Page 7 - Boca ViewPointe - November '23

November 2023 Viewpointe, Page 7
Walk Easy: The Benefits Of Activator Poles

By Lisa Sileo For more information on activator poles, and how to
benefit from other home health, rehabilitation and fitness
Now You Can Get Fitted for Your Own to Reduce Pain services offered by Acts and Edgewater at Boca Pointe
& Maintain Independence! providers, reach out to Stephanie Weiss, Edgewater’s
As we age, staying physically active can significantly Director of Fitness and Rehabilitation Services at (561)
improve our quality of life, enhancing our mobility, 709-5668.
strength, and overall well-being. One innovative tool gaining Acts’ Home Health of Florida is a licensed and
popularity in recent years is a mobility device called activator accredited skilled Medicare home health agency which
poles. These specially designed walking aids are often better offers a wide range of services for residents of Edgewater
than traditional canes or walkers to empower seniors to at Boca Pointe, and is expanding to accept clients in the
remain active and independent. Boca Pointe community, call today to see how this person-
Activator Poles: What Are They? centered approach can help you thrive and empower
Activator poles, also known your health with the right service at the right time for
as Nordic walking poles or a higher quality of life. For more information on home
urban poling sticks, are modified health services, reach out to Kalthoum Mancini, clinical
walking aids that resemble ski director at (561) 981-6064. 
poles. Unlike traditional canes
or walking sticks, activator alignment engages core muscles and helps with balance as
poles are designed to facilitate well as back, hip and knee pain.” The Health Benefits of Activator Poles:
a more dynamic and efficient “There are also many health benefits, such as burning
walking experience. calories and adding exercise to stabilize blood sugar,” said • Enhanced balance and stability
“Activator poles are a Wells. “It supports residents to be more social where they Balance between the upper and lower body improves
great way to dose just the right might have been more isolated.” stability, reducing the risk of falls, and the poles provide
amount of exercise and energy, The poles are also relatively inexpensive around a extra points of contact with the ground to help with balance.
at an intensity that can easily be hundred dollars for a pair and easy to travel with. • Cardiovascular benefits
adjusted based on one’s needs” said Dena Wells, Southeast “They’re collapsible and lightweight at around three When used correctly, activator poles turn a simple walk
Regional Director of Rehabilitation Services at Acts pounds, so it’s easier than pulling a clunky walker in and into a full-body workout, strengthening their heart and lungs,
Retirement-Life Communities. out of your car,” Clarke said. and improving overall endurance.
Wells and her team members at Edgewater at Boca Pointe How Do I Get Fitted for An Activator Pole? • Reduced impact on joints
held an introductory event at The Club at Boca Pointe in Before you purchase or borrow a pair, it’s very Ideal for seniors with joint pain or arthritis, the poles
October, to meet with Boca Pointe residents and educate the important to customize this walking device to fit your absorb some of the impact that would typically be absorbed
community on numerous service offerings including home unique needs. Activator poles offer many health benefits; by the hips, knees, and ankles, resulting in a lower risk of
health, rehabilitation (physical, occupational, and speech however, it’s hardly a one-size-fits-all. Acts Home Health joint injuries.
therapies) and specialty services including medication and Rehabilitation teams have specialists trained in finding • Increased muscle engagement
management and lifestyle support. what devices and services fit your needs, at any given time, Activator poles engages muscles to help improve
“At Edgewater, we’re really at the forefront of how to age offering a person-centered approach. muscle tone and strength, which is crucial for maintaining
well and remain active and engaged,” said Tamar Clarke, a “There are many different types of activator poles, so functional independence in daily activities.
physical therapist at Edgewater at Boca Pointe. “We help our it’s more beneficial to see a therapist to determine what type • Improved posture & confidence
residents remain independent by reducing the risk of falls, of pole is best for you,” said Dena Wells, Acts’ Southeast The poles encourage an upright posture, reducing the
and reducing back, hip and knee pain.” Regional Director of Rehabilitation Services. strain on the spine and back which will alleviate discomfort
“There’s a huge difference between the poles and “I would personally adjust them to your build and train and promote a more confident and active lifestyle. 
traditional walking aids, in terms of how your grip and wrist you how to use them to improve posture, balance and support
are positioned on the device,” Clarke said. “A proper vertical your normal walking pattern,” Clarke said.

West Boca Medical Center offers
pelvic health and rehabilitation

programs for patients suffering
from incontinence and/or pain in
the pelvic region. Physical therapists
work with patients to evaluate
the cause of pain or limitations in
function and develop personalized
treatment plans. Urologist
prescription required.

Treatment options include:

• Flexibility and strengthening exercises
• Biofeedback

• Internal and/or external therapeutic
massage
• Myofascial release and bladder
retraining education

Treatment for Scan the QR code or call 844.975.0532

to find a urologist.

Pelvic Floor

Disorders

21644 State Rd. 7, Boca Raton