Category Archives: Blog

Urge Congress to Help Prevent Senior Falls

Urge Congress to Help Prevent Senior Falls

- Blog, General Information

Urge Congress to Help Prevent Senior Falls

Did you know that falls are the #1 cause of injury in people over 65? Fortunately, a falls expert – a physical or occupational therapist – can help reduce the risk of falling by providing seniors with a fall risk assessment.

Urge your lawmaker to support the SAFE Act: CLICK HERE TO ACT NOW!

APTQI Safe ACT - Help Prevent Senior Falls

A falls risk assessment allows a therapist to examine a patient’s balance, home setup, strength, flexibility, reflexes, and walking pattern. If there is a risk for a fall, the therapist can guide how to make a home safer, exercises that can help patients remain independent for longer, and instructions for using walking aids such as canes and walkers.

However, Medicare currently does not cover a falls risk assessment and fall prevention services by a therapist as part of a senior’s annual wellness exam.

Imagine the amount of injuries and deaths that could be prevented if seniors were able to access a no-cost falls risk assessment by a therapist!

Recently, lawmakers in Washington have introduced legislation to help. The Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act (H.R. 7618) would allow seniors to access a no-cost falls assessment, done by physical or occupational therapists, at annual wellness visits and initial preventive physical exams. It will also lead to fewer opioid prescriptions and subsequential overdose rates among older Americans, as data show that seniors engaging in physical therapy are less likely to require emergency room visits or hospitalizations and are less likely to resort to opioid-based medications for pain management.

We need your help today to improve the quality of life for our aging population and reduce the burden of falls on our healthcare system. Join the movement to safeguard our seniors and increase access to life-saving fall prevention services.

Urge your lawmaker to support the SAFE Act: CLICK HERE TO ACT NOW!

physical therapy near me

 

gardening ergonomics

Gardening Ergonomics

- Back, Blog

gardening ergonomics

It’s that time of year again. Time to exchange snow shovels and winter boots for gardening tools and watering cans. While the warmer weather brings on a new sense of happiness and energy, we need to remember to use proper body mechanics and follow general safety to avoid muscle aches and potentially serious injuries. The number one injury associated with gardening is low back pain. If you have experienced a recent injury or pain, we can help you recover.

Physical Therapy Appointment

Here are a few tips to make your gardening experience more enjoyable and less painful.

LIFTING:

Lifting heavy objects such as bags of soil, planters, and mulch improperly can lead to low back strains and/or sciatic pain. Other options include moving half of the soil/mulch to a separate pot before lifting the bag or planting into smaller pots that are easier to maneuver. Using a garden cart or wheelbarrow can also assist with moving heavy gardening materials. Remember to lift with your legs, avoid simultaneous lifting and twisting and keep heavier objects close to your body to avoid injury.

PLANTING:

Prepping the soil can also be a difficult and tedious task requiring prolonged forward bending and frequent changes in position. Try prepping the planting bed by using long-handled gardening tools. Once the soil is ready, plant from a kneeling position using either a kneeling stool or a cushion. Remember to avoid twisting the spine. Those with known chronic low back pain may want to consider planting into pots, flower boxes, or raised flower beds to avoid further injury.

WEEDING:

Most people dislike weeding their gardens and flower beds. Options to reduce the need to do so include using plants as ground cover or using mulch in your flower beds to minimize weed growth. If using a weed spray, look for bottles that have a sprayer hose to allow you to stand upright while treating your problem areas.

MOWING THE LAWN:

Another task that most people find tedious. When able, use an electric start mower. The action of pulling a cord to start your mower is the most common cause of low back injuries. If you must use a pull start mower, remember to bend at your knees and maintain the natural curve of your spine while reaching for the cord. Make sure you tighten your abdominal muscles just before pulling the cord in order to support your spine. If using a push mower, remember to maintain a proper upright posture and take breaks as needed.

Remember to listen to your body. Take frequent breaks and change positions when you experience aching, cramping, or fatigue. Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen. If you do happen to experience low back pain or any other injury, remember to contact your physical therapist. They can help alleviate your symptoms and educate you on proper body mechanics.

gardening

GARDENING STRETCHES

Stretching before you start gardening can help you from experiencing pain later. Here are some stretching techniques to help get you started!

