3 Health Benefits of Eating Green Tea

Health Benefits:

1. Lowers Cholesterol
2. Reduces Risk of Cancer
3. Improves Memory

Green Tea is not just for drinking, but you can eat it as well. According to the USDA eating green tea gives you access to greater Flavanoids than brewing.

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5 Lower Body Exercises for the Pool

Benefits of Pool Exercise: The pool offers many advantages for working out. You can choose your level of unweighting by varying the depth of water you are in. The deeper the water the lower the compression on your joints. For individuals with arthritis the recommended temperature for the water is 86 degrees. The warmth reduces joint stiffness, the buoyancy reduces compression on the joints, and hydrostatic pressure offers resistance and assist in reducing edema.

Who should Exercise in the pool. Anyone can benefit from exercising in the pool, but individuals with: arthritis, chronic pain, Fibromyalgia, low back pain, difficulty with balance,  and fear of falling can exercise at a more advanced level in the pool. The water offers a safe environment, facilitates pain reduction, and adds resistance to movement; which assist in strengthening muscles.

Where can I find a pool. In warmer climates outdoor pools are readily available during the summer months. The weather is getting warmer and creates more opportunity to perform pool exercise. For colder climates, most communities have an indoor pool with a regulated temperature. When you call to discuss pricing of indoor pools, ask them to give you the water temperature. Individuals swimming for competition need a colder pool than individuals with arthritis. A cold pool is usually around 74 degrees.  A cold pool will not offer the same therapeutic benefits from reducing joint stiffness and pain for individuals with arthritis.

Where can I find exercise equipment for the pool.  There are many great products that can be used in a personal or community pool to enhance your exercise routine. Disclaimer- if you make a purchase using our affiliate links we will earn a commission. The wrightstuff offers great products at an affordable price. Check out the products at ACTIVEnABLE.com to prepare yourself withe latest products for pool exercise this season.

5 Exercises to perform in the pool. 

1. Stand on one leg and lightly hold the edge of the pool. As you are able, without falling, take your hand away.
2. Side step the length of the pool each direction to strengthen lateral hips.
3. Walk backwards the length of the pool to strengthen buttocks and knees.
4. Hold edge of pool and squat making sure knees do not go past your toes.
5. Place a pool noodle under your arms or around your waist so you are floating and feet do not touch the bottom of the pool. Move your legs like riding a bicycle within your tolerance. Starting at 2 minutes and gradually increasing to 10 minute bouts.

As with any exercise, if you have pain, STOP the exercise. Exercise is designed to gradually be increased each week based on your level of strength and endurance. #Movementismedicine. If you require assistance developing your exercise program or need an evaluation to determine readiness for exercise contact us at Lifestyle Physical Therapy, LLC. We are here to help in person and via telehealth. visit www. lifestyle-physical-therapy.com.

This article is for education only. This information is not intended to replace the advise or evaluation of a healthcare provider. An evaluation is highly skilled and complex and involves an evaluation of different systems and elements to determine the best approach for each individual. Always follow the instructions of your physical therapist or physician in regards to your personal exercise program. Never start an exercise program if you are not cleared for exercise by your physician. 

3 Ways to Reduce Surprise Medical Bills

1. Ask your provider if they are In Network with your insurance.
2. Pay your co-pay or co-insurance each visit so it does not accumulate into a larger bill.
3. Call your insurance company and know your benefits prior to your medical visit to determine if you have a deductible, co-pay, or co-insurance you have to pay.

What questions should I ask before seeing my healthcare provider? Many people ask the wrong question when they call a medical office. They ask, do you take my insurance? You should ask, are you In Network with my insurance? All medical facilities can take insurance even if they are Out of Network.

What does Out of Network Mean? A facility or provider is Out of Network when they do not have a contract with your insurance company. When a provider contracts with an insurance company they are agreeing to the insurance company’s negotiated fee schedule. A medical facility can charge whatever cost they want. If your insurance is Out of  Network, the fee has not been negotiated and you are liable for the full cost. Your next question needs to be, what is your charge? Some facilities will file Out of Network insurance for the patient. At times, the patient does not know the facility is Out of Network and is surprised with a large bill.

Why do providers choose to be Out of Network? There are many reasons a medical facility will be Out of Network. Many times it is due to the insurance company’s negotiated fee being too low for operating expenses. Receiving Out of Netowrk care does not mean you will receive poor quality care.  At times, it means you are provided better quality care due to providers being able to cover their expenses, but you should know your expenses up front.

How can I know what my cost will be upfront? Call your insurance to verify your beneifts prior to your visit and choose a facility that will verify your benefits, so you can plan to cover you medical cost. Ultimately it is the patient’s responsibilty to know what their insurance coverage, but good quality healthcare providers will assist in providing that information up front.

Pay co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles each visit. It is important to prepare for and pay your medical expenses. Having a healthcare savings account can reduce your out of pocket expenses and give you the freedom to choose  In or Out of Network care ,based on your needs. Healthcare providers are providing you a service and payment is expected following that service. Planning ahead can reduce large medical bills.

This information is provided for educational purposes only. Karen S Shuler PT, DPT is a private practice owner of Lifestyle Physical Therapy, LLC . 

5 Reasons to Start Exercising

5 Reasons to Start Exercising today

1. To be able to live and experience life
2. Reduce Cardiovascular Risk
3. Reduce Osteoporosis
4. Maintain a healthy weight
5. To Reduce pain

Today was a beautiful day and perfect for hitting the hiking trails. I have to confess after 10 years of working in private practice physical therapy I let life keep me from working out. I used the excuse,” I move and exercise at my job.” This was true for keeping my strength up, but my cardiovascular system has suffered. I am a physical therapist and I know better.

My husband and I started back to hiking last year. It has been a struggle. My heart rate would increase rapidly and I would become short of breath with little exertion. 8 weeks ago I decided to change that and returned to walking/running on the treadmill and strength training with weights 3 times a week. I started a Tabata training program due to research demonstrating increased results in women going through menopause versus 40 minutes of aerobic walking.  I am extremely impressed with the quick results that I have experienced with Tabata training. This week I was able to kayak 3 miles and hike 5 miles in the same day and today I finally made it to the top of the trail that we have been hiking over the past year. The best part, I was able to experience a beautiful view that can only be seen by hiking to the top. I am thankful to be able to get out and experience GOD’s creation.

We are immune to hearing that diet and exercise will improve our health. The truth is it does and it is backed by research. Even better, you can do it for free. Only YOU can make the decision to get off the couch and go for a walk, even if it is only to the mailbox.  Now that the weather is finally improving make the decision that you are going to live life this Spring and Summer. When you begin your exercise program: Start slow, gradually increase intensity, and be consistent. You will quickly begin to see your body change; which will keep you motivated. Soon you will be climbing your own mountain. #Getoutandenjoylife, #movementismedicine

This article is for education only. This information is not intended to replace the advise or evaluation of a healthcare provider. An evaluation is highly skilled and complex and involves an evaluation of different systems and elements to determine the best approach for each individual. Always follow the instructions of your physical therapist or physician in regards to your personal exercise program.