DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan's Top 5 Biggest News Stories of 2011: #1 Revealed

All this week we’ve been counting down RIM’s top 5 biggest news stories of  2011 and today we reveal #1 on our list.

Drum roll please….DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) helps paralyzed bride walk down the aisle.

Our story about Jennifer Darmon’s journey to walk on her wedding day captured the hearts of every one, resulting in national and international headlines.

Jennifer was paralyzed in a 2008 car accident. She began therapy in RIM’s Center for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery program shortly after. At first her goals were simple; to get stronger, be more independent, to be able to stand. But when her boyfriend Mike Belawetz proposed, Jennifer set a new goal; to walk down the aisle at her April 16, 2011 wedding in Windsor, Canada.

We first starting sharing Jennifer’s story in February by recording a video diary of her progress and sharing it on YouTube where her “Walk for Love” series received almost 100,000 views. From her first awkward steps practicing in therapy in a borrowed wedding dress from RIM physical therapist, Katie McSween, to her breathtaking walk down the aisle and first dance with her husband, viewers couldn’t get enough of Jennifer’s story.

Jennifer’s story appeared on The CBS Early Show, Today Show, Inside Edition, ABC World News with Diane Sawyer, and countless newspapers across the U.S. and Canada. And the media is still sharing her story. This week she was featured on a national news program in Japan and is profiled in this week’s Women’s World magazine.

Jennifer’s entire “Walk for Love” video series can still be viewed on YouTube but here a is link to our favorite…Jennifer on her wedding day http://youtu.be/6-AwqJGmh6k

DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan's Top 5 Biggest News Stories of 2011: #2 on our Countdown

This week on Facebook we are counting down and sharing DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan’s Top 5 biggest news stories of 2011.

Coming in at #2 on our list is: Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) Selected to Study Robotic Legs for Persons with Spinal Cord Injury

RIM is among 10 rehabilitation centers in the country that will participate in an investigational trial of Ekso (formerly called eLegs). Ekso is a wearable robot developed by Ekso Bionics, that powers wheelchair users up to get them standing and walking.

Ekso is a ready-to-wear, battery-powered exoskeleton that is strapped over the user's clothing. The user initiates the steps by triggering non-invasive movement sensors in the crutches that communicate with the computer carried in a backpack. The patient doesn't bear the weight, however, as the device transfers its load directly to the ground. Ekso provides unprecedented knee flexion, which translates into the most natural human gait available in any exoskeleton today.

The rehab hospitals selected for the investigational trial will be the first Ekso Centers in the world, conducting ongoing research, and offering the device for the rehabilitation of their patients. Physical therapists at Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan’s (RIM) Center for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery will be using Ekso to primarily treat spinal cord injury patients for balance, posture and gait training.

“The Center for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery has a history of seeking out the most innovative and state-of-the-art technologies and therapuetic treatments for improving function and quality of life after a spinal cord injury,” says William H. Restum, PhD, President, RIM. “We believe Ekso is an exciting opportunity to further advance the functional recovery of the patients we serve.”

DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan's Top 5 Biggest News Stories of 2011: #3 on our Countdown

This week we are counting down and sharing DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan’s Top 5 biggest news stories of 2011.

Coming in at #3 on our list is: DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan celebrates 60 years of hope and healing.

To mark this milestone, RIM held an Anniversary Gala at the Fox Theatre on March 10, 2011, where we celebrated some of the remarkable patient success stories RIM has been a part of over the past 60 years. Guests were also treated to a special performance by Motown recording artists, The Contours.

The Rehabilitation Institute of Metropolitan Detroit was founded on March 6, 1951, to help persons with disabilities return to their communities at the highest level of independence, not only physically, but psychologically, socially, and vocationally.

Sixty years later, Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (as we are called today), has grown into one of the top rehabilitation facilities in the country and is a leader in teaching, research, and patient care in the rehabilitative field.

To learn more about our history, click on the link to watch our special anniversary video.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzIfbkDrh2M

DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan's Top 5 Biggest News Stories of 2011: #4 on our Countdown

This week we’re counting down and sharing DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan’s Top 5 biggest news stories of 2011.

Coming in at #4 on our list is: Ndamukong Suh hosts Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan’s (RIM) Celebrity Wheelchair Basketball Game.

The Detroit Lion’s defensive tackle served as the celebrity host for RIM’s 10^th Annual Game on September 22, at Oakland University. This unique, one-of-a-kind fundraiser supports the wheelchair sports program at RIM. The game features sports celebrities and radio and television personalities, who compete in wheelchairs along with RIM’s award-winning wheelchair basketball team, the Detroit Diehards.

