Once again, we have refreshed the format and have provided some practical tips to assist everyone with their health / fitness quest. We are also starting something new where we spotlight a student-athlete who has overcome an injury and has returned to sport with our help. Lastly, we have imbedded a link to our web site video which provides a 60 second overview of the practice. Check out the Testimonials on our web site too!

Think Spring – Old Man Winter has to give in here shortly!

We want to thank all of our current patients for being so patient with our recent conversion to computerized scheduling. As always there are some challenges when something new is embraced, however everyone has worked together to make this new system more efficient and it has helped us to better serve our patients on a daily basis.

Important Insurance Reminders

We urge patients to be good advocates for their healthcare and to have a good understanding of the insurance plan provisions. One of the most significant points to remember is that you ALWAYS have a choice of providers for any service that you need. More often than we would like, we hear that patients are being directed away from our practice by physician groups owned by UPMC. Be aware of this and insist on choosing our practice especially if you have had a successful result in the past.  

Co-Pay difficulties?

The beginning of the year typically presents challenges to everyone as health insurance co-pays and deductibles change or renew. If you or someone you know is in need of our service, but is hesitating to schedule because of co-pays or deductible issues, please call the office and discuss the matter with our staff. We DO have options for you. Your conversation will be held in the strictest confidence.

Wellness/ Fitness Update
We continue to have great interest in the Wellness Plan powered by Healthpointe. This is a wonderful adjunct to physical therapy - many conditions can be helped by losing 10-20 pounds – low back pain, hip and knee arthritis, foot / heel pain to name a few.
Two of our newest participants lost 10 pounds in four weeks!

Join us for an informational meeting on Healthpointe
Monday, Feb 22nd, 2010 at 7pm
 in our Murrysville office to be part of our wellness initiative.

Please pre-register by calling, 412-399-3499 or by emailing us at MNovic@comcast.net

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Vitamin D; Dietary Supplement Updates

Better Life Experts | January 15, 2010


This fat soluble vitamin has been a source of health news over the last year and it may be a good idea for you to have your Vitamin D status checked especially if you live in far northern latitudes (42 degrees north latitude) because most people meet their Vitamin D needs through exposure to sunlight and the winter months are marked by sunlight deficiencies.

Vitamin D plays a vital role for calcium absorption in the intestines and in the maintenance of normal bone mineralization, bone growth and bone renovation within serum (liquid component of blood in the body). How can an individual determine if they are deficient in Vitamin D?

The most commonly used test used by physicians as the best indicator of Vitamin D status is serum concentration 25(OH) D. Serum concentration of 25(OH) D reflects Vitamin D that is produced from foods and supplements as well as by the skin through sunlight. A reading of >37.5 nmol/L is considered adequate for bone and overall health in healthy individuals. Amounts less than this level probably indicate inadequate consumption of Vitamin D. Anything consistently >500 nmol/L is considered toxic.

Generally, AI (adequate intake) daily of 200 IU of Vitamin D for children under 14 years is recommended. AIs for adults aged 19-50 years are also 200 IU.

Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs) for Vitamin D have been challenged by scientists since the first ULs were published in 1997. Certainly, long term intakes above UL increase the risk of toxicity, but it is suggested by nutritionists that larger does of Vitamin D administered over a short period of time (up to 8 weeks) does not cause toxicity. It is stipulated that the excess amount of Vitamin D is stored and used by the body as needed to maintain normal serum concentrations.

Athletic Conditioning Tips

The link below shows some great ideas for more advanced conditioning either post-physical therapy or just as importantly, as a preventative measure for rigorous sports.  We suggest you take a look at the first three videos from the top left menu. Most fitness centers are embracing the benefits of apparatus such the BOSU, balance boards and other balance devices. These are great activities for proprioception.

The Swiss Ball crunches are fantastic for core stabilization which has countless benefits for athletic performance.  

http://www.training-conditioning.com/video.php

Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) affect millions of people every day, and thousands undergo total joint replacements in order to relieve pain and improve function. Researchers are working diligently to find alternatives to this epidemic problem of cartilage breakdown. The article below provides some encouraging news about a breakthrough in cartilage regeneration. We think you will find it interesting. Take the quiz below after reading the article. Good luck!

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/177898.php

Which statement below is false?

1. Treatment and surgery for DJD burdens the healthcare system with $65 billion in costs annually.
2. Type II collagen is the major protein in articular cartilage.
3. Cartilage does regenerate in adults if they drink enough milk.
4. This study is being done at Northwestern University.