As the weather begins to cool down this October, the American Physical Therapy Association wants to remind all of us about the benefits of keeping active. October is National Physical Therapy Month, let’s take a look at activity in America and how we can begin prioritizing self-care and moving more!
Physical therapists and physical therapy assistants play a vital role in promoting movement and the reality is that not enough people in America are getting enough physical activity. It is estimated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that more than 80% of U.S. adults and teens are not getting enough physical activity.
Physical activity is a major factor in improving our overall health and improving our quality of living and improves vascular function. Keeping active also decreases risk of injury and improves recovery time if you are facing an injury.
So what can you do to observe National Physical Therapy Month?
- Get active and practice self-care and you can do this by taking a simple walk in the mornings before your start your day or doing some yoga
- Take the time to thank a physical therapist in your life. Their skills and knowledge help improve the lives of many patients they see and they daily promote the positive effects of physical therapy
The lack of physical activity among so many Americans results in an added $117 billion in healthcare costs in the U.S. It’s physical therapists who help people manage their pain, recover from injuries and in the process educate their patients to improve their quality of life. When patients begin movement and eliminate the risk of more injuries and chronic disease.
National Physical Therapy Month is the time to bring more awareness to self-care and to celebrate the work that our physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and the work they do daily to promote physical activity.
Physical activity is one of the best things you can do, and it’s affordable! Adding more movement eliminates the risk of unwanted injuries, increases recovery time, and reduces the dependence on medication. Moving more is linked to better health and a longer life, according to a study published in the Journal of American Medical Association. The study found that a simple walk and counting those steps, is a step in the right direction and lowers risk of disease and early death from any cause.
Learn more about the benefits of moving as the American Physical Therapy Association brings awareness this October during National Physical Therapy Month. Get your morning stretch in, start walking, or take that dance lesson you’ve been wanting to take, and improve your health one two-step at a time!