Gardening Stretches

1.) Fold your hands together and turn your palms away from your body, but this time extend your arms overhead. You should feel the stretch in your upper torso and shoulders to your hand. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat eight times.

gardening stretches

2.) Place your hand just above the back of the elbow and gently push your elbow across your chest toward the opposite shoulder. This is a stretch for the upper back and shoulder. Stretch both the right and left arms. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat eight times.

gardening stretches

3.) Raise one arm overhead. Bend the elbow. Place the opposite hand on the bent elbow and gently push the elbow back further. This is a stretch for the triceps. Stretch both the right and left arms. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat eight times.

gardening stretches

4.) Extend an arm in front of you, making sure the elbow is completely straight. With your palm down, take the opposite hand and bend in the wrist downward. Then turn the palm up, and stretch the wrist backward. This stretches the forearm and wrist muscles. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat eight times.

If you are experiencing pain, trust a licensed professional. Our therapists will help identify the cause of your pain and work with you to help it go away, and prevent pain and injury in the future.

physical therapy near me

The warm-up exercises were developed by professional hand therapists who are occupational and physical therapists specializing in the treatment of the hands, arms, and shoulders. These exercises and tips have been designed to supplement more commonly known gardening safety practices that concentrate only on preventing back injuries.
For more information visit: www.asht.org

PT News PTandMe

PT News March 2024

- Blog, General Information, PT News, Sports and Fitness

PT News PTandMe

This time in PT News we recap what our clinics have been posting throughout March 2024. We are excited to bring you current physical therapy-based posts featuring published articles from PTandMe partnering clinics!

physical therapy near me

ACL Knee Pain

1. Relief for Joint Pain

Written by The Jackson Clinics with locations throughout Northern VA.

Joint pain is a common issue that can have many causes and can lead to an array of complications. It affects such a large percentage of the population that you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who’s never experienced joint pain before. It is estimated that by the year 2030, 67 million—one in every four American adults—will have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. But that doesn’t mean that we have to live in pain! So, what are some great ways to relieve and prevent joint pain?..  Read more

 

physical therapy after a car accident

2. 4 Ways Physical Therapy Can Help After a Motor Accident

Written by Sports Physical Therapy an outpatient physical therapy practice located in Bellevue, Factoria, Kirkland, Everett, and Lake Stevens, WA.

The aftermath of an accident leaves both visible and invisible marks. Physically, you may be dealing with injuries that range from minor to severe, affecting your mobility, strength, and performance. Mentally, the trauma can manifest as fear, anxiety, or loss of confidence, each capable of sidelining you longer than any physical injury. The road to recovery seems long and lonely, but the truth is, help is closer than you think, and hope is far from lost…  Read more

 

Difference Between Athletic Trainers and Physical Therapists

3. National Athletic Training Month

Written by PT Northwest an outpatient physical therapy group located throughout Salem, OR, and the surrounding areas.

Whether it’s a sprained ankle or a torn ligament in the knee, a comprehensive rehabilitation team is crucial to expedite your return to the field. At PT Northwest, our certified athletic trainers and physical therapists go beyond just taping ankles and providing immediate injury treatment. Ensuring your injury heals properly is our top priority, our staff employs proven techniques, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and functional drills…. Read more

We hope you enjoyed our picks for the PT News March 2024 edition.

Find these locations and others to start feeling better today!

Physical Therapy Appointment

Avoid Spring Cleaning Injuries

Do’s & Don’ts of Spring Cleaning

- Blog

Avoid Spring Cleaning Injuries

It’s that time of year for cleaning out the cobwebs, de-cluttering, and rearranging our homes. Some of us enjoy the task while others dread it. Did you know that the greatest risk of injury we face is in our own homes? From muscle strains to home falls there is no shortage of things that can go wrong but we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you minimize injury. Follow these spring cleaning safety tips to have a safe and productive spring cleaning!

physical therapy near me

    • 1. Do not rush because you are tired or in a hurry.

This is really the most basic spring cleaning safety tip, and all the other ones, at least to a certain degree, stem from this one. Spring cleaning can be tiring work. Do not forget safety even if you have worked hard all day and want to get done. The better thing to do when you are exhausted is to stop and take a break, drink a glass of water, sit under a nice cool fan, and rest instead of being unsafe.

    • 2. Be careful moving large pieces of furniture and appliances.

