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Benefits of Activity Trackers

In the 2013 film Her, Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) falls head over heels in love with his computer operating system. After meeting “her,” he never wants to be without her, and his life is changed forever. That’s how New Yorker Marian Rivman feels about her FitBit — the wearable activity tracker that counts her daily steps and the calories she burns and monitors her heart rate.

Physical Therapy

What Should I Weigh?

My clients commonly ask me What should I weigh? — as if I had a crystal ball. Although I could look at weight charts, I find charts to often be misleading; each athlete’s body is unique. I prefer to suggest an appropriate weight range for a person based on a conversation with them, not by looking at a chart. Yet, many athletes pick a number that sounds good for their ideal weight. Sound familiar?

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A Simple and Effective Fitness Routine for Those with Busy Schedules

When things get tough for you in terms of balancing your work, social and personal life, your workout routine may be the first thing listed off from your schedule, because of how much time it can take. However, with the right amount of nutritional and health care you can still manage your fitness routine in just half an hour each day! Just stay hydrated and find some time between your schedules to try these effective workouts!

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Exercise and Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease is known as a motor system disorder and there is currently no cure. When individuals have decreased levels of dopamine changes start to begin. A tremor of the hands, face, legs, and other body parts may be noticeable at first then more pronounced symptoms become apparent when the disease progresses. At this point, individuals may have trouble walking, talking and participating in daily activities.

Exercise is known to help ease the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. In my experience, clients work on physical as well as vocal exercise. Each of my clients is doing something daily. It is good to mix up your workouts so you practice different movements. You may find yourself working with a Physical Therapist as well as Personal Trainer.

caruso-exercise-parkinsonsWhen working out in the gym, it is important to start with a ten minute warm- up and shorter sessions, slowly working up to a thirty minute workout. Seeking the help of a personal trainer is very beneficial since each person with Parkinson’s is different. Personal Trainers can prescribe safe exercises, and show you what level you should begin working out.

My client, Mary, works on a combination of different exercises such as, weight and cardiovascular training, Rock Steady Boxing (a kickboxing class for Parkinson’s Disease), LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD. We rotate exercises each session so I can see what she is practicing and go over it with her.

The LSVT exercises are originally given by a Physical or Occupational Therapist. These are big movement exercises to help with stiffness and prevent shuffling of the feet. LSVT LOUD are vocal exercises which are prescribed by a Speech Language Pathologist. Click here to find an LSVT Practitioner in your area.

It is important to remember to take certain precautions when working out at home. Pick up your feet if you take walks to avoid falling and have someone go with you. Make sure to remove throw rugs in the room you choose to exercise in. Practice balance exercises near something that is sturdy to hold on to. Avoid working out in rooms with poor lighting so you do not trip.

In conclusion, exercise, is very important for anyone with Parkinson’s Disease. The more you move, the less stiff your joints will become. Land and pool exercises are a great choice for increasing flexibility, mobility, and balance. When working out at home, choose a safe environment that has bright lights and non slip floors.


 

Robyn Caruso is the Founder of The Stress Management Institute for Health and Fitness Professionals. She has 15 years of experience in medical based fitness. Contact Robyn by email at: tsmi.caruso@aol.com

References:

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/parkinsons_disease/parkinsons_disease.htm
http://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/guide/parkinsons-exercise
http://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/news/20121106/exercise-good-parkinsons

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PHIT America and Medical Fitness Network Share Joint Vision

SILVER SPRING, MD (December 1, 2015)PHIT America has found a partner in the medical community that shares the same mindset and vision of a healthy and active American population. That partner is the Medical Fitness Network.

Both PHIT America and the Medical Fitness Network are dedicated to educating Americans about the power and importance of exercise and having a physically active lifestyle.

“We at PHIT America are focused on educating Americans about the importance of reversing the ‘Inactivity Pandemic’ which is affecting 83 million Americans,” states Jim Baugh, Founder, PHIT America.

“Exercise has an essential role in the treatment and prevention of many chronic medical conditions,” says Lisa Dougherty, Founder/CEO, Medical Fitness Network. “Exercise also improves overall health and quality of life. These benefits are applicable to people of all ages and most all states of health.”

“We share a mutual goal of educating people about healthy living, the importance of exercise and finding help if you face chronic diseases/medical conditions and their risk factors,” adds Baugh. “We are pleased to offer those who come to our website this important community resource of fitness, complementary health and wellness professionals that the MFN provides.”

Both PHIT America and MFN are in complete agreement when it comes to pursuing the following goals:

  • Educate Americans about the issues of physical inactivity and compel them to be active, fit, and playing more sports to achieve better health
  • Get one million children active by 2020! This will be achieved by promoting and supporting grassroots and school-based programs which will get more children active, fit and healthy
  • Help to pass common-sense U.S. legislation (PHIT Act) which will result in more active and fit Americans which will prevent health care costs
  • Bring together companies, organizations, celebrities, local ‘influencers’ and concerned Americans to work on a common approach to get America more active, fit and healthy

“The Medical Fitness Network is excited to have both our fitness and healthcare professional members and consumer visitors learn more about the work, research and resources of PHIT America,” adds Dougherty.

About the Medical Fitness Network

The mission of the MFN is to improve the quality of life for those with chronic medical conditions or who need pre or postnatal care by connecting them to qualified fitness & healthcare professionals. MFN provides a free national network of exemplary fitness and healthcare professionals with a background in treatment and rehabilitation of various diseases and medical conditions.

About PHIT America

Founded in January 2013, PHIT America is a non-profit campaign focused on overcoming the severe ramifications of the ‘Inactivity Pandemic’ through three strategic approaches – education, supporting school-based activity programs, and advocating – which will get Americans, especially our youth, more active, fit and healthy. For more information about PHIT America, visit www.PHITAmerica.org.

PHIT America, 8505 Fenton Street, Suite 211, Silver Spring, MD 20910 www.phitamerica.org

Media Contact:
Mike May
PHIT America
561.317.6111
mmaymarketing@gmail.com