First Quarter 2021 | Issue 13
UNDERSTANDING T H E M O S T COMMON TYPES OF ARTHRITIS NAVIGATING THE Gain an understanding of the most CARE HIGHWAY common types of arthritis, their Knowing your next destination on the care symptoms, and treatments highway will help you make informed decisions and be your own best advocate
STAY UPRIGHT AND UPLIFTED Learn about common arthritis dianoses and how they contribute to your fall risk THIS ISSUE
04 EDITOR'S NOTE
05 UNDERSTANDING THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF ARTHRITIS
08 STAYING UPRIGHT AND UPLIFTED
NAVIGATING THE 11 CARE HIGHWAY
Fall Prevention Magazine First Quarter WHAT CAN THERAPY 13 DO FOR YOU?
Therapy can help in a number of ways - including protecting those arthritic joints. Learn more about how therapy might be able to help you in a way you had not known of!
GOOD FOOD CHOICES 14 There are multiple ways your diet can help reduce arthritis syptoms! Learn more about the types of foods you should eat and should avoid.
15 10 WAYS TO SHOW LOVE TO THE PEOPLE WE CARE ABOUT
Theres never a bad time to learn about ways to show your love to those you care about. Learn about our top 10 favorites here!
19 CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? Flip ahead to this article to learn fun facts about St. Patrick's!
A WORD FROM THE 22 CEO
The CEO of a major rehab therapy company speak up about women's history!
2 CEO & PUBLISHER Dr. Janet Mahoney, DPT, CEO [email protected]
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Victoria Kilroy, MSPT [email protected]
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Jackson Falby [email protected]
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Virginia Brackett, PT [email protected]
DIRECTOR OF BIZ-DEV Nancy Vanbenschoten [email protected]
Editorial submissions are welcome. Please send queries to Victoria Kilroy, MSPT, Editor-In-Chief. Submissions may be edited for length, style, content and clarity. Contents copyright 2021 by Arete Rehabilitation, Inc. Send permissions requests to access copyright by emailing [email protected] Disclaimer: The Publisher and Authors recognize that older adults have co-existing conditions that may affect appropriate application of the recommendations in Fall Prevention Magazine. Always consult with your physician before implementing any recommendations. The Publisher and Authors are not responsible for any injury or adverse effects from the application of the material in this magazine. FALL PREVENTION
2021 hasEditor's arrived and all thoughNote it hasn’t brought the recovery we had all hoped for, we all need to recognize the baby steps being made toward winning the battle against COVID. The vaccination process is moving forward, even if it seems to be stumbling at times, with more than 63 million doses administered in the US according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and I have hope that its continued administration will allow us, in the not too distant future, to experience a new freedom.
In this edition of Fall Prevention, we focus on arthritis. Articles address what it is, define the most common types and their symptoms and recognize the risk of falls associated with this condition. We offer tips on protecting compromised, arthritic joints while also making recommendations for anti-inflammatory foods to potentially help with the symptoms experienced by arthritis sufferers. March is women’s history month and our CEO recognizes the women that initiated the start of the profession of Physical Therapy here in the United States. And finally, what would February be without some tips on how to creatively maintain the all important feeling of human connection when we continue to be limited in our contact with the ones we love.
I hope that 2021 brings you all feelings of hope, joy and a recognition that spring and its rejuvenating powers is not that far away. I also hope that this edition of Fall Prevention magazine provides education, interest and entertainment.
VICTORIA KILROY, MSPT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
4 UNDERSTANDING THE MOST COMMON T Y P E S O F ARTHRITIS
BY EUGENIE LAMPRECHT, HEALTH WRITER & PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Did you know that 23% of adults in America have arthritis? It has also become the leading cause of work disability in the US, with an annual medical care cost of over $303.5 billion.
As you can guess, suffering from arthritis is an enormous challenge. It can significantly lower your quality of life and can become all-consuming when not managed well. On top of that, it can be overwhelming to understand the many different types of arthritis and the confusing medical terms that go along with them.
Luckily, today’s article will share what arthritis is, the different types, and how to recognize how they differ.
What is Arthritis? Arthritis is a widespread condition yet not well understood. As a surprise to many, it’s also not a single disease but rather an umbrella term for various conditions referring to joint pain or disease.
You’ll probably recognize the most common symptoms; pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. These symptoms vary in severity, and flare-ups are extremely common.
To further understand this condition, it’s essential to recognize experts report more than 100 different types of arthritis. In this article, we’ll share information about the most common diagnoses; osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis.
The different types of arthritis 1. Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and affects more than 32.5 million Americans. Though it can affect any joint in the body, it’s more common in the hips, knees, hands, and spine. OA’s leading risk factors include; age, previous injury, obesity, genetics, and gender.
Fall Prevention Magazine First Quarter www.areterehab.com Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and affects more than 32.5 million Americans.
As a degenerative joint disease, the joint cartilage gets broken down progressively over time. The breakdown of cartilage occurs due to an inflammatory response, which then triggers the breakdown of more collagen and connective cells in the cartilage.
This becomes problematic, as cartilage provides frictionless movement through joint surfaces. When these structures are damaged, it impacts the glide and smooth movement over joints. In the rare case that the cartilage breaks down completely, the bone(s) will start rubbing on each other during movement.
Common signs & symptoms of OA include: Joint pain Swelling Stiffness Decreased range of motion
2. Gout Another common form of arthritis is Gout, known for its sudden and severe onset of pain, redness, warmth, and swelling in the joint. Many experience these sudden attacks in the middle of the night and describe it as a sensation that the big toe is on fire.
Luckily, the triggering factors of gout are well understood and can therefore be managed relatively easily. Gout is caused by excess levels of uric acid in the blood produced when your body breaks down purine, commonly found in red meat, alcohol, and highly-processed foods with added sugars.
Generally, our bodies would excrete excess uric acid through the kidneys into our urine, but if your body ends up producing too much uric acid, it forms sharp, needle-like urate crystals in the joints. As a result, this leads to severe pain, inflammation, and swelling.
Common signs & symptoms of gout The symptoms experienced are quite similar to osteoarthritis including pain, swelling, stiffness and decreased range of motion. However, many people with gout also report burning pain. Distinguishing gout from osteoarthritis is relatively straightforward, as your diet most commonly triggers gout. 6 3. Rheumatoid Arthritis 5. Psoriatic Arthritis Unlike osteoarthritis, this form of arthritis is a chronic Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) affects around 2.25 million inflammatory condition that affects not only your joints but Americans and is an autoimmune disease in which the also other body systems, including your skin, heart, blood body overreacts and attacks healthy tissue in the body. The vessels, lungs, and eyes. National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) reports that up to 30% of individuals with psoriasis develop PsA, and common Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which triggers include; injuries, stress, alcohol, certain your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s medications, cold weather, and smoking. connective tissues. As a result, this often leads to bone erosion and joint deformity. Common signs & symptoms of PsA include: Low back pain Common signs & symptoms of RA include: Joint pain and stiffness (most commonly fingers and Tender, warm and swollen joints (most commonly observed toes). in both hands or feet). Swollen fingers and toes. Joint stiffness (worse in the mornings and when inactive). Reduced range of motion. Fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. Bottom line 4. Lupus If you have arthritis, it is essential to work with your doctor Like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus is another autoimmune to determine the best medical management for your disorder in which the immune system diagnosis. Without treatment, arthritis can lead to extreme attacks your connective tissues and organs. The inflammation pain, joint damage, exhaustion, and disability. Therefore, it’s induced by lupus impacts various essential to start treatment as soon as possible to body systems such as your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, effectively manage pain, relieve inflammation, maintain brain, heart, and lungs. range of motion, delay worsening of symptoms, and Common signs & symptoms of lupus include; address contributing factors such as weight gain and your Fatigue and fever. diet. Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Butterfly-shaped rash. In addition to working with your MD, physical and Shortness of breath and chest pain. occupational therapy may be appropriate, focusing on Dry eyes. helping you maintain your ability to perform daily tasks, Headaches, confusion, and memory loss. improve mobility, increase strength to support the joints, and manage pain. Lupus can often mimic RA as both affect similar joints, and both are also autoimmune disorders. Fortunately, your physician or rheumatologist will be able to differentiate by comparing your symptoms and doing antibody BY EUGENIE LAMPRECHT, tests as both conditions produce different kinds of antibodies. HEALTH WRITER & PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Fall Prevention Magazine First Quarter www.areterehab.com STAYING An Article on Arthritis and Falls UPRIGHT AND Written by UPLIFTED Victoria Kilroy, MSPT
