville, LaGuardia Community College, Queens Plaza, Queens West, Sunnyside, Maspeth, Middle Village, Glendale, Ridgewood, Jackson Heights, LaGuardia Airport, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, Corona, Woodside, LeFrak City,Flushing and Northern Queens, Flushing, Kissena Park, Murray Hill, Flushing-Broadway, College Point, Whitestone, Beechhurst, Malba, the Whitestone Bridge, Willets Point, Flushing Meadows Park, the Unisphere, Citi Field, Queens College, Kew Gardens Hills, Queensboro Hill, Elechester, Pomonok, Hillcrest, South Central Queens, Richmond Hill, Woodhaven, Forest Park, Howard Beach, Hamilton Beach, Lindenwood, Ozone Park, Tudor Park, South Ozone Park, the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Central Queens, Rego Park, Forest Hills, Forest Hills Gardens, Kew Gardens
Central-East Queens, Briarwood, Jamaica Estates, Jamaica Hills, Hollis Hills, Holliswood, Fresh Meadows, St. John's University, Jamaica and Southeast Queens, Jamaica, South Jamaica, York College, Hollis, St. Albans, Rosedale, Laurelton, Springfield Gardens, Brookville, Cambria Heights, Rochdale Village, JFK Airport, Northeast Queens
Bayside, Bay Terrace, Douglas Manor, Douglaston, Oakland Gardens, Alley Pond Park, Little Neck, Auburndale, and the Throgs Neck Bridge, Eastern Queens, Floral Park, Cunningham Park, Queens Village, Bellerose, Glen Oaks, North Shore Towers, The Rockaways , Broad Channel, Breezy Point, Far Rockaway, Arverne, Fort Tilden, Somerville, Edgemere, Bayswater, Rockaway Park, Belle Harbor, Neponsit, Roxbury

Physical Therapy Topics: Frozen Shoulder

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-02-03T07:59:17-05:00

Is Frozen Shoulder Taking Over Your Life?

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that restricts mobility in the affected arm. A healthy shoulder joint has a greater range of motion than any other joint in the human body. In this condition, the capsule around the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, scarred, thickened, or contracted, forming scar tissue and causing stiffness in the shoulder joint.

Even though trauma can sometimes lead to frozen shoulder, the cause is largely unknown.

Known causes or risk factors for frozen shoulder include:
• Age and Gender – Frozen shoulder typically occurs in patients who are 40-60 years of age and for reasons still unknown, is twice as likely to occur in women than men.
• Diabetes – Endocrine disorders (diabetes and thyroid issues) are a leading cause of frozen shoulder.
• Shoulder surgery – Patients who undergo shoulder, chest, or breast surgery are at risk for developing frozen shoulder. This is especially true for patients whose recovery process includes long periods of immobilizing the shoulder joint.
• Systemic diseases – Conditions like heart disease and Parkinson’s disease have been linked to frozen shoulder.

Typical symptoms of frozen shoulder are:
• Dull, aching shoulder pain
• The inability to move your shoulder in a wide range of motion
• Difficulty with common everyday activities such as getting dressed or putting on glasses.
• Pain when sleeping or otherwise applying pressure to the affected shoulder.

If you suspect frozen shoulder, schedule a visit with your medical practitioner. A physical examination and x-rays may be warranted to determine the extent of involvement.
The Three Stages of Frozen Shoulder
There are three stages of frozen shoulder.

Stage 1: Usually lasts between 6-12 weeks, is by far the most painful, but also the shortest stage of frozen shoulder. While you will notice restricted motion in this stage, your shoulder won’t be nearly as 'stiff' as during the second stage.

Stage 2: The “Frozen Stage”: Over the next several weeks (or months), pain will subside, but don’t be alarmed if the stiffness increases, and you notice a loss of motion. At this stage, the right kind of care (especially the kind we provide) is critically important to prevent long term damage.

Stage 3: The “Thawing Stage”: In this final stage, range of motion steadily improves. While the thawing stage steadily brings relief, it can take many months of recovery to return to a degree of normalcy.

