Wellness News and Articles from Ellen Bodner PT, DPT Recovering Balance by Ellen Bodner, PT, DPT Are you dizzy? Do you have trouble walking? You are not alone. These problems can interfere with the daily lives of people of all ages. There are many causes of dizziness and balance disorders. These include vestibular dysfunction, neurological disorders, sports/orthopedic injuries, diseases and side effects from some medications, depression and anxiety. According to studies from the National Institutes of health, about 40% of Americans will complain to their doctors of dizziness of at least once in their lifetimes. The brain relies on three systems for balance: vision, the vestibular system or inner ear and sensation, especially from the joints in the legs and feet. If these systems are not in agreement, balance can be compromised. The vestibular system, located deep within the inner ear, is crucial to balance. It can be disrupted in people of all ages. A specific mechanical problem in the vestibular system called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), affects 25% of all people over the age of 65. In this disorder, crystals that have dislodged from one part of the inner ear move into the semicircular canals which detect movements of the head. When the head is... The Benefits of Regular Exercise and Good Nutrition - A Way To Promote Good Health by Ellen Bodner, PT, DPT Recent studies show that daily exercise keeps you healthy and strong and improves the overall quality of your life. The numerous benefits of exercise include a decrease in body fat and obesity and a reduction in the risk for type 2 diabetes, improvement in the cardiovascular system by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, prevention of osteoarthritis by reducing weight and stress on the joints, strengthening of bones and joints and prevention of osteoporosis, decreasing the risk of falls by maintaining flexibility and balance and improvement in functional activities required in the activities of daily living. Exercise has been shown to improve the endocrine and immune system and may prevent breast and colon cancer, maintain brain health, mental acuity and memory and delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer's. Quality of life is improved by helping to control chronic pain, fatigue stress and depression. Yet it is estimated that more than 60% of adult Americans and close to 30% of children are either overweight or obese and in poor condition from lack of exercise and increased consumption of hi-fat foods. READ ENTIRE ARTICLE from Physical Therapy Articles Archive Queens NY Testing Functional Mobility by Graham Ginsberg The key to maintaining functional mobility is the retention of muscle strength and flexibility. In order for people to live independently, so they can perform everyday activities and tasks, it is imperative that they maintain their muscular strength. The components of functional mobility are: muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, upper and lower body flexibility, agility, dynamic balance and body composition. Functional mobility enables people to perform basic activities of daily living. Activities are broken up into three groups: Activities of Daily Living (ADL) include the ability to bathe and dress oneself; Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) include housework and shopping; Advanced...
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