As we age, the risk of As we age, the risk of falling significant injury than an individual increases exponentially with more without arthritis. They report a risk of falling increases than 1 in 3 adults over the age of 65 hip fracture to be three times more exponentially with more experiencing falls each year. For likely for those w RA and two times those suffering from arthritis that more likely w OA. The increased risk of than 1 in 3 adults over the risk is even greater, with The Centers falls reported can be attributed to the for Disease Control and Prevention symptoms that accompany the joint age of 65 experiencing recently reporting that older adults changes for those dealing with arthritis falls each year with self-reported physician- including pain, muscle weakness, and diagnosed arthritis were more than joint stiffness/decreased ROM. These twice as likely to have 2 or more falls symptoms can and do contribute to an than those without arthritis. increased risk of falls secondary to According to a study published in the impairments in balance, changes in journal, Arthritis Care and Research , safe gait patterns and changes in adults with osteoarthritis (OA) with muscular characteristics. one lower body joint involved were at a 53 percent increased risk of falls, Pain two joints with OA involved had a When an individual suffering from 74% increased risk, and those with arthritis experiences joint pain the three or more involved joints had an body’s response is avoidance. 85% increased risk of falls. Of Subsequently, gait changes occur in further concern, for individuals response to noxious stimuli. When suffering from OA and rheumatoid walking, 80% of one’s body weight is arthritis (RA), according to the transferred onto a single leg with each Journal of Rheumatology, there is step. If an individual is suffering from also an increased likelihood of more the painful effects of arthritis they may 8 adopt compromised patterns of gait to avoid full weight bearing on a painful joint, like decreased step length, decreased appropriate weight shift when stepping and increased stance width. When pain limits normal gait patterns an increased risk of falls becomes inevitable.
Muscle Weakness For individuals with arthritis, one of the underlying causes of balance impairment can be muscle weakness. Muscles around each joint provide stability and assist in proper mechanical operation of that joint. When muscles become weak due to age, pain and swelling, these qualities are diminished and a cycle of progression of OA, pain and disability begins. In addition, balance reactions are strongly affected by muscle strength in one’s core, gluts and lower extremities, therefore, with the muscle weakness often associated with arthritis fall risk increases. Exercise is a very effective, non-drug approach to reducing pain and improving mobility which in turn improves functional balance.
Joint Stiffness and Decreased Flexibility With the progression of arthritis and accompanying pain and inflammation, joint range of motion becomes limited along with the flexibility of the surrounding muscles. When skeletal and muscular changes occur, with limitations in range of motion, balance reactions can be compromised along with detrimental changes in gait with a subsequent increased risk of falls. Additionally, joint stiffness and pain can result in postural changes further contributing to fall risk. Alas, the news is not all bad for those suffering with arthritis. Participating in exercise programs that address the detrimental effects and functional changes associated with arthritis can help. The key to preventing and decreasing the pain, weakness and range of motion loss that puts you at risk for falls is finding the right exercise program for you and sticking to it. Exercise is a very effective, non-drug approach to reducing pain and improving mobility which in turn improves functional balance. Interventions that target strength, balance and gait and that improve coordination and flexibility have been proven to help reduce arthritis sufferers’ risk of falls and assist in controlling the symptoms of arthritis.
Strengthening Programs that focus on strengthening muscles that stabilize and improve posture, core and lower extremity muscles and the muscles surrounding involved joints will help control the symptoms of arthritis and improve balance. Strengthening interventions need to be individualized to ensure specific areas of weakness are addressed and exercises prescribed incorporate everyday movements you may have difficulty with.
Fall Prevention Magazine First Quarter www.areterehab.com Issue 27 | 234 Balance, Coordination and Flexibility Programs like Tia Chi and yoga as well as those focused on balance specific exercises, address flexibility, balance, endurance, motor coordination and strength allowing for improved confidence with movement as well as functional balance itself.
