How to stay safe in a heat wave

To stay safe in hot weather, it's important to take certain precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:

1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty. Water is a great choice, but with a heat wave you can lose a lot of electrolytes through sweating which can affect your ability to rehydrate. Electrolyte rich drinks, like Advocare Rehydrate, can help replenish what you lose with sweating.

2. Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing that allows your body to breathe and helps in heat dissipation. Use a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.

3. Seek shade: When outdoors, try to stay in shaded areas, especially during the hottest times of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

4. Limit sun exposure: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen with a high SPF before going outside. Reapply it every few hours or after sweating or swimming.

5. Plan outdoor activities wisely: If possible, schedule outdoor activities during cooler times of the day, like early morning or late evening.

6. Take cool showers or baths: Cooling your body with water can help lower your core temperature and provide relief from the heat.

7. Use fans or air conditioning: Stay in well-ventilated areas or use fans to circulate air. If you don't have air conditioning at home, consider going to public places like shopping malls or libraries that have air conditioning.

8. Check on vulnerable individuals: Regularly check on older adults, young children, and individuals with chronic illnesses as they are more susceptible to heat-related issues.

9. Avoid strenuous activities: Minimize intense physical activities, especially during the hottest parts of the day. If you must exercise, do it in the early morning or late evening when it's cooler.

10. Never leave people or pets in parked vehicles: The temperature inside a parked car can rise to dangerous levels within minutes, leading to heatstroke or even death. Always take everyone with you when you leave the vehicle.

11. Be aware of the signs of heat-related illnesses: Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of heat exhaustion (fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, rapid heartbeat) and heatstroke (high body temperature, altered mental state, flushed skin, rapid breathing). Seek medical attention if you or someone else experiences these symptoms.

Our Ahwatukee location sells Advocare Rehydrate, so feel free to stop by and pick up a container. Remember, staying safe in hot weather is crucial for your well-being. By following these guidelines and using common sense, you can enjoy the summer while minimizing the risks associated with extreme heat.

Regaining Mobility: A Guide to Understanding and Treating Dupuytren's Contracture

Dupuytren's contracture is a hand condition that affects millions of people worldwide. We will delve into the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options, including the crucial role physical therapy plays in managing this condition effectively.

Understanding Dupuytren's Contracture:

Dupuytren's contracture is a progressive hand condition characterized by the thickening and tightening of the connective tissue beneath the skin of the palm and fingers. It commonly affects the ring finger and little finger, but can also involve other fingers to varying degrees. The condition can cause fingers to bend inward towards the palm, impairing hand function and limiting mobility.

Causes and Risk Factors:

While the exact cause of Dupuytren's contracture remains unknown, certain risk factors have been identified. These include genetic predisposition, age (typically occurring after the age of 40), gender (men are more prone to developing the condition), and certain lifestyle factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. It is important to note that not all individuals with risk factors will develop the condition.

Symptoms:

The primary symptom of Dupuytren's contracture is the development of nodules or lumps in the palm. Over time, these nodules can progress to form thick cords of tissue that extend into the fingers. As the cords contract, they cause the affected fingers to bend toward the palm, resulting in a loss of hand function and flexibility. Other common symptoms include pain, discomfort, and difficulty grasping objects or performing everyday tasks.

Role of Physical Therapy:

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing Dupuytren's contracture, aiming to alleviate pain, slow the progression of the condition, and improve hand function and mobility. Here are some key components of a physical therapy treatment plan:

1. Range of Motion Exercises: Physical therapists will guide you through a series of exercises designed to maintain and improve the range of motion in your affected fingers and hand. These exercises may include finger and hand stretches, joint mobilizations, and manual therapy techniques.

2. Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the muscles in the hand and forearm can help compensate for the loss of function caused by Dupuytren's contracture. Physical therapists will introduce exercises using therapeutic putty, hand grippers, or resistance bands to target specific muscles and improve grip strength.

3. Manual Therapy: Skilled physical therapists may employ manual techniques, such as soft tissue mobilization or joint mobilizations, to help break down scar tissue, release tight structures, and improve overall hand function.

4. Splinting: In some cases, splinting may be recommended to support the hand and fingers in a neutral position, preventing further contracture and promoting proper alignment.

5. Education and Adaptations: Physical therapists will educate you about the condition, provide tips on joint protection, energy conservation techniques, and suggest adaptive devices to make everyday tasks easier and less stressful on your hand.

Dupuytren's contracture can significantly impact hand function and quality of life. While there is no cure for the condition, physical therapy offers valuable interventions to manage symptoms, slow down progression, and improve hand mobility. If you suspect you have Dupuytren's contracture or have been diagnosed with the condition, consult with a qualified physical therapist who can develop a personalized treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Remember, early intervention and proactive management are key to maintaining hand function and regaining control over your daily activities.

Physical Therapy for COVID-19

After any illness that causes fatigue, weakness, balance issues and shortness of breath, recovery can take long time.. “Long” COVID is no different. What many people don’t realize is that physical therapy for COVID-19 can help speed up your recovery.

The condition of “Long” COVID is now being called PASC, which stands for Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2. Our physical therapy team can help by treating the effects of PASC. Getting moving is important to your recovery. Our physical therapists may include activities, including, stretching, strengthening and balance training to assist in your individualized recovery process.

Our goal is to help improve your strength, stamina, and returning you back to your quality of life you experienced before COVID.

If you still suffer from the effects of COVID or any illness that has left you with long-term fatigue, weakness, balance or shortness of breath symptoms, maybe physical therapy can help you? We offer two Ahwatukee locations to help you in your recovery. Contact us at 480-785-5415 to schedule your appointment.