Prepare for September!
 It's that time of year again- time to prepare the kids for their return to school. In this modern age of technology, children are burdened with books, pencil cases, calculators, and perhaps even a laptop computer. Backpacks are slung over one shoulder as kids head off to school. Read on for important tips on how they can avoid the ever so common injuries related to these backpack habits.
Did you know that at any one time, one person in three in the United States suffers from a skin disease that can be spread to others? Read on to learn how you may prevent catching ring worm or athlete's foot from your gym.
Savor and enjoy the final days of summer!
-Michelle
Michelle Collie, PT, DPT, MS, OCS
The care at its best E-Newsletter is designed to provide ongoing fitness, injury and disease prevention tips to help you stay healthy. In addition, program, community and staffing updates will be available. Please feel free to email me directly with comments and suggestions. |
"My back hurts when I carry my backpack!"
Sound familiar? September brings an influx of kids to the emergency room, their pediatrician's office or their physical therapist's clinic. Not surprising when according to a July 2008, Consumers' Report, sixth graders are carrying an average of approximately 18.4 pounds on their backs. Second graders are carrying 5.3 pounds and fourth graders are carrying 4.6 pounds. Follow these tips to prevent backpack aches and pains:
 1. Don't let your backpack's weight exceed 15% of your body weight. To find the maximum weight you should carry, use this formula: Your weight (lbs) X 0.15 = Max bag weight (lbs)
2.Use a hip strap for heavier weights to help stabilize the pack & transfer the weight to your
torso and hips.
3. Use a backpack with two wide padded straps and a padded back.
4. Always use both of your backpack straps and make sure they are firmly tightened; they should hold the pack 2 inches above your waist.
5. Place the heavier items close to your back. Packs with multiple compartments are great to distribute the weight more evenly.
6. Never wear your backpack on one shoulder, and never wear it so low that it touches your buttocks.
7. Try to make frequent stops to your locker to replace books. To check out the top rated backpacks, please click here. |
 Here is a simple, safe stretch anyone can do to relieve aches and pains associated with backpacks. Stand in a doorframe and place hands on either side. Lean forward to stretch the shoulders, chest and back. Hold for 20 seconds.
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2nd Annual PPT School Drive
 Performance has begun collecting donations for the 2nd annual school drive to benefit the Elizabeth Baldwin Elementary School in Pawtucket and Windmill Street Elementary in Providence. We are collecting items such as notebooks, pencils, hand sanitizer etc. There are drop off bins in all 6 of our locations. We will be accepting donations from now until September 3rd. |
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Crossroads RI
On Tuesday July 13, Performance Physical Therapy visited the community room at Crossroads Rhode Island to teach clients  about the health benefits of stretching. The class allowed clients to engage in interactive stretching techniques that utilized common items such as chairs and doorways to maximize the benefits of stretching. Performance Physical Therapy will return to Crossroads later this month and in September to present classes on yoga and relaxation. To read more click here. |
Be Sure Exercise Is All You Get at the Gym
The National Athletic Trainers' Association recently issued a position paper on the causes, prevention and treatment of skin  diseases in athletes that also applies to anyone who works out in a gym or school. Recreational athletes as well as participants in organized sports are prone to fungal, viral and bacterial skin infections. Sweat, abrasion and contact with the lesions and secretions of others combine to make every athlete's skin vulnerable to a host of problems, including athlete's foot, jock itch, boils, impetigo, herpes simplex and ringworm. You never know who last used the equipment in a gym. It's an environment which can be ample breeding ground for these bugs, some of which are pretty nasty. Follow these important tips:
*Wash your hands before and after using the equipment.
*Bring your own regularly cleaned mat for floor exercises.
*Shower with antibacterial soap and put on clean clothes immediately after your workout.
*Use only your own towels, razors, bar soap, and water bottles.
To read the complete article for more information, please follow this link:
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