October 2011 is National Physical Therapy Month

October 2010 is National Physical Therapy Month. This year’s theme will focus on the importance of physical activity for people of all ages and abilities, as well as preventing and combating obesity and its consequences.

Children and adults who are currently obese benefit from a physical therapist designed physical activity program that promotes movement, reduces pain, restores function and prevents disability. Physical therapists play a vital role as expert advisors in movement by using their knowledge, skills and experience to help their patients in designing a safe exercise program.

As a healthcare provider, my staff and I are committed in helping patients fight against obesity and its consequences by motivating and teaching their patients healthy ways to make the commitment to being physically active and to exercise. By advocating the “Smart Move” ideas from The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the staff at Physical Therapy at Briarcliff & Jefferson Valley, PC encourages their patients to learn healthy exercise tips to help get them started:

“Smart Moves” for Families:

• Plan weekend family activities involving physical activity, such as hiking, swimming, bicycling, mini-golf, tennis, or bowling.
• Help your child plan physical activities with friends and neighbors, such as skating or softball.
• Have your kids brainstorm a “rainy day” game plan of indoor activities such as fitness games such as Wii Fit or Dance Revolution.
• Remember that your family does not need to join a health club or buy fancy equipment to be active. Walking is inexpensive and easy. So is designing a backyard obstacle course. Weights can be made from soda or detergent bottles filled with sand or water!
• Provide positive rewards for your child when he or she engages in physical activities, such as workout clothes, a new basketball, or an evening of roller skating.
• Provide positive feedback about your child's lifestyle changes. Remember not to focus on the scale (for you or your child).
• Be your child's "exercise buddy." Plan daily walks or bike rides and set goals together for increasing physical activity rather than for losing weight. It’s also great “bonding” time!
• As you schedule your child's extracurricular activities, remember to plan time for exercise and activity as a priority for the entire family. Don't just "squeeze it in."
• Encourage children to try individualized sports, such as tennis and swimming. Studies show such activities are the basis of lifelong fitness habits.
• Parents and children can do exercises while watching television (or at least during commercials), such as sit-ups, push-ups or running in place. Discourage snacking or eating meals while watching.

Physical Therapy at Briarcliff & Jefferson Valley, PC was established in 1983, and has been serving the Westchester community for over 25 years. The facility is a private practice specializing in sports rehabilitation, chronic pain and manual therapy. For more information, visit www.ptrehab.com or call (914) 762 – 2222 or 245 – 8807. Most insurance plans are accepted which will cover your rehabilitation. Also, learn more about conditions physical therapists treat at www.moveforwardpt.com.

References:

American Physical Therapy Association. Retrieved from http://www.apta.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home