The Importance of PERS
(Personal Emergency Response System)
(better known as ‘I’ve fallen and I can’t get up’ device’)

Just because COVID19 has taken center stage on everyone's mind doesn't mean that other concerns about our health just go away.

Not too long ago, one of our members shared with me the experience of her friend who fell in her home, and was unable to move for over 24 hours, during which time she was in and out of consciousness. Her bodily functions were unable to be withheld and she sustained severe trauma because she had no way to get help immediately. I am not sharing this with you as a scare tactic; I want you to really think about the practical realities of what may occur. The only reason this woman did not die is that a neighbor happened to notice that her recycling bins were still on the street and decided to check up up on her. But what if it wasn't recycling day? Or what if the neighbor doesn't notice? According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among adults 65 and older.

I hear the following all the time: “I don’t have to worry because I carry my cell phone with me”. To that I would ask “does your cell phone go into the shower? Does your cell phone ever sit on the counter, plugged in and charging? Do you on occasion find that you forgot your cell phone; maybe walking to the mail box or running to another room because you forgot something?” Anyone disagree so far? The reality is that no one carries their cell phone 100% of the time, and even if they did, there's no guarantee it would be accessible.

Does getting a PERS make you feel old? Maybe this would make you feel like you are losing independence? Let's reframe your thinking: By taking care of yourself you are safeguarding your independence, not losing it!

There are so many options now for these systems. Many are digital and work with cell towers so you are not required to have a land line. Others have a built-in GPS and know where you are; these wearable versions ensure your safety even while you're mobile -- visiting friends in NYC or the grandchildren in California. There are fall detection devices available, medication reminders and some that even clean the bathroom for you. Just kidding on that last one! Prices range from $30 per month to over $50 for the crème de le crème of devices.

This personal emergency alert system goes hand in hand with the Blue Angel Program that I wrote about last week

If you decide on getting an emergency medical device you are giving a gift to the people who love you. You cannot put a value on piece of mind; it’s simply priceless. 

Please feel free to reach out to our social worker, Dawn Neglia by phone or email for more information.
A special congratulations to our very own Adrian Nicoara for winning first place in this years Professional Craft category through Middlesex County Art Contest for Seniors.
This beautiful hand painted plate created in our ceramics studio is entitled 'Summer Flower'. Spectacular!
Resources
(see all submissions)

211 is a website that offers a multitude of information or call 211 to speak to a person who has a host of resources 24/7 daily.

Stay connected with us- Join Facebook or one of many virtual classes. Please reach out to me and I will share all the very many ways you can connect with us.

Caryl Greenberg 732.329.4000 x 7682
If you have low back pain , you are certainly not alone. At any given time, 1 in 4 people report having had low back pain within the past 3 months.  If your low back pain is accompanied by the following symptoms, you should visit your local emergency department immediately: loss of bowel or bladder control and/or numbness in the groin or inner thigh. 

These symptoms might indicate a condition called "cauda equina syndrome," and is considered an emergency situation. Luckily, most conditions are far less serious & can be managed conservatively with physical therapy. With low back pain, symptoms can vary quite a bit; they can be dull, burning, or sharp. It may be localized or go into one/both legs. There are many different causes of low back pain, some of which commonly include degenerative disc disease, stenosis, herniated discs, or osteoporosis. 

In many cases, unless there was trauma, tests (i.e. x-rays and MRIs) are often not necessary in your recovery. In fact, a recent article concluded that patients who received an MRI first vs physical therapy first for low back pain spent on average $4,793 more (with similar outcomes in each group)! If you are experiencing low back/leg pain, fortunately, Penn Medicine Princeton Rehabilitation at South Brunswick can help & it’s right here within your Senior Center!  Esther Frasso, PT can help manage your pain, increase your strength & flexibility and improve your posture & mobility. 

Research shows that movement & activity have been shown to be highly effective in managing low back pain; in fact, most physicians often recommend physical therapy for low back pain because of its known success in managing this condition. We know that not all low back pain is the same, so your treatment will be developed with your goals in mind, and will be specific to your symptoms. Once Esther completes your initial examination, she will evaluate the results, identify the factors that have contributed to your specific back problem, and design an individualized treatment plan for your specific condition including manual therapy, exercises, modalities and education. Low back pain is common, but it doesn’t have to be permanent!

If you are experiencing low back pain/hip or leg pain, let your doctor know that you would like to try physical therapy. Give us a call at (609) 497-2230 . Most insurances accepted!