Healing Bridge Physical Therapy - International Youth Day

Wellness Concept International Youth Day - August 12 From the Healing Bridge Physical Therapy August 2010 Wellness Notes By Annika Hearn, high school senior
Aging is a verb that most people attempt to avoid. As long as a person ages well however, it's nothing to be afraid of. I am a seventeen-year-old who still takes pride in owning up to my age, but if one was to add a few decades to my age, one may not be in the same exuberant position. Considering this, you may be wondering: what does this young gal know about aging when she has barely experienced it herself? In answer I will tell you that I may not have aged, but I have the joy of experiencing youth, and I like to think that I know how to maintain it. I spent a week in June shadowing the gracious Physical Therapy staff at Healing Bridge Physical Therapy. I noticed that almost all of them seem physically and playfully young. I took notes of the advice that the PTs gave to patients (I'll be your witness that the therapists are following the tips they provide) and I learned that certain small changes in a person's lifestyle can make all the difference in his or her physical and emotional youthfulness. I will leave you with these tips because August is International Youth month. You may have even already heard some of them yourself. As the pediatric Physical Therapists at Healing Bridge exemplify, spending time with enthusiastic children can make a person feel young again. Forget about what your friends will think of you playing fairies and superheroes. Join in with the kids to experience life through the curious eyes of a child. - Georgia Merrifield, PT Have good posture. This is a skill that I learned with practice as I heard the phrase in more than half of the sessions I observed. From one recovered sloucher to a person struggling to master the skill, I will tell you this: it's difficult at first, but once you build your core, it can really change your way of life. Think "fluffy chest" and "feet grounded." - Everyone "The body is a car and I'm a mechanic…" To keep a body healthy and young, a person must fuel up, exercise regularly, and have lots of adventure. Everything must run correctly to achieve optimum efficiency. A physical therapist can help fix you up, but only you can maintain an aura of well nurtured youthfulness. - Tom Harrer There are two types of people in this world: "gumbies and pokies."' We all wish we could have the flexibility and balance of gumbie. To maintain flexibility, stretch often (yoga's great.) Make yourself balance: stand on one foot while brushing your teeth, sit on a balancing disk at dinner. Stand up when you tie your shoes (strengthen ankles), sit on a ball at your computer desk (strengthen core), pick up your kids/grandkids even when they are getting a bit old. - Tom Harrer, PT Relax. There is a reason why children have an abundance of energy: they sleep a lot. Adults are recommended to sleep only about 8 hours, but very few do. More sleep means more energy, and a longer, more youthful life. - Allison Suran, PT Body awareness can prevent injury so one can stay active and youthful. Borrow a Feldenkrais tape even if it's not your prescribed treatment. The hour of time can do wonders for your body and mind. - Allison Suran, PT Put the energy you might be spending worrying about your age into proactively staying youthful, and remember this: "There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age." --Sophia Loren

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