Stress Free Thanksgiving… Ha

Stressed because you’re trying to clean the house, prep the turkey, entertain your in-laws while also Skyping with your Uncle? Take a moment to pause and take 6-10 deep breaths and try to relax.

Whether it’s a little too much family time or you just ate a whole pumpkin pie, some meditation could help lower stress levels. Take a few minutes to separate your self and have some quiet time.

Make sure to get at least seven hours of sleep the night before Thanksgiving dinner. If you don’t get enough sleep, your appetite could be even larger than they normally would be, causing you to overeat.

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving should be a day spent with loved ones and great food. Be sure to give yourself some room to enjoy yourself, and most of all, be grateful - that’s what Thanksgiving is for!

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montogmery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Ferndale. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona.  If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County.  Give us a call today!

Occupational Therapy

 

Occupational therapy may sound like physical therapy for working people, but it includes a different range of treatment. Physical therapists deal with physical range of motion, pain and pain management, strength, and endurance, among other things. Occupational therapists focus on cognitive skills, fine motor skills, and improving the daily function of people of all ages, including children.

Occupational therapists help those who need assistance with everyday activities. This can range from helping a child with developmental disabilities with daily functions to helping those recovering from injuries that need to relearn daily living or work skills. Occupational therapist also assists elderly patients who are undergoing physical and cognitive changes. They also interact with a variety of patients in different environments. Treatment also requires working closely with other professionals such as physical therapists, speech therapists, social workers, and nurses.

Individuals that need help with daily activities may need assistance with: bathing, dressing, feeding, general hygiene and grooming, as well as functional mobility. In addition to these activities, those working with an occupational therapist may need help with sleep, taking care of themselves and others, education and work activities, or possibly leisure activities as well.

Treatment provided can help improve physical, cognitive, and motor skills as well as improve sensory abilities. Occupational therapy can help kids improve skills needed for their age group, like school performance and social skills. This assistance can help enhance a child’s self-esteem as well as meet their developmental needs, improve their physical and mental well-being, and address the psychological needs of the child.              

When working with the elderly, occupational therapists help these adults to maintain independence and continue to participate in daily meaningful activities. These therapists also assist in rehabilitation and addressing new or developing disabilities.

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montogmery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Ferndale. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona.  If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County.  Give us a call today! 

Avoid a Thanksgiving Driven Weight Gain

Yep, it’s turkey season! We often dread thinking about the after effects of the Thanksgiving holiday. As a national average, Americans gain one to two pounds every year during the holiday season. Even though it doesn’t sound like much, those extra pounds tend to stay put in the New Year. Here are some helpful tips to help you avoid Thanksgiving weight gain.

So you can eat more at a holiday party you may skip a meal or two. Your plan will backfire on you because you will end up overeating. Instead, eat a light lunch with protein if you have a holiday get-together in the evening. To keep you from overindulging at the party have a small 100-calorie healthy snack.

The smaller the plate the smaller the stomach. People tend to eat everything on their plate even if they are already full, according to research.  When given a large bowl, people ate 52% more cereal than when given a small bowl, according to a Cornell University study. Also, you should not have second helpings; limit yourself to one plate of food.

Sorry to be a holiday party pooper but you should limit your alcohol intake. What quickly adds on the pounds is drinking, alcohol is high in calories. Also, alcohol causes you to eat more because it lowers your blood sugar.

Wine is a safer option, if you end up having a few drinks. It is lower in calories when compared to other beverages. Try holding off until you sit down for your meal, if you are having alcohol. A study shows that people eat a little less of their meal to compensate for the extra calories in their drink.

Don’t deprive yourself and don’t waste calories on things that you don’t love. A 50-pound weight loss was maintained for any years by Sue Thill of Des Moines by following this rule.  Keep a food journal of what you eat therefore you will become less tempted to overeat.

Do not devour the hors d’oeuvres. Savor your food instead of hovering near the hors d’oeuvres table.  Chew your food slowly, take small bites, sit down and fill a small plate. This will help you keep track of what you are eating, enjoy your food, and give your brain time to get the message that your stomach is full.  

So you eat less high calorie foods, eat plenty of veggies which will help you fill up. Eat one pound of vegetables per day. Eating butternut squash soup, roasted root vegetables and spinach salad are great ways to improve your vegetable intake.

Knowledge is power. With these helpful tips you will not become a victim of the holiday weight gain.


      We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montogmery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Ferndale. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona.  If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County.  Give us a call today! 

