October is National Physical Therapy Month

October is National Physical Therapy Month

In recognition of National Physical Therapy Month, the American Physical Therapy Association is promoting making a commitment to physical activity so children and adults can combat and prevent obesity and its consequences.

The APTA has released the following ideas for fun ways for families to become active:

“Smart Moves” for Families

●Plan weekend family activities involving physical activity, such as hiking, swimming, bicycling, mini-golf, tennis, or bowling.

●Help your child plan physical activities with friends and neighbors, such as skating or softball.

●Have your kids brainstorm a “rainy day” game plan of indoor activities involving fitness games such as Wii Fit or Dance Dance Revolution.

●Remember that your family does not need to join a health club or buy fancy equipment to be active. Walking isn’t costly and it’s easy. So is designing a backyard obstacle course. Weights can be made from soda or detergent bottles filled with sand or water!

●Provide positive rewards for your child when he or she engages in physical activities, such as workout clothes, a new basketball, or an evening of roller-skating.

●Provide positive feedback about your child's lifestyle changes. Remember not to focus on the scale (for you or your child).

●Be your child's "exercise buddy." Plan daily walks or bike rides and set goals together for increasing physical activity rather than for losing weight. It’s also great “bonding” time!

●As you schedule your child's extracurricular activities, remember to plan time for exercise and activity as a priority for the entire family. Don't just "squeeze it in."

●Encourage children to try individualized sports such as tennis and swimming. Studies show such activities are the basis of lifelong fitness habits.

●Parents and children can do exercises while watching television (or at least during commercials), such as sit-ups, push-ups or running in place. Discourage snacking or eating meals while watching.

Source: American Physical Therapy Association

At Fauquier Hospital Outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation we have highly skilled, experienced clinicians who have a multitude of certifications to improve your quality of life. We have several specialized physical therapy programs that provide treatment of Pediatric, Women’s Health, Spine, Sports Therapy, Occupational Injuries, Orthopedic and Neurological conditions. We can offer you a specialized examination and treatment in these areas of expertise.

Talk to our physical therapists today and make a plan to get moving!
Do you have a question for your physical therapist? We have an answer. Please click the button below to submit your question or call us at 540-316-2680.