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Copays vs. Coinsurance: Know the Difference
Health insurance is complicated, but you don't have to figure it out alone. Understanding terms and definitions is important when comparing health insurance plans. When you know more about health insurance, it can be much easier to make the right choice for you and your family. A common question when it comes to health insurance is, "Who pays for what?" Health insurance plans are very diverse and depending on your plan, you can have different types of cost-sharing: the cost of a medical visit or procedure an insured person shares with their insurance company. Two common examples of cost-sharing are copayments and coinsurance. You've likely heard both terms, but what are they and how are they different? Copayments Copayments (or copays) are typically a fixed dollar amount the insured person pays for their visit or procedure. They are a standard part of many health insurance plans and are usually collected for services like doctor visits or prescription drugs. For example: You go to the doctor because you are feeling sick. Your insurance policy states that you have a $20 copay for doctor office visits. You pay your $20 copay at the time of service and see the doctor. Coinsurance This is typically a percentage of the total cost of a visit or procedure. Like copays, coinsurance is a standard form of cost-sharing found in many insurance plans. For example: After a fall, you require crutches while you heal. Your coinsurance for durable medical equipment, like crutches, is 20% of the total cost. The crutches cost $50, so your insurance company will pay $40, or 80%, of the total cost. You will be billed $10 for your 20% coinsurance.
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5 Easy Food Tips for Healthier More Beautiful Skin
What should you be eating for more radiant, youthful, beautiful skin? The answers may surprise you. Here’s insight from a medical aesthetician about what to eat, and what to avoid. Perhaps nowhere is the common refrain “You are what you eat” more clearly reflected than in your skin. The body’s largest organ — your skin — basically tells a tale of the foods you feed your body. So do more than apply the right creams and serums: Feed it the right foods! Here, Heidi Nicol, medical aesthetician with Renown Dermatology, Laser & Skin Care, walks us through which foods to eat and which to avoid for a healthy glow. Start with Fruits and Vegetables Fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which give them their brilliant colors. Eating a wide array of colorful fruits and vegetables will provide the necessary protection against cellular oxidation and the production of cancer cells. Avoid Sugar When you consume sugary food, the sugar in your bloodstream attaches to proteins like collagen and elastin fibers. This process, called glycation, forms harmful new molecules. This is important to note because these fibers keep skin firm and elastic. Once damaged, those fibers become hard, brittle and dry. What does this mean for your skin? This glycation process can actually age us, causing wrinkles, age spots, uneven skin tone and other negative effects. Beautiful Skin Vitamins A nutritious diet is essential to the maintenance of overall health and radiant skin. Consuming certain vitamins, minerals and other beneficial compounds is one of the best ways to improve its look and feel. Here are several universally-recognized essentials and a few of their common sources: • Vitamin A: Cod liver oil, cream, butter and egg yolks • Zinc: Liver, red meat, seafood, shellfish and pumpkin seeds • Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, bell peppers, dark leafy greens and broccoli • Omega-3 fatty acids: Salmon, tuna, walnuts, olive oil and flax seeds • Biotin: Egg yolks, liver, swiss chard, almonds and walnuts • Selenium: Chicken, beef, pork, cheese, sunflower seeds, brown rice, tuna and spinach • Silica: Leeks, green beans, garbanzo beans, strawberries, cucumber, mango and celery • Niacin: Red meat, poultry, tuna, salmon, seeds, milk, dark leafy vegetables, coffee and tea • Vitamin K12: Butter, egg yolks, liver, sauerkraut and cheese • Probiotics: Yogurt, kefir and fermented foods • Vitamin E: Soybeans, canola, corn and other vegetable oils, spinach, turnips, chard, sunflower seeds, almonds and bell peppers • Vitamin B5: Broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries, yogurt and whole wheat A nutrient-rich diet with these vitamins, minerals and other compounds will be a powerful tool in treating skin problems leading to a vibrant glow. Avoid Alcohol Drinking alcohol can cause enlarged blood vessels, burst capillaries, flushing, redness and angiomas (small, red moles). In addition, alcohol dehydrates your body, which makes skin appear less plump and fresh. Alcohol also breaks down the immune system, and the extra sugar in alcohol causes system inflammation, which contributes to cell damage and skin aging. To help combat some of these effects, be sure to alternate alcoholic drinks with water, which will help prevent you from getting too dehydrated. Drink Plenty of Water Speaking of water, an increase in wrinkles is a common response to lack of moisture. When cells are not fully hydrated by water (and water-rich foods), they cannot function properly. If you are not getting enough water, your skin turns dry, tight and flaky, and lines and wrinkles become more pronounced. Water aids in circulation, digestion, absorption and excretion. Proper water intake will lead to a radiant, healthy, younger looking complexion. Renown Dermatology | 775-982-8255 Renown Dermatology, Laser & Skin Care offers a comprehensive range of treatments and products to address any skin care need. Visit our beautiful office in south Reno and browse our product lines. Experts are available to answer any questions concerning your skin care and health and wellness needs. Request an Appointment
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Local Organization Receive $250K Build Health Challenge Award