Do Not Let It Freeze You...
Stretching exercises represent a critical component in the treatment of frozen shoulder, which is where we help every step of the way.
Stretching is important for 2 reasons
1. It helps increase shoulder motion, and
2. It can minimize the loss of muscle tissue in the affected arm.
Gradual, progressive stretching within the limits of pain is the best strategy as pain reduces
Some examples that your physical therapist might suggest include:
• Cane exercises: Hold a straight cane or long umbrella in front of you at hip height. Slowly raise the cane above your head as high as you can. Perform as directed by your therapist.
• Pulley exercises: Using a pulley system over a door or a wall-mounted hook, pull with the uninjured hand to bring the injured arm up and over your head to stretch the shoulder. Be sure to stay within the limits of pain. Perform as prescribed by your therapist.

Our highly experienced staff can help you find the right stretches for every stage of injury. We will create a personalized program designed to help you recover quickly. Don’t let frozen shoulder slow you down.
We welcome the opportunity to work with you as a team to overcome frozen shoulder and facilitate your road to recovery.

Physical Therapy Topics: Whiplash Can Be A Real Pain In the Neck!

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-01-21T10:16:52-05:00

Whiplash, a common cause of neck pain, is caused by an injury to muscles in the neck. The most common cause of whiplash is a car accident.
Note that the speed of the cars involved in the accident may not be directly related to the amount of physical damage to the neck. Speeds as slow as 15 miles/hour can cause damage to the tissues in the neck, especially if you don’t wear your seat belt. So always take extra precautions during poor driving conditions and extreme traffic to save you and your loved ones many years of neck pain!
Whiplash can also be caused by neck injuries due to contact sports (football, wrestling), falls (beware of slippery floors or icy roads) and even repetitive neck stress like consistently holding a phone headset between your head and shoulder. These factors put undue strain on your neck muscles.
Wondering if you might have whiplash?

Common symptoms include:
• Neck pain or stiffness
• Blurred vision
• Swelling of the neck
• Neck tenderness, especially on the back of your neck
• Muscle spasms within your neck muscles
• Muscle tension that makes moving your neck from side to side difficult

Always consult a physician as soon as possible after you feel the first symptoms of whiplash. The physician will diagnose the extent of the injury and recommend treatments, which might include wearing a neck brace to stabilize the neck, prescribing anti-inflammatory medications to ease the swelling and pain, and utilizing exercise to help you restore function.
Don't Ignore The Pain..

You might think that your symptoms aren’t severe enough to require medical attention and decide to 'live with it', maybe popping a few over-the-counter pills for pain relief.
The truth is, not seeking proper treatment for your whiplash injury will only make the problem worse.
Seeking the right treatment in a timely manner from our team can bring relief and prevent months, perhaps years of pain and anguish after the accident. Your best bet is to seek help from experienced professionals like us as soon as you suspect that you or a loved one might have whiplash.
Passive And Active Treatment Options

The use of physical therapy and controlled exercises after a whiplash injury can help ensure that your muscles regain their full functionality over time. You might need to begin with some passive treatments and gradually progress to active exercises.

These include:
• Cold therapy. Immediately after an injury, applying cold to the injured area for 15-20 minutes helps reduce inflammation and lessen pain and muscles spasms. Make sure you don’t apply the ice directly to your skin. Use a towel between the ice and your neck.
• Soft / deep tissue massage. With this technique, your physical therapist applies controlled, direct pressure to the neck muscles, which helps release tension in the soft tissues, improves blood flow and aids in a speedy recovery.
• Heat therapy. Heat applied directly to injured muscles draws more blood to the area, which results in more oxygen and nutrients to help with the healing process. Be careful not to use heat before the first 24-48 hours, as it can cause more swelling!
• Ultrasound. This technique increases blood circulation by sending sound waves deep into your muscle tissues. The result is a decreased occurrence of muscle spasms, swelling, cramping, pain, and stiffness.

In addition to these, active treatments will be incorporated. These treatments will vary based on the severity of your injury, your levels of health and fitness prior to the injury, and healing rate. Our goal is the same as yours: To help you get rid of pain and return to your normal activities as soon as possible!
Call us to schedule your consultation today.

Physical Therapy Topics: Exercise after Knee Replacement Surgery

cynderblox@aol.com — 2010-01-05T17:17:36-05:00

If you’ve been undergoing treatment for knee arthritis and haven’t gotten any pain relief yet, your doctor may recommend a total knee replacement surgery.
According to the University of California San Francisco Medical Center, over 90% of people who undergo a total knee replacement experience a dramatic decrease in knee pain and are able to resume their daily activities post surgery. If a total knee replacement is recommended by your physician, there is nothing to worry about. Here’s what you can do to physically prepare yourself for the surgery:

• Talk to your physical therapist or exercise professional about strengthening and stretching exercises that can help your knee.

