What if you could do something today to fight against cancer, change lives, and impact people for generations to come?

The American Cancer Society is working on one of its biggest research projects ever – a ground-breaking study that will have an enormous impact on our ability to prevent cancer and create more birthdays – and we need your help.

We are inviting men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 years who have never had cancer to join the 3rd generation American Cancer Society's Cancer Prevention Study (or CPS-3). This study will help us better understand what causes cancer and how to prevent it, so we can saves lives and create a world with less cancer.

Want to participate in the ground-breaking CPS-3 study to help prevent cancer? Schedule an enrollment appointment in your area today!

For each generation, the American Cancer Society conducts what we call a Cancer Prevention Study (CPS). Researchers follow that generation, so researchers can use the information and apply what they learn to the next generation to save more lives. The ultimate goal of this historic research study is to enroll at least 300,000 adults from various racial/ethnic backgrounds from across the United States.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of the research that may change the course of cancer forever. Enrollment will take place May 9 – 11, 2013 at Jupiter Medical Center. To see the schedule of dates, times and locations please click here.


Participation is easy! Just follow these simple steps:

1. Click here to schedule your appointment
2. Follow the link in your confirmation email to complete your first survey online, from wherever you are. This survey will take approximately 45-60 minutes to complete.
3. Go to your appointment where you will complete a brief survey, sign an informed consent, provide a waist circumference measurement and a small blood sample (similar to a doctor's visit). Your in-person enrollment should last no longer than 30 minutes.

And that's all for now! After you've enrolled in the study, you will receive shorter surveys mailed to your home every few years to update your information. You will also receive annual study newsletters to update you on research results.

For more information about CPS-3, please visit cancer.org/cps3florida email cps3@cancer.org or call toll-free 1.888.604.5888.

Click Here to Schedule Your Appointment


Thank you,

Alpa Patel, PhD Principal Investigator, CPS-3

Angela McAuley Interim VP, Mass Market Strategies

Nancy Madsen Patient Services Manager

P.S. Not eligible to enroll? Please forward this email to friends, coworkers, and family members in the Palm Beach area and encourage them to fight back against cancer by enrolling in CPS-3. Together, we have the power to save countless lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays!

Fighting Fibromyalgia

According to NIH (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases), fibromyalgia is an autoimmune disease that affects 5 million adults in the United States alone. It is more common in women than men and is generally diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 30 and 50. It is often characterized by chronic widespread muscular pain and tenderness, symptoms of extreme fatigue and listlessness, poor sleep quality, and memory problems.

Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping
• Headaches and/or migraines
• Numbness or tingling
• Irritable bowel or bladder syndrome
• Abdominal or pelvic pain and/or cramps
• Temporomandibular pain (pain in the jaw)

There is no specific test that can actually confirm or diagnose fibromyalgia. As a result, it is extremely important to obtain an accurate diagnosis. A physician or healthcare provider will conduct several tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. These conditions include rheumatologic disease and thyroid issues.

Management of Fibromyalgia with Exercise

For a patient with fibromyalgia, every day is different. Symptoms can often come and go. Some days may be extremely challenging, while others are more manageable. A well designed exercise program plays an important role in the management of fibromyalgia but the fear of pain prevents individuals from exercising. This is where a licensed physical therapist can help.

Expect the physical therapist to evaluate current functional limitations and establish personalized goals. The physical therapist will also evaluate the 'body mass index' of the client and determine if weight loss can help reduce symptoms. In addition, the therapist will design a comprehensive lifestyle improvement program consisting of exercise and manual therapy techniques to help relieve pain and restore function.

There are several added benefits with the pain relief associated with a physical therapy program. Clients find that they can sleep better, focus more effectively and experience a greater sense of wellbeing as compared to individuals who do not exercise.

The Universal Role of Physical Therapy

Whether you experience pain as a result of fibromyalgia or any other condition, your physical therapist can teach you to interpret the severity of pain signals and possibly reduce pain with structured exercise. You will discover how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage stress, reduce pain and improve your sleeping habits.

