Live Better Longer

Every year the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) hosts their marquee event, the Combined Sections Meeting (CSM), which is made up of 18 specialty sections and academies. This year, from February 23-25, in San Diego, California, attendees will be presented with hundreds of educational sessions, as well as the opportunity to experience the sheer electricity of the main exhibit hall. This week on FOX Rehabilitation's Live Better Longer podcast, we speak with APTA’s Senior Vice President of Member Experience, Jason Bellamy, who gives us a preview of this year’s event. For those attending the conference—and for those who will be following along online—Jason fills you in on everything you need to know to maximize your CSM 2023 experience!

Is there any better way to kick off Season 4 of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast than chatting it up with rock and roll legend, Donnie Iris?! On February 28, King Cool will celebrate his 80th birthday. We thought it fitting to invite Donnie onto our podcast since the title of it sums up his current life—he is living better longer—continuing to play packed shows with his band The Cruisers, owning every square inch of the stage by performing his signature knee slides and fist pumps while hitting all the right notes on classic hit singles like, “Ah! Leah!” and “Love Is Like a Rock.” After a little prodding, we get Donnie to reveal the secret to this longevity in the world of rock and roll—a lifestyle that isn’t kind to everyone. Donnie talks about the inspiration behind some of his most beloved songs and dishes on what he’ll do to celebrate his milestone birthday year, which includes playing shows with fellow rock legends Foreigner and REO Speedwagon.

On the season 3 finale of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, we are joined by ex-Air Force pararescueman, Iron Man triathlete, speaker, author, and legendary adventurer, Robert Hamilton Owens, who on December 4, 2022, will begin rowing 3,500 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to raise funds and awareness for veteran suicide prevention. On average, 18-20 U.S. veterans die from suicide daily. Robert is working in conjunction with the Courage Foundation, an organization that helps veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) transition back into society. Robert was compelled to undertake this journey after his friend, Mark Crampton, a former U.S. Navy SEAL took his own life earlier this year. After learning about Robert’s background, we are fully confident that he will be able to accomplish this latest physical challenge. It was only a few years ago that Robert completed a 50-hour Navy SEAL hell week simulation, as well as running seven marathons, in seven consecutive days, on seven different continents. Robert also discusses the importance of staying active and never letting anyone tell you that you’re too old to do anything you set your mind to. Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Stitcher | TuneIn | Other Android Apps

As we approach Thanksgiving, our host Jim Shearer gives thanks that he is joined by his grandmother, who will soon celebrate her 91st birthday. One of FOX’s signature mottos—the one that inspired the very name of this podcast—is Be Stronger, Live Better Longer. Jim’s grandmother exemplifies this slogan. Throughout her 60s and beyond, she made a concerted effort to stay active, which included taking daily walks, cooking and even learning how to play golf. Despite having two major injuries in her 80s, Jim’s grandma was able to keep a positive attitude and move forward with her life—one filled with over 20 grandchildren, over 40 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. It’s a can’t-miss episode where Jim’s grandmother talks about how she stood up his grandfather on their first date, the secret behind making the perfect fried egg, and a simple piece of advice for young clinicians treating older adult patients: be not afraid, age is only a mindset! Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Stitcher | TuneIn | Other Android Apps

On this week’s episode of FOX Rehabilitations’ Live Better Longer podcast, we are joined by FOX occupational therapist, Briana McFee, OT, who talks about how occupational therapy got its start in mental health and how the two intersect. Briana takes us through a "then vs. now" scenario and looks back at when treating and talking about mental health became more of a priority than it had been in years past. She also discusses a recent survey that revealed why some OT students are more hesitant to work with patients who have mental health issues and how to overcome that barrier. Briana then openly talks about her role as an OT when treating a patient with mental health concerns, her goals for them, and how the importance of creativity should never be underestimated. Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Stitcher | TuneIn | Other Android Apps

This week the Live Better Longer podcast welcomes back our official life coach, FOX Rehabilitation occupational therapist, Katie Cooper, MS, OTR/L. In addition to being an OT, Katie also leads our “Live Well With FOX” program which aims to help clinicians improve their work/life balance and bring more attention to our overall health and wellness. Katie explains the importance of healthy eating and how to accomplish this as an on-the-go clinician. Katie answers questions about balancing meals and snacks (including what snacks you should avoid), how to manage a regimen, and what to do to prevent that late-afternoon energy dip. Taking a moment to plan what you’re eating each week can go a long way in helping you to remain focused and energized when treating multiple patients throughout the day. Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Stitcher | TuneIn | Other Android Apps

On this week’s episode of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, FOX occupational therapist, Lanie Hefferly, MS, OTR/L, is joined by author, Beth Husman. Lanie met Beth after treating both her mother and father. During these encounters, Lanie discovered that Beth was writing and illustrating a book, Home is a Feeling, which has since been published. Beth created it specifically for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia—those looking for a feeling of a “home.” Beth explains that her book provides the opportunity for meaningful, shared conversations with a loved one. Additionally, the simple format of Home Is a Feeling allows the Alzheimer’s, dementia, or older adult patient to continue a favorite pastime—flipping through pages and reading a book. Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Stitcher | TuneIn | Other Android Apps

October 27 is National Mentoring Day, so to get you ready and put you in the mentoring state of mind, this week on FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast we are joined by FOX Founder, Dr. Tim Fox, PT, DPT, GCS-EMERITUS, CCI and founder of Strong Bond Health, Dr. Julian Bond, PT, DPT. Find out how Tim and Julian met and what it was like to be mentored by Dr. Fox. Julian explains what it took to finally get a recommendation letter from Tim and what valuable lessons he learned as a FOX colleague. Tim reflects on being mentored and how it instilled in him a need to pay things forward. Julian also talks about starting his own therapy business and the pride he felt when he received his doctorate in physical therapy. If you want to listen to a podcast that celebrates the importance of mentoring, this is a fantastic place to start! Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Stitcher | TuneIn | Other Android Apps

This week on FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, we are joined by FOX physical therapist and lymphedema therapist, Elizabeth Garfield, PT, CLT, who explores the factors that contribute to lower extremity swelling, edema, and lymphedema in older adult patients. Elizabeth explains what a clinician can do to treat lymphedemas, such as improving ankle mobility to reduce falls, using compression garments, and decreasing the risk of developing wounds and infections. She also discusses evaluation techniques like the Stemmer Sign and gives examples of how to set simple goals for your patients. Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Stitcher | TuneIn | Other Android Apps

As we continue to celebrate Physical Therapy Month, this week we are joined by FOX physical therapist, Shweta Khanna, MSPT, who will take us through the importance of a balanced diet as it pertains to older adults. She will break down goals, weight gain, weight loss, blood sugar management, and how to properly balance an intake of fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, and liquids. Since physical therapists are only with their patients for a finite amount of time, Shweta also explains why it is essential to educate them about eating healthy and having access to nutritional foods. Don’t worry—we also talk about craving comfort foods, too, and how to enjoy them in moderation! Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Stitcher | TuneIn | Other Android Apps

We're kicking off Physical Therapy Month with guest Alex Germano, PT, DPT, GCS, a FOX physical therapist who will talk about making the most of a patient’s time during a treatment session by asking the question, “is stretching appropriate for your patient?” Stretching is something many older adults like and want to participate in, but it does not lead to strength gains. Because flexibility doesn’t always lead to improved function, Alex explains how organized interventions and certain exercises can give multiple benefits. Stretching isn’t a bad thing, especially if patients enjoy doing it, but a clinician should be focused on making their sessions with older adult patients as beneficial and efficient as possible. Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Stitcher | TuneIn | Other Android Apps