“I’m excited to be a part of this great event,” said Suh at a press conference before the game. “Sports have always been an integral part of my life and I am honored to be involved with an event that combines competitive fun with raising awareness for a good cause.”

The Celebrity Game raised over $45,000 for RIM’s wheelchair sports program. More importantly, it raised awareness about the many abilities of persons with disabilities.

Click here to watch a highlight video from this year’s game.

DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan's Biggest News of 2011: #5 on our Countdown

This week we are counting down and sharing DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan’s Top 5 biggest news stories of 2011.

Coming in at #5 on our list is: DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan is named one of the nation’s “Best of 2011 Rehab Facilities‟ by Rehab Management magazine.

Rehab Management launched an annual program, “Rehab Management’s Best of Rehab Facilities,” to spotlight the nation’s top rehab care providers. Facilities across the continent were nominated for this program, which included a profile submitted by each facility that explained what makes them exceptional among their communities and peers.

In addition, RIM was featured in a full page spread in the August 2011 issue of Rehab Management magazine.

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the “Best of 2011 Rehab Facilities,” said William H. Restum, PhD, president, DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan. “This distinction is a direct reflection on the dedication and compassion of the staff at Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, who work hard every day to inspire hope and confidence in the patients we serve.”

For 60 years, the Detroit Medical Center's (DMC) Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) has been dedicated to helping people with physical disabilities achieve the best life possible. As a national leader in the delivery of physical medicine and rehabilitation services, RIM has become a trusted organization that attracts patients and health care professionals from around the world. While best known for treating the most complex cases such as brain injury, spinal cord injury and stroke, RIM brings the same level of expertise to helping those with more common conditions including arthritis, back pain, and orthopedic and sports injuries. With its 94 bed inpatient hospital located at the DMC and 23 outpatient therapy sites throughout southeastern Michigan, RIM is one of the nation's largest hospitals specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. 

How to Stay Fit and Focused During Winter

Winter is just around the corner. With it comes shorter days, colder weather, the holidays and a dramatic decrease in our activity level. Here are 10 tips to help combat gaining those winter pounds and keeping that lean healthy body until spring comes along.

       

1. Eat breakfast every day.  Don’t think that if you skip breakfast and you’re not hungry you will lose weight.  Your body has been without food for about 8 hours and that causes your metabolism to slow down.  By eating breakfast you spike your metabolism and increase how many calories you burn that day. 
2. Eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day.  This will keep your metabolism burning all day.  You should eat every 2-3 hours.  Carry snacks.  Don’t stop at the convenience store when your stomach starts to growl.  Carry almonds, string cheese, an apple with some peanut butter, or celery/carrots with hummus.
3. Eat protein with each meal.  Your body burns more calories digesting 1 gram of protein than it does 1 gram of fat or carbohydrate.  This is known as the Thermic Effect of food.  Your body actually burns calories while digesting food.  Protein also slows down your insulin response to carbohydrates which lessens the chance of being stored as fat.
4. Try to avoid fried foods.  Just because it is a chicken salad doesn’t mean it’s healthy if the chicken is fried.  Try to have grilled chicken instead. Pick a baked potato or yam over french fries and onion rings.
5. Lift weights.  By lifting weights you increase your lean body mass. Remember the more muscle you have the more calories you burn.  Just lifting weights 2-4 days a week will help maintain muscle tone and keep the furnace burning over the winter months.
6. Perform cardio. Getting your heart rate up 3-5 times per week for 30-45 minutes is plenty.  Be sure to progress and challenge yourself.  This is the time of year to try something new.  If you’re a runner or biker, try elliptical, stair climber or a boot camp class.
7. Try not to eat too many carbohydrates after 5-6  pm.  Carbohydrates aren’t bad, they just need to be eaten earlier in the day so they can be used for energy, not late at night when they will be stored as fat. 
8. Take fish oil.  It is recommended that you take fish oil everyday all year long.  Studies show that fish oil has helped with the decrease in body fat loss.  Diets rich in Omega 3 fatty acids can increase the production of a number of important enzymes in your body that play a part in fat oxidation, in other words you get learner.  Check with your doctor before taking any supplements.
9. Limit calorie containing beverages.  Try to eat your calories, don’t drink them.  Water and green tea should be your first choice.  Diet coke and crystal light are better than Gatorade, Coke, or high fructose juices.
10. Sit down this winter and think about your goals for next year.  Where do you want to be?  Is there a race, walk or adventure challenge you would like to do next year?  What type of shape do you want to be in when spring arrives?  How important is it to you to maintain a healthy lifestyle over the winter and into the new year?

