It’ s Slippery Season! ’ s How to Prevent and Protect Your Body From a Slip and Fall
However, if you do fall, it’s imperative that you seek medical attention immediately. After your initial treatment, additional problems can pop up, and you need to monitor your body for symptoms. A fall is an intense moment of impact on your body, and it can be shocking for your shoulders and back. The shoulder column and lower back are the most frequent pain points we hear about when we are treating patients after a fall.
BRAIN THERAPY! Winter can be a treacherous time for your shoulders and back. Between frequent window scraping and the risk of slippery sidewalks and parking lots, each day can be another burden on your spine and shoulder columns. Regardless of the weather, a fall can happen anywhere, at any time, and, as you age, your risk of falling can increase. Chronic conditions, medications, aging joints, and decreased mobility all make it more difficult for you to stay upright as you age. The key to fall prevention is understanding what puts you at risk for a fall and creating safety nets to prevent it. Physical therapy can treat any balance or dizziness issues you may be facing. We can also strengthen your muscles and joints, which will improve your balance and heighten your response time should you slip or stumble. In addition to physical therapy, having a clear plan for prevention can also diminish your risk of falls. This includes keeping pathways clear, wearing stable shoes, and staying active through things like daily walks and senior fitness classes. (Studies link regular exercise to stability!)
The simple truth is initial treatment isn’t always enough. In fact, you usually need more rehabilitation than just extra rest. When you simply treat the pain in the aftermath of a fall without any follow-up, you run the risk of damaging your shoulder and spine even further. This can also result in damage in other regions, including your hips, neck, knees, and feet. A fall isn’t a minor injury. You should take any stumble you have this winter seriously as it may cause intense pain and stability issues. Learn how the experts at Gilbert Physical Therapy can keep you upright and help you find relief by calling 717-591-0955.
Hoppin’ John ’
A traditional New Year’s favorite in the South, Hoppin’ John includes black-eyed peas that are said to represent coins, a sign of prosperity for the coming year. It’s usually served alongside collard greens, which represent cash.
Inspired by Epicurious
Ingredients
• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas • 5–6 cups water • 1 dried hot pepper, optional (arbol and Calabrian are great options)
• 1 smoked ham hock • 1 medium onion, diced • 1 cup long-grain white rice
Directions
1. Wash and sort peas. 2. In a saucepan, cover peas with water, discarding any that float. 3. Add pepper, ham hock, and onion. Gently boil and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until peas are just tender, about 90 minutes. At this point, you should have about 2 cups of liquid remaining. 4. Add rice, cover, drop heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes, undisturbed. 5. Remove from heat and let steam for an additional 10 minutes, still covered. 6. Remove lid, fluff with a fork, and serve.
Solution on Pg. 4
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