Yep, it’s turkey season! We often dread thinking about the after effects of the Thanksgiving holiday. As a national average, Americans gain one to two pounds every year during the holiday season. Even though it doesn’t sound like much, those extra pounds tend to stay put in the New Year. Here are some helpful tips to help you avoid Thanksgiving weight gain.

So you can eat more at a holiday party you may skip a meal or two. Your plan will backfire on you because you will end up overeating. Instead, eat a light lunch with protein if you have a holiday get-together in the evening. To keep you from overindulging at the party have a small 100-calorie healthy snack.

The smaller the plate the smaller the stomach. People tend to eat everything on their plate even if they are already full, according to research.  When given a large bowl, people ate 52% more cereal than when given a small bowl, according to a Cornell University study. Also, you should not have second helpings; limit yourself to one plate of food.

Sorry to be a holiday party pooper but you should limit your alcohol intake. What quickly adds on the pounds is drinking, alcohol is high in calories. Also, alcohol causes you to eat more because it lowers your blood sugar.

Wine is a safer option, if you end up having a few drinks. It is lower in calories when compared to other beverages. Try holding off until you sit down for your meal, if you are having alcohol. A study shows that people eat a little less of their meal to compensate for the extra calories in their drink.

Don’t deprive yourself and don’t waste calories on things that you don’t love. A 50-pound weight loss was maintained for any years by Sue Thill of Des Moines by following this rule.  Keep a food journal of what you eat therefore you will become less tempted to overeat.

Do not devour the hors d’oeuvres. Savor your food instead of hovering near the hors d’oeuvres table.  Chew your food slowly, take small bites, sit down and fill a small plate. This will help you keep track of what you are eating, enjoy your food, and give your brain time to get the message that your stomach is full.  

So you eat less high calorie foods, eat plenty of veggies which will help you fill up. Eat one pound of vegetables per day. Eating butternut squash soup, roasted root vegetables and spinach salad are great ways to improve your vegetable intake.

Knowledge is power. With these helpful tips you will not become a victim of the holiday weight gain.

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist. Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet.

- See more at: http://accessptw.com/blog/Avoid-a-Thanksgiving-Driven-Weight-Gain~619.html#sthash.cgROFEbg.dpuf

Yep, it’s turkey season! We often dread thinking about the after effects of the Thanksgiving holiday. As a national average, Americans gain one to two pounds every year during the holiday season. Even though it doesn’t sound like much, those extra pounds tend to stay put in the New Year. Here are some helpful tips to help you avoid Thanksgiving weight gain.

So you can eat more at a holiday party you may skip a meal or two. Your plan will backfire on you because you will end up overeating. Instead, eat a light lunch with protein if you have a holiday get-together in the evening. To keep you from overindulging at the party have a small 100-calorie healthy snack.

The smaller the plate the smaller the stomach. People tend to eat everything on their plate even if they are already full, according to research.  When given a large bowl, people ate 52% more cereal than when given a small bowl, according to a Cornell University study. Also, you should not have second helpings; limit yourself to one plate of food.

Sorry to be a holiday party pooper but you should limit your alcohol intake. What quickly adds on the pounds is drinking, alcohol is high in calories. Also, alcohol causes you to eat more because it lowers your blood sugar.

Wine is a safer option, if you end up having a few drinks. It is lower in calories when compared to other beverages. Try holding off until you sit down for your meal, if you are having alcohol. A study shows that people eat a little less of their meal to compensate for the extra calories in their drink.

Don’t deprive yourself and don’t waste calories on things that you don’t love. A 50-pound weight loss was maintained for any years by Sue Thill of Des Moines by following this rule.  Keep a food journal of what you eat therefore you will become less tempted to overeat.

Do not devour the hors d’oeuvres. Savor your food instead of hovering near the hors d’oeuvres table.  Chew your food slowly, take small bites, sit down and fill a small plate. This will help you keep track of what you are eating, enjoy your food, and give your brain time to get the message that your stomach is full.  

So you eat less high calorie foods, eat plenty of veggies which will help you fill up. Eat one pound of vegetables per day. Eating butternut squash soup, roasted root vegetables and spinach salad are great ways to improve your vegetable intake.

Knowledge is power. With these helpful tips you will not become a victim of the holiday weight gain.

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist. Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet.

