Sarah

The colder temperatures during winter months have many of us reaching for warm liquids to drink, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, but drinking water continues to be important and should not be forgotten.  The great water debate, how much water should you be drinking a day is a question that often gets asked in the clinics. The answer isn’t as simple as we once thought. Each individual’s water needs depends on many factors including your health, how much you weigh, how active you are, and where you live. Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to work properly. For example, water: Gets rid of wastes through urination, perspiration and bowel movements Keeps your body temperature normal Lubricates and cushions joints Protects sensitive tissues Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration.  Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired. So, what’s the answer to...

Last month, we discussed tactics for preventing falls in the winter months.  Whether this means you’re actively participating in a strength and conditioning program, or you buy one of the 10 best traction cleats for snow and ice (or both), it’s important to understand the risks associated with slippery conditions.  One of the most common injuries that can result from a fall outside in the winter time (especially in the elderly1-4), is the Proximal Humerus Fracture. Fractures of the proximal Humerus often happen as a result of falling.  Falling incidents can be on an outstretched hand, a fall directly onto the shoulder, or even landing on the elbow.  Forces are transmitted through the humerus and are more than the bone is able to withstand. The result is a broken upper arm, or Proximal humerus fracture.  Other causes of proximal humerus fractures can be from a direct force trauma, such...

As the winter months have quickly come upon us, something we all are thinking about a little bit more is falling!  Snow and ice can make walking outside sometimes hazardous for us all. Even though we think about falling more during the winter months, the truth is falling can happen anytime, anywhere. Falls are the number one cause of cause of injury and hospital visits due to trauma in adults over the age of 65.  There are many factors that can increase your risk of falling: Past falls Hazards in the environment Problems walking Balance problems Weakness Improper footwear These are factors are just some of the reasons we may fall.   If you feel as though you are at risk for falling it is important to talk to your health care provider, as there are ways to help to prevent falling.  One of the best things you can...

Male Breast Cancer (MBC) is a rare but present health concern in our society today, and accounts for less approximately 0.5% – 1% of all breast cancers in the United States.   Approximately 2,000 men are diagnosed with MBC each year. Because it is such a rare condition, research is extremely limited on several fronts. Risk factors for MBC are similar to female breast cancer, including aging, family history, obesity, lack of exercise, exposure to radiation, and hormone imbalance among others.   MBC often presents first as a painless lump underneath the nipple or areola.  Oftentimes men are diagnosed with a greater delay than their female counterparts.  This could be due to poor awareness of the disease, but is simply speculation. As a result, most studies suggest that men are diagnosed with higher stage tumors and have a poorer prognosis (likely outcome) overall.  However when matched by stage (of cancer)...

Active Physical Therapy would not be what it is today without the hard work of our expert clinicians.  This month as we continue to celebrate our outstanding Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants, let’s take a look at the road our amazing staff took in order to earn the privilege of working in Physical Therapy! Physical Therapists – Physical Therapists (PTs) are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility – in many cases without expensive surgery and often reducing the need for long-term use of prescription medications and their side effects (www.apta.org).  In order to attain the prestigious Physical Therapist credential, one must earn a graduate degree – either a masters or a clinical doctorate from an educational program which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) .  Michigan Technological University offers a local option...

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month!  Many of us have been personally affected by breast cancer – either directly or indirectly.  So October is rich with meaning for many around the world. Research is happening at an astounding rate and treatment options are better than ever before.  One thing that can aid in your treatment course is physical therapy. There are numerous ways in which physical therapy can add benefit to your treatment team.  Here are just a few ways that your physical therapist can work with you Exercise:  Exercise has a wide array of benefits.  In those patients who have been diagnosed with cancer, a carefully-designed and well-guided therapeutic exercise program can decrease pain, help you manage weight, alleviate tight muscles, maintain or increase your physical stamina, and increase your ability to perform activities at home. Manual Therapies:  Cancer (and subsequent treatment) takes a toll on the...

Active is not just our name, it’s in our culture.  We love to be physically active, and it shows by our participation in local athletic events.  Below is a summary some of our employees and their family members helping others Get Active, Be Active and Stay Active! Community Events: U.P. Pink Power Walk – Employees from Marquette and Ishpeming walked in support of the U.P. Pink Power Walk which benefits local businesses in need of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).  Over $20,000 was raised! NMU Rural Health Careers Camp – Active Marquette’s Ryan Lowery presented to a group of high school students on the career options which are available to those who are interested in a pursuing a career in Physical Therapy. Big Bay Relay – Active Employees participated in a “trail...