Wii-habilitation

What is Wii-hab?  Wii-hab is rehabilitation therapy that uses the Nintendo Wii gaming system.  Physical therapists often use alternative methods to keep their patients interested in their therapy.  Wii-hab can be used with people who have Orthopedic and Neurological injuries.  Some of those injuries are broken bones, strokes, joint replacements, vehicle accidents, and other types of surgeries.  Wii-hab can also be great for people with pulmonary issues like COPD and have shortness of breath with activities.

Why is it beneficial? Could it help me?  Many functional areas can be targeted like: balance, activity endurance, upper body strength, lower body strength, core strength, eye/hand coordination, and memory skills. 

Wii Sports and Wii Fit are 2 games that require physical exertion.  (There are many games available for home use.)  Usually the patient becomes so engrossed in the game and competition that they do not realize how much exercise they are getting until they stop to rest.  The longer you play, the better your endurance gets.  That endurance can improve your everyday activities.  Can you imagine being able to sweep or vacuum the house without getting tired? 

Repetitive motions not only help memory skills, but increase muscle memory as well.  It increases communication between the brain and muscles requiring less time to complete an activity.

If you are tired of being inactive and unable to complete a simple without being exhausted, call your doctor and ask for a prescription for physical therapy.  Wii can help!!

It’s that time again!

Everyone is making their New Years Resolutions. More often than not, folks resolve to lose weight and get in shape. Intentions are good but time is limited with busy schedules and hectic lives. Before you know it the best intentions are lost in the shuffle.  How does one stick with it?  We all know that a healthy lifestyle includes exercise, but how do we do it? 

First, make realistic goals.  Try to do activities you enjoy.  Exercise with someone or a group. Walk with a friend or join the gym.  Be realistic about your capabilities.   Start out slowly and increase the time and intensity of your workout gradually.

Secondly, do your best to stick with it.  It takes time and repetition to make exercise routines a habit.  Try to make exercise a regular part of your schedule.   As time passes you will find it becomes easier and easier to maintain your exercise routine.

Next, utilize community resources to help you with your fitness goals. It’s good to have knowledgeable instruction to help establish your exercise program. It can help you avoid unnecessary pain and injuries. The Frank W. Stevens Wellness Center (located on the ADMC campus) can provide you with individualized instruction to meet your needs.

Above all, make it your priority to exercise and improve your fitness level. Any regular exercise can help you improve your overall health.  It’s well documented that improved fitness and weight loss can reduce your blood pressure and blood sugar levels.  Thirty minutes a day three times a week is a great way to start.  The health benefits from regular exercise more than offset the sweat and effort expended.

Be sure to check with your physician before you start a fitness program,  then go for it. You’ll be glad you did!