With these 10 tips fresh in your mind, try to put them to good use over the winter.  Try to discover a whole new you when spring rolls around.  Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone during the winter, challenge yourself and try to stay on the right track to being healthy!

By: Charlene Quenneville A.T.C., Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan

How to Avoid Overeating on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving means family fun with all near and dears ones and it also means eating all sorts of lavish food and sweets. Thanksgiving is the beginning of festival season with Christmas and New Year following it immediately. By the end of it you realize that you have already put on a few extra pounds.

Every Thanksgiving meal consists of 2000 - 4000 calories that make you feel guilty and you really don't feel thankful to those pumpkin pies and turkeys. So here are some tips on how to avoid overeating on Thanksgiving. 

·   Drink Water
Before having your main meal drink two to three glasses of water which will occupy some space in your stomach and will help you to eat less.

·   Nothing like the fresh salad
Salad is an amazing source of minerals, fibers and other nutrition. At the same time, it controls your appetite to consume heavy Thanksgiving meals. Helps a lot to avoid weight gain on Thanksgiving.

·   Have a small meal before going to the Thanksgiving dinner
If you stave yourself the whole day before going for a Thanksgiving dinner then you are going to have more food that means more calories intake. Have light breakfast and lunch so that you are not very hungry and will not overeat.

·   Go for the roasted turkey Turkey is a good source for a lot of minerals including zinc and potassium. Enjoy the turkey breast which has limited calories and is tasty. Deep Fried turkey is full of calories so go for healthy roasted or baked turkeys.

·   Savor the fresh Cranberry sauce
Cranberry sauce has always been a part of Thanksgiving meals but the canned sauce has a lot of sugar which means more calories. So, instead of going for canned sauce choose fresh cranberry sauce and enjoy without any tension.

·   Do not forget to exercise
Exercise will burn the extra calories being put on as well as it will help you to digest the heavy meals since it activates the metabolic system.

Source: thanksgivingnovember.com

Save Michigans Auto No Fault Benefits

For 38 years, Michigan residents have enjoyed the benefits of our auto no-fault insurance which has provided lifetime medical benefits in the face of an injury resulting from an auto crash.  In the 1990’s, Michigan residents soundly rejected changes to the statute through statewide referendums (Proposals C and D).

Recently, House Bill 4936 was introduced in the Michigan legislature.  This bill, if approved, would eliminate the unlimited medical coverage provided under Michigan’s current no-fault insurance.

These actions would fundamentally alter the delivery systems for our patients as well as reimbursement for all providers of health care.  There would also be a significant shift of payment to our Medicaid and Medicare systems – already overburdened state and federal programs.

Please help us retain this system by writing your state representative and senator.  Also, encourage your family and friends to do so as well.  The process for letter writing is very simple (even helping you identify your representatives) and can be easily executed by going to the Brain Injury Association of Michigan’s web page at:

• www.biami.org 
• Click on blue box entitled “Write to  Congress ONLINE “.  
• Locate the blue box entitled “Featured Alert” and click “TAKE ACTION”  – this will lead you to a letter to congress regarding Auto No-Fault and direct it to your legislators when you fill in your name, address and zip code

Also, consider personally contacting your representatives as these are even more productive and impactful to them!

Many thanks, in advance, for you interest, support and advocacy on behalf of our patients and hospital on this critical issue!

William H. Restum. PhD
President
Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan

Battle Exercise Boredom

Even the most dedicated exerciser can get bored with their workout routine. For many of us, exercise is a release that needs to be both fun and rewarding. When the fun wears out, it may be hard to keep working towards those rewards.

In order to stay in shape and stay healthy, try these tips to help fight back against exercise boredom:

1. Instead of taking a step aerobics or yoga class, try a circuit training class or kickboxing.
2. Try free weight exercises instead of machines.
3. Exercise with a friend.
4. Set a detailed goal like walking in a 5K one month from now, or running your first race.
5. Try a new activity all together, outside of the gym like ice skating, or a racquet sport like tennis or racquetball.