Award given to Truckee Meadows Health Communities, Renown Health & Washoe County Health District. Truckee Meadows Healthy Communities (TMHC), Renown Health and the Washoe County Health District received the BUILD Health Challenge® award, a $250,000 grant to support Caring For Reno’s Elders (C.A.R.E.) program. The award comes as a collaborative result of more than 30 local organizations submitting a proposal for the funding. Renown Health announced that the organization is matching the grant alongside other pledged funding from the community, bringing the current C.A.R.E. support to $580,000. Together the entities will focus on senior loneliness and the health issues it creates. The partners are honored that Truckee Meadows was selected as one of 18 communities to receive funding from BUILD in the 2019-2021 term. “C.A.R.E will be a community approach to enhance life quality for elders by reducing social isolation and loneliness, issues that seriously impact senior health,” said co-team leader Kindle Craig, Sr. Director Renown Institutes. “Loneliness is the root cause of many issues including suicide1 , chronic disease2 and a reduction in lifespan3 . Washoe County senior suicide rates are two and four times the national rate for those aged 65 and 85 years, respectively4 . That is unacceptable.” Sharon Zadra, TMHC executive director and co-team leader, said this project will tackle barriers to socialization such as access to affordable housing, transportation and healthcare. “We’ll bring the entire community on-board, long-term, to increase social connectedness and reduce health and mortality issues associated with loneliness by starting a cross generational ‘Kindness Epidemic,’” Zadra said. The BUILD Health Challenge is a national program focused on bold, upstream, integrated, local and data driven projects that can improve community health. The award provides funding, capacity building support and access to a national peer-learning network to enhance collaborative partnerships locally to address our community’s most pressing health challenges. The C.A.R.E team expresses special thanks to the BUILD Health Challenge for its support of this initiative. “Loneliness and isolation in our senior population leads to declines in both mental and physical health, and increased mortality,” said Kevin Dick, Washoe County District Health Officer. “We are incredibly honored to join the BUILD cohort, teaming with TMHC and Renown Health to bring long-term solutions by building a cohesive social network to improve the health of our elders.” The BUILD Health Challenge® is made possible with the support of: BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation, Blue Shield of California Foundation, Communities Foundation of Texas, de Beaumont Foundation, Episcopal Health Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., New Jersey Health Initiatives, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and W.K. Kellogg Foundation. TMHC, Renown Health and WCHD have worked united for the last five years, rallying diverse partners and community leaders to influence and advocate for the region’s capacity to ensure a healthy community.
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Honoring Our Veterans
Renown Health President and CEO, Tony Slonim, M.D., Dr.PH., FACHE, recognizes veterans and their invaluable service and sacrifice to our country. Here he shares Renown Health’s commitment to supporting employees who serve. Every November, Veterans Day serves as an important reminder to pause and honor the men and women who have served our country. At Renown, we make it a priority to also express our gratitude all year by providing opportunities for service members and veterans to have fulfilling careers at home, in Nevada. These opportunities include: Employing more than 200 active military and veterans. Our recruiters recognize the valuable skills veterans learn while serving our nation. They also recognize the countless ways they can apply those talents to serve our patients and community. Renown Health provides administrative assistance in the pre-deployment process. Our team also makes a point to stay in touch with our deployed employees and their families. Recognizing our National Guard and Reserve employees in staff publications. Partnering with the Army’s Partnership for Youth Success Program (PaYS) to help those who serve our country prepare for their futures. Working together with the Reno VA to understand and address veterans’ unique health and wellness needs. Renown Recognized for Honoring Veterans In 2017, Renown Health was humbled to receive the Secretary of Defense’s Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest honor given to employers who support employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. We were thrilled to receive recognition for our efforts to honor active military and veterans. But even more importantly, we are proud to make a difference in lives of those who have served. From 1995-1999, I personally served as one of the 6,500 public health professionals and medical officers in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, stationed at Bethesda Maryland. It was our duty to assist in public health responses to man-made and natural disasters and participate in rural health missions helping some of the neediest populations in our country. It was there that I began working with others to improve the health of communities. I feel fortunate to have this first-hand experience. I appreciate all the sacrifices made by our active-duty military and veterans each day. Dr. Anthony Slonim is an innovator and proven leader in healthcare on both the regional and national levels. During his notable career at major healthcare organizations and academic institutions, Dr. Slonim has developed a national profile as an expert in patient safety, accountable care, healthcare quality and innovative care delivery models focused on improving health within the community. For more Healthy Perspectives, follow Dr. Slonim on Twitter.