• You may need to lose weight with a program of controlled exercise and healthy nutrition. Your physician will indicate if you need to consult a registered dietician.

• Be sure to give your doctor a list of every medication you take to eliminate the possibility of any adverse affects while under anesthesia.

Following surgery, your hospital stay can be between 3 to 7 days. You’ll most likely receive fluids and antibiotics intravenously to ward off infection, and you’ll also get pain medications every 3-4 hours. During recovery, your doctor will be closely watching to make sure that you don’t develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in the leg veins. Be sure to wear your leg stockings and perform foot and ankle exercises as mentioned by your therapist to help prevent blood clots.
Physical therapy is an essential component of recovery after surgery. It is begun as soon as possible after surgery to help you learn to walk with walking aides, and help you manage daily activities (like getting out of bed or a car, and going up and down stairs). Many patients will spend a portion of their days on a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine, which bends and straightens the leg repeatedly while the patient lies in bed.
As specialists in rehabilitation, our goal is to gradually increase your level of physical activity to help you return to normal activities at home.

Not Ready For Knee Replacement?

If you’ve exhausted nonsurgical treatment options such as medication, lifestyle modification and exercises, but still aren’t ready for a total knee replacement, ask your doctor about other surgical options.

For instance, arthroscopy is considered a common alternative to total knee replacement. The most popular arthroscopic procedure used to relieve knee pain from osteoarthritis is debridement. In this procedure, surgeons scrape away the damaged tissue until they reach a layer of healthy tissue.
Keep in mind, though, that this operation is likely to postpone total knee replacement for a variable period (generally three to five years) rather than replacing it entirely.

Getting Back On Your Feet!

Once you’re released from the hospital, be sure to continue with the recommended therapy exercises to ensure good recovery. The length of exercise therapy will depend on your age, fitness level, and motivation but typically lasts 6 to 8 weeks.

Between your therapy sessions, our skilled exercise professionals will suggest some home exercises to be done, to help speed your recovery. These home exercises are crucial and should not be ignored.
A WORD OF CAUTION:

The risk of injury after a total knee replacement is great, so make sure that you follow our advice closely when performing exercises. Discuss all new exercises with us, your exercise professionals before trying them to be sure that they’re suitable for your condition.

Physical Therapy Topics: Knee Osteoarthritis

cynderblox@aol.com — 2009-12-22T05:44:27-05:00

The knee joints support an individuals entire body weight as we move around doing our daily chores. In fact, they are subject to intense forces when we run, climb stairs, or perform other strenuous motions.
If you are of the millions of individuals suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee, you probably know that this condition can severely hinder your ability to perform your normal daily functions.

How does it happen?

It’s estimated that roughly 75% of all people over the age of 60 will experience arthritis in one joint or another, and doctors believe that being very overweight can increase your odds.
In technical terms, osteoarthritis is characterized as “pain, stiffness, limited range of motion, and mechanical irregularities of the affected joint.”
So what does a knee joint with arthritis look like? Picture this: a healthy joint is (from the inside) smooth and wet, with cartilage that easily 'soaks up' fluid and nutrients to allow easy movement of the joint with little to no friction.

An osteoarthritic joint, on the other hand, has trouble absorbing the necessary fluids, so it begins to 'dry out', leading to cracks on the surface. When this roughened cartilage connects with other cracked, dry cartilage, the result is like sandpaper grinding against sandpaper.
If you believe you have osteoarthritis of the knee, contact your doctor. In addition to a physical examination, the doctor may request x-rays of your knee(s) or test your blood to rule out other forms of arthritis. If you are diagnosed with arthritis, there are steps you can take, with the help of our trusted therapists, to improve your situation.

Are Supplements Right For You?

There are many supplements that claim to bring relief to arthritis sufferers, but do any of them truly work? Glucosamine, which is derived from shellfish exoskeletons and is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, was found to be as effective as acetaminophen in reducing osteoarthritis pain in several studies. However, the word on Chondroitin is still out. Before you invest in over the counter supplements, consult your doctor about the likely benefits in your unique situation.
Low-impact exercises within the limits of pain (walking, bicycling and aquatic exercises) are typically best. As exercise and injuy prevention specialists, we will evaluate you to determine exactly what frequency, intensity and duration of exercise ('core components') is best for you.
A Word of Caution:

High-impact activities (running and jumping) must be avoided since they place an unnecessary amount of stress on the joints. If you’re unsure about a particular exercise, please discuss it with us.
Your best bet is to participate in low-impact exercises that can help strengthen your muscles and improve your flexibility, with a gradual increase in one of the 'core components' mentioned above.
We provide many suggestions for safe, effective exercises that can be performed at home to help you better cope with your osteoarthritis. Call us today to find out what’s best for you. You don't have to suffer from knee pain. We can help.