By: Craig DeLeon, Corporate Director of Health, Fitness, and Wellness, DMC

Paralyzed Yoga Expert Coming to Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan

At age thirteen, Matthew Sanford’s world turned upside-down when a devastating car accident killed his father and sister and left him paralyzed from the chest down. Advice from his doctors to “forget his lower body,” however, was what really crippled him. It also began his amazing and inspiring journey of waking his mind and body through yoga.

Today, Matthew teaches at national yoga conferences, studios and institutions around the country. He teaches traditional students and is a pre-eminent pioneer in adapting yoga for people with disabilities.

Matthew will be sharing his experiences and conducting a yoga class for disabled and non-disabled participants at DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at

5:00-6:10 p.m. in RIM's auditorium (261 Mack, Detroit, MI 48201).

Matthew’s yoga class is FREE and open to the public to attend, however, space is limited so you must register in advance by calling Krystal Rodgers at 313-745-1003.  

Ndamukong Suh to host Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan’s 10th Annual Celebrity Wheelchair Basketball Game

NFL Rookie of the Year, Ndamukong Suh, will host Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan’s (RIM) 10^th Annual Celebrity Wheelchair Basketball Game at Oakland University on Thursday, September 22, 2011 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. This unique, one-of-a-kind fundraiser supports the wheelchair sports program at RIM.

The game features Detroit’s favorite sports celebrities and radio and television personalities, who compete in wheelchairs along with RIM’s award-winning wheelchair basketball team, the Detroit Diehards.

Prior to the start of the Celebrity Game, doctors, therapists and nurses from RIM will challenge Oakland University’s Athletic Department to a wheelchair basketball game at 6:00 p.m. The Celebrity Game will start at 7:00 p.m.

All proceeds from the Celebrity Wheelchair Basketball Game benefit RIM’s SportsAbility program which provides persons with disabilities the opportunity to compete in competitive and recreational sports.

Tickets for the event are $8 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. For more information visit www.celebritywheelchairbasketball.com

Detroit Medical Center First Site in Michigan to Offer “Healthy” Vending Machines

A granola snack bar might not be bad a vending selection, but what if that vending machine could give you a snack bar that is all natural, gluten and wheat free, has a low glycemic index, has fiber, no trans fats, diary and cholesterol free, very low sodium and no sulphur dioxide. Now that's a snack you can live with.

The Detroit Medical Center has been selected as the first site in Michigan to receive newly designed vending machines that dispense wholesome snacks and beverages.

Michigan's first 2bU vending machines have been installed in the lunchrooms of DMC's

Orchestra Place

administration offices and DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan. The machines, distributed and serviced by Continental Canteen, offer gluten free, organic, all-natural, locally sourced, allergen free, vegan and kosher snacks and beverages with the cost of each item ranging from $1.25 to $2.50. 2bU also provides an interactive digital screen that tells the consumer about each product's nutritional value, calorie count and more before finalizing the selection. 

"When people are busy, stressed and hungry, all too often they grab a nutritionally empty, sugar-laden candy bar or a soda, without even thinking twice about it. As a healthcare system, we want to advocate that making healthy snack choices can make a great difference in your health and wellness," said Dr. Kahn, DMC's Medical Director of Wellness Programs. "When your body is healthier, you mind is healthier and you're more productive in work and in life."

The 2bU vending machines are another tool in DMC's ongoing initiative to promote good health and nutrition for its patients and employees. The 2bU machines are in demand nationally and DMC was fortunate to get Michigan's first. Others could be installed at DMC down the line.

Posted by, Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, one of eight hospitals operated by the Detroit Medical Center.   

Former Detroit Lion Mike Utley Continues Giving Back to Others with Spinal Cord Injuries

Twenty years ago, as silenced fans watched in disbelief as Mike Utley was carried off the turf at the Silverdome, he gave his teammates and fans the ‘thumbs up” sign to let them know he would be back someday. Well Utley is back, and in a big way. On Monday, September 12^th the Mike Utley Foundation will host its second annual golf outing at Pine Lake Country Club in West Bloomfield Township (

3300 Pine Lake Rd.

), MI. Shot-gun start is 12:30 p.m., dinner and auction begin at 6:00 p.m.  

Proceeds from the Mike Utley Golf Outing will support scholarships for therapy at the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) in Detroit. The one-month therapy program at RIM includes a fitness assessment and training, nutrition education and state-of-the-art biofeedback at RIM's Mike Utley Center for Human Performance. This is an innovative program designed to help people achieve maximum physical performance.