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Transitioning Your Child Out of Their Car Seat
Car seat technicians often find parents are moving their child to their next car seat stage too soon, as they get older. Here are a few reminders of when to transition your child from their booster seat to a seat belt. Moving to a booster seat too soon According to Safe Kids Worldwide, nearly 9 in 10 parents remove children from their booster before they’ve reached the recommended height, weight, or age of their car seat recommendations, which leaves the seat belt in a position on the child that could injure them. If the child is not the proper height, the seat belt can rise up on the belly, instead of the hips where it’s supposed to sit, which can lead to spinal cord damage or whiplash in the event of a car crash. Solution: You can switch from a car seat to a booster seat when your child has topped the weight allowed by the car seat manufacturer; typically 40 to 80 pounds (18 to 36 kilograms). Remember, however, that your child is safest remaining in a car seat with a harness for as long as possible. Booster seats must always be used with a lap and shoulder belt — never a lap-only belt. Transitioning to a safety belt too soon Older children need booster seats to help ensure the seat belt stays properly positioned on their body. The lap belt should lie low across the child's hips and pelvis with the shoulder belt crosses the middle of the child's chest and shoulder, so that in the event of a crash, the forces are applied to the hip bones and not the abdomen. If the lap belt is not positioned properly then it could lead to injuries to the spinal cord and abdominal organs. Solution: Most kids can safely use an adult seat belt sometime between ages 8 and 12. Always use a booster seat until the child passes the 6-step test Your child reaches a height of 4 feet, 9 inches (nearly 1.5 meters) Their back is flat against the seat back. Knees bend over the edge of the seat and feet are flat on the floor. The shoulder belt sits on their shoulder and chest (not face or neck.) The lap belt sits low on their hips and touches their upper thighs (not on their stomach.) Your child can sit comfortably this way for the entire trip. The American Academy of Pediatrics reminds us that the back seat is the safest place for children younger than age 13.
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Dietitans' Top Advice to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain
The weight gain struggle is real with tempting holiday celebrations and treats. It’s hard to focus on nutrition with social events, shopping and a hectic schedule. And no one wants to diet during the holidays. Renown Health Registered Dietitians Kim Colegrove and Bristy Zimmerman, share their tips below for enjoying the holiday season without packing on extra pounds. Your holiday nutrition strategy doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Instead, Colegrove and Zimmerman emphasize realistic approaches to keep weight gain in check during the holidays. Plan Ahead to Avoid Weight Gain “Thinking ahead is key for staying on track with your weight and health goals,” says Colegrove. “Arranging to have a healthy snack ahead of time is a good idea to avoid overeating at parties. You could also bring a healthy dish to the party, then you know there’s at least one option that will fit into your meal plan. Or you might also think about eating some of your favorite party foods, but then consider the rest of your week and balance it out accordingly. All foods can fit! It’s all about balance and portion control.” Keep Moving Your Body Colegrove also urges us to stay active. “There are so many benefits of exercise! Besides aiding in weight management, physical activity can boost our mood and help us to cope with stress. For many, the holidays can be a very busy and stressful time, which may contribute to overeating and weight gain. So keep up the routine! Exercise is a vital tool in maintaining weight and managing stress, especially during the holiday season.” Slow Down and Be Satisfied “Slowing down at any meal, including the holidays, can help us pay attention to our satiety or fullness cues,” encourages Zimmerman. “Try putting your fork down between each bite of food, focus on chewing eat bite thoroughly and stop eating when you feel satisfied rather than eating to the point of discomfort.” Divide Your Plate to Conquer Weight