Physical Therapy Topics: Osteoporosis

cynderblox@aol.com — 2009-12-07T19:51:57-05:00

When bones start to go 'soft', it's time to face the hard truth.
An insidious and silent disease, osteoporosis doesn’t manifest in the early stages. It has no signs or symptoms until a serious injury or fracture occurs. You may not know you have the disease until a small bump or fall causes you to break a bone.

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones lose calcium and become “porous”. This makes the bone more susceptible to breakage. Bone begins to break down quickly and does not regenerate at a sufficient pace. If you smoke cigarettes and are over 50 years of age, have a diet low in calcium, or are a woman with early menopause, your risk of osteoporosis increases.

Why is it called silent?
The physical manifestations of osteoporosis are not evident In the early stages. Sometimes, you may experience a dull bone or muscle pain in the low back or neck, which escalates to sharp, nagging pain lasting for months. As it progresses, bones become weaker, and your risk for a fracture increases. Bones in the wrist, hip, and spine are most commonly fractured in individuals with this disease.

• Osteoporosis is a public health concern and affects more than 200 million individuals worldwide.
• About 85-90% of total bone mass is achieved by age 18 in girls and age 20 in boys.
• Think prevention: build strong bones from childhood. Preventive measures for kids can help prevent osteoporosis later in life.
• 80% of patients with osteoporosis are women. 20% are men.
• 1 out of every 2 women and 1 in 4 men over age 50 will break a bone in their lifetime due to osteoporosis.
• Osteoporosis can strike at any age. But, the older you are, the greater your risks.Those who are sedentary or on bed rest for a while have higher risks.
• Smoking or drinking alcohol excessively limits calcium absorption, which increases your risk for osteoporosis.

Prevention:
The key to keeping your bones healthy is: Eat right, exercise, and stop smoking and don’t drink alcohol excessively.
Nutrition is important: Proper intake of calcium and vitamin D help make your bones strong.
The case for exercise:
Exercise not only helps build muscle and endurance, it also builds and maintains bone density.
Two types of exercise for osteoporosis are:
• Weight-bearing in nature. These include walking, dancing, stair climbing depending on age and physical condition. Most experts recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity 5 times /week.
• Resistance (this includes lifting weights). This has shown to increase bone mass and reduce risk of fractures.
As you age, concerns about performing the right types of exercise grow, especially if you already have osteoporosis, or at risk for it. If you’ve never been physically active, or have other concerns, you can choose from a range of safe exercise options prescribed by your therapist.
Guidelines for safe exercise:
• Talk to your physician and consult your therapist before beginning any exercise program. This is especially important if you know you have bone loss or osteoporosis.
• Avoid high-impact exercises (like running and jumping)- they put more stress on your spine, and may even lead to fractures in weakened bones.
• If you already have osteoporosis, be careful of exercises that involve bending and twisting at the waist. These motions can put brittle bones at risk.
Call us before choosing any of these activities to make sure you have an exercise plan that’s safe and effective for your bone health. Depending on your needs, we can create a program that combines postural strengthening, balance training and bone strengthening to provide you with an ideal, customized program. We know what it takes to build strong, healthy bones for individuals of all ages and look forward to working with you.
It's time for a solid decision to strengthen and shape your bones. Call or email us today for more information.

Distinctive Home Physical Therapy: Elderly Physical Therapy serving Nassau and Suffolk Long Island, and Queens NY

Physical Therapy Topics: Blood Pressure Control

cynderblox@aol.com — 2009-11-19T16:17:31-05:00

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension is a serious health problem, especially during the holidays when exercise seems to take a back seat and calorie-rich foods are in abundance. Most of us have heard about the importance of controlling high blood pressure, but did you know that exercise plays a key role?
That’s right! Being physically activity not only helps control your blood pressure, it also helps control body weight and strengthen the heart and lungs. A healthy weight, a strong heart and general well-being are all good for your blood pressure.

