S. M. A. R. T. Patient Education Pages
In the pages that follow, you will find advice for patients – and all interested in good health – culled from our own professional experience and the best advice of experts from various medical societies.
We are pleased to provide helpful hints for a variety of activities for all ages and abilities. We have adapted the Canadian Physiotherapy Association's S.M.A.R.T. approach into many of these advice pages.
S. |
Stretch
Before, after and sometimes during your activity gently stretch your muscles. First, though, be sure to warm up your muscles with moderate activity, like walking, before stretching. Never stretch “cold” unprepared muscles.
|
M. |
Move
Keep moving throughout your day, throughout the year, throughout your life. Sporadic strenuous activity punctuated by long periods of couch sitting is a recipe for injury. |
A. |
Add It Up
Set a goal of at least 60 minutes of movement a day. It doesn’t have to be all at once – 10 minutes here, 10 minutes there can add up faster than you would think.
• Be realistic.
• Move within your own endurance, pace yourself.
• Fill your day with a variety of activities. |
R. |
Reduce Strain
Use the right tools, equipment and apparel – right for the activity and right for you with appropriate size, grip, and materials. |
T. |
Talk to a Physiotherapist
Your physiotherapist does far more than treat injuries and disease. He or she can help you extend and maintain your physical health: improve or maintain mobility, range of motion and balance; improve endurance, cardiovascular function and strength; relieve, reduce or prevent pain. |
Whether playing a sport or doing household chores, do it the S.M.A.R.T. way!
Seniors
Preventing Falls - Part One, Your Body
Preventing Falls - Part Two, Your Environment
Walking Aids
Winter Walking Aids
Incontinence
Kids
Backpacks
Juvenile Arthritis (TERRY - DO YOU WANT THIS?)
At Work
Computer Ergonomics
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Around the Home
Gardening
Leaf Raking
Snow Shoveling
Sports
Running
Golf
Walking
Injuries
Plantar Fasciitis
Knee Injuries
Ankle Injuries
Hot and Cold Therapies
Back Pain
Neck Pain
Diseases
Osteoporosis
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Stroke
Women
Lymphedema (TERRY - DO YOU WANT THIS?)
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