Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Fruit and vegies - two important keys to a healthier you

We all know that eating fruit and vegies is important for good health. A popular statement is that eating 2-3 serves of fruit and 4-5 serves of vegetables daily is all that is required for a healthy diet. Yet is it really true?



Consider the following important aspects:

1. What proportion do raw and minimally processed fruit and vegies constitute in your daily ration?
  • Once foods are cooked they lose their essential vitamins and nutrients. Trying to eat as much raw vegetables and fruits as possible is therefore the key to a healthier life.

2. Some people may react negatively to certain fruits and vegetables. If you feel bloated or otherwise unwell after eating some fruit/vegies consult your doctor and get tested for food allergies. You can then avoid those particular ones and replace them with others.
  • Fructose intolerance is common
  • If you suffer fro diabetes you need to avoid fruits such as bananas and some others. Consult with your GP on this matter.
 
For more tips on how to improve and maintain your health go to http://www.healthpointphysiotherapy.com.au/maintaining-health.html


Thursday, August 15, 2013

What Is Electrotherapy?



At Health Point Physiotherapy we specialize in the use of electrotherapy (electrical energy) in the treatment of our patients. It is commonly used in the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with neck pain, back pain, osteoarthritis, post surgery rehabilitation and others.

 
Here is what some of our patients have said:
 

I arrived at Health Point Physiotherapy with severe lower back pain. I was assessed and a suitable treatment program was suggested to me. This included some sessions of Electrotherapy and Ultrasound. I am now pain free and the Physiotherapists are now working on increasing my core strength with exercises that I can do at home therefore helping me to maintain a healthy body” – Gloria Berriman

 

“As a full-time nurse in the Aged care facility and a mum to a toddler, I cannot afford to have a stiff and painful neck. The problems with my neck started a few years ago. I have tried heat packs, TENS machine, massages and usual physiotherapy – all of the therapies would provide only some relieve and just for a short time. The worst happened after the birth of my son two years ago: I have returned from the hospital with the stiff neck, unable to move or lay down, with constant pain accelerated on movement. Exhausted and without sleep (I could only manage by sitting on the couch trying not to move) I have tried all the usual therapies for four days with no success, when my mum suggested to visit Margarita. Margarita was so nice to see me on her day off. I was crying from the pain all the way to her clinic feeling every bump on the road. I could not believe that after 30 minutes session with her wonderful gadgets I felt better – the pain did not go away completely but the tension was almost gone and the pain level decreased significantly. 3 sessions later I felt like a new person.

She also treated successfully skin problems that I had. I call Margarita “My Magician” because I truly believe she is the one. I haven’t heard about any other physiotherapists that use same technology as she. I keep recommending Margarita to anybody who needs quick and effective treatment” - Anna Sheran


 


What is electrotherapy, when is it used and what are the benefits?

 

·         Electrotherapy is the use of electrical energy in the treatment of various diseases and health disorders. It can also include the use of sound waves and magnetic fields.

·         It treats the cause not just the symptoms.

·         Electrotherapy can work in isolation or serve as an indispensable adjunct to other physiotherapy modalities, e.g. in combination with Clinical Pilates.

·         The benefits are: pain free; non invasive; non addictive; if medications are required, much lower concentrations are used compared to oral intake or injections.

 

 

When is Electrotherapy used in combination with Clinical Pilates?

 

In some cases Clinical Pilates is not initially recommended by our physiotherapists. This is mainly associated with significant inflammation and/or pain. Starting Clinical Pilates sessions at this time may cause pain and physical discomfort and aggravate the symptoms.

 

At the same time it is not the best tactic just to postpone Clinical Pilates until the symptoms disappear. Leaving the problem untreated could lead to the problem turning from acute to chronic. In these cases we initially use electrotherapy treatments which:

·         Help to eliminate/reduce the symptoms

·         Improve the physical condition of the patient

 

As soon as the symptoms are under control it’s possible to start Clinical Pilates. If necessary, the electrotherapy treatment can continue for a time in parallel with the Clinical Pilates sessions. Once both the physiotherapist and the patient are satisfied with the results of the treatment the electrotherapy is completely replaced with Clinical Pilates.

 

For more information go to www.healthpointphysiotherapy.com.au



Thursday, August 1, 2013

Do you find yourself eating more during the colder months? I think we all fall into that trap - when it's cold and miserable outside there is nothing like having some warm comfort food. You can, however, still eat healthy, helping you to stay in great shape.

Try this amazing lentil soup - it's easy to make and tastes great. You will love it!
 


Brown Lentil and Vegetable Food – Super Food Ideas - July 2006 , Page 32
Recipe by Tracy Rutherford, Photography by Louise Lister

 

Ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 carrots, peeled, diced
  • 2 zucchini, diced
  • 2 sticks celery, diced
  • 1 brown onion, finely chopped
  • 400g can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups salt-reduced vegetable stock
  • 400g can brown lentils, rinsed, drained
  • 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped
  • 1 lemon, quartered
  • 4 crusty wholegrain rolls, to serve
Method:

  1. Step 1: Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add carrots, zucchini, celery and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until vegetables begin to soften.

  1. Step 2: Add tomatoes and stock to pan. Cover and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes or until vegetables are soft.

  1. Step 3: Add lentils to soup. Cook for 5 minutes or until heated through. Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle with parsley and squeeze lemon juice. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Serve with lemon wedges and bread rolls.
 
 
For more ideas on how to stay fit by doing exercises in the comfort of your own home go to: http://www.healthpointphysiotherapy.com.au/exercise-at-home.html