After suffering a spinal cord injury (SCI) during a Lions game in 1991, Utley has made it his personal mission to show others living with this injury that they can set and achieve personal goals. “I want people who face this new challenge to be a role model for others by example, of what needs to be done to experience life to it’s fullest.” Utley said.

For more information on the golf outing click here.

The Benefits of Exercising in Water

Water provides the perfect environment for low impact exercise and sport.  For the past forty or so years there have been a variety of exercise trends involving high impact activity such as jogging or aerobics. Unfortunately, as we age or sustain injuries these types of workouts can exacerbate pain or cause further injury and eventually force us to stop exercising all together.

Water exercise and swimming have now emerged as healthy alternatives as we strive for wellness and balance in our lives. The water is also conducive to individuals with disabilities or those who may have weight bearing limitations following surgery or injury. Pre- and post-natal women and those with back pain or arthritis are also good candidates for exercise in the water. Even elite athletes have turned to water exercise and swimming in an effort to stay in shape while protecting their bodies.

The buoyant support of water allows us to subtract weight! When in waist deep water, an individual is at 50% of their actual weight; 10% actual weight when submerged to the neck. This significantly decreases stress on weight-bearing joints, bones and muscles. And for folks struggling with weight loss or obesity, the water allows for improved mobility in a “gravity free” environment. Because it is easier to move in the water, it is easier to make gains in flexibility through exercises that wouldn’t be attempted on land.

Exercise in water provides resistance which, in turn, increases strength and endurance resulting in improved cardiovascular fitness. As speed of exercise increases so does the resistance of the water. Water walking in thigh deep water for one hour can burn up to 460 calories!

The hydrostatic pressure of the water on our bodies results in better blood circulation, decreased sensitivity of the skin and in reduction of edema/swelling. This pressure also helps to promote better lung function through deeper ventilation.

There are many types of water exercise available including water aerobics, arthritis aquatic exercise, aquatic therapy/rehabilitation, water walking/jogging, strength training, sport-specific training in the water, swimming and competitive swimming just to name a few. As with any exercise program, individuals should check with their doctor prior to beginning and always swim/exercise with a lifeguard or buddy present.

By: Sue Boeve, Sr. CTRS, ATRIC, Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan 

A League of Their Own: Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan Stroke Survivors Start Golf League

Members of Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) Novi Center’s Stroke Support Group are getting their lives and game back on course. The group recently started a golf league for stroke survivors and their family members.

The group meets bi-weekly and is comprised of stroke survivors, some who have golfed before and some who are new to the sport. Some of the golfers are ambulatory and some golf from a specialized adapted golf cart. The cart has a swivel seat that allows golfers to hit the ball from a seated or supported standing position.

According to RIM Novi’s social worker and case manager, Jay Devereaux, the league has provided physical and psychological benefits. “Golf is a very physical game so it is great for them to be outside and exercising and from a psychological standpoint it is a huge self-esteem builder for them to be out here and enjoying something they loved prior to their stroke.”

Steve Freilich had been a golfer for 35 years. He thought his days on the golf course were over when he suffered a stroke four years ago.

“After my stroke, I couldn’t talk, or walk or drive. Thanks to my rehab, today I am able to do all of those things, including golf.”

“My game is not what it used to be. I golf one handed and my ball doesn’t go as far, but I still enjoy it and I’m grateful to be out here. I think I will probably be golfing another 35 years now.”

Why are women more susceptible to sports injuries than men?

Research has shown that there is an anatomical difference between men and women which unfortunately puts a greater risk on women for injury during sports.  Women have a larger pelvis than men which causes increased stress to the knees.  Women also tend to have looser joints due to laxity in their ligaments.  Many have attributed the laxity of ligaments to female hormones. 

In addition to the anatomical factors, women are becoming more and more athletic and often times are not trained properly for their sport. Also, manufacturers are just recently designing specialized equipment to accommodate a women’s anatomical structure.

Unfortunately, women can not change their anatomical structure, but, they can use these helpful tips to prevent injuries.

1.      Keeps knees bent and land on both feet when landing from a jump.

2.      Work with a physical therapist or personal trainer to learn how to properly cut or pivot.

3.      Correct muscle imbalance.  Strengthen the hamstrings (muscles in the back of your upper leg), gluts (buttocks) and inner thigh muscles.  These muscles are often weaker than your quads (muscles on your thigh).

4.      Replace running shoes (see your local running shoe store for frequency).  General guideline:  Replace every year if running 10 miles per week and every six months if running 20 miles per week.

