Think You Would Benefit from Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is used to help people regain physical function and movement from conditions that affect muscles, ligaments, tendons, or bones. Your healthcare provider may refer you to a Physical Therapist (PT) when pain medications are no longer working and you still feel pain; or if you have had surgery and need help with healing. 

A PT creates a personalized treatment plan for a patient that is designed to reduce pain as well as manage an injury, surgery or chronic illness. The plan utilizes exercises and manual therapy that speeds up healing and recovery and allows the patient to regain function and an improved quality of life. 

Like visiting any doctor, it is helpful for you as the patient to think about how your condition affects your daily life and what you hope to get out of your physical therapy sessions before your first appointment. Experts say being prepared not only helps you get more benefit out of therapy but can assist your therapist in establishing a treatment plan based on realistic expectations. 

After a physical assessment of your strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination; the PT will explain your condition and treatment plan. Part of your treatment will include exercise and other techniques you can do at home. 

MorningStar of Beaverton is one of the most trusted senior living communities in Beaverton, OR. Our contemporary 55+ community offers exceptional independent living and assisted living with 66 modern, spacious apartments. Residents enjoy an atmosphere of exceptional architecture and designs with relaxing indoor/outdoor spaces throughout including patios, club lounges, fitness center, heated indoor saltwater pool and more. For assisted living residents, level of care is based on assessments resulting in an individualized service plan. All residents have access to other care services including onsite therapy services. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides all-inclusive memory care. Contact us to set up an in-person tour to see firsthand the area’s finest senior living.    

Are Blue Light Protected Glasses Beneficial?

Blue light is a high-energy wavelength of visible light, which can be emitted from our digital screens that we all seem to be using more and more often. To “protect” us from this light, there are a plethora of blue light protected glasses everywhere. In addition we are hearing how much we need them now more than ever. So the question is do they actually work and is the extra expense worth it? 

Since 2008, researchers have been studying blue-blocking or filtering products that are trying to decrease the transmission of ultraviolet light with wavelengths between 440 and 500 nanometers. Some digital devices recently began offering blue light-filtering settings to reduce the transmission of short wavelengths of light.

However it may not surprise you to hear there is some debate on whether we are adversely affected by blue light, to what degree and can blue light glasses help the problem. The Mayo Clinic explains, while blue light occurs in daylight, the waves omitting from our devices at night could be detrimental to a good night’s sleep as they may shift our circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock. However they also say studies do not show an improvement in eye strain or better sleep quality by using blue-blocking glasses. The American Academy of Ophthalmology agrees and doesn’t recommend special eyewear for computer users.

Instead experts offer some suggestions to help diminish eyestrain and improve sleep such as monitoring the length of your screen time and to take frequent breaks. They say try the 20-20-20 rule of looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. In addition an updated eye exam could detect problems with your eyes and whether prescription glasses might help eyestrain. 

At the area’s finest retirement communities, MorningStar of Beaverton offers trusted assisted living, independent living and memory care. Our residents enjoy carefree retirement years with resort-style amenities, quality dining service and a complement of wellness programs and activities. For residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases, Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to providing the specialized senior living needed to enhance quality of life. Contact us to learn more. 

The Practice of Gratitude can Lead to a Peaceful Life

Many of us have felt the world is a scary place at one time or another, but studies show the simple practice of gratitude can go a long way toward helping us feel happier and less anxious. In fact experts say it is linked to mental and physical health benefits like feeling more optimistic and hopeful as well as strengthening relationships, boosting immunity, lowering blood pressure, improving sleep and decreasing the risk of depression. 

However just like other healthy habits; the practice of gratitude takes a conscious effort. Experts say to receive the full benefits; it should not be saved only for special occasions but rather practiced every day. 

To begin, we need to understand exactly what “gratitude” is. Erin Wiley, M.A., L.P.C.C., a licensed clinical psychotherapist and executive director of The Willow Center, explains that gratitude is “a positive state of mind evoked by focusing on and appreciating the good in one’s life.” By adopting a positive state of mind, we can concentrate on the good things as well as deal with negative events that come into our lives in a more fruitful way.  

A helpful suggestion for getting into the habit of feeling more grateful includes using a journal daily to express your gratitude. In the same way, vocalizing feelings of gratitude gives them power and can help to override negative feelings. Also spread your feelings of gratitude toward others in your life. Actions such as volunteering are yet another way to feel gratitude.   

At the MorningStar of Beaverton senior living we are both proud and grateful to provide the area’s finest assisted living, independent living and memory care. Contemporary suites are available in a variety of floor plans and configurations ranging from 325 to 971 square feet. For residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, our Reflections Neighborhood offers trusted holistic memory care.

MorningStar of Beaverton’s convenient location in the western suburb of Portland put us close to Providence Medical Center, Kaiser Foundation Hospital and Hillsboro Medical Center. Please contact us to schedule a personalized tour of our beautiful retirement communities Beaverton and ask about our special offers. 

Source: prevention.com/health/mental-health/a44398876/how-to-practice-gratitude/?