Use proper lifting technique, keeping your back straight and lifting with your legs. Also, wear shoes when moving heavy items so you don’t hurt your toes. Finally, if you feel it is just too heavy and you can’t find someone else to do it for you, just don’t move it. It won’t be the end of the world to just clean around it. Always have spring cleaning safety in mind.

When doing a task, such as washing windows, where you need to be on a ladder use extreme caution. Do not lean too far to either side. A good rule of thumb is that your belly button should not go beyond the sides of the ladder. Also, have someone available to hold the ladder steady for you if possible, and make sure before you step on them that the rungs are not wet, and you are wearing non-skid shoes.

    • 4. Be careful when walking on wet surfaces.

This spring cleaning safety tip is really important every time you clean. Everyone knows how easy it is to slip on a wet floor. Make sure you take the proper precautions to keep from falling.
Also, make sure others in your family, including children, are also warned of the wet floor to keep them safe. You may need to block small children’s access to wet floors because they just don’t understand not to run and slide on them.

    • 5. Keep stairs, landings, and walkways clear of boxes, bags, and other clutter.

Spring cleaning is a great time to de-clutter your home, but you need to make sure all the boxes and bags of stuff you are getting rid of don’t cause a safety concern. Make sure you place them outside walkways and especially away from steps and stairs where someone may trip on them.

    • 6. Don’t carry too much stuff at once, especially on stairs.

During spring cleaning you will also probably go up and down your stairs a lot carrying things if you live in a home with stairs. Make sure you keep a hand free to hold onto the stair railing. Also, whether you have stairs or not, always make sure you can see over the load you are carrying so you do not trip.

If you are experiencing pain or injury please reach out to a physical therapist. They can evaluate your pain and provide corrective action to help you feel great!

Physical Therapy Appointment

Ice or Heat When in Pain

Ice vs. Heat When in Pain

- Blog, Sports and Fitness

Ice or Heat When in Pain

physical therapy near me

A question physical therapists get frequently asked is whether to use ice or heat on an injury. Here are some general guidelines to help in many scenarios. If you have certain conditions such as fibromyalgia, Reflex Sympathetic Disorder (RSD), or rheumatoid arthritis, your sensory pathways are affected and don’t fall into the typical response patterns.

Ice is for injuries and after activity and heat is for loosening and relaxing tissues, used before activity.

ICE

  • The first 24 – 48 hours after an acute injury onset, use ice. This is true even for simple muscle sprains or pulls.
  • After an activity, at the end of the day or when swelling is present, use ice. When things are inflamed, the more you do throughout the day, the more inflamed the area will get. Ice will assist in decreasing pain, inflammation, and swelling.
  • Ice can also be used for chronic conditions like overuse injuries to help control inflammation.

Ways to Ice:

  • Ice cubes in a plastic bag
  • Wet, frozen towel
  • Gel ice packs

Things to know about icing:

  • Don’t ice for more than 20 minutes
  • Let your tissues fully re-warm before re-icing
  • 20 minutes on, 40 minutes off is a good rule for icing multiple times
  • If you’re icing in an area with superficial nerves (elbow), don’t ice for more than 10 minutes
  • You never want to ice before an activity. You want your muscles warm, not cold!
  • Ice can aggravate symptoms of tightness and stiffness.

HEAT

  • Heat is typically used to help relax or loosen tissues.
  • Heat will bring more blood flow to the area.
  • Heat is usually used in conditions that are more chronic. This helps stimulate blood flow to the area.
  •  Heat, when needed, is used before activity assisting more blood flow to help loosen and relax the muscles.

Ways to Heat:

  • Heating Pad
  • Hot, wet towel

Things to know about heating:

  • Avoid heating for long periods
  • Don’t use heat when sleeping to avoid burns
  • Heat can make inflammation significantly worse.

If your pain doesn’t subside after a few days, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help. We can evaluate your injury or pain and get you back on your path to recovery.

Physical Therapy Appointment

BONUS!

