How muscles change with age

Muscle performance declines with age, regardless of one’s health status, activity level, or motivation, however this course may be slowed by specific types of strength training. Physiologic changes begin to occur in our 30’s, but do not pose a serious threat to one’s mobility until ~age 60. Consequently, impairments of decreased strength, power, endurance and balance can emerge, all affecting functional ability. Every day tasks such as household chores and personal care are eventually impacted. As muscle function declines in the elderly, there is an obvious increase risk of falls, fracture with a downward decline in function and activity. Fortunately, the aging muscle is plastic and adapts to positively to strength training with the end result of improved function.

The physiological changes in muscle performance are related to a complicated cascade of events that appear independent of activity decline. This decline can be stemmed by increasing activity, specifically high intensity strength training. It is also apparent that this type of activity should be fostered in youth through the ages as most of the reported functional decline in muscle performance factors were minimized when individuals maintained a high level of activity throughout their life span. Functional decline starts to occur as early as the third decade of life without functional implications until after the age of 60, thus early education and good exercise and activity habits can be beneficial to maintain functional independence as we age. The Physical Therapist is uniquely positioned to promote this type of behavior in rehabilitation from injury or disease. Given the challenges our country faces in the midst of an obesity epidemic the Physical Therapist can serve in a position of health promotion and wellness advocate to decrease the risk associated with age related changes in muscle performance as it relates to impairment and functional disability.

Reduce Cell Phone Cancer Risk

The World Health Organization's statement that cell phones my cause cancer shouldn't really come as a surprise.  Cell phones emit low levels of radiation, some more than others, you can view the EWG's report of cell phone SARs (Specific Absorption Rate) here.

The best thing that you can do to limit your exposure is to keep your cell phone away from your head by using a headset. Headsets emit much less radiation than cell phones.

Text when you can.  Watch the bars that indicate how strong your connection is.  If your cell phone keeps cutting out trying to maintain a connection, postpone your call until you have a full signal. When your phone has to work harder to connect it emits more radiation.

If you have to use the phone without a headset, keep the phone away from your ear until the call connects, and when you talk tilt the phone away from your ear and bring it back closer when you are listening. Radiation levels are higher when transmitting than receiving signals.

Avoid making cell phone calls in elevators or cars because cell phones have to work harder to maintain a connection in enclosed metal spaces.

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Keeping the FUN in life at every age

Staying in your house and out of a senior's community saves tens of thousands of dollars a year. It costs $77,745 annually to live privately in a nursing home. That’s a jump of $17,520 per year compared to 2005, according to the Genworth 2011 Cost of Care Survey, which sees prices continuing to rise.

Renovating both the interior and exterior of your home is the way to go if you're healthy and fit. Furniture and design ideas that conform to your active life. Way beyond grab bars and scooters and power chairs.  Eat when you want. Play when you want. See who you want. Your life, your independence, your way. Senior Wellness Specialists, keeping the FUN in life at every age.

Wide Open Plan For Ease of Use with Low Windows and Good Lighting is Functional and Great for Entertaining