Some community programs designed specifically for older adults include: Tia Chi Quan: Moving for Better Balance, A Matter of Balance, Fit & Strong and community yoga classes that can be adapted to meet the needs of all participants. Other recommended activities include walking programs, water aerobics and low-impact aerobics classes.
Exercise programs should be based on an individual’s needs and you should work with your doctor as well as physical and occupational therapists before beginning any exercise program to determine what approach is best for you.
Regular physical activity when done in a safe way that is appropriate for your arthritis symptoms can have a myriad of benefits. Exercise can not only help improve pain symptoms, but also improve strength, balance and flexibility, decreasing your risk of falls and improving your quality of life.
Written by Victoria Kilroy, MSPT
10 According to, Alper, et al (2020) a myriad of factors are assessed: Patient cognitive status Navigating the Care Highway Patient activity level and functional status The nature of the patient's current home and suitability Words by for the patient's conditions (eg, presence of stairways,cleanliness) Dr. Janet Mahoney, DPT, CEO of Arete Rehab Availability of family or companion support Ability to obtain medications and services Availability of transportation from hospital to home and Navigating the care highway once hospitalized often feels for follow-up visit like finding your way through a maze...blindfolded. For Availability of services in the community to assist the patients and their families, attempting to understand and patient with ongoing care navigate the after-hospitalization, post-acute care labyrinth UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS AND THE can be downright overwhelming. Prior to hospitalization, it is MOTIVATIONS AT EACH LEVEL OF CARE ARE imperative to be well versed in all discharge options, CRITICAL IN MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION allowing you to be a strong advocate for the best post- hospitalization setting for you or your loved one. While reimbursement for the acute care stay is not covered in the above list, the length of hospitalization and Understanding the process and the motivations at each level discharge plan are often influenced and/or driven by of care are critical in making the right decision for you or a insurance coverage. Once all the factors are assessed by family member, as this process, especially in the acute care the team, the appropriate level of care is determined. setting often happens much quicker than expected. Patients and families may have little to no advance notice that These choices include: discharge planning has begun or is almost completed. When Rehabilitation Hospital a patient is deemed medically stable, the physician, social Skilled Nursing & Rehab facility worker or case manager, nurse, and physical therapist meet Home with home care services that may include nursing, therapy, and home health aide to set the stage for the patient’s exit. Home with In-home rehabilitation services only Home with outpatient follow up
Fall Prevention Magazine First Quarter www.areterehab.com Rehabilitation Hospital To meet the criteria for this level of care, the patient must require intensive nursing services, frequent physician monitoring (at least three (3) days per week) and intense rehabilitation of at least 3 hours per day and up to seven days per week (ARN, 2017).
Skilled Nursing & Rehab Facility To qualify for a skilled nursing stay, a patient must require nursing services that cannot be performed in the home, physician monitoring on a monthly basis, and/or rehabilitation services less than 3 hours a day and up to five (5) to seven (7) days per week. The general requirements to meet the care needs at this level include: Needing assistance with washing, dressing, It is imperative to be well versed in all mobility, wound management, pain management, and medical monitoring. discharge options, allowing you to be a strong advocate for the best post- Home with Home Care Services Medicare.gov defines the criteria for home health hospitalization setting for you or your services as the need for intermittent or part time nursing loved one. care, rehabilitation services, medical social services and part time/intermittent home health aide services. While Home with Outpatient Follow-Up home care agencies make decisions on the frequency A patient appropriate for this level of care is able to go of visits based upon their initial assessment, nursing is safely home alone, get to MD appointments, outpatient typically one (1) to two (2) visits per week, rehabilitation clinics for rehabilitation services and other follow up services one (1) to two (2) visits per week, medical appointments with or without some help from family and social work on an as-needed basis, and home health friends. aide services one (1) to two (2) times per week. The When the medical team determines a patient is near patient must be able to stay safely home alone a discharge at each level of care, they assess the patient’s majority of the time and/or has needs and recommend the appropriate next level. The entire family/friends/neighbors to assist as well. process is designed to flow downward, matching the patient’s needs, from the highest level of care, acute Home with In-Home Rehabilitation Services hospitalization, to the lowest level of care, home with A patient eligible for this level of care must not require outpatient follow-up. However, it is imperative that each any of the previously discussed higher levels of care. patient and/or caregiver is well versed in what each level of Companies that offer these services, do not offer care entails and is ready to be a part of discharge planning nursing care, medical social workers, or home health each step of the way. Being your own advocate and working aides. These providers offer physical, occupational, and with your medical team is vital to ensure you are receiving speech therapy services in the home under Medicare the appropriate level of medical care and support. Part B or other similar insurances two (2) to three (3) Discharge to a setting that provides inadequate support is times per week. A patient must be able to stay safely dangerous with potential for negative outcomes including home alone or with occasional help of family and risk of falls and injury as well as increased incidence of friends. hospital readmissions and delay in recovery.