- See more at: http://accessptw.com/blog/Avoid-a-Thanksgiving-Driven-Weight-Gain~619.html#sthash.cgROFEbg.dpuf

Diabetes Awareness Month

Like many other major conditions and diseases, Diabetes has a month dedicated to its awareness, fundraising, and research development. November is national diabetes month. This disease is growing rampant in our country in children and adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 26 million people live with the condition. The CDC also states that an estimated 19 million have been diagnosed, 7 million are unaware that they have the disease, and about 79 million people have abnormal blood glucose levels that can develop to diabetes. 

Diabetes is a condition where the hormone insulin does not meet the patient’s sugar intake level or the body resists the insulin. Insulin converts sugar to glucose our cells need for energy. The lack of insulin or resistance to it gives a patient high blood sugar, which can lead to numerous problems including amputations, stroke, blindness and kidney disease. An imbalanced sugar level can be dangerous if not managed. Fortunately diabetes is a condition that is very manageable and patients with diabetes can continue with their normal daily activities, although they need to monitor their blood sugar daily. 

Diet, exercise, and the proper medication are usually known to be the best way of handling the disease and prevent its severity. Among many other treatments for diabetes, physical therapy has become a successor. It is vital for diabetics to stay active to keep cholesterol down, lower blood sugar and maintain a healthy weight. Lack of exercise will result in a higher risk for stroke, heart disease and other serious complications. Both resistance and aerobic exercises are beneficial for treating the disease and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Because diabetes can at times be sensitive to environments and lifestyle changes, introducing physical activity into your routine should be monitored carefully. By working with a physical therapist a diabetic will have supervised exercises tailored to their needs at whatever stage of the condition they are in. Poor circulation, specifically in the feet, is a common concern that diabetics face that activity and specialized motion with a physical therapist can ameliorate.  Take a step in the right direction and speak to your local physical therapists to see if this treatment is right for you. Any physical activity is good activity; take back control of your diabetes today.


We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montogmery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Ferndale. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona.  If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County.  Give us a call today! 

Like many other major conditions and diseases, Diabetes has a month dedicated to its awareness, fundraising, and research development. November is national diabetes month. This disease is growing rampant in our country in children and adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 26 million people live with the condition. The CDC also states that an estimated 19 million have been diagnosed, 7 million are unaware that they have the disease, and about 79 million people have abnormal blood glucose levels that can develop to diabetes.

Diabetes is a condition where the hormone insulin does not meet the patient’s sugar intake level or the body resists the insulin. Insulin converts sugar to glucose our cells need for energy. The lack of insulin or resistance to it gives a patient high blood sugar, which can lead to numerous problems including amputations, stroke, blindness and kidney disease. An imbalanced sugar level can be dangerous if not managed. Fortunately diabetes is a condition that is very manageable and patients with diabetes can continue with their normal daily activities, although they need to monitor their blood sugar daily.

Diet, exercise, and the proper medication are usually known to be the best way of handling the disease and prevent its severity. Among many other treatments for diabetes, physical therapy has become a successor. It is vital for diabetics to stay active to keep cholesterol down, lower blood sugar and maintain a healthy weight. Lack of exercise will result in a higher risk for stroke, heart disease and other serious complications. Both resistance and aerobic exercises are beneficial for treating the disease and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Because diabetes can at times be sensitive to environments and lifestyle changes, introducing physical activity into your routine should be monitored carefully. By working with a physical therapist a diabetic will have supervised exercises tailored to their needs at whatever stage of the condition they are in. Poor circulation, specifically in the feet, is a common concern that diabetics face that activity and specialized motion with a physical therapist can ameliorate.  Take a step in the right direction and speak to your local physical therapists to see if this treatment is right for you. Any physical activity is good activity; take back control of your diabetes today.

- See more at: http://accessptw.com/blog/Diabetes-Awareness-Month~600.html#sthash.EvAuxeQb.dpuf

Like many other major conditions and diseases, Diabetes has a month dedicated to its awareness, fundraising, and research development. November is national diabetes month. This disease is growing rampant in our country in children and adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 26 million people live with the condition. The CDC also states that an estimated 19 million have been diagnosed, 7 million are unaware that they have the disease, and about 79 million people have abnormal blood glucose levels that can develop to diabetes.

Diabetes is a condition where the hormone insulin does not meet the patient’s sugar intake level or the body resists the insulin. Insulin converts sugar to glucose our cells need for energy. The lack of insulin or resistance to it gives a patient high blood sugar, which can lead to numerous problems including amputations, stroke, blindness and kidney disease. An imbalanced sugar level can be dangerous if not managed. Fortunately diabetes is a condition that is very manageable and patients with diabetes can continue with their normal daily activities, although they need to monitor their blood sugar daily.

Diet, exercise, and the proper medication are usually known to be the best way of handling the disease and prevent its severity. Among many other treatments for diabetes, physical therapy has become a successor. It is vital for diabetics to stay active to keep cholesterol down, lower blood sugar and maintain a healthy weight. Lack of exercise will result in a higher risk for stroke, heart disease and other serious complications. Both resistance and aerobic exercises are beneficial for treating the disease and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Because diabetes can at times be sensitive to environments and lifestyle changes, introducing physical activity into your routine should be monitored carefully. By working with a physical therapist a diabetic will have supervised exercises tailored to their needs at whatever stage of the condition they are in. Poor circulation, specifically in the feet, is a common concern that diabetics face that activity and specialized motion with a physical therapist can ameliorate.  Take a step in the right direction and speak to your local physical therapists to see if this treatment is right for you. Any physical activity is good activity; take back control of your diabetes today.

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist. Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet.

- See more at: http://accessptw.com/blog/Diabetes-Awareness-Month~600.html#sthash.EvAuxeQb.dpuf

How Occupational Therapy Can Help Stroke Survivors

The debilitating aftermaths of a stroke are felt not only by the millions of Americans living with their side effects, but also by the loved ones who surround, support and assist the survivors. Occupational therapy can make recovery more effective and meaningful for each individual patient’s needs, allowing them to make the most of their situation and return to his or her highest possible level of performance. By addressing the specific challenges stroke survivors face, occupational therapists can help patients regain the ability to partake in daily activities by building strength and self confidence while also ensuring their home environments are working for them, not against them. 

Why choose occupational therapy after a stroke? Research indicates patients who participate in occupational therapy are significantly less likely to deteriorate and more likely regain independence in their daily activities upon finishing treatment. Not only is the treatment beneficial for the survivor, but it also reduces the burden for the loved ones of the person recovering. Practitioners can assist in a patient’s transition back into their home, identifying the available reintegration resources as well as teach family members of stroke survivors techniques to further the patient’s recovery. 

It is difficult to know when a stroke survivor is ready to start performing certain skills again, such as driving. Although family members and loved ones want to support the patient, it is important that necessary evaluation is completed prior to the return of such activities, for the safety of everyone involved. Occupational therapists can help by performing evaluations to determine the client’s ability and take steps toward recovery through programs like driver rehabilitation. Unfortunately, a survivor cannot always return to driving. In such cases a practitioner can present alternative ways to get around and connect the patient with institutions to help with the transition. 

Stroke survivors see a lot of professionals throughout their endeavor, but an occupational therapist is most likely going to spend more time with their patient than any other type of specialist. Living after a stroke leaves survivors facing many challenges, both physically and emotionally. Occupational therapy practitioners help alleviate these side effects for their patients as well as their families, helping everyone to live their lives to the fullest. 

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montogmery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Ferndale. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona.  If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County.  Give us a call today! 

OT and Chronic Pain

An occupational therapist helps treat many different kinds of diagnoses that restrict functional ability, one of them being chronic pain. Chronic pain can be frustrating and discouraging especially when it inhibits your daily activities and things you enjoy doing. Occupational therapists have the knowledge and expertise in understanding a clients pain and taking the right steps in order to cope and manage the pain that their feeling.

But what is chronic pain? Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than a month, and persists longer than it should in letting the body know there is a problem. While affecting the bodies cognitive abilities, giving or increasing anxiety and not being able to think clear from being in so much pain, and affecting your physical ability; such as taking care of yourself and household duties.

Occupational therapists can help alleviate the pain and help you on your journey back to a productive and pain free life. The first step is to determine the amount of pain the client is in and then identify what is causing the pain and suggest alternatives. The second step would be to teach methods for decreasing the pain overall. The usual methods are exercises that increase strength and endurance. There are also many other activities that occupational therapists recommend with handling the pain such as yoga and meditation.

One of the most important steps in handling pain and going to an occupational therapist is that attitude you convey in order to help cope with the pain. A positive and willing attitude is prevalent in getting better and reaching success in alleviating the pain. Often times when dealing with pain, it is hard to have a positive attitude, but occupational therapists have such a strong belief system, it puts a powerful effect on the clients and increases their hope.

Chronic pain is a serious obstacle that should not be overlooked or untreated. Occupational therapists help treat with exercises and flexibility and most importantly a positive attitude to help you get better. Having chronic pain? Go see an occupational therapist, you can’t beat their wellness procedure and outcome.

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montogmery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Ferndale. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona.  If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County.  Give us a call today!