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It is common to experience weakness, stiffness or tenderness as you recover from orthopaedic surgery. Causes include lack of exercise, as well as the strain the operation itself puts on the body. While rest is important during recovery, too much can cause lack of mobility, reduced range of motion, muscle atrophy and overall weakness. Physical therapy is key in building your muscle strength back up as you heal, and making sure your body is as strong as it can be. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy after orthopaedic surgery.

Strengthened Muscles

A significant portion of the recovery process is participating in the therapy the doctor orders. Recovery and exercise plans will be tailored to meet each individual patient’s needs. With proper physical therapy, patients can perform exercises that will build muscle strength back to their functional best, helping them get back to their regular lives. It is important to remember each patient recovers at his or her own pace.

Enhanced Mobility

Some loss of mobility is common after orthopaedic surgery, but this can be extremely frustrating to the patient. While rest is important, it is crucial to not let lack of mobility worsen as you recover. With a good physical therapy regimen of stretching and exercise, you can help improve your mobility and quickly get back to using your muscles regularly. Canes, crutches, walkers or other assistive devices can also help reduce stress on your joints while recovering.

Improved Circulation

After orthopaedic surgery, many people spend a lot of time laying or sitting down. But lack of activity can lead to restricted blood flow, which can make it much harder for the body to heal properly. Poor blood circulation can increase your healing time, lead to more pain and a higher risk of infection. With regular physical therapy, you will increase blood flow providing the body with the circulation it needs to properly heal. Circulation exercises play an important role in reducing the chance of postoperative complications.

Pain Reduction

Recovering after a surgery can be painful, and many people worry that physical therapy may cause them more pain. However, physical therapy actually increases muscle strength and joint function which helps alleviate pain over time. This can make your recovery time shorter and decrease the need for pain medication.

Strengthened Core

Your core is the center of your body, and having a strong core is key to keeping you stable and preventing other injuries. A weakened core can lead to balance and stability issues, putting you at risk for injury and making recovery time longer. Physical therapists often focus on core exercises to increase stability and improve your overall health.

The decision to have surgery is such an important one. Studies show effective patient education prior to surgery and physical therapy participation after surgery contribute to more positive patient outcomes. At Southwoods, we focus on creating the best experience for our patients. If you are considering orthopaedic surgery, visit SouthwoodsHealthOrtho.com for more information on our services or to find a surgeon near you.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to educate the community and promote awareness of the importance of colorectal cancer screening, prevention and treatment. Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women. While there’s no sure way to prevent colorectal cancer, there are things you can do to help lower your risk. Here are 5 tips to keep your colon healthy.

Eat Healthy

Fruits and vegetables are a vital part of a healthy diet, and have been linked to lowering the risk of colon cancer and other diseases. Focus on consuming an assortment of colorful fruits and vegetables like dark, leafy greens, and red, orange, blue and purple fruits. It is recommended to consume 25-35 grams of fiber a day. While all fruits have some fiber, there are some that are higher than others. Good sources of fiber include nuts, seeds, berries, lentils, beans, broccoli, carrots, apples and pears. Red meat and highly processed foods are full of saturated fat, which has been associated with increasing your risk of colon cancer. A diet rich with foods that are nutrient packed and high in antioxidants and fiber can help decrease your risk and benefit your overall health.

Stay Active

Not only is regular exercise crucial to a healthy lifestyle, it is also key to a healthy colon. Studies show that people who are physically active have a 24 percent lower risk of colon cancer than those who are not. Exercise causes an increase in blood flow and circulation which increases bowel movements and makes your GI system more effective and healthy.

Drink Plenty of Water

If you don’t stay properly hydrated, there is a potential for toxins to build up in your body. These toxins can cause gas, constipation, bloating, IBS and other digestive issues. It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to keep your body hydrated and keep your colon healthy.

Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking

Drinking alcohol in excess has been linked to colon cancer. Drinking can increase the workload on the liver, which causes more toxins to build up and pass through the colon. It is important to drink in moderation or cut out alcohol completely. Smoking has also been linked to colon cancer, among many other types of cancer and health issues. It is best to quit smoking altogether to lower your risk. Quitting can be tough, consult your doctor to create a plan that works for you.

