E TO TSTARTS
ENSURE A SUCCESSFUL RECOVERYWITH PHYSICAL THERAPY T otal H ip R eplacements Total hip replacements are common surgical interventions performed for severe arthritis or hip fracture. The goal of a total hip replacement surgery is to relieve pain, improve joint mobility, and restore or improve the ability to safely perform activities, like walking, standing, stair climbing, and running. After surgery, patients experience stiffness in the hip and leg, and muscle weakness. It may be difficult to put weight on your leg after surgery. Your physical therapist will teach you how to correctly put weight on the affected leg and may recommend a walker or cane as you work to restore your physical function. Physical therapy is a great tool for patients to use before surgery as well as after surgery. In preparation for surgery, your physical therapist might teach you flexibility and strengthening exercises for the lower extremities, how to use a walker or cane for navigating steps, and any precautions to take after surgery. On the first or second day after surgery, your physical therapist will begin bedside post-operative treatment by reviewing any precautions you should take to prevent injury and restore function. You will also be taught to turn in bed and get up into a sitting position, get out of bed and stand, walk with an assistive device for short distances, and perform gentle range-of-motion and strengthening exercises in bed. As you progress in your recovery, you will work on walking without an assistive device, stair climbing; balance; full movement of your leg and hip; and specific muscle-strengthening exercises to improve your ability to stand and walk safely and independently. Outpatient physical therapy sessions will help you work on range of motion and flexibility. In addition, weight-bearing activities will help restore your function to optimal levels. If you are considering a total hip replacement, call Vital Care Physical Therapy at (623) 544-0300 . We will make sure your body is in optimal condition for a successful surgery and recovery.
Frequent social engagement may help keep your brain sharp. Make efforts to speak face to face with someone you’re close to as often as you can. Try to make new friends, volunteer, join a club or social group, get to know your neighbors, or connect with people over social media.
Mental stimulation may also be important to brain health as we age. Study something new to you, such as a foreign language or a musical instrument. Make reading books and newspapers part of your regular routine.
Try doing crossword or sudoku puzzles. It’s not difficult to find an activity you enjoy that will also help keep your brain active.
S ausage and B arley S oup
It’s a great time of year to warm up with a cup of soup, and this comforting, guilt-free dish comes together in a flash.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 (141/2-ounce) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes, undrained and chopped • 1/4 cup uncooked quick- cooking barley • 1 cup coarsely chopped fresh baby spinach
• Cooking spray • 6 ounces turkey breakfast sausage • 21/2 cups frozen bell pepper stir-fry • 2 cups water
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add sausage; cook 3 minutes or until browned. Remove from heat. 2. While sausage cooks, place stir-fry and 2 cups water in a blender; process until smooth. 3. Add stir-fry puree, tomatoes, and barley to sausage in pan. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat; cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in spinach; cook 1 minute or until spinach wilts.
Recipe courtesy of CookingLight.com.
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