THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL GAINS OF RETRO WALKING REVERSE YOUR ROUTINE
Psychologists and self-help gurus say it doesn’t help to dwell on where you’ve been. But what if walking backward — literally — could benefit your health? According to a 2023 CNN health report, walking backward is a unique exercise regimen with potential advantages for your joints. Contrary to traditional forward walking, retro walking, as it is often referred to, engages different muscle groups, fosters improved balance, and contributes to overall fitness in various ways. One of the primary benefits is the engagement of muscle groups not heavily used in forward walking. When walking backward, you use your hamstrings, calves, and glutes to a greater extent. This variance in muscle engagement can lead to enhanced strength and toning, providing a good workout.
Retro walking challenges both brain and body to adapt to a different spatial orientation, enhancing coordination. For older adults looking to maintain or improve their balance, retro walking can be a tactic to reduce the risks of falls and related injuries. Just start slow. The psychological benefits of walking backward also cannot be overlooked. It’s just plain fun to walk backward, and the low stakes of this exercise can excite those doing it to continue adhering to it. While walking backward may seem unconventional, the benefits are compelling. From targeted muscle engagement to reduced joint impact and enhanced balance, incorporating retro walking into your fitness routine can be a valuable addition. As always, it’s best to ask your primary care physician if it would suit your unique needs.
Walking backward can be particularly beneficial for those recovering from injuries and/or dealing with joint issues. The unique motion of retro walking puts less strain on the knees, making it a safer alternative for damaged joints that still delivers cardiovascular benefits through a low-impact workout.
As people age, balance and coordination are crucial components of overall fitness.
DOES TRADITIONAL MEDICARE REQUIRE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION?
People ask, what is the difference between Original Medicare (only Part A & Part B) and Medicare Advantage (or Part C)? Medicare Advantage is managed healthcare, similar to your health insurance policies under an employer health plan. A tool that managed healthcare uses is prior authorization to contain costs. Utilization management first appeared in the 1960s after Medicare Part A was created. Once Medicare Part A was instituted, the number and length of hospital stays skyrocketed. To contain costs, President Johnson and Congress approved the practice of utilization reviews for hospital stays. Utilization reviews confirm the need for hospital treatment: Two doctors need to concur on the diagnosis and the need for hospital treatment. The standard of
treatment was called “reasonable and customary.” What would most doctors consider “reasonable and customary” for this diagnosis? Again, the purpose was to limit unnecessary hospital stays and cut costs. The utilization review process, which gained traction in the health insurance industry, was primarily driven by the need to address issues of medical necessity, misuse, and overutilization of services. As a result, health plans began scrutinizing claims for medical necessity and the duration of hospital stays. In some cases, health plans even mandated that the physician certify the admission and subsequent days after the admission to curb costs. Ironically, Original Medicare operates now with minimal prior authorizations, limited to a few cases involving durable
medical equipment. In contrast, Medicare Advantage, as a managed health care system, necessitates prior authorization for a majority of its procedures and tests, with the exception of routine doctor visits and common practices. Under Original Medicare, the only limit to fraud and abuse of taxpayer-funded resources is the 1-800 number people can voluntarily report fraud to. Medicare Advantage Organizations (MAOs) constantly monitor submissions to make sure the requests for treatment are “medically necessary” as defined by the CMS regulations for standards of care. To make sure the MAOs perform their mission correctly, CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 ...
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