Words by Dr. Janet Mahoney, DPT, CEO of Arete Rehab 12 A Word From Our Sponsor ARETE REHAB What can Therapy do for You?
Written By Kim Monette, PT
Protecting Arthritic Joints Choose the strongest joint for the job! Large joints such as hips and shoulders may be best suited for a Arthritis can make simple daily tasks and activities more difficult task vs smaller joints such as ankles, wrists and fingers. due to painful, stiff joints. The focus of joint protection is For example, it may be easier to carry a pocketbook changing our habits and adapting the way we work. Joint across your shoulder/chest instead of trying to carry protection is a self-management approach to maintaining your with your hands. Use the muscles in your legs to stand functional abilities despite your arthritis. Arthritic joints cannot up from a chair and avoid pushing off with your tolerate as much stress as healthy joints and it is important not hands/wrists. to try to just “work through the pain”. Try to think of new ways to make tasks easier. For There are many strategies and adaptations that can help with example, if you are trying to move a heavy object from painful, arthritic joints. A physical or occupational therapist can one end of the counter to the other, try sliding it vs be a great resource for helping you to determine what will work picking it up. best for you. Use good body mechanics whenever you are moving. Here are a couple of examples of helpful strategies to get you This allows your body to work more efficiently with started: less pain. A physical therapist can provide valuable Use adaptive tools such as soft grip covers on writing tools, information on use of good body mechanics jar openers and easy to grip utensils for eating. Use of voice In addition to protecting your joints during daily activities, recognition software can replace writing/typing which may it is also important to stay active and be causing you pain avoid having your joints become stiff, which ultimately can Consider use of a splint for your hand/wrist to provide lead to more pain. Having a physical protection and proper positioning of your joints to alleviate and/or occupational therapist perform an evaluation, may pain. An occupational therapist can assess you for the be very helpful in providing you with correct one. the appropriate exercise program to manage pain and improve muscle strength and function. Fall Prevention Magazine First Quarter Green Tea Green tea contains polyphenols; antioxidants which are believed to reduce inflammation and play a part in slowing Good Food cartilage destruction.
Garlic and Onions Garlic, onions, leeks and shallots all Choices. contain anti-inflammatory properties as well as being immunity-boosters. These Can Help Reduce Arthritis Inflammation tasty vegetables also contain diallyl disulphine which may help the body in protecting against cartilage damage.
Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, pecans and others have not only heart-health fats but additionally contain calcium, Vitamin E, magnesium and zinc. So these gems are not only anti- inflammatory but heart healthy as well.
In addition to eating healthy foods that may help reduce inflammation and boost your immunity, it is also important to avoid foods that contribute to arthritic joint inflammation. Your doctor is a good source for recommendations regarding diet and Arthritis is an umbrella term referring to over 100 conditions involving joint with providing you with a referral to a disease with symptoms including joint pain and inflammation. Though there is specialist that can help you make the best no known cure for arthritis, it is managed with medication, exercise/daily food choices for your condition. activity and appropriate lifestyle choices. One of the lifestyle choices to consider is including some of the foods listed below, that have shown to decrease inflammation and boost your immune system, in your diet. Remember to always consult with your doctor about what is the best treatment regimen and dietary choices for your specific condition.