Get Screened

Although a colonoscopy may sound dreadful and uncomfortable, it is crucial in diagnosing colon cancer in its early stages. For people at average risk of developing colorectal cancer, screenings are recommended to start at age 50 and continue through age 75. Finding cancer early often allows for more treatment options and a higher rate of survival. Colorectal cancer screenings can help find cancer in people that don’t have symptoms, which can be life saving. There are a few different options for screenings, which are typically covered by insurance.

During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and all year long, take the opportunity to learn more about the disease and find out how you can take steps to keep your colon healthy. Finding colorectal cancer early, when it’s small and hasn’t spread, often allows for more treatment options and more successful outcomes. Talk to your doctor today!

February is American Heart Month, a time to bring awareness to heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Sometimes heart disease can be silent and undiagnosed, and many people are either unaware they have suffered a heart attack or just ignore the signs and symptoms as they’re experiencing one. Some of the most common types of heart disease are:

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common form of heart disease in the U.S., and is sometimes referred to as coronary heart disease or ischemic heart disease. CAD develops when the major blood vessels that supply your heart are damaged or diseased. Typically, cholesterol-containing deposits, or plaques, in your arteries are responsible for CAD. It often goes undetected until it produces a heart attack.

Symptoms:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Weakness, light-headedness, nausea, cold sweat
  • Heart attack

Arrhythmia

Simply put, arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat. It can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow or in an irregular pattern. It may feel like your heart has skipped a beat, has too many beats, or gives a fluttering sensation in your chest. The most common type of arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation.

Symptoms:

  • Heart palpitations
  • Pounding in your chest
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Anxiety
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Sweating
  • Fainting

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. It gets stretched, thick or stiff, making it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of your body and often causing its rhythm to become disturbed. As cardiomyopathy gets worse, the heart becomes weaker which makes it harder to maintain a normal electrical rhythm.

Symptoms:

  • Breathlessness with activity or at rest
  • Ankle, leg and feet swelling
  • Bloating of the abdomen
  • A cough while lying down
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty lying flat to sleep
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Chest pressure or discomfort
  • Dizziness or fainting

Heart Failure

Heart failure is a serious condition in which the heart has weakened and is not pumping as well as it should. About 5.7 million Americans suffer from heart failure and it is the leading cause of hospitalization among people over the age of 65. Heart failure is typically a chronic or long-term condition that gets worse over time.

Symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Chronic coughing
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Lack of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Mental confusion
  • Swelling
  • Rapid weight gain

This February, and all year round, it is important to pay attention to any symptoms that may be a sign of heart disease. If these symptoms sound familiar, make an appointment to see your doctor. Southwoods Cardiology is committed to providing high quality, comprehensive care and works with your primary care physician to ensure that care is coordinated. If you are in need of cardiovascular care and are interested in an evaluation, ask your doctor for a referral.

During Heart Month and all year long, Southwoods Cardiologists are spreading awareness about the role your lifestyle plays in ensuring your heart is healthy. Exercise is a vital part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially when it comes to heart health. Your heart is a muscle, so strengthening it is one of the best things you can do. Whether it is getting in the gym or taking a daily walk, any type of movement is important to heart health. Keep reading to learn the best exercises for a healthy heart.

Walking

While it may seem simple, walking is one of the best exercises you can do for your heart and it fits into any lifestyle. You can walk 30 minutes at lunch around your parking lot, stroll through your neighborhood after dinner or speed walk through the park. Just grab a pair of good tennis shoes, a friend or your favorite music, and hit the road!

Interval Training

Interval training, sometimes called HIIT, is exercise that alternates between short bursts of high-intensity exercise with active recovery in between. This type of exercise is great for people who only have a short amount of time to work out and want to make the most of it. Interval training will raise and lower your heart rate, which helps burn more calories and improve function of your blood vessels. If you’re looking for an intense workout and are short on time, interval training may be perfect for you.