Looking for an ice pack and can’t find one? No worries. Making your own ice pack at home is practical and easy.

hand in ice pack

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of water
  • 1 cup of rubbing alcohol
  • gallon-sized Ziploc bag

Directions:

  • Pour the water and rubbing alcohol into the bag ** Double the bag for extra protection against breakage.
  • Zip the bag shut removing as much air as possible.
  • Place the bag in the freezer until the liquid reaches a slushy mixture.
  • When ready, wrap the bag in a towel or pillowcase before applying it to the skin. (DON’T NOT APPLY THE BAG DIRECTLY TO THE SKIN)
The Risks of Sports Specialization in Youth Sports

The Risks of Sports Specialization in Youth Sports

- Blog, Pediatrics, Sports and Fitness

The Risks of Sports Specialization in Youth Sports

Why There Are Downfalls to Sports Specialization

Sports specialization is common, but is it all it’s cracked up to be? Focusing on one sport might seem like the fast track to success, but there’s a flip side you should know about.

When your athlete specializes in one sport, they are more likely to experience overuse injuries, burnout, and negative impacts on their psychosocial well-being. 

It’s vital to strike a balance and to give your athlete’s body breaks. Trying different sports and activities can boost an athlete’s skill set, lower injury risk, and help prevent burnout.

At PTandMe we’re all about supporting your athlete in their athletic pursuits. Our physical therapy partners can offer advice, help lower the risk of injury, and provide rehabilitative services for athletes already experiencing pain or recovering from injury.

physical therapy near me

The Risks of Sports Specialization in Youth Sports

Deciding to specialize in a sport isn’t something to take lightly. There are risks and downsides you need to know about. Here are some risks that athletes who specialize in one sport experience.

Overuse Injuries: One of the main downfalls of sports specialization is the increased risk of overuse injuries. Overuse injuries are subtle and occur over time, making them challenging to diagnose and treat. This can lead to injuries like stress fractures, jumper’s knee, shin splints, and more.

Stunted Athletic Growth:  By only playing one sport, athletes miss the opportunity to develop versatile skill sets, and practice complementary movement patterns and training techniques.

Mental Strain/Burnout: Sports specialization can also mess with mental health. The pressure to constantly perform at a high level in one sport can lead to stress, burnout, and less enjoyment. It can even increase your athlete’s anxiety and performance pressure.

Balancing specialization with cross-training and rest can help your athlete avoid these issues and keep their athletic journey healthy and sustainable.

3 Common Overuse Injuries Due to Sports Specialization:

Jumper’s Knee (Patellar Tendonitis): 

Jumper’s knee, also known as patellar tendonitis, can be caused by the inflammation of the patellar tendon. The patellar tendon is what connects the kneecap to the shin bone. This condition will weaken the tendon, and if left untreated, could tear it. This condition is typically caused by the overuse of the joints in your athlete’s knee. For example: repeatedly jumping and landing down on hard surfaces. 

Overhead Injuries: 

Another common overuse injury due to sports specialization is an overhead injury. Particularly seen among baseball players, these injuries are common among pitchers, as they can throw upward of 70 pitches a game. This amount of repetition is a prime example of how sports specialization can cause an injury.

Shin Splints: 

Most seen amongst runners, shin splints are caused by an irritation of the tendons and muscles near the shin bones. Common causes of shin splints can be improper footwear, lack of flexibility in the calves, or repetitive motion, or stress at the shins.

Experiencing Burnout in Youth Sports

Overuse/overtraining injuries and burnout are major problems for adolescent athletes. Both can occur when students participate in sports year-round with no “off-season” or have insufficient recovery time between practices and games.

Watch for typical burnout signs:

  • Pain during or after activity, or while at rest
  • Lack of enthusiasm for practices or games
  • A dip in grades.

Prevent Overuse Injuries and Burnout with These Simple Tips:

  • Allow enough time for proper warm-up and cool-down routines.
  • Rest 1-2 days per week or engage in another activity.
  • Focus on strength, conditioning, or cross-training during the “off-season.”

While athletes may experience short-term gains, research shows that athletes who play multiple sports often have better overall athletic ability and are less likely to get overuse injuries. The NATA has also put together 6 tips to help reduce specialization-related injuries. 

Our physical therapists are driven to help athletes young and old, prevent injury, and stay in their sport.  call or schedule an appointment for more information about our sports injury prevention and recovery programs.

