While I normally do not address the topic of shoveling snow until January, considering recent weather events, I thought it might be valuable to present it sooner. Much has been written about the dangers of snow shoveling for your heart. However, while not fatal, low back pain is the most common injury sustained while shoveling […]
Part II of II November is National Hospice Month! During this time, we celebrate the tireless work of the hospice professionals who assist patients and their families during the weeks and months that they journey with a serious or terminal illness. However, in addition to the service of providing pain and symptom management, assisting with […]
Part I of II November is National Hospice Month! Each November, the community of hospice and palliative care professionals celebrates National Hospice Month. Although, at first glance, spotlighting the concept of death and dying may seem a bit gloomy. It’s actually the concept of quality of life and the focus on living that is truly […]
Age-related changes to your body are normal and expected. For example, loss of muscle tone, stiffness in joints, and loss of balance. With effort, some of these changes can be retarded and managed with stretching, strengthening and balance exercises. The brain is no different…it can slow down and lead to memory lapses. However, for most […]
Patients often tell me that they would like to exercise but hesitate due to their knee or hip pain. They want to know what type of exercise is best for those suffering from osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative arthritis. It is the most common form of arthritis in the knee. It is […]
There are Many Positives About Aging! Ageism is prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age… While I hesitate to discuss politics, as an aging physical therapist, I feel that it is incumbent upon me to speak out against ageism, especially with so much attention being paid to the age of the candidates […]
Most would agree that this spring has a little cloudy, rainy and cool in NEPA. However, warm sunny days are soon to come. While protection from the sun is very important, too much time indoors playing computer games and watching television, can lead to potential problems from lack of exposure to the sun. One must […]
February is American Heart Month! American Heart Month is not just for lovers. Long after the Valentine’s roses wilt, our hearts will require special attention for a long healthy life. It is the goal of The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to motivate Americans to adopt healthy lifestyles to prevent heart disease. Not So […]
3rd of 3 Columns on Balance Disorders and Falls Prevention Preventing a fall can not only save your independence but also your life! Preventing injuries from falls reduces the need for nursing home placement. Injuries from falls are the seventh leading cause of death in people over the age of sixty-five. The following suggestions will […]
2nd of 3 Columns on Balance Disorders and Falls Prevention Last week we discussed the causes of balance loss. Today, we will discuss treatment for this problem. Two primary treatments are medication and vestibular rehabilitation. 1. Medication Medication for dizziness and loss of balance requires a visit to your family doctor. In a more involved […]