Swimming

While swimming is a great leisure activity on a hot sunny day, it can also be a great form of exercise. Swimming laps or taking a water aerobics class can help strengthen the whole body, including your heart. While it is a great aerobic activity, it also offers low impact on your joints making it a great exercise for people that suffer from joint pain.

Yoga

Yoga is a type of exercise that is fantastic for the mind, body and soul. A gentle flow can help you stretch while toning and strengthening your muscles. Some types of yoga, like hot yoga or power yoga can get your heart rate up to get your blood pumping while calming your mind and lowering your blood pressure.

Strength Training

Strength exercises involve weights, resistance bands or body weight exercises that help build muscle mass and burn fat. While most people think they have to go to the gym to do strength training, there are many exercises that can help you build muscle in the comfort of your own home. Push ups, squats and resistance band exercises are just a few. Paired with light cardio, strength exercises can be a low impact way to gain muscle and stay fit.

Cycling

Another low impact exercise that is great for your cardiovascular health is cycling. If you live in a town where it is possible, swapping a quick car ride for a bike ride can have huge health benefits. If you can’t, there are plenty of bike trails or parks perfect for a bike ride. When the weather isn’t suitable, there are affordable options for at-home cycling bikes or spinning classes at local gyms.

These are just a few of the countless types of exercise that can benefit your heart health. Doctors recommend getting at least 150 minutes of exercise each week, and with so many options to choose from, you can stay active without getting bored.

Southwoods Cardiology is committed to providing high quality, comprehensive care and works with your primary care physician to ensure that care is coordinated. If you are in need of cardiovascular care and are interested in an evaluation, contact your primary care physician for a referral.

January is National Thyroid Awareness month, a time to spread awareness and educate others on different types of thyroid disorders. According to the American Thyroid Association, 1 in 10 people suffer from a thyroid disorder and at least 1 in 8 women will develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime. Among people that suffer from thyroid disorder, only about half of them are diagnosed and treated. Below are the most common Thyroid Disorders and their symptoms.

1. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a disorder when your thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Having an overactive thyroid can accelerate your body’s metabolism, causing unintentional weight loss and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Hyperthyroidism is much more common than in men, and is most common in people younger than 40.

Symptoms:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat, pounding of your heart
  • Increased appetite
  • Nervousness, anxiety and irritability
  • Trembling in your hands and fingers
  • Sweating
  • Changes in menstrual patterns
  • Increased sensitivity to heat
  • Changes in bowel patterns, especially more frequent bowel movements
  • An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), which may appear as a swelling at the base of your neck
  • Fatigue, muscle weakness
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Skin thinning
  • Fine, brittle hair

2. Hypothyroidism:

Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid, is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough ​​thyroid-stimulating hormone (THS). Symptoms may not be very noticeable at first, but if left untreated can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease. Treatment of hypothyroidism is very common and can usually be regulated with a synthetic thyroid hormone.

Symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Increased sensitivity to cold
  • Constipation
  • Dry skin
  • Puffy face
  • Hoarseness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Elevated blood cholesterol level
  • Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
  • Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
  • Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods
  • Thinning hair
  • Slowed heart rate
  • Depression
  • Impaired memory
  • Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)

3. Graves’ Disease

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland causing inflammation and an overproduction of thyroxine hormones. This disease causes hyperthyroidism, and affects about 1 in 200 people in the United States. If treated, Graves’ Disease is easily managed and sometimes even goes into remission or disappears completely, however, if left untreated complications can arise.

Symptoms

  • Anxiety and irritability
  • Tremor of the hands or fingers
  • Heat sensitivity and an increase in perspiration or warm, moist skin
  • Weight loss, despite normal eating habits
  • Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter)
  • Change in menstrual cycles
  • Erectile dysfunction or reduced libido
  • Frequent bowel movements
  • Bulging eyes (Graves’ ophthalmopathy)
  • Fatigue
  • Thick, red skin usually on the shins or tops of the feet (Graves’ dermopathy)
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
  • Sleep issues

4. Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s Disease is also an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland. With Hashimoto’s disease, immune system cells lead to the death of the thyroid’s hormone-producing cells, which usually results in hypothyroidism. This disease is 4 to 10 times more likely to occur in women than men, and often develops between the ages of 30 and 50.

