The Rehab Services Department at St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center capped off a month’s worth of activities late in October with a "Fit Kids" program for Holy Family students. The occasion was in observance of National Physical Therapy Month.
"The students listened to the therapists and learned what we do here at St. Rose to help people with injuries and illnesses," said Alicia Westhoff, rehab community relations coordinator. "They were enthusiastic and participated in ‘Move It,’ which is a life-sized board game."
The focus of Fit Day, Westhoff noted, was to teach children about the importance of keeping active. Therapists gave each child a book that contains information about stretching, biking, baseball, soccer, gymnastics, posture and how to lift safely.
"The theme of the month was that ‘every move makes a difference,’" she explained.
Also in honor of the special month, St. Rose personnel engaged patients in a trivia game that became popular during Rehab Week in September.
"The patients loved it so we decided to keep it going during October," Westhoff commented, noting pedometers and water bottles were distributed. "They would come in for their appointments and ask ‘what is the trivia question of the day.’ This is a great way to learn more about fitness, anatomy and how to prevent injuries.
"We have many orthopedic patients who need help with sports injuries, arthritis and recovery after joint replacements," Westhoff added. "We also try to teach patients how they can avoid further injury through strengthening and balancing techniques."
Five people are on the physical therapy staff, each bringing their own specialty.
"They all have different specialties, such as back care and wound care, but they can still do it all," Westhoff said. "They are well trained in their profession and are compassionate with their patients."
In addition to seeing patients at St. Rose, the therapists also care for people in their homes in cooperation with Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice. GBHH&H is part of the St. Rose family.