As experts in restoring strength and improving mobility, therapists can develop a very specific and individualized plan of care based on the problems that clients are experiencing. This is true not only in the case of individuals afflicted with fibromyalgia, but those with any injury, pain, or lack of mobility and function for any reason.

As the premier providers of physical therapy in our community, our primary goal is to help you reduce pain and fatigue and improve your overall level of fitness. We want you to live a happy, healthy, and pain free lifestyle and are committed to serving you. Call us today and give us a chance to show you what we can do for you.

We are happy to announce the addition of 3 new and terrific staff members.

Taylor Gonsman is one of our new aides, she hails from WPB and is currently a student at South University in their Physical Therapy Assisting Program.

Todd Frances... is our other aide and hails from Maryland. Todd is a certified Therapy Aide and brings an energetic attitude to the office.

Kimberly Pabst is a new Physical Therapy Assistant from South University. Kim's bright smile and carrying manor make her a great fit to the Flagler team.

Thank you to all our patients and staff for making this facility one of the premire rehab centers in West Palm Beach.See More

For those children sufferring from Autism it can feel like they are locked in their own bodies. Not being receptive to touch can cause issues for everyone in the family. Cranial Sacral Therapy has been shown to reduce the touching sensativity and allow for better ROM for the entire body. If you know someone who may benefit from this technique please have them call.

 561-833-1747 www.flagler-rehab.com



 

Living With Multiple Sclerosis

March is National MS Education and Awareness Month. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a clinical condition characterized by a loss of the myelin tissue that surrounds the nerves and aids in normal conduction of electrical impulses.

Common symptoms include weakness in the arms or legs, loss of balance and problems with mobility and bladder function. While the condition itself cannot be cured, treatment is aimed at slowing down the progression of the disease and helping patients recover to a point where they are independent at home. Physical therapy plays an important role in the rehabilitation process and improves quality of life for patients with MS.

The purpose of physical therapy is to ensure that the patient maintains a degree of functionality and is able to perform daily activities without too much difficulty.

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Thought for The Day

The Various Stages of Multiple Sclerosis

Physical therapy is an important part of the treatment process during the different stages of MS. During the initial evaluation, the therapist will determine if there are any limitations with skin sensation, muscle strength and overall function.

As the disease progresses, acute attacks are likely to occur and the patient may need to be hospitalized. In such cases, a physical therapist will work closely with physicians and other specialists in the healthcare team to complement their efforts and to ensure quick recovery for the patient.

MS can also present as a slow, progressive condition that relapses a number of times and seems to 'go away'. Don't be fooled, because it can cause severe limitations over time.

In some situations, the side-effects are minimal and daily life is not impaired. Each person's progression is different. Your physical therapist will always assess the most important functional problems affecting you and will address those needs in a comprehensive, customized treatment program.

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Message From Your Physical Therapist

This is How We Help...

Supervised, controlled exercise is the foundation of physical therapy treatment. As patients tend to fatigue quickly, exercise plans are designed to be simple and gradual. Exercise programs are also designed to be intermittent to prevent sudden 'attacks' of pain and discomfort. Here are some of the benefits of physical therapy in MS.

1. Correction of posture and improved trunk control – Patients with MS are at risk of falling, so physical therapy is aimed at controlling posture and balance to minimize the risk of falls.
2. Increasing functional independence with walking aids – To improve independence and movement, a physical therapist may prescribe aids including walkers, canes, and custom made foot orthoses (supports). Conditions such as foot drop and loss of sensation in the lower extremities may warrant the use of additional orthoses.
3. Enhancing mobility – Mobility is an important prerequisite to patient independence. Joint and muscle stiffness (especially in the legs) can be corrected with stretching exercises. Stiffness in the neck muscles can affect neck and head posture and control, which can also be corrected with supports and exercise.
4. Restoration of muscle tone - Increased tone (hypertonia) or decreased muscle tone (hypotonia) is a result of the impact of MS on the nerves. A physical therapist may use manual techniques to improve joint sensation and restore normal muscle tone.

