Willow PT_Relieving Dizziness and Vertigo

NEWSLETTER Health &Wellness

Getting To Know The Willow PT Staff COURTNEY HEINZ, PT, DPT

Courtney Heinz joined our team in May of 2016. Courtney graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Idaho in 2007. She then went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2011 with her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Courtney has worked primarily with outpatient orthopedic patients for the last 5 years and is preparing to complete a certification for Sports and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Courtney is also offering treatment for those suffering from jaw pain (Temporomandibuar Joint Dysfunction). Her long term goal is to obtain board certification in the area of Orthopaedics. Courtney enjoys the outdoors especially backpacking and hiking. She aslo enjoys volleyball, reading and spending time with family and friends.

NEWSLETTER Health &Wellness

RELIEVING DIZZINESS & VERTIGO “Life Doesn’t Have To Always Be Unsteady!

INSIDE: Do You Have A Fear Of Falling? Heart Healthy Recipe Improve Balance In Minutes Patient Success Spotlight

Dizziness, vertigo, and loss of balance are common symptoms reported by adults to their doctors. What is dizziness and vertigo and how can it be treated? Dizziness is a sensation of light-headedness, unsteadiness, or a feeling that the world is bouncy or blurry. Vertigo is defined as a spinning sensation. There are many potential causes for these symptoms and if you have them, a visit to your doctor is a necessity! Medical reasons for dizziness include a disturbance in your blood glucose, heart problems, or bloodpressureproblems.Onceyourdoctorhas ruled theseconditionsout, these symptoms could be due to an inner ear problem, also known as a Vestibular Disorder.A Vestibular Disorder is adysfunction of thebalance organs in the innerear.ThemostcommoncausesofVestibularDisorders are a blow to the head, aging, and viral infection. Our Vestibular System includes parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance and eye movements. If the system is damaged by disease, aging, or injury, a vestibular disorder can occur. The symptoms of a Vestibular Disorder can be truly frightening and difficult to describe. The most common complaints we hear at Willow Physical Therapy are: • The room starts spinning when I roll over in bed or sit up • A sensation of light-headedness • Dizziness that worsens in busy environments • Difficulty reading or watching TV • Staggering or losing your balance, especially at night • Difficulty driving

Most common Vestibular problems Vestibular disorders have big complicated names but the following condition is the most common and responds well to Vestibular Rehabilitation: Benignparoxysmalpositionalvertigo(BPPV) isacondition resulting from loose debris that falls into one of the semi-circular canals in the inner ear. These crystals do not belong in the semicircular canal and the result is intense vertigo with certain head positions. This sensation of spinning occurs most commonly when rolling in bed or sitting up. This is a very commonconditionandwhilethesymptomsaredramatic, it iseasilytreated. Most people only require one or two treatments to completely abolish all their vertigo. At Willow Physical Therapy, all the therapists have been specially trained in the proper techniques to treat this condition. People with dizziness and vertigo can highly benefit from vestibular rehabilitation therapy done by the experienced physical therapists at Willow PhysicalTherapy. No matter your age, if you suffer from dizziness or vertigo you will benefit from physical therapy exercises to strengthen your balance sensors, reducing your symptoms and risk of falls. Start feeling like yourself again, give us a call today!

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DO YOU HAVE A FEAR OF FALLING? A fear of falling can keep you from being active which can result in a wide range of health problems. We can restore your confidence and mobility and keep you active. We offer both vestibular rehabilitation and balance re- training.Theseexcitingandsuccessful treatments fordizzinessandbalance disorders have helped many patients feel better and return to normal lives. At Willow PhysicalTherapy, our physical therapists have the vast experience and special technology for treating balance and dizziness complaints and we can help you:

• Conquer your fear of falling • Feel steadier on your feet • Stop sensations of rocking or spinning

• Gain more strength and energy • Maintain your independence • Regain your freedom • Feel like yourself again • Get back to living Ifyoustrugglewithbalance,dizzinessorafearoffalling,calltodaytoschedule an appointment for a more steady life! Contact us at 907-456-5990.

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HEART HEALTHY RECIPE Lemon Rosemary Salmon

INGREDIENTS • 1 lemon, thinly sliced • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary • 2 salmon fillets • Salt to taste • 1 tablespoon olive oil

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Arrange half the lemon slices in a single layer in a baking dish. Layer with 2 sprigs rosemary, and top with salmon fillets. Sprinkle salmon with salt, layer with remaining rosemary sprigs, and top with remaining lemon slices. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until fish is easily flaked with a fork.

FEBRUARY IS HEART HEALTHY MONTH

Patient Success Spotlight

I have no real problemwith vertigo!

“After the last visit, I have no real problem with vertigo. I cannot say that physical therapy solved the problem but, something improved with therapy. They did a good job and I am grateful.” - Jerry W.

Put Your Heart Health First! According to the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States and cardiovascular diseases claim more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined. Happily, February marks American Heart Month, and is the perfect time to commit to healthy lifestyle changes that can lead to a longer, happier, more active life. By setting small, achievable goals and tracking those goals, you can improve your overall heart health. Try some of these tips: 1. Start by scheduling a visit with your doctor to talk about heart health and any lifestyle changes you plan to make 2. Eat less fatty, salty, and greasy foods and try adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet 3. Focus on eating lean meats and poultry (without skin) 4. Choose fats that are heart healthy such as olive oil and canola oil, and avoid saturated or trans fats 5. Incorporate more fiber into your diet with beans 6. Practice good dental hygiene every day 7. Get enough sleep, the average adult needs 7-9 hours of sleep per night 8. Don’t sit for long periods of time without moving 9. Add some exercise to your daily routine, start by walking for 15 minutes, three times a week with a spouse, or a friend 10. Always drink alcohol in moderation

Improve Balance In Minutes Try this movement if you are experiencing poor balance.

ALTERNATING STEP TOUCH Stand “tall”, with sturdy step stool positioned in front. Step one foot at a time onto the stool. Alternate legs and repeat 8 times. Helps Balance www.simpleset.net

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