PHYSIOTHERAPY
INTERNATIONAL

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May - June, 1998

WHAT IS FITNESS?
 

Physical fitness is a powerful state of energy and vitality that enables one not only to carry out daily tasks & active leisure-time pursuits, but also helps to avoid hypokinetic diseases while functioning at the peak of intellectual capability and experiencing a positive quality of life. It is important to introduce health and fitness as a total lifestyle concept. Hands-On believes that ... fitness should be presented as a positive and essential part of functioning health.
The leading cause of death in the United States is coronary heart disease. The primary risk factors for coronary heart disease are high blood pressure, high serum cholesterol, cigarette smoking and physical inactivity. While all risk factors create a similar risk, there are far more people who are inactive than who have high blood pressure, high serum cholesterol or who smoke.
Therefore, it is likely that an increase in physical activity may have more effect than modification of one of the other three risk factors.
Find the solution now with Hands-On Fitness.

Hands-On Fitness:
A Solution to Your Fitness Concerns

Hands-On, understanding the fitness needs of the community, is now creating a friendly environment with competent fitness consultants who will be able to provide the following services:
* Fitness Evaluation - Consultation
* Exercise Prescription
* One on One Exercise Sessions
* Massage Therapy Sessions
* Nutritional Counseling
 

THE SPINE:
YOUR BODY'S SUPPORT SYSTEM
 

It stands to reason that the more complex structure, the more there is that can go wrong with it. There are few structures more complex than the human spine. Yet, the spine is a remarkable sturdy structure when taken care of properly. It is the bodies chief scaffold; supporting the upper body, providing flexibility for thousands of different movements and protecting the spinal cord. Although often referred to as the "backbone" the spine is really an S shaped series of 24 rigid bones called "vertebrae" connected by inter locking joints.
In between the vertebrae are special shock absorbing cushions of body tissue called "discs", and through a canal in each vertebrae run the nerves of the spinal cord responsible for transmitting the brains messages to other parts of the body. Although the spine helps the body, hundreds of ligaments of muscles in the back help support and protect the spine and its movement of sustain balance.
Believe it or not, stomach muscles are also extremely important in maintaining a health spine, kept in good shape the remove a great deal of pressure from the spine. Your posture is very important too, check your body position frequently. Bend knees, draw in your abdomen, flatten your back wherever you can.
Don't try lifting very heavy objects and avoid sudden moves. Avoid sitting in one position for too long especially sitting.
TIPS: Excess weight can put a tremendous strain on the back so get down and maintain an optimal weight and stay there.
Your shoes, make sure they are comfortable and have a low heal.
Swimming is an excellent activity for people with back problems. Water therapy is great for getting your back, back into shape, if you have an injury so jump into the pool and try aquatic therapy with Pedro. REQUEST IT!
Remember too, emotional fitness is as important as physical fitness. Tense people usually have tense back. So do your best to identify the situation that upset you and try to avoid them. These tips and a little patience and effort will make your and your back feel better. Hands-On can now offer the ultimate solution to any problem you have with your spine. Call now for a consultation.
 

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