Dr. Sean T Lordan

It’s officially 2021, the start of the New Year. You, like many, have probably thought about what you are looking to change about this year as compared to last. 2020 didn’t leave much to be desired on many fronts. Let’s focus on the positive that came out of it. For example, I was able to spend more time at home with my family and see my daughter’s first steps. What a special moment. I think it is important to reflect on life’s treasures while also recognizing the pain that many people are facing welcoming the new year uncertain of what the future will bring. One thing you can control is your own health. Let’s look forward this month and create attainable goals that will give you the confidence to move into 2021 happier and healthier than you’ve ever felt before!

1. Posture: make a plan, and stick to it! Postural education is the number one priority for most upper body rehab programs in the field of physical therapy. Sometimes it is as simple as looking at yourself in the mirror from the front and the side and bringing attention to how you slump, and standing a little taller. Being aware of poor posture is half the battle. To win the war you must perform a few simple exercises that will have you noticing real changes in as little as a month. Those exercises are: Chin tucks, Prone Y Raises and Prone T Raises. Link here: https://bit.ly/2MG9zGs for those exercises and more on Postural improvement

2. Nutrition: Top Priorities. A popular new years resolution is “weight-loss” for many baby boomers and active older adults. Most people think the key to losing weight is to eat whole foods and limit the processed snacks from the middle aisles of the grocery store. While that’s a good start ask yourself this question first, “What is my REAL goal?” I would venture that your real goal is to live as long as possible with a high quality of life. We know that increased body fat around the organs decreases longevity and leads to a poorer quality of life. What actionable steps can you take to fix that? Your first step beyond acknowledging the proper diet and sticking to it should be to track calories consumed. Simply put, if you eat too much the excess calories will be stored as fat. Did you know you never can get rid of a fat cell once it is created, it only shrinks? That’s why plastic surgeons are in busier more than ever. I will save you a lot of time and money if you follow my advice. Track calories in for one week. Use an app like myfitnesspal or mynetdiary and start today.

3. Win the Aging Joints Battle. I am often astounded when folks who suffer from achy joints and bones tell me that they chose “rest and ice” over activity. Or when I’m asked about the latest CBD cream and whether it will help or not. The research has become clear over the past decade that the most important tool boomer and older adults alike have against aging and joint decay is movement!  The key is to perform the proper exercises and activities. For example, swimming and walking are easier on your joints than running and spinning. Many people stop doing anything at all, and start decaying. Sooner than later they are using a cane, walker or wheelchair to get around. If you don’t use your muscle tissue, you lose it. Don’t let this be you. If you are starting to get aches and pains anywhere in your body and you’ve been told by your PCP that you have “arthritis” and to just rest and ice I urge you to download this report for more details: https://bit.ly/38iqTJO. Did you know you don’t need a referral to see your local PT? That means you can go directly to an expert in movement science without having to check with a gate-keeper first.

There you have it, three secrets that will make your 2021 and beyond a healthy success! As always, any questions or comments please feel free to reach out to me directly at [email protected]. If I do not respond right away it is most likely because I am in patient care and will get back to you as soon as I’m able.