Berries Berries are high in antioxidants which help fight off inflammation. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries also can help reduce inflammation due to the presence of anthocyanins
Fatty Fish Fish like salmon and mackerel are naturally rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fats known for having anti-inflammatory properties. Fish is also a good source of Vitamin D which has its own anti-inflammatory effect on cells in your body. Written By:
Green, Leafy Vegetables Victoria Kilroy, MSPT Vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli, and collard greens are full of antioxidant vitamins including A, C and K. These vitamins help fight inflammation and boost your immune system. 14 10 WAYS TO SHOW 10 Be Tolerant Love Start with yourself by being less self- conscious and more self- compassionate. Being more TO THE PEOPLE WE compassionate with yourself allows you to show compassion for your CARE ABOUT loved ones. Kindness is the way to BY NANCY VANBENSCHOTEN spread joy.
Human connection is one of the most important experiences that we all need to feel Try Something New fulfilled and healthy. This connection can come in many forms but it is the way we show 09 people that we care. Getting involved in something new with someone special- taking a So how do we increase our connection with dance class, listening to new music, maybe reading a book together is a one another in a world where we have less great chance to reconnect and physical contact? rediscover each other in a pleasant and beneficial way.
Fall Prevention Magazine First Quarter www.areterehab.com 08 Surprise Someone Surprises, big or small, make the one you love feel special, interesting and worthy of your attention and love. A “just because” card, a special cupcake, or an unexpected call or visit all break up the monotony of your actions and bring joy.
Embrace Doing Things Your 07 Loved One Enjoys Show interest and acceptance for what your loved one is passionate about. Giving of one’s self and doing things that might not be what you want shows that you care.
06 Maintain Eye Contact 05 Make Yourself Useful Being present with the person you When those you love are asking for help, take it as an opportunity to be are engaging with shows them that useful, show your love and provide your attention is focused on them care. View these opportunities not as and what their situation is. They will an inconvenience, taking time away see themselves and how much you from your busy schedule but instead care for them in your eyes. as a chance to show your loved ones they are a priority in your life.
16 Get Personal 04 If you don’t reveal your true self, others will not know why you behave and think in a certain way. Honest, personal communication allows people to understand your reaction to events and other feelings and connect with you in a meaningful way.
Make People Feel Important 03 Everyone wants to feel special and appreciated. Send someone special a note letting them know how much you value them and their special qualities. Reveal how they make you feel.
Share Without Expectations
02 Give something of yourself without an expectation of getting something in return. Giving to others is pleasure enough. Do a good deed for someone you care about anonymously and see how great you both feel.
Fall Prevention Magazine First Quarter www.areterehab.com 01 Listen We all crave being heard and acknowledged. Even when we can’t sit in the same room, we can still be available to the ones we love via technology; phone, zoom or video. Listening is a way to show that we care about the needs of others. When you listen, you make the other person feel understood, accounted for and accepted.
For most of us, the pandemic is limiting the direct contact we have with the ones we love. It has made it difficult to maintain the human connection we all need to feel loved, cared for and “seen”. This doesn’t mean we need to give up our efforts but instead get creative in how we show we care. BY NANCY VANBENSCHOTEN
18 CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? SEE BELOW FOR SOME ST. PATRICK'S DAY FUN FACTS!
St. Patrick's Fun Facts
1. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in the United States was held in Boston in 1737. Today there are more than 100 St. Patrick’s Day parades are held across the United States, with New York City and Boston home to the largest celebrations.
2. Though wearing green is a tradition on St. Patrick’s Day, blue, the color worn by St Patrick himself, was originally associated with this holiday. It is believed that the change in color came about because of Ireland’s nickname, The Emerald Isle, as well as the green in Ireland’s flag.
3. Legend says each leaf of the 4 leaf clover has a meaning- hope, faith, love and luck. If you find a 4 leaf clover you must have the luck of the Irish as there is only 1 four-leaf clover for every 10,000 three-leaf clovers.
4. Did you know that there are over 34.7 million residents with Irish ancestry in the United States? That’s more than seven times the population of Ireland itself.
5. Though we all think of corned beef and cabbage when planning our St Patrick’s Day meal, this tradition actually started here in America not Ireland. In Ireland, ham and cabbage is the traditional meal. It is believed in the 19th century, Irish immigrants could not afford ham so instead settled for the cheaper alternative corned beef.
Fall Prevention Magazine First Quarter www.areterehab.com M A RCH
DID YOU KNOW ?
By the end of March the sun will set at 7:09pm. Did you know that's a full two hours of extra daylight since the beginning of January? Winter is almost over!
