Help a Loved One Live a More Active, Healthful Life
We typically wish for those we love to live their best, most healthful lives. That’s why it can be both frustrating and worrisome when a loved one slips onto a more sedentary lifestyle track – one that could be harmful to their long-term well-being. You want to help them recommit to exercise and fitness, but […]
Debunking Common Fall Prevention Myths
Every September during National Falls Prevention Week, physical therapists join other medical professions across the country in reminding Americans that falls are not just common among older Americans. They’re often debilitating, costly and even deadly. They’re also largely preventable, says Peoria physical therapist Cindy Rankin. “Falls present a real public health problem among older adults, but so often they’re […]
At-Home Learning: Don’t Overlook Physical Activity!
As the school year gains momentum during the COVID crisis, more kids and families adjust to various levels of at-home learning. Parents and instructors should not overlook what should be a standard facet of all children’s curriculum: physical activity. Kids need to be given time to move around. Studies show regular exercise can have a […]
Our Knees: ‘Canaries in the Coal Mine’ of Movement & Exercise Issues
Despite being the largest and perhaps most complicated joints in our bodies, our knees are naturally docile. They’re easily influenced by what’s going on above and below them, in other words, not making many decisions on their own. That’s why when one experiences knee pain, the true causes of the joint’s wear and tear can […]
Prevent Injury When Returning to Activity
After nearly six months of home quarantines, social distancing, gym closures, and cancelled/postponed athletic seasons, it’s been difficult for many to maintain consistent workout routines. But, as more people begin settling into “new normals” related to work, parenting, masking and so on, personal health is once again taking a greater role in people’s lives. While this should be […]
DIY Safety: Treat Home Improvement Projects Like a Workout
The past several weeks has proven that most people are not inclined to sit idle at home as the world protects itself from the coronavirus. On the contrary, as people spend more time social distancing, DIY home improvement projects have surged. Related box stores have reported increased profits, and some industry surveys (i.e., Fixr.com) show that two in three homeowners have taken advantage of COVID lockdowns to complete more projects in and around their homes. So, as people put more effort toward building, fixing, improving and upgrading aspects of […]
Will Running Damage Your Knees? Studies Say No.
Is running bad for your knees? According to Peoria physical therapist Cindy Rankin, this is a common question among both avid runners and those who may start running for exercise or to participate in that first 5K. For most people, though, the answer is a resounding no. “This question really highlights a common misconception about running – that it’s […]
Lower-back pain? Could be your hips.
It’s well established that about eight in 10 people in the U.S. will experience back pain at some point in their lives. And while the causes of such pain often vary, physical therapists and other medical professionals say that increasingly, the blame for low-back pain can often be traced to an area a little lower […]
Summer Pro Tip: Wear Your Flip-Flops with Caution
Warmer weather means lighter clothing all around, and footwear is no exception. But before you grab the flip-flops for summer outings and activities, Peoria physical therapist Cindy Rankin offers a word of caution: long-term flip-flop use can not only be bad for the feet, but also other parts of your body. “While flip-flops are often the go-to footwear for summer, […]
Create New, Healthy Habits That Help You Get Through the Pandemic
Create New, Healthy Habits That Help You Get Through the Pandemic Many of our daily routines have been upended by COVID-19 and the attempts we’ve all made to abide by phrases that weren’t so familiar at the start of 2020: social distancing, sheltering-in-place, and flattening the curve. As we “self-isolate” at home, we’ve often been […]