Archives : 2010 : July

Successful Aging

Sometimes age succeeds, sometimes it fails.  It depends on you.        ~Ravensara Noite

Indeed, seniors are showing that modifying their behavior can greatly impact the effects of aging. New studies on aging suggest that seniors who stay active both physically and socially live up to 20% longer.

“When people hear these statistics, they are really surprised,” said Wendy Jones, an Infinity Rehab physical therapist who serves as an outpatient rehab coordinator at The Springs at Tanasbourne. “They don’t realize that staying active is only part of the key to successful aging. Social life plays a huge part in how people age.”

Recently, Wendy provided some tips on Successful Aging to a group of seniors at the Baby Boomers Expo in Portland, Oregon. In her presentation, Wendy provided these insights about factors that impact your quality of life as you age:

1 – Maintain a positive mental attitude.  Doing so will boost the body’s immune system, reduce physical and emotional difficulties, decrease pain, raise energy levels, and decrease stress – the leading cause of age-related disease.

2 – Mental aerobics are as important as physical aerobics. Cross train your brain by working crossword puzzles, reading, taking college courses, learning a new language, learning to play a musical instrument or playing games.

3 – Follow a regular exercise program that includes strengthening / resistance, stretching / flexibility, aerobic / endurance and balance.

4 – Be sure to engage socially by participating in activities you enjoy with family/friends.  A few ideas include senior center classes, book club, walking group, knitting group, and meeting for coffee/meals or theatre.

Added Wendy, “Getting together with friends while engaging in physical activity seems to provide ‘double bonus points’ against physical and cognitive decline.”  

In addition to presenting at the Baby Boomers Expo in Portland, Oregon, Wendy leads a weekly exercise class at The Springs.

The wisdom of Wendy’s advice is obvious in the success stories of the class participants. For example, after regularly attending Wendy’s classes for approximately three months, Ms. S was able to move from assisted living to independent living thanks to her exercise regime.

Ms. K, another one of her exercise class attendees, reported, “My daughter said she noticed that I’m standing up straighter since I’ve been exercising with you.”

 

“This wonderful group proves week after week that there is strength in numbers!” said Wendy. For more information on Wendy’s presentation and/or on Infinity Rehab’s outpatient services contact Laura Cantrell, Director of Outpatient Therapy.

Avamere Rehab’s Mike Fischer – Back from Haiti, with stories to tell

The Times, a regional paper that covers Portland, Oregon, suburbs of Tigard, Tualatin and Sherwood, recently reported on Mike Fischer’s time it Haiti. Mike works as a physical rehab assistant at Avamere Rehab in King City.

Read the full article.

http://www.tigardtimes.com/news/story.php?story_id=127014265996265000

Infinity Rehab Expands Regional Leadership with Three Promotions and Two New Hires

We’re excited to announce three promotions and welcome two new members to the Infinity Rehab team.

• Carolyn Staples was promoted to the position of area rehab director in Washington.
• Stacey Turner was named the regional director of operations of Oregon, Utah, southern Idaho and Colorado.
• JoLynn Munro is now the regional director of operations of Washington, Alaska, Illinois and northern Idaho.
• We’ve also just hired two Oregon area rehab directors: Sean Luzania and Derek Fenwick.

 “Infinity Rehab is in an exciting growth phase which opens up many opportunities within our company,” said Michael Billings, president of Infinity Rehab. “We’re excited to be able to promote Carolyn, Stacey and JoLynn, three rising stars in our ranks. We’re also proud to welcome Sean and Derek to the Infinity team.”

 Check out our press release for more information about these Infinity Rehab team members.

Infinity Rehab recognized by Washington Health Care Association at Annual Conference May 19th, 2010.

We were so fortunate to be recognized by the Washington Health Care Association during their annual conference in May.  Having been members since 2000, we have had the opportunity to work with WHCA in education, sponsorships, specialized training, and service to members.

Tim Lehner, Chairman of WHCA notes:  “As Chairman of the Washington Health Care Association I was extremely pleased to present Infinity Rehab with The Above and Beyond Award.  Infinity has distinguished itself by being a wonderful partner to the long term care industry by sponsoring our events, being a resource of providing education, and helping send the message to those outside our industry that Washington’s most vulnerable population deserve a voice.  These are just a few of the many great benefits our partnership with Infinity has produced.”

We want to thank Angus Brown Regional Sales Director, Stacey Turner and Jolynn Munro, Regional Directors of Operation, and our Area Rehab Directors Michelle Meredith, Anita Lin, and Carolyn Staples for their support and leadership.  Thank you for all you do every day for Washington’s older adults!