NEWSLETTERSeptember, 2018Featured in this issue:
Choosing a Home Medical Alert SystemMedical alert systems, where the press of a wearable call button puts you in touch with a dispatcher who will summon emergency help or contact a friend or family member, offers great reassurance for those who live alone and have health issues or fall risks. This emergency service transcends the traditional cell phone, which is not always available or reliable in an emergency. If you or someone you love is considering such a system, which should you choose? The wide variety of features, service options, and fees can make it challenging to figure out what’s best for you. Here are some considerations before purchasing a medical alert system. The Important things to consider:When you’re ready to begin shopping for a medical alert, you’ll need to make some decisions that will affect the overall functionality of your system and how much you will ultimately pay. Do you want a home-based or mobile system? Many companies offer mobile options, too. You can use these systems at home, but they’ll also allow you to call for help while you’re out and about. These operate over cellular networks and incorporate GPS technology. This way, if you get lost or press the call button for help but are unable to talk, the monitoring service can find you. Someone who doesn’t leave the house often may not need a mobile system, while an active older adult may want added protection outside the home, so consider your options. Should your system be professionally monitored or not? You will have the option to choose a system that isn’t monitored by an emergency service. With these, when you press the call button, the device automatically dials a friend or family member on your programmed emergency call list. These products can often be set up to call multiple people and to contact emergency services if you don’t get an answer from someone on your list. A key difference between the two is price. Monitored systems carry a monthly fee in addition to the purchase price for the device. With non-monitored systems, you generally pay only for the device itself. Monitored systems may also have other fees, such as activation fees as well as minimum commitments or contracts, and their cancellation and return policies can vary from company to company. Do you need to add a fall-detection feature? Are these systems covered by insurance? For the most part, Medicare and private insurance companies will not cover the costs of a medical alert. In some states, Medicaid may cover all or part of the cost. You can check with your private insurance company to see if it offers discounts or referrals. Ask about discounts for multiple people in the same household, as well as for veterans, membership organizations, medical insurance or via a hospital, medical or care organization. Ask if the company offers any discount options or a sliding fee scale for people with lower incomes. Additional things to consider when purchasing a system:
Once you’ve selected a system, be sure to monitor how it is working for your loved ones. Don’t hesitate to switch to another service if it isn’t a good fit — it could save a life. Tara Hatfield, DPTTara was drawn to physical therapy at an early age. The summer before her freshman year of high school, she had to undergo surgery on her ankle from sports injuries, and physical therapy was indicated when she came out of the cast. While attending therapy, she remembers thinking that it was very interesting watching what everyone around her was doing. Then, when she was a junior in high school, she underwent another reconstructive surgery on her other ankle and had therapy again. It was during that round of therapy that Tara made up her mind that this was her calling. Tara went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science & Rehabilitative Services from Slippery Rock University. She continued her graduate studies there earning her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2012. In the future, Tara plans to become a COMT (certified orthopedic manual therapist) to further her skills and assist in the recovery process. In her spare time, Tara enjoys running, lounging at the beach, and spending time with her boys. When she retires (a long time from now), Tara would love to spend more time traveling with her husband! Tara says " The best feeling is seeing patients achieve their goals and the gratitude they express. It means so much when patients stop by after they 'graduate' to let you know everything they are now able to do because of PT." The Importance of Workplace ErgonomicsMany working individuals spend about 6-10 hours a day at their desk in front of the computer. Being in a prolonged position can cause shortened muscles and cause chronic pain if not addressed. As physical therapists, we encourage all of our patients to be mindful of their sitting posture at work, and change up their workplace ergonomics if needed to better manage their pain and/or stiffness. The following are tips to think about the next time you're sitting at your desk:Upper Body: Head and neck stays in a neutral position with the chin parallel to the ground. When looking forward, the top of the computer monitor should be at eye level to decrease cervical extension when looking at the computer monitor. Shoulders should be aligned with the ear and pelvis. Elbows should be rested on an arm rest at a 90 deg angle. But if no armrest is provided, it should hang relaxed by the trunk. Wrists should be in a neutral position on the keyboard with fingers slightly curled to type. Back is rested against the chair with a slight curvature of the lumbar spine. Lower Body: Hips at 90 degrees or pelvis slightly tilted forward to decrease posterior tilting of pelvis when sitting. Posterior rotated pelvis (your base of support) promotes a slouched posture from the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine. Knees should be bent at 90 degrees. Foot/Ankles should be bent at 90 deg with contact to the floor or on a foot rest. Phones & ComputersTo prevent over reaching that may strain the neck and arm, keep objects that are used daily and consistently (ie: phone, mouse, stapler) within arms distance away. The keyboard and mouse should be located near the body when elbow is placed at 90 deg. Telephone should be easy to reach when extending elbow without over-stretching arm. Consider switching sides to reach for the phone to manage any current shoulder or neck issues. If your job consists of long duration on the phone, an earpiece may be recommended to help decrease stresses and stain to neck and shoulder. Dual MonitorsDual monitor screens are being used more often to help productivity in the office. It increases screen space to allow for multiple applications to be open all at once. If there is a main screen that is utilized the most, place that screen directly in front of you, and the second screen closely to the side. However, if both screens are used equally, then your eyes should be looking at the center of where both screens meet. Both monitors should be equal in size, height, and distance from the eyes. This will help to limit the amount of cervical rotation, flexion, and extension of the neck. Preventative measures should also be taken when you feel you have been sitting at your desk for too long. Set an alarm and stand up every 1-2 hours. Give yourself a chance to take a restroom break, grab some water, or stretch out. Doing so will help alleviate some of the issues associated with sitting at a desk for too long. Having proper alignment at the desk can help save from poor posture, degenerative joint issues, and early muscle fatigue. Heritage Harbour Health Fair!If you are a resident of the Heritage Harbour community, come visit us at the Annapolis Family Physical Therapy booth at the upcoming health fair on September 27, 2018. Bring your friends and neighbors by our booth and introduce us to them. Tell Joy how much you enjoy reading our newsletter, and we'll put you in a drawing to win a great prize! Employee's Recipe Corner: Joy's Zucchini FriesINGREDIENTS:
DIRECTIONS:Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Coat a cooling rack with nonstick spray and place on a baking sheet; set aside.
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