Category Archives: Events

Heart Disease to Healthy Hearts

Healthy Hearts This February

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!

OT Month 2018

OT Month 2018

OT Month 2018

Occupational therapists & physical therapists are similar but different.
Here’s why…

Occupational therapy focuses on a person’s ability to perform activities of daily living.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY (OT)
mainly focuses on activities of daily living (ADL’s). For example this would mean helping patients to eat and write again after a stroke. OT’s also modify movements or the environment so a patient can complete tasks safely. These modifications help patients lead full and active lives.

PHYSICAL THERAPY (PT)

focuses on treating the injury itself, through the use of orthopedics, manual therapy and modalities. With the goals of reducing pain and improving function.

occupational therapist

Both professions educate patients on wellness and injury prevention. In some cases, like those having suffered a stroke, the patient may see both an OT and PT during recovery.

Occupational therapy is the only profession that helps people across the lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations). Occupational therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability.

Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes. Occupational therapy services typically include:

  • an individualized evaluation, during which the client/family and occupational therapist determine the person’s goals,
  • customized intervention to improve the person’s ability to perform daily activities and reach the goals, and
  • an outcomes evaluation to ensure that the goals are being met and/or make changes to the intervention plan.

Occupational therapy practitioners have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment and/or task to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team. It is an evidence-based practice deeply rooted in science.

National Athletic Training Month

March is National Athletic Training Month

March is National Athletic Training Month

March is Athletic Training Month!

ATHLETIC TRAINERS (ATCs) are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. They can work in a variety of settings, including high schools, middle schools, universities, professional sports teams, hospitals, clinics, performing arts, club sports teams, and more. Athletics trainers decrease the liability on coaches, ensure a quicker and safer return to play, and reduce the risk of injuries for athletes of all ages.

Athletic Trainers Provide Game & Practice Coverage:

• Early injury detection and intervention
• Quick referral process to local specialists if required
• Concussion safety injury screenings:
• Evaluation of injury
• Recommendation on immediate care
• Quicker return to play

March is National Athletic Training Month

WHAT IS NATIONAL ATHLETIC TRAINING MONTH?
March is National Athletic Training Month, a time to celebrate the positive impact athletic trainers have on work, life, and sport. National Athletic Training Month is sponsored by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), the professional members association for certified athletic trainers, and others who support the athletic training profession. NATA represents more than 45,000 members worldwide.

ATC SPORTS STATS
All statistics are taken from www.atyourownrisk.org

90% of student-athletes report some sort of sports-related injury in their athletic careers.
54% of student-athletes report they have played while injured.
12% report they have sustained concussions and head injuries from their time on the field.
163,670 middle or high school athletes were reported being seen in the emergency room for a concussion.
300 sports-related deaths of youth anything to prevent injuries.
37% of public high schools employ a full-time athletic trainer.
54% of athletes said they have played while injured.

Looking for help with an injury? Don’t go back on the field too soon. Our licensed physical therapists can get your athlete back in the game safely. 

physical therapy near me

PT & Me Clinics Give to Families in Need During the Holidays

During the holiday season we are thankful for what we have, but we understand some families might not be as fortunate due to hardships, unforeseen circumstances or health related issues. We at PT & Me try to instill compassion and kind-heartedness into all of our clinics that are a part of us. These are just a few ways of how our dedicated clinics are giving back to those in need within their communities this holiday season…

Madison Spine & Physical Therapy is organizing it’s 2017 Spread the Warmth Winter Clothing & Blanket Drive on December 22nd, 2017. If you live in the New York City or New Jersey area please support their charity campaign by donating today!

Items Needed Are:
• Jackets
• Blankets
• Boots
• Gloves
• Hats
• Scarves
• Sweatshirts
• Pants
• New Undergarments

Call (201) 982-3050 for donation pick up.

On December 22nd Madison Spine and their employees will drive into NYC with the donations and hand them out to those who could use a little warmth!
You donate, we deliver! Let’s all come together and make a difference!

For more information on Madison Spine and Physical Therapy click here.

Pinnacle Therapy Services is organizing Operation Breakthrough. They are collecting items throughout the month of December to donate in the Kansas City area. Operation Breakthrough is an organization that has been helping Kansas City families since 1971. They provide a safe, loving, and educational environment for children in poverty and empower their families through advocacy, emergency aid and education. If you are able, please help Pinnacle help local, underprivileged families. Items can be dropped off at any Pinnacle Therapy Services location.

DONATIONS NEEDED

Non-Perishable Foods:
• Cereal – Cold & Oatmeal
• Boxed Meals
• Canned Fruit
• Hearty Soups / Chili
• Crackers
• Hamburger/Tuna Helper
• Tuna
• Canned Chicken
• Mac & Cheese
• Canned Vegetables

Other Items:
• Diapers: Size 3 & Up & Wipes
• Toothpaste/Toothbrushes for Children & Adults
• Toilet Paper
• Deodorant
• Bath Soap
• Feminine Hygiene Products
• Laundry Detergent
• Cleaning Items
• Children’s Toys

For more information about Operation Breakthrough click here.
For more information about Pinnacle Therapy Services click here.

Thank you for your generosity! Happy holidays!

Halloween Recipes 101

Halloween Recipes 101 features ghoulish and frightening spooktacular recipes!

SPOOKY SPIDER BISCUITS
Looking for something not so spooky to celebrate the Halloween season with? Try out these very festive spider biscuits!

