Happy Summer from Therapeutic Associates Downtown Portland!

Here's to hoping you've been able to beat the heat and get out for some fun adventures!

Welcome Christina Nelson

As our physical therapy aide J.D. (Jessica Dinielli) prepares to leave us to begin the Physical Therapy program at George Fox University in September, we are happy to introduce the addition of Christina Nelson to our team. Look for her friendly face to be assisting us in the clinic.

Christina is currently in the pre-physical therapy program at Portland State University. She has studied Fire Science, Nutrition, Biochemistry and Biology. She competed both collegiately and professionally in Cross Country and Track, and was also on the German National Team as a dual citizen in 2007. She is a Certified Bowen Practitioner, EMT-B, Personal Trainer/Group Exercise Instructor, and a USA Track and Field Level 1 Coach. In addition to running, she enjoys biking, swimming, climbing, Krav Maga Combat hybrid classes, and spending time with family and friends.

Congratulations Jessica Smith-Blockley

We would like to congratulate physical therapist Jessica Smith-Blockley on her recent completion of the NAIOMT (North American Institute of Manual Therapy) Fellowship Program. She is now a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Therapists. Additionally, she was recently selected to work within Therapeutic Associates Clinical Education Department as the Regional Mentorship Director for the Portland Metro region. She will continue to provide patient care in the downtown clinic, but will also spend time traveling to other clinics in the area to provide mentorship for new and developing therapists in the company.

Congratulations Aulbrey Scott

We would also like to congratulate Aulbrey Scott PTA, on "walking (or running!) the talk" to Get Moving by participating in the Fueled by Fine Wine half marathon this month! Despite a tough, hilly course and high temperatures, she powered through to the finish. Way to go Aulbrey!

6 Tips to Ensure Proper Hydration at Athletic Events

It is impossible to overemphasize the importance of proper hydration during athletic events lasting longer than an hour. Improper hydration can lead not only to decreased performance (by up to 50%), but also dangerous medical conditions such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. It is important that you take the time to learn how to hydrate properly before, during, and after your event.

1 - Closely Monitor Your Fluid Intake

Improper monitoring can, and will, lead to dehydration. Dehydration, the first step towards heat exhaustion and heat stroke, occurs when there is excess sodium, urea, and other electrolytes in the body relative to the amount of water present. Necessary fluid intake varies from individual to individual, and can be greatly affected by such things as body size, level of fitness, effort exhausted, the duration of the event, temperature, and humidity. Generally a good rule of thumb is to make sure your urine is clear to very pale yellow in the days and hours leading up to your event.

2 - Monitor Your Electolyte Intake

Electrolyte needs also vary from individual to individual. Good liquid sources of electrolytes include most sports drinks and fruit juices and should be consumed during exercise lasting longer than one hour.

3 - Dress Properly

People often overdress for endurance athletic events leading to increased body heat, increased fluid loss, and increased risk for dehydration. Two good rules of thumb for proper dressing is to either wear one layer less than you think you'll need, or calculate when you think you'll be finishing your event and dress for the weather/temperature at that time, versus what the weather/temperature is when you begin the event.

4 - Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

Caffeine and alcohol are both diuretcs (they speed fluid loss, thereby increasing the risk for dehydration).

5 - Hydrate Early and Often

Hydrate at every opportunity, starting early on in your event, and continuing at regimented intervals.

6 - Know the Symptoms

General symptoms include, but are not limited to:

- Deydration/Hypernatremia: Thirst and discomfort, loss of appetite, dry and/or "hot" skin, flushing, headache, visual disturbances, lowered blood pressure, increased heart rate, increased respirations, cramping, fatigue, low endurance, nausea, dizziness, fainting, delirium, and unconsciousness.

- Electrolyte Imbalance/Hyponatremia: Nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, swelling of the limbs, and stupor.

Tony Rocklin's Wheel-A-Thon

This past May, Clinic Director Tony Rocklin participated in the Wheel-A-Thon, a program he founded over 20 years ago when playing basketball for Oregon State University. The current OSU Basketball Team was in attendance participating, as well as Tony and some of his fellow alumni. The WAT is a program that raises money for the IMPACT (Individualized Movement and Physical Activity for Children Today) Program and the Multiple Sclerosis Exercise Program.

The MS clinic is comprised of student volunteers who work with community members with Multiple Sclerosis to perform personalized exercise routines. The main focus is on resistance training because it has been shown to play a role in helping individuals with MS maintain function in activities of daily living. This program is not a federally funded program so WAT volunteers help to raise money that they need in order to acquire new exercise equipment.

The IMPACT program is solely supported by student volunteers. These volunteers are paired with children from the community who have varying degrees of physical and cognitive disabilities. The program takes place in both a gym setting and pool setting where each volunteer works individually with a child on improving their physical abilities and serves as a mentor to foster positive social interaction.

Congratulations, Tony, on creating such a successful program to benefit these organizations!