5.      Make sure there is adequate calcium in your diet to avoid osteoporosis which may lead to stress fractures.

6.      Take advantage of equipment designed to fit the anatomical structure of females.

7.      Develop a strength training program that emphasizes multiplanar, multijoint, and functional exercises.  These exercises will help develop intermuscular coordination, proprioception, and balance which transfers to increased strength required for sports or daily activities.

Consult with a physical therapist or personal trainer to help develop a safe exercise program to meet your needs.  A well designed program will significantly reduce the chance for injury and help improve your performance for your sport.

Consult with a nutritionist regarding a well balance diet and to make sure your getting sufficient calcium.

By: Suzanne Schmidt, MPT

Exercise Safely in Hot, Humid Weather

Hot summer weather doesn't need to sideline outdoor exercise. But it does become more important to modify your routine in order to exercise safely in hot, humid weather.

Combining physical activity with hot temperatures and bright sunshine increases stress on the heart and lungs. Not only does the heart have to work harder to deliver blood and oxygen to exercising muscles, but it also must circulate more blood to the skin where it can be cooled off through sweat evaporation. If the humidity is also high, your body can't be cooled as effectively from its own sweat either.

When exercising outdoors during summer months, it becomes important to adjust your routine to the cooler morning or evening hours – to avoid the midday sun. Some other tips to help keep you safe:

Stay well-hydrated. Drink lots of water when you're exercising, even if you don't feel thirsty. If your workouts are lengthy, consider alternating sports drinks with your water intake. Such drinks help replace important nutrients you are losing through sweating.

Take it easy as you start working out. As your body gets used to the heat, you can gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.

Dress appropriately. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing does a better job of keeping you cool. Dark colors soak up the heat, so avoid wearing them. Wearing a hat with a brim can reduce sun exposure.

Use sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher. This reduces sunburn risk. Apply liberally 30 minutes before heading outdoors and reapply during extended workouts.

Symptoms that the sun may be getting to be too much for you during hot-weather exercise could include:

·         Muscle cramps

·         Headache, nausea or vomiting

·         Paleness and weakness

·         Heavy sweating

More severe warning signs include:

·         Dizziness or confusion

·         Red, hot, dry skin with no sweating

·         Rapid heartbeat

·         High body temperature

If you suspect a heat-related illness, stop exercising immediately and get out of the heat. Seek shade or move indoors. Drink plenty of water and cool your skin by wetting it with a damp cloth. Seek immediate medical attention if you or an exercise partner becomes faint or confused, or develops a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pilates Helps Stroke Survivors Connect Mind and Body

Stroke affects approximately 795,000 Americans each year and is the leading cause of severe, long term disability in the United States.  A stroke can rob a person of their speech, mobility and independence. Additionally, stroke survivors may experience sudden changes in mood and suffer depression when parts of the brain controlling emotion are affected.  While many of these challenges may diminish in severity over time, the road to recovery and independence is long and emotionally taxing.

It is connecting the mind with the body that presents the biggest challenge after a stroke. 

Physical, occupational and speech therapies are often prescribed to help a patient recover lost function. Medically, these treatments are proven to help. But a number of stroke survivors are finding success with alternative treatments, such as Pilates, to help them rediscover body awareness and strength. 

Pilates is a system of exercises designed to improve physical strength, flexibility, and posture, and enhance mental awareness. Exercises work the abdominals in almost every move, and involve laying on the back, side or stomach and lifting legs and arms using the body’s core in combination moves that build coordination and strength

Pilates instructor, Francine Burgess, believes that in addition to increased core stability and strength, Pilates fosters mind and body awareness.  “Anything that can foster mind/body strength is beneficial. Pilates works on breath control and is connected to movement of the body, while moving outwardly connecting mind and body,” says Burgess.

There’s also an important psycho-social component. Patients interact with one another, and they support one another. It’s an activity-based therapy in a patient support group setting.

Burgess, a first year physical therapy doctoral student, teaches two Pilates classes at Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan’s (RIM) Brasza Outpatient Center, where her classes include both stroke survivors and others just wanting a strengthening core workout. She is currently working with researchers on curriculum for a targeted Pilates class that will focus on the specific needs of stroke patients. Burgess hopes that with the published results of this focused curriculum, that stroke survivors can find great benefit in participating in a very detailed program geared exclusively toward their unique needs. 

For more information on our Pilates classes and other community education classes at RIM’s Brasza Outpatient Center, call (313) 745-9748.

By: Carly Knazze, Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan