<< Continued From Previous Page How can I avoid these common health risks?
There are some preventativemeasures that you can take on your own to try and avoid some of these health conditions; however, sometimes the aid of a professional becomes necessary. Physical therapy treatments are a safe, healthy, and easy way to correct some of these conditions and prevent your risk of developing them. Some simple ways to avoid these health risks are: For prevention of chronic disease – obesity, poor diet, and lack of physical activity are the main culprits leading to chronic disease. • On your own, you can make it a habit of making healthy meals, making sure to add in all balanced food groups. You can also take a small portion out of your day to participate in physical activity, within reason. Even something as small as walking down the block can make a big difference. • With a physical therapist, you canwork together to create a physical exercise plan, tomake sure you’re gaining asmuch physical activity as you can throughout theday.Many physical therapy practices alsohave nutritionists who can set up ameal plan for you, tomake sure you’re getting the nutrients that you need andmaintaining a healthyweight. For prevention of cognitive health issues – exercise is one of the best steps you can take in order tomaintain healthy cognitive health. • On your own , you canmake it a habit to exercise daily, within reason. Exercise is mentally stimulating and it helps keep you sharp! • With a physical therapist , you canwork together to create a treatment plan that works for you. Thiswill include treatment-specific exercises, aimed at increasing cognitive health, and they may be paired with strength and flexibility training to help prevent other health issues. For prevention of physical injury – the most common cause of physical injury is weak bones, joints, and muscles. • On your own, you can try toparticipate in strength-training exercises to prevent bones frombecoming brittle. It is also important tomaintain a healthy diet, making sure you have a sufficient protein and calcium intake, in order to help with bone strength. • With a physical therapist, you can get assistance with strength and flexibility training, having your PT create a specialized plan for you. Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are some of the leading causes of frailty. If you suffer from one of these conditions, your physical therapist can create a treatment-specific exercise plan for you. These excises will be done with your physical therapist, to make sure they are being completed correctly and safely. Your physical therapist may also suggest at-home exercises for you to do. He or she may also suggest another form of treatment, such as aquatic therapy, in order to increase muscle strength and ease discomfort.
For prevention of malnutrition – poor diet is the cause of malnutrition, but it can stem from other underlying issues. • On your own, you can try tomaintain a healthier diet bymaking sure you get a sufficient intake of all food groups. Even small dietary changes, such as increasing your fruit and vegetable intake, and decreasing your salt and saturated fat intake can make all the difference. You can also try to make sure you eat three meals a day, even if it means creating reminders for yourself. Exercise can also help increase appetite, which can make eating a meal easier. • With a physical therapist, you can create a nutritionalmeal plan based on your needs. This will help you figure out exactly what you should be eating, what you should avoid, and what you may need more of. Your physical therapist may also suggest other physical treatments in order to increase appetite and/or maintain cognitive health. For prevention of incontinence/constipation – this condition can be caused by an underlying condition, but themost common reason it goes untreated is due to embarrassment. • On your own, youcanattend your annual physicals. First and foremost, attending yearly physicals and being honest with your doctor, no matter howembarrassed youmay feel, is the best way to treat or avoid this condition. There aremany treatments available, but your doctor can’t suggest any of them if he or she doesn’t knowwhat’s going on. • With a physical therapist, you canwork together to create a treatment plan that will correct this condition. Many physical therapists will performpelvic floor therapy to treat incontinence or constipation, and the results are resoundingly successful with most patients. If you are suffering from some of these health conditions, or you think youmight be, give our team at Pittman Physical Therapy a call today at 901- 850-5246. We’ll be more than happy to schedule a consultation with you and discuss howwe can help treat someof these conditions. Agingdoesn’t have to be as daunting as it seems – our physical therapists can help you maintain your highest quality of life!
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