Team Equiliberaters Wii Fit Board

This week I wanted to post an article on a research project involving the Nintendo Wii Fit Board at Rice University. As you know from reading our blog we like to utilize and adapt video game technology for therapeutic purposes. With Nintendo announcing this week that they will release a new video game system early next year there is a lot of excitement over what 'adaptions' will be possible with the new system once the specifications are released at the E3 gaming conference this June.

Follow the link to enjoy this inspiring story...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcDUL_O4-GU

And for more information on healthy living, or to schedule a consultation for physical therapy, feel free to contact us at 518-690-4406 or visit our website at www.empirehwc.com or email us at ehwc@nycap.rr.com.

Brendan Sullivan, PT, CSCS

Triathlon Night this Wednesday at Fleet Feet

Abby Gillard, DPT & Brendan Sullivan, PT, CSCS will be available at Triathlon Night to answer any of your questions about utilizing foam rollers to reduce injury risk and to aid recovery.

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, which keeps your bones and muscles strong and healthy. By not obtaining enough vitamin D you may be more prone to osteoporosis, however, since this affects your muscles as well you may be prone to chronic weakness and cramping of muscles. There also has been research that suggests vitamin D deficiencies can lead to more issues such as high blood pressure, and heart disease.

So how much Vitamin D should you intake in one day? The recommended value for daily intake under the age of 50 is 400-800 IU, and 800-1000 IU over 50 years of age.

http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=9649)

How can you get this amount of vitamin D per day? Vitamin D can be obtained through diet, supplementation, and sunshine. The choice is yours to decide whiter to get your vitamins thorough supplementation or diet. Foods that are rich in vitamin D are eggs, liver, and fish. It is also important to read the nutritional information on the back of all food products to find out the nutritional value of the food and not just the calorie intake.

If you think that you may have a vitamin D deficiency, most importantly consult your physician. These medical professionals will help to develop a safe and effective way to remedy the situation. Taking too much vitamin D may also cause problems and interact with certain medications.

For more information about getting ready for a healthy and active spring feel free to contact us at 518-690-4406, visit our website at www.empirehwc.com or email us at ehwc7@nycap.rr.com.

-William R. Milhizer PT, DPT

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/tc/getting-enough-vitamin-d-topic-overview

Exercising After Injury

Many people wonder whether it is safe to return to or begin exercising after suffering an injury. While it can be a daunting task, exercise is generally a great way to improve your overall health and to heal your injured muscles or joints.

Exercise increases the flow of blood and oxygen through the body and the working muscles, promoting faster healing. Also, utilizing exercise for therapeutic purposes is the basis for many interventions used in physical therapy.

When you first become physically active after an injury, it is important to keep the following tips in mind:

• Take it slow and pace yourself. Don't try to pick up where you left off physically before you were injured.
  
• Warm up for 5 minutes prior to stretching to ensure you maximize your muscles ability to stretch and work.
• Stretch, stretch, stretch before you being working out.
• Avoid compensating for your injury. Your body naturally protects its weak areas, which can do harm to another body part - so be aware of how your body is moving.
  
• Listen to your body and cease any activities that cause pain.
• Cool down for 5 minutes at the end of any exercise to lower your heart rate and reduce lactic acid in your muscles.

And remember, every person and affliction is different. So if necessary schedule an appointment with your physician and consider a consultation with Empire Health & Wellness Center before you restart any exercise regimen.

Until next time,

Brendan

Fun with the Stability Ball (see below for link to video demonstration)

Whether you call them a stability ball, Swiss ball, or exercise ball, there are several key benefits to exercising with a ball while at home or at the gym.

Stability Ball Benefits

The ball works core muscles in almost every exercise when it is used. It challenges your balance by working groups of muscles at one time and forces your body to balance itself. This is the key to functional training. By forcing your body to balance itself, your core will be prepared to support your body in whatever activity you do.

Several benefits of the ball include the following:

1. The ball can taken away on a trip, used at home, or at your gym.
2. Stability ball training is appropriate and fun for all ages and fitness levels.
3. An exercise ball is inexpensive and requires little if any maintenance.
4. The ball is has many therapeutic benefits key to preventing injuries.

Stability Ball Exercise Video & Considerations

You can view several exercises on in this video of several exercises including wall ball squats, wall ball push ups, and bridging on the ball. As always, consult your physician before starting or modifying an exercise program. For more information on stability exercises contact our office at (518) 690-4406.



Click arrow to start video.