Gain Traditional holiday foods tend to be high in calories from added fat and sugar, so it’s extra important to be mindful of our portions. Zimmerman suggests an easy visual cue. “First, try filling half of a 9-inch plate with lower-calorie foods like non-starchy veggies or salad. Secondly, fill a quarter of your plate with a meat or protein-rich food. Then save the remaining quarter of your plate (about the size of your fist) for the higher-calorie carbohydrate foods like mashed potatoes, stuffing, or cornbread. If you want to enjoy several of these foods, just make the portions small enough to still fit in that quarter of your plate.” Liquid Calories Count “Still or sparkling water will always be the best beverage choice when avoiding weight gain,” advises Zimmerman. “If you really enjoy holiday beverages, try modifying your favorite recipes by using low-fat milk or alternative sweeteners. Be mindful that calories from sweetened beverages and alcohol can add up fast. For example, if you usually enjoy several drinks at a holiday party, even reducing from three drinks to one drink can save significant calories.” You can set yourself up for success in the new year by having an eating game plan. “It’s important to be realistic about the holidays. They only come once a year, and they should be enjoyed! But plan ahead and find a good balance,” urges Colegrove. “Going into the holidays, it’s important to anticipate temptations and be prepared at social events. Don’t let the holiday season derail your efforts and enjoy in moderation!”
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Get to Know the Types of Car Seats
Parents often struggle with installing and choosing car seats for their children. Picking out a car seat for your child is a never-ending battle. Safe Kids Washoe County has made it simple for you to understand the types of car seats that will work for your child. Types of Car Seats Rear-Facing Only Seat. Your baby's first car seat is often used from 5 to 40 pounds. People usually buy this type of seat because it is portable. Convertible Car Seat. This seat is larger and stays in the car; it may be rear-facing until your child is two years or more. After that, it can change to a forward-facing seat. Forward-facing-only car seat. This type of seat is used in one direction and has a 5-point harness and top tether. Combination seat. This is a forward-facing seat with a 5-point harness and top tether and can change into a booster seat when you remove the harness. 3-in-1 car seat. This seat also stays in the car. You can use it rear-facing, forward-facing, and then later, as a booster seat. Booster seat. It boosts the child for a safer and more comfortable fit of the adult seat belt. Make sure your child has outgrown the weight or height limits allowed in the forward-facing car seat. The seat belt must lie flat across your child's chest, on the bony part of the shoulder, and low on the hips or upper thighs. Most children will be between the ages of 8 to 12 years old before they are ready for the seat belt alone. Have a trained car seat technician check your installation Why: 3 out of 4 car seats are installed improperly, with some studies show that the misuse rate is 90%, with the average car seat having three mistakes. Solution: Ensuring that your child's car seat is installed correctly by a certified car seat technician will ensure your child's safety.
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Powerlifting through MS Diagnosis
When Tabitha Cox received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), she was in shock, denial and felt that she was too strong for something like this to be happening to her. As the disease progressed, Tabitha realized she needed to do what she could to stay as healthy as possible. “I heard, ‘You have a quarter-size lesion on your brain,'” recalls Tabitha Cox. “At that moment, that was literally all I heard come out of her mouth.” Tabitha’s official diagnosis was multiple sclerosis (MS), an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that slowly debilitated her mom. “I was numb,” says Tabitha. After her diagnosis, Tabitha went on with her life as if the disease was nothing more than a doctor’s diagnosis. However two years later, Tabitha realized something wasn’t right and sought care at Renown Institute for Neurosciences – Brain and Nerve Care. Her form of MS was aggressive, and her doctor recommended treatment right away.
