Have You (or Someone You Know) Had a Heart Attack?

Are you a victim of a heart attack?  Are you scared to go for a walk with a friend, your spouse or your dog?  Are you afraid to play too much with your grand children? Are you scared to play sports, laugh too hard, be intimate with your partner, or return to work?  Do you avoid doing the things you used to love to do, because you fear having another heart attack?  Are you or your family constantly watching for the warning signs of another heart attack? 

If you are reading this and you feel lost in the world of what to do or not to do, we have good news for you.  There is HOPE!  We have the answers you need, and we can get you back to being active again.  Cardiac rehabilitation reduces the risk of dying from another cardiac event by as much as 50 percent.  It also improves quality of life.

 At We-Fix-U Physiotherapy and Foot Health Centres, our team understands the anxiety and stress heart disease creates, which is why we are thrilled to announce our expanded Cardiac Rehabilitation program at our Cobourg location, at 727 William Street. 

Our scientifically proven approach is suitable for people who have known heart disease (angina, coronary artery disease, have had an angioplasty), have had heart surgery, a heart attack or minor stroke. It is also suitable for people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight or obesity and diabetes.

Our program is medically supervised, and our professional staff work with you to develop an individualized program, which combines exercise, education and lifestyle change, with the support of our multidisciplinary team.  And even better, once you graduate from the program, we are here to help you maintain your progress with ongoing support.

 

If you would like a safe and effective way to overcome the physical complications of heart disease, limit your risk of developing further heart trouble, and to return to an active lifestyle, then this program is for you.  Call 905-373-7045 to set up your no-obligation free consultation to see if this program is suitable for you.

 

 

Shovelling Snow and Saving Your Back

After a fantastically mild winter so far, Jack Frost is finally nipping at our toes, showing us the truism of Canadian winters – SNOW! Our shovels are out folks, and that means that snow–shovelling injuries are underway.  While most people recognize that shovelling snow is hard work, few realize that it can actually be quite dangerous.  Experts say it requires as much energy as running 9 miles per hour! Snow-shovelling also creates enormous amounts of stress and strain on your back.  So, as winter “sets in”, I have outlined several tips for how to keep you back healthy this winter:

How to Avoid Hurting Your Back While Shovelling

·         Don't shovel soon after you wake up. A slipped disc injury is much more likely to occur in the morning due to the build-up of fluid in the disc from lying down all night.

·         Warm-up before you start shovelling.  Cold, tight muscles are more likely to strain than warm, relaxed muscles.

·         Choose a snow shovel that is right for you! : Your shovel should have a curved handle, which allows you to keep your back straighter when shovelling.  The handle should be correct for you – you should be able to slightly bend your knees, flex your back 10 degrees or less, and hold the shovel comfortably in your hands at the start of the shovelling “stroke”.  When you grip the shovel, make sure your hands are at least 12 inches apart. By creating distance between your hands, you increase your leverage and reduce the strain on your body. . A smaller blade will require you to lift less snow, putting less strain on your body.

·         Push the snow, don’t lift it.  Pushing puts less strain on your spine than lifting.

·         If you must lift the snow, make sure you lift properly: Squat with your feet about hip width apart for balance and keep the shovel close to your body. Your knees should be bent and back straight.  Lift with your legs (bend from the knees, not from the back).  Do not bend at the waist.  Tighten your stomach muscles as you lift the snow. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it. Pick the right shovel for you

·         Never throw snow over your shoulder:  avoid twisting movements.  If you need to move the snow to one side, reposition your feet to face the direction the snow will be going.

·         Try to scoop a lot of little loads instead of fewer big ones. 

·         Pace yourself by taking frequent breaks to gently stretch  your back, arms and legs.

·         Use slip-resistant boots or wear ice shoes

·         Spray or rub some type of lubricant on the shovel blade to keep snow from sticking to your shovel.

·         Most importantly, listen to your body.  Stop if you feel pain.

Northumberland's New Neurological Rehabilitation Program

Northumberland County is about to get a new much-needed rehabilitation service for residents with neurological impairments, such as stroke, acquired brain injuries, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson’s.  Alison Crawford, a physiotherapist with 25 years of experience in rehabilitating neurological conditions, has joined the team at We-Fix-U Physiotherapy and Foot Health Centres.

 

Typically, when a traumatic event causing damage to the nervous system occurs, acute rehabilitation is provided through our local hospital physiotherapy department.  Following discharge from the hospital, the patient is able to receive a limited number of visits for rehabilitation in their own home, with funding through local agencies.  Unfortunately, this is not enough to achieve the maximum recovery possible.  As an example, research states that a stroke victim can benefit from physiotherapy up to one year post -stroke.  Conditions like this need daily intense physiotherapy for at least the first 3-6 months..  We-Fix-U co-owner and Physiotherapist, David Evans, was concerned about the lack of intensive rehabilitation available once the patient leaves the hospital, and so he decided to take action, leading to Mrs. Crawford’s recruitment.

 

Alison will be heading the new Neurological Rehabilitation program offered at We-Fix-U clinics in Cobourg and Port Hope. Primarily using the very specialized and most advanced neuro-rehabilitation method called the “Bobath Concept”, Alison will be able to work hands-on with Northumberland residents who have suffered strokes, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease and other brain and spinal cord problems.  Through rehabilitation, Alison will teach patients how to manage their condition to maintain or gain as much functional independence as possible; she will work with patients to reach their goals, and can work with care givers to reduce the physical burden of care giving.  This program is available in the clinic setting, or in-home.

 

For more information about the program, or to book an appointment for a free consultation with Alison, please call 905-373-7045.