Symptoms:

  • Fatigue and sluggishness
  • Increased sensitivity to cold
  • Increased sleepiness
  • Dry skin
  • Constipation
  • Muscle weakness
  • Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
  • Joint pain and stiffness
  • Irregular or excessive menstrual bleeding
  • Depression
  • Problems with memory or concentration
  • Swelling of the thyroid (goiter)
  • A puffy face
  • Brittle nails
  • Hair loss
  • Enlargement of the tongue

These disorders are only a few of the many thyroid conditions people are diagnosed with each year. Luckily, with treatment, most thyroid disorders are very manageable and will not negatively affect your quality of life. If any of these symptoms sound familiar and you think you may have a thyroid disorder, our primary care physicians can run tests, diagnose the issue and provide treatment. If you are in need of a Primary Care Physician, visit https://www.southwoodshealth.com/findaphysician/?ilf-physician&ilf-search&ilf-speciality=primary-care.

2022 is here, and it is time to reset and focus on the year ahead! While weight loss and exercise are typically included in New Year’s resolutions, it is important to focus on overall health that can be maintained rather than strict lifestyle changes that usually don’t last. If you are looking to focus on your physical and mental health this year, here are a few tips for living healthy in 2022.

Eat Healthy

After a few weeks of indulging, most people are ready to get back into a healthy eating routine by the time the New Year rolls around. While many people start off strong and fill their home with healthy foods, if the change is too drastic it’s easy to fall back into a poor eating habit pretty quickly. This year, instead of being too restrictive or following a fad diet, make small changes to your diet and focus on using healthy ingredients. Spend a bit more time planning meals, shopping for healthy groceries, and preparing nutritious meals for yourself and your family. Maintaining a healthy diet is an integral part of overall health, and is a great way to ensure that you’re feeling your best this year.

Exercise Regularly

Moving your body through exercise is extremely beneficial for both the body and the mind. Doctors recommend getting around 150 minutes of exercise per week, which breaks down to just over 20 minutes everyday, or 30 minutes 5 days a week. Anyone can find time to exercise, even if you can’t make it to the gym. There are countless at-home workout programs available online, many of which don’t cost anything. Simple exercises like walking or running outside is also a great way to stay in shape and keep your body moving. Exercise is important for heart and overall health, but can also reduce stress and have a positive impact on your mental health.

Get Enough Sleep

When you have a busy schedule, it can be hard to get adequate sleep. Sleep is a key component of living a healthy life. Experts recommend getting around 8 hours of sleep per night. Besides getting a good amount of sleep, it is also important to try to stay on a sleep schedule of going to bed and waking up around the same time each day. This can help ensure you are getting the best quality sleep possible, and help you to feel more rested throughout the day. This year, set a bedtime for yourself, leave electronic devices outside your bedroom, and focus on making sleep a priority for your health.

Set Goals

Whether you want to quit smoking, form stronger relationships or drop a few pounds, setting goals and creating a plan can help you achieve them. It may seem cliché to make resolutions, but it can be a great way to plan out what you want to achieve in the next year and figure out how you will make it happen. Take a look at your current health and see where and how you can improve. Once you identify these goals, write out a plan of attack and work each day to achieve them.

Focus on Mental Health

It is common for people to focus on their physical health, yet neglect their mental health. Having a healthy mind is just as important as having a healthy body and you usually cannot have one without the other. In 2022, take time to check in with yourself and be honest about how you are feeling. It has been a tough few years for everyone and if you feel like your mental health has been suffering, it may be time to make some changes. Take time to meditate, practice yoga, journal or anything else that can help reduce stress and boost your mental health. If you still feel like you’re not in a great place, therapy can be an effective treatment with both in-person and online options available. Having a healthy mind looks different for everyone, so find out what works best for you.

These are just a few tips to keep in mind as you reset and focus on your health in 2022. It’s important to remember every small thing adds up when it comes to health, and a change won’t happen overnight. This year, focus on getting and staying healthy with lifestyle changes you can maintain. For more tips and advice on healthy living, visit our blog at www.southwoodshealth.com/category/blog.

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