National Physiotherapy Month
Canada has over 20,000 registered physiotherapists. National Physiotherapy Month is a time to celebrate the profession and recognize the expertise and care that physiotherapists offer to promote good health, prevent injuries and improve fitness and wellness of Canadians by addressing a range of issues.[1]
The theme of this year’s National Physiotherapy Month is on healthy aging. There is great importance placed on physiotherapy and rehabilitation in leading a long, active, healthy life. By 2035, approximately 1 in 4 Canadians will be over 65 years of age.[2] With our system being created over half a century ago to meet the needs of a much younger population, we have not adapted to meet the growing number of aging Canadians.[3] Just 18% of Canadians believe that hospital and long-term care homes will be able to meet the needs of the aging population, and only 20% think there will be enough trained staff to provide adequate care.[4] With such a small percentage of the population thinking that our system will be able to meet the needs of the aging population, it is important to consider what we can do in our daily lives to create our healthiest selves.
Brooklin Village Physiotherapy is celebrating National Physiotherapy Month and healthy aging by promoting awareness of the importance of physical activity in our daily lives. With busy days due to work, or personal errands, etc. stretching strengthening and cardio can often fall to the back of our minds. Research has shown that remaining seated for lengthy hours can affect the function of certain muscles and joints. It can also negatively affect a person’s metabolism rate, insulin levels and more. Our goal for National Physiotherapy Month is to encourage our staff, patients and the community to incorporate physical activity into their daily activities and get moving to stay healthy.
Below are some tips that we have to help you stay active each day:
Use the stairs whenever you can.
If you sit at a desk for most of your day, take some time to roll your shoulders and do some neck, back and forearm stretches to ease tense muscles.
Try standing whenever possible, such as when you are on the phone. If you get tired of standing, practice some calf stretches and knee lifts to keep your blood flowing and provide some relief to your legs.
Remind yourself to stand up, stretch, rotate your ankles and wrists and take a quick walk even on your lunch if possible.
With spring here, try to walk outdoors whenever possible. Exit the subway or bus a stop early and walk to your destination.
Park at the back of parking lots to encourage yourself to add a few extra minutes of walking to your day.
Get involved in a sport you enjoy – walk, swim, golf, yoga, dance, playing with your children, gardening etc.
How Brooklin Village Physiotherapy Staff Stays Active
At Brooklin Village Physiotherapy, our staff is doing our best to stay active daily by increasing our stretching and movements. While at work our staff tries to stay moving by standing up to treat patients, getting up to clean the rooms and keep the office orderly, talking the stairs as opposed to the elevator etc. While outside of work hours it is still important to remain active. Office Manager, Nancy keeps active on weekends by running after her grandchildren, gardening and taking walks with her husband. Front Desk Receptionist, Kelsey, works out 3-4 times a week and walks her dogs frequently in order to keep herself moving. Front Desk Receptionist, Colleen, attends boot camp several times a week to remind herself of the importance of being active. Physiotherapist, Rick, goes for early morning runs and enjoys cycling on his free time. Physiotherapist, Cheryl, keeps active by going for hikes and cycling, as well as swimming and attending yoga/Pilates classes. Physiotherapist, David, is most often chasing after his children, walking the dog and playing hockey to keep himself active. Finally, Physiotherapist Ankur, keeps himself moving by playing basketball, going to the gym and jogging a few times a week.
Contest: Ho Do You Stay Active Everyday?
Brooklin Village Physiotherapy strives to keep ourselves active each day in order to promote healthy aging. Help us celebrate National Physiotherapy Month by sharing what you do either at work or in your free time to keep yourself living an active lifestyle. To share your tips on remaining active you can tweet us at @brooklinphysio, post on our Facebook page or send an email to reception@brooklinvillagephysio.ca. You will be entered into a contest to win a National Physiotherapy Month Activity Kit. The winner will be drawn at random at the end of the month!
References
[1] Canadian Physiotherapy Association. (2012). National physiotherapy month. Retrieved from http://physiotherapy.ca/About-Physiotherapy/National-Physiotherapy-Month?lang=en-ca
[2] Canadian Physiotherapy Association. (2012). National physiotherapy month. Retrieved from http://physiotherapy.ca/About-Physiotherapy/National-Physiotherapy-Month?lang=en-ca
[3] Canadian Physiotherapy Association. (2012). National physiotherapy month. Retrieved from http://physiotherapy.ca/About-Physiotherapy/National-Physiotherapy-Month?lang=en-ca
[4] Canadian Physiotherapy Association. (2012). National physiotherapy month. Retrieved from http://physiotherapy.ca/About-Physiotherapy/National-Physiotherapy-Month?lang=en-ca
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