20 ENROLL IN A RESEARCH STUDY
Why participate in Clinical Research? Clinical research studies can be a great opportunity for people to receive medical services at no cost and to learn more about their medical condition. Volunteers in medical research studies, in most cases, are compensated for their time and travel commitments in the form of a stipend.
At ActivMed, we ensure volunteering is a positive experience for every participant. Our friendly staff understands and recognizes that all participants in medical studies are volunteers; therefore, we respect every participant’s time and commitment. In addition to compensation, volunteers often receive diagnostic testing and careful evaluation by a board-certified medical doctor. Lastly, many volunteers find that participation in medical studies can be a great learning experience that allows them to have a better understanding of their medical condition and potential treatment options.
Participation is always voluntary and participants can choose to withdraw from a study at any time. Every medical study has different requirements, procedures, risks and benefits. See our list of enrolling study opportunities and call or apply today. Our friendly staff will gladly explain the details of study participation.
Fall Prevention Magazine First Quarter www.areterehab.com A THEword CEOfrom
March is Women’s History Month and is a time to celebrate the brave women who fought traditional stereotypes, broke glass ceilings and paved the way for the future which we now enjoy. Throughout history, women stepped forward, brought about needed change and entered into roles previously unavailable to females. Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery in 1849 to become a leading abolitionist and one of the most important figures of the Underground Railroad, led hundreds of enslaved people to freedom from slavery. Women protested for years before they saw the success of the Women’s Suffrage movement, culminating in the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, ensuring a women’s right to vote. Today, women are filling roles for the first time, like Sandra Day O'Connor, becoming the first female justice on the Supreme Court in 1981 and Kamala Harris, becoming our first female Vice President.
The profession of physical therapy (PT) in the US has its roots in the history of women as well. In 1916, with the polio epidemic coinciding with the US involvement in WWI in 1917, physical therapy became established in the US. Mary McMillan was the leader in establishing the profession of PT in this country and is considered its "founding mother". Using the training she received in England, she worked with women who were physical education graduates, teaching them to provide rehabilitation to wounded soldiers and polio survivors, helping them regain function and mobility. The profession continued to grow and in 1921 the American Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association was formed, a professional organization which culminated in the current day American Physical Therapy Association. Because of the hard work of Mary McMillan and her first trainees, ensuring physical therapy was recognized and respected as a vital healthcare profession, there are now over 76,000 female and male physical therapists nationwide working in numerous settings, rehabilitating patients with a multitude of physical impairments.
-DR. JANET MAHONEY PT, DPT, CEO & FOUNDER ARETE REHAB RESOURCES
Understanding Staying Upright The Most and Uplifted Common Types of
Arthritis 1. Home Health Information , Prevent Falls and Fractures, National Institute on Aging, https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/prevent-falls-and-fractures , 1. Arthritis. https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/art 2. Adam L. Doré , DO, et al, Lower Limb Osteoarthritis and the Risk of Falls hritis.ht in a m. Published November 3, 2020. Accessed February 10, 2021. Community-Based Longitudinal Study of Adults with and without Osteoarthritis , Arthritis 2. What Is Arthritis? https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about- Care Res (Hoboken). 2015 May; 67(5): 633–639. arthritis/understanding arthritis/what-is-arthritis. Accessed February 10, 2021. 3. Preventing Falls and When You Have Arthritis: 15 Important Tips , Living with Arthritis, 3. Osteoarthritis (OA). https://creakyjoints.org/living-with-arthritis/preventing-falls-with-arthritis / https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm. Published August 4, 2020. Accessed February 10, 2021. 4. Osteoarthritis and Falls: How to Reduce Your Risk https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing- 4. Gout. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gout/symptoms- pain/joint-protection/ost causes/syc eoarthritis-and- 20372897. Published March 1, 2019. Accessed February 10, 2021. falls#:~:text=In%20a%202015%20Arthritis%20Care,percent%20more%2 0likely%20to%20fall . 6. Nancy Garrick DD. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus). https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/lupus. Published April 11, 2017. 5. Osteoarthritis and Falls What You Need to Know to Lead an Active Life Accessed and Prevent February 10, 2021. Falls, National Council on Aging, https://www.ncoa.org/wp-content/uploads/osteoarthritis.-and-falls- 7. Diagnosing Lupus - What is Lupus. prevention-booklet-ncoa-1.p https://www.lupusresearch.org/understanding lupus/diagnosis-and-treatment/diagnosis/. Accessed February 10, 2021. 8. Rheumatoid arthritis. American College of Rheumatology. Navigating the https://www.rheumatology.org/I Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Rheumatoid-Arthritis. Accessed Dec. 31, Care Highway 2018. Accessed February 10, 2021.