The type of exercise, specifically the intensity (how hard you exercise) and frequency (how often you exercise) plays an important role.
Here's the good news. You don't have to do too much. Being moderately active, like walking briskly, is beneficial when done regularly for a total of 30 minutes or longer at least 5 days a week.
What is moderate intensity for physical activity?
Here’s a simple way to tell if your exercise intensity is on target:
• If you can easily carry on a full conversation and perform the activity at the same time, you are probably not working hard enough.
• If you can sing while exercising, your intensity is probably too easy.
• If you can carry on a conversation, but not a lengthy one, your intensity is probably right on target.
• If you get out of breath too quickly while exercising, or feel strained and have to stop to catch your breath, you are working too hard.

For overall health benefits for your heart and lungs, be sure to participate in moderate aerobic exercise on a regular basis. Here are some guidelines to exercise in a safe and effective range:
• Get a total of at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise each week (that’s 2 hrs and 30 minutes in a week.)
• Your weekly physical activity time can include 30 minutes/day for at least 5 days/week.
• Don’t forget to include stretching exercises daily.
• Also include strengthening exercises at least 2 times/week.

When trying to combat high blood pressure, make sure to follow these 7 strategies.
1. Are you overweight? Maintaining a healthy weight will help prevent high blood pressure. Talk to your physician about this. This can be challenging, but here’s what can make it attainable:
• Limit the portion size of your meals and snacks, and cut way back on high calorie foods. If you eat as many calories as you burn each day, you’ll maintain your weight. Eating fewer calories than you burn will facilitate weight loss. More importantly, weight loss (if you are overweight to begin with) will help control blood pressure.
2. When you plan meals, think of your heart. Choose a diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. Avoid foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol.
3. Consume less salt. Salt, or sodium, can increase blood pressure. For specific guidelines, consult your physician or nutritionist. As a general rule, limit your sodium intake to no more than 2,400 mg, or about 1 teaspoon of salt each day.
4. If you drink alcohol, practice moderation. the recommended limit for men is no more than 2 drinks per day, and women is one alcoholic beverage per day.
5. Increase your physical activity. Exercise is key! If you get very little exercise now, start slowly and work your way up to at least 30 minutes of a moderate-level activity, such as brisk walking or bicycling, each day.
6. Stop smoking. Research shows that smoking increases your chances of developing a heart disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and several forms of cancer.
7. Talk to your doctor. Know what your blood pressure reading is and what it means to your health. Remember to take any medications consistently, as prescribed by your doctor.
If your daily routine includes hours of sitting at a desk and using countless labor-saving devices, it's possible to inadvertently slip into a pattern of inactivity. Make the right decision and schedule an evaluation with us, so we can identify the do's and dont's of exercise and injury prevention while structuring the most appropriate exercise protocol for you.
Taking charge of your health is the best decision you can make this holiday season. The choice is yours.
Call us today to get started on the road to a healthier you!

Distinctive Home Physical Therapy: Elderly Physical Therapy serving Nassau and Suffolk Long Island, and Queens NY

Diabetes: What to look for and how Physical Therapy can help

cynderblox@aol.com — 2009-11-04T06:18:51-05:00

It's got a lot to do with sugar, but there is nothing sweet about it.
Diabetes is a serious disease that leads to potentially life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation. It is a silent, progressive illness that sneaks up on individuals over the years, and is a leading cause of death across the world.
Chances are that someone you know and love is suffering from diabetes.
It's time to take massive action to combat diabetes. It is our responsibility to take a bold, preventive approach. In recent years, the American Diabetes Association reports that:

24 million children and adults in the United States live with diabetes
57 million Americans are at risk for type 2 diabetes
1 out of every 3 children born today will face a future with diabetes if current trends continue.

What is Diabetes?
There are 2 main types of diabetes.

Type 1: Results from the body's failure to produce insulin, the hormone that allows the body to breakdown and use sugar as energy. About 5-10% of Americans with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.

Type 2: Results from insulin resistance (where the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Most individuals with diabetes fall in this category. This is often associated with lack of exercise, obesity and a high carbohydrate diet.