Physical Therapy Appointment

PT News PTandMe

PT News February 2024

- Blog, Neck, PT News, Women's Health

PT News PTandMe

This time in PT News we recap what our clinics have been posting throughout February 2024. We are excited to bring you current physical therapy-based posts featuring published articles from PTandMe partnering clinics!

physical therapy near me

Pelvic Health

1. Pelvic Floor Therapy: Your Key to a Healthy and Empowered Life

Written by Carolina Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine with locations in Columbia, Charleston, Sumter, and Rock Hill, SC

Let’s talk about your pelvic floor muscles. Picture a hammock-like structure at the bottom of your pelvis, supporting your bladder, uterus, and rectum, and helping maintain continence. These muscles are key players in controlling urinary and fecal continence, supporting your pelvic organs, and enhancing intimacy…  Read more

 

neck pain

2. Pinched Nerve in the Neck? Start Treating with 2 Exercises

Written by JACO Rehab an outpatient physical therapy practice with 4 locations on Oahu, HI.

Sometimes neck stiffness, arm weakness, or feelings of pins and needles down your arm can be signs of a “pinched nerve” from the neck. This injury is common but annoying, often irritated by simple day-to-day activities. This can include: Looking over your shoulder while driving, gazing up at the birds in the sky, or sleeping in the “wrong” position…  Read more

 

Dry Needling

3. Discover Smarter Pain Relief with Dry Needling

Written by Wright Physical Therapy an outpatient physical therapy group with locations throughout the state of Idaho.

Dry needling is an increasingly popular treatment option for individuals dealing with chronic pain, offering a myriad of benefits. Some advantages of incorporating dry needling into your pain management plan includes Pain Relief: Dry needling aids in effectively reducing both localized and referred pain by releasing tight trigger points and muscle bands. Improved Mobility: By targeting specific muscles, dry needling assists in enhancing muscle function and increasing the range of motion, making daily activities smoother and more enjoyable… Read more

We hope you enjoyed our picks for the PT News February 2024 edition.

Find these locations and others to start feeling better today!

Physical Therapy Appointment

Get a Better Night’s Rest in Your Favorite Sleeping Position

- Blog, General Information

How to Get a Better Night's Rest in Your Favorite Sleeping Position

Physical Therapy Appointment

Healthy Sleeping Tips

Snuggling up for a snooze-fest isn’t just for dreaming about sheep – it’s the best way to help protect your mental health, physical health, and quality of life. For many, getting a good night’s rest doesn’t come by so easily. Tossing and turning throughout the night can lead to exhaustion throughout the day, and the repercussions of poor sleep ripple through every facet of one’s well-being, emphasizing the crucial importance of prioritizing healthy sleep habits.

The National Institutes of Health suggests that school-age children need at least 9 hours of sleep daily, teens need 8-10 hours, and adults need at least 7 hours.

Everyone tends to have their preferred go-to sleep position that always helps them drift into slumber. For some, it’s the classic back position, others find comfort curling up on their side, and some prefer sleeping on their belly.

Sleeping for hours on end in the same position can have its pitfalls if your body is not properly supported. While favorite sleep positions differ, some key principles apply to almost everyone. See which sleeper you tend to be, and think about the tips that apply:

How to Get a Better Nights Rest in Your Favorite Sleeping Position

The Side Sleeper

Put a pillow between your legs to get alignment for your hips to your knees, and make sure the pillow you rest your head on provides alignment with the height of your spine

The Back Sleeper

Make sure the pillow under your head is not too high and provides support for your neck so that your head and your spine are in alignment. If you find that there is pain in your lower back from the curvature of your body, you can put a pillow under your legs to lessen the curvature in your back and relieve stress

The Stomach Sleeper

Not recommended for long periods. This position overextends your neck because it forces you to turn your head to the side while the rest of your body faces the bed. Your arms may also be over-extended if you have them above your head causing stress to your back

Choosing the Right Pillow

While there are many things you can do to try to get a good night’s rest, the solution may be lying right beneath your head. A pillow that adequately supports the head helps maintain proper spinal alignment, and prevents stiffness and soreness in the neck & shoulders, minimizing discomfort. Proper head support can alleviate issues such as snoring, sleep apnea, and acid reflux by promoting optimal breathing patterns and reducing pressure on the airways.

Here are some factors to consider when you’re out shopping for the perfect pillow:

  • Your ideal pillow should let your head rest so that it’s aligned with your shoulders, hips, and heels, forming a straight line from your head to your body.
  • If your head tilts back (or to one side when side sleeping), your pillow is too thin and might cause stiffness in your shoulders.
  • If your head tilts upward and disrupts the straight line, your pillow is too full or thick. This can reduce the size of your airway causing you to snore.

Take advantage of the return policy on your pillows and try it out for a few days. If you’re uncomfortable, return it and find another. Keep in mind the right pillow for you depends on your sleep position(s). Here are some suggestions to get it right the first time!

  • BACK SLEEPERS: Try thinner pillows or pillows with more volume in the bottom third to cradle your neck.
  • SIDE SLEEPERS: Look for a firmer pillow that fills in the space between your ear and shoulder.
  • STOMACH SLEEPERS: Opt for a very thin pillow to keep your back from arching or even sleep without one.

Experiment with different pillows and sleep positions to find what works best for you. Remember, the key is not only in the position itself but also in maintaining proper alignment and providing support where needed.

If these tips don’t help you get a better night’s rest in your favorite sleeping position, or if you are experiencing pain, physical therapy should be considered as the next solution. Range of motion exercises may be prescribed by a physical therapist if you have a neck ailment that limits mobility to your shoulder(s) or arm(s). A physical therapist can work with you to help perform these exercises and determine the cause of your pain to allow your body to heal day in and out. May your nights be filled with sweet dreams and countless sheep and your days with boundless energy, as you embrace these healthy sleeping tips.

physical therapy near me

office ergonomics

The Ergonomic Workstation

- Blog, Industrial Rehab

The Ergonomically correct workstation; Ergonomic workstation set up

Physical Therapy Appointment

Having an ergonomic workstation means that your desk and the things on it are arranged in such a way, that they prevent injury and are well within reach and use. An ergonomic workstation also promotes good posture. Posture is the position in which you hold your body upright against gravity while standing, sitting, or lying down. An ergonomically designed workstation promotes good posture and helps to:

  • Keep bones and joints in the correct alignment so that muscles are being used properly.
  • Help decrease the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could result in arthritis.
  • Decrease the stress on the ligaments holding the joints of the spine together.
  • Prevent the spine from becoming fixed in abnormal positions.
  • Counter fatigue because muscles are being used more efficiently, allowing the body to use less energy.
  • Prevent strain or overuse problems.
  • Avert backache and muscular pain.

Proper ergonomics plays an instrumental role in how effectively you accomplish work and will help prevent suffering from work-related injuries due to strain and overuse. In the diagram below you will find both sitting and standing workstation recommendations to achieve a proper ergonomic workstation.

seated ergonomic workstation: Ergonomic workstation set up

SITTING: Body position guidelines

  • Lower back supported by a lumbar curve
  • Bottom & Thighs distributed pressure
  • ARMS minimal bend at the wrist
  • The area behind the knee not touching the seat
  • Feet flat on the floor or on a footrest
  • Wrists and hands do not rest on sharp or hard edges
  • The telephone should be used with your head upright (not bent) and your shoulders relaxed (not elevated)

 

Standing Ergonomics: Ergonomic workstation set up

STANDING: Working Guidelines

  • Precision Work – above elbow height
  • Light Work – just below elbow height
  • Heavy Work – 4-6 inches below elbow height

 

Setting Up Your Ergonomic Workstation

Video Provided by North Lake Physical Therapy

Physical and occupational therapists have experience working with patients to improve posture and ergonomics. Some clinics have therapists that go into the workplace and arrange a patient’s workplace, making it ergonomically efficient. For more information or to find a therapist near you

physical therapy near me

Heart Disease to Healthy Hearts

Healthy Hearts This February

- Blog, Events, General Information

Heart Disease to Healthy Hearts

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. More than 67 million Americans have high blood pressure. People with high blood pressure are four times more likely to die from a stroke and three times more likely to die from heart disease compared to those with normal blood pressure.

According to the Office of Disease Prevention, you can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease.

To lower your risk you can:

  • Watch your weight.
  • Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
  • Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
  • If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
  • Get active and eat healthy.

The American Heart Association also has some great resources on their website including tips to stay active, and how to make every move count!

If you need help finding exercises and activities that fit your lifestyle and abilities talk to your physical therapist. PTs specialize in the science of movement, so who better to ask? If you don’t have a physical therapist make sure you check out our PT finder and get started on your path to a healthy heart this February!