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How to Safely Store Breast Milk
Breast milk. It's often referred to as liquid gold. And fortunately, it can be safely refrigerated or frozen for later use, which can allow you to be a bit more flexible in your new routine with baby. Whether you're getting ready to return to work, planning for the chance date night out or just exclusively pumping, it's crucial to understand the guidelines for proper breast milk storage. Storing Breast Milk Use clean bottles with screw caps, hard plastic cups that have tight caps or nursing bags (pre-sterilized bags meant for breast milk). Be sure to label each container with the date the milk was pumped and your baby's name if the milk is going to childcare providers. You can add fresh, cooled milk to milk that is already frozen, but add no more than is already in the container. For example, if you have two ounces of frozen milk, then you can add up to two more ounces of cooled milk. For healthy full-term infants, milk can be stored as follows: Room temperature - six to eight hours (no warmer than 77°F, or 25°C). Refrigerator - up to five days at 32°-39°F (0°-3.9°C). Freezer– Varies depending on freezer type. Up to two weeks in a freezer compartment located within the refrigerator. Three to six months in a freezer that is self-contained (standard kitchen fridge/freezer combination) and kept at 0°F (-18°C). Breast milk should be stored in the back of the freezer and not in the door. Six to 12 months in a deep freezer that is kept at -4°F (-20°C). Be sure to leave about an inch of space at the top of the container or bottle to allow for expansion of the milk when it freezes. Thawing Breast Milk Place frozen breast milk in the refrigerator to thaw (about 24 hours) then warm by running warm water over the bag or bottle of milk and use it within the next 24 hours. If you need it immediately, remove it from the freezer and run warm water over it until it's at room temperature. Never microwave breast milk and do not refreeze it. Once your baby has started to drink from the bottle, you should use it within one hour. You may find that different resources provide different recommendations about the amount of time you can store breast milk at room temperature, in the refrigerator and in the freezer. Talk to your doctor or lactation consultant if you have any concerns or questions.
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Health Insurance Terms Explained: Deductible and Out-of-Pocket Maximum
Health insurance might be one of the most complicated purchases you will make throughout your life, so it is important to understand the terms and definitions insurance companies use. Keep these in mind as you are comparing health insurance plan options to choose the right plan for you and make the most of your health insurance benefits. One area of health insurance that can cause confusion is the difference between a plan's deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. They both represent points at which the insurance company starts paying for covered services, but what are they and how do they work? What is a deductible? A deductible is the dollar amount you pay to healthcare providers for covered services each year before insurance pays for services, other than preventive care. After you pay your deductible, you usually pay only a copayment (copay) or coinsurance for covered services. Your insurance company pays the rest. Generally, plans with lower monthly premiums have higher deductibles. Plans with higher monthly premiums usually have lower deductibles. What is the out-of-pocket maximum? An out-of-pocket maximum is the most you or your family will pay for covered services in a calendar year. It combines deductibles and cost-sharing costs (coinsurance and copays). The out-of-pocket maximum does not include costs you paid for insurance premiums, costs for not-covered services or services received out-of-network. Here's an example: You get into an accident and go to the emergency room. Your insurance policy has a $1,000 deductible and an out-of-pocket maximum of $4,500. You pay the $1,000 deductible to the hospital before your insurance company will pay for any of the covered services you need. If you received services at the hospital that exceed $1,000, the insurance company will pay the covered charges because you have met your deductible for the year. The $1,000 you paid goes toward your out-of-pocket maximum, leaving you with $3,500 left to pay on copays and coinsurance for the rest of the calendar year. If you need services at the emergency room or any other covered services in the future, you will still have to pay the copay or coinsurance amount included in your policy, which goes toward your out-of-pocket maximum. If you reach your out-of-pocket maximum, you will no longer pay copays or coinsurance and your insurance will pay for all of the covered services you require for the rest of the calendar year.
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How to Fight Cancer that Runs in the Family
Your mother had breast cancer. Your uncle had colon cancer. A cousin has stomach cancer. Could yours be the next name to make the family cancer list? “Possibly,” says Dr. Robert Nathan Slotnick, MD, PhD, Medical Geneticist at Renown Medical Group. In this article, the doctor discusses the genetics behind Lynch syndrome — and how you and your family can fight it. What is Lynch Syndrome? Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), is one of the most common genetic conditions known to increase cancer risk in individuals and families. It enables colon and other cancers to develop by causing mutations in mismatch repair (MMR) genes. “The genes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 and EPCAM normally help to repair damaged DNA,” explains Dr. Slotnick. “But when they don’t work properly, naturally occurring DNA replication errors are not repaired efficiently. These errors accumulate and cancer can be the result.” Colon cancer is just one of many possibilities. People with Lynch syndrome also have a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer (cancer of the inside lining of the uterus) as well as cancer of the ovaries, stomach, pancreas, kidney, brain, and bile duct, among others. These syndrome-enabled cancers often appear in patients before the age of 50. Family Cancer Clues The family connection to cancer is a strong one notes the doctor. “Cancer is best considered a genetic disease because it is always tied to changes (or mutations) in our inherited material: our DNA,” says Dr. Slotnick. “These DNA changes cause cells to lose control of their normal constraints on growth and metabolism and can allow abnormalities to develop.” “Although all cancers are genetic,” he adds, “not all cancers are hereditary or passed down through generations.” But because Lynch syndrome IS a hereditary condition, personal and family cancer histories provide invaluable information toward diagnostic confirmation and to a path of surveillance, prevention and treatment. Once a strong family history of cancer is confirmed, doctors and geneticists can move forward with targeted genetic testing to identify specific gene mutations. If Lynch syndrome is diagnosed, testing can also reveal your risk for associated cancers. And your results could be a wake-up call to family members. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), close relatives of people with Lynch syndrome have a 50% chance of having similar gene mutations and a higher risk of cancer. The good news is detection and prevention progress is being made. “Lynch is just one of many cancer syndromes where risk is tied to heredity,” explains Dr. Slotnick. “In the last few years, our ability to identify those at risk for this type of cancer predisposition has improved markedly, both in diagnostic accuracy and cost. This allows us to provide aggressive surveillance and prevention choices to individuals and families at risk. Healthier families and lower cost: it’s a win-win.”