9. Get the facts about psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. https://www.psoriasis.org/psoriasis Alper, E., O'Malley, T. A., & Greenwald, J. (2020). Hospital Discharge and statistics/. Accessed February 10, 2021. Readmission. Retrieved February 17, 2021, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/hospital-discharge-and-readmission
Association of Rehabilitation Nurses(ARN). Criteria for Medical Necessity in Inpatient Rehab Facility. (2017). Retrieved February 17, 2021, from https://rehabnurse.org/about/position-statements/rehabilitation-nursing- criteria#:~:text=The%20patient%20requires%20an%20intensive,day%20p eriod%2C%20beginning%20with%20the
Medicare.gov (2021). Home health services. (n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2021, from https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/home-health-services
Mariana R Gonzalez, MD, MPH, Lauren Junge-Maughan, BA, Lewis A Lipsitz, MD, Amber Moore, MD, MPH, ECHO-CT: An Interdisciplinary Videoconference Model for Identifying Potential Postdischarge Transition- of-Care Events. J. Hosp. Med 2021;2;93-96. Published Online First January 20, 2021. doi:10.12788/jhm.3523
Fall Prevention Magazine First Quarter www.areterehab.com RESOURCES
Good Food Choices
1. Seven Foods to Help You Fight Arthritis, Penn Medicine, May 30, 2018, https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/musculoskeletal-and- rheumatology/2018/m ay/seven-foods-to-help-you-fight-arthritis
2. Best Vegetables for Arthritis, Arthritis Foundation https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/nutrition/healthy- eating/best-vegetables-for- arthritis#:~:text=Broccoli%20and%20other%20cruciferous%20vegetables, damage%20in%20osteoarthritis%20(OA).
3. The 10 Best Foods to Eat If You Have Arthritis https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-foods-for-arthritis
Fun Facts
1. 7 Surprising Facts About St Patrick’s Day, https://www.history.com/news/st-patricks-day-facts
2. 13 Lucky Facts About St. Patrick's Day, MARCH 8, 2019 (UPDATED: MARCH 6, 2020), https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/93246/13-lucky-facts-about-st- patricks-day
A Word From The CEO
1. 8 Famous Women PTs From History, https://www.webpt.com/blog/8- famous-women-pts-from-history/
2. History of Physical Therapy, October, 6, 2018. http://www.jointventurespt.com/blog/history-of-physical-therapy
24 #StopTheSpread 7 Steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19
01 Wash your hands frequently
02 Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
03 Cover your mouth when you cough using a tissue or the bend of your elbow
04 Avoid crowded places and close contact with anyone who has fever or cough
05 Stay home if you feel unwell
06 Seek medical care early if you have a fever, coughs, and difficulty breathing— but call first
07 Get information from trusted sources
Source: World Health Organiztion PATIENTS THAT HAVE FALLEN IN THE PAST ARE AT HIGHER PREVENT RISK FALLS TO FALL AGAIN TODAY
THANK YOU FOR READING ISSUE #13 OF THE FALL PREVENTION MAGAZINE. BEING AWARE OF YOUR LEVEL OF FALL RISK IS A MAJOR STEP TOWARDS AVOIDING FALLS AND MAINTAINING YOUR INDEPENDENCE AS AN OLDER ADULT. DON'T HESITATE TO REACH OUT TO YOUR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN OR A THERAPIST TO CONDUCT A MORE THOROUGH FALL RISK ANALYSIS.
ADDITIONALLY, THANK YOU TO OUR CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS! EUGENIE LAMPRECHT, HEALTH WRITER & PHYSIOTHERAPIST
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THE NEXT ISSUE IN MAY!