Westview Hospital's Acute Rehabilitation Center, just off of West 38th Street in Indianapolis, is an inpatient facility that cares for patients who are experiencing a disabling illness, such as stroke, hip fracture or amputation, or elective orthopedic surgery. As an osteopathic facility, the center's staff also feels it is important to educate their patients, families and the community on healthy aging.
The key to healthy aging is regular physical activity, healthy eating, avoiding tobacco use and the use of preventative screenings i.e., breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers, diabetes, and depression.
STAY ACTIVE: Being physical as you age plays a large role in staying mobile and fit. The nurses in the center recommend getting at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, even if it means parking a few rows back when running errands to the grocery store. Stretching and just making sure you stay active as you age is a must when attempting to stay mobile.
SOCIAL LIFE: Having a strong support system at home through family or friends, will keep anyone feeling young and not so isolated. A growing issue with seniors is they become isolated and lose their mobility. Westview Hospital offers many senior programs like Senior Spirit and the Volunteer Services Program to help keep aging adults involved in their community.
NUTRITION: Prepare meals that are low in saturated fats and contains five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Improving the diet of older adults could extend the productive life span and reduce the occurrence of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
"Our acute rehabilitation medical team takes great pride in helping a patient gain back their independence and mobility. But, we also provide the patients and families with a renewal of spirit. During their stay, we provide the patient with education on rehabilitation and prevention - to help them build a happier, healthier life - which is what our osteopathic philosophy of care is all about," said Alicia Harris, R.N., manager of the Acute Rehabilitation Center.
For a copy of our women's or men's health journal, or for more information on Westview Hospital's Acute Rehabilitation Center, call (317) 920-7518. You may also visit the Acute Rehabilitation Center's Web page here.
