Healthy at Home: The First Edition

During this time of self-isolation we want you to know that even though you can't see us in person, we are still here for you. We are in the process of getting a Telehealth option set-up so that we can consult with you over videoconference, and this should be available in the coming days. Over the next few days you will also receive an email from your therapist; don't hesitate to let us know if you have questions. In the meantime you can, as always, reach us by email if you have questions about your treatment or exercise program.

As one way of keeping in touch we will be posting on our social media outlets more frequently, and giving you some helpful tips and bit of insight into the lives of your Mackie Physio Family as we are in the process of self-isolating with you. For this first week we thought we'd provide some important tips for staying mentally and physically healthy during this difficult time.

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Get Enough Exercise...
It can be difficult to get enough exercise when you're at home, but it's important both physically and mentally to maintain a certain level of physical activity. Our team recommends:

• For those that have home exercise programs, continue to do your exercises.  By doing your exercises, you can maintain gains made in treatment and can make further gains on your own.  Even if you feel good, those exercises may help prevent the return of your symptoms. 

• Try body weight squats as these are the best to work your body. An easy workout would be 2x8 daily. For a moderate workout increase to 3x8 every second day. A harder workout would be 4x12 every second day. Maybe for those that can, a few crunches 2 x 10 daily!
• Taking your pets for a walk, or just going for a walk yourself, can be a source of energy, and the fresh air and sunshine will help you mentally as well!
  

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Spend time with loved ones and help others in your community...
Social distancing doesn't have to mean social isolation. Keep in touch with friends and family through a phone call or video conferencing app. Help people who can't get out to do their grocery shopping by delivering groceries and other necessities. Have a fire in your backyard or tackle a project around the house.

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Get enough rest...
It is important to get enough rest to help your body physically and mentally. Make sure you get enough sleep at night, and nap during the day if you need to. Sleep helps the body heal and helps us fight stress. Not getting enough sleep puts us at higher risk of many things, including anxiety and mental fatigue.

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Challenge yourself...
Keep your mind and body active and try something new! Challenge yourself to do something fun everyday, or something that makes you feel good - learn something new, read a book, finish a project, meditate, pray. (In Blaine's case it's eat brownies!) This is important for our mental and spiritual health, which in turn helps our physical health.

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Cook a healthy and delicious meal...
Trying a new recipe or learning a new skill can help us feel better mentally and eating a well-balanced diet can help us feel better physically.

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Remember that when this is over, and it will be, we will be back in the clinic ready to assist you with your health needs. Until then we all need to take care of ourselves and each other.

We will let you know when we are able to resume treatment, and we can't wait to see you! Until then, stay Mackie Strong, and contact us via email if you need us!