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Get Moving: How to Exercise with Arthritis
An arthritis diagnosis doesn’t mean your exercise routine has to end. In fact, a consistent routine can actually improve mobility. Although stiff and painful joints can make it difficult to keep moving, staying active is essential for easing pain. October 11 is World Arthritis Day, so we asked Michelle Higgins, MPT at Renown Physical Therapy & Rehab some advice about exercising with arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis affects one in five adults and 300,000 children. As a matter of fact arthritis is the nation’s leading cause of disability. Your joints certainly don’t need to suffer when you exercise. In general exercise is actually necessary for those with arthritis. Not only does it reduce joint pain, but it also increases strength and flexibility. Furthermore those adopting a regular exercise routine also have more energy, deeper sleep and find it easier to maintain a healthy weight. “Exercise is a necessary component to managing your arthritis,” says Higgins. “Consistent participation in an exercise program has been shown to promote long-term pain relief, increased body function and an improved quality of life. Alternatively, a lack of exercise can actually increase joint pain or stiffness and eventually lead to long term disability and suffering.” Exercising With Arthritis Exercise truly is the most effective non-drug arthritis treatment available for reducing pain and improving movement. And it can even include daily activities like gardening, dancing or walking your dog. Of course talk to your doctor or physical therapist about what exercises fit into your specific treatment plan. With this is mind, the four specific components below are important to an effective arthritis exercise program: Range of motion Moving joints through their full available range of movement is important. This frequently increases function and decreases joint stiffness and pain. For this reason, aim to complete these exercises daily. Examples include bending, straightening, and rotating specific joints, or static and dynamic stretching. Strengthening These exercises target muscles supporting and protecting our joints and bones. Strengthening is also necessary for weight control, so two-to-three sessions per week are recommended. In order to allow your body to adapt, begin with light resistance and start slow. Strength exercises include weightlifting and using resistance bands. Low-impact aerobic exercise Aerobic exercise is certainly necessary for overall well-being, weight management and heart health. Aim for two-to-three sessions a week. Low-impact exercises include walking, swimming, cycling, elliptical machine exercises and water aerobics. Balance Good balance is also vital for an effective arthritis program. On the positive side, solid balance prevents falls by increasing your ability to stay upright whether you are moving or sitting still. Likewise, it improves your confidence with walking and daily activities. In order to keep excellent balance, incorporate daily balance exercises. Examples of balance exercises include the use of an exercise ball, Tai Chi and exercises such as standing on one foot. Start Slow, Finish Strong As you begin your exercise program, remember to listen to your body. Start slowly – it can take several weeks for your body to adjust to exercise. Consult your doctor, or physical therapist, if you experience increasing pain or swelling which doesn’t go away with rest. Above all, incorporate fun and motivating activities so you’ll stick to them long term and improve your results. Renown Physical Therapy & Rehab 775-982-5001 Through outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy, Renown Physical Therapy & Rehab gives you hands-on, individualized treatment in convenient Reno/Sparks locations. We have the latest, most advanced physical therapy and rehab equipment, specialty services and treatments. Renown Physical Therapy & Rehab is now open on Robb Drive in addition to three additional locations in Reno and Sparks. Call 775-982-5001 or visit us online.