Physical therapists play an important role in the management of patients with MS and several other conditions affecting the nerves, muscles, bones, and joints. If you or someone you know needs help, we are just a phone call away. There is a lot that physical therapists can do to help you (and everyone you know) live an independent, pain-free lifestyle. Give us a call today, and we'll show you what we can do for you.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Treating MS

Physical therapy can help with:

Balance problems
Incoordination
Fatigue
Pain
Weakness
Posture
Difficulty physically performing daily activities (such as walking or getting up from a sitting position)

The goal of physical therapy is to improve your independence and quality of life by improving movement and function, and relieving pain.

Why do I have symptoms with MS?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) damages the myelin sheath surrounding the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord. Scarring from this damage can block or slow nerve impulses in areas of the brain (neurological damage). As a resume activities you may lack coordination, feel tired, have involuntary movements, resist movement (spasticity), and have pain. Symptoms such as these, which are a result of MS, are called "primary symptoms."

Primary symptoms can make you move less. As a result, you may feel tightness, pain and weakness, especially in the muscles and joints. These symptoms, which are not a result of MS, are called "secondary symptoms."

How can physical therapy improve my symptoms?

Primary symptoms

Physical therapy cannot cure primary symptoms because, at this time, neurological damage cannot be reversed. Physical therapy can be helpful by providing "compensatory" treatments. These treatments enable you to compensate for the changes brought about by MS. Compensatory treatments include learning new movement techniques, strategies, and equipment.

Secondary symptoms

Physical therapy can be very helpful at lessening and even stopping secondary symptoms of MS. A physical therapist can teach you exercises you can use to strengthen and stretch muscles. Many of these exercises can be performed at home.

How can I receive physical therapy?

If you feel you can benefit from physical therapy, you will need to ask your physician for a referral to physical therapy.

How many visits will I need?

The number of appointments depends on your specific situation. The first appointment includes an evaluation and recommendations for exercises. The following appointments check your progress and build a new program. The therapist will work with you until you reach a certain level of improved function. At that point, a home exercise program will be developedSee More

Last Friday, something important happened in Washington DC.

Automatic spending cuts were triggered, cuts that will lead to
a reduction of $11 billion in payments to healthcare providers
(including physical therapists) for a variety of s...ervices.

That equates to a 2% reduction in Medicare payments.

It's very likely that private insurers will follow.

Not many are happy about it, including the President. (In fact, his
exact words were "Forced budget cuts are dumb").

Patients will feel the impact.

There are 47 million Medicare patients in the United States (15% of
the population) and soon, they may have a tough time finding providers.

THE IMPACT FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY PRIVATE PRACTICE?

The more Medicare patients in a practice and the lower the profit margins,
the greater the hit on the practice.

Such practices may be forced, out of necessity, to turn away some Medicare
patients.

Here's the real tipping point.

The Medicare Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction (MPPR), set to go into
effect on April 1, 2013 (despite the best efforts of the APTA) will result
in a 6-7% decrease in payments for outpatient therapy services unless
Congress takes action to stop it.

This adds insult to injury, because we already experienced a 6-7% payment cut in 2011.

In 2013, the combination of the federal payment cuts and MPPR could lead to a
FURTHER 9% cut in Medicare payments.

PTs aren't the only ones affected.

According to Dr. Jeremy Lazarus, president of the American Medical Association in
an article on CNN:

"Over the last 12 years, Medicare payments to physicians have increased by only 4%,
while the cost of providing care has jumped 20%"

In fact, Congress has blocked Medicare payment cuts from happening more than 20
times in the past 10 years.

What if they can't continue to block payment cuts anymore?

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO ABOUT THIS?

Asking members of Congress to delay implementation of MPPR is a startSee More