Diabetes warning signs:

Since the symptoms of diabetes are not obvious, the disease can go unnoticed for many years. The early detection of diabetes and its treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes.
Some symptoms include:

Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Extreme hunger
Unusual weight loss
Increased fatigue
Irritability
Blurry vision

Consult your physician if you suspect signs of diabetes. Prevention is better than cure. We can also help you control blood sugar levels and design a preventive program with a combination of exercise and lifestyle management. Don't take this lightly - a program like this can literally add several years to your lifespan, particularly if you are likely to, or already have diabetes.

According to Diabetes Australia, "Regular exercise is an important part of your diabetes management. If you are on insulin, it will help your insulin to work more efficiently and assist with your blood glucose control."
Treatment of Diabetes is a combination of diet and exercise:

Diet: a well-balanced diet that is high in fiber, low in saturated fat, and low in concentrated sweets with a consistent number of calories will help control blood sugar (calorie control and treatment of obesity is critical in the battle against diabetes).
Exercise: Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes and improving blood sugar control in people with diabetes. It can also reduce the risk of developing associated complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, skin disorders, neuropathy/nerve damage, depression, foot problems and leg ulcers. Consult us, your primary health care providers before beginning an exercise program.

Exercise includes being physically active. It includes anything from walking outside, to dancing, to going for a bike ride, or even swimming.

Exercise can help:

Here are the top 10 benefits of being active:

Improve glucose levels (especially for those with type-2 diabetes)
Decrease use of diabetes medications, by lowering your blood glucose
Reduce body fat
Improve cardiovascular system (have a healthier heart)
Promote stress reduction
Increase your strength and ability to move
Improve balance and decrease fall risk
Reduce blood pressure
Improve carbohydrate metabolism and lose weight (which helps your blood glucose levels)
Improve well-being and diabetes control

Always exercise under supervision. Call us today to find out how to lower your diabetes with a proper exercise plan and reduce the risk of complications of diabetes. With the right advice, the battle against diabetes can be less bitter, and more sweet.

Distinctive Home Physical Therapy: Elderly Physical Therapy serving Nassau and Suffolk Long Island, and Queens NY

Fall reduction strategies using Physical Therapy

cynderblox@aol.com — 2009-10-24T16:21:09-04:00

Fall Reduction Strategies using Physical Therapy

Falls can be one of the best indicators of poor health and declining function, and are often associated with significant morbidity. It is estimated that between 1992 and 1995 24 percent of emergency visits were linked to falls, most of which were by seniors over the age of 65. The cost of falls can be staggering as hospital stays are twice as long for elderly patients who are hospitalized after a fall than for elderly patients who are admitted for another reason.

It is important to seek a professional and have a proper evaluation done. A thorough physical therapy evaluation will properly screen a person for many of the risk factors that can lead to falls. During the evaluation, the therapist will perform an environmental assessment which will help determine if there are hazards around the home that can lead to slip ups. For example, a therapist may recommend that you remove clutter, add grab bars, or remove slippery floor mats.

During the initial evaluation, many other risk factors will be assessed to properly diagnose why an individual may be falling frequently. By getting an accurate history of current medications, cognitive status, visual issues, vertigo, and other medical conditions such as hypotension, a therapist can begin to develop a strategy that will minimize risk of future falls.

A physical therapist can then test one’s strength, balance, coordination, endurance, and sensation which will accurately indicate the root of the problem. It is very important to have all the systems properly screened so that the cause of the problem is exposed. During an evaluation, the therapist will likely have the patient tested with a valid outcome measure such as the Berg or Tinetti scale. This is important in the rehabilitation process because we can properly assess the effects of the treatment using these outcome measurement tools.

Based on the initial evaluation, the therapist will come up with a detailed plan of care. The treatments can include activities such as strengthening, balance training, coordination training, gait training, and functional training. In most cases, the therapist will attempt to improve one’s proprioception with various exercises. Proprioception is defined as the sense of orientation of one’s limbs in space. A natural decline of proprioception is common with advanced age. Some examples of proprioceptive training may be standing on one leg, or standing on a foam pad to challenge ones balance. This type of training must be done with a therapist to prevent accidents.

Keep in mind that it will take dedication and time to slowly reduce the risk of falls. Usually within four to six weeks one may begin to experience the benefits of physical therapy. With a through evaluation, and carefully selected treatment strategies, physical therapy can be a great tool to help prevent falls and improve ones overall balance confidence.

As seen in Ezine Articles

Distinctive Home Physical Therapy: Elderly Physical Therapy serving Nassau and Suffolk Long Island, and Queens NY