INGREDIENTS:

  • Bisquick or biscuit mix of your choice
  • Milk
  • Black food coloring gel (can be found at Michael’s or Hobby Lobby stores)
  • Pretzel sticks
  • M & M’s

DIRECTIONS:

1.) Preheat the oven to 450°.
2.) Follow the instructions from the biscuit mix and while mixing, add 3-4 drops of black food coloring gel.
3.) Continue to stir or knead the dough, adding coloring until the desired color is achieved.
4.) Roll out the biscuits by hand and put them on a sprayed cookie sheet.
5.) Using 4 pretzel sticks for each biscuit, break the sticks in half and push them firmly into the dough until all 8 legs are present.
6.) Open the M&M’s and put two on each spider for eyes. Pressing firmly in so they won’t come out during the baking process.
7.) Bake for 8-9 minutes, let cool and enjoy a spooky breakfast!

Physical Therapy Month 2017 – Managing Pain Safely

This Physical Therapy Month we want patients to try physical therapy first! Physical therapy is a safe non-invasive form of treatment for patients experiencing musculoskeletal pain or injuries.

PHYSICAL THERAPY is a safe and SMART alternative to opioids.

Great candidates to be referred to physical therapy instead of prescribing pain pills include:

  • A patient that has had pain for more than 90 days
  • A patient that complains of pain disturbing their sleep or daily activities
  • A patient that has a history of substance abuse or has been on pain medication for an extended period of time
  • A patient that expresses an interest in avoiding opioids

Try physical therapy and see the difference!

solar eclipse

2017 Solar Eclipse Celebration

The 2017 Solar Eclipse is Monday August 21st, so be sure to view this once in a lifetime event by visiting one of our many PT & Me physical therapy clinics. Some of our PT & Me clinics (in or nearest to the solar eclipse path) will be hosting viewings during this time and distributing solar eclipse viewing glasses. Find out if physical therapy can help you and join in on the solar eclipse fun! Be sure to check with your local PT & Me provider (based on the total eclipse path) by viewing the map shown below.

For more information on physical therapy clinics near the solar eclipse path or near you click here.

For NASA information on the 2017 Solar Eclipse click here.

hand therapy week PTandMe

ASHT: Hand Therapy Awareness Week

hand therapy week PTandMe

Prevent hand and wrist injuries while cooking. Professional hand therapists promote wrist and hand health in the kitchen.

USE THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB
Use easy-to-grip versions of tools like spoons, knives and bottle/can openers to decrease the stress on your hands and use scissors to open bags (or packages) instead of your thumbs.

SIT OR STAND UP STRAIGHT
Correct posture is important because the nerves that operate your fingers start in neck. During activities which require you to be looking down at what you are doing, like chopping vegetables, take a moment to stand up straight, turn your head side to side/up and down, and stretch your arms over your head.

SLIDE, DO NOT LIFT
When working in the oven, always slide the shelf out so you can get a good, safe grasp of the panhandles.

KEEP YOUR SHOULDERS DOWN
Your arms should be at your sides and the counters you work on should be waist high. Many kitchen counters are too high for the average person. As a result, you may be forced to raise the shoulder you are using to cut the food and lean to the opposite side of your body when preparing food. This causes increased stress on the neck, shoulder and arm muscles and nerves.

Occupational Therapy Month

April is Occupational Therapy Month!

April OT Month_FBsize

Occupational Therapy Month is when we celebrate and recognize all of the work our OT’s do. Occupational therapists (OT) help people of all ages participate in the things they want and need to do in their homes, at work, in school and throughout the community. From a patients initial evaluation to the development and follow through of their rehabilitation plans, an OT works hard to make sure that their patient is able to return to the activities they enjoy and need to live a full and healthy life.

In an outpatient setting, some of the responsibilities of our occupational therapists may include:

  • Hand and upper extremity movement and rehabilitation
  • Teaching patients to use assistive devices to complete activities of daily living (ADL’s)
  • Rehabilitating patients recovering from stroke to regain strength, movement, and learn to accomplish ADL’s in modified ways.
  • Working with employers to create programs designed to reduce risk and injury in the workplace.
  • Helping children struggling to achieve developmental goals progress to their highest possible levels
  • Working with patients suffering from neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s to remain active.

This Occupational Therapy Month the AOTA is celebrating 100 years of helping people live their lives to the fullest.
For more info go to: www.aota.org

Athletic Training Month

March is National Athletic Training Month

MarchNationalAthleticTrainingMonth_FBsize

March is National Athletic Training Month! Your protection is our top priority. Athletic trainers are health care for life and sport.

Athletic trainers specialize in patient education, injury prevention, and are an athlete’s first line of defense from the time of injury to recovery. Athletic trainers work closely with coaches and parents and may refer athletes to other health care professionals such as physicians, physical therapists and surgeons when needed.

What is an Athletic Trainer?
Athletic trainers hold at least a four year degree from a BOC (Board of Certification) accredited institution. they are licensed, certified health care professionals working with athletes on and off the field. Generally they are the first responders when injuries occur during sporting events.

Athletic trainers work closely with coaches and parents and will refer athletes to other health care professionals such as physicians, physical therapists and surgeons when needed.

Athletic trainers hours are determined by sports schedules. Typically they are available after school and stay until sporting events have concluded.

For more information about our athletic trainers, and what they do visit NATA’s websites at: www.nata.org or www.atyourownrisk.org