Dehydration Part 1 of 3: Dehydration and the Elderly As the summer heat is upon us, so too is the risk of dehydration, especially in the elderly. While a potential problem year round in the elderly, the recent heat wave increases the risk of problems. Age, diet, illness and medications are some of the many reasons […]
The summer is a great time to be outdoors in NEPA as so many activities are available such as: biking, hiking, running, walking, swimming, boating, golfing, and playing tennis to name a few. It is also a wonderful opportunity to discover your inner child, mix it up and try something new! Below are four new […]
Naysayers often say, “Exercise junkies are killing their joints!” Well, it has always been my position that those who do nothing and are overweight destroy their joints as well. And, I would rather DO SOMETHING than nothing! New research from Ottawa, Canada supports my opinion. In addition to being a risk factor for many serious […]
My wife, Esther, loves to work in the yard! As a Pennsylvania Dutch girl growing up in Lebanon, PA, caring for plants and animals was an integral part of daily life. As for me, I am her loyal assistant cutting grass, mulching, planting, landscaping etc. I too, love the outdoors but I enjoy golfing, running, […]
2nd in Series of 2 Columns on Ankle Pain Total ankle replacement (TAR) is recommended for severe ankle pain which has not responded to conservative treatment: weight loss, activity modification, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication and cortisone injections. Severe ankle pain can result from the following: Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease): cartilage wears out, bone rubs […]
1st of 2 Columns I have been advising my patients to exercise, keep active, and walk as long as they can in order to stay mobile and healthy. However, seniors often tell me activities that require prolonged walking is limited by ankle pain from arthritis. They often ask, “What is arthritis of the ankle?” How […]
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 Guest Columnist: Janet M. Caputo, PT, DPT, OCS 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. Medication for dizziness and loss of balance requires a visit to your […]
Guest Columnist: Janet M. Caputo, PT, DPT, OCS 1st of 3 Columns on Balance Disorders and Falls Prevention Northeastern Pennsylvania is home to a large elderly population and many of the medical problems we expect to see are age related. Dedicated medical practitioners are in constant search for new knowledge and information to prevent or […]
Recently, a patient, Pat McKenna, editor of The Times-Tribune, came to my office with a partial tear and strain to one of his hamstring muscles. He stated that he has always had hamstring tightness and has walked backward as a warm-up exercise to prevent injury. I found the